The deputy commander led soldiers to clean up the battlefield and returned to report: “The Northern Rong indeed had little provisions left. Their water skins were almost empty, their horses showed signs of bloodletting, and the soldiers only had some raw cured meat left.”

Yao Ying nodded and said to others: “Their dried rations were horse blood and raw cured meat.”

Everyone was both shocked and impressed. The Northern Rong army outside the city knew they had no escape route yet still came to besiege Gaochang to cover Wa Han Kehan’s escape. No wonder they fought so fiercely despite their small numbers – they were all prepared to die.

Damo asked: “Are there any prisoners?”

The deputy commander replied: “During the battle, no soldiers surrendered. Later when I was cleaning up the battlefield, we found some severely wounded survivors who hadn’t died.”

Damo glanced at Mo Biduo, who was standing at a distance talking to his subordinates, and asked quietly: “How should we handle these prisoners?”

The Northern Rong Iron Cavalry were remnants that had broken through from the Desert Road. Mo Biduo must be unhappy – giving him the prisoners to handle would help him answer the royal court. However, this Iron Cavalry was defeated by combined forces from Mo Biduo, Li Xuanzhen, and Li Zhongqian. Since Gaochang had already submitted to the Wei Dynasty, how to handle the prisoners still depended on Li Yao Ying and Li Xuanzhen’s attitudes.

Yao Ying pondered for a moment and said: “Give them to Mo Biduo.”

Damo had thought the same and nodded in agreement.

The scouts sent out gradually returned. After hearing their reports, everyone walked into the council hall. As Li Zhongqian stepped over the threshold, his expression changed slightly as he clutched his arm and groaned.

“Elder Brother, you’re injured?”

Yao Ying anxiously said, undoing Li Zhongqian’s white robe to find signs of bandaging on his left arm. After the great battle, the wound must have reopened.

Li Zhongqian casually said: “When coming out of the Great Sea Road, we encountered an ambush at Asa Fort. Just a minor wound.”

Yao Ying knew this ambush couldn’t have been so simple – he was downplaying it to avoid worrying her. She frowned and called for a physician: “The weather is hot, don’t let the wound fester. Elder Brother, go treat the wound first.”

Li Zhongqian smiled and muttered softly: “Such a mother hen.”

He smiled and followed the physician to an adjacent room to clean the wound.

Li Xuanzhen looked up, watching Yao Ying concernedly see Li Zhongqian off, his expression turning cold.

His wound seemed to hurt more.

Soon after, Zheng Jing and others hurriedly arrived, bowed to Li Xuanzhen, and asked in surprise: “How did Your Highness arrive so timely? How are the situations in Shazhou, Guazhou, and Ganzhou?”

Li Xuanzhen snapped back to attention and ordered his deputy to lay out several sheepskin maps.

Everyone gathered around the long table, with Yao Ying and Damo also walking over.

Li Xuanzhen’s face was pale, with dark circles under his eyes. His voice was hoarse as he slowly said: “The Northern Rong is in chaos. We must seize this opportunity to reclaim lost territory in one swift move. We cannot delay, or we’ll be caught in bitter fighting. The urgent priority now is to occupy key cities, and then gradually recover other countries. When Western Region troops retook Guazhou and Shazhou, I led forces to meet the Northern Rong’s ten tribes in battle at Black Water City. We killed their chieftain, annihilated forty thousand enemies, and captured hundreds of their nobles. The Northern Grasslands won’t see another tribe as powerful as the Northern Rong for ten years. Afterwards, I joined with Western Region forces – they stayed to guard the cities while I led Liangzhou troops and other Western Region soldiers straight to Yizhou. Only by retaking Yizhou can we truly reopen the Hexi Corridor.”

“Upon reaching Yizhou, I discovered the Northern Rong remnants hadn’t holed up in Yizhou City to fortify defenses, but were unusually gathering eastward in a frenzy. I realized they might be planning to attack Gaochang…”

He paused for a moment before continuing: “I left two armies to cut off the Yizhou Northern Rong forces’ retreat route and brought two thousand cavalry to rush to Gaochang.”

The council hall fell silent as everyone stared at Li Xuanzhen in shock.

They had been wondering how Li Xuanzhen, who was far away in Guazhou, could arrive so quickly. After hearing his explanation, their confusion turned to disbelief: Li Xuanzhen had led his forces to sweep through the Northern Grasslands, thoroughly defeating the ten Northern Rong tribes guarding the steppes. From now on, the Northern Grasslands would never again see a power like the Northern Rong that could threaten the Central Plains Wei Dynasty.

