Four or five days passed quickly, and the situation wasn’t as terrible as Hua Zhuyu had imagined. Perhaps Da Qi had indeed restrained his subordinates—no one had come looking for her these past few days.
There were no Northern Dynasty soldiers guarding outside the red tents, and she could move about freely. Hua Zhuyu had originally thought Xiao Yin would post guards around the red tents to prevent her escape. It seemed Xiao Yin hadn’t taken her to heart at all—perhaps he had already forgotten the political marriage princess he’d thrown into the red tent. Being forgotten was good, yet also ominous. This indicated Xiao Yin’s determination to wage war against the Southern Dynasty was absolute.
This day, Hua Zhuyu walked around the entire camp and discovered this encampment was located beneath a high ridge. Judging by the camp’s scale, Xiao Yin had brought approximately twenty thousand troops this time. This meant when Xiao Yin came to meet Prince Xian, he had already been prepared for trouble. It seemed this Xiao Yin wasn’t a reckless person without strategy.
Soon Hua Zhuyu reached the rear of the camp. Looking into the distance, the wilderness stretched endlessly without any cover. Such an environment was extremely unfavorable for escape. Although there were no guard soldiers around the red tents, patrol soldiers moved through the camp in waves—escaping this connected encampment wouldn’t be easy. However, Hua Zhuyu’s desire to escape was very strong.
She didn’t know the situation on the Southern Dynasty’s side, but she guessed they certainly believed her dead, and the old emperor was probably mobilizing troops. Calculating the days, if Father brought troops from the western frontier, it would take about ten days. Since Xiao Yin was determined to fight, she had to successfully escape before the battle. Otherwise, her situation would certainly be perilous.
After wandering around the camp’s rear area, Hua Zhuyu immediately attracted suspicious looks from patrolling soldiers.
“Hey, you can’t go any further, or we’ll have to shoot arrows,” one soldier called loudly.
Hua Zhuyu hurriedly lowered her head. Today she had come out fearing people would see her true appearance, so she had smeared her face with rouge Zhu Xiang had given her—red and white patches that suited her identity as a military prostitute. She smiled sweetly and said: “This military gentleman, this little woman felt stifled in the tent, so came out for a walk.”
“Probably came out to drum up business, hahaha… But you’re quite attractive. What’s your name? This gentleman will take care of you when I’m free,” another soldier said loudly.
Hua Zhuyu endured their mockery, looked up at the high, distant clouds in the sky, and laughed softly: “This little woman is called… Liu Yun.”
A drifting cloud—let them search for that!
Returning to the red tent, she saw Zhu Xiang sitting on the bed counting silver coins. Seeing Hua Zhuyu enter, she counted out a few silver pieces and handed them to her.
“Princess, you haven’t had any clients, so these few pieces of silver are Zhu Xiang’s small gesture. Here are also two garments I newly made that I haven’t worn—take them,” Zhu Xiang was quite warm-hearted.
Hua Zhuyu smiled and accepted them. If she escaped, she couldn’t do without money. Although the Southern Dynasty’s political marriage was a charade, they had given her a rich dowry—silk and brocade clothing filled two carts, but it was all with Xiao Yin, and she couldn’t even wear proper clothes. The garment she wore had been washed when dirty and patched when torn—it was no longer fit to wear. She would remember Zhu Xiang’s kindness.
After two more days, Hua Zhuyu had thoroughly familiarized herself with the terrain of this connected camp and learned the location of the stables.
This day, from Northern Dynasty soldiers who came to see Zhu Xiang, Hua Zhuyu learned that Xiao Yin would take his personal guards out tonight.
If not tonight, when else?
A crescent moon hung in the sky, emitting cold light.
Hua Zhuyu applied cosmetics and dressed as a military prostitute before leaving the red tent. If discovered by patrolling soldiers, she could claim she was going to serve someone. From Zhu Xiang, she knew some generals wouldn’t come to the military prostitutes’ red tents but would summon them to their own quarters.
Although Hua Zhuyu currently had no internal energy, her agility remained. Avoiding two groups of patrolling soldiers, she reached the stables.
Hua Zhuyu’s clear eyes swept around and settled on a black horse. This horse was entirely black—riding it at night wouldn’t be conspicuous. Moreover, based on Hua Zhuyu’s experience, she could tell at a glance this was a rare fine steed. She had her own methods for identifying good horses.
