Huiyan Pass, located over 200 li north of Hexi Prefecture, had always been a strategic military location.
Wang Lang and Tian Ce stood atop the high fortress of Huiyan Pass, watching the well-organized Huan army gradually encircling the pass. Both felt a heavy weight in their hearts.
Wang Lang frowned slightly, “The rapid improvement of Huan Kingdom’s infantry and navy is astounding. This Yu Wen Jinglun is not to be underestimated.”
Tian Ce nodded, “It seems they must have skilled advisors in their army. They’re even using our Hua Dynasty’s catapults and flame-throwers in this siege. They’re determined to succeed in this southern invasion.”
Wang Lang sighed softly, pondering for a while before saying, “He will surely use rotating attacks. The north and east sides aren’t too concerning, but I’m worried about the northwest corner.”
“That area is near Xianhe Ridge. Beyond the narrow pass are cliffs. Surely they can’t break through from there?”
Wang Lang shook his head, “The Huan cavalry crossing the Juanshui River on pontoon bridges proves they have someone familiar with our Hua Dynasty’s terrain.” He turned and descended from the high platform, walking and talking, “Quickly convene a meeting of commanders. Also, order a search among our troops for soldiers familiar with Huiyan Pass’s terrain. If none are found, immediately search the nearby villages.”
The spring moon cast shadows, and the night wind was cool.
Yu Wen Jinglun and Teng Rui had just finished dinner and were talking when Yi Han lifted the tent flap and entered.
Seeing his smile, Yu Wen Jinglun and Teng Rui exchanged glances. Teng Rui spread out the terrain map, and Yi Han pointed to Xianhe Ridge on the map, “Master Teng was correct. There is indeed a hidden stone path that leads down to the narrow pass. Beyond that is Xianhe Ridge, right next to Huiyan Pass.”
Yu Wen Jinglun asked, “Are there any signs of recent use on the stone path?”
“It doesn’t appear so. It’s overgrown with weeds and shrubs, likely abandoned for many years.”
“That stone path was left from when they quarried stone for building Huiyan Pass’s high fortress,” Teng Rui explained. “However, unlike the Juanshui River situation, many people know about this path. Some might still be alive, and the stonemasons in nearby villages might know about it.”
Yu Wen Jinglun pondered, “The path is narrow; horses can’t pass. Even if we send the Flying Wolf Camp to infiltrate Huiyan Pass, it would be difficult to open the gates.”
Yi Han nodded, “Cavalry can’t pass this time, and Wang Lang has many skilled subordinates. We can’t be reckless.”
As Yu Wen Jinglun and Yi Han fell into deep thought, Teng Rui merely smiled.
A gust of wind blew open the tent flap, entering the tent and causing the candle flames to flicker. Yu Wen Jinglun suddenly looked up, saw Teng Rui’s expression, and instantly understood his thoughts. They exchanged knowing smiles.
The siege had been ongoing for several days. The Huan army, divided into dozens of assault teams, launched wave after wave of attacks on Huiyan Pass day and night. Fire arrows, crossbows, scaling ladders, and siege towers were all deployed. The sound of war drums and horns echoed constantly, with casualties mounting on both sides of Huiyan Pass.
Wang Lang, known as a scholarly general, was known for his steady approach and had years of experience defending Changle City. He remained calm in the face of the Huan army’s assault. He knew that although his side was outnumbered, they had the advantage of a strategic pass. If they could hold out for a while, the Huan army would tire, and there might even be a chance for a counterattack.
Listening to the thunderous drums and horns, he pondered several major issues. Seeing Tian Ce enter, he slowly said, “Vice General Tian.”
“At your service, General.”
Wang Lang asked, “Have we still not found anyone familiar with the terrain?”
“We’re still searching, but most people from nearby villages have migrated south to avoid the war.”
Tian Ce approached and said, “General Wang, if we continue defending like this, we might face food shortages.”
This was precisely what Wang Lang was worried about. He expressed his concern, “Indeed, defending the pass isn’t the problem, but with these food shortages, if the court doesn’t send provisions soon, we won’t last until the end of the month.”
Tian Ce angrily said, “The Huan people are shameless. They ambushed Cheng County, and we retreated in such a hurry that we couldn’t even burn the granaries. It only benefited those Huan bandits.”
