With the first victory, Wuzhou City shook off the gloom of recent days. Even the civilians who usually kept their doors closed began to emerge. In the streets, some shops also opened. The Shuoxi Army had become like guardian deities in the eyes of Wuzhou’s citizens, and many who had fled earlier returned to the city upon hearing the news.
In the western camp’s council tent, Yu Qi smiled and said, “This time we eliminated twenty thousand troops. Only thirty thousand remain, and they don’t dare stay in their original camp. Instead, they’ve fled toward Fengzhou. For now, we face no threat. Those who need to train troops can train, those who need to repair walls can repair them. In two days, supplies from Mengzhou will arrive. Overall, everyone can relax a bit these few days.”
Yan Chi’s night raid strategy had achieved a surprising victory. Yang Jia, sitting in the last position, maintained a pleased smile throughout.
Yu Qi continued, “Scouts report that Fengzhou’s situation has been intense these past few days. The Rong and Man tribes still want to take Fengzhou City quickly. However, they won’t abandon Wuzhou. Meanwhile, the Chongzhou area remains relatively stable. Though His Highness hasn’t said so, the Shuoxi Army came north to annihilate the enemy, not just to temporarily save Wuzhou. So for what comes next, we must await His Highness’s orders. Everyone can rest for now but shouldn’t become completely complacent.”
Everyone agreed. Yang Jia asked, “It’s been a whole day since His Highness returned to the government office. Why hasn’t he come over yet?”
At this, Yu Qi and others who had followed Yan Chi for a long time smiled knowingly. Yu Qi coughed lightly and asked, “General Yang, are you married?”
Yang Jia, now in his thirties, had naturally married long ago. “Yes! But I’m from Yuzhou, and my wife and daughter are back home there.”
Yu Qi smiled and said, “Then General Yang should understand…”
Yang Jia’s eyes lit up as he thought of Qin Wan currently being in Wuzhou City, and he suddenly understood!
“Ah, I understand, I understand. His Highness and the Princess Consort are deeply affectionate. We all understand, haha…”
Everyone in the hall began laughing, naturally understanding why Yan Chi lingered at the government office. Hearing this, Gu Ling somehow couldn’t join in the laughter, instead feeling a sense of emptiness. After the officers dispersed – some to organize troops, others to tend to the wounded – when Yu Qi was assigning tasks, Gu Ling said, “I’ll go to the field hospital. I didn’t fight yesterday, so you all should rest well.”
After the army’s return, the field hospital work was most exhausting. Even the commanding general had to constantly monitor the soldiers’ injuries. Hearing this, Yu Qi burst into hearty laughter, “What a good brother! His Highness kept you back for the first battle because he felt only you could be relied upon. In what’s to come, we’ll certainly need your efforts. Today, we’ll trouble you with this task.”
Gu Ling tugged at the corner of his mouth, “No need to say more. Go rest.”
With that, Gu Ling left the tent, heading to the field hospital.
Meanwhile, after Yan Chi and Qin Wan had spent some time in their private quarters, Yan Chi didn’t want to get up, but Qin Wan insisted on pulling him up for a meal. After lunch, Yan Chi sent Bai Feng to check on the western camp. Learning that Gu Ling was in charge, he felt reassured and stayed at the government office with Qin Wan.
Though he wasn’t injured, Yan Chi had several light scrapes that had bled slightly. They weren’t serious – normally, Yan Chi wouldn’t have treated them, just letting them scab over. But now Qin Wan insisted on applying medicine to them.
Having someone care for him, Yan Chi naturally enjoyed the comfort, joking, “Before even the biggest scars didn’t matter, but now I feel my rough skin has become precious.”
Qin Wan snorted, then asked, “What’s the next deployment plan? Should we pursue them?”
