“Young Master Han… have you finished your reunion? If we don’t act soon, the National Prince’s men will arrive and it’ll be too late.” The sickly scholar’s sinister voice rang out from behind.
Han Mingyue snorted lightly, casually pulling out the dagger from his shoulder and tossing it aside. The shoulder wound made him frown involuntarily as he gazed coolly at Han Mingxi, saying, “Mingxi, stand aside. Don’t force my hand.” Han Mingxi gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand and block Ye Li’s path, declaring, “If you want to harm her, you’ll have to get through me first.” Without further words, Han Mingyue lunged forward, reaching for Han Mingxi’s shoulder. Though Han Mingyue had pulled back his internal energy at the last moment in their previous encounter, Han Mingxi had still suffered serious internal injuries and could barely lift his left arm, let alone match his brother in combat. Ye Li, standing behind Han Mingxi, pulled him back and pushed him aside while intercepting Han Mingyue’s attack. Though her internal energy was lacking, Ye Li excelled at close combat. Her movements were direct and efficient, without any unnecessary flourishes. The silver dagger in her hand left small but precise wounds with each flash of its blade. This lethal fighting style made Han Mingyue frown. He struck out several palms in succession before retreating several zhang, remarking, “It’s been nearly a year, and I didn’t expect sister-in-law’s martial skills to have improved so dramatically.” If Ye Li’s victory over him a year ago had relied on the element of surprise, this time their exchange was purely about genuine martial skill.
Ye Li frowned slightly and said, “I dare not accept the title of sister-in-law. Young Master Han, I conducted business with your Tianyi Pavilion at clearly stated prices, yet now you turn around and sell me to others – is this your way of doing business? Could it be that Tianyi Pavilion built its fortune by cheating its clients?” Han Mingyue’s expression remained characteristically sincere yet helpless. “The Princess remains as witty as ever. In this world… many things leave one feeling helpless, things we must do even when we don’t wish to. Isn’t that so?” Ye Li raised her eyebrows and smiled, “If Mo Xiuyao were here now, would you again claim it was all a misunderstanding?” Han Mingyue smiled without responding, while the sickly scholar coldly laughed, “If Mo Xiuyao were here, he could die alongside you!”
Ye Li glanced back at the restless sickly scholar, saying with a half-smile, “Third Master, I advise you against any rash moves. If anything were to happen, I’d have trouble explaining to Master Ling.” The sickly scholar let out an angry cold laugh, stepping forward to speak. With a whoosh, two arrows flew past him from left and right in quick succession, striking the ground less than a chi away. The sickly scholar’s face alternated between pale and flushed as Ye Li laughed, “I warned the Third Master – I never like taking risks.”
Seeing the sickly scholar’s unsightly expression, Han Mingyue chuckled softly, “Sister-in-law, there’s no need to frighten us. The imperial guards have already been led away by my men. Having rushed here so hastily, you can’t have more than two or three people with you.” Ye Li smiled, “Even so, we still have three people. And Young Master Mingyue, what about you?”
Han Mingxi, sitting on the ground, called out clearly, “Not three-four.” He had decided to stand against his elder brother.
Han Mingyue ignored his brother, smiling as he stared at Ye Li, “Last time in the capital, the Princess impressed me greatly, but this time is even more surprising. To think the noble Princess of the National Prince would travel alone to the southern frontier disguised as a man. I presume yesterday’s commotion in the palace was also your handiwork?” Ye Li replied coolly, “Young Master Mingyue has laid such an elaborate trap here today – you must have been in Nanzhao for quite some time. Why ask what you already know?” Han Mingyue raised an eyebrow, “Mere coincidence. Had I known the Princess was here, I would have made more thorough preparations, rather than resort to such risky measures.” Ye Li smiled mockingly, “Well then, does Young Master Mingyue think he can kill me today?”
Han Mingyue shook his head and laughed heartily, “The Princess misunderstands. With the National Prince’s Princess in hand, there’s so much that could be accomplished – killing you would be such a waste of potential.”
