The day before departure, He Yan spent time with her father He Sui, and brother He Yunsheng.

When He Yunsheng learned of her planned journey to Jiuchuan, he became extremely agitated and exclaimed, “I know you’re skilled, but He Yan, we’re talking about Jiuchuan! Whether you were in Rundu or Jiyang before, at least you weren’t fighting alone. You’ve never independently commanded troops – how can you possibly contend with the Wutuo people? They’re cunning and brutal, massacring cities as soon as they breach them. You’re a woman – if you’re captured…” He Yunsheng shuddered, imagining a fate worse than death.

“He Yunsheng!” He Sui called out sharply, “Mind your words!”

The young man fell silent immediately, though his eyes still conveyed boundless worry when looking at He Yan.

No matter how much the recruits of the Liangzhou Guard praised He Yan or spoke of her capabilities, in the hearts of father and son, she would always be that delicate young lady who used to argue about buying new clothes and rouge. How could a carefully nurtured flower transplanted to the wilderness be expected to survive the wind and sun, let alone engage in brutal combat?

It seemed utterly preposterous.

“The imperial edict has been issued, and I hold the military tally,” He Yan said with resignation. “Yunsheng, calm yourself. I haven’t even reached Jiuchuan, yet you’re already predicting my defeat. If this reaches His Majesty’s ears, our He family will face serious consequences.”

Though rendered momentarily speechless by her words, He Yunsheng soon retorted, “This is all because of your overconfidence!”

“As a true hero,” He Yan teased him, “when the nation faces a crisis, it’s time to use all available talent. Isn’t that what your academy teachers taught?”

“I care nothing for that,” the young man said through gritted teeth. “I only care about my family. If I could go in your place, I’d do it without hesitation. What’s wrong with the court? With so many men available, how can they send a woman to the front lines?”

He Yan smiled, “Yunsheng, listen to yourself. Wasn’t General Fei Hong, whom you previously admired, also a woman?”

She patted the young man’s shoulder, “I haven’t overthought this, nor do I believe I should stay behind just because I’m a woman. I’m going simply because I know I can fight on the battlefield. It has nothing to do with gender.”

“Yan Yan,” He Sui looked at her, his eyes reddening though he tried to maintain a dignified appearance, “Well said. Father thinks the same. You’re a child who knows her mind, and since you volunteered for Jiuchuan, you must have your reasons. Father won’t obstruct your path. Don’t listen to Yunsheng’s ramblings – Father believes you’ll surely rout those Wutuo people.”

As he spoke, his voice began to waver.

If He Sui weren’t too old and lacking in qualifications, he would have taken up arms and joined He Yan on the battlefield himself. His claim of being at ease was false – she was his only daughter, raised as precious as jade. He had already worried endlessly when she secretly joined the Liangzhou Guard, and now she would face the Wutuo people in real combat – how could he possibly be relaxed?

However, if this was the path He Yan had chosen for herself, his only role as a father was to support her decision.

“I used to wonder if our He family would produce a military commander someday,” he reflected, gazing at the young woman before him. “I always thought it would be Yunsheng – never imagined it would be Yan Yan.” Who could have predicted that the once pampered and carefree girl, always begging for new rouge, would become a heroine leading troops into battle?

His heart swelled with both pride and sorrow – pride that his daughter proved more capable than any man in the realm, sorrow that a young woman would face battlefield brutalities that other girls would never know.

Yet if she wished to soar like an eagle in the heavens, she should be allowed to fly freely, not be tethered like a kite.

She had her world to explore, even if it lay beyond his fatherly reach.

“Your mother will surely watch over you from heaven,” He Sui said.

He Yan gazed at He Sui, this father who was always understanding and generous. Even now, he thought only of her welfare. Though his heart ached terribly, he wouldn’t show it or use himself as a burden to restrict his daughter.

How fortunate she was to have such a family.

“Don’t worry, Father,” He Yan clasped He Sui’s hand, noting its broadness and roughness, the thick calluses from years of labor. “I’ll return soon after defeating the Wutuo forces.”

