In the royal court, Bami’er hadn’t received Yuan Jue’s letter and asked Bisuo, “Is there anything unusual from Gaochang?”

Bisuo looked bewildered. “Why do you ask?”

“Every two days, a letter arrives from Gaochang. It’s been two days now, with no letter.”

Bisuo’s expression darkened. Just as he was about to inquire further, a royal guard came running through the corridor: “Urgent military intelligence from Sha City!”

“Gaochang is surrounded by Northern Rong troops!”

Bisuo turned pale with shock.

Bami’er didn’t dare delay and delivered the war report to the stone cave.

Tanmoluojia sat at his desk, looked up, and asked, “How many?”

The guard replied, “About ten thousand men! Led by Haidu Aling!”

Tanmoluojia’s brows furrowed slightly as he put away his Buddhist prayer beads, his expression grave.

Bisuo hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, I am willing to lead troops to rescue Gaochang.”

Tanmoluojia neither approved nor rejected the proposal. He ordered the guard to bring a map, then drew several lines on the parchment with a brush and asked the guard, “Is the military intelligence confirmed without error?”

The guard answered, “Reporting to Your Majesty, this is the battle report sent by the commander of Sha City!”

Tanmoluojia frowned, “Haidu Aling was blocked outside White City. He can’t appear outside Gaochang City with ten thousand troops.”

Bisuo also found it puzzling: “He could disguise himself as a herder to slip through checkpoints… but his troops couldn’t possibly do the same. So where did those ten thousand troops outside Gaochang come from?”

Tanmoluojia pondered for a moment, put down his brush, and said, “Bring me the battle report that Mopiduo sent back.”

Bisuo quickly retrieved the report and handed it to him.

Tanmoluojia compared the report with the map. His fingers trembled slightly as he crumpled the parchment.

Bisuo asked anxiously, “Your Majesty?”

Tanmoluojia set down the map.

All the remaining Northern Rong forces had now turned and were rushing toward Gaochang.

Haidu Aling had more than ten thousand troops. In the coming days, the scattered and leaderless Northern Rong rebels from various regions would frantically charge toward Gaochang.

She was in Gaochang.

Going to Gaochang to save her would mean falling into Haidu Aling’s trap.

Not going would put Gaochang in grave danger.

With a soft “plop,” the Buddhist prayer beads he had tucked in his sleeve slipped out and fell to the ground.

Tanmoluojia bent down to pick up the prayer beads, his chest tightening.

…

The sky grew dark, strong winds howled, and shadows danced in the moonlight.

Ten thousand Northern Rong troops were stationed outside Gaochang City. Looking from afar, the campfires flickering in their camps resembled countless brilliant stars, like a resplendent Milky Way.

Gaochang City appeared as small as a weak firefly, trembling before the overwhelming starlight that covered the sky.

Damo stood on the city wall, gazing at the dense campfires in the distance. Remembering the overwhelming momentum of the Northern Rong army during their last siege, he couldn’t help but feel afraid.

It was after that Northern Rong siege that he lost his wife and his courage to resist, spending his days drowning in wine and pleasure, becoming a puppet.

Now, facing the murderous Northern Rong cavalry again, he still couldn’t help being afraid.

In the flickering firelight, Yaoying walked to his side in the moonlight, wearing a narrow-sleeved brocade robe and silver armor, her long hair wrapped in a headscarf. She asked, “Any news from Yang Qian?”

Damo came to his senses and shook his head: “No, the Northern Rong army just stopped and made camp, showing no movement.”

Yaoying frowned slightly and asked the guard commander beside her, “How many fighting men do we have in total, including the Western Region troops and all civilians capable of combat?”

The commander thought for a moment and answered, “Only five thousand able-bodied men.”

Damo’s expression changed slightly as he looked at Yaoying: “What does the Princess mean by this? To have all civilians man the city walls?”

It hadn’t yet reached the point where unarmed civilians needed to defend the city walls.

Yaoying gazed at the Northern Rong camp, her face showing concern: “Elder Brother, this Northern Rong cavalry appeared suddenly, not rushing to attack but camping outside the city. This siege isn’t for a surprise attack, nor plundering supplies… whatever they’re planning, we must prepare early.”

Damo was also pondering this question: “What do they want? Why attack Gaochang?”

The Wakhan Khan was dead, and the Northern Rong’s disintegration was inevitable. In the current situation, from any perspective, Yi Prefecture was the city the Northern Rong should be defending. If they held Yi Prefecture, they would still have a chance to make a comeback, which was why the Western Army’s next target was to recapture Yi Prefecture.