“Han Mingyue!” the sickly scholar called out in displeasure. He had only cooperated with Han Mingyue’s plan to kill Mo Xiuyao’s wife – what was Han Mingyue suggesting now? His sinister eyes were coldly fixed on the handsome man before him; if Han Mingyue dared use him without fulfilling his promises, he would learn why no one in the jianghu dared provoke the Sickly Scholar! Han Mingyue looked at the sickly scholar with a faint smile, “Third Master, we truly cannot kill the Princess yet. Though you’re from Xiling, you must have heard something of the recent turbulent events in the Great Chu capital. If we kill the National Prince’s Princess now, neither you nor I will escape the National Prince’s mansion’s pursuit.”
The sickly scholar sneered, “You’re afraid? I’m not. When it comes to killing, who’s more skilled than the King of Hell Pavilion?”
Han Mingyue lowered his head with a helpless smile, “I am indeed somewhat afraid. Third Master, I’ll take the Princess with me today, and in the future, whatever help you need, Han Mingyue will not refuse. Besides… your grudge is with Mo Xiuyao, not his wife. Killing her would at most embarrass Mo Xiuyao – it wouldn’t truly hurt him.” Ye Li glared displeasedly at Young Master Mingyue, coldly laughing, “When Young Master Mingyue discusses others’ fate, shouldn’t you first confirm whether you truly have ownership? Third Master, it’s best not to deal with merchants. Look at me now – not only did I lose money, but I’ve been sold out.”
Han Mingyue smiled, “My apologies, Princess, but Han Mingxi received your money. He hasn’t returned a single coin to Tianyi Pavilion, so this can only be considered him using Tianyi Pavilion’s influence for private business. As for whether I have ownership…” Han Mingyue raised his hand, and with a sharp crack, a flame bloomed in the daylight sky. Ye Li heard large groups of troops converging from all directions. “Does the Princess have anything else to say now?”
Ye Li smiled thinly, raising her hand to make two gestures in the air, “It seems I can only surrender?”
“The Princess is indeed wise.” Han Mingyue observed Ye Li’s strange hand signals with curiosity. Though he didn’t understand their meaning, he noticed the disappearance of two vigilant gazes that had been fixed on him – presumably signals for retreat. “Each time we meet, the Princess’s courage and insight never fail to astonish me.”
Ye Li smiled, “Actually, you should be more astonished by my good fortune.”
Han Mingyue’s handsome eyes darkened as he watched her warily. Tianyi Pavilion’s men gradually surrounded them, and after observing Ye Li for a while, Han Mingyue finally relaxed. Under such heavy encirclement, even with wings, Ye Li couldn’t escape. Moreover, with his insight and the sickly scholar’s intelligence, Han Mingyue knew well that Ye Li’s lightness skills and internal energy were unremarkable. Ye Li surveyed her surroundings, maintaining a composed expression without showing any panic. “Sister-in-law, Xiuyao and I are friends, and you wouldn’t want me to be discourteous, would you? Will you come willingly, or…” Han Mingyue smiled warmly at Ye Li.
Ye Li frowned slightly, shaking her head, “Actually, you could just forget about being Mo Xiuyao’s friend. The more you mention it, the more I dislike you.”
Han Mingyue laughed, “Even if you dislike me, it doesn’t change the fact that Xiuyao and I were once brothers and friends.”
“You said it yourself – ‘were once.'” Ye Li couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him. Was something wrong with Han Mingyue’s head? He kept reminiscing about past friendships while relentlessly destroying what little goodwill remained between them. His mouth constantly spoke of his friendship with Mo Xiuyao, yet he never showed mercy in his actions. Well… he had shown mercy last time, but hadn’t Mo Xiuyao done the same? “Young Master Han, this time you won’t be troubled by someone else when dealing with me, will you?”
Han Mingyue’s expression changed slightly, “He told you?!”
“Did he need to? I was there, wasn’t I? But… Mo Xiuyao also promised me something afterward – would you like to hear it?”