She emphasized each word as if making a vow: “I will return.”

On the eve of departure, He Yan and Xiao Jue took a carriage to Fengle Tower in the evening.

Lin Shuanghe had reserved the entire establishment, inviting several friends for a farewell gathering. Always extravagant, he would soon depart for Ji Prefecture – who knew when he would next have such an opportunity for lavish entertainment?

Upon reaching Fengle Tower, an attendant guided them upstairs. They found only Lin Shuanghe present, with a table full of wine and dishes. A bronze pot bubbled in the center, filled with fragrant mutton soup. Lin Shuanghe was chatting with a beautiful Qin player, making her laugh with some unknown comment.

“Brother Lin,” He Yan called out. Lin Shuanghe turned, his eyes brightening at the sight of He Yan. Walking over, he complained, “Why are you so late? I’ve been here for ages – thought you weren’t coming today.”

He Yan glanced around: “Just the three of us?”

Ordering such a feast for three people – Lin Shuanghe truly lived up to his reputation as a spendthrift.

“Of course not. I invited Yan Nanguang and his wife too. Since we’re departing tomorrow, this is a farewell celebration for everyone, myself included. But,” Lin Shuanghe waved his fan, “why is Yan Nanguang so unpunctual? Perhaps knowing he faces battle tomorrow, he’s hiding at home crying?”

“Lin Shuanghe, who are you insulting? Who’s crying at home?” A voice called from outside. They turned to see Yan He supporting Xia Chenxiu as they entered. He glared at Lin Shuanghe, “Who’s the coward? Aren’t you hosting today just to curry favor with me, hoping I’ll protect you in Ji Prefecture so you won’t be cut down by the Wutuo forces?” He sneered, “Don’t think I can’t see through you!”

He Yan noticed Xia Chenxiu being supported by Yan He and asked with concern: “Miss Xia, are you unwell?”

Though she should properly address her as “Madam Yan,” He Yan preferred calling her “Miss Xia.” Xia Chenxiu was always gentle and patient – it was hard to imagine how she ended up married to someone as hot-tempered as Yan He.

As Xia Chenxiu began to respond, Yan He interrupted, trying to appear casual despite his obvious pride: “It’s nothing serious – she’s with child now, so we must be careful.”

“With child?” He Yan was startled.

Lin Shuanghe exclaimed excitedly, “Sister-in-law is pregnant? Let me see…” He reached for Xia Chenxiu’s hand.

Yan He swatted his hand away, stepping protectively in front of his wife: “What are you doing?”

“I want to check my Sister-in-law’s pulse,” Lin Shuanghe explained. “I’m a master physician, specializing in women’s health. Let me examine the fetal position…”

“Get lost,” Yan He kicked at him. “The imperial physicians have already examined her – she’s perfectly fine. Your concern is unnecessary!”

“Sister-in-law, look at him,” Lin Shuanghe clutched his fan, speaking softly. “You must control him.”

Xia Chenxiu simply smiled and shook her head.

Yan He’s gaze fell on He Yan, then shifted to Xiao Jue, who had taken a seat at the table. Suddenly gloating, he announced: “Xiao Huaiyin, I’m going to be a father.”

“I heard,” Xiao Jue responded coldly.

“I’m becoming a father before you!” Yan He emphasized, “I’m ahead of you!”

He Yan thought silently that Yan He must have been a fighting rooster in his previous life – what was there to compete about? Besides, how long had she and Xiao Jue been married compared to Yan He and his wife? The comparison was hardly fair.

As He Yan pondered this, Xiao Jue suddenly glanced at her.

He Yan: “?”

The next moment, Young Master Xiao spoke unhurriedly: “Who told you you’re ahead?”

Yan He’s smile froze: “What do you mean?”

“Your son isn’t born yet, while my daughter already recites literature,” he said, gazing at his teacup with a slight smile.

Lin Shuanghe sprayed out his tea.

He Yan: “…”

Xiao Jue must have been referring to when she drunkenly recited texts to him back in the Liangzhou Guard. Lin Shuanghe laughed behind his fan, saying, “Yes, yes, Huaiyin became a father before you – I can testify to that! His little daughter is so well-behaved, she can recite everything!”

