Early the next morning, He Yan and Xiao Jue finished breakfast and went to Ji Yang’s training grounds to observe the city’s military forces. Lin Shuanghe didn’t accompany them, staying behind to rest at the Cui residence. Liu Buwang left at the same time as them to continue investigating the whereabouts of the Wutuo people.

Ji Yang City was crisscrossed by numerous waterways, with the city built along these water courses. The flowing water divided the flat land into various sections of different sizes, making it difficult to find large open spaces. The training grounds were built near the Prince’s mansion, for no other reason than this being the only location with sufficient open space.

When He Yan and Xiao Jue arrived, they encountered Cui Yuezhi. Upon seeing the two, Cui Yuezhi smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: “Commander Xiao.”

Noticing He Yan’s surprise, Cui Yuezhi smiled and patted Xiao Jue’s shoulder: “Actually, by your second day in Ji Yang, I had begun to have doubts. Even my concubine noticed that you don’t bear any resemblance to anyone in the Cui family. How could you possibly be my elder brother’s son? However, when I later brought you to the Prince’s mansion and His Highness frequently summoned you, I realized he must have known your true identities all along. His Highness had his plans, so I could only play the fool and keep quiet.”

This Cui Yuezhi was quite clever indeed.

He chuckled, and though his face appeared simple, his eyes held a hint of shrewdness: “If His Highness thinks I’m foolish, then I’ll be foolish. There’s nothing wrong with being foolish.”

He Yan understood that Cui Yuezhi had become Mu Hongjin’s trusted advisor not just because of his martial prowess or their childhood friendship, but because of his perfectly calibrated “foolishness.”

Having such a loyal and seemingly simple-minded subordinate naturally warranted trust and heavy reliance.

He was truly a person with great wisdom in dealing with the world.

Cui Yuezhi turned to Xiao Jue: “His Highness has informed me that from today onwards, all Ji Yang city troops will be under Commander Xiao’s command.” His expression grew more serious, “His Highness has also told me about the Wutuo people. I will fully cooperate with Commander Xiao. The safety of Ji Yang’s citizens now depends on Commander Xiao’s protection.”

“Has His Highness begun evacuating the city’s residents?” He Yan asked.

“We started today, but…” Cui Yuezhi sighed: “It’s not an easy task.”

Moving an entire city’s population who were accustomed to living there, suddenly receiving news of impending danger and having to evacuate – naturally, people would panic. The young ones were easier to convince. But what about the sick, the elderly, and those without caretakers who couldn’t leave? Those with businesses and shops in the city couldn’t bear to abandon everything.

“However,” Cui Yuezhi brightened up, “I’ve long heard that General Feng Yun is invincible on the battlefield, and I’ve always wanted to meet him. I never expected Commander Xiao to be so young and handsome,” he said, half envious and half sighing: “How can there be someone so favored by heaven?”

He Yan: “…”

Such “favor” would likely be unbearable for ordinary people.

As they talked, they reached the edge of the training grounds. Since Ji Yang City was near water and hadn’t seen warfare for many years, the soldiers wore cloth armor instead of metal armor. The cloth armor was gray-green, and each soldier carried a long spear. They appeared strong and imposing, likely from doing regular physical labor. However, He Yan immediately noticed that their battle formation lacked killing power – it was like a decorative framework and an outdated one at that.

Over the years, Mu Hongjin had likely not devoted much attention to training the city’s military forces, though this was understandable. Since the time of the Meng Ji King, Ji Yang has been peaceful and harmonious. Not only was there no warfare but even theft and fraud were rare in the city. With such honest folk customs, there was no need to expend extra effort in this area.

“In times of peace, prepare for danger. With preparation comes readiness, with readiness comes safety.” He Yan shook her head, “Ji Yang’s city forces have grown too lax for too long.”