Focused only on escape, she forgot one thing—such fine steeds usually recognize only their masters. So when Hua Zhuyu led the black horse from the stable and was about to mount, the horse suddenly kicked backward at her. Fortunately, Hua Zhuyu reacted quickly, rolling on the ground to dodge the horse’s kick.
She squinted and smiled coldly. Good! When a person falls on hard times, even horses come to bully her. She leaped up from the ground, about to tame this horse, when she suddenly heard voices approaching.
Hua Zhuyu’s heart grew cold. If discovered at the stables, others wouldn’t believe she was a military prostitute going to serve someone—they would probably tie her up immediately. Squinting, she quickly surveyed the stables and saw two horse carts beside them with several wooden barrels emitting wine fragrance.
Hua Zhuyu opened one barrel’s lid and found it empty. Heaven was helping her! She immediately climbed into the barrel and replaced the lid. She would wait for the two people to leave before emerging. However, contrary to her hopes, the two actually approached the carts. One said roughly: “This wine truly smells good!”
“Shh, don’t talk nonsense. If His Highness discovers we’ve been tasting this wine, we’ll lose our heads!” the other warned quietly.
Hidden in the wine barrel, Hua Zhuyu suddenly felt the barrel shake as she began moving with it. Her luck was truly terrible—these two had actually lifted the barrel she was hiding in.
But where were they taking it?
The barrel had originally contained good wine, still fragrant with its thick aroma—much more fragrant than that mare’s milk wine. Thinking of mare’s milk wine reminded Hua Zhuyu of being forcibly given wine by Xiao Yin, making her quite unhappy.
The two carriers talked as they walked.
From their conversation, Hua Zhuyu learned this wine had come with the supply convoy from the Northern Dynasty capital. Her heart sank—Xiao Yin had even prepared provisions, so this battle was indeed inevitable.
How could she escape? But the immediate priority was getting out of this wine barrel. From their conversation, they planned to carry the barrels to a storage tent. Hua Zhuyu curled up, not daring to move, thinking she could only escape after they set down this barrel and returned for others.
Indeed, soon the barrel shook as if placed on the ground.
Hua Zhuyu waited for the two to leave before emerging, but heard more footsteps approaching. Someone asked: “Is this the fine wine just delivered tonight?”
This person’s voice carried a trace of familiarity, as if she’d heard it before.
The two carriers hurriedly replied: “Reporting to General Zuo Wei, this wine was just delivered tonight. It’s newly brewed from the imperial wine workshop, called ‘Drunk in Flower Garden.'”
“Good. You two, carry the wine and follow me,” that person continued.
Hua Zhuyu immediately felt trouble—the barrel shook again as she was lifted once more. This time the two carriers didn’t dare speak. In the quiet night, only the extremely orderly footsteps of soldiers behind could be heard.
Suddenly, the two carriers whispered: “Oh no, we drank one barrel on the road. Did you throw away that empty barrel?”
“I forgot to throw it away, but this barrel definitely isn’t it, or how could it be so heavy!” the other said.
“Don’t you think it’s too heavy?” the first seemed to suddenly realize, saying quietly.
Hua Zhuyu thought: You’re just noticing now?! She heard that familiar voice shout: “What are you two muttering about? Hurry up and carry it inside.”
“Yes!” both replied together.
Hua Zhuyu felt the barrel shake again—obviously placed down once more. The orderly footsteps grew distant, apparently retreating. She listened quietly to the outside movements. Dead silence—seemingly no one present, or with her hearing, she would definitely detect movement.
Hua Zhuyu quietly reached up, lifting the barrel lid slightly to peek outside.
This was a large tent, several times bigger than her red tent, with extremely luxurious furnishings. Thick carpets covered the ground, with a brazier in the center burning brightly, making the tent warm as spring. On a brown-red table sat a bronze incense burner carved with lifelike flying dragons, dragon mouths gently exhaling wisps of light smoke that filled the tent with heart-refreshing fragrance.
Flying dragons!
Whether Southern or Northern Dynasty, only emperors or crown princes could use dragon-decorated items. This tent apparently belonged to Xiao Yin. When a person falls on hard times, does even luck turn bad? How did she end up carried to his tent?
Fortunately, no one was inside. Just as she was about to emerge from the barrel, complex footsteps approached. She hurriedly replaced the lid, holding her breath. The footsteps had entered—from the sound, several people, though none spoke. The tent’s atmosphere was extremely oppressive.