Wang Lang sighed, “This year, there have been problems with granaries everywhere. Although the court requisitioned grain, most of it was sent to General Ning at Xiaojing River. We didn’t expect the Huan people to come so quickly. I’m afraid we’ll have to endure for a while.”
“But what if provisions don’t arrive by the end of the month?”
Wang Lang shook his head and said no more.
As the siege raged on, Wang Lang grew increasingly anxious. Despite sending urgent memorials requesting provisions for several days, no supplies arrived. The soldiers had already reduced their meals from three to two per day, with rations halved. Although no one dared to complain openly to him, the low morale was evident.
The lack of medical supplies was also a major problem. The number of wounded increased daily, and bodies couldn’t be dealt with promptly. With spring’s arrival, dozens of people were suspected of contracting an epidemic. If not for the timely discovery by Tian Ce’s military doctor, the consequences would have been unthinkable.
Tian Ce entered and saw only vegetables in Wang Lang’s bowl. He sighed softly, “General, you must take care of yourself. Although we share the hardships with the soldiers, you cannot fall.”
Wang Lang didn’t respond. After finishing his meal, he was about to stand when Thousand-Household He Li hurried in, “General, we’ve found villagers familiar with the terrain!”
“Oh? Quickly, bring them in.”
An elderly man with white hair and dressed as a farmer entered. Wang Lang stepped forward to support him. The old man was nervous and couldn’t speak for a moment.
Wang Lang observed him and smiled, “Elder, you seem to be a stonemason?”
The old man trembled and said, “The General has a good eye.”
“Elder, your right arm is much thicker than your left, there are old scars on your palm, and your skin seems to have been exposed to the sun for years. I believe you must be a stonemason.”
The old man looked at him with admiration, “I’ve long heard of General Wang’s reputation for benevolence and righteousness. It’s my great fortune to be of service to General Wang.”
“Elder, are you familiar with the terrain around Xianhe Ridge?”
“Yes,” the old man recalled. “Beyond Xianhe Ridge is a narrow pass, and beyond that is a cliff. In those days, that mountain peak was rich in granite, an excellent material for building the pass. If we had to transport it from the north of the mountain peak to Huiyan Pass, it would have been a journey of several dozen li. So the prefecture built a stone path on the south side, sent us up to quarry the granite, and then transported it down that path.”
Wang Lang pondered, “If the Huan army attacks from there, it could be dangerous.”
“General, we have men guarding Xianhe Ridge. Besides, even if the Huan army tries to enter Huiyan Pass from there, it won’t be cavalry, so we needn’t worry too much.”
Wang Lang thought for a long while, then his eyes lit up, “If the Huan people don’t come in, why don’t we go out?”
Yu Wen Jinglun laughed heartily, “Military Advisor Teng is so meticulous, he even prepared a stonemason.”
Teng Rui smiled slightly, “Huiyan Pass is a necessary route for our southern advance. When I was in the capital, I had already considered how to capture Huiyan Pass if needed.”
“Wang Lang is steady by nature, but this time, pressed by the lack of provisions, we needn’t worry about him not taking the bait,” Yi Han said, polishing his long sword with a smile.
Teng Rui said, “With the Hua Dynasty fighting on three fronts, their supply lines are surely strained. However, such a major oversight with their granaries almost seems like heaven is helping us.”
Yu Wen Jinglun stood up and looked outside the tent, “Then let’s cooperate with Wang Lang and put on this show.”
Wang Lang saw that the soldiers of the vanguard were in good order and high spirits. Quite satisfied, he didn’t say much, but told Thousand-Household Zhu Ling, “Move quickly. Part of the force will provide cover, the rest will burn the camp. Understood?”
“Yes!” Zhu Ling paused and added, “Rest assured, General. Burning the Huan army’s camp is our vanguard’s favorite task.”
Wang Lang’s face was as calm as still water, “Don’t be careless. We’ll only sortie from the pass to attack from both sides after you’ve succeeded.”
Zhu Ling saluted again and waved his hand. Several thousand vanguard soldiers headed northwest.