Cui Yuezhi looked at He Yan. He had “learned” from Mu Hongjin that He Yan was Xiao Jue’s subordinate, but his understanding of “subordinate” was more along the lines of a maid – a necessary preparation to make the “Qiao Huanqing” identity more convincing for their Ji Yang mission. Though he had wondered about the unusually casual relationship between this maid and Xiao Jue, now hearing He Yan’s words, he asked curiously: “What has Yu Yan observed?”

“Commander Cui, my surname is He, given name Yan – the ‘Yan’ from ‘peaceful seas and rivers.’ I haven’t noticed anything special, just that Ji Yang’s military formation seems rather outdated. In our Shuo Capital, we stopped using such formations years ago.”

“Lady Yan,” Cui Yuezhi puffed out his chest, disagreeing: “Newer formations aren’t necessarily better – you have to consider what’s suitable. This formation was researched and developed through discussions with my military colleagues, and it’s very well-suited to Ji Yang’s terrain. How can you call it outdated?”

While he wouldn’t dare compare himself to Xiao Jue, he felt he could match Xiao Jue’s subordinate. A good battle formation takes years to perfect – this wasn’t like creating new dishes where you could simply try something new every few days. Who could make such frequent changes?

He Yan saw the formation was full of vulnerabilities but didn’t want to discourage him. She glanced at Xiao Jue, and seeing he hadn’t spoken – meaning he didn’t object to her comments – she thought for a moment before saying diplomatically: “Let’s set aside the formation discussion. Just looking at the soldiers’ techniques, they seem more like performance exercises. In actual battle, they might be lacking something.”

“Lacking what?” Cui Yuezhi asked.

“Ferocity,” He Yan replied: “These city troops could only handle soldiers weaker than them or those of equal strength. If they faced more brutal opponents…” He Yan shook her head: “Victory would be unlikely.”

As they spoke, they reached the front of the training grounds, and He Yan’s words were heard by the soldiers in the front row. A young man in the front position, who was thrusting forward with his spear, couldn’t help but glance at He Yan upon hearing this.

Cui Yuezhi, hearing He Yan speak this way about his troops, felt somewhat indignant: “Lady Yan speaks as if our Ji Yang forces are made of tofu.”

He Yan wasn’t lying – these Ji Yang city troops likely had never seen real battle, making them even less experienced than the recruits of the Liang Province Guard. After too long in comfort, even a tiger’s claws lose their strength. Moreover, the Wutuo people came prepared and would certainly not be as docile as lambs.

“I’m just concerned,” He Yan said.

“Miss,” suddenly someone spoke up. He Yan turned to look – it was the young man with the spear who stood in the front position. His skin was tanned by the sun, but his features were quite handsome. He showed no fear of Xiao Jue standing nearby and coldly addressed He Yan: “What do you mean by speaking of our city forces as worthless? Though Ji Yang City has been peaceful for many years, our city troops train diligently every day without slack. Miss, you shouldn’t make hasty judgments about things you haven’t experienced firsthand.”

He Yan replied: “My judgment isn’t hasty.”

The young man didn’t recognize He Yan or know Xiao Jue’s identity, thinking they were just Cui Yuezhi’s nephew and his wife coming to observe the troops. Being young, he couldn’t hide his emotions and continued indignantly: “How could a woman understand matters of military men?”

He Yan: “…”

He Yan thought to herself that when women truly get angry, even ten military men might not be enough to handle them.

If the Ji Yang city troops were to face the Wutuo people with such arrogance, there would be no hope of victory. Just as she was considering how to tactfully deflate this person’s pride, she suddenly heard Xiao Jue speak.

“In that case, spar with her.”

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue. The soldier also seemed surprised, apparently not expecting such a suggestion.

“This… isn’t appropriate, is it?” He Yan hesitated.

The soldier felt somewhat relieved, thinking this woman was being sensible, but before he could gracefully back down, he heard the rest of He Yan’s words: “After all, he’s Commander Cui’s soldier. What if I break his spirit and he never recovers?”

