Having harbored ambitions for the throne, Yan Chi dispatched his undercover guards southward before his departure. Though he commanded respect for defending the northern territories, imperial authority represented divine sovereignty and could not be easily overthrown. Therefore, he quietly spread rumors throughout the towns about how the Emperor had abandoned the nation’s crisis and executed loyal officials. This strategy proved effective – when Yan Chi reached Shu Prefecture, both the Military Commander and Prefecture Governor were the first to pledge allegiance, not only refraining from resistance but also offering provisions to demonstrate their loyalty.
With Shu Prefecture setting the precedent, Yan Chi’s influence spread through cities from north to south. Each subsequent location surrendered without conflict. When Yan Chi received news from Qin Wan, seven days had already passed. By then, he had passed through Li Prefecture and was approaching Ying Prefecture. Learning that Qin Wan needed two more days, Yan Chi felt dissatisfied. However, with thousands of miles between them, even if he wanted to take Qin Wan by force, it wasn’t possible. He could only wait patiently.
Calculating the days and knowing Qin Wan was now on her way, he intentionally slowed his army’s pace. As they neared Ying Prefecture, they weren’t far from the capital. They had marched south from the north in less than half a month, yet the court’s reinforcements hadn’t arrived. Yan Chi realized the Emperor never intended to send Ge Yang and others north as reinforcements. He turned this insight into another rumor that spread through the towns.
As the rumors spread and evolved into various versions, they gained momentum. Though Yan Fan had governed diligently for twenty years, the Great Zhou Dynasty’s strict taxation policies remained unchanged under his rule. Additionally, the northern refugees from Chang Prefecture and Feng Prefecture fled south, describing the Rong barbarians as demon-like monsters. The Western Army’s success in repelling these barbarians only enhanced their reputation, naturally elevating Yan Chi, their commander, to the status of a war god with overwhelming public support!
Water can carry a boat but also capsize it – when the common people support you, you’re an exalted emperor, but when you lose their hearts and someone else can take your place, they’ll support the new ruler. Yan Chi reached Ying Prefecture without losing a single soldier.
From Ying Prefecture to the capital was a three-day journey at full speed. Yan Chi didn’t rush toward the capital, instead waiting for news from the west. After two days, word came that Ge Yang and Lin Zhang’s armies had reached Ding Prefecture. Upon hearing of Yan Chi’s southern advance toward the capital, they were already returning, but their route from Ding Prefecture to Lin’an was too far to stop Yan Chi in time.
Thus, the Western Army was fully prepared and only awaiting the final opportunity. After another day, Yan Chi finally awaited Qin Wan’s arrival.
It was dusk when Yan Chi, who had received Qin Wan’s letter days ago saying she had reached Li Prefecture, expected her arrival that day. As darkness fell with no sign of her, he grew increasingly anxious. Just as he considered waiting another day, military intelligence arrived.
Though Yan Chi had reached Ying Prefecture, he hadn’t entered the city. With the Western Army’s large numbers, entering would disturb the citizenry, so he always camped outside cities. The locals, having heard of Yan Chi’s reputation as a war god and seeing his consideration for the common people, naturally respected him, gaining support from both soldiers and civilians.
When Yan Chi heard the military report, he wondered what issues could arise at this stage. Just then, Xiao Cheng strode in.
“Your Highness! Our northern scouts report several tens of thousands of troops approaching!”
Yan Chi stood up immediately. “Tens of thousands?”
Xiao Cheng nodded gravely, “Yes, they report several tens of thousands.”
Yan Chi’s brows furrowed deeply. “Let’s go see—”
Leading Xiao Cheng out of the main command tent, Yan Chi immediately ordered horses brought forth. They rode toward the camp gates, covering a mile quickly. Soon they spotted their scouts, over ten of them, returning to report. Seeing Yan Chi arrive with Xiao Cheng and his guards, they hurriedly came forward to pay respects.
Yan Chi waved dismissively, “Where are they now?”
“Your Highness! They’re almost here! Though numerous, they don’t seem hostile.”
Just then, a rumbling that shook the ground arose. Everyone’s expression changed slightly, knowing the approaching force had arrived!
Xiao Cheng asked, “Your Highness, shall we return to camp?”
Yan Chi shook his head, remaining steadfast on horseback. Soon they saw a tide of troops rushing forward. From this distance, Yan Chi couldn’t make out individual faces but noticed this army carried no banners.
Typically, banners represent a military unit’s designation. Unless it’s a small tactical force, armies always travel with battle flags.
Yan Chi could see the approaching force numbered fifty to sixty thousand. Such a large force without banners indicated they had no official designation.
But at this time, how could there be so many unauthorized troops?
Just as he pondered this, Yan Chi’s eyes narrowed. He recognized their leader – though distant, he immediately knew it was Qin Wan.
A flash of shock passed through his heart as Yan Chi couldn’t help but ride forth to meet them. After covering the distance of a bowshot, he could see the approaching people more clearly. The person leading on horseback – who else could it be but Qin Wan?! Joy welled up in Yan Chi’s heart when suddenly he noticed the person beside Qin Wan was Cheng Wei!
His dark pupils contracted as a glimmer of understanding crossed Yan Chi’s mind. Though he hadn’t pieced together all the details, he seemed to understand what had happened!
With this realization, Yan Chi immediately spurred his horse forward.
In the distance, seeing Yan Chi coming to meet them, a smile finally appeared on Qin Wan’s face, weary from days of travel.