“Zhang Xi, bring out the terrain map,” came an indifferent voice clearly mixed with coldness, like this northern night wind, making listeners feel chilled.
Xiao Yin—he’d returned so quickly!
“Yes, Your Highness!” came that slightly familiar voice.
Hua Zhuyu finally remembered why the voice seemed familiar. No wonder—this Zhang Xi, she’d had an encounter with him. Rustling sounds indicated the terrain map was spread out, followed by silence again.
“Your Highness, is Marquis Pingxi Hua Mu really so difficult to deal with?” a loud, rough voice asked.
This voice was also familiar—it was Da Qi who’d come to the red tent that night.
“Hua Mu is indeed difficult, but he currently lacks a capable general, considerably weakening his strength. This way, we might have a chance of victory!” Xiao Yin said lightly.
“Your Highness, who do you mean?” Da Qi asked.
“His Highness refers to the young general Silver-Faced Asura Ying Shuxie in Hua Mu’s army. He commands a unit called ‘Sha Polang’—an orphan army that fights fiercely. He also has four personal guards whose names reportedly contain the characters ‘Ping,’ ‘An,’ ‘Kang,’ and ‘Tai,’ but if enemy forces encounter them, they’ll never have peace or prosperity,” came another unfamiliar voice.
Hua Zhuyu hadn’t expected this person to know so much about Ying Shuxie.
“Is that Silver-Faced Asura very formidable? Let me, Da Qi, deal with him!” Da Qi said roughly.
“You’ll probably never have that chance! He already fell to Zhang Xi and died. But Zhang Xi, I truly doubt—did you really kill him?” that person asked suspiciously.
“Hmph, can’t even beat Zhang Xi—what kind of Silver-Faced Asura is that?” Da Qi sneered coldly.
“He was indeed formidable—I was just lucky to defeat him!” Zhang Xi said quietly. Even now, he still didn’t quite believe he’d killed that white-robed young general.
“Though he’s gone, his unit Sha Polang remains the vanguard force in Hua Mu’s army—still difficult to handle,” Xiao Yin said gravely, then suddenly changed topics: “What is that?”
“It’s fine wine just delivered, reportedly newly brewed by the imperial wine workshop. So this subordinate had it brought for Your Highness to try. Would Your Highness like to taste it? It’s said to be extremely delicious,” Zhang Xi’s voice drifted over, followed by footsteps approaching Hua Zhuyu.
Hua Zhuyu sighed inwardly—truly terrible, probably couldn’t hide anymore. This Xiao Yin—studying terrain maps was fine, but why drink fine wine? Suddenly light flooded in as the barrel lid was removed.
“Oh! Who are you?” The servant who opened the lid was quick-witted, pushing with her hand. Before Hua Zhuyu could stand up from the barrel, it toppled over and she rolled out. Several sword-drawing sounds followed as bright blades pressed against her neck.
“Indeed fine wine!” Xiao Yin’s voice came coldly from behind, carrying stern killing intent.
Hua Zhuyu was quite disheveled.
The garment Zhu Xiang had given her slipped from her shoulder in the tumble, exposing half a pale shoulder. This garment was indeed meant for women of pleasure—the neckline was too low. Her black hair cascaded down, spreading messily across the carpet with water-like luster. Probably intoxicated by wine vapors, she currently radiated extremely languid charm.
Though disheveled, she was quite bewitching.
“Bring her over!” Xiao Yin said coldly.
Hua Zhuyu was pressed forward by Zhang Xi and Da Qi, kneeling before Xiao Yin. She didn’t resist—she knew resistance would mark her as an assassin, and currently she couldn’t match them.
“Speak! Who sent you to assassinate His Highness? If you don’t speak, I’ll cut you down!” Da Qi shouted loudly, his large blade pressed straight against Hua Zhuyu’s back.
“Da Qi, stand down!” Xiao Yin said lightly, his calm voice betraying no emotion.
Hearing this, Da Qi hurriedly withdrew his blade.
“Raise your head!” Xiao Yin’s voice came from above, deep and cold.
Hua Zhuyu stared at the fluffy carpet below, her heart somewhat chaotic. Tonight’s situation was truly unexpected. Would she be recognized?
Xiao Yin, Zhang Xi, and Da Qi had all seen her before, but fortunately, none had seen her true appearance.
A few days ago, her face had been black and red—even she couldn’t recognize herself. Tonight, she had deliberately disguised herself. Thinking this, Hua Zhuyu slowly raised her head, her bright eyes quietly gazing at this man who controlled her life and death.
