Princess Ye Li of the Ding State, despite being a woman, defeated the Northern Border King Ren Qining in just over a month. Within two months, she had completely pacified the entire northeastern region. The border with the northern barbarians was restored to where it had been during the Great Chu era. However, the reclaimed territories and people would no longer be subjects of Great Chu, but would instead come under the jurisdiction of the Ding State’s royal house.
Although the rulers of great nations like Great Chu, Western Ling, and Northern Rong could see that Ren Qining’s northern border foundation was unstable and riddled with internal problems, the fact that Princess Ye Li managed to subdue an army of a million in less than three months left the world stunned. From this point on, Princess Ye Li’s military achievements surpassed those of any famous general in history. The people under the Ding State’s rule and those newly conquered beyond Zijing Pass revered the Princess as though she were divine.
In the Western Ling Garrison South King’s temporary palace, Lei Zhenting was bent over studying maps spread across his desk. Ever since Cangmang Mountain had gotten involved with Mo Jingli, Mo had begun to show subtle signs of provocation towards Western Ling. Cangmang Mountain did have some capability – in several encounters, they had managed to give Lei Zhenting minor setbacks, which only strengthened his resolve to eliminate them.
At the lower seat, Master Qingchen sat calmly in white robes. Though Cangmang Mountain was hidden in deep mountains with natural formations as cover, Master Qingchen’s face showed no trace of worry. He simply enjoyed his tea leisurely, waiting for Lei Zhenting’s reaction.
“Father! Father…” Lei Tengfeng rushed in clutching a letter. Lei Zhenting frowned deeply. In terms of age, Lei Tengfeng was similar to Xu Qingchen and Mo Xiuyao, but his temperament was far less composed than either of them, not to mention his inferior tactics and methods. No wonder Lei Zhenting remained worried about his only son.
In truth, Lei Tengfeng’s abilities and strategies might not match natural talents like Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen, but he was no worse than Mo Jingli or Ren Qining. It was only because he had lived in his father’s shadow and lacked experience that his temperament seemed somewhat lacking compared to others.
“Master Qingchen is still present. What sort of manner is this shouting? What has happened?” Lei Zhenting asked sternly.
Lei Tengfeng had only noticed Xu Qingchen sitting to the side after entering and inwardly regretted his rashness. However, being scolded by his father in front of Xu Qingchen left him looking displeased. Xu Qingchen set down his teacup and said with a smile, “If Prince Rui has come, it must be important business. I shall take my leave first.”
Lei Zhenting glanced at the letter in Lei Tengfeng’s hand, able to guess somewhat what it might be about. He shook his head and said, “Master Qingchen is no outsider, just speak directly.”
Lei Tengfeng hesitated briefly, then presented the letter to Lei Zhenting and said, “Princess Ye Li has defeated Ren Qining’s million-strong army. Ren Qining has committed suicide.”
“What?” Even Lei Zhenting, who had weathered many storms, was startled – no wonder his son’s earlier loss of composure. Originally, when Northern Rong and the Northern Border allied, Lei Zhenting hadn’t thought highly of it but was happy to see it happen. Although he now needed to cooperate with the Ding State’s royal house against Cangmang Mountain, he still had to guard against the Ding State launching a surprise attack from behind. Having the Northern Border as a buffer would have been reassuring. Yet who could have imagined that mere Ye Li could destroy the Northern Border nation in two months, without Mo Xiuyao even needing to act? Was the Ding State royal house too strong, or was the Northern Border too weak?
Thinking of this, Lei Zhenting’s expression towards Xu Qingchen changed somewhat. Xu Qingchen appeared not to notice, maintaining his composed demeanor. Lei Zhenting collected himself and smiled at Xu Qingchen, “The Princess is truly a once-in-a-millennium female hero. I must congratulate Master Qingchen and the Ding State royal house.”
Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. Though pacifying the Northern Border could be considered unrepeatable good fortune, he was still very pleased that his cousin had completed such a major undertaking. He nodded with a slight smile and said, “Thank you, Your Highness. Li’er is still young – this achievement, though stumbled upon by accident, is indeed her good fortune.” Beside them, Lei Tengfeng’s mouth twitched involuntarily. Princess Ye Li had been famous across the realm for merely ten years – defending Yonglin, pacifying the northwest, sweeping through Western Ling, and now conquering the Northern Border. Even his father had suffered losses at her hands. If someone like this was still considered young, what chance would others have when she was no longer young?
Xu Qingchen probably also sensed that such modest words might sound more like boasting to others. He naturally changed the topic with a smile, “The Northern Border affairs are thousands of miles away – let’s not concern ourselves with that. We should discuss how to handle Cangmang Mountain. If our two houses working together can’t even take down Cangmang Mountain, I truly wouldn’t have the face to return to Li City.”