“How is that possible?” Upon hearing this, Yan He became agitated and rushed forward to question, “Already reciting texts? Your illegitimate daughter? Xiao Huaiyin, you’ve been raising an illegitimate child? When did this happen? Well, well, others say you’re too proud to look at anyone, but I never expected you to be such a despicable person. And you!” He looked at He Yan with disappointment and lectured, “I thought you were a brave warrior on the battlefield – how can you tolerate this? Why haven’t you drawn your sword and cut off this scoundrel’s head?”

He Yan: “I…”

“Afraid of the Xiao family’s power?” Yan He’s eyes narrowed as he made a sweeping gesture, “This General will support you – file for divorce tomorrow!”

Xiao Jue’s brows furrowed slightly.

“Yan Nanguang,” he spoke calmly, “I don’t wish to fight today.”

“Who’s afraid of you?” Yan He rolled up his sleeves eagerly, “Bring it on!”

“Nanguang,” Xia Chenxiu shook her head disapprovingly and said softly, “Today is Young Master Lin’s treat – how can we resort to violence? Besides, Commander Xiao was only joking with you, why take it seriously?”

As soon as Xia Chenxiu spoke, this fighting cock of a man immediately deflated, saying only, “…Fine.”

“The mutton is ready. Let’s sit down and eat,” Lin Shuanghe invited everyone to be seated. As they sat, he nudged Xiao Jue with his elbow and whispered, “Huaiyin, you outdid yourself.”

Xiao Jue ignored him.

Lin Shuanghe spent the Lin family’s silver like water, ordering all the most expensive dishes – a table full of food meant a table full of silver. But you get what you pay for – Fengle Tower’s cuisine was indeed the finest in Shuojing City.

He Yan had thought that although Yan He was henpecked, being a military commander, he must be careless in his actions. However, this time he truly impressed her. He remembered more clearly than anyone what his wife could and couldn’t eat or drink. He Yan suspected that even the palace servants attending to the imperial consorts might not be this attentive.

While attending to Xia Chenxiu, he asked, “Hey, do you know about Yang Mingzhi?”

Hearing this name, Xiao Jue showed no reaction, but Lin Shuanghe paused and asked, “What about him?”

“Previously,” Yan He lowered his voice, “when Guangyan agreed to let the Wutuo people establish trading posts in Great Wei, Yang Mingzhi, as the Provincial Governor of Jinling, submitted a memorial opposing it. He nearly lost his official hat. Somehow, I heard the Yang family had a falling out with him over this matter.”

He Yan glanced at Xiao Jue and asked, “What happened then?”

“After His Majesty ascended the throne, he admired this behavior. Seeing that Yang Mingzhi served as Provincial Governor of Jinling with clean hands and outstanding achievements, he wanted to recall him to Shuojing, but Yang Mingzhi refused. Don’t look at me – I don’t know why he refused either.” Yan He shrugged, “Although he’s in Jinling now, I think with His Majesty’s favor, he’ll eventually return to Shuojing. The Yang family must be regretting it now. I never thought Old Man Yang would be such a person.”

No one at the table responded to his words.

“What exactly happened between you all before?” Yan He was particularly curious about the Yang Mingzhi matter and asked Xiao Jue again, “What grudge could make you quarrel so severely that you still hold it after so many years? Xiao Huaiyin,” he continued, “A man should be more magnanimous. What kind of man are you to be so petty?”

“Shut up,” Lin Shuanghe gave him a look, “I think you’re the prettiest one at this table.”

“At least I haven’t parted ways with my closest friend.”

“Give it a rest,” Lin Shuanghe said disdainfully, “Do you even have close friends?”

“Lin Shuanghe!”

He Yan placed a piece of white radish in Xiao Jue’s bowl. When not in the military camp, Young Master Xiao preferred vegetarian dishes when dining out, probably concerned about others’ cleanliness in food preparation. Though He Yan thought he was being somewhat overly particular, well… everyone has their habits.