Xiao Yin in loose robes leaned lazily in his chair, his deep purple pupils emitting alluring light in the candlelight, though his eyes couldn’t hide their forest-like coldness.
He looked at her!
Such depth and coldness made one feel as if walking on thin ice.
Such arrogance and nobility made one feel overwhelming pressure.
“An assassin?” Xiao Yin extended his slender fingers, lightly tapping on the table beside him, asking casually.
“No!” Hua Zhuyu said softly, her voice low but tone firm.
Xiao Yin narrowed his eyes with an ambiguous smile, his sharp gaze sliding from Hua Zhuyu’s pale shoulder to her slender neck and faintly visible delicate collarbone, asking lazily: “A military prostitute?”
Your mother is the military prostitute!
Hua Zhuyu cursed inwardly, but her face bloomed with a soul-stirring smile at the right moment as she replied coquettishly: “Yes!”
Under Xiao Yin’s burning gaze, Hua Zhuyu felt her face grow hot. Fortunately, the rouge on her face was thick enough that others couldn’t tell. She instinctively raised her hand to cover her clothing, but stopped midway. Given her identity, such an action would undoubtedly arouse suspicion.
Hua Zhuyu slowly lowered her hand. Gritting her silver teeth, she thought: Xiao Yin, you’d better pray to heaven that you never fall into my hands. Otherwise, I’ll definitely sell you to Nian Nujiao in Liang Zhou—that place specializes in male prostitutes. With your looks, you’d definitely be very popular there.
“Oh, I must admit your little tricks have indeed aroused this crown prince’s interest. However, this crown prince never touches prostitutes, especially ones like you. In the future, don’t waste such scheming.” His profound gaze swept over her face. “But tonight this crown prince is somewhat interested. I wonder what skills you have—this crown prince would like to appreciate them!”
Have her perform for him?!
She should actually be grateful he said this. After all, he hadn’t recognized her and only took her for a military prostitute trying to seduce him. Though performing for him was unwilling, it was necessary.
If she said she couldn’t, who would believe she was a military prostitute?
However, she wasn’t without skills—not only did she have them, but she was very accomplished.
For some reason, Father seemed to want her to learn all the world’s finest arts. At age eight, he sent her to Xiangfu Mountain, specially hiring masters to teach her various skills. Her dancing, qin playing, and singing were taught by Madam Xuan.
Years ago, Madam Xuan had been a courtesan in a pleasure house—her qin music was worth a thousand gold pieces. Later, for unknown reasons, Madam Xuan withdrew from the world to live as a hermit in the mountains. Father brought her specifically to Madam Xuan’s hermitage to apprentice under her. Madam Xuan was extremely strict with her—if she was lazy, punishment came without mercy. Therefore, she studied very diligently.
She thought she learned quite well. Dan Hong’s qin skills, after her guidance, were now also sought after.
However, though she had learned these arts, she hadn’t had opportunities to display her talents over the years. Her qin was only played for herself; her dances only performed for herself. She had never imagined her first performance would be as a military prostitute, with the audience being the very culprit who made her a military prostitute—Xiao Yin.
She thought Xiao Yin’s military camp surely wouldn’t have a qin. So she smiled: “Your Highness, this slave has no other skills—only qin playing might be pleasing to the ear.” Let’s see where Xiao Yin could conjure a qin from.
“Qin playing?” Xiao Yin’s narrow pupils flashed, sparkling like purple crystal in the candlelight. “Liu Feng, fetch this crown prince’s—Rao Liang.”
A black-clothed guard withdrew at these words, returning shortly with a precious qin placed before Hua Zhuyu. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yin actually had a qin, and a famous ancient qin at that.
Just looking at the qin’s material showed its age. The black lacquered surface had lost all luster, appearing very old. The qin surface was covered with flowing water patterns, looking quite worn. But this seemingly unremarkable qin was “Rao Liang”—a famous qin Madam Xuan often mentioned.
Hua Zhuyu tested the strings with her finger. The tone of a famous qin was indeed different—not only clear and moist but with lingering resonance. She lovingly caressed the qin surface, having to admit she was attracted to this Rao Liang.
“Do you actually know how to play qin? This is our Highness’s hard-won treasure. Everyone says qin music sounds good, but I’ve never heard it. Hurry up and play so we can all see what it’s like,” Da Qi shouted from the side.