The battle of attack and defense continued fiercely inside and outside the pass. That night, the Huan army seemed to attack with renewed vigor, with dozens of assault teams launching fierce attacks simultaneously. Under the king’s banner, Yu Wen Jinglun stood holding his sword, exchanging distant glances and smiles with Wang Lang on the city wall.
In the latter half of the night, the sounds of battle still echoed around Huiyan Pass.
But the distant, sky-high flames and the gradually disordered formation of the Huan army, along with Yu Wen Jinglun’s sudden turn, brought satisfaction to Wang Lang’s heart.
He stared at Yu Wen Jinglun under the king’s banner below the pass, saw him make a gesture to return to camp, and watched the Huan army’s formation fall into chaos as they hastily retreated. He commanded in a deep voice, “Open the gates, pursue!”
As the Huan army retreated like a receding tide, Wang Lang personally led his army out of the pass in pursuit. Seeing Yu Wen Jinglun’s king’s banner retreating northeast in the firelight, knowing there were no valleys suitable for ambush in that direction, he pursued relentlessly.
Yu Wen Jinglun’s king’s banner retreated very quickly, with elite soldiers providing cover, maintaining some distance from Wang Lang’s pursuing forces. Wang Lang knew that the chance to capture Yu Wen Jinglun alive depended on this battle. If he escaped and regrouped to attack the pass again, they would have no chance of victory.
The Huan army retreated in disarray, crossing a small stream and fleeing northward in panic.
Seeing that the stream was only about ten feet wide and knee-deep, with flat ground beyond, Wang Lang waved his hand. The bugler behind him continued to sound the pursuit order.
As dawn broke, the sound of hooves splashing through water echoed across the stream. Under the flickering torchlight, Hua Jun spurred his horse forward, sending up a spray of white mist.
The water droplets momentarily blinded Wang Lang. As a cold glint flashed, he instinctively leaned back. The blade slashed down through the air, forcing Wang Lang to quickly dismount. He barely managed to block Yi Han’s killing stroke with his spear. The two exchanged a flurry of moves, leaving the nearby Hua Dynasty soldiers unable to intervene.
Wang Lang knew his martial arts were inferior to Yi Han’s. His only hope of survival was to retreat to his forces. But Yi Han’s sword seemed to possess an adhesive quality, preventing Wang Lang from disengaging.
Amid their fierce battle, Wang Lang caught sight of the vanguard troops stumbling as they crossed the stream, apparently caught in hidden traps. Suddenly, the mudflats on the opposite bank erupted as Huan soldiers from the Flying Wolf Battalion sprang up, throwing the Hua vanguard into chaos. The thunderous sound of hoofbeats approached from behind. Realizing the dire situation, Wang Lang shouted, “Retreat! Fall back behind the walls!”
Yi Han laughed, “General Wang, it’s too late!” His sword flared with overwhelming power, transforming into a thousand blades converging on Wang Lang. The general’s spear was ill-suited for close combat, forcing him to rapidly backpedal. Yi Han pursued relentlessly, his sword strikes pushing forward in an unbroken chain. Wang Lang desperately twirled his spear to parry, the clash of metal ringing out continuously.
Yi Han closed in suddenly, unleashing a mighty roar. An irresistible sword energy coiled around Wang Lang’s wrist. The general coughed up blood as he was thrown backward into the stream. Before the Hua soldiers could even cry out in alarm, Yi Han descended like a god of death, a cold flash of his blade pinning Wang Lang to the streambed.
Yu Wen Jinglun stood beneath the royal banner, hands clasped behind his back as he observed the battle by Red Plum Stream. He exchanged a smile with Teng Rui, who had led troops from the south to complete the encirclement.
On the night of the twenty-second day of the third month in the fifth year of Cheng Xi’s reign, the Battle of Huiyan Pass unfolded. Wang Lang fell for the Huan Kingdom’s trap, pursuing the enemy out of the fortress only to be ambushed at Red Plum Stream. With Wang Lang slain and eight out of ten Hua soldiers killed, Huiyan Pass fell.
The Long Wind Cavalry’s Vice General, Tian Ce, led the remaining thirty thousand troops in a retreat to Daimei Ridge, thirty li north of Hexi Prefecture. Despite heavy casualties, they temporarily halted the Huan army’s southern advance. Hexi Prefecture sent out urgent calls for aid.