Lei Zhenting and Lei Tengfeng’s expressions brightened. The Northern Border was already settled – dwelling on it would be pointless. They would just need to carefully rearrange the northern border defenses. As for the present situation, if the Garrison South King’s tens of thousands of elite troops plus the world’s most brilliant Master Qingchen couldn’t take down mere Cangmang Mountain, then Ren Qining wouldn’t just be ranked first… Chapter 364 continued in the military camp, with several dozen more.
“Princess, your pacification of the Northern Border is an achievement for the ages. I offer my congratulations,” said the Third Prince Feng, resplendent in red robes rather than military dress like the other commanders, cutting a graceful and distinguished figure.
Ye Li smiled faintly and cupped her hands, “It was everyone’s achievement. Third Prince Feng is too kind.”
The assembled commanders also offered their congratulations in unison. They had already deeply respected the Princess, and now with her achievement in pacifying the Northern Border, no one in the Mo family army dared doubt her abilities anymore.
With Ye Li’s return, Mo Xiuyao was in good spirits. He dismissed everyone except Lü Jinxian and a few others for discussion. Everyone couldn’t help asking about Ye Li’s experiences in the Northern Border, and Ye Li, not wanting to dampen their enthusiasm, selected some important events to relate to. While everyone marveled at Ren Qining’s misfortune and the Ding royal house’s good fortune, saying heaven truly favored them, they also privately admired the Princess’s methods, insight, and strategy. Though they might have been able to lead armies to pacify the Northern Border themselves, achieving it so easily, almost bloodlessly – perhaps not even two people present could have managed that.
After hearing Ye Li’s account, Mo Xiuyao pondered briefly and said, “Leng Huai and Leng Haoyu are enough for Changqing – we should recall He Su.”
Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled, “It seems things are rather thorny here. With so many fierce generals in the army, yet you need to recall He Su.” Lü Jinxian and the others knew He Su was Ye Li’s man, and smiled, “The Princess speaks true. Helian Zhen has been neglected by the Northern Rong King these years, but remarkably didn’t deteriorate and instead cultivated several talented people. Now Northern Rong has a million-strong army and fierce generals in abundance. We’ve long heard that General He’s ability to lead troops is unmatched among young commanders – it would certainly be good to have him here.”
The Southern Marquis stroked his beard and nodded with a smile, “Indeed, the Princess’s subordinates are all exceptional talents. Among the younger generation of generals, General He Su truly stands above the rest. My son is quite lacking in comparison.” As he spoke, the Southern Marquis gave Fu Zhao a somewhat exasperated glare. Fu Zhao touched his nose somewhat innocently – it wasn’t that he didn’t try hard, but this era was simply overrun with prodigies.
Ye Li smiled and said, “The Southern Marquis is too kind. Your son is a rare talent in both civil and military affairs. How could He Su compare?” After thinking for a moment, she continued, “Very well. General Leng Huai commands great respect and authority, while Leng Haoyu is resourceful and adaptable. With them stationed in Changqing, the lands beyond Zijing Pass should soon return to their former prosperity. However, what kind of renowned generals are in the Northern Border camp that makes General Lü so wary?”
Lü Jinxian said, “In the Northern Rong army, there’s a young general called Helian Peng, who should be Helian Zhen’s junior. But in terms of military tactics, even Helian Zhen might be slightly inferior to him. Now the Northern Rong army has Yelü Ye, Helian Zhen, and Helian Peng in command, plus a million elite troops. It’s indeed somewhat troublesome.” Though he spoke of trouble, Lü Jinxian’s face showed no sign of concern; rather, he seemed eager for battle.
“Since Yelü Hong has returned to Northern Rong, the army is now fully under Yelü Ye’s command. I wonder if things will go smoothly for Yelü Hong after his return to Northern Rong. If all goes well, Yelü Ye won’t have it easy for long,” Ye Li pondered.
Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows disdainfully and said, “If he can’t even handle that small matter, Yelü Hong might as well be dead. Since A’Li has returned, I’d like to properly meet Helian Zhen and see if he’s still as sharp as he was in the old days!” Speaking of Helian Zhen, Mo Xiuyao’s eyes inevitably showed traces of hostility. It wasn’t that Helian Zhen was truly some heaven-sent talent, but by chance, the Ding State royal house had never known defeat in a hundred years until they fell at Helian Zhen’s hands. Though it wasn’t a defeat in battle, a loss was still a loss. That chapter from over ten years ago was undoubtedly the Ding State royal house’s most frustrating and devastating defeat in a century. How could Mo Xiuyao not remember Helian Zhen?
Just as Mo Xiuyao remembered Helian Zhen, Helian Zhen hadn’t forgotten Mo Xiuyao either. Back then, Helian Zhen, as Northern Rong’s… Chapter 364 continued with the million-strong army. Though not as elite as the original Mo family army, they still had their uses. “Moreover, in my humble opinion, Mo Xiuyao doesn’t seem like someone lacking in foresight. He must know that the Mo family army’s strength is far less than that of other nations. Why hasn’t he made any moves to recruit more troops?”
