The sudden appearance of reinforcements startled all the barbarians. They had come with only fifty thousand troops after hearing Wu Prefecture had just over twenty thousand defenders. After a night of assault on the city, they had already suffered losses, and now countless troops had appeared. The barbarians naturally fell into disarray!
Yan Chi, leading seventy thousand troops, was originally supposed to take five days to arrive. However, thinking Wu Prefecture might not hold out, they had hardly rested on the journey, not only traveling day and night but also choosing shorter though more treacherous routes, thus arriving a day early.
When still thirty li from Wu Prefecture, Yan Chi learned of the city’s situation and immediately made arrangements during the march. Yu Qi led thirty thousand troops to attack from the southwest, while Xiao Cheng led twenty thousand troops to circle to the other side of Wu Prefecture. With troops attacking from both sides, the barbarians, however arrogant, dared not continue the siege at this moment. Thus, the immediate danger was resolved. As the sides faced off, sharp-eyed observers recognized the Shuo Xi army. In an instant, all the barbarian raiders were shocked. When the barbarian general heard the Shuo Xi army had arrived, he immediately ordered a retreat!
Within two hours, no trace of the raiders remained on the plains before Wu Prefecture.
Yang Jia, standing on the city wall, saw from afar a large wolf-pattern banner. His heart first jumped in shock, then filled with joy!
He recognized that Yan Chi had come, but with Wu Prefecture on the brink of survival, he had no time to consider thoughts of rebels or loyalty. He immediately ordered the guards to open the city gates to welcome Yan Chi and his people. After Yu Qi and Xiao Cheng’s forces joined up, and the main force arrived outside the city—seventy thousand troops in total—they gathered magnificently before the city gates. The soldiers and civilians of Wu Prefecture looked upon the Shuo Xi army as if seeing their saviors.
The city gates opened wide. Yan Chi led Yu Qi and others on horseback. Just as they reached the gate, they saw Yang Jia, covered in blood, leading his injured and uninjured soldiers in kneeling. When the most striking and magnificent person in the procession approached, Yang Jia was certain this was Yan Chi, and immediately kowtowed deeply.
“This humble officer Yang Jia, along with the soldiers and people of Wu Prefecture, welcomes Prince Rui!”
As he spoke, those behind him also bowed in respect. Yan Chi halted his horse, looking at the scene within the city, his eyes darkening slightly.
“Though we rushed day and night, we still came a bit late.”
Hearing this, Yang Jia hurriedly said, “No, no, no, Your Highness arrived just in time! If not for Your Highness, Wu Prefecture would have fallen by now, and like Cang Prefecture, would have been completely massacred. Your Highness, you are truly our lifesaving benefactor…”
At once, the men, women, and children behind began calling out “lifesaving benefactor,” creating a touching scene.
Yan Chi said, “Please rise, everyone. Defending Wu Prefecture was your achievement. Today, I brought troops to lend you support. From today onwards, the Shuo Xi army will join you in defending Wu Prefecture, absolutely preventing the barbarian raiders from advancing south one step.”
Yang Jia rose, and others followed. Listening, Yang Jia noticed something odd and suddenly asked, “Your Highness, what do you mean by barbarian… raiders?”
Yan Chi then explained, “This invasion involves both the Rong and Man tribes together, not just the Man tribe alone.”
Hearing this, Yang Jia suddenly understood. “No wonder! No wonder there were so many this time!”
Yan Chi looked around and said, “This isn’t the place to talk. General Yang, first arranges for the treatment of wounded soldiers, then leads us to a place suitable for camping. Once we’re settled, we’ll discuss how to repel the raiders. Though they’ve temporarily withdrawn, they’ll certainly return. We don’t have much time.”
Hearing Yan Chi’s words, Yang Jia immediately set aside his emotional expressions and arranged for people to clear the battlefield while personally leading Yan Chi’s group to settle in. The soldiers were stationed in the western city, while Yan Chi and the central command were arranged in a military office in the west. The office was better than tents, and being close to the camp, Yan Chi and Qin Wan stayed in proper rooms. The army had arrived at dawn, and by the time everyone was settled, it was dusk. Fortunately, the raiders hadn’t attacked again all day.
After a simple evening meal, the Wu Prefecture commanders, including Yang Jia, and the Shuo Xi army commanders gathered to discuss strategies against the enemy!
In the great hall, Yan Chi sat in the main seat, while others stood in two rows below. Most of Wu Prefecture’s commanders were minor officers, and standing among the battle-hardened Shuo Xi army commanders made them feel somewhat ashamed. Seeing this, Yan Chi had Yang Jia coordinate these people.
