This war came both urgently and swiftly. In just ten days, the relief force had not yet arrived when two more urgent dispatches were sent from the border.
Over these years, Song Lan had always harbored one or two reservations about the Yan Family’s army, which was wholeheartedly loyal to the Empress. He had been intentionally and unintentionally undermining the Yan Army’s strength through methods such as dispatching additional generals and reducing military pay.
When the Yan father and son had left the capital and gone north, the army still numbered a hundred thousand. Over the years, owing to various imperial decrees, the army had been reduced by half. The Yan Family could not defy imperial orders and could only do their utmost to train these remaining fifty thousand troops.
Yan Lang governed his forces with strict discipline, and those fifty thousand troops were as solid as a wall of bronze and iron. Over time, Biandu grew increasingly confident in the northern border defense and dispatched no fewer than ten generals into the northern region, attempting to divide military authority.
The Senior General Yan had retained some courageous and battle-hardened commanders, while petty men who cared only for military merit or even embezzled military rations were dealt with by him in various ways — the reason Yan Lang had gone to the capital to plead guilty after killing Wang Fengshi had been done with the Senior General Yan’s tacit permission.
This year the capital had many affairs, and the Central Plains was suffering a great drought. In early spring, Yan Lang had, at the risk of being suspected of rebellion, secretly recruited an additional twenty thousand soldiers. He also willingly bore the charge of being unfilial by firmly concealing the news of the Senior General Yan’s death, not holding a grand mourning ceremony for him — all because he feared that the northern tribes would take advantage of the vacancy upon learning the news.
No one knew how this news had ultimately leaked out.
Zhou Chuyin spread a military defense map on the table, the map bristling with the northern army’s flags.
Bai Sensen on one side handed him a cup of cool tea. Zhou Chuyin took it and drank it down in one gulp. His voice was slightly hoarse — whether from the summer heat or from anxious haste.
‘Little Yan’s defensive arrangements over these years, against the northern army, were more than sufficient. Though the northern tribes are geographically vaster than Western Shao and their cavalry more formidable, among the northern tribes, the three most powerful — the Wuerhuai, the Zhahari, and the Ezhen — have constantly quarreled over interests and have rarely been able to unite as one. Over the years, border raids have mostly been led by a single tribe, and thus have never succeeded in seizing a single inch of our Great Yin’s land.’
Luowei added: ‘The discord among the three tribes has always been a great strategic concern. The last time the three tribes joined forces, it was the Battle of Wan City at the start of the Jinghe reign period. At that time, I dispatched the Yan family to Youzhou, and in less than three months they had broken the coalition army. Afterward, I also sent many spies across the border into the northern grasslands to sow discord between the three tribes, but…’
‘It was my oversight. I always assumed the plan had succeeded. Thinking of it now, the breakdown of the three tribes’ negotiations over these years was very likely done deliberately to show us. The Ezhen tribe has been continuously dispatching spies into our dynasty since over ten years ago, some deeply hidden within the Forbidden Palace. Even A’Tang and I could not ferret them out.’ She gave a bitter smile. ‘Three hundred thousand troops… this represents their full national strength mobilized for war — it is not an undertaking accomplished overnight. Little Yan had not anticipated this, so naturally he was caught completely unprepared.’
Zhou Chuyin looked down at the defense map: ‘Though the Yan Army’s fifty thousand troops are elite soldiers, facing an enemy several times their number is far too risky. The troops dispatched from Biandu to provide relief, though reportedly numbering a hundred thousand, cannot yet be confirmed to actually be at full strength. The Biandu camp has been lax in its training over these years — their help is better than nothing, but even if they arrive under forced march, it’s uncertain how much difference they’ll make. Moreover, with Chang Zhao in the military, he will undoubtedly think of every way to delay the advance.’
Bai Sensen finally understood what he meant: ‘Then is this mission not a miserable posting? No wonder people throughout Biandu all refused, and in the end only the old general could be made to lead the troops — and Chang Zhao chose this moment to volunteer as military advisor…’
Luowei said: ‘If I am not mistaken, though he is of the Hua ethnic group, he has already been put to use by the Ezhen tribe — he is their greatest spy. Though I sent word for Little Yan to guard against him, if Chang Zhao holds the army back on the road, I can do nothing about it. Moreover, several months ago, I made a wager with him at the Fengle Tower. He said that if he did not win this game, he would kill Song Lan — kill me and A’Tang, and then —’
She suddenly stood up, drawing the short sword at her side and pointing it straight toward Biandu: ‘Massacre the entire city of Biandu.’
Ye Tingyan was silent for a long while, then at last spoke. He stroked the white gauze strip that had originally been used to cover his eyes, and said slowly: ‘Just now, I was thinking… the military report says the three tribes’ attack is fierce, representing their full national strength mobilized for war, converging a hundred thousand on Youzhou with a savage assault — it does not resemble their usual military strategy.’
He took Luowei’s hand, guiding the sword in her hand to tilt a few degrees. The sword tip moved from Youzhou westward, crossing below the Yinshan mountain range and descending along the middle reaches of the great river, passing Chang’an, and coming to rest over Biandu.