That wasn’t all – after several bloody battles that changed the empire’s fate, he had somehow managed to force march thousands of li in half a month, striking straight for Yizhou, recapturing this key route to the Western Regions, then rushing straight to Gaochang!

He didn’t know the situation in Gaochang, nor did he know he would meet Li Zhongqian and Mo Biduo, yet he prepared to ambush the Northern Rong army with just two thousand men! Wasn’t he afraid of total annihilation?

The Crown Prince truly had extraordinary courage.

Everyone remained stunned for quite a while before suddenly realizing the Western Region forces had reopened the Hexi Corridor. They were overjoyed – the Gaochang noble sons in the hall couldn’t help but roar excitedly.

Amidst the celebratory praise, Yao Ying remained calm, pointing to Yizhou’s position: “The Northern Rong remnants have been annihilated. The others are escorting Wa Han Kehan’s escape. Now Yizhou is isolated without support – we must seize this opportunity to take Yizhou quickly.”

Damo calmed down from his elation, secretly thinking that Princess Wenzhao was indeed remarkable – even with Western Region forces advancing victoriously, she could remain so level-headed.

The others also came to their senses, smiling: “We successfully detained the Northern Rong remnants this time. There aren’t many Northern Rong troops left in Yizhou – we can definitely take it in one strike!”

Yao Ying said: “Don’t get careless. Yizhou was once the Northern Rong’s royal court – it won’t be easy to capture.”

Everyone smiled and agreed.

Li Zhongqian returned with fresh bandages, and they discussed who should lead the troops to Yizhou.

“I won’t fail the mission!”

The commander saluted and set out immediately, not delaying a moment.

The noble sons had been eagerly waiting on the side. Seeing this, they volunteered one after another, requesting to lead troops to Yizhou.

Damo knew Yizhou was now within easy reach and wouldn’t face major problems, so he approved them all.

Yao Ying encouraged everyone, then watched them leave excitedly. She said: “The eastern campaign is going well. What we need to do now is hold our cities firmly, guard against other tribes counterattacking, and…”

Li Xuanzhen finished for her: “And cooperate with the royal court to pursue the last Northern Rong remnants.”

Yao Ying didn’t look at him, saying to Damo instead: “Yang Qian must be trapped in Yanqi. We need to send people to Yanqi. There’s been no news from White City, and the Haidu Aling tribe is right outside White City – it’s likely under siege too. Send scouts to investigate.”

Damo nodded.

Li Xuanzhen fell silent.

Yao Ying ordered her guard: “Please invite Prince Mo Biduo in.”

Mo Biduo entered the council hall with a long sword at his waist, exchanged greetings with everyone, and reported the battle situation: “Several days ago, I was leading the army back to the Holy City when I suddenly received battle reports that Gaochang was under siege. General Ashina’s guard Abi came on the Buddha’s Son’s orders, telling me to lead several thousand tribal troops to rescue Gaochang. The Regent arrived later, personally leading the main army to pursue Wa Han Kehan. Gaochang’s crisis is resolved – the Northern Rong only have Wa Han Kehan’s remnant force left, the others are no threat.”

Everyone suddenly understood – this meant the royal court hadn’t deployed its main army, but rather had returning victorious forces split up, with one group pursuing Wa Han Kehan while another rushed to aid Gaochang. This both saved time and didn’t leave the royal court vulnerable.

Li Xuanzhen asked: “Does your country’s Regent know where Wa Han Kehan fled? Will the main army be able to intercept him?”

The others looked worried.

Haidu Aling had disrupted the entire situation, with all Northern Rong remnants heading for Gaochang, while other Western Region forces and tribes also rushed to provide aid. Regent Su Dan Gu had only temporarily taken command of the army – could he see through Haidu Aling’s schemes in time and find Wa Han Kehan’s trail?

Mo Biduo smiled, gripping his sword: “There’s no need for concern. The Buddha’s Son has already calculated where Wa Han Kehan will try to break through. The Regent will definitely intercept him.”

Everyone was silent for a long while, exchanging complex glances.

Fortunately the royal court’s Buddha’s Son was their ally, not their enemy.

After the noisy discussions concluded, night had fallen completely. The city wasn’t under curfew tonight – colored lanterns hung high in every district as common people who had been living in fear for days could finally go out to enjoy themselves. The streets were packed with crowds of people.

Yao Ying was exhausted in body and mind, her eyelids heavy. Returning to her quarters, she called Li Zhongqian’s personal guard to ask in detail about his injury.