By now it was dusk, and scouts had already reported the Rong and Man tribes’ retreat. Yan Chi narrowed his eyes and said, “The Rong and Man tribes are naturally going to Fengzhou to join their main force. Now that we’re here, they probably won’t come easily. They’ll either send a large force or focus on attacking Fengzhou. The best strategy would be to take this chance to pursue them to Fengzhou and coordinate a pincer attack with Fengzhou’s forces, but we’re now considered rebels.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan said, “The Marquis of Anyang commands troops in Fengzhou. He’s probably thinking the same as you.”
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, “Let’s be patient and wait for the supplies from Mengzhou to arrive first.”
…
…
Although the Rong and Man tribes were fierce fighters, they weren’t skilled at siege warfare, as there were few cities among their tribes. Thus, when faced with closed gates, they temporarily ran out of options. This was the strategy Yue Qiong used in Fengzhou. Learning that nearly two hundred thousand troops were approaching Fengzhou, Yue Qiong didn’t make many deployments, only ensuring sufficient war supplies in the city. With this stubborn defense, he managed to wear down a small portion of the Rong and Man forces with minimal casualties.
After two days of attacks, seeing Fengzhou difficult to take, the Rong and Man tribes sent fifty thousand troops to Wuzhou. While the Man tribe was in the north, the Rong tribe was in the west. Having long raided the Great Zhou’s western territories, they coveted the western lands most, so naturally wanted to take Wuzhou.
They had thought Wuzhou would be undefended and easy to take but didn’t expect Yang Jia and others to be determined to defend it. With Yan Chi’s arrival midway, the fifty thousand troops returned in defeat. When news reached Fengzhou City, Yue Qiong was overjoyed.
“How unexpected! At this time, Prince Rui led troops north. If not for them, Wuzhou City would probably have been massacred by now!”
In the main command tent, Yue Qiong expressed great appreciation. Beside him, Yan Qi said, “Marquis, don’t forget that Yan Chi is a rebel. His arrival at Wuzhou is probably to occupy it under the pretense of defending it. Marquis shouldn’t think so well of him.”
Hearing this, the smile faded from Yue Qiong’s face. “Oh? Then does Prince Cheng suggest we should lead troops to aid Wuzhou?”
Hearing this, Yan Qi’s expression darkened, momentarily speechless. As the supervising official this time, forget about leading troops to aid Wuzhou – he wouldn’t dare even lead troops to defend the city. Otherwise, he would have already fought for military authority to gain merit. This northern campaign had taught him that warfare was far more difficult than he had imagined!
Someone below said, “Marquis, although Prince Rui’s reinforcement is good news, we still face over a hundred thousand Rong and Man troops. After this defeat, they’ll likely return to continue attacking Fengzhou. We can’t just keep defending like this, especially since the city’s supplies will eventually run out! What should we do then?”
Yan Qi snorted, “This is probably Yan Chi’s plan – drive the Rong and Man tribes back here to make us suffer!”
Yue Qiong gave a cold laugh, “Prince Cheng should speak no more of this. At this point, we can’t manage alone. Minister Ge’s reinforcements are still en route. To defend Fengzhou, I have an idea.”
Everyone looked at Yue Qiong. With the situation so dire and Fengzhou in danger, they all placed their hopes on him. As long as Yue Qiong could maintain stability, everyone could persist.
Yue Qiong pondered for a moment before saying, “We can ally with Prince Rui!”
“Impossible! Yan Chi is a treasonous rebel!”
Yan Qi slammed the table, firmly opposing!
Yue Qiong looked at the others, “What do you think?”
The other officers exchanged complicated glances, all somewhat uncertain.
“Prince Rui is indeed a rebel. Although allying with him has benefits, His Majesty wouldn’t be pleased to learn of it.”
“But if we don’t ally, how can we handle over a hundred thousand Rong and Man troops outside? Remember, our only potential allies now are the Shuoxi Army in the west and the Northern Prefecture Army in the east. Between Prince Rui and the Empress, Prince Rui shows more integrity and righteousness. This time, while the Empress stayed behind her walls, Prince Rui could have remained in the west but came so far to reinforce us. This righteousness is admirable…”
“That’s true. Whatever the decision, we support the Marquis.”
