HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 90: The Defense of Yonglin

Chapter 90: The Defense of Yonglin

In the hastily arranged hall that bore signs of its temporary nature, Xia Shu maintained a solemn expression as he studied the black-clad youth who sat before him with an air of casual indifference. Four black-armored knights stood guard beside the youth. “Young master, perhaps now you could share what you wanted to say? And might we know your identity and that of your companions?”

Ye Li glanced between the two men and smiled casually. “No wonder General Murong sent you both to guard Yonglin City. Commander Yun’s bravery and Commander Xia’s prudence make for an exceptional combination.”

Xia Shu offered a bitter smile. “If not for the young master and your people arriving when you did, Xia Shu and Yun Ting would have had no choice but to atone for our deaths.” His gaze remained fixed on Ye Li, not forgetting that the youth had yet to reveal their identity.

Ye Li sighed, reached up to undo the hair bun, and let the dark tresses cascade over their shoulders before saying quietly, “I am the Princess Consort of Prince Ding.”

Princess Consort of Prince Ding? Yun Ting and Xia Shu exchanged bewildered glances. Though unexpected, the situation somehow made perfect sense. Besides Prince Ding, only his Princess Consort could command such a force of Black Cloud Riders. But how could the reportedly missing Princess Consort suddenly appear at Suixue Pass, even leading the Black Cloud Riders to rescue Yonglin City? Moreover… according to rumors, Princess Consort was the daughter of the current Minister of State and the granddaughter of Master Qingyun—how could such a delicate noble lady… Yun Ting felt even more confused and stood silently aside, leaving everything to Xia Shu, who was maintaining better composure.

After recovering from his shock, Xia Shu finally managed to ask, “Princess Consort… how did you come to be here?”

Ye Li smiled. “I wasn’t here originally. I rushed over after hearing news of Suixue Pass being surrounded. Fortunately, I arrived in time. If you doubt my identity… is Miss Murong, the General’s daughter, still at Suixue Pass?”

Xia Shu’s expression shifted slightly, and he replied somewhat awkwardly, “This humble officer doesn’t doubt the Princess Consort’s identity—the Black Cloud Riders are proof enough. It’s just…”

Ye Li nodded. “I understand Commander Xia’s concerns. There’s no need to be tense. Please, both of you, take a seat.”

Xia Shu and Yun Ting exchanged glances before thanking her and sitting down. Initially, they had been overjoyed when the Black Cloud Riders came to their aid, but now, discovering that their leader was the Princess Consort of Prince Ding, they were at a loss for both expression and emotion. Everyone knew Prince Ding was currently indisposed, so indeed, only his Princess Consort could mobilize the Black Cloud Riders. But to think that such a delicate, slender woman could command such a formidable army and lead them against King Li’s rebel force of over a hundred thousand…neither man felt particularly confident about the situation.

“Your servants request an audience, Princess Consort.” The voices of An Er and An San came from outside. Xia Shu and Yun Ting started, watching the door alertly. Several men in the common soldier’s garb entered. Though the Da Chu soldiers’ uniforms were generally similar, Xia Shu immediately noticed that the emblems on these men’s clothes identified them as troops under King Li of Ling Province. These men had not been let in by the city’s defending soldiers.

“Well done. How did it go?”

An Er stepped forward and reported, “Following your orders, Princess Consort, we have executed the Governor of Yong Province. Unfortunately, due to King Li’s numerous guards, we were unable to bring back the Governor’s head. Please forgive us.”

Ye Li raised her hand. “No matter. You’ve done well. Go rest now.”

The men acknowledged the order and withdrew. Yun Ting exclaimed in shock, “You… you killed the Governor of Yong Province?!”

“Yun Ting, mind your manners!” Xia Shu said sternly. Now that they could confirm this woman was indeed the Princess Consort of Prince Ding, regardless of whether she could command the Black Cloud Riders and Yonglin’s forces, she wasn’t someone they could be discourteous to. Though he too was equally shocked by what they’d just heard.