“How did the young master get hurt? Is it serious?”

The guard replied: “That day we had just exited the Great Sea Road when ambushers suddenly loosed arrows. It was extremely dangerous – at the critical moment, Prince Mo Biduo’s personal guard suddenly arrived and saved the young master. The young master only took an arrow to the arm, nothing major… That guard was truly fierce, charging into the Northern Rong battle formation with his sword and personally killing their commander! He told the young master that Prince Mo Biduo would arrive soon, and indeed the prince came later. We joined forces with the prince and then met His Highness the Crown Prince, finally gathering all three forces together…”

He concluded: “Princess, the prince’s guard was injured worse than the young master while saving him. Today when Prince Mo Biduo was speaking with you, I saw him in the crowd – he could barely stand…”

Yao Ying asked: “What’s that guard’s name?”

The guard shook his head: “The guard wore a face covering – we don’t know him. He didn’t leave his name.”

Yao Ying rubbed her temples and said: “He saved my elder brother. Take my token to the storehouse and select some blood-enriching and healing medicines. Also prepare an appropriate generous gift to send him according to custom. When I have time, I’ll thank him in person.”

The guard agreed and waited a moment, but hearing no further instructions, looked up to find Yao Ying’s eyelids drooping as she drifted off to sleep.

She hadn’t been able to rest properly these past days – she was truly exhausted.

The guard hurriedly left the room, gesturing for the maids outside to enter and attend to the princess. He went to the storehouse to gather valuable medicines and then found where Mo Biduo was staying.

Mo Biduo had already gone to bed but immediately got up when told the princess had sent someone: “What is it?”

The guard presented the generous gifts and explained his purpose.

Mo Biduo showed a slight look of disappointment and smiled: “The princess is too kind. I’ll accept these gifts on Abi’s behalf.”

Early the next morning, Mo Biduo took the gifts sent by Li Yao Ying and found Yuan Jue.

“Is Abi with you?”

Yuan Jue had been tending to Tanmoluoqie all night, his eyes bloodshot. He nodded: “He was injured and slept unconsciously all night. He just woke up.”

Mo Biduo entered the room.

Tanmoluoqie had already risen, dressed as an ordinary personal guard with his face covered, sitting against the bed cleaning his long sword.

Mo Biduo mentioned several important matters from last night’s discussion, saying: “Things are settled here in Gaochang. Princess Wenzhao and the others will attack Yizhou next. Once this is handled, I need to lead troops to assist the Regent.”

Tanmoluoqie nodded.

Mo Biduo asked: “What about you?”

Tanmoluoqie sheathed his sword. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll depart immediately to join the Regent.”

Mo Biduo didn’t ask further – this Abi was Bisuo’s trusted subordinate, here on the Buddha’s Son’s orders to deliver instructions. He wasn’t Mo Biduo’s subordinate.

“Oh right, these are from Princess Wenzhao. The princess is very grateful you saved the Duke of Weiguo and says she wants to thank you in person.”

The guards brought several large gift boxes into the room.

Yuan Jue’s eyes widened.

Tanmoluoqie’s hand on his sword hilt twitched slightly, his gaze falling on the packages of medicine.

Yuan Jue’s eyes darted around. After Mo Biduo left, he coughed, sorting through the items in the boxes, clicking his tongue: “All such valuable medicines, the princess is so thoughtful…”

Before he could finish speaking, Tanmoluoqie stood up. “Stay here and keep watch. If anything happens, send word by messenger bird.”

“Your wounds…”

“It’s nothing.”

Yuan Jue wanted to say more but didn’t dare speak, watching him leave.

Tanmoluoqie carried his sword down the stone steps, around the corridor, heading toward the stables. As he passed the corridor outside the council hall, a familiar laugh suddenly drifted over from nearby.

Like morning dew rolling between bodhi leaves.

His footsteps halted.

Footsteps and laughter drew closer. At the other end of the corridor, a group of young commanders in fine clothes, tall and handsome, surrounded a radiant young woman as they approached. Sunlight filtered into the corridor, its shifting shadows falling across her. She smiled, looking much better than yesterday.

Yesterday when she rode out of the city, she had been haggard… she seemed thinner.

With the Northern Rong remnants completely destroyed, she would face no more danger.

Tanmoluoqie was lost in thought for a moment before quickly retreating behind a pillar, watching Yao Ying’s group enter the council hall.