Hua Zhuyu looked up with a charming smile: “If that’s the case, this slave will begin playing. What piece would Your Highness like to hear?” She extended her slender jade fingers, placing them on the strings.
How could these Northern Dynasty people understand the subtleties of qin music? “Play whatever you like, as long as it’s not lewd or vulgar music!” Xiao Yin said in a deep voice, his long lashes lowering to hide the ice-purple in his eyes. He seemed to suddenly relax, extending his hand to support his sharply defined chin. A strand of long hair naturally fell before his face, making him appear as leisurely as a relaxed leopard.
This man truly had perfect control over the coldness and dominance he possessed.
“Then this slave will play ‘Zhuan Ying Qu’ (Turning Response Song).” Having spoken, Hua Zhuyu’s white hands reached out, lightly touching the strings.
As the strings moved, the sound rang out clearly. In an instant, resonant qin music filled the tent.
Xiao Yin’s purple eyes narrowed slightly, unconsciously lowering the hand supporting his chin. He looked up at the woman before him, feeling as if she had instantly become a different person the moment her hands touched the strings.
Slender jade fingers plucked the strings, and clear, beautiful music flowed from beneath her fingers.
This qin had been obtained by chance by his subordinates and presented to him—reportedly a famous qin from the Southern Dynasty. He could see the qin was indeed different, but couldn’t discern what made it special. He had once lightly plucked it himself, feeling each string produced similar sounds, not as pleasant as their Northern Dynasty’s hu qin music. But now, his opinion completely changed. He hadn’t expected this military prostitute to actually know how to play qin.
Amid the resonant qin music, Hua Zhuyu closed her eyes. Before her appeared the humiliation of her wedding night, the crimson moonlight atop Lianyun Mountain, Jinse’s miserable screams, the wine breath from Da Qi’s mouth… She suddenly swept her long sleeves, her entire being seeming possessed, and the qin music also seemed possessed, no longer the gentle and peaceful “Zhuan Ying Qu.”
The qin music, amid chaos, contained traces of sternness and vicissitude. Mournful and melodious like scattered red petals following waves, surging and passionate like ten thousand galloping horses.
Xiao Yin’s purple eyes stared fixedly at Hua Zhuyu’s hands, somewhat incredulous. He felt this piece was indescribably beautiful, yet it also made him feel inexplicable trembling and sadness.
Zhang Xi, impacted by the qin music, couldn’t help but have his facial muscles tremble, sweat appearing on his forehead. He recalled the qin piece before Niangzi Pass—he had found it pleasant then, but compared to this piece, it was far inferior. The music this woman played seemed to have a soul.
The melody gradually intensified, suddenly soaring like wild geese flying straight into clouds, then suddenly falling, shattered to pieces. The rise and fall of the musical notes created extreme contrasts, like fate—unpredictable. With a sharp “snap,” a qin string actually broke, catching everyone off guard.
Hua Zhuyu’s mind went blank for an instant.
The qin string ultimately couldn’t bear the extreme contrasts in musical notes, but she would never yield—no matter how great the storms, she would certainly endure them. Blood dripped from her jade-green fingers, yet she felt no pain at all.
“What piece is this? It’s terribly unpleasant! And you broke His Highness’s qin—what crime is that?” Da Qi shouted.
Hua Zhuyu awakened from her daze, smiling quietly. Indeed, she had once again acted like Gong Mingyi. No matter how well she played, they couldn’t appreciate it. However, she had broken a qin string—what could be done? Why did she lose composure whenever she touched a qin? To her surprise, Xiao Yin wasn’t angry, looking at Hua Zhuyu with interest and asking: “What is your name?”
Hua Zhuyu felt a chill rise up her spine as she replied melodiously: “Liu Yun.”
“Liu Yun, from tonight, you need no longer be a military prostitute—become this crown prince’s exclusive qin courtesan. Go then. Hui Xue, take her away.” He waved to instruct a maidservant standing to one side.
“Thank Your Highness!” Hua Zhuyu bowed in gratitude.
Regardless, tonight had ended without major incident. Whether Xiao Yin’s unexpected mercy was good or bad remained unclear. Being a qin courtesan still couldn’t escape the word “courtesan”!
Hua Zhuyu was led by the maidservant to a red tent—a single-occupancy small tent that should belong to a high-class military prostitute.