Cui Yuezhi: “…”

He had also thought Xiao Jue’s suggestion was too hasty, but hearing He Yan’s words now, he didn’t know what to say. As a martial artist himself, Cui Yuezhi couldn’t directly test He Yan’s physical capabilities, and judging by appearance alone, He Yan looked thin and weak, showing no signs of being particularly formidable. Given Xiao Jue’s suggestion, this girl must know some martial arts, but comparing her to Mu Yi might still be too ambitious.

Looking at her thin arms and legs, Mu Yi could easily break her arm without effort.

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue. In the morning light of the training grounds, the young man’s figure was like jade, as elegant as spring willows, with the black python on his dark blue robe adding several degrees of heroic sharpness. His arrow sleeves were convenient for wielding weapons – here, he was no longer Second Young Master Xiao, but the Right Army Commander, General Feng Yun.

Mu Yi – that soldier hadn’t even responded yet when He Yan turned to him with a smile: “How about it? Young man, want to have a match with me?”

She still wore the red riding outfit common to Ji Yang women, black boots, with a whip hanging adorably at her chest, looking lively and harmless, just like countless young ladies in Ji Yang’s spring days who picked flowers and enjoyed their fragrance, no different at all.

Young men often harbor competitive spirits, and when challenged by a pretty young woman, they always want to prove themselves. Mu Yi was no different, thinking to himself that he had already given this young lady one chance, but since she insisted on pressing the issue, he would have to let her experience the prowess of Ji Yang’s city troops.

With this in mind, Mu Yi cupped his hands and said: “Pardon my offense.”

He Yan smiled slightly, leaped up in a flip, stepping onto a nearby wooden post. Others only saw a red swallow, and in the blink of an eye, she had landed in the center of the training ground’s open space. She slowly drew out her purple jade whip from her waist and made a “please” gesture.

Laypeople watch for entertainment, while experts observe technique. Her entrance alone was extraordinary. Mu Yi was slightly surprised in his heart but, unwilling to show weakness, followed her to the opposite side.

One with a spear, one with a whip, in the blink of an eye they were engaged in combat.

The surrounding Ji Yang city troops had already put down their spears, watching intently. Each army has its own characteristics – the Southern Army troops were strict and serious, the Liang Province Guard was unrestrained and bold, while the Ji Yang city troops were as lively and boisterous as a theater audience, immediately becoming excited.

“Well done!”

“Mu Yi, what’s wrong with you? Don’t go easy on her just because she’s a woman!”

“Well done, young lady! Beat this boy up!”

The cheers and shouts of encouragement were endless.

Cui Yuezhi stared at the red figure moving effortlessly in the center. The whip in her hands flowed like water, winding like traces of lightning. He was extremely surprised. Mu Yi was one of the most outstanding soldiers in the Ji Yang military – not just in formations but individually, he ranked among the top few here. Yet even Mu Yi was at a disadvantage when facing He Yan.

Others thought Mu Yi might be holding back because his opponent was a woman, but Cui Yuezhi had a sharp eye and could see that Mu Yi simply had no chance. The young woman’s whip was too fast, her footwork too quick. Move after move, Mu Yi had no opportunity to strike. At this rate, he would soon be defeated.

Cui Yuezhi couldn’t help asking Xiao Jue: “Commander Xiao, is Lady He truly your subordinate?”

Such a subordinate – he couldn’t find a single person of this caliber in his entire Ji Yang military. How enviable!

“Losing to the best of the Liang Province Guard is nothing to be ashamed of,” Xiao Jue said calmly.

The best of the Liang Province Guard? Cui Yuezhi was confused. He Yan was a woman – had she fought with the Liang Province Guard before?

On the ground, Mu Yi was in a sorry state, with sweat gradually appearing on his forehead.

Though this young lady appeared delicate and weak, her movements were fierce and unstoppable. She predicted his every move with deadly accuracy. Her movements were swift, seemingly tireless. Most importantly, how could a woman possess such strength?

With a “crack,” the whip struck the stone post beside him, breaking off a corner. The flying debris grazed Mu Yi’s face, and he could hardly believe his eyes.

