Outside the military camp, the slopes beside the area that had been designated as campgrounds the previous night were filled with people. As the soldier had reported, the entrance to Kanglong Road was also blocked by crowds. A squad of soldiers who had been ordered to break camp and were about to pass through this route were forced to temporarily halt.

Looking out, in the morning light, along the banks of the Luo River, even more people were continuously streaming toward this direction.

They seemed to have undergone a long overnight journey to reach here, their faces showing fatigue, clothes tattered, feet wrapped in thick layers of mud. No matter how the soldiers tried to disperse them, they refused to leave, only continuously pleading desperately there. Suddenly seeing a figure stride quickly out from the military camp, many recognized Li Mu and showed excited expressions. Calls of “Grand Marshal” rose and fell in succession, and the crowd also became agitated.

Wang Wu, who had previously supervised the construction of the dam at Shangjin Mouth, rushed out from the crowd that had parted to make way and knelt before Li Mu.

The people behind him all followed suit.

Li Mu strode quickly forward and smiled: “Rise quickly!”

Exactly like the scene when he had come to seek Li Mu’s help before, this craftsman refused to get up no matter what, kowtowing: “After the dam resolved the flood that day, we common folk and neighbors wanted to find the Grand Marshal to express our thanks, but were told by the soldiers left behind that the Grand Marshal had already departed. Thinking the Grand Marshal would go to Luoyang, we rushed there, only to learn the Grand Marshal was not there. We people don’t just owe the Grand Marshal one life, we owe him our entire families’ lives! If we don’t kowtow to thank the Grand Marshal, wouldn’t we be worse than pigs and dogs! Knowing the Grand Marshal was returning to the Pass, we boldly pursued and were fortunate enough to encounter you here. Please accept our humble people’s bow!” Finishing, he led the people in kowtowing to Li Mu.

Murong Ti’s plan laid out at Shangjin Mouth – if it had gone according to his design and Kanglong Road could have blocked Li Mu, even for just one or two more days, the outcome would have been vastly different. It could be called perfectly timed and foolproof. To prevent himself from being drowned by the flood, he had already led his remaining army across the river early, retreating to the safe areas north of the river.

The backflowing Yellow River flood would be the best guards obeying his commands. After eliminating Li Mu, he would lead troops back to recapture Luoyang effortlessly.

In his entire plan, eliminating Li Mu was the top priority. As for the hearts of the people in the Henan Central Plains about to be swallowed by the flood, though important, compared to the great undertaking he wanted to accomplish, all of this could be ignored.

What he hadn’t expected was that in just one night, the supposedly impregnable Kanglong Pass was broken through by Li Mu. Not only did his plan completely fail, but he also handed over this entire Central Plains region of Henan.

When Li Mu set out on his return journey and was approaching Luoyang, learning that the people, disregarding that the flood had just receded and their homes were still in complete disarray, had come out of the city dozens of li to wait and welcome him into the city, he didn’t want to disturb the people excessively. Moreover, his schedule couldn’t be delayed, so he temporarily decided to bypass Luoyang. Then, according to his original plan, he inspected several important ferry crossings and strategic locations on the south bank of the Yellow River, arranged military affairs, appointed his own people as temporary governors to be responsible for governing the localities and pacifying the people, and only then came to this place.

It was because of this that this morning he was caught up by these people behind him and encountered them here.

Li Mu wanted to help the man up, but this craftsman, along with the people behind him, still refused to rise. He continued: “The Grand Marshal has campaigned north to here for only a few days, yet hurriedly returns to the Pass, not even willing to take one step into the Eastern Capital.”

“Could it be that the Grand Marshal intends to leave just like this? We humbly beg the Grand Marshal not to abandon us and never return!”

As he spoke, his eyes reddened and his expression became agitated.

“After the court moved south, for so many years, barbarians have come and gone in Henan, fighting non-stop. We Han people are as lowly as pigs and dogs. Each time one group attacks, we get skinned alive. That we’ve survived to this day is pure luck. Grand Marshal, which of us people hasn’t experienced the tragedy of families destroyed and people killed? Previously we hoped for the court’s northern expedition – as long as the emperor could return, even if we continued eating chaff and vegetables, it would be better than living in constant fear! When my father was alive, hearing that Lord Gao of Dayu was launching a northern expedition, he hoped day and night, looked until his eyes wore out, but finally died without seeing the court return north.”

“Before the Grand Marshal arrived, we were all deceived by that Xianbei man! We thought he was different from other barbarians and would truly regard us as his subjects. Now we know only the Grand Marshal is willing to save us from fire and water.”