The fierce resistance at Daimei Ridge exceeded Yu Wen Jinglun’s expectations. He had assumed that after taking Huiyan Pass and killing Wang Lang, the Hua forces would crumble. Yet these thirty thousand remnants under Tian Ce fought with the desperation of cornered beasts, holding Daimei Ridge like an iron fortress.
Observing the growing number of wounded being carried from the front lines, Yu Wen Jinglun turned to Teng Rui and said, “The Long Wind Cavalry is truly formidable. This Tian Ce is merely one of Pei Yan’s deputy commanders, yet he’s proven so difficult to overcome.”
Teng Rui pondered silently for a moment before replying slowly, “Your Highness, I fear you may soon have to face Pei Yan directly.”
Yu Wen Jinglun’s eyes lit up with excitement as he gazed southward. “I eagerly await Pei Yan’s arrival. The chance to test my mettle against him on the battlefield would surely be one of life’s great pleasures!”
Yi Han smiled and added, “Once Hexi Prefecture falls, Pei Yan will certainly come to meet Your Highness in battle, no matter how grievously he may be wounded.”
Just as Yu Wen Jinglun was about to respond, an attendant rushed over. “Your Highness!”
“What is it?”
“A man and a woman have taken General Fu hostage at Locust Slope. They demand to see Hall Master Yi.”
Yi Han looked at Yu Wen Jinglun in surprise. Before the prince could speak, a commotion erupted in the distance. Hundreds of Huan soldiers surrounded three figures. A young man held a blade to the throat of a high-ranking officer, while a black-veiled woman stood beside him. The pair slowly approached the main tent, dragging the captured general with them.
As they drew near, the woman turned her head and caught sight of Yi Han. She swiftly removed her veil.
Yi Han’s eyes widened in recognition. “Shuang Qiao!” he exclaimed.
A gentle rain had been falling for days, dampening the earth like silken threads.
Cui Liang emerged from Chancellor Fang’s office, cradling a stack of memorials. A minor official held an oil-paper umbrella over him as they made their way along the corridor, through the palace gates, and towards Honghui Hall.
The rain had soaked into the granite path beneath their feet, turning it a deep greenish-brown. Cui Liang’s gaze was fixed on the documents in his hands, his brow furrowed with worry. He only looked up when a white-clad figure appeared a few steps ahead.
The minor official hastily bowed. “Lord Wei.”
Wei Zhao’s eyes fell on Cui Liang, who slowly raised his head. As their gazes met, Cui Liang smiled and said, “Lord Wei, forgive me for not bowing. My hands are full with these memorials.”
Wei Zhao stood with his hands tucked into his sleeves, saying nothing. His eyes lingered on Cui Liang’s face for a long moment before he spoke softly, “Top Scholar Cui?”
“You flatter me,” Cui Liang replied with a slight bow of his head.
“I’ve heard that Top Scholar Cui is quite skilled in medicine. I have a matter I’d like to consult you about.” Wei Zhao’s words seemed to float in the air. The minor official quickly took the memorials from Cui Liang’s hands and retreated to a discreet distance.
In the misty rain, Cui Liang met Wei Zhao’s piercing gaze, which glinted like cold stars. He smiled and said, “Please ask, Lord Wei. I’ll answer to the best of my knowledge.”
Wei Zhao’s eyes narrowed slightly. After a long silence, he slowly asked, “How can one quickly recover from a bone fracture?”
“May I ask where the fracture is located, Lord Wei? And what caused it?”
“External force. The shoulder blade. The fracture is about one and a half fen wide.”
“Has any medicine been used?”
“Yes, but the recovery is slow, and the patient is in considerable pain.”
Cui Liang pondered for a moment before replying, “I have a prescription that can be taken internally and applied externally. If you trust me, Lord Wei, it might be worth trying.”
Wei Zhao glided past him, his voice clear in Cui Liang’s ear: “Thank you, Top Scholar Cui. I’ll send someone to collect the prescription.”
Seeing Wei Zhao’s cold expression as he entered, Madam Wei Five trembled slightly and said with a forced smile, “The young miss has just fallen asleep.”