That was a stone post – even swords might not be able to cut through it easily, yet she did it with a whip. Not only did the whip not break, but He Yan still looked relaxed?

How was this possible?

Mu Yi naturally didn’t know that during He Yan’s time with the Liang Province Guard, her stone weight training was measured in months. It wasn’t that He Yan was targeting anyone specifically – in terms of pure strength, none present could match her.

As Mu Yi pondered this, a whip had already lashed toward his face, forcing him to block with his spear. There was a loud “crack,” and the spear broke into two pieces.

The surrounding Ji Yang troops fell silent, hearing only the girl’s smiling voice echo across the field.

“Last three strikes. First strike – don’t underestimate women.”

Mu Yi frantically grabbed the longer piece of the broken spear to continue defending.

“Crack!” Another sound.

The broken spear in his hand shattered again.

The incredibly strong female warrior tilted her head and sighed: “Second strike – arrogance is a grave mistake in battle.”

With only a palm-length spearhead remaining, Mu Yi was practically unarmed. The third strike came with a fierce wind, leaving him nowhere to dodge.

“Third strike – don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.”

The whip, upon reaching his face, playfully curled and landed in his hand, snatching away the spearhead. By the time Mu Yi regained his senses, the black-haired girl in red was already playing with his iron spearhead, tossing it up and down. She walked over, patted his shoulder, returned the spearhead, and smiled: “There’s always someone better out there, young man. Keep working hard.”

She walked past Mu Yi, smiling.

His companions crowded around, asking: “Really? Brother Mu, you lost so quickly? Did you deliberately go easy on her? How could you be so spineless!”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Mu Yi was both angry and frustrated: “I didn’t hold back!”

His companions looked at each other, someone said: “Didn’t hold back? Is she that good?”

“That’s impossible, right?”

Another person pointed at his face and said: “Mu Yi, why is your face red?”

The distant chattering reached their ears, but Cui Yuezhi had no mind to discipline them now. He could only marvel at how quickly it had happened – not even half an incense stick’s time.

She had defeated one of Ji Yang military’s most outstanding soldiers, and Cui Yuezhi could see that He Yan hadn’t even used her full strength. Otherwise, if her whip had targeted Mu Yi himself instead of his spear, he would have suffered greatly.

“Commander Xiao has an excellent subordinate,” Cui Yuezhi said sincerely. Thinking of his earlier words, he became worried, “Though the Ji Yang military isn’t as good as the Liang Province Guard…”

“The Liang Province Guard has already encountered the Wutuo people once,” He Yan, who had just walked over, heard this and said: “The Wutuo people’s brutality and cunning are beyond Commander Cui’s imagination. They won’t be as merciful as I just was. If the Ji Yang city troops cannot prevail, it will be a catastrophe for all the citizens in the city.”

Cui Yuezhi shuddered.

“The city guard isn’t the most important problem,” said Xiao Jue.

“Then what is?”

“Ji Yang has many waterways, and the Wutuo people excel at water warfare. This battle will inevitably take place on water. Your formations are outdated precisely because they weren’t designed for water combat.”

Cui Yuezhi frowned, “Could Commander please explain more clearly?”

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue, feeling excited that they had reached the same conclusion.

The young man lowered his eyes: “Ships.”

The most important thing was the ships.

…

In the tower, a man withdrew his gaze and lowered his head with a smile.

Ying Xiang said softly: “I didn’t expect Lady He’s martial skills to be so excellent.”

Although she had known that He Yan ranked among the top fighters in the Liang Province Guard, she had never seen it firsthand. It was hard to imagine that the young lady fighting in the training grounds was even more eye-catching than when she stood quietly with feminine grace. Though both were beauties, Ying Xiang felt that He Yan’s beauty was particularly special among all women. But precisely because of this uniqueness, those who could appreciate her would be fewer than those who appreciated conventional beauty.

“Fourth Young Master,” Ying Xiang spoke up, “Today the Meng Ji Princess has begun evacuating the city’s residents. Would you like to leave with them?”