Ye Li nodded slightly and said, “The Governor of Yong Province forgot his duty to the country and surrendered to King Li’s forces. If we didn’t execute him as a warning, other officials might be swayed by his words and follow his example.”

Xia Shu nodded. “The Princess Consort speaks wisely. If the Governor hadn’t defected to King Li, Yonglin wouldn’t be in such danger today.”

Yun Ting looked between Xia Shu and Ye Li before suddenly asking, “Princess Consort, when will reinforcements arrive?”

Ye Li pondered for a moment before shaking her head. “I don’t know either. I was originally in Nanzhao and rushed back after hearing news of Suixue Pass. However… General Wu of Yong Province was ambushed at the Yunlan River. I’m afraid no reinforcements will arrive in the next few days.”

The regions south of the Yunlan River would be fortunate just to defend themselves—hoping for reinforcements would be futile. In the north, only Yong Province was close to Yong Province, and with Yong’s forces ambushed, other regional forces likely wouldn’t deploy without imperial orders. Since Yun Ting and Xia Shu were commanders of Yonglin’s defensive forces and not ordinary soldiers, Ye Li saw no point in deceiving them. If the commanders couldn’t see the reality of the situation clearly, nothing else would matter.

“Damn it!” Yun Ting cursed under his breath. Even with the two thousand Black Cloud Riders, their forces still numbered less than twenty thousand. Even if they were willing to fight to the death, if that was all it took to defend Yonglin, he would gladly die on the battlefield right now.

Xia Shu took a slow breath to calm himself before asking, “In that case, I implore the Princess Consort to leave Yonglin immediately and return to the capital.”

“Leave?” Ye Li raised an eyebrow.

Xia Shu smiled bitterly. “To be honest, Princess Consort, though we two made our military pledge to General Murong, with Yonglin… we can only do our best and hold out as long as possible. This humble officer has heard something of the grudge between you and King Li. If something were to happen… please, it would be better for you to leave quickly.”

Ye Li broke into a smile. “Commander Xia, do you think I came to Yonglin just to make an appearance and then leave? Besides… if I left, even if I were to leave the Black Cloud Riders with you, could you command them?”

Xia Shu looked at Ye Li somewhat shamefacedly. He had indeed hoped the Princess Consort would leave the Black Cloud Riders to help defend the city. But she was right—if even successive emperors couldn’t control the Black Cloud Riders, how could a mere commander like him possibly command them?

Ye Li raised her eyebrows at his conflicted expression and smiled. “What’s wrong? Are you embarrassed to defend the city alongside me?”

“This…” Xia Shu was speechless, but the straightforward Yun Ting said, “Princess Consort, the battlefield is too dangerous. You’re of noble status and a lady—how can we let you help defend the city? Why don’t you talk to the Black Cloud Riders? Just have them stay to help us defend the city. That way you’ll be safe, and we’ll have a better chance of holding the city.”

Ye Li chuckled behind her sleeve. “Commander Yun, didn’t I ride in here myself? Was I carried in on a sedan chair?” Yun Ting was stunned as he recalled that in the chaos earlier, he hadn’t seen anyone specifically protecting anyone else. Could it be that this woman who didn’t even reach his shoulder had fought her way through thousands of troops just like all the Black Cloud Riders?

Xia Shu cleared his throat lightly and clasped his hands toward Ye Li. “This humble officer was discourteous. General Murong is at Suixue Pass—perhaps the Princess Consort should meet with him first before making further plans?”

Ye Li furrowed her brow in thought before nodding. “That would be good. The rebel forces have suffered setbacks these past two days and have withdrawn twenty li. Mo Jingli won’t advance rashly before investigating clearly. Since I’m here, it would be remiss not to pay my respects to General Murong. I’ll make a trip to Suixue Pass.”