“Scouts reported during the day that only fifty thousand men came to Wu Prefecture this time, now camped forty li north of the city. Learning of the Shuo Xi army’s arrival, they’ll naturally send word toward Feng Prefecture. The Rong tribe has faced the Shuo Xi army many times and knows our reputation, so they’ll likely wait for reinforcements before fighting.”
After a pause, Yan Chi continued, “However, while they want to wait, we can’t give them the opportunity. The Rong and Man are both fierce people, superior to the Zhou people in this aspect. If we wait until their reinforcements arrive to fight, we’ll be at a disadvantage. Therefore, I plan for us to take the initiative tomorrow.”
Hearing this, Yang Jia showed hesitation, and those behind him also showed some fear. These troops weren’t used to regular warfare, at most dealing with bandits. With barbarians at their doorstep, they naturally had to defend themselves, but the thought of actively attacking the barbarians frightened them.
Yan Chi looked at Yang Jia. “General Yang finds this unsuitable?”
Yang Jia quickly shook his head. “No, no, it’s just that we haven’t fought before and know the raiders are fierce, so we’re somewhat worried.”
Yan Chi said, “There’s no need to fear. If you’re willing to fight, we’ll position you on the flanks. If not, you can remain in the city.”
Hearing this, Yang Jia immediately blushed. Yan Chi had come to their rescue; how could they stay in the city while letting the Shuo Xi army fight? Yang Jia hurriedly said, “No, no, we’ll certainly join the battle. The city has twenty thousand troops, with about five thousand casualties last night, leaving fifteen thousand who can follow Your Highness into battle. Please arrange as you see fit—we’ll follow Your Highness’s every command!”
Yan Chi nodded and ordered maps prepared, then called Yu Qi and others to discuss tactics.
Yang Jia, lacking experience, could only watch from the side. Though unable to offer good suggestions, he could understand what he heard. In moments, he was thoroughly impressed by Yan Chi’s group, and others dared not speak much. Not only were they willing to leave the city to fight, but they would even lead the death squad if asked.
The entire Wu Prefecture had calmed due to the Shuo Xi army’s arrival, but Qin Wan felt unwell after entering the city with Yan Chi.
Four days of rushing had exhausted even the soldiers, let alone the women. Even Bai Ying’s steps were unsteady.
Therefore, upon reaching the city, Qin Wan’s priority was sleep and rest. By evening, she had recovered some energy. Hearing Yan Chi was in council, she took Bai Ying and left the office. The city gate was in the east, where last night’s battle had occurred, and the temporary field hospital was also in that direction. Qin Wan went straight to the field hospital and began helping with treatment. Wu Prefecture lacked doctors, so Qin Wan’s arrival was a great help. She quickly set up a diagnostic table and began seeing patients. She prescribed medicines and acted decisively and efficiently. Having entered the field hospital, she dressed as a man. At first, people didn’t know who this jade-faced young gentleman was, but later learning she was Prince Rui’s wife, word spread quickly, ten becoming hundred, and Qin Wan’s reputation rapidly spread through the army. Soon, she was again known as the Little Immortal Doctor.
When Yan Chi finished the council and returned to the inner courtyard to find Qin Wan absent, he asked and learned she had gone out. When Yan Chi rode to the field hospital, he saw Qin Wan surrounded by injured soldiers in the torch-lit hospital. Having never seen such a handsome young gentleman, they all gathered to watch Qin Wan diagnose and treat injuries.
Yan Chi watched from afar, his brows immediately furrowing.
Yang Jia, who had come with Yan Chi, hurriedly drove away the watching wounded.
Once the onlookers left, only three or four people needing treatment remained before Qin Wan. Yan Chi then approached.
“The wound can’t touch water, and you can’t practice martial arts or handle weapons these days.”
“But Princess Consort, with the urgent war situation, we may not have time to delay.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled reassuringly, “Now that the Shuo Xi army is here, you needn’t be as fearful as before. There’s time for a few days of recovery. Fighting while injured will only lead to more casualties. Prince Rui wouldn’t allow that.”
Someone nearby asked, “Everyone says Prince Rui is a war god, extremely fierce. How is the Princess Consort so approachable?”
Qin Wan laughed at this. “Who says Prince Rui is fierce? Prince Rui is only fierce toward raiders; he’s extremely kind to his people. Otherwise, how could so many be willing to follow him? Besides, how could a military man command thousands without some presence?”