For this reason, Li Zhongqian had mustered troops and headed straight for Yi Prefecture a few days ago, and wasn’t in the city now.

Why would the Northern Rong abandon Yi Prefecture, neither trying to flee west, but instead gathering forces to attack Gaochang?

Haidu Aling’s military banner had appeared among the Northern Rong cavalry. These past two days they only challenged the city without attacking. Some in the army whispered that he led the attack on Gaochang to capture Princess Wenzhao—rumors had begun to spread, and Damo was deeply worried. At such a critical moment, rumors would cause the panicked citizens to take desperate measures.

Yaoying placed her hand on the battlement and said softly, “Some say Haidu Aling came to attack Gaochang for me, that if I surrender myself, the Northern Rong will withdraw. Elder Brother, do you think this is credible?”

Damo stared at her for a long while before his lips curled: “Haidu Aling is ruthless. If I handed over the Princess, he would lead his army to massacre the city right after. He deliberately spread such rumors to manipulate people’s hearts, to make us suspicious of each other. I won’t fall for it.”

Yaoying nodded: “You and I see this clearly, but as long as people spread rumors in the city, civilians will deeply believe his words. When the time comes, if Northern Rong cavalry concentrates forces to attack the city gates a few times, chaos will surely break out in the city… If civilians force me to leave the city, creating a rift between the Western Army and the people, it will be extremely difficult for Western Region troops to recapture lost territory in the future, and the Northern Rong can take the opportunity to win over those prefectures still watching and waiting… If I don’t leave the city, the noble families will resent me…”

“Whether I leave or not, it will affect morale.”

Damo felt chills down his spine. Haidu Aling hadn’t even launched an attack yet, only making a show of siege and spreading rumors, but had already stirred up public opinion, putting the Western Army in a difficult position.

Yaoying calmly said, “If tomorrow the Northern Rong continues to challenge us without attacking, it shows they won’t easily withdraw from this siege. They want to wear us down and wait for chaos to break out in the city.”

Damo’s scalp tingled: “Princess, I’ll give orders right away that from tomorrow, anyone who dares spread rumors will be severely punished!”

Yaoying wasn’t alarmed at all: “I understand how people’s hearts work. The rumors have already spread; tomorrow will be too late. I’ve already sent people to gather the respected village elders. When rumors first emerge, we must find ways to suppress them. The longer they spread, the harder they become to explain away.”

She couldn’t show any sign of timidity. From the very beginning of the defense, she had to stabilize people’s hearts.

A guard came to report that people were almost all gathered, though a few clan elders were deliberately dragging their feet and hadn’t set out yet.

The two exchanged glances and descended from the city wall to the council hall. Inside, torchlight flickered and heads crowded together. Everyone wore anxious expressions with furrowed brows. Seeing the two enter, they immediately swarmed forward.

“Princess, the Northern Rong come with great force. General Yang has led troops to Yanqi. Can we few defend the city?”

“What demands has Haidu Aling made? Will they withdraw?”

“There are ten thousand Northern Rong outside the city! How can we possibly defend it!”

A chorus of terrified questions rang out.

Yaoying walked to the long table and looked around before saying, “Haidu Aling says if I agree to leave the city, he will withdraw his troops.”

This statement caused an uproar in the hall.

Everyone stared in disbelief, and then embarrassment crossed their faces. The rumors had already spread, and they couldn’t help but wonder if they were true. The Princess’s beauty was unmatched in the Central Plains; perhaps Haidu Aling had come for her. At this moment, she should have been the one most reluctant to mention this, yet she spoke of it publicly. Could it be that the Princess understood the greater good and planned to leave the city for the safety of its people?

Yaoying looked at several clan elders: “Do you think I should leave the city?”

Everyone looked at each other, not daring to voice their thoughts.

Damo sneered, “Have you forgotten what happened last time we opened the gates to let the Northern Rong in?”

“If the city falls this time, the Princess and I will surely keep our lives, but others will have to fend for themselves.”

Everyone shuddered. Last time, to make an example, the Northern Rong had allowed their soldiers to burn, kill, and plunder, killing a group of officials and palace guards who were loyal to Han territory… Damo was right – he and the Princess wouldn’t be in mortal danger, but it was they who might lose their heads!

Damo continued: “With the Princess here, Western Region troops and tribes from all regions will come to our aid, the Liang Prefecture army will send troops to rescue us, and the royal court won’t stand idly by… If the Princess isn’t in Gaochang, do you think rescue forces will come?”

Everyone’s eyes widened as cold sweat broke out.