“We humble people have heard that the Southern Dynasty doesn’t tolerate the Grand Marshal. Therefore we boldly beg the Grand Marshal not to return anymore – just stay here! Don’t leave and never return, abandoning us!”

By the end, his voice choked with emotion, and the people behind him also showed sorrowful expressions.

Those people blocking Kanglong Road also knelt down one after another, loudly echoing his words.

The soldiers had tried to pass earlier, but the entrance was blocked. No matter how they tried to disperse them, those people only pleaded bitterly and simply wouldn’t leave. The squad leader, having orders to fulfill and thinking these people had come to cause trouble, was preparing to order forcible passage when he finally understood.

It turned out the people feared that once the army left, the barbarians would attack again, so they had pursued and blocked the entrance to prevent them from passing. He then put down his weapons, and the soldiers all looked toward Li Mu.

Wang Wu wiped away tears and looked at the continuously arriving people gathering behind him in increasing numbers, saying again: “Grand Marshal! These companions were not incited by others. Rather, along the way, learning that we people from Shangjin Mouth were coming to ask the Grand Marshal to stay, villages and localities everywhere sent people to join us, which is why we traveled together and pursued the Grand Marshal to this place. Our purpose is to see the Grand Marshal with our own eyes and petition him. We beg the Grand Marshal to stay and not abandon us!”

“We are willing to offer our spare grain and remaining wealth, only asking the Grand Marshal to show consideration and save us!”

By the Luo River, many people surged forward, holding baskets and bags filled with dried grain and wheat in their hands, competing eagerly with excited expressions.

Luoshen stood beside the large tent, seeing all of this clearly, and couldn’t help but feel infinite emotion.

These Central Plains people were already oppressed by foreign tribes and lived extremely difficult lives. Moreover, most of their villages had just suffered flooding. Though the water level wasn’t high, their lives must have been greatly affected. The food they brought out might have been squeezed from their households’ already meager remaining grain.

They feared that once Li Mu left, this place would again suffer cruel treatment from the barbarian tribes, so they wanted to ask him to stay.

Born as humans in this chaotic world, struggling for survival had reached such a difficult state.

Li Mu was clearly also somewhat moved. He loudly ordered the soldiers to retreat and no longer obstruct their advance. When the crowd gradually approached and gathered around him, he climbed onto a large rock, faced the people, and called out loudly: “I am deeply moved and grateful that so many elders have shown such kindness in pursuing me here. Please rest assured – the northern expedition to recover our lands is my lifelong aspiration. Though I lack talent, having reached this place, how could I abandon it? The reason I passed by Luoyang without entering that day was to avoid disturbing the people. Please be assured, though I temporarily return to the Pass, I have arranged garrison forces at all important strategic points here. Should the barbarians make any move, the great army will surely come! All major commanderies and counties will also issue proclamations to pacify the people within days.”

He surveyed those faces looking up at him from across the way, paused, and continued with raised voice: “I, Li Mu, take this opportunity today to swear before all you elders that I will never rest until I completely pacify the Central Plains and restore peace to the realm. I appreciate your kind intentions on behalf of the Responding Heaven Army. Please take back all the grain and goods you’ve brought. The flood has just receded – heed my words and don’t pursue me further on the road. The most urgent matter now is to return home immediately, replant and cultivate to ensure next year’s harvest!”

When his words ended, the surroundings fell completely silent.

“Elders, the Grand Marshal speaks truly—”

Suddenly a urgent shout came from behind.

Everyone turned to look and saw another group of mounted riders arriving by the Luo River.

The leader was the county magistrate of Goucheng County.

Goucheng County was several hundred li from this place. The magistrate surnamed Ding had previously heard that Murong Ti intended to flood Luoyang with backflowing water, and all the commanderies and counties along the Luo River would likely suffer disaster. Though filled with terror at the time and cursing the Xianbei as heartless wolves who deserved death, he didn’t only think of his own escape. He first had people go to villages throughout the county to issue warnings, telling villagers to flee on their own. He also abandoned the city and took his family to escape to a high mountain area, where they crouched for many days without seeing any flood waters come. A few days ago he sent subordinates down the mountain to gather news and learned that the Southern Dynasty’s Grand Marshal Li Mu had forced his way through Kanglong Ridge in one night and rushed to Shangjin Mouth, resolving the crisis. Murong Ti had tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice, losing large areas of Henan territory and retreating north of the river. Already defeated in battle and suffering this additional blow, he would probably find it very difficult to attack again. Wholeheartedly wanting to submit to Li Mu, he had traveled tirelessly these past two days pursuing him. Arriving here this morning and happening upon this situation, he naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity to show loyalty and immediately appeared to help Li Mu persuade the people to disperse.

