The first half of the year 775 was destined to be a season of turmoil. Shocking events came one after another. The flowing river of history looked back with uncertainty, anxiously watching the great noble families of the Great Xia Dynasty and the current imperial power. The eyes of common people throughout the land gathered on the imperial capital. Their simple minds might not comprehend the schemes and deceptions of politicians, but the survival instincts honed through years of war made them keenly aware that an era of tremendous change was approaching. Storm clouds gathered on the horizon, winds rose, and clouds surged.

They gazed at the winding, uncertain road ahead, feeling anxious about their tomorrow.

The Great Xia Dynasty had been passed down for three hundred years, and the establishment of previous regimes could be traced back thousands of years in history. During this time, they had experienced rebellions, foreign invasions, divisions, wars between nations, internal strife, military mutinies, and many other disasters, yet the imperial power of the Great Xia still stands strong to this day. In the eyes of the world, this iron-blooded and martial regime was the most solid symbol. They possessed a powerful national army and loyal Hongchuan soldiers. On this harsh land of the Hongchuan continent, their ancestors had carved out vast territories with their teeth, blood, and tears. After a thousand years of weathering storms, no one could shake them in the slightest, whether it was a clan like the Mu He or eastern imperial families like the Tang and Song who claimed legitimacy.

However, no one could have imagined that on the deep night of May 20th, in a remote corner southwest of the imperial capital, the roar of desperation from ten thousand imperial soldiers nearly destroyed the Great Xia Dynasty’s thousand-year rule.

That day, the eagle banners of Yan Bei fluttered in the wind, emitting a lion-like roar that shook the entire world.

“Princess!”

A court lady wearing elaborate palace ceremonial attire, with delicate azure phoenix patterns on her sleeves and a high topknot, rushed to the main gate of the inner palace with a panicked expression. She grabbed the young woman’s arm and said anxiously, “The ceremony is about to begin! How can you still be here? Minister He, Minister Song, and Minister Lu from the Ministry of Rites are all waiting at the Princess’s residence. Several titled ladies are still kneeling in the Lily Hall!”

“Aunt Miao,” the young woman in a grand red ceremonial dress clutched the court lady’s hand in panic, “What should I do? The time has passed, but he still hasn’t returned. Could something have happened?”

The court lady was in her early twenties but appeared very mature. She comfortingly embraced Zhao Chun’er’s shoulders and said gently, “The streets outside the palace are crowded with celebrating commoners, so delays are inevitable. Don’t worry.”

Zhao Chun’er bit her lower lip, but the worry in her heart couldn’t be erased. She convinced herself to follow the court lady’s words and not overthink. She followed behind the court lady toward the inner palace.

In the darkness, the court lady’s brow gradually furrowed. Imperial ceremonies all had their fixed times. How would ordinary citizens dare to obstruct an imperial procession? Something must have happened that they weren’t aware of.

Just then, the sound of galloping hooves suddenly echoed at the palace gate. Zhao Chun’er immediately turned around and saw a soldier rushing into the palace gate in a disheveled condition. His horse’s hooves were urgent, but he was stopped by the palace guards.

“I have important news to report to His Majesty! Let me in!”

The guards stood immovable, blocking the soldier’s path, and said in a low voice, “Please present His Majesty’s written edict or token.”

The soldier was drenched in sweat and shouted angrily, “This is a matter of great importance! If delayed, even ten of your heads couldn’t pay for it!”

“What matter?” Zhao Chun’er frowned and stepped forward.

“Princess?” The soldier recognized her identity with just one glance at her attire, immediately shocked. He hurried forward, bent down to Zhao Chun’er’s ear, and urgently said, “Princess, terrible news! The Yan Bei World Son Yan Xun has raised the banner of rebellion in the south of the city and is leading the troops of the Southwestern Garrison Commander to attack!”

“Bang!”

A hand warmer in Princess Chun’s hand suddenly fell to the ground. The young pride of heaven turned pale, her lips turning purple, too shocked to speak.

“Their people have controlled the roads to the Council of Elders and the Prefecture Governor’s Office. The Elder Masters and generals are still in the palace. Princess, this matter must be reported quickly for early decisions! Princess? Princess?”

“Ah, yes, you’re right.” Princess Chun came back to her senses, nodding her stiff neck as the look of terror gradually receded. Forcing herself to remain calm, she said, “Follow me.”

