Due to the heavy snow, daybreak came later than usual. After more than an hour, a grayish-white light finally appeared on the horizon. By this time, Yan Chi had led his thousand-strong force to Cloud Ridge. Located between Luo Prefecture and Lin’an, Cloud Ridge was a hilly region.
In a valley to its west lay a temporary garrison camp of the Luo Prefecture forces. The black-clad riders who had come to assist in Lin’an were all from this place. The snowfall had lessened considerably, though the sky remained dim. The entire Cloud Ridge was draped in pure white. As the group reached the camp gates, another middle-aged man in military attire came out to greet them.
“Your Highness— we’ve finally waited for your arrival!”
The middle-aged man appeared to be in his forties, with a robust build and a resonant voice. He knelt before Yan Chi’s horse.
Yan Chi dismounted and personally helped him up. “Rise quickly! We’re all our people here, no need for such ceremony.”
The middle-aged man glanced at General Mu and asked, “Huaiqing, how did it go? Was everything smooth?”
Mu Huaiqing smiled at this. “His Highness didn’t let us enter the city. The men we brought weren’t even needed.”
Yan Chi laughed. “What, were you worried we couldn’t leave the city?”
The middle-aged man shook his head and sighed. “We were terrified when we received the news. Fortunately, Your Highness had us prepare in advance. Otherwise, a single night wouldn’t have been enough time to reach the capital. Quick, it’s too cold outside, let’s talk inside…”
The middle-aged man gestured an invitation, but Yan Chi didn’t immediately move. He turned toward the carriage. “Wait a moment.”
Yan Chi strode to the carriage and pushed open the door. “Wan’wan, we’ve arrived.”
Qin Wan had known they’d reached their destination but hadn’t wanted to interrupt the greetings outside. The observers saw only a delicate jade-like hand extend from the carriage door, followed by an elegant, graceful figure emerging.
In the dim light and swirling snow, Qin Wan wore a snow-white cloak, her features exquisite and bearing noble. Her appearance instantly captivated the soldiers at the camp gate. The camp was full of men who had never seen such an ethereal beauty, and they all stared at her with dumbfounded expressions. Qin Wan descended from the carriage with Yan Chi’s assistance. Due to the heavy snow, he pulled up her hood, covering half her face. This partial concealment only made the men more eager to see her. However, when Yan Chi turned around with Qin Wan’s hand in his, his sweeping gaze across the crowd made everyone’s hearts tremble!
Yan Chi’s gaze carried natural authority, and combined with the wind and snow, emanated an intimidating aura of dust and blood. Instantly, everyone hunched their shoulders and lowered their heads. Yan Chi led Qin Wan forward and announced, “This is my Princess Consort, whom you haven’t yet met—”
Mu Huaiqing and the other man naturally knew of Yan Chi’s wedding today. At his words, they quickly cupped their hands and bowed. “Greetings, Princess Consort!”
The soldiers behind them promptly knelt in respect.
Though Qin Wan was strong-willed, this scene still startled her slightly. She wasn’t born to such high status, and having so many people kneel before her made her feel somewhat unworthy. However, thinking of the man beside her, she brushed aside that slight discomfort. “Generals, no need for such ceremony. Everyone, please rise.”
Qin Wan’s composed manner particularly demonstrated noble grace. As Mu Huaiqing and the middle-aged man rose, they exchanged glances, both showing approval in their eyes. Yan Chi smiled and introduced the middle-aged man: “This is General Zhou You, who fought alongside my father on the battlefield, and this is his deputy general Mu Huaiqing, who also followed my father for many years.”
At this introduction, Zhou You immediately smiled. “Your Highness gives me too much face with those words. Princess Consort, I was just a guard who followed the old Prince for many years. In my youth, I was merely a household servant in the Prince’s Manor. Later, I followed the Prince to Shuoxi, and it was only through his recognition and guidance that I had the opportunity to achieve merit. The old Prince spent his life loyally serving the country in battle, and finally… Ah, I was ordered back to Luo Prefecture due to injuries. Looking back now, it truly seems like heaven’s will…”
After a pause, Zhou You continued, “Princess Consort probably doesn’t remember, but after the Prince’s incident, I visited Lin’an once to see His Highness and caught a distant glimpse of you then.”
Zhou You’s personality was bold and forthright, revealing much in just a few sentences. Qin Wan turned to look at Yan Chi, who smiled and said, “In any case, we’re all our people now. Come, let’s go inside to talk.”
Zhou You hurriedly made their way and invited Yan Chi and Qin Wan inside. Though the military camp wasn’t large, its orderly arrangement showed a distinctly elite atmosphere, indicating that its commander knew how to manage troops. The main tent was already prepared. Zhou You led Yan Chi and Qin Wan inside. “This is my tent. We’ve changed a few things and had it thoroughly cleaned. I hope Your Highness and Princess Consort won’t mind. Please rest here for a day until Your Highness decides on the next steps.”
Seeing Fu Ling, Bai Ying, and others following in, Zhou You quickly added, “The tent has charcoal fire and hot water ready. I’ll have hot food sent over immediately. Your Highness and Princess Consort must be exhausted from traveling all night. Please rest for half a day, and we can discuss matters after you’re refreshed.”
Yan Chi replied, “We’ll rest for two-quarters of an hour. Wait for me in the strategy tent. I’ll join you then. We’re too close to the capital here, and we couldn’t have traveled without leaving any traces. Before dark today, we must leave this place and travel toward Yu Prefecture under cover of night.”
Zhou You’s expression turned solemn. Despite being newlywed with his beautiful bride beside him, Yan Chi’s judgment remained unaffected, which earned Zhou You’s deeper respect.
“Yes, then Your Highness and Princess Consort please rest first. I shall take my leave.”
After Zhou You left, Qin Wan removed her hood and looked around the tent, which had a clean and efficient atmosphere. Not being a delicate person by nature, she sat with Yan Chi on the main couch. Yan Chi held her hand and said, “We weren’t able to share a carriage tonight. You must have many questions. Please ask.”
Fu Ling brought hot tea over. Qin Wan took it and passed it to Yan Chi, smiling as she said, “Tonight was urgent, and these troops aren’t your army. If you had stayed with me in the carriage, it might have affected morale. I do have some questions, but they’re not the most pressing matter. We only have two-quarters of an hour—drink your tea first and warm yourself.”
Yan Chi had been in a serious mood, but Qin Wan’s gentle words and the sight of the steaming tea suddenly stirred a bittersweet emotion in his heart. He suddenly realized how genuine that earlier declaration “This is my Princess Consort” had been. Outside, daylight was breaking—this night should have been their wedding night, but instead had become so dangerous and tiring. As darkness was passing, they were about to welcome their first day as a married couple.
Yan Chi took the hot tea and drank deeply, then held Qin Wan’s hand and looked toward Fu Ling and Bai Ying. “You two go rest as well. Come back later to attend to the Princess Consort.”
At these words, Fu Ling and Bai Ying immediately withdrew, leaving just the two of them in the room.
Yan Chi gazed deeply at Qin Wan, then pulled her into his embrace. He sighed contentedly, “I am now a married man!”