Yun Ting volunteered eagerly, “I’ll escort the Princess Consort!”

Xia Shu gave Yun Ting a knowing look, as if understanding his little scheme, and said indulgently, “I’ll stay to guard Yonglin.”

Ye Li nodded. “Then I’ll trouble Commander Xia. I’ll leave the Black Cloud Riders to assist Commander Xia in strengthening the city’s defenses.”

Xia Shu was overjoyed. Everyone knew the Black Cloud Riders excelled at siege warfare, but equally, those skilled in attack necessarily understood where defensive weaknesses lay. The chance to observe the Black Cloud Riders up close was every soldier’s honor. Hearing this, Yun Ting became conflicted again—which would be more advantageous: accompanying the Princess Consort to meet General Murong or staying to watch the Black Cloud Riders? Looking at Ye Li who had already risen, Commander Yun Ting made his decision. Currying favor with the Princess Consort was necessary—if he survived this battle, he could ask her to accept him into the Black Cloud Riders. He’d be willing to serve even as a common soldier!

General Murong Shen strode into the main tent like a tiger, his armor still covered in blood. As if sensing King Li’s rebel forces approaching, the Nanzhao forces had intensified their attacks today. Finally, Murong Shen had personally led a sortie that drove them back after fierce fighting. Now that he could finally catch his breath, he hadn’t even changed his clothes before hurrying back to hear reports about Yonglin City. “General, early this morning, King Li personally led 150,000 troops to Yonglin City.”

Murong Shen waved his hand dismissively. “Nonsense! Where would he even position 150,000 troops outside Yonglin? There isn’t enough space!”

One of his commanders stood up and said, “Those 150,000 troops are likely meant for us at Suixue Pass. Yesterday, those two youngsters Yun Ting and Xia Shu drove back King Li’s vanguard and killed their lead commander. Those two must be having a rough time today.”

Murong Shen nodded. “Yun Ting and Xia Shu fought well this time.”

“General, perhaps I should lead some men to check on Yonglin. Those two young ones probably can’t hold out today,” a middle-aged vice commander said worriedly.

Murong Shen shook his head heavily. “The Nanzhao forces could attack at any moment, and we simply can’t spare any more troops to support them.” The commanders fell silent. Sending troops from Suixue Pass would be like inviting the Nanzhao forces in. Not sending troops meant Yonglin’s mere twenty thousand soldiers would eventually be overwhelmed by King Li’s hundred-fifty thousand strong army. Then they would be surrounded from both sides, and Suixue Pass would fall anyway. Most tragic of all… they couldn’t even break out because they were guarding Suixue Pass—the gateway to Da Chu. Unless every last defender of Suixue Pass died, they absolutely could not allow foreign forces to advance a single step. This was the creed written in blood by generations of Suixue Pass defenders over centuries.

“Damn it! King Li conspired with the Nanzhao!” The hot-tempered commanders couldn’t help but curse. What could be more frustrating than fighting desperately at the front while being stabbed in the back by your people? A royal prince, the Emperor’s brother, conspiring with foreign powers—what kind of treachery was this?

“Reporting to the General, news from Yonglin City!”

“Quick, speak!” The cursing in the tent stopped abruptly as everyone solemnly watched the reporting soldier, dreading bad news.

“General, the rebel forces attacked the city this morning for about two hours. By noon, they had been driven back. Commander Xia asks the General not to worry—as long as Yonglin has a single soldier standing, the rebels won’t pass the city.”

“Excellent! These two young ones are indeed impressive.” Murong Shen was overjoyed. He had been somewhat uneasy about sending Yun Ting and Xia Shu to Yonglin, given their youth, but Suixue Pass had no one else to spare. Unexpectedly, these two had achieved consecutive victories over two days. After some thought, Murong Shen asked puzzledly, “King Li’s entire force of over a hundred thousand has arrived—how did Yun Ting and Xia Shu manage to repel them?”