The maidservant said coldly to Hua Zhuyu: “You’ll live here from now on, waiting for His Highness’s summons at any time. Daily necessities are all provided here. If you need anything, come find me. I’m called Hui Xue. Remember, next time you play qin, be more careful. His Highness showed mercy this time, but that doesn’t mean he’ll show mercy next time.”
Hua Zhuyu nodded in agreement. This night, she finally slept well, no longer worrying about someone knocking on her door to harass her in the middle of the night.
Early the next morning, the army broke camp and marched south—apparently Xiao Yin and his generals had already discussed strategy the previous night, planning to battle the Southern Dynasty.
At dusk, the army had advanced to the Northern Dynasty border. Xiao Yin ordered soldiers to make camp and rest briefly. He summoned his subordinates to the commander’s tent to discuss military strategy.
Hua Zhuyu stood in the camp looking into the distance, seeing the thirty-thousand-man military camp arranged in orderly fashion—a magnificent sight. After marching for a day, the soldiers showed no fatigue or complaints, only the orderly footsteps of patrolling soldiers could be heard. She suddenly realized that all along, she, Father, and even the entire Southern Dynasty had underestimated the Northern Dynasty.
The Northern Dynasty had been established for less than a century, previously just a nomadic tribe in the northern frontier. As the tribe’s power continuously grew, it gradually absorbed other weak peoples and nations. By the generation of Xiao Yin’s father Emperor Xiao Chong, unified imperial power and statehood were finally established. The Xiao family originally didn’t bear the surname Xiao but Huhanye. After establishing imperial power, Xiao Yin’s father changed to the Han surname Xiao and ordered his people to uniformly study Han culture, learn Han language, and permitted intermarriage with Southern Dynasty border peoples.
Xiao Yin possessed the Southern Dynasty’s famous qin “Rao Liang.” His personal guards were respectively named: Liu Feng, Hui Xue, Qing Yun, Bi Yue. Clearly, Xiao Yin had learned Southern Dynasty culture quite thoroughly.
The Southern and Northern Dynasties had coexisted peacefully for nearly thirty-five years.
Though the Northern Dynasty’s cavalry was fierce, their numbers were too few and provisions insufficient. The Northern Dynasty had also learned Southern Dynasty farming techniques but hadn’t popularized them—most still lived nomadically.
In everyone’s view, the Northern Dynasty couldn’t contend with the Southern Dynasty’s numerous troops and generals. However, today Hua Zhuyu witnessed the Northern army’s strength, or rather Xiao Yin’s strength in commanding troops. His thirty thousand soldiers could absolutely fight two-to-one, matching sixty thousand Southern Dynasty troops.
That night, Xiao Yin led his forces in an unstoppable assault, capturing the Southern Dynasty’s Mo City. The next day, Hua Mu led fifty thousand elite troops to the Southern Dynasty border’s Xiangyu Pass, joining forces with General Ma Lan’s ten thousand troops originally stationed there, confronting Xiao Yin’s thirty thousand troops.
Banners blocked the sun, horns pierced the sky.
No matter how dazzling or bright the sunlight, it couldn’t dispel the heavy atmosphere of slaughter in the air. No matter how swift the wind shuttling between the two armies, it couldn’t blow away the clouds of war.
Looking down from the city tower, Hua Zhuyu saw densely packed heads wearing iron helmets and countless gleaming weapons.
At the front of the Northern Dynasty forces, Xiao Yin sat upright on his horse in cold black iron armor that made his entire person appear even more chilling. A purple cloak embroidered with golden dragons flew freely in the air. On his shoulder perched a sea eagle with black feathers and white talons.
The sea eagle was reportedly the “king of eagles”—legend said only one sea eagle emerged from one hundred thousand eagles. It was the Northern Dynasty’s totem. Hua Zhuyu had thought this bird was legendary, never expecting it to actually exist.
Facing Xiao Yin, Southern Dynasty banners also fluttered in the wind, with large “Hua” characters embroidered in black thread. Below the banner stood Marquis Pingxi Hua Mu.
The horn sounds stopped at some unknown time. The battlefield where tens of thousands faced each other was as silent as a cemetery.
War seemed about to erupt at any moment. And the reason for this battle was actually her—Hua Zhuyu.
They said beautiful women brought disaster. In history, two rulers had warred over one woman. Though she was the reason for this battle, it wasn’t to compete for her.
The Southern Dynasty had abandoned her, while the Northern Dynasty simply disdained to want her.