Most troops here were from Jinzhou, so naturally more people chose to follow Yue Qiong. Seeing this, Yan Qi showed displeasure but said nothing more.
Yue Qiong said, “Don’t be too quick to think it’s a bad idea. Perhaps Prince Rui has no intention of allying with us.”
Someone said, “Marquis, you are Prince Rui’s royal uncle. Why not send someone to communicate with His Highness? The reinforcements from the capital will take at least ten days to arrive, and our supplies are running low. If we delay further, we might end up having to seek Prince Rui’s help when the city falls anyway. Rather than that, why not contact him earlier?”
Yue Qiong glanced at everyone for a moment, “Very well, I’ll take this as everyone’s agreement.”
As Yan Qi was about to speak, Yue Qiong added, “If anyone disagrees, come up with a better strategy. If you can’t think of one, best keep quiet.”
With these words, Yan Qi had to swallow his dissatisfaction.
After leaving the main tent, Yan Qi’s expression soured. He was Prince Cheng! With the Crown Prince now a rebel, he should be the next Crown Prince, yet these people showed no respect for his wishes, especially Yue Qiong! Thinking of this made Yan Qi quite angry. Returning to his tent, he summoned his confidant Lu Xiao and ordered, “Send a letter to Father Emperor immediately. Tell him Yan Chi has led troops to reinforce Wuzhou, and now Yue Qiong wants to ally with him! Send it by messenger bird.”
Hearing this, Lu Xiao immediately went to prepare. Yan Qi couldn’t help but laugh coldly – this was his role as supervising official, merely serving as the Emperor’s eyes and ears. Yan Qi also thought that the Emperor was likely testing him, so naturally, he needed to demonstrate his loyalty well.
Yue Qiong, unaware of Yan Qi’s letter, continued discussing with his officers before deciding to send someone to find Yan Chi. If they could unite their forces, they would have the strength to fight the Rong and Man tribes, and their situation wouldn’t be so passive. After sending the messenger, Yue Qiong continued anxiously awaiting news from Wuzhou City.
Meanwhile, Chongzhou City was more peaceful than both Wuzhou and Fengzhou. Being the easternmost of the three and furthest from Cangzhou, it wasn’t covered by the Rong tribe in the west, and the Man tribe feared the Northern Prefecture Army. So for now, no one came to attack them. However, thirty thousand troops remained camped south of Chongzhou City, watching the Empress’s movements and preventing them from going south.
In the city government office, Zhao You’s condition hadn’t improved. Because of this, Zhao Shuhua hadn’t mentioned moving south these past few days, fearing it would worsen his condition. Meanwhile, Zhao You focused solely on persuading Zhao Shuhua to reinforce Fengzhou.
“Shu’er, while we wait here, the Rong and Man tribes will wear down Fengzhou’s defenses. Fengzhou will suffer first, but when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold. If Fengzhou falls, how can we fare any better? Cangzhou is a warning example!”
Zhao Shuhua smiled bitterly, “Father, Fengzhou is commanded by Yue Qiong and Prince Cheng. We’re now like fire and water with them – how could we possibly ally? If we send troops, we might attract the Man tribe! Then we wouldn’t be the ones watching from the sidelines.”
Zhao You shook his head while coughing, “No, Yue Qiong isn’t that kind of person. It’s precisely because of Yue Qiong that I ask this of you. I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Shu’er, let’s drive out the Rong people first. Afterward, whether you want Che’er to be Crown Prince or Emperor, I’ll support your decision. Father will support you. But now our nation faces a crisis. Even if I no longer serve Yan Huai, I’m still of Zhou. How can we ignore all under heaven for personal gain? I already feel guilty about Cangzhou’s people! Now, must I feel guilty toward even more people?”
Zhao You began coughing violently. Zhao Shuhua could only sigh, “Father makes sense. Shall I first try sending someone to contact the Marquis of Anyang?”
Hearing this, Zhao You finally relaxed. After further comforting him and personally watching him take his medicine, Zhao Shuhua left.