Luowei’s hand suddenly trembled.
‘The Ezhen tribe installed a new great chieftain in the first year of Jinghe, by the name of Wumang. I went beyond the passes and met him once. This man is young and ambitious, and having committed patricide to usurp power in his youth, he has been conquering in all four directions and is supremely skilled in military strategy.’ Ye Tingyan said from behind her. ‘If I were him, I would use those three hundred thousand troops heading to Youzhou as a feint. With a crack unit of no more than ten thousand men — that would suffice.’
‘When northern military affairs are at a stalemate, I would lead troops through the most treacherous passes of the Yinshan range, slipping past our dynasty’s eyes and ears, then pass through Yanzhou and follow the great river to send a surprise force toward Chang’an. If successful, after ten days of marching, one day and one night would be enough to take it. With Chang’an secured, the relief routes from the northwestern provinces would be cut off, and then with troops marching directly on Biandu — this would take no more than fifteen days total. Do you think Song Lan could withstand their surprise attack from behind?’
Zhou Chuyin clenched his fists and said nothing. Qiu Xueyu furrowed her brows and asked: ‘Though the northern army has much cavalry and their pillaging speed is extreme, Your Highness, why are you so certain that Wumang, leading troops southward, could achieve such overwhelming momentum within fifteen days?’
‘Chang Zhao’s father was originally the Governor of Yanzhou, and the Chang family must have influence in Yanzhou — they would encounter no obstruction when passing through Yanzhou. That is the first reason. The second…’ Luowei answered in a tight voice, ‘In the Central Plains this summer there is a great drought. Apart from major cities like Chang’an, the various prefectures are occupied with farming, sericulture, and the matter of refugees, and are unable to look after themselves. Even if they hear of an enemy attack, most will stand by and do nothing.’
‘In that case, when Wumang attacks Chang’an and then Biandu, the great army will be recalled before reaching Youzhou, but given the great distances, they will surely arrive too late. If he takes Biandu, even if Little Yan can temporarily stabilize morale, she ultimately cannot endure the siege of three hundred thousand troops. Moreover, with the great drought this summer, provisions are insufficient. Song Lan a month ago used the Dual Phoenix Sacrifice Case to censure all the nobles under heaven — who would send troops to help him? Once Biandu falls, all under heaven descends into chaos — this is a game of chess twenty years in the making by the northern tribes.’
The room was suddenly quiet, and not a single person spoke.
After a long while, Luowei slowly said: ‘No wonder I could not find the Ezhen tribe’s spy in the palace. Who would suspect… the Grand Empress Dowager?’
At these words, everyone was stunned. Qiu Xueyu went pale as a sheet, leapt to her feet, and slapped the table: ‘How could this be, how could it…’
She thought for a moment, then slumped back down, murmuring: ‘No wonder… if it were her, I would certainly search everywhere and find nothing. Yet if she is a spy, from years ago when she served the late Empress — the late Empress’s miscarriage, her death, Song Lan, Yu Qiushi… Ah! And also Suiyun. If the Grand Empress Dowager chose this moment to reveal everything to Song Lan, even though she is Song Lan’s blood relative, Song Lan would certainly kill her to vent his rage.’
‘Her death would then be the signal to the northern tribes that they may act — and Song Lan, urged on by Chang Zhao, used the charge of disrespect to create troubles, making enemies of all the nobles under heaven, leaving Biandu isolated and without allies. We all only figured this out now. Song Lan has suffered blow after blow in recent days — how could he spare the mental energy to think of all this?’
She knitted her brows and called hesitantly: ‘Weiwei —’
Luowei asked: ‘How many troops do we have in hand right now?’
Zhou Chuyin answered: ‘Slightly over fifty thousand.’
Luowei deliberated: ‘That should be enough. Fortunately, in recent days I had them come here in disguise, for otherwise recalling them urgently from Jiangnan now would not only face tremendous difficulties, but would certainly arrive too late.’
She sheathed her sword and placed a Great Yin royal standard marker on the Chang’an location: ‘We will mobilize our troops for Chang’an tomorrow. By my reckoning of the days, we will arrive just in time to prevent Wumang from entering the city. After leaving garrison troops at Chang’an, we return our forces to Biandu and fight a defensive battle.’
A faint smile finally appeared on Ye Tingyan’s face: ‘Excellent.’
The two of them decided to dispatch troops for the rescue in a matter of moments. Everyone silently agreed, none of them thinking to use this opportunity to directly attack Biandu and avenge five years of accumulated grievances.
The northern army burned, killed, and plundered without restraint. If they broke into Chang’an they would certainly massacre the city — no matter what, this had to be done.
Everyone began to deliberate on the route for the troops’ movement. But Zhou Chuyin suddenly said: ‘Have you considered…’
He moved the royal standard marker aside and said gravely to Ye Tingyan: ‘You say ten thousand crack troops — that is only the scenario most favorable to us. You and I went beyond the passes together. You know what Wumang is like — he is even more cautious than you. Is three hundred thousand all the national strength the northern tribes have amassed over twenty years? If he still has an army of more than a hundred thousand in reserve, waiting until his ten thousand crack troops reach Chang’an and declare war across the mountains — can our hand of cards withstand him?’