He dismounted and came before the crowd, calling out loudly again: “I am the county magistrate of Goucheng County! The Grand Marshal speaks truly. Among you, if there are people from my Goucheng County, quickly return home to farm and replant! The same goes for the rest – go back where you came from! Don’t linger here any longer and delay the Grand Marshal’s important military affairs!”

Several generals beside Li Mu also spread the word and came forward to persuade the people.

“With the Grand Marshal’s words, we can rest easy! Everyone listen to the Grand Marshal and go back!”

Wang Wu’s eyes were red as he also got up from the ground and urged the people behind him to go.

Word spread from ten to a hundred, and the gathered crowd finally began to slowly disperse.

That County Magistrate Ding came before Li Mu, requesting an audience with extremely respectful attitude. He spoke of how he had previously heard the news and timely dispersed the county’s people, how he revered the Grand Marshal’s reputation, and how he was willing to follow to the death in the future, offering his humble service.

Li Mu gave some words of encouragement and turned to leave.

Just then, suddenly, from the high plateau where Kanglong Road was located not far away, came the roar of a tiger.

The roar was like thunder, traveling from far to near, darkly shaking the hills.

All the people heard it and stopped, turning to look.

Hearing the tiger’s roar approaching, Luoshen knew the white tiger had appeared again.

Ever since she had fallen into the water and been carried to shore by the white tiger, it had appeared and disappeared intermittently on the journey to Chang’an. Sometimes it was nowhere to be seen for several days, sometimes it stayed close, traveling with her. The people around her were initially terrified, often fleeing in fear when the white tiger appeared. After several instances, seeing that it seemed to possess spiritual intelligence and didn’t harm people, they gradually overcame their fear. That day when Chang’an was relieved and Luoshen entered the city, the white tiger disappeared into the mountain forests outside the city and hadn’t shown itself again all this time. She had thought it had already left, but unexpectedly at this moment, it appeared here again.

She turned around and indeed, on the mountainside of that high plateau behind her, atop a cluster of steep rocky peaks, she immediately spotted the white tiger’s familiar figure.

It crouched high between the cliff faces, magnificent and radiant, facing the fiery red sunrise that had just risen above the horizon on the opposite side, releasing that earth-shaking long roar. Before the roar faded, it leaped with a bound and its figure disappeared again into the depths at the end of the forest ravines, whereabouts unknown.

Though this scene was brief, everyone below the hill saw it clearly and discussed it animatedly.

County Magistrate Ding came back to his senses, glanced at Li Mu, his eyes moving, then suddenly turned to face the crowd and called out loudly: “The white tiger is a divine beast!”

“Ancient texts say, ‘When a nation is about to prosper, white tigers frolic at dawn,’ and also state, ‘When sage kings respond to their time and arise, white tigers cry at morning with thunder sounds across the four wilds.'”

“Elders, today the Grand Marshal is here and the white tiger appears – such a coincidence, is this not a heavenly sign? Why don’t you quickly come forward to pay your respects!”

Finishing his words, he ran toward Li Mu, calling out that heaven’s mandate was here, and bowed with the greatest ceremony.

Led by him, the people became even more emotionally stirred and competed to follow his example, paying respects to Li Mu.

Below the high plateau, by the Luo River, one could only hear the din of voices as the atmosphere reached a new climax.

Luoshen witnessed this scene unfolding before her very eyes. Initially somewhat surprised, but thinking again, it seemed natural.

In the eyes of these people who had survived disaster, Li Mu’s appearance was like the last straw they could grasp for salvation.

This land would ultimately have someone proclaim themselves king and emperor. In their hearts, in this world now, who else could give them more peace of mind than this person who had saved them from catastrophic disaster?

The so-called white tiger divine beast was merely a catalyst.

She couldn’t help but look toward that man ahead. She saw him slowly turn his head, his gaze falling upon her.

Amid the rising and falling din beside her ears, their eyes met.

Luoshen gazed at him, smiled at him, and nodded forcefully.

…

Half a month later, Li Mu returned to Chang’an with Luoshen.

The day they arrived in Chang’an, the military and people celebrated joyously, and the city was extremely lively.

Li Mu escorted her into the city and into the Governor’s Residence, instructing her to rest well. He himself changed clothes and immediately left the city again without pause.

Luoshen knew he was going to see her eldest brother Gao Yin.