This war actually had nothing to do with her—it was merely to satisfy those in power’s ambitions. Yet they used her as an excuse, making her an eternal sinner in people’s mouths. She very much wanted to rush over and stop this battle, but she knew clearly that even if she said she was the marriage princess who hadn’t died, this battle still couldn’t be avoided.
The Northern Dynasty had already taken the lead in capturing the Southern Dynasty’s Mo City, killing countless Southern Dynasty soldiers. This battle was like an arrow on the bowstring—it had to be released.
She stood on Mo City’s tower, her clear gaze passing over the Northern Dynasty army to focus on Father. Originally, Father had led troops north intending to pressure the Northern Dynasty into submission, but unexpectedly this had evolved into a defensive battle to reclaim the Southern Dynasty’s lost territory of Mo City.
The distance was somewhat far—she couldn’t clearly see Father’s expression, but his figure on horseback seemed somewhat hunched. These days, she wondered how Father had endured. Though he was foolishly loyal to the Southern Dynasty, he wasn’t reckless. Emperor Yan’s fickleness must have caused him great pain.
This time, Father’s fury would probably be vented on the Northern Dynasty people. He must think the marriage convoy’s ambush was the Northern Dynasty’s doing. Even if it wasn’t the Northern Dynasty’s doing, their failure to protect her was still a dereliction of duty.
Indeed, someone in the Southern Dynasty army first shouted: “Avenge the young miss!” Immediately, successive shouts arose, even louder than the previous horn sounds.
Hua Zhuyu closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling. Opening them again, her water-clear eyes flashed with sharpness. Emperor Yan—his scheme had indeed succeeded. Her death had aroused not only Father’s fury but more importantly, the Southern Dynasty soldiers’ righteous indignation.
“Xiao Yin, my daughter met misfortune in the Northern Dynasty. This time, this marquis would like to learn from Your Highness,” Marquis Pingxi Hua Mu said coldly from horseback.
“My Lord, let this subordinate handle it. Miss’s revenge, along with Young General Ying’s revenge—this subordinate will settle both accounts together.” A war horse galloped out from the Southern Dynasty army. The rider wore black iron armor and wielded a long curved blade. He was quite young, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, extremely handsome. However, his brow carried traces of suppressed anger that seemed long unresolved.
He swept his curved blade horizontally, striking at Xiao Yin with one blow.
It was Kang!
Hua Zhuyu’s sharp gaze swept over the Hua family army, seeing familiar faces one by one. They had all come. How could she tell them she was still alive, right here in the enemy camp? This time, she absolutely had to leave the Northern Dynasty, leave Xiao Yin.
Zhang Xi spurred his horse forward to meet Kang’s long blade for Xiao Yin, sneering: “You’re not worthy of fighting our Highness. I, Zhang Xi, will face you.”
Kang had always been somewhat hot-tempered. Hearing his opponent was Zhang Xi, his eyes immediately widened as he fought with Zhang Xi. The blade strikes he delivered were both vicious and fierce.
For a moment, the two armies engaged in close combat amid sounds of slaughter.
Blood, blade shadows, sword light, roars, horn sounds…
This was war. Cruel, tragic, heroic… too horrible to witness.
However, just then, a figure appeared in Hua Zhuyu’s line of sight. That figure stood on high ground to the side of the two confronting armies. His appearance was like someone gently adding a stroke of spring to a heavily colored, somber painting, adding a trace of lightness. Like a wisp of ethereal wind suddenly stirring on a hot, stifling summer day, adding a trace of coolness.
That was a young gentleman, a young gentleman in white robes.
The distance was somewhat far—Hua Zhuyu couldn’t clearly see his features. She noticed him because of his clothing.
Whether Northern Dynasty or Southern Dynasty soldiers, all wore armor on the battlefield—heavy and cold. But this person wore flowing white robes. When the wilderness wind blew, his robes flew like unfolding white clouds. Sunlight enveloped him in misty radiance, making him appear real yet illusory, dreamlike.
His entire being looked so incompatible with the slaughtering battlefield, yet seemed naturally meant to stand there, overlooking all this turmoil.
“That person—is he the Southern Dynasty’s military supervisor?” a soldier on the tower said.
“That’s right, he’s the Southern Dynasty’s military supervisor!” another soldier replied.
Military supervisor?
Indeed, the old emperor no longer trusted Father, actually sending a military supervisor.
But who was this military supervisor?