She interrupted Yan He, trying to change the subject, “Miss Xia, do you hope for a young master or young miss in your belly?”

Xia Chenxiu smiled. Though she wasn’t exceptionally beautiful, she had a gentle charm. “Whether it’s a young master or young miss, I’ll love them all the same.”

He Yan then asked, “What about you, General Yan?”

“I don’t care if it’s a boy or girl – as long as it’s my wife’s child, of course, I’ll love them,” Yan He immediately became proud at the mention of his unborn child, saying smugly, “If it’s someone else’s child, boy or girl, I’ll hate them!”

He Yan: “…”

This man was truly outrageous – who knows what other people’s children had done to offend him.

Lin Shuanghe also asked Xia Chenxiu, “Sister-in-law, have you chosen names for the child?”

“Well…” Xia Chenxiu showed a troubled expression.

“I have my own ideas about this,” Yan He cut in, “If it’s a daughter, she’ll be called Yan Muxia.”

He Yan: “…Is this to express admiration for Miss Xia?”

“Who knew you were so clever despite knowing nothing about poetry?” Yan He said proudly, “How about it? Don’t you think this General is skilled at naming?”

He Yan was speechless.

Yan He probably hadn’t noticed that while caring for his wife was admirable, whenever he proudly displayed his love for her, it made him look a bit – no, extremely foolish.

“Indeed, very skilled at naming,” He Yan played along, “What about if it’s a boy?”

Yan He showed less enthusiasm, “Then we’ll call him Yan Liangjiang. Hope when he grows up, he can become an excellent general like his father.”

“What kind of person is this,” Lin Shuanghe mocked, “Still trying to glorify himself at this moment.”

“Lin Shuanghe!” Yan He said angrily, “Do you still want to survive in Ji Prefecture?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Lin Shuanghe clasped his hands, “I hope General Yan will save this young master’s worthless life then.”

Only then was Yan He satisfied.

He Yan asked while chewing on a lamb leg, “But Brother Lin, you’re going to Ji Prefecture surprised me. I thought if you were to join the battlefield, you’d go to Yunzi or Jiuchuan.”

Going to Yunzi would mean being with Xiao Jue, while Jiuchuan would mean being with her. Not to boast, but He Yan’s and Xiao Jue’s relationship with Lin Shuanghe was certainly closer than with Yan He. But she later understood – that Ji Prefecture was currently dealing with an epidemic, and Lin Shuanghe’s decision to go there must be related to that.

“Sister He,” Lin Shuanghe had tried calling her “Sister-in-law” several times but found it awkward and reverted to “sister,” he said, “I know your and Huaiyin’s abilities. Whether I’m there or not makes little difference. But it’s different with General Yan – if I’m not there and he gets injured, without a divine physician to treat him, how would that affect the military situation? His personality is terrible, what if those military doctors take the opportunity to poison his medicine? Tsk tsk, how tragic!”

Yan He erupted in anger: “Lin Shuanghe, nothing good ever comes out of your mouth! How could I possibly get injured? Absurd! I’m telling you, don’t come begging me to save you later – stay far away!”

He Yan knew Lin Shuanghe was just talking nonsense. Though he appeared frivolous like a wastrel young master, he had very clear principles. How could a man raised by the Lin family of Shuojing truly be a coward who feared death?

He Yan raised her cup. Since they had to travel tomorrow, she dared not get drunk and had switched to sweet rice wine. She said, “Young Lady You Xian gave us a jar of Bifang wine earlier, but let’s not drink it today. After we drive away those Wutuo people, we’ll return to Fengle Tower and ask Brother Lin to prepare us a fine feast – only then would we do justice to such fine wine.”

“For now, let’s make do with this rice wine and toast to our success in defeating the enemy, winning every battle, conquering every challenge, sending frequent reports of victory, and returning triumphant. How about that?”

“Excellent!” Lin Shuanghe was the first to applaud, “Well said!”

Xiao Jue glanced at her and smiled.

The five cups clinked together with a clear sound, like the clash of weapons and the horn announcing victory.

“Bottoms up.”