Han Mingyue’s elegant expression stiffened slightly as he smiled faintly, “I’m all ears.”
“I’m not accustomed to returning kindness for malice, and I suspect Mo Xiuyao isn’t either. So, that was the only time.”
Han Mingyue forced a smile, “It seems Xiuyao indeed values you greatly, so… with you in our hands, I believe he will still show us mercy.”
Ye Li smiled, “Let’s hope so. Since Young Master Mingyue has shown his cards, why don’t you see my hand as well?” Han Mingyue started slightly, “What do you mean?” Ye Li raised her eyebrows and lifted her hand to deliver a sharp whistle. In the distance, beyond Tianyi Pavilion’s outer perimeter, an ink-black flower bloomed in the sky. Then, even further away, similar black flames rose into the sky. The sound of approaching hoofbeats grew steadily closer. Han Mingyue listened intently, his expression changing as he exclaimed, “The Black Cloud Riders… how are the Black Cloud Riders in the southern frontier!”
At the mention of the Black Cloud Riders, not only Han Mingyue but also the sickly scholar and Tianyi Pavilion’s men showed shocked expressions. Everyone knew the Black Cloud Riders were the National Prince’s mansion’s elite force. The Mo family army was invincible on the battlefield, and the Black Cloud Riders were their spearhead, breaking through enemy lines and charging into battle with unstoppable force. If such an army surrounded them, not only would Han Mingyue’s hastily gathered Tianyi Pavilion subordinates in the south stand no chance, but even the combined might of the entire Tianyi Pavilion and King of Hell Pavilion would be futile. Ye Li was equally surprised – she had only mobilized the hidden guards distributed throughout the south, which didn’t include any Black Cloud Riders. She hadn’t known there were any Black Cloud Riders in the southern frontier.
Han Mingyue gritted his teeth and lunged at Ye Li. Once surrounded by the Black Cloud Riders, they would have no chance of escape. Their only option was to capture Ye Li first and then seek a way out. However, Ye Li was not so easily captured. As soon as they engaged, Han Mingyue’s chest garment was slashed open, though he dodged quickly enough to avoid injury to his flesh. In a normal duel, Ye Li’s insufficient internal energy would eventually lead to defeat, but in a life-and-death struggle, her battlefield-honed combat awareness and battle-tested techniques proved more effective. Moreover, Ye Li had no intention of determining a winner – it was only a matter of buying time for a dozen moves or so. The black-clad riders on their steeds had already arrived and engaged with Tianyi Pavilion’s men.
Tianyi Pavilion was an intelligence organization, not an assassins’ guild or a martial arts school. Though some of their subordinates knew martial arts, few were highly skilled. They had their share of martial experts, but these were the minority. Compared to these Black Cloud Riders who had returned from life-and-death battles on the battlefield with their killing intent intact, Tianyi Pavilion’s men were already at a disadvantage in terms of presence alone. Furthermore, the Black Cloud Riders were well-trained and coordinated, each selecting their targets while still mounted and efficiently claiming their opponents’ lives.
Two Black Cloud Riders leaped from their horses, attacking Han Mingyue from both sides. Seeing this, Ye Li slashed her dagger in a brilliant arc to break away from Han Mingyue’s technique before swiftly retreating. When Han Mingyue tried to pursue it, he found himself thoroughly entangled by the two Black Cloud Riders, unable to break free. The observing sickly scholar fared no better – the Black Cloud Riders knew his identity and gave him no chance to approach, assailing him with whips and spears. Dark Two and Dark Three landed beside Ye Li, who asked curiously, “How did the Black Cloud Riders come to be here?”
Dark Two replied gravely, “Princess, something has happened. The original hidden guards were reassigned by Young Master Qingchen. This unit of Black Cloud Riders was originally training near Yongzhou and came specifically to assist you.”