The soldier was delighted and followed behind Princess Chun, intending to enter.

The palace guards frowned, and one bold guard stepped forward and said sternly, “Princess, this is against protocol.”

“What protocol?” The court lady frowned angrily, “Does the Princess need your approval to bring someone in? Whose subordinate are you, to be so bold!”

“Aunt Miao, don’t say any more.” Zhao Chun’er’s face was pale as she turned toward the Fangui Grand Hall in the inner palace. Tonight’s wedding ceremony was to be held there, and by now all the court officials had already gathered.

Several people followed behind her, filing through the palace gate. The guard at the door frowned deeply and exchanged glances with several other guards. The cold wind blew desolately, sweeping over the eaves.

Passing through Spring Flower Pavilion, Wisteria Corridor, and the Sage Gate, they reached the Imperial Garden. At this time, the sky was pitch black, with wind lanterns flickering around, and everything was deathly silent. Zhao Chun’er suddenly stopped, her face frighteningly pale. She turned back and beckoned to the soldier, “Come here, I have something to ask you.”

The soldier hurried forward, bending at the waist with his head respectfully lowered.

Zhao Chun’er stepped forward until she was almost pressed against the soldier. The court lady behind her frowned and was about to speak when suddenly a terrible scream of “Ah!” rang out. The soldier suddenly lunged forward, kicking the princess hard in the abdomen. The young woman tumbled to the ground, her magnificent robe scraping against the corridor with a ripping sound, tearing off a large piece.

The court lady was greatly alarmed and cried out loudly, “Assassin—”

Her voice was abruptly cut off. The soldier was covered in blood, convulsing and struggling on the ground. Zhao Chun’er clumsily got up from the ground, crawling forward like an awkward puppy. She raised the golden dagger in her hand and stabbed it fiercely into the soldier’s chest!

Blood splattered, droplets of crimson, and large streams of blood with warm, fishy odor spread through the air. The young woman’s clothes and face were covered in blood, but she continued to wield the knife. The sound of the blade entering flesh echoed all around, chillingly terrifying to hear!

“Princess! Princess!”

The court lady was shocked and crawled forward with a sobbing voice to embrace Zhao Chun’er’s body, firmly holding her hand, and repeatedly crying, “He’s dead, he’s dead.”

With a “swoosh,” the dagger fell to the ground. The young woman’s eyes were wide open as she sat down limply, her hands and feet almost uncontrollably trembling.

“I killed someone, I killed someone…”

“Princess, what happened? Did this man offend you?”

“Aunt Miao!” Zhao Chun’er tightly grasped her hand, her eyes red, and said solemnly, “You must leave the city immediately and find the Yan Bei World Son in the south. Tell him not to act rashly, not to do foolish things, not to bring destruction upon himself. I know he’s unwilling, I understand everything. I won’t force him anymore. I’ll go explain everything to Father Emperor now.”

“Princess, what are you saying?”

“Go now!” Zhao Chun’er rose to her feet in anger and said, “Find him immediately and convey my words. Tell him I’m going to request an imperial edict from Father Emperor right now. I won’t marry, I won’t force him.”

“Princess…”

“Aunt Miao, I beg you.”

Large tears fell from Zhao Chun’er’s eyes. Her face was as white as paper, lips purplish, eyes bloodshot. The young princess bit her lower lip hard, trying not to cry out loud. There were still large bloodstains on her neck, and her hands gripped the court lady’s arms so tightly it was as if she wanted to dig her nails into the other’s flesh.

The court lady, still quite young herself, was frightened to tears. She nodded repeatedly and said, “Princess, don’t worry, I will find the Yan Bei World Son.”

“Very well,” Zhao Chun’er wiped away her tears and nodded, “Then go quickly. The situation outside the palace is chaotic now, so be careful.”

“Yes, Princess, rest assured.”

After a brief exchange, they parted ways, hurrying in north and south directions.

The cold wind howled, stirring up dust and leaves from the ground. The court lady hurried along, taking a shortcut at a small run. However, just as she turned past a rockery, a bright flash of a blade suddenly slashed through the air. The court lady’s eyes widened, but before she could make out who it was, she fell into a pool of blood.

In the darkness, several men slowly emerged, led by none other than the guard from the city gate earlier.

“Brother Yu, Princess Chun…”

“It doesn’t matter, she won’t tell anyone,” the man said resolutely, “Seal off the North Gate and go to the West Gate to receive the young miss.”

