In the fifth month of the third year of Tianjing in the Huan Kingdom, Third Imperial Uncle Duke Ning Ping and Fourth Imperial Uncle Duke Yi Ping of Huan each led 50,000 troops southward to aid Yu Wen Jinglun.
The 50,000 “Ning Ping Army” marched ahead. Upon entering Cheng Prefecture, they were ambushed by unidentified assailants in Qilin Valley. Though few, the attackers were exceptionally skilled. Their leader, clad in green, even managed to wound the battle-hardened Duke Ning Ping before escaping.
Duke Ning Ping was injured, and while not severely, he needed a few days’ rest. His “Ning Ping Army” set up camp at Shiban Town, over 20 li south of Qilin Pass, to recuperate.
That night, a great fire suddenly broke out in Shiban Town. An unknown number of masked individuals in black infiltrated the “Ning Ping Army” camp. These highly skilled intruders burned over a hundred supply wagons and killed or wounded over a thousand Huan soldiers before fleeing in the chaos.
Upon receiving the report, Duke Ning Ping flew into a rage, coughing up blood, and was bedridden again. It took three days for his condition to improve.
Already known for his volatile temper, Duke Ning Ping had planned to lead 50,000 troops south to aid his imperial nephew. He had hoped to join forces and crush the Changfeng Cavalry, then capture the Hua Dynasty capital, allowing the “Ning Ping Army’s” iron cavalry to trample the wealthy Central Plains. But barely past Cheng Prefecture, they suffered this ambush. Not only was he injured, but he also lost face.
In his fury, Duke Ning Ping vented his anger on the towns and villages along their route. At their master’s command, the “Ning Ping Army” burned, killed, and plundered their way through prefectures and counties, committing countless atrocities and leaving trails of blood in their wake. The garrison troops left behind by King Xuan Yu Wen Jinglun dared not intervene.
The “Ning Ping Army’s” brutality ignited the fury of the Hua Dynasty’s people. Led by mysterious figures, they formed numerous “ambush teams.” Wherever the “Ning Ping Army” went, these teams followed, burning supplies, killing scattered soldiers, or poisoning the Huan army’s water sources. The “Ning Ping Army” had to divert troops to assist King Xuan’s forces in guarding prefectures and suppressing local civilians. With soldiers dying daily in ambushes, their strength gradually waned. When crossing the Juan River, ambushers sank one of their warships, drowning many. By the time the “Ning Ping Army” reached Donglai, only 30,000 troops remained.
Duke Yi Ping of Huan, leading 50,000 “Yi Ping Army” troops, followed southward and faced similar resistance and ambushes. Known for his ruthlessness, Duke Yi Ping, in a fit of rage, massacred several villages, leaving no survivors.
With yellow dust obscuring the sky and iron cavalry trampling blood, the “Yi Ping Army” left a trail of bloodshed, repelling countless ambushes before reaching Donglai.
At Huiyan Pass, under a sky shrouded in thick clouds, Yu Wen Jinglun’s expression was even darker than the overcast above.
Teng Rui and Yi Han rarely saw him in such a mood, and both felt a sinking feeling in their hearts. Yu Wen Jinglun heaved a long sigh and handed the secret report to Teng Rui. Teng Rui lowered his head to read it carefully, his brows furrowed deeply and remained silent for a long while.
Yu Wen Jinglun spoke with a heavy tone, “I truly never expected it would turn out like this!”
Teng Rui suddenly recalled Cui Liang’s words on Zhenbo Bridge. Feeling a twinge of sympathy, he sighed, “We must think of a solution. If this continues, how can Your Highness speak of ruling with benevolence and righteousness? How can we hope to bridge the divide between Hua and Yi and unify the realm?”
“You’re right, but our southern campaign isn’t going well, and we still need to rely on the two Imperial Uncles. If things become too tense, it will only harm our war efforts.”
