Yanzhou. In just over a month, first came the old enemy Zhou Qun, then Zhou Qun’s allied forces. Yanzhou had faced attacks from large armies twice.
Qiao Ping led Qiao Ci and a group of family generals to deploy troops and formations, resisting with all their might. The first time, Zhou Qun was defeated and retreated. Just as the Yanzhou military and civilians had breathed a sigh of relief, Zhou Qun unexpectedly reorganized his troops and attacked again. This time, he had allied forces, with an even greater show of strength than before, directly assaulting Juye, the gateway to Yanzhou, with the attitude of not stopping until Yanzhou was destroyed.
At that time, Qiao Yue was terrified, believing that Yanzhou could not possibly be lucky enough to repel the invaders again like last time. After discussing with strategist Zhang Pu and others, he proposed to submit to the circumstances, send a letter of surrender, and pledge allegiance to Xing Xun in exchange for peace.
Last year, Xing Xun proclaimed himself emperor, established the Jiang dynasty, and sent edicts throughout the nine provinces, ordering local lords and governors to pay tribute and homage. At that time, there were few responses. The lords and governors across the land were either intimidated by his tyranny, assessing the situation or had other plans. Thus, no one openly opposed him by raising flags or speaking out. But also, no one was willing to publicly respond to the edict, fearing to be labeled a traitor.
Yanzhou was the same. But the situation developed rapidly, reaching this point. Qiao Yue finally couldn’t withstand the pressure and made this decision. Naturally, it met with strong opposition from Qiao Ping.
In Yanzhou, Qiao Ping’s prestige now surpassed that of the past, with many family generals following his orders. Qiao Yue couldn’t win the argument, and Qiao Ping also informed him that he knew the green-eyed general from Lingbi, who was willing to lead troops to aid in battle.
Qiao Yue was half-believing and half-doubting but had no choice but to reluctantly agree. After several chaotic battles, finally, just yesterday, Zhou Qun’s army was not only completely routed, but Zhou Qun himself also perished in the chaos. It was expected that in the short term, Xing Xun would not have the strength to launch another attack on Yanzhou.
The military and civilians of Yanzhou couldn’t help but feel proud and relieved. If credit were to be given, the green-eyed general deserved the most. He moved through the thousands of troops as if traversing an uninhabited land. The reason why Zhou Qun, Yanzhou’s long-time enemy, met his end in Juye was that while retreating, he was intercepted by the green-eyed general’s troops and ultimately killed.
Without his aid in this battle, it would have been impossible to achieve such a glorious victory. The military and civilians of Yanzhou couldn’t stop praising the green-eyed general’s name on the battlefield, hoping to see his valor during the triumphant return.
…
On the day Qiao Ping and his son returned from Juye, they rode into the city on horseback and were welcomed by the people lining the streets. However, the legendary green-eyed general was not seen accompanying them, which somewhat disappointed the public.
Qiao Yue led people to welcome Qiao Ping’s triumphant return in front of the mansion. There was a smile on his face, but it seemed somewhat forced.
After welcoming Qiao Ping into the mansion, Qiao Yue asked, “Why didn’t that green-eyed general come into the city with you today? I’ve heard of this person before. Although he rose from being a leader of wandering people, which is of humble origins, as they say, a hero’s worth is not measured by his background. Since Yanzhou has received his help this time, I should personally thank him.”
Qiao Ping invited Qiao Yue into the study, dismissed everyone else, and said, “I was just about to discuss this matter with you, elder brother. To be frank, the green-eyed general is not a stranger. You know him too.”
Qiao Yue was puzzled: “Who?”
“It’s Bi Zhi.”
At first, Qiao Yue didn’t react and looked confused: “Who is Bi Zhi?”
He paused for a moment, then suddenly, as if remembering, his eyes widened in disbelief: “You mean that stable boy Bi Zhi who lured away my daughter?”
Qiao Ping nodded: “That’s right.”
Qiao Yue froze.
“Bi Zhi is now outside the city gate. He wishes to see you, elder brother, and beg for forgiveness.”
Seeing Qiao Yue’s silence, Qiao Ping advised, “Elder brother, you just said yourself that a hero’s worth is not measured by his background. Although Bi Zhi shouldn’t have taken my niece away from home back then, and the two of them married without parental consent, which goes against human ethics and propriety, they were in love and had no choice at the time. Moreover, now my niece has given birth to a son, giving you a grandson, and he is no longer the same person. He commands his troops and has aided our Yanzhou in times of crisis several times. I hope my elder brother can put aside past grievances and accept him. This would be fortunate for our Qiao family and Yanzhou!”
“He has aided Yanzhou several times?”
“When Xue Tai attacked Yanzhou before, and the two armies were arrayed at Juye, it was he who appeared in time and saved Ci’er when she was in danger on the front lines. At that time, I didn’t know the benefactor was Bi Zhi. Later, when I found out, I couldn’t conveniently explain and didn’t report it to my elder brother in time. I hope elder brother won’t blame me.”
Qiao Yue felt a wave of irritation and confusion.
This sudden news left him at a loss.
The lowly stable boy who had made him want to grind his bones to dust every time he thought of him had now soared to great heights, transforming himself and returning before him as Yanzhou’s benefactor.
Rationally, he knew Qiao Ping’s words made sense.
In these chaotic times, the more help, the better.
Moreover, given that stable boy’s current strength, he was indeed worth winning over.
But to accept someone who was once his servant as a son-in-law made him feel incredibly stifled.
Seeing that Qiao Ping seemed about to persuade him further, he waved his hand in annoyance: “You must be tired too. Go and rest well first. Let me consider this matter further.”
Knowing this news had greatly shocked him, Qiao Ping didn’t press further and took his leave.
As soon as Qiao Ping left, Qiao Yue immediately summoned Zhang Pu and told him everything he had just learned, frowning as he asked, “What do you think should be done? Should I acknowledge this Bi Zhi or not?”
Zhang Pu was also extremely surprised. After exclaiming a few times, he pondered for a while and said, “There’s something I’d like to say if my lord permits?”
“Speak!”
Zhang Pu opened the door and looked around. Seeing no one, he closed the door tightly, then returned and said in a low voice, “In my opinion, my lord must not allow this Bi Zhi to enter Yanzhou!”
“What do you mean?”
“My lord is the ruler of Yanzhou, a position of high esteem. Yet in these past two or three years, when people speak of Yanzhou, everyone only knows the name of Duke Qiao Ping of Donghan. Who mentions my lord’s name? Even among the people of Yanzhou, seven or eight out of ten will think of the Duke first in any matter. My lord is benevolent and values brotherly affection, not caring about worldly fame, but I am deeply worried for my lord. If this continues, I fear my lord’s position will be difficult to maintain!”
Qiao Yue’s expression turned strange, and he remained silent.
“It’s not that I’m being overly suspicious, but there are telltale signs. My lord must remember that when the Young Lady returned to