“What happened?” The fact that Black Cloud Riders would gallop hundreds of li from Yongzhou to assist her made Ye Li’s heart skip a beat. “Mo Jingli?!” Dark Two nodded, “Three days ago, Lingzhou’s army suddenly attacked Yongzhou, while simultaneously the Suixue Pass came under attack from Nanzhao forces. The Black Cloud Riders, knowing you were in the southern frontier, rode through the night to escort you and Young Master Qingchen to safety.”
Ye Li’s expression darkened, “Nonsense. If Nanzhao’s forces are attacking Suixue Pass, why aren’t the Black Cloud Riders helping General Murong defend the border?”
Dark Two smiled bitterly, “The Black Cloud Riders’ southern training mission was conducted in secret, without reporting to the Emperor. If they appeared at Suixue Pass, I fear an imperial decree punishing the National Prince’s mansion would arrive immediately.” In truth, the Emperor didn’t want the Black Cloud Riders or the Mo family army to conduct any training at all, preferring to confine them somewhere and maintain them – preferably until they became weak and useless.
“Understood. End this quickly!” Her clear gaze swept over Han Mingyue still engaged in combat, a cold light flashing in her eyes. There had been no word from Dark Four, proving Han Mingyue hadn’t returned to the capital but had come directly to the southern frontier from Xiling. Back in the capital, Han Mingyue had sincerely wanted to reconcile with Mo Xiuyao, and Ye Li had believed his intentions were genuine then. But now, having just arrived in Nanzhao, he unhesitatingly tried to kidnap her to threaten Mo Xiuyao… what was his real purpose in coming to Nanzhao?
The difference between trained military forces and jianghu fighters was stark – the Black Cloud Riders swept through the entire battlefield in mere minutes. The sickly scholar fled in a sorry state, and a Black Cloud Rider smoothly drew his bow, aimed, and released—
The sword-like arrow shot toward the sickly scholar’s back with thunderous force, when suddenly a black shadow flashed up, sweeping a sword to intercept the arrow. With two metallic clangs and a shower of sparks, a tall, imposing man in dark blue robes stood holding his sword, laughing heartily, “The Black Cloud Riders’ archery truly lives up to its reputation.” Behind him, the sickly scholar collapsed, his face ashen, calling weakly, “Elder Brother…”
The Black Cloud Riders simultaneously drew their bows, dozens of arrows aimed at the blue-robed man.
Ye Li raised her hand, “Hold! Let Master Ling leave.”
The blue-robed man was none other than Ling Tiehan, Master of the King of Hell Pavilion. He raised his eyebrows as he studied Ye Li before cupping his hands in greeting, “Princess of the National Prince, my foolish third brother has offended you – I beg your pardon.” Ye Li nodded with a faint smile, “My elder brother considers Master Ling a close friend – there’s no need for such formality. However, the Third Master’s temperament…” Ling Tiehan sighed, glancing back at the sickly scholar on the ground, “My third brother has suffered much misfortune, resulting in his wayward nature. I will keep him better in check. This is the King of Hell Token – in the future if the Princess needs anything, simply present this token at the King of Hell Pavilion to find me. As long as you hold this token, my third brother will never raise a hand against you again.” Ye Li caught the black iron token Ling Tiehan tossed over, carefully putting it away as she said, “Thank you, Master.” Ling Tiehan bent to pick up the sickly scholar, “In that case, we take our leave.”
“No need to see us out.”
After watching Ling Tiehan depart, Ye Li turned back to see Han Mingyue struggling desperately under the Black Cloud Riders’ assault. The riders had no qualms about overwhelming a single opponent – as soldiers rather than jianghu heroes, they felt no shame in using superior numbers to defeat an enemy.
“Jun… Yunwei.” Han Mingxi, who had been silently watching, approached Ye Li despite his serious injuries. Ye Li glanced at the still-fighting Han Mingyue and sighed inwardly.