Teng Rui pondered for a long while before saying, “We can’t delay too long. Once the two Imperial Uncles’ armies arrive, we must launch a strong offensive. Otherwise, our supplies won’t keep up, and the rear will become even more chaotic. Only by defeating Pei Yan and taking the capital directly can Your Highness gain control of the situation, subdue the two Imperial Uncles, restore order, and stabilize the people’s hearts.”
Yu Wen Jinglun nodded, “That’s our only option. The most urgent matter is still attacking the Changfeng Cavalry. Advisor Teng, please draft a memorial to help win back the people’s hearts when the time comes.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Pei Yan slowly folded the letter, his handsome features seemingly illuminated by something. He called out, and An Lu entered the tent. Pei Yan smiled and said, “Pass down the order to lift the blockade on Hexi Prefecture.”
An Lu was overjoyed. There were still many Changfeng Cavalry soldiers in the city, and with the epidemic resolved and Hexi’s blockade lifted, it was truly a cause for celebration. He responded loudly and rushed out of the tent. Soon, thunderous cheers from the Changfeng Guard could be heard.
As the sound of hoofbeats faded into the distance, Pei Yan walked out of the tent and looked up at the clear sky, smiling with unrestrained joy.
With Hexi’s blockade lifted and the epidemic contained, Pei Yan led the main force back to Hexi Prefecture. The citizens, having escaped death, finally showed smiles on their faces after days of gloomy clouds.
The epidemic patients in the manor also gradually recovered. Jiang Ci’s condition improved day by day, and although Pei Yan sent Zhou Mi several times to fetch her, she remained in the manor until all the epidemic patients had recovered and left. Only then did she return to the city with Cui Liang.
As soon as they entered the city gates, they saw numerous grain carts heading towards the granaries in the west of the city. Cui Liang inquired and learned that grain collected by the court and donated by wealthy merchants from the capital was steadily arriving, which greatly eased his mind. He and Jiang Ci exchanged smiles as they walked into the Prefecture Lord’s mansion, chatting and laughing.
As soon as Jiang Ci entered the gate, she headed towards the east. After a few steps, she saw Wei Zhao coming from the east courtyard. He wore a cold white robe, his eyes calm yet sharp, but the corners of his mouth were slightly curved, revealing a hint of joy.
At that moment, Jiang Ci seemed unable to hear any sound around her or see the pavilions and buildings in the courtyard. All she could see were his eyes and the slanting sunlight falling on him. As he drew closer, she finally smelled that familiar scent like flowing clouds from her dreams.
“Lord Wei,” Cui Liang approached and bowed. Jiang Ci suddenly awakened from her trance, blinked at Wei Zhao, and then smiled happily.
A light seemed to flash in Wei Zhao’s eyes, like a dragonfly skimming water, gone in an instant. He smiled at Cui Liang and said, “Ziming, you’ve worked hard.” After a pause, he added, “The Young Lord has gone to the granary. He said that if Ziming returns, he will host a banquet tonight to celebrate Ziming’s achievements.”
Jiang Ci let out an “Ah,” and Cui Liang turned to her and said, “Looks like we can’t go then.”
Jiang Ci pouted, “I wanted to buy a hairpin. The night market on West Street has finally reopened, but now Brother Cui can’t go.”
Cui Liang looked at the sky and smiled, “It’s almost nightfall anyway. Let’s go browse first and then hurry back. The grain has just arrived in the city, so the Young Lord will probably be busy until late before returning.”
Jiang Ci was delighted but didn’t move, only looking at Wei Zhao with her eyes. Wei Zhao’s expression remained as calm as cold jade, and he said nothing. Cui Liang walked a couple of steps, then turned back and looked at them, smiling, “Would Lord Wei like to join us? It would be good to observe the people’s mood as well.”
Wei Zhao’s fine eyebrows raised slightly, and he replied with a faint smile, “Very well. The Young Lord isn’t here, and I have nothing else to do. I’ll accompany Ziming for a while.”