Yelü Ye frowned and stared at Helian Peng intently, asking, “Are you suggesting that Mo Xiuyao has hidden his true strength?” Helian Peng nodded and said, “Indeed. I believe the Mo family army has more than the forces we know about. Mo Xiuyao has likely hidden substantial forces in places unknown to us, waiting to deliver a fatal blow to our army. Your Highness must not let down your guard.”
Yelü Ye nodded. He wasn’t truly someone who overlooked others or lacked cunning. When facing Mo Xiuyao, he was willing to be more cautious. Yelü Ye asked, “Helian, what do you have in mind?”
Helian Peng replied, “I intend to test the Mo family army’s strength first.”
Yelü Ye looked at him with interest and asked, “How do you plan to test them? Over the past half year, we’ve fought the Mo family army dozens of times, large and small. I can only say that the Mo family army truly deserves its reputation as an iron-blooded force that has terrorized the world for over two hundred years.” Even Yelü Ye had to admire the Mo family army’s combat prowess. The Central Plains people naturally had weaker physical attributes compared to nomadic tribes, and although many who practiced internal martial arts could fight ten opponents at once, cultivation took time, and not everyone could achieve such mastery. Thus, traditionally, Central Plains forces were weaker than Northern Rong in equal numbers. However, the Mo family army was an exception – each soldier possessed strength completely different from Northern Rong warriors, making every engagement between the armies more intense.
Helian Peng pondered for a moment and said, “Qilin.”
“Qilin?” At these words, even Yelü Ye and Helian Zhen were moved. The Qilin unit hadn’t existed for long, but they had achieved numerous remarkable feats. They had been instrumental in several major victories for the Mo family army, yet few had ever truly seen them. They were like ghosts.
Yelü Ye said, “Qilin was established and is personally commanded by the Ding State Princess. It’s the most mysterious unit in the Mo family army. Helian, do you want to challenge the Princess?”
Helian Peng raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is that not allowed?”
Yelü Ye smiled and said, “It’s not that it’s not allowed. I thought that with your pride, you’d want to face Mo Xiuyao directly.” Helian Peng calmly replied, “I don’t underestimate women, especially when that woman is the Ding State Princess. Moreover, for some reason, I feel that if we don’t deal with this Qilin unit first, Northern Rong will eventually fall into their hands.”
Yelü Ye shuddered slightly and asked, “What makes you say that?”
Helian Peng pondered for a moment and said, “I don’t know exactly, it’s just a feeling. Since their appearance, Qilin has always struck unexpectedly, attacking when the enemy must defend, never missing their mark. Our Northern Rong warriors might not fear anyone in direct combat on the battlefield, but dealing with such elusive enemies is precisely our weakness.”
Yelü Ye nodded in agreement. Having dealt with the Mo family army for so long, he certainly knew this. However, the strengths and weaknesses of Northern Rong’s forces were habits accumulated over thousands of years – they couldn’t be changed quickly even if they wanted to. “How does Helian plan to deal with Qilin?”
Beside them, Helian Zhen smiled and said, “Since Qilin’s appearance, Peng has been very interested in them, so we’ve also trained a special force specifically to counter Qilin.”
Hearing this, Yelü Ye was genuinely surprised and looked at Helian Peng, asking, “Is this true?” Over these years, his father had strongly disliked Helian Zhen, stripping him of military authority and forcing him into retirement. To be able to train such a force under these circumstances – how could Yelü Ye not be delighted? If not for this war, such a force capable of killing invisibly would have been perfect for dealing with Yelü Hong.
Helian Peng’s expression remained unchanged as he nodded and said, “Indeed. The Central Plains people call the Qilin a benevolent beast – too gentle, lacking killing intent. This force, I call it Yazi.”
“Yazi?” Though Yelü Ye was from Northern Rong, as a prince he naturally had some understanding of Central Plains culture. Yazi – one of the nine sons of the dragon, resembling a wolf, bloodthirsty, named a dragon’s son but a fierce beast. Yelü Ye was curious that Helian Peng had such knowledge of Central Plains culture.
“Correct.” Helian Zhen declared loudly, “Back then, I carelessly lost to that young upstart Mo Xiuyao. If I could not wash away this shame, I would have no face to meet the Helian family ancestors even in death. I’ve waited over ten years for this day. Seventh Prince, rest assured – this time we will ensure the Mo family army never rises again.”
Yelü Ye naturally knew of Helian Zhen’s hatred for Mo Xiuyao. One could say Helian Zhen’s life was both made and broken by the Ding State royal house. In his military career, his greatest achievement was defeating the Mo family army and killing Mo Xuwen. But his greatest defeat was also to the Mo family army, to Mo Xiuyao. Nodding, Yelü Ye said solemnly, “Then I’ll trouble Uncle and Helian with this task. I await your good news. What does Helian plan to do?”
Helian Peng contemplated briefly and said, “Ye Li has just returned and won’t be prepared for us so quickly. I suggest we launch a night raid tonight.”
Yelü Ye hesitated, “Are you confident?”
Helian Peng smiled and said, “Your Highness need not worry, it’s just a probe.”
“In that case, approved.”