Li Zhongqian, Li Xuanzhen, Damo, Mo Biduo, Zheng Jing, and the others arrived one after another. Except for Damo, they all subtly sized each other up.

Yao Ying glanced at Li Zhongqian’s arm. “Did you change the bandages this morning?”

Li Zhongqian nodded, his phoenix eyes suddenly lifting to glance at Li Xuanzhen, meeting Li Xuanzhen’s deep, cold gaze.

Li Xuanzhen casually looked away.

Li Zhongqian’s brows furrowed slightly as he looked toward Yao Ying.

Yao Ying was discussing farming settlements with Zheng Jing, the two standing very close.

Li Xuanzhen suddenly asked: “Third Brother, isn’t your eldest son’s birthday coming up?”

Zheng Jing froze, looking embarrassed.

Though he hadn’t taken a primary wife, he had concubines in his household, and one had borne him an eldest son.

“I…”

His mouth worked soundlessly as sweat beaded on his forehead.

Yao Ying looked up, her eyes curving in a bright smile: “Third Brother, you’re a father?”

Zheng Jing looked at her, his palms cold, and nodded.

“Congratulations,” Yao Ying said with a smile, her tone sincere.

Zheng Jing’s lips twitched into a faint smile.

This group who had once admired Princess Wenzhao had traveled thousands of li to Gaochang – half to achieve merit, half to fulfill a dream in their hearts. When Princess Wenzhao had been sent in a political marriage, they had been powerless. Now with Western Region forces advancing victoriously, reclaiming lost territory, they wanted to bring Princess Wenzhao back to the Central Plains.

But they had come too late. Princess Wenzhao didn’t need them – she was now the people’s savior.

She remained high above, forever out of reach.

Zheng Jing smiled and pushed aside these thoughts, continuing to discuss with Yao Ying how to help the common people resume production quickly.

“We must fight battles but also plant fields. Quickly distribute grain seeds to all regions, and dredge irrigation channels… I’ve already had agricultural manuals printed and assigned two farming officials to each area to teach people how to grow cotton and hemp…”

“Is cotton the same as white cotton? I see Western Region troops wearing white cotton cloth…”

Yao Ying nodded: “White cotton cloth is light, soft, and warmer… Right now we only have enough for Western Region troops. With the Hexi Corridor reopened, trade routes will soon flow freely. Once we expand production, white cotton cloth can be sold in Chang’an…”

Everyone listened with surging emotions.

Tanmoluoqie stood in the shadows, gazing distantly at the council hall.

This was her mortal realm.

He turned and left.

In the council hall, Yao Ying felt as if a gaze had been fixed on her for a long time. She suddenly looked up toward the pillars.

The corner was empty, with only scattered sunlight remaining on the ground.

…

Several hundred li away.

Over a dozen riders galloped through a valley, dust flying, their armor bloodstained, looking bedraggled.

Haidu Aling kept whipping his horse until it suddenly let out several high-pitched neighs, rearing up and violently throwing him off.

He tumbled across the sandy ground, leaving trails of blood.

His personal guards were shocked, reining in their horses and helping him up. “Prince, we’ve been riding for days and nights! Let’s rest a while – even the horses can’t take it anymore!”

Haidu Aling was dizzy, his hands trembling slightly. His gaze dark, he nodded.

They found a hidden spot to rest, drinking horse blood to quench their thirst. They killed a horse but didn’t dare light a fire for fear of attracting pursuers. They briefly dried the meat on sun-heated rocks before swallowing it roughly.

At night, a guard caught up with them: “Prince, there are no pursuers behind us!”

Haidu Aling let out a long breath – they had finally escaped.

Though they sacrificed ten thousand Iron Cavalry, Wa Han Kehan had successfully escaped. He had gained prestige and probed Tanmoluoqie’s weakness – the strategy had succeeded after all.

Haidu Aling slept for two hours before the group continued west. A lone rider suddenly galloped up.

The guard tumbled from his horse: “Prince! The Kehan has been surrounded by Red Mountain! For five full days and nights!”

Haidu Aling was shocked, thinking this was bad: “Who has surrounded the Kehan?”

“The royal court’s army! Led by Regent Su Dan Gu! The royal army has thirty thousand men!”

Haidu Aling’s whole body shook, his eyes nearly popping out. “How is this possible?”

The royal court didn’t know Wa Han Kehan was alive. Mo Biduo’s forces had gone to aid Gaochang. Where had Su Dan Gu and his army sprung from?