That day outside Chang’an city, she had arrived bearing A’Ye’s tiger tally and exposed Murong Zhe’s true face. Uncle Gao Yun, probably ashamed to face people, had left without saying goodbye that very night. But eldest brother had never returned – the great army was still stationed at Shangluo.

Luoshen knew this must be the court’s orders.

Looking back over these past months, from when she left Jiankang, she had been constantly traveling, moving about with anxiety and unease. Now that the couple was finally reunited and had safely returned to Chang’an, once she relaxed, she inevitably felt tired.

Luoshen also knew that both Li Mu and eldest brother were steady people. Even if they still had disagreements about the current situation, when they met there shouldn’t be any conflict.

But even so, after Li Mu left, she still felt somewhat uneasy at heart.

Darkness fell. Though she felt weary, she had no desire to sleep and kept waiting for Li Mu to return. Deep in the night, she finally heard footsteps outside and a servant woman said through the door that the Grand Marshal had returned.

Luoshen hurried to welcome him inside and asked about the details of their meeting.

Li Mu smiled slightly: “Everything that should be said has been told to him. Your eldest brother, he…”

He paused and looked at Luoshen.

“He came too. He said he still wants to see you.”

…

Gao Yin entered Chang’an alone, bringing no attendants, and waited in the guest hall of the Governor’s Residence.

Li Mu accompanied Luoshen to the guest hall, left Luoshen there, and withdrew. Only the two siblings remained in the room.

He stood motionless in the room, his expression grave.

Luoshen approached and called him eldest brother.

The candlelight illuminated Gao Yin’s face. He looked darker and thinner than before, with undisguised heaviness hanging between his brows. But before Luoshen, he seemed unwilling to reveal too much, looked her over once, and finally showed a trace of gentle smile in his eyes, asking how she had been recently.

Luoshen said she was well in all respects.

Gao Yin nodded and was silent for a moment before saying: “I know all about what the Grand Marshal did before – seizing Kanglong Pass by night, saving the people from catastrophic disaster. I won’t say much else. A’Mi, just now he told me that from now on, he is no longer the Southern Dynasty’s Grand Marshal and will no longer follow the court’s orders. Are you aware of this matter?”

His tone was very serious.

Luoshen looked at her eldest brother and nodded: “I know everything.” Seeing he seemed about to speak, she added, “Not only do I know, I also agree.”

Gao Yin said: “A’Mi, do you know what this represents? His acting this way puts me in a very difficult position.”

Luoshen said: “Eldest brother need not be troubled. Just report the truth to the court.”

“Previously when Langjun served under the court’s orders, didn’t the court also guard against him in every way? Eldest brother is now stationed here and has delayed returning south for so long – I’m afraid this is also following the court’s orders to monitor and prevent him from raising troops to march south and plot against Jiankang, isn’t it?”

Gao Yin didn’t respond, only asked word by word: “Li Mu, is he really going to rebel against his superiors?”

Luoshen shook her head: “Eldest brother, you’re wrong. He has never done anything to betray Dayu before. From now on, if the court doesn’t make things difficult for him, he won’t actively harm the Southern Dynasty either.”

“Please trouble eldest brother to certainly convey my words to the Empress Dowager. Rather than guarding against him like this, better to guard against Rong Kang. He appears loyal and obedient to Dayu on the surface, but is actually heartless as a wolf. You must be careful! He secretly colludes with barbarians and means harm to the Southern Dynasty. Compared to my Langjun, this Rong Kang is the court’s true mortal enemy!”

Her tone was extremely grave.

Gao Yin stared fixedly at Luoshen.

The woman before him was clearly his little sister whom he had watched grow up from childhood, yet he didn’t know from what day she had begun to drift further and further away from himself, from the Gao clan, and from the dynasty that the Gao clan served loyally.

Gao Yin knew that now she would never turn back.

Just tonight, at this very moment, in his heart suddenly surged a strand of deep weariness mixed with despair.

It was like being imprisoned in a dark room without sunlight, vaguely knowing that as long as he took one step forward and pushed open that door, light might be ahead, yet he could never take that step – that kind of despairing weariness.

He finally came to understand how difficult and helpless each choice his uncle had made when occupying the position of Gao clan head had been.

He was silent for a long time before saying: “Eldest brother understands your meaning. I will convey your words. I hope…”

He paused and still didn’t finish this sentence, only showed a smile.

“The Grand Marshal is a trustworthy person. That little sister could obtain such a fine husband puts eldest brother at ease. Eldest brother is leaving.”

He nodded to Luoshen and left through the door.