In the deep of night, Vice Commander Cheng of the Xiao Qi Camp was still in his dreams, having just drunk with his soldiers at the South Camp. At this moment, he was sleeping soundly, embracing a plump military courtesan.

“Sir! Sir, wake up!”

The orderly urgently shook his arm. Vice Commander Cheng frowned, opening his eyes angrily, and said sternly to the orderly, “You’d better give me a good explanation.”

“Sir, Commander Hua from the Southwestern Garrison has arrived. He looks very anxious and says he has urgent business with you.”

“Hua Jie?”

Vice Commander Cheng quickly sat up and asked gravely, “What does he want with me?”

“I don’t know, but Commander Hua looks panic-stricken as if something serious has happened.”

“Let’s go see.” Vice Commander Cheng dressed and strode out of the bedroom. The young military courtesan slowly opened her eyes, her gaze sharp like a silver fox.

“Commander Cheng, you’re finally awake.”

“I’ve kept Commander Hua waiting. What brings you here so late at night?”

Hua Jie, as the commander of the Southwestern Garrison, was officially on the same level as Zhao Che, Zhao Qi, and others. However, because the Southwestern Garrison had always been declining, his position as commander didn’t carry much prestige. Vice Commander Cheng, though only a vice commander and officially one rank below him, was not afraid of him. After brief pleasantries, they got straight to the point.

“Commander Cheng, a major incident has occurred!” Commander Hua said with a panicked expression, “Yan Xun has rebelled, leading ten thousand imperial soldiers from the Southwestern Garrison to attack the Sacred Gold Palace! They’ve already reached Changshui Street!”

“What?” Vice Commander Cheng was shocked, standing up abruptly and questioning harshly.

“Deputy Commander He Xiao from our army has led the entire force to follow Yan Xun, killing two brigades of Xiao Qi Camp troops who were drilling with General Balei. I just learned this from a report by a subordinate in the army. I’ve already sent people to the Sacred Gold Palace, the Governor’s Office, the Northern and Southern Military Affairs Offices, and the Green Battalion to report. Commander Cheng, please mobilize your troops immediately. If we delay any longer, it will be too late.”

Vice Commander Cheng was greatly alarmed, thinking he must have misheard. He nodded hurriedly, “I understand, Commander Hua. Your loyalty and bravery will surely be rewarded by the Empire.”

“Reward?” Hua Jie gave a bitter smile, “I’m now atoning for my sins with merit. I just hope I won’t be charged with failing to detect this.”

Vice Commander Cheng’s lips moved as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he didn’t speak. Like Hua Jie, he too could see the man’s dim future.

“I’ll go now. I still need to visit the Green Battalion. Commander Cheng, you must hurry. Time is pressing, we are already one step behind. The safety of the imperial capital rests entirely on your shoulders.”

Vice Commander Cheng stood at attention and replied, “I will not fail the Commander’s expectations.”

At this moment, he suddenly felt some respect for this commander nicknamed “Snotty Hua.” Watching his figure disappear at the door, Vice Commander Cheng returned to his room to put on his armor and said sternly to the orderly, “Go inform the brigade commanders of each camp to gather at the main tent. Sound the assembly call and have the entire army standby at the parade ground.”

The orderly nodded and replied, “Yes!”

As soon as the words fell, the orderly’s eyes suddenly widened, his eye sockets bulging. He groaned miserably and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. Vice Commander Cheng was startled and looked around in alarm. Only to see a sharp arrow had pierced through the orderly’s chest, with fresh blood seeping out from his heart. The arrowhead was ferocious, bloodthirsty like a wolf’s fang.

With a “thud,” the orderly collapsed to the ground! The graceful, voluptuous military courtesan stood behind him, still wearing the coquettish smile on her face, holding a small crossbow in her hand. She smiled radiantly, revealing teeth as white as pearl shells, then gently pulled the trigger.

“Swoosh!” The arrow whistled through the air. At such close range, there was no time for any resistance or evasion. Vice Commander Cheng watched helplessly as the crossbow arrow pierced his heart. His strength rapidly drained away, without even letting out a scream. Large splashes of blood exploded across his chest. The man groaned and his heavy body fell onto the warm bed.

The military courtesan’s smile vanished as she efficiently dressed, lifted the curtain of the tent, and stepped outside. Outside the tent was complete tranquility. The moon was large and round, hanging high in the sky. The woman took out a signal flare from her waist and fired it into the sky. A blue flame exploded high in the air, dazzling and brilliant. On such a festive night, amid the magnificent fireworks, it didn’t arouse any suspicion.