“Teacher sent me to Ji Yang to keep an eye on Xiao Huaijin. If Xiao Huaijin is here, how could I leave alone?” Chu Zhao’s gaze fell on He Yan in the distance, who seemed to be talking with Xiao Jue, and he smiled faintly.

“Commander Xiao staying in Ji Yang can protect himself even if the Wutuo people come, but Young Master doesn’t know martial arts. Staying in the city would be dangerous,” Ying Xiang tried to persuade him.

“The more dangerous it is, the more it proves my loyalty to Teacher.” Chu Zhao smiled carelessly, “Ying Xiang, don’t you understand? When the Teacher entrusted this matter to me, he gave me two paths. One path leads to death here, the other to completing the task and returning to the capital alive. If I return alive without completing the task, I’m as good as dead anyway, understand?”

Ying Xiang was silent for a moment before saying: “I understand.”

“You needn’t worry,” Chu Zhao clasped his hands behind his back, looking into the distance, “Besides, now I have a martial arts-skilled friend. Since they’re so righteous and innocent, surely… they would protect my safety.”

Ying Xiang followed his gaze to He Yan in the distance, thought for a moment, and still reminded him: “Young Master, Lady He is Commander Xiao’s subordinate.”

“As you said, just a subordinate.” Chu Zhao smiled: “No relationship in this world remains unchanged. Loyal companions can become fearsome enemies in the next moment.”

He had seen plenty of such cases.

Human hearts are fickle.

…

In the Prince’s mansion, Mu Xiaolou jumped down the stone steps carrying a box, calling out: “Grandmother!”

Mu Hongjin sat in the hall and looked at her upon hearing this, her eyes showing traces of weariness: “What is it, Xiaolou?”

“Aunt Tong told me to only take important things, but I like everything,” Mu Xiaolou said: “Aunt Tong says the carriage won’t have enough space. Grandmother, can you keep these for me? When I return to Ji Yang, I’ll come to ask you for them.”

Mu Hongjin smiled and opened the box, which was full of small trinkets – a wooden cricket, a top, a paper dog, a whistle that would sing when blown…

Most were trinkets that Cui Yuezhi had bought from the streets to please Mu Xiaolou, and some were things Mu Xiaolou had snatched from her peers who visited the mansion. These were her treasures too.

Mu Hongjin closed the box lid and handed it to a nearby maid, saying: “Alright, Grandmother will keep them for Xiaolou. When you return to Ji Yang, come ask me for them.”

Mu Xiaolou nodded, “Grandmother must keep them safe.”

Mu Hongjin laughed, poking her forehead: “I know, you little miser.”

“Grandmother,” Mu Xiaolou jumped onto the couch and hugged her waist coquettishly, “Why do I have to leave Ji Yang? I don’t want to leave Grandmother. Can I not go to Uncle Wang’s birthday celebration?”

“Nonsense,” Mu Hongjin said: “How can you not go? You are the future Princess, only you can represent Ji Yang.”

“But I don’t want to go…” the little girl whined, “How do I know what Uncle Wang looks like, whether he’s nice or not? What if he’s mean?”

“That won’t happen. They will all be very good to you.” Mu Hongjin stroked her head, her tone gentle but with some sternness, “Xiaolou, you’re not a child anymore. Grandmother can’t accompany you forever. One day, you’ll have to stand on your own and shoulder many responsibilities alone. Only when I see you grown up can I be at ease.”

“Growing up should happen slowly,” Mu Xiaolou said puzzled, “It’s not like bamboo shoots on the mountainside that break through the soil overnight.”

Mu Hongjin was amused by her words, but after laughing, her eyes showed traces of worry.

There was no time left.

The Wutuo people were lurking in the shadows, and they had already begun to move in recent days. She had to send Mu Xiaolou away – she was Ji Yang City’s last hope. She had prepared for the worst, but not being able to watch the little girl grow up, to be her unshakeable protection before she came of age, was truly regrettable.

But why were there so many regrets in this world?