“Please, spare my elder brother.” Han Mingxi looked at her with bitterness in his eyes. Though she now knew his true identity, he had genuinely wanted to be her friend. But he also knew that once he begged for mercy, they likely couldn’t remain friends afterward. “I need Young Master Mingyue to provide some information,” Ye Li frowned. She didn’t want to spare Han Mingyue. He gave her a very bad feeling, and if she hadn’t been wary of him from the start and made preparations after first noticing something amiss, she might have truly fallen into his hands this time. But… looking at Han Mingxi’s face, wan from his serious injuries, she found herself unable to refuse.
“He won’t tell you anything. Whatever you want to know, I can tell you everything I know.” Having grown up together as brothers, Han Mingxi understood his elder brother well. If he didn’t want to speak, nothing could make him utter a single word.
“Han Mingxi! Shut up!” Han Mingyue called out during the fight, immediately receiving a new wound to his shoulder.
Seeing Han Mingyue’s accumulating injuries and hearing his brother’s rebuke, Han Mingxi finally exploded in rage, “You shut up! If you want to die, don’t drag Tianyi Pavilion’s subordinates to die with you! Look at all these people dead because of you, damn it! Tianyi Pavilion’s foundation is in Great Chu, the Han family is in Great Chu – did you get your head stuck in a door? Why provoke Mo Xiuyao? Is that woman more important than your parents and ancestors? Fine, you want to die? I don’t want to live either – I’ll die with you!” Han Mingyue was stunned by his brother’s sudden outburst, and a Black Cloud Rider seized the opportunity to kick the back of his knee. Three blades immediately pressed against his throat. Han Mingyue looked down at the cold steel at his neck, then raised his head to give Ye Li a helpless smile, “It seems I’ve lost again. Do as you wish – kill me or beat me. And… Han Mingxi, your brain’s broken – don’t make it sound like you’re dying for love.”
Recalling his angry outburst and noticing the meaningful glances from the idle Black Cloud Riders, Han Mingxi’s handsome face darkened. He had thoroughly lost face today.
Ye Li glanced at Han Mingxi’s darkened expression, her eyes glinting as she said, “Brother Han, you may take Young Master Mingyue with you.”
Han Mingxi brightened with joy, looking gratefully at Ye Li, while even Han Mingyue showed surprise. Ye Li gave Han Mingyue a meaningful look, saying coolly, “However, there are conditions.” Not expecting Ye Li to be so reasonable, Han Mingxi didn’t care about any conditions – unlike his brother who loved money more than life, saving his brother’s life was already an enormous blessing. Ye Li casually took out a small porcelain bottle from her robes and handed it to Han Mingxi, saying, “Drink it.” Han Mingxi raised his eyebrows but took it without hesitation, throwing his head back to drink it down. Han Mingyue tried to stop him but was too late, only seeing Han Mingxi smack his lips in disgust, saying, “Tastes awful.”
Ye Li smiled, “This is a poison personally concocted by the current divine physician, Master Shen Yang. The ingredients are secret. As for its effects… if one doesn’t take the antidote once a month, their meridians will rupture, leading to total paralysis and death. Its terrible taste makes it impractical for poisoning others since it’s hard to disguise. However… some people willingly drink it, don’t they?”
Han Mingxi grinned, “I know Jun Yunwei won’t take my life.”
Ye Li raised an eyebrow, “Keep a close watch on your brother. I’ll have someone deliver the medicine to you monthly. If I discover he’s ever left your sight or done anything he shouldn’t, I’ll make him watch you bleed and suffer in agony.” Han Mingxi nodded with a smile, “Understood. Brother… for the sake of your only brother’s life, you’ll behave, right?” He blinked his bewitching eyes, looking pitifully at Han Mingyue. Han Mingyue stared darkly at Ye Li, “How do I know you’re not deceiving me? That you’ll deliver the antidote on time?” Ye Li replied coolly, “Han Mingxi is my friend.”
Han Mingyue sneered, “Friend? Is this how you treat friends?”
Ye Li smiled faintly, “If you can treat your brother that way, why can’t I treat my friend this way? If you hadn’t done what you did, I naturally wouldn’t do this. Thus, Han Mingxi won’t come to any harm. Isn’t it as if… I’ve done nothing at all?” Han Mingyue narrowed his eyes, “What if I find someone to create an antidote?”