Before Ye Tingyan could respond, Luowei gave a sigh: ‘Brother Chuyin, why must you say this so bluntly?’
In truth, everyone in the room may well have known this.
Zhou Chuyin said: ‘Wumang wants Biandu, and does not necessarily have to take Chang’an first. If he sees you make your move and simply bypasses Chang’an to go straight for Biandu — you leave troops behind in garrison and then march back, but as long as his army is over fifty thousand, defending Biandu will be a battle to the death!’
‘Yes,’ Ye Tingyan answered calmly, ‘which is why, before we dispatch troops to Chang’an, I must raise the Crown Prince’s royal banner anew, and summon all under heaven to enter the capital and serve the sovereign in his time of need. They may not care about Song Lan, but what about me?’
Bai Sensen was greatly startled: ‘If you raise the royal banner before entering Biandu’s city gates, and Song Lan in a moment of derangement refuses to open Biandu’s gates to you, what will you do? Moreover… the Crown Prince has been dead far too long. Are you truly certain they will believe, that they will come? And even if this battle is won — are you truly certain that among those who answer the summons to serve the sovereign, none will harbor other intentions and seize this moment to contend for power?’
Ye Tingyan raised his eyes and glanced at Luowei — those eyes, identical to his former self, with dark surging waves within. Yet he did not say a word.
Luowei’s heart stirred, and she clasped his hand.
‘I believe.’
He recalled some words he had heard from Pei Xi’s mouth — words about believing in some intangible bonds of friendship, some principles that hold true throughout the world. Even if those principles were simply that kindness begets kindness and evil invites retribution, even if those principles were simply that all people approve of punishing wickedness and upholding virtue — those beautiful virtues and moral qualities described in ancient books, like fragrant orchids growing on the riverbanks and shores, were never deceptions.
In the middle of the night, everyone had dispersed. Ye Tingyan still sat before military reports beneath a single red candle’s flame. Luowei drank down the warm medicinal soup he had prepared, and the red candle gave off a crackling pop as it burned brighter.
Ye Tingyan looked up and asked with concern: ‘Is the taste of blood heavy this time? Lingcheng said he adjusted some of the medicinal herbs and concealed it somewhat — come to think of it, the first time you drank the medicine I also tasted it, and truly could not detect the slightest hint of blood. How is it that you are so perceptive?’
Luowei leaned over, and suddenly cupped his face in her hands and kissed him: ‘There is no blood taste — it is just a little bitter.’
Ye Tingyan’s dark eyes were full of smiling warmth. He pressed the back of her neck and kissed her back, putting on an air of pretension: ‘Is that so? I taste sweetness.’
Luowei clasped his hand, but accidentally touched the scar on his wrist. She paused, and looking along the scar, saw that there were fresh blood marks on his arm — they must have been from drawing blood as medicine for her sake.
Her nose stung with a touch of sourness. She pressed back the tears welling in her eyes, and with great effort managed a teasing tone: ‘You have shed so much blood for me.’
Ye Tingyan kissed the corner of her eye, and on the tip of his tongue was the salty-bitter taste of a tear: ‘Did we not say that when we are kissing, you must not cry again?’
He tilted his head and appraised her, teasing: ‘Those eyes that once crossed rivers now flow as tears…’
Luowei gave him a glare, and suddenly asked: ‘Tell me honestly — how confident are you in this battle?’
Ye Tingyan answered without hesitation: ‘Ten parts out of ten.’
Luowei said: ‘I want to hear the truth.’
‘So it turns out you are not worried about my being hurt — you are afraid?’ Ye Tingyan pinched her cheek. ‘The way you look right now is very like your younger self. Back then in Xuzhou, after we came out of Juhua Temple, on the short flight of one hundred and eight steps down the mountain path, you asked me twelve times: Can we manage the locust plague in Xuzhou? That night, you also tossed and turned, and hugged your jade pillow to knock on my room door, asking several more times…’
Luowei reached over and pinched him back: ‘I have already grown up!’
Ye Tingyan smiled: ‘Yes, we have both grown up.’
He extended his hand and interlaced his fingers with hers, gripping very tightly.
Luowei suddenly felt a familiar sense of peace, the kind she had felt in many a sleepless night before this, when she would hold her own hands and imagine that he was still at her side — as long as their fingers were interlaced like this, it could give her an unwavering certainty of victory.
‘Lingcheng asked me whether I could truly be certain, and honestly, I do not feel entirely confident either,’ Ye Tingyan leaned close to her ear and said softly, ‘But you said you believe, and that makes me certain. Let me ask you again — how many parts out of ten do you think we have?’
Luowei, coaxed into a smile by him, answered without hesitation: ‘Ten parts out of ten.’
Ye Tingyan said: ‘Whether against the northern army, or against Chang Zhao and Song Lan… we will certainly win. With you and me of one heart and one mind, we are like our younger selves — invincible in all we face.’
Luowei wrapped her arms around his neck: ‘Of course — His Highness the Crown Prince has never lost a battle!’