In an inconspicuous residence in the western part of the city, a woman dressed in snow white stood in the courtyard, gazing at the azure flames in the sky. Her expression was cold. After a long while, she said solemnly to her subordinates, “Whatever the cost, within one hour, completely paralyze the Green Battalion, Xiao Qi Camp, and the Northern and Southern Military Affairs Offices.”

Xia Zhi and Xi Rui and others responded affirmatively. Bian Cang stepped forward and said, “Miss, all is peaceful in the palace. The city gates in the east and north are under control. Miss Chu’s plan has succeeded.”

“Good,” Miss Yu nodded, “Fireworks Plan, commence now.”

The moon was cool as water, its clear light flooding the earth. On this night, the entire Zhenhuang City was immersed in frenzied joy and delight. However, an undetected beast was slowly approaching, stealthily extending its ferocious claws into the softest underbelly of the empire.

The spies planted by the Datong Association over the years began frenzied killings, paralyzing the entire empire’s communication network imperceptibly. That night, the Datong Association, which had always advocated equality, peace, and universal love, revealed its sharp and terrifying teeth. Under the planning of Chu Qiao and Miss Yu, a series of bloody assassinations began without restraint. The empire lost countless elites, with losses so heavy they were beyond estimation.

Brigade Commander Wang Baiyang of the Xiao Qi Camp Second Division was forcibly given arsenic in his sleep and died of severe poisoning.

Deputy Commander Jiang Meng of the Green Battalion was strangled with a rope by his concubine.

Brigade Commanders Lu Yang, Xiao Qian, and Huyan Sheng of the Green Battalion’s Third, Fifth, and Ninth Divisions were ambushed by assassins on the road after drinking and shot dead with arrows. All thirty guards they brought were annihilated, not a single one escaped.

Military Commander Xue Shijie of the Northern Military Affairs Office died in his latrine, the cause of death was unknown, and the perpetrator was unknown.

The well water of the Southern Military Affairs Office was poisoned. That night, the entire camp fell unconscious and was completely paralyzed, unaware of what was happening outside. It wasn’t until three days later when the rebellion in the imperial capital was resolved that someone discovered them. By then, half of the soldiers in the Southern Military Affairs Office were no longer alive.

An hour later, a troop of black-clad horsemen galloped through the west gate of the imperial city. The gate guards seemed not to see these people at all, not making a sound.

“Zuoqiu, tell His Highness, everything is going smoothly, proceed according to plan.”

“Yes, Miss.” As the loyal subordinate left the imperial city, Chu Qiao took off her blood-spattered black night clothes, revealing the brocade attire underneath. She hurried toward a sedan chair hidden among the flowers. The sedan bearers lifted the chair and moved forward in large strides without a word.

A moment later, the sedan chair stopped at the palace gate of Fangui Grand Hall. Outside in the darkness, killings continued, but the imperial city was still immersed in an ocean of extravagance. From far away, melodious music and laughter could be heard.

“Miss, we’ve arrived.”

The attendant said with a lowered head.

Chu Qiao stepped down from the sedan chair, wearing a light blue robe that fit her perfectly. The young woman’s eyes were like water, gazing ahead. Her back was straight, showing no fear as she raised her foot to walk toward the grand hall.

“Miss,” a low voice suddenly sounded from behind. The four sedan bearers knelt on the ground together. The young woman stopped in her tracks, and a hoarse voice sounded from behind. The man said in a suppressed tone, “The future is unpredictable, the road is difficult. Please take care of yourself for Datong and His Highness.”

Chu Qiao’s body trembled slightly, with inexplicable emotions surging in her chest. Years of hope and waiting, like a great fire, had scorched her spirit. The ups and downs of hardships had made her eyes clearer, her back straighter, and her shoulders more resilient. She firmly believed she could persevere. Just like the lion-like oath that young man had made years ago in the face of life and death: “I believe heaven will not abandon my Yan Bei.”

It wasn’t about ideals, it wasn’t about Datong, it was all because of that initial promise.

“Shall we return to Yan Bei together?”

“We shall return to Yan Bei together!”

With a flutter, the strong wind blew up her flaring skirt. The young woman raised her head high and stepped firmly toward Fangui Grand Hall!