“Oh my, I heard this poison was made from unique herbs Master Shen collected from some small island in the Eastern Sea. There are no similar medicinal ingredients in the Central Plains. If Young Master Han is capable enough to find the ingredients and create an antidote within a month, then I’ll just count it as my bad luck. After all, the Black Cloud Riders have tens of thousands of men – it shouldn’t be difficult to spare a few hundred to hunt someone year-round. And I happen to have a King of Hell Token – I wonder if Master Ling would be willing to hunt down someone who claims to be his friend but exploits his brother, all for this token? And if things get worse… the National Prince’s mansion has plenty of money, don’t you agree, Young Master Han?”
Han Mingyue snorted but said nothing more. Han Mingxi remained unconcerned, pushing away the blades at Han Mingyue’s throat and smiling at Ye Li, “Don’t worry, Jun Yunwei. I guarantee my brother won’t interfere with your affairs again. I’ll have someone send you what you want to know soon. So…” Ye Li smiled, “If you can truly keep your brother in check, I can forget today’s events. However… if there’s a next time… Brother Han, your pleas won’t work every time.”
“I understand.” Han Mingxi nodded solemnly, then sealed Han Mingyue’s internal energy by striking his acupoints, waved goodbye to Ye Li, and left with his brother.
“We pay our respects to the Princess,” the Black Cloud Riders saluted in unison.
Ye Li nodded, “Rise. What’s your situation?” Looking at the fierce black-clad riders before her, she couldn’t help but admire them. They truly deserved their reputation as Great Chu’s elite forces – their mere presence set them apart from ordinary soldiers. Moreover, despite their long journey, they had emerged from the recent battle without a single casualty, demonstrating their formidable combat prowess. A sturdy man stepped forward and reported, “Princess, three days ago, the Lingzhou garrison suddenly attacked Yongzhou. Simultaneously, Nanzhao forces began attacking Suixue Pass. General Murong is defending Suixue Pass, and the Nanzhao forces have failed to make any progress after a day and night of assault. However… the Lingzhou forces are advancing unstoppably – they’ll likely reach Suixue Pass within ten days, putting General Murong under attack from both sides…”
“Does the capital know about this?”
The man nodded, “We’ve sent urgent reports to the capital. The news should arrive by tomorrow at the latest. However, reinforcements would take at least half a month to arrive, and I fear… Suixue Pass cannot hold that long. Young Master Qingchen also instructed us to inform you that the Nanzhao Crown Princess has been placed under house arrest by the Nanzhao King, who has decreed the Southern Frontier Holy Maiden to be elevated to Guardian Holy Maiden, participating in Southern Frontier governance. Young Master Xu requests you leave Nanzhao immediately. He says… we’ve all been deceived by the Nanzhao King.”
Ye Li’s expression grew grave as she nodded and asked, “Where is my brother?”
The man replied, “Young Master Xu took the hidden guards, saying he had some business to attend to. He’ll also leave the southern frontier afterward.” Ye Li frowned, contemplating briefly before ordering, “Send a unit to find my brother and escort him from Nanzhao immediately. If he refuses… knock him out and carry him away! The rest will follow me to Suixue Pass at once.”
“Yes, Princess!”
The Black Cloud Riders swiftly divided into two groups – about twenty men departed under one leader, while several dozen remained awaiting orders. Ye Li asked, “What forces are near Suixue Pass?” The leader looked at Ye Li with slight surprise before respectfully answering, “A few months ago, the Prince did gradually deploy some forces near Yongzhou and Lingzhou. However, the Emperor maintains strict vigilance over the National Prince’s mansion, making large-scale troop movements impossible. Moreover, most of the Mo family army is tasked with deterring the Northern Rong. Therefore, the only effective forces near Yongzhou are two thousand Black Cloud Riders and twenty thousand garrison troops under General Wu Chengliang of North Jiangzhou. When hostilities broke out, we immediately sent word to General Wu – if all goes well, he should reach Suixue Pass tomorrow afternoon.”