Cheng Wei, who had been in the tent, asked as soon as they left, “Your Majesty, are we to contact the Marquis of Anyang immediately?”
Zhao Shuhua glanced at Cheng Wei, “Father has grown old and soft-hearted. Has General Cheng also become soft-hearted?”
Hearing this, Cheng Wei suddenly understood that Zhao Shuhua had no intention of allying with Yue Qiong, and pressed his lips together, not daring to speak.
Although Zhao Shuhua didn’t send anyone to contact Yue Qiong, she constantly sent people to gather intelligence from Fengzhou and Wuzhou. Two days after Wuzhou’s victory, Zhao Shuhua received news of Yan Chi leading troops to reinforce Wuzhou.
When the report arrived, Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu were present, and they too were amazed!
Zhao Shuhua frowned and laughed coldly repeatedly, “Yan Chi, Yan Chi, truly wants to save all under heaven, but he’s underestimated the malice of that one in the capital. With him gone, how can his Shuoxi territory be protected!”
Zhao Shuhua no longer showed any restraint, criticizing the Emperor in front of Yan Che every time.
Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu had grown accustomed to this. Looking at the report, Yan Che’s expression grew solemn, “I never expected he would deploy troops.”
From Shuoxi to Wuzhou was far more distant than from Chongzhou to Fengzhou, yet while Zhao Shuhua refused to send troops, Yan Chi had come without hesitation and truly protected Wuzhou City.
Growing up, Yan Che had been deeply influenced by Zhao Shuhua while also trying to resist her influence. Many times, he had wanted to be a good emperor. A voice in his heart sighed at Yan Chi’s actions, and he even felt some admiration. The northern journey had increasingly shown him the people’s hardships. Under the armies of thousands and the threat of two hundred thousand Rong and Man troops, he felt powerless whenever he thought about it, even afraid. But Yan Chi was different – he didn’t avoid battle at all, he was so decisive and martial, truly living up to his title of War God. In Chongzhou, thinking of Yan Chi in Wuzhou City, Yan Che felt a sense of never being able to match up to him.
Though Zhao Shuhua also felt emotional inside, she laughed coldly and said, “What good is sending troops? He’s still too young, too much like his father Prince. His father’s example is right before him, yet he’s forgotten the pain once the scar has healed. Now with Shuoxi empty, the Emperor will surely seize the opportunity!”
Yan Che said, “But… but haven’t all the court’s troops come to reinforce? Where would they find troops to go west?”
Zhao Shuhua looked at Yan Che, ultimately unwilling to reveal the truth, only saying, “Before the reinforcements arrive, anything can change. Child, just watch. This time, Yan Chi will suffer greatly.”
Yan Che moved his lips, “At least Yue Qiong commands the troops. Even if Shuoxi faces a surprise attack, surely he has made arrangements.”
Zhao Shuhua shook her head with a somewhat sarcastic smile but said no more.
Yan Che hesitated for a moment before saying, “Mother Empress, are we not sending troops?”
Hearing this, Zhao Shuhua immediately fixed him with a stern gaze. Yan Che pressed his lips together and said, “I heard your conversation with Grandfather. Your son thinks Grandfather’s words make sense. With internal rebellion unresolved and external enemies arrived, if we don’t drive out the external enemies, we too will face great difficulty.”
It was rare for Yan Che to maintain his position in the face of Zhao Shuhua’s severity. Seeing this, Zhao Shuhua said, “I need to gather more intelligence from that direction before making arrangements. If it truly comes to that point, I won’t sit by and watch the barbarians grow strong. I certainly can’t reason or negotiate with barbarians.”
Hearing this, Yan Che relaxed. Leaving the front courtyard with Qin Chaoyu, he said, “Yan Chi is indeed admirable at times.”
Qin Chaoyu, however, thought, “Now that Prince Rui has reached Wuzhou, I wonder where Qin Wan is.”
At these words, Yan Che’s steps halted. His expression wavered as the image of that figure in cyan robes, buried in his heart, surfaced again.