The messenger didn’t hide anything. “We were initially struggling to hold, but suddenly a force of black-clad cavalry appeared from nowhere and drove back the enemy. Also, the Governor of Yong Province was killed in King Li’s camp.”

Murong Shen was startled, unsure about these black-clad riders’ identity, though the governor’s death was welcome news. “Well done! Go back and investigate these riders’ identity, and report back quickly.”

“Yes, sir!”

“General, Commander Yun Ting requests an audience.”

“Yun Ting? Why is he here? Let him in!” Murong Shen frowned and waved his hand.

Soon after, Yun Ting rushed in excitedly, calling out as he entered, “General, look who’s here!”

Murong Shen was about to reproach Yun Ting for his impetuousness but was struck speechless when he looked up. Though Murong Shen hadn’t been one for socializing in the capital, and Ye Li rarely went out, his daughter Murong Ting and Ye Li were close friends. As a doting father, the General had met this renowned Princess Consort of Prince Ding several times. Though she now wore black male attire, that unchanged elegant countenance and composed smile were deeply familiar to Murong Shen. “Your…” Murong Shen forcefully swallowed the next word as Ye Li bowed and smiled, “General Murong, I trust you’ve been well since we last met in the capital?”

As a veteran of countless campaigns, Murong Shen quickly regained his composure. He returned the bow with a smile, “I’m grateful for your concern, and I must thank you for helping resolve Yonglin’s crisis.” Black-clad cavalry plus the sudden appearance of Prince Ding’s Princess Consort—if Murong Shen couldn’t guess who had saved Yonglin, he wouldn’t be the same Murong Shen who had fought alongside Mo Liufang.

Though the assembled commanders at Suixue Pass didn’t know the identity of this black-clad youth who had saved Yonglin City, they sensed that General Murong knew this person. They relaxed their guard and curiously observed Ye Li. Murong Shen glanced at everyone and waved for them to withdraw before inviting Ye Li to sit. Ye Li accepted without ceremony, sitting down before asking directly, “General, can Suixue Pass hold?”

Understanding Murong Shen’s temperament and not wishing to waste time, Ye Li got straight to the point.

Murong Shen gave Ye Li a long look before finally sighing, “I won’t deceive the Princess Consort. Without King Li’s hundred-fifty thousand troops at our back, this old soldier would guarantee that the Nanzhao forces wouldn’t take half a step into Suixue Pass. But if Yonglin City falls… heh, Suixue Pass probably won’t last half a day.”

There were no natural barriers between Suixue Pass and Yonglin City. Once the rebels broke through Yonglin, they would have the defenders’ rear exposed. Caught between two forces, the Suixue Pass garrison would be decimated even without the Nanzhao forces exerting much effort.

Ye Li naturally understood Murong Shen spoke the truth and frowned, asking, “In your opinion, General, how many days until reinforcements arrive?”

Murong Shen smiled bitterly. “If things were normal… reinforcements would arrive in at most two days. But now… we likely won’t see even a shadow of reinforcements within ten days.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. “So you’re saying Suixue Pass cannot hold?”

Murong Shen gritted his teeth. “Even if we can’t hold it, we must. As long as Murong Shen draws breath, the Nanzhao forces won’t cross Suixue Pass.”

After a moment of silence, Ye Li looked up and asked, “How many more days does the General estimate we can hold?”

Murong Shen replied gravely, “That depends on how long Yonglin can persist today. How many Black Cloud Riders did the Princess Consort bring this time?”

Ye Li sighed, “This was purely by chance—only two thousand Black Cloud Riders. General… if Suixue Pass truly cannot hold, perhaps we could… retreat to the Yunlan River?”

Murong Shen waved his hand firmly. “Others may retreat, but Murong Shen cannot! Since His Majesty assigned me to guard Suixue Pass, I will share its fate!”