Everyone repeatedly agreed with Qin Wan’s words. Suddenly, all fell silent.
Qin Wan, finishing bandaging someone’s wound, noticed something wrong. Looking up, she saw Yan Chi standing in the torchlight nearby.
Qin Wan’s eyes immediately brightened. “See? Does Prince Rui look fierce?”
At this, all the soldiers stood up, paid their respects, and scattered like birds.
“Ah… you all… are you that afraid?”
Qin Wan smiled helplessly. After gathering the cotton and bandages, Yan Chi came closer.
“You didn’t rest more, I heard you’ve been out for over two hours.”
Yan Chi’s tone carried slight complaint. Qin Wan laughed, “I’m not tired at all. Look, talking with them was quite interesting. But you—as soon as you came, they all ran. I don’t think you’re that frightening, their courage is too small!”
Yan Chi shook his head, removed his cloak to put on Qin Wan, and led her outside. Seeing she had ridden here, he simply shared his horse with her.
On horseback, Yan Chi finally whispered in her ear, “It’s not that I’m not frightening, it’s that I’m not frightening to you.”
Qin Wan felt sweetness in her heart and smiled, “Even if you were the fiercest demon, I wouldn’t fear you.”
They rode back to the office together. After returning to the inner courtyard, Yan Chi ordered food brought. The food here was mostly simple but better than the cold-dried rations from the journey. After eating, they washed briefly before going to bed. Just as Qin Wan lay down, Yan Chi lifted her brocade blanket.
She wore only a thin undergarment. Surprised, she saw Yan Chi take out a jar of medicinal ointment and reach to remove her trousers.
Qin Wan blushed, grabbing her waistband. “What are you doing?”
Yan Chi smiled. “Why are you holding on? It’s not like I haven’t seen before.”
After several attempts at resistance, Qin Wan finally yielded. After removing her trousers, Yan Chi parted her legs and began applying ointment to her inner thighs.
Qin Wan blushed red. Yan Chi said, “Unless one is used to riding, this is hard to endure, especially for you.”
Days of riding had caused small blisters on Qin Wan’s inner thighs. Though Qin Wan never mentioned it, Yan Chi knew, leading to this scene. Qin Wan’s position was quite alluring, and Yan Chi looked at her distractedly, but with her current discomfort, he naturally didn’t tease her. After applying the medicine, Yan Chi dressed her properly, then lifted one of her legs onto himself. Qin Wan didn’t know what he intended but saw Yan Chi begin massaging her muscles.
“Without massage, you’ll be uncomfortable for days. As a doctor, you should know this principle.”
Yan Chi’s touch wasn’t gentle, and Qin Wan felt some pain, but the soreness in her legs dissipated quickly. Combined with his warm hands, soon Qin Wan was contentedly humming, “I know, but I’m not used to Bai Ying doing these things for me, and I’m too lazy to do it myself, so I just let it be.”
“Did you forget about me?” Yan Chi said, kissing her calf.
Qin Wan startled, opening her eyes, her face reddening further. “How could I let Prince Rui do such things for me?”
Yan Chi laughed, his hands becoming stronger. Qin Wan couldn’t bear it and began crying out. Yan Chi couldn’t resist her cries. After the massage, he pulled her close and used her hands to relieve himself twice. While being intimate, she hadn’t noticed, but now Qin Wan realized Yan Chi’s prowess. By the time they retired late at night, she felt she had gotten the worst deal, not tasting any pleasure while her hands were sore and numb.
Early the next morning, Yan Chi rose and went to the office, instructing Bai Ying not to wake Qin Wan.
This day they would march out to fight the barbarians forty li away. After several discussions, Yan Chi finally decided on a night attack.
The barbarians had fifty thousand troops, so Yan Chi also deployed fifty thousand, but the objective wasn’t to engage the raiders head-on.
In the council hall, Yan Chi pointed at the map and said, “The raiders are fierce. Though they lack the Shuo Xi army’s battle tactics, they understand the simplest principles, and being naturally warlike, they will certainly pursue when victorious. This time, we’ll fake an attack to lure the enemy, leading them to Falling Leaf Ridge in the northeast for the kill. Falling Leaf Ridge’s terrain is high in the northeast, where we’ll lay our ambush…”
After finalizing the tactics, Yan Chi said, “For this first battle, I will personally lead the troops. Feigning an attack to lure the enemy requires skill, and we will certainly take casualties, so I will lead the five thousand troops for the bait. The rest of you, attend to your duties.”