The various prefectures of the Western Regions relied on oases, had small populations, and couldn’t support a strong army. Each region could barely take care of itself. If other prefectures heard they were besieged by Northern Rong cavalry, they certainly wouldn’t dare send troops to help.

The Western Region troops followed the Princess’s orders. The alliance between the Central Plains court, the royal court, and the Western Army was facilitated by the Princess. They were suspicious and guarded against each other, recognizing only the Princess as their leader. If the Princess were forced to leave the city, rescue forces would certainly head straight for Haidu Aling instead – who would still have the leisure to resolve Gaochang’s crisis?

So if the Princess left the city, soldier morale would be crushed, leading to catastrophic defeat, and they would be the ones to suffer. If the Princess stayed, they could wait for reinforcements, and the soldiers would be inspired to defend the city to the death.

After weighing these considerations, everyone’s expressions gradually changed. They bowed to Yaoying, their faces full of shame.

The Princess could have returned to Chang’an, far from the war. For the greater cause, she remained in dangerous territory, working tirelessly. The people of all prefectures had benefited from her grace, yet they had contemplated handing her over for temporary peace – truly short-sighted!

“We are ashamed. Please punish us, Princess.”

Yaoying didn’t expose their thoughts further, saying, “The current situation is grave. We can only defend the city if we work together.”

She glanced at her guard.

The guard stepped forward, coldly sweeping his gaze across the crowd, making everyone break out in cold sweat. His long sword suddenly struck down, shattering the long table, and sending wood splinters flying.

“This is what awaits those who disturb military morale.”

Everyone trembled and answered in unison.

Yaoying walked out of the military department. At the door came sounds of commotion – several elderly clan leaders approached, shouting, demanding to know if she was willing to leave the city for the people’s sake.

The guards’ expressions darkened. Several escorted Yaoying away first, while one remained behind. He drew his sword and struck its handle against an elder who was caught off guard, tumbling down the steps, instantly becoming bruised and swollen.

The crowd fell silent for a moment.

The guard met the crowd’s fearful gazes, walked down the stone steps, and used his sword tip to brush aside the elder’s disheveled hair: “Shouting and causing a disturbance before the Governor – this time it’s just a warning. Next time, the sword won’t spare lives.”

Everyone felt chills down their spines.

The guard sheathed his sword, looked around, and caught up with Yaoying.

Zheng Jing hurriedly came looking for them. Hearing about the elders’ inflammatory words earlier, he frowned deeply: “Princess, how is the situation in the city now?”

Yaoying exhaled and said, “The clever ones understand the current situation. The others have been frightened by my guards. As long as they behave, we can have peace and avoid fighting enemies on two fronts.”

Zheng Jing hesitated before saying, “Princess, if the Duke of Weiguo were here, he would surely advise Your Highness to find a way to withdraw from the city…”

He felt Yaoying’s status was too important to risk the gain or loss of one city and territory – there was no need to stay and defend it.

Yaoying shook her head: “If I flee in the face of battle, how will the people view me? Once the Western Regions prefectures lose faith in the Western Army and the court, all our previous efforts will be wasted. It will be difficult to recapture lost territory in one swift campaign afterward. Moreover, with ten thousand Northern Rong cavalry outside the city, we couldn’t break through even if we wanted to retreat.”

Zheng Jing frowned.

Yaoying was right – leaving the city now would be walking into a trap. For her, staying inside was safest.

However, if reinforcements couldn’t arrive in time, Gaochang wouldn’t last long.

“Can Yang Qian return in time?”

Yaoying said worriedly: “If Yanqi was a trap, then Yang Qian might be trapped there. We can only wait for Western Army troops and tribes from various regions to come to our aid. The Northern Rong’s supplies won’t last too long. All we can do now is defend and wait.”

Torches burned brightly in the deep night. Wearing military attire and bathed in the dim firelight, she sighed.

“What I fear most now isn’t the Northern Rong attacking the city… When my brother learns Gaochang is surrounded, he’ll surely rush back, and he only has two thousand men…”

If Haidu Aling had set a trap to ambush the reinforcements, he would be in danger.

Zheng Jing consoled her: “The Duke of Weiguo has led troops for many years. He will certainly remain vigilant.”

The night wind howled.

Yaoying steadied herself – she couldn’t panic, she had to defend the city.

If she was safe, Li Zhongqian wouldn’t act rashly.

Yaoying returned to her quarters and called for her guard: “Have the messenger birds been sent out?”

The guard replied: “The Northern Rong are shooting down messenger birds. We can’t send messages out. Now we can only use smoke signals during the day to warn others.”

Yaoying frowned.