Ye Li frowned for a moment before shaking her head, “No! Have him reinforce the Yongzhou garrison to block Prince Li’s army. Suixue Pass has eighty thousand troops – as long as General Murong doesn’t leave the city to engage in a life-or-death battle, they can hold for half a month! Once Prince Li’s forces reach Yonglin City and form an encirclement with Nanzhao, even another twenty thousand cavalry won’t make a difference!”
The leader started in surprise and quickly replied, “I’ll immediately send riders to notify General Wu – riding without rest, they can catch up before they cross the river tomorrow.” He turned to dispatch the messengers. Ye Li rubbed her temples, an uneasy feeling growing in her heart, “Pass the order – we head straight to Suixue Pass at maximum speed, without returning to the city.”
“Yes.”
It seemed war had erupted suddenly, leaving Ye Li feeling somewhat dazed and disconnected. She looked up at the sky, now overcast with dark clouds, her heart growing heavier.
Suixue Pass
On the ancient, weathered city walls, garrison soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, ready for battle, their young faces showing signs of fatigue. Today they had repelled three attacks from the Nanzhao army and stood ready to meet the next assault. Murong Shen, barely forty, bore a resolute expression on his angular face. Walking along the battlements gripping his spear, his knife-sharp black eyebrows furrowed deeply. Since being assigned to defend Suixue Pass, he had known peace wouldn’t last, but he hadn’t expected the true danger to come not only from the perpetually restless Nanzhao but from within Great Chu itself – Prince Li, the Emperor’s brother. He recalled an anonymous letter received before leaving the capital, containing just four words: “Beware of Lingzhou.” So this was its meaning? The sender had known of Prince Li’s ill intentions, but unfortunately… he hadn’t taken it seriously enough. Or rather, circumstances hadn’t allowed him to – the Emperor needed him to guard the border but, due to his previous service under the former National Prince, was unwilling to grant him sufficient military authority. Local officials also constantly restricted him. Now, even knowing that once Prince Li captured Yongzhou and formed an encirclement, Suixue Pass would face attacks from both sides, he had nowhere to retreat. Before Suixue Pass lay over a hundred thousand Nanzhao foreign troops – if they breached the pass, they would sweep through Great Chu’s south like a flood or plague. He could only hope… reinforcements would arrive in time…
“Father.” A clear voice called from behind. Murong Shen turned to see Murong Ting approaching the battlements in bright red combat gear, sword in hand. His expression darkened as he barked, “What are you doing here? Get down at once!”
“Father!” Murong Ting declared firmly, “Daughter will defend the city with you.”
“Nonsense! Why haven’t you left Suixue Pass as I ordered?” Murong Shen treasured his only daughter above all else. Now that Suixue Pass faced danger, he had to stay and face it, but he was determined his only daughter should leave first. Murong Ting bit her lip stubbornly, “Ting understands the current situation. If I leave Suixue Pass now and fall into Prince Li’s hands, he could use me to threaten Father – I would have no choice but to end my life.” Seeing Murong Shen about to speak, she quickly continued, “And if Father suggests I return to the capital for protection, that’s even more impossible. Nanzhao forces are about to attack, and we need every person available. How can I, the daughter of Suixue Pass’s commander, take away able defenders? If I did that, I wouldn’t deserve to be a daughter of the Murong family.”
Murong Shen was rendered speechless by his daughter’s words. After a long moment, he sighed, “Suixue Pass is very dangerous now.”
Murong Ting replied proudly, “When has father gone to battle without danger? If father must defend Suixue Pass, how can I, born of a military family, retreat?” Knowing his daughter’s character and understanding that the road to the capital was indeed unsafe now, Murong Shen could only sigh, “Very well, but be careful in all things.”
“Thank you, Father…” Overjoyed that Murong Shen had relented, Murong Ting exclaimed, “Ting will never bring shame to father!”