Ye Li frowned. “Then has the General considered what will happen if the Nanzhao forces sweep north after Suixue Pass falls? Yong Province’s twenty thousand troops met with disaster at the Yunlan River before achieving anything. Now not only is Yong Province in danger, but it also has no troops to defend it.”

Murong Shen laughed confidently. “The Princess Consort need not worry. After receiving news of General Wu’s death, I anticipated this. I’ve already ordered men to watch the Henghui Bridge over the Yunlan River day and night. If reinforcements arrive first, well and good. But if Suixue Pass falls before reinforcements arrive, those men will destroy the bridge at any cost. Whether the Nanzhao forces try to rebuild the bridge, cross by boat, or take a detour, it will delay them at least half a month. By then… the court’s reinforcements should arrive. As for you, Princess Consort, thank you for your aid, but please leave Yong Province quickly for your safety.”

Ye Li stood and bowed respectfully to Murong Shen. “Since the General’s mind is made up, then… how about leaving Yonglin City to me?”

“Princess Consort?” Murong Shen looked at her in surprise. Ye Li smiled and said, “As the Princess Consort of Prince Ding, how could I leave when Yong Province is in peril? I too am willing to share Yonglin City’s fate, to uphold the honor of Prince Ding’s household. Isn’t that right?”

Murong Shen remained silent for a long while before finally saying, “No wonder…” No wonder the Black Cloud Riders would follow the Princess Consort’s commands—she was no ordinary noblelady. People assumed that only Prince Ding and his Princess Consort could command the Black Cloud Riders, not knowing that even among generations of Princess Consorts, only two or three had truly controlled them. The previous Princess Consort aside, even Prince Ding’s mother, who had shared such deep affection with Regent Mo Liufang, had never gained the right to command the Black Cloud Riders.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, waiting for Murong Shen to continue. However, he merely shook his head without elaborating, instead looking up at her and saying, “Very well, I entrust Yonglin to the Princess Consort. This general cannot offer any other assistance, but I can provide you with ten thousand troops.” These ten thousand troops had been held in reserve to reinforce Yun Ting and Xia Shu if they truly couldn’t hold out—it was all he could spare.

Ye Li nodded. “Thank you for your trust, General.”

After receiving Murong Shen’s military token, Ye Li prepared to return to Yonglin City without further delay. Murong Shen was a veteran commander; if not for this crisis and the vast disparity in forces, he wouldn’t be in such a difficult position. Suixue Pass’s defense naturally didn’t need Ye Li’s interference. As she left the military camp, she saw Murong Ting hurrying toward them with a sword in hand. “Ting’er?”

“Eh?!” Murong Ting had been rushing to find her father but stopped abruptly at the familiar voice. She stared at the familiar and strange person before her for a long moment before pointing, “You… you…”

“Impudence!” Murong Shen, who had followed behind, glared at Murong Ting. “How dare you show such disrespect to Master Xu?”

“Master Xu?!” Murong Ting squealed. Ye Li smiled brilliantly and raised an eyebrow at Murong Ting. “This humble one, Xu Qingliu, greets Miss Murong.”

Murong Ting’s pretty face flushed red as she quickly hid behind Murong Shen, giving Ye Li a reproachful glare. One could hardly blame her sudden shyness—Ye Li made to convince a young man. Even without makeup or other alterations, she appeared as a handsome youth with traces of innocence, without a hint of feminine delicacy. Though Murong Ting prided herself on her forthright nature and gallant bearing, she had to admit that even in male clothing, she couldn’t match the masculine bearing of the person before her. Even knowing Ye Li was genuinely female, seeing such a handsome and innocent-looking youth bow to her still made Murong Ting feel flustered.

Seeing Murong Ting’s rare blush, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile at her. In the sunlight, the youth appeared elegant and refined, the black clothing unable to hide that pure, transparent innocence. Murong Ting could only widen her eyes further, silently cursing, “Enchantress!”