Had Tanmoluoqie seen through his scheme directly, guessing that Wa Han Kehan wasn’t dead? And decisively sent Su Dan Gu to intercept Wa Han Kehan while having Mo Biduo lead troops to Gaochang?

That was impossible…

A chill ran down Haidu Aling’s spine. His plan had been flawless – under Jin Bo’s protection, Wa Han Kehan’s escape route had been practically unobstructed. They were about to break free, and everyone thought Wa Han Kehan was dead. Why hadn’t Tanmoluoqie fallen for it?

Even if Tanmoluoqie hadn’t been fooled, how could he mobilize forces so quickly?

A fierce wind swept past as the blood and sweat on Haidu Aling’s body congealed. He suddenly understood why Wa Han Kehan had been so hesitant when attacking the royal court.

Folk legends said that as long as Tanmoluoqie lived, the royal court could not be breached.

Haidu Aling gripped his reins tightly.

A guard asked: “Prince, how can we few rescue the Kehan from the encirclement of tens of thousands?”

The commander Xie Qing still held White City firmly, and over ten thousand soldiers loyal to Haidu Aling remained blocked outside. They had sneaked through checkpoints disguised as herders – there were no other reinforcements.

Haidu Aling laughed coldly: “I abandoned my own troops, risked breaking through the blockade, and besieged Gaochang just to give the Kehan and Jin Bo a chance. Now everyone knows I led troops to draw away all forces. Whether the Kehan lives or dies doesn’t matter.”

He had tried to gather the Northern Rong remnants, but the tribal leaders were too proud and unwilling to follow him, an outsider. He took the risk, leading just over ten guards to rescue Wa Han Kehan, not out of gratitude for being raised by him, but to establish authority.

If Wa Han Kehan truly escaped, he would soon be reduced to a puppet under Haidu Aling’s control. If he didn’t escape, Haidu Aling could legitimately command the scattered Northern Rong people in Wa Han Kehan’s name.

Haidu Aling looked back at the distant rolling mountains.

He would return with his army, conquer this land, and have that woman.

…

As Haidu Aling fled westward without looking back, the gravely wounded Wa Han Kehan sat on a cliff, his grey-white hair disheveled in the fierce wind, his wrinkled face stained red with blood.

At the foot of the mountain, the royal court’s army advanced step by step.

They carried shields, spears, and crossbows, surrounding Wa Han Kehan’s last elite force under their commander’s cool, decisive orders. The encirclement slowly tightened as Northern Rong cavalry fought desperately to the death, battle cries splitting the clouds.

“Father Kehan!”

Jin Bo rushed up the cliff, his armor shattered, hair wild, voice trembling: “Father Kehan, I’ll stay to cover your retreat! Aling will send men to help you!”

Wa Han Kehan wiped his messy hair and asked: “How many men do we have left?”

Jin Bo glanced down the cliff, his face pale, unable to speak.

During the fierce battle between the royal court and Northern Rong forces, he stayed on the Desert Sea Road. He thought he wouldn’t be needed, but when Wa Han Kehan suffered a great defeat, he led troops hidden in the valley to rescue the Kehan when Mo Biduo grew careless, escaping west with him. Meanwhile, Mo Biduo believed Wa Han Kehan dead and led his army back in triumph, while Haidu Aling took command of his forces, gathering remnants to advance on Gaochang.

He had frantically fled with the badly wounded Wa Han Kehan, nearly breaking free when a royal court army arrived in force, surrounding them here.

The royal court army made camp without immediately attacking.

For several days, the royal court army remained motionless, as if waiting for something. Jin Bo hoped Haidu Aling would come save them, but his hopes were answered not by Haidu Aling but by the royal court’s war drums.

After the bloody battle, they were forced onto the cliff as soldiers fell one by one.

They had nowhere left to run.

A smile crossed Wa Han Kehan’s aged face: “Remember when I led you to hunt a group of tigers? Now, we are those hunted tigers… cornered beasts fighting to the death.”

Jin Bo’s eyes reddened.

Wa Han Kehan gripped his sword, looking at the mountain of corpses below the cliff: “Jin Bo, surrender. The Buddha’s Son keeps his word – he will spare my son.”

Jin Bo trembled, tears falling: “Father Kehan, you should surrender too. The Buddha’s Son won’t kill you. You can remain a tribal leader like the Wujili chieftain, continuing to enjoy wealth and glory.”

Wa Han Kehan laughed heartily: “I am the Great Kehan of the Northern Rong – how could I kneel in surrender?!”