Wei Zhao halted before the inner chamber door and asked coldly, “Was she in much pain today?”
“It was quite bad in the afternoon, but after taking the young master’s pain medicine, she seemed to improve. She ate well in the evening and chatted with me for a while before going to sleep.”
Wei Zhao gave a soft “Mm” in response. Madam Wei Five, adept at reading moods, quickly retreated to the kitchen, not daring to emerge again.
Wei Zhao stood silently at the door of the inner chamber for a long time, listening to the soft, steady breathing within. Finally, he reached out his right hand and gently pushed open the door.
The room was dark, without a single candle lit. Like a phantom, he glided to the bedside and gazed at the now somewhat haggard face for a long while, his right hand trembling slightly.
A faint moonbeam filtered through the window, illuminating Jiang Ci’s left cheek. Noticing her slightly furrowed brow and the absence of her usual rosy complexion, Wei Zhao felt a tightness in his chest. He slowly sat down on the edge of the bed and carefully reached out to smooth the wrinkles between her eyebrows.
The skin beneath his fingers was as smooth as silk and as cool as a snow lotus. This unfamiliar sensation sent a tremor through Wei Zhao’s heart, causing his fingers to shake.
Jiang Ci stirred slightly, startling Wei Zhao into quickly withdrawing his hand.
She merely murmured, “Master!” before falling still again.
Wei Zhao sat in the darkness for a long time, no longer able to bring himself to touch that cool skin again.
As the first light of dawn appeared, Madam Wei Five entered with a bowl of porridge. Jiang Ci propped herself up with her right hand and sat up, smiling as she said, “Thank you, Aunt Five.”
Madam Wei Five replied with a hint of pity in her voice, “Child, why are you being so polite?”
Jiang Ci took the bowl and placed it in front of her, using the spoon to eagerly consume the lean meat porridge. Seeing her hearty appetite, Madam Wei Five sighed inwardly as she stood quietly to the side.
Jiang Ci handed the empty bowl back to Madam Wei Five and said, “I felt a bit hot last night and remember kicking off the blanket. It must have been troublesome for you to cover me up again, Aunt Five.”
Madam Wei Five hesitated for a moment before softly replying, “Last night, the young master stayed here the whole time. He was the one who covered you.”
Jiang Ci froze, unsure of how to feel. After a while, she asked quietly, “Where is he now?”
“He left just before dawn. He left some medicine, saying he had asked a doctor from the western garden to prescribe it. He said you would surely like the taste of this medicine.”
Jiang Ci thought for a moment before exclaiming happily, “Quick, please brew the medicine and bring it to me, Aunt Five.”
Wei Zhao’s expression remained impassive as he changed into a plain robe. Yi Wu entered and whispered in his ear, “Third Master, urgent military news arrived at the palace half an hour ago. All the ministers have now entered the palace.”
Wei Zhao’s hands paused at his chest as he slowly fastened his collar. “Did you see which direction it came from?” he asked.
Yi Wu’s face grew serious. “From the north. I saw clearly that the purple staff bore black feathers.”
Wei Zhao was silent for a moment before letting out a cold laugh. “It seems another great general has fallen.”
Yi Wu looked worried. “This second prince of the Huan Kingdom is truly formidable.”
Wei Zhao removed his outer robe again and sat back in his chair. “Return to the palace,” he said calmly. “If His Majesty asks, tell him that due to the continuous rainy days, my wound is causing me some pain, so I won’t be able to pay my respects at court.”
Yi Wu acknowledged the order and left. As Wei Zhao sat with his eyes closed, the steward entered quietly. “Master, someone is at the gate, saying they have something to deliver to you.”
Seeing that Wei Zhao didn’t open his eyes, the steward moved closer and whispered, “They claim to be from Minister Pei’s household and showed a Long Wind Guard’s token.”
Wei Zhao’s eyes snapped open. The steward presented a fox fur cloak before him and said softly, “The messenger said that Minister Pei instructed them to deliver this cloak to you, Master. He said it’s one of Minister Pei’s most treasured possessions, which he has always kept in his thatched cottage, reluctant to use. Upon hearing of your injury, he was quite concerned and is temporarily lending it to you. He’ll come to reclaim it when he returns to the capital.”