“General, I shall take my leave now.” No longer teasing Murong Ting, Ye Li turned to bid farewell to Murong Shen. Murong Shen nodded solemnly. “Then I entrust Yonglin City to you, Master Xu.”

“I won’t disappoint the General’s trust,” Ye Li smiled.

Murong Ting looked at Ye Li, her eyes darting about. “Father, what is Mas… Master Xu going to do in Yonglin?”

Murong Shen frowned. “Master Xu goes to assist Yun Ting and Xia Shu in defending the city.”

Murong Ting quickly said, “I want to go too!”

“Stop this nonsense. Master Xu goes on important business—why must you meddle?”

Murong Ting stamped her foot in frustration. Before they had said she couldn’t go to battle because she was a woman, but now they were letting Ye Li go to battle? “I don’t care, I want to help defend the city too! I’m your daughter, not some useless person who just eats for free in the military camp! Master Xu, please take me with you?” In her excitement, Murong Ting forgot that Ye Li was still in male attire and threw herself forward to grab her sleeve, shaking it and drawing curious glances from passing soldiers.

Ye Li coughed lightly and removed her hand with a smile. “Miss Murong… there should be propriety between men and women.”

Only then did Murong Ting notice the strange looks from the passing soldiers. She quickly let go and made a face at Ye Li before turning back to wheedle her father. “Father… please let Ting’er go. Your daughter absolutely won’t cause any trouble.”

Helpless against her pleading, Murong Shen could only look to Ye Li. Ye Li smiled and lowered her head. “If the General is willing to trust me, let Miss Murong come along.” Murong Shen sighed. Given the current crisis, staying at Suixue Pass or going to Yonglin City made little difference. Even if she stayed at Suixue Pass, he wouldn’t be able to protect her once real fighting broke out. “Very well, I’ll trouble Master Xu to look after this girl. If she dares to act willfully, Master Xu may apply military law without mercy!”

“Thank you, Father!” Murong Ting was overjoyed, completely disregarding her father’s mention of military punishment. At least this meant Father was willing to treat her as a soldier rather than just a thoughtless young girl, right?

After bidding farewell to Murong Shen, Ye Li’s group stayed at Suixue Pass for less than two hours before setting out on their return journey. Riding on horseback, Murong Ting gazed enviously at Ye Li’s fine steed and the Black Cloud Riders following behind. Even with just these few people, they commanded such presence—what a magnificent sight it must be when the entire Black Cloud Riders assembled! Just imagining it made her blood race. “Mas… ah, Master Xu, how did you come to be at Suixue Pass? Father trusts you. No matter what I say, he won’t let me go to battle, but as soon as you arrived, he was willing to entrust Yonglin’s defense to you.” Thinking of this, Murong Ting felt a twinge of sourness—did Father think she was so useless that he wouldn’t let her onto the battlefield?

Ye Li smiled. “I was handling some business in the South Border and happened upon this situation.”

“The Prince let you come to the South Border alone? He’s a good person. Unlike my father, who’s always nagging in my ear about how girls should stay at home and manage household affairs after marriage, be virtuous and proper… I don’t want to just stay quietly at home.” Murong Ting’s complaints grew softer toward the end, the last part barely a whisper. However, everyone present had excellent hearing and caught every word. Yun Ting laughed, “Miss Murong, saying such things will make Young Master Leng cry.”

Murong Ting bared her teeth at him, snorted, and urged her horse ahead. Ye Li smiled and caught up, saying, “General Murong cares for you and fears for your safety.”

“I know, but Father only has me for a daughter, and I want him to be proud of me too. Besides, I’m not a child anymore—I won’t act rashly. Even when Father wouldn’t let me onto the battlefield, no matter how anxious I was, I never snuck off behind his back.”

Ye Li nodded. Though Murong Ting could be willful at times, she understood proper bounds well and wouldn’t truly make people worry about her.

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