Yuan Jue had been following Yaoying. Earlier when she discussed military matters with Damo and Zheng Jing, he couldn’t interject, but now he couldn’t help speaking up: “Princess, if the King learns Gaochang is surrounded, he will surely send troops. Perhaps reinforcements are already on their way.”

Yaoying paused, murmuring: “Reinforcements from the royal court?”

A flash of insight seemed to strike her. Her pupils suddenly contracted. She pulled out the map and studied it for a while, sweat forming on her palms. Grabbing the map, she rushed out, found Damo who was about to take a short rest, and gathered other garrison commanders.

“Could Haidu Aling’s siege without attack these past two days be because he’s waiting for our reinforcements?”

Damo asked puzzled: “Waiting for reinforcements? Surely he would want to attack before reinforcements arrive…”

Yaoying pointed at the map: “If he attacks Gaochang, Western Army troops from hundreds of li around will rush back to help, the royal court will send troops, and the Liang Prefecture forces preparing to attack Yi Prefecture might come to assist… He only needs to hold his position to mobilize all armed forces.”

Damo’s eyes widened as he drew in a sharp breath.

If Yaoying’s guess was correct, then Haidu Aling was using Gaochang as bait to lure forces from all sides to come to their rescue!

Everyone was shocked, hardly believing it: “Is that possible?”

Yaoying’s face was pale: “We’ll know tomorrow.”

If Haidu Aling’s target was indeed the reinforcements, he certainly wouldn’t attack the city with full force, as that would deplete his fighting strength.

Spreading rumors was just one of his tactics to confuse them.

That night, no one dared close their eyes.

The next morning, war drums thundered as garrison commanders donned armor for battle.

The Northern Rong sounded their horns. Several riders galloped out of formation, archers shooting arrows with cloth strips attached.

The cloth strips bore only one message: They would withdraw if Gaochang handed over Princess Wenzhao.

The Northern Rong sent out a squad of soldiers with thunderous voices to shout out the contents of the cloth strips.

Yaoying had already used both carrot and stick the previous night to pacify the city’s noble families. Now the soldiers knew that Princess Wenzhao staying meant hope for victory. No matter how the Northern Rong challenged them, the soldiers on the walls remained unmoved.

The Northern Rong shouted for over half an hour, but Gaochang showed no response.

When the sun reached its zenith, the Northern Rong launched their first attack amid rolling war drums. Gaochang had already reinforced their defenses. As the Northern Rong cavalry charged halfway, suddenly there was an earth-shattering explosion. The ground shook, horses were startled, and the sharp arrow formation immediately fell into chaos. After a round of ghostly howls and wolf cries, they quickly adjusted their formation, contracting to the flanks to form a sharp blade, and continued the assault.

When they entered range, the garrison commander immediately ordered archers to loose arrows. Arrow rain whistled down, and the Northern Rong’s advance slowed.

After several rounds of bitter fighting, both sides sounded the gong to withdraw troops.

Yaoying’s expression was grave. The Northern Rong’s attack wasn’t weak at all. Even facing the power of gunpowder, after their initial panic they still charged forward fearlessly. Could she have guessed wrong?

The next day, war drums thundered again as the Northern Rong sent troops to challenge them, hurling vulgar insults.

Gaochang also sent several loud-voiced soldiers to trade insults with them.

When midday came, the Northern Rong beat drums and attacked the city. The charging cavalry were still as fearless as yesterday.

This continued for several days. People in the city were anxious, soldiers were exhausted, and Damo’s heart raced every day seeing the vast Northern Rong army outside the walls.

But Yaoying gradually noticed something: “They’re indeed conserving their strength. They never commit many forces in each attack.”

Damo’s heart beat faster, saying anxiously: “We can’t send messages out. Reinforcements should all be on their way…”

If this was indeed Haidu Aling’s strategy, he had already succeeded.

Li Zhongqian, royal court reinforcements, Western Army troops, prefectures loyal to Han territory… Haidu Aling had drawn all reinforcements to Gaochang, but for what purpose?

Yaoying felt chills down her spine.

Just then, piercing horn blasts sounded from outside the city, and suddenly towering flames erupted from the direction of the Northern Rong camp.

The Northern Rong army hadn’t expected their camp to be attacked. Their vanguard was still charging forward while their rear troops panicked, unsure whether to turn back or follow the vanguard. Both flanks fell into chaos, and soon the Northern Rong army began to withdraw.

Gaochang’s defenders were overjoyed, shouting: “Reinforcements have arrived! Reinforcements have arrived!”

In the distance, the Northern Rong camp had become an ocean of raging flames.

Yaoying watched the wild tongues of fire, drenched in cold sweat.