Before the night had fully fallen, West Street was already crowded with people. Hexi Prefecture hadn’t been this lively for a long time. Now that the Huan army had been driven away, the epidemic contained, and grain sent by the court had arrived, the citizens poured out of their homes. It seemed they wanted to celebrate Hexi’s return to vibrant life with the reopening of the night market.
Wei Zhao and Cui Liang walked with their hands behind their backs, while Jiang Ci followed beside them, jostled a bit by the surging crowd. Wei Zhao’s slender figure and exquisite features soon drew exclamations of admiration from the crowd. Many couldn’t take their eyes off him, making the area around the three even more congested.
Seeing a flash of anger cross Wei Zhao’s face, Cui Liang inwardly cried out in alarm. Just as he was hesitating about whether to return to the Prefecture Lord’s mansion, Jiang Ci came over with a smile, holding up three silly baby masks. “These look good, made by ‘Hexi Zhang’ himself. Brother Cui, Lord Wei, want to wear them for fun?”
“I’ve long heard of ‘Hexi Zhang’s reputation. These are truly exquisite,” Cui Liang took a mask and played with it in his hands before putting it on. Wei Zhao looked at Jiang Ci, a smile as faint as a floating trace appearing and disappearing on his face, and he too put on a mask.
The three walked along West Street, with Cui Liang inquiring about the prices of some goods. By then, the sky had completely darkened. The street shops began to light their lamps, and fireworks were set off in several places, illuminating the Hexi sky as bright as day. The city, having endured war and plague, was bursting with a tenacious vitality.
Jiang Ci, still thinking about buying a hairpin, spotted a jewelry shop in the distance. She tugged on Cui Liang’s sleeve, and the three squeezed their way over. The shop assistant, seeing the three enter—all wearing silly baby masks, but with one dressed in a soldier’s uniform and the other two in rather fine clothes—thought they must be rich young masters out enjoying the night market. Upon learning that Jiang Ci wanted to buy a hairpin, he enthusiastically laid out all sorts of hairpins on the counter.
Jiang Ci picked and chose, having trouble making up her mind. Cui Liang laughed beside her, “Have you received your military pay? Buying masks and now hairpins.”
Jiang Ci’s meager military pay had been exhausted when buying the masks. Hearing Cui Liang’s words, her face grew hot. Cui Liang had spoken thoughtlessly and turned to look at other jewelry. Jiang Ci quietly looked back, making eye contact with Wei Zhao, who was standing at the shop entrance with his hands behind his back. She then put her right hand behind her back. Wei Zhao leisurely walked over and silently slipped a banknote into her palm.
Jiang Ci smiled smugly, secretly pocketing the banknote. She then picked up a gold-inlaid butterfly hairpin and a jade hairpin, smiling at Cui Liang, “Which one is better?” But her eyes glanced at Wei Zhao.
Cui Liang looked at them, somewhat hesitant. Wei Zhao remained noncommittal, but his gaze lingered a moment longer on the jade hairpin.
Jiang Ci put away the jade hairpin, slapped the banknote on the counter, and smiled at the shop assistant, “I’ll take this one.”
The assistant looked at the banknote and exclaimed, “Customer, this note is too large. Our small shop can’t make change for it.”
Jiang Ci let out an “Ah” and looked down, only then realizing it was a 3,000-tael silver note. Seeing Cui Liang remove his mask and look at her with slight surprise, she stubbornly said to the assistant, “Your shop looks quite big. How can you not make change for a 3,000-tael note?”
The assistant smiled wryly, “Customer, you can ask around. I doubt any shop on West Street can make a change for a 3,000-tael note. Besides, we’d have to give you back 2,997 taels of silver. That’s too heavy for you to carry back, isn’t it?”
As Jiang Ci was about to speak again, Wei Zhao took out a few pieces of silver from his sleeve, tossed them on the counter, and turned to leave the shop. Jiang Ci smiled secretly, while Cui Liang couldn’t help but pat her head, and the two followed him out.
The three walked along the street for a while longer and came across a shop with dozens of palace lanterns hanging under its eaves, surrounded by people inside and out. Jiang Ci was curious, but the crowd was too dense to squeeze through. She looked back at Wei Zhao, who secretly gathered his strength within his sleeve and helped Jiang Ci and Cui Liang push through the crowd.