“In this life, I suffered abuse in my youth, killed without mercy in my prime, and led our people to conquer the entire grassland in middle age. We had nothing at first, then conquered all tribes, gaining silver, gold, land, women – everything. Countless warriors died by my blade, countless tribes fell beneath my feet, and countless women bore my children. The grasslands will forever remember my name, and my descendants will be proud of me. Plunder and conquest are our way of life – born in the saddle, dying in the saddle. Now that I’m defeated, I’ll die with glory.”

“Remember: The Northern Rong may be defeated, but never tamed.”

Jin Bo kept wiping away tears.

Wa Han Kehan struggled to his feet, his armor reflecting the dim evening light. Facing the red sun about to sink into the valley, he walked down the cliff step by unsteady step.

The pursuing royal court soldiers exchanged glances, all making way.

The battlefield suddenly fell silent as both armies stopped fighting.

Wa Han Kehan strode proudly through the battle lines, continuing forward as the royal court army parted like waves, creating a path. Banners flew in the wind as the royal court’s Regent, dressed in dark robes, rode forward, his jade eyes cold as frost and snow.

“Will the royal court’s Buddha’s Son keep his promise to spare my surviving sons?”

The man nodded.

Wa Han Kehan stood before the army, brilliant sunset light falling on his white hair. He smiled slightly and raised his sword to take his own life.

Blood sprayed forth as Jin Bo knelt before his corpse, wailing in grief.

The setting sun blazed like blood as strong winds whipped about.

The army remained to clean up the battlefield and collect Wa Han Kehan’s body.

The man sheathed his sword, turned his horse, and returned to camp as Bisuo hurried after him.

“Don’t kill the prisoners.”

The man said in a hoarse voice.

Bisuo agreed.

He had impersonated the Regent to pursue Wa Han Kehan, waiting here for days to exhaust the Northern Rong’s provisions and water, thoroughly crushing their will. Just as he prepared to attack, Tanmoluoqie arrived from Gaochang in time to witness Wa Han Kehan’s heroic end.

Bisuo secretly sighed, smiling: “This time Wa Han Kehan died before our eyes – there definitely won’t be any mistakes. It’s just a pity Haidu Aling didn’t come. I waited several days but saw no trace of him. He must have fled…”

As he rambled on, he looked up to study Tanmoluoqie’s expression, concern showing in his gaze.

“You forced your internal energy this time, then rushed here overnight. You need to disperse the energy quickly…”

Before he finished speaking, Tanmoluoqie’s brows twitched as his aura surged violently.

Bisuo was startled, instinctively stepping back.

Tanmoluoqie glanced back at him, killing intent flowing in his jade eyes.

Bisuo’s expression changed drastically as cold sweat broke out.

Noting his fear, Tanmoluoqie turned away expressionlessly.

“Lead the army back to the royal court.”

He removed his armor, put on a face covering to conceal his features, and walked away. Soon, hoofbeats headed east.

Bisuo’s heart pounded as he collected himself, telling his subordinates the Regent had received secret orders and left first. After the soldiers finished cleaning the battlefield, they returned to the royal court with Wa Han Kehan’s body.

The army set out.

After several great battles, except for the fled Haidu Aling, the other Northern Rong remnants were completely destroyed. In the east, the Wei Dynasty successfully reclaimed lost territory and destroyed the Northern Rong’s stronghold. The news spread through all countries.

As Bisuo’s army passed, various tribes celebrated with song, dance, and food, joining them in victory celebrations.

One day, as the army crossed a wasteland, the sky darkened and fierce winds arose. Black clouds pressed low, lightning flashing within them as storms threatened.

Rain would make travel difficult, so Bisuo ordered the army to make camp.

Suddenly, dust rolled in the distance as a group of riders emerged from a mountain path, several banners flying in the wind.

Bisuo recognized their flags and went to meet them.

The other party slowed as one rider advanced past the others, spurring forward and lifting her face veil to reveal bright black eyes looking at Bisuo.

“Where is he?”

She asked, holding her reins.

Bisuo smiled: “Who does the princess ask after?”

Yao Ying’s lips curved slightly. “Bisuo, you know who I mean. The Regent visited Gaochang. He’s injured – where is he?”

Bisuo said nothing.

Yao Ying lifted her head, scanning the army behind him.

“Wa Han Kehan is dead, and all celebrate… At such a time, the Regent hides alone to treat his wounds… Bisuo, I won’t do anything. I just want to care for him, to ease his pain a little.”

White lightning split the roiling black clouds as thunder crashed overhead.

Bisuo sighed, “I’ll take you to him.”