It turned out the shop owner was hosting a lantern riddle game. Those who guessed correctly would be rewarded with a set of the four treasures of the study, while those who guessed wrong had to donate a string of copper coins, which the shop owner would then donate to the Changfeng Cavalry as military pay. The spectators were happy when they guessed correctly and not dejected when they guessed wrong, smiling even as they took out their copper coins.
Jiang Ci had loved playing riddle games with her senior sister and Aunt Rou since childhood. Seeing that even if she guessed wrong, the lost copper coins would go towards military pay, she became interested in looking at the riddles on the lanterns.
Cui Liang looked at several lanterns but just smiled without speaking. Jiang Ci knew his ability and waved her hand, “Brother Cui, don’t say anything. Let me guess.”
The riddle on the first lantern to the left was “Returning from treading on flowers, butterflies encircle the knees,” representing a medicine name. Jiang Ci thought for a while and knew the answer, but seeing that the shop owner’s four treasures of the study were quite exquisite and that he was using his own shop’s goods as prizes to encourage people to donate military pay, she suddenly felt reluctant to win from him. Her eyes rolled, and she took down the lantern, smiling, “I’ve guessed this one. It’s ‘fragrant grass.'”
The shop owner laughed heartily, “The ‘fragrant’ part is correct, but it’s not ‘grass.'” He revealed the answer: “xiang fu” (cyperus rotundus). The onlookers laughed, “Young brother, hurry and donate your copper coins. It’s going to the military anyway. Next month when you receive your pay, you must kill more Huan rebels!”
Jiang Ci smiled and was about to reach into her bosom when she remembered that apart from the 3,000-tael silver note Wei Zhao had given her, she had no money left. She froze for a moment.
She looked back, seeing Cui Liang trying to suppress his laughter, covering his nose with his fist, while Wei Zhao’s eyes behind his mask also showed a hint of amusement. Jiang Ci blinked, and Wei Zhao imperceptibly nodded.
Jiang Ci was overjoyed. She took off her mask, pulled out the silver note, and said to the shop owner, “I don’t have any copper coins, just this silver note. How about this: let me guess all the lantern riddles, and regardless of how many I guess correctly, this silver note will count as… as our donation.”
As the grain entered the city, Pei Yan breathed a sigh of relief. The secret letter from his uncle that came with the grain put him in an even better mood. After being busy at the granary for over two hours, he finally remembered that Cui Liang had brought Jiang Ci back to the city that day. He assigned some more elite troops to guard the granary and rode with the Changfeng Guard towards the Prefecture Lord’s mansion.
After walking out of two main streets, Pei Yan saw the crowd ahead bustling like a tide. He inquired and learned that the West Street Night Market was reopening today. Just as he hesitated, the people by the roadside were already cheering, “Duke Jian Ding!” and “Long live the Duke!”
Pei Yan decided to dismount from his horse and, with a group of dozens of Chang Feng Guards, smiled warmly as he inspected the people’s sentiments on West Street. As he walked, he noticed that the Hexi Prefecture was gradually regaining its vitality, and his smile became even more elegant and charming.
The lights shimmered brilliantly, and his handsome face shone brightly. Young women who had the chance to see the “Duke Jian Ding” during the night market spent countless sleepless nights after that.
Pei Yan walked with the Chang Feng Guards, smiling and occasionally raising his hand to signal for calm. The people, aware of his approachable nature, ceased their cheers and simply enjoyed the street festivities, though their gazes remained filled with reverence.
Seeing a stall selling exquisitely crafted rouge boxes by the roadside, Pei Yan was intrigued. He picked up a box to examine it closely. Amid the din of the crowd, he heard an incredibly familiar, delicate, and melodious voice: “I don’t have any small change on me, just this silver note. How about this: let me solve all the lantern riddles. No matter how many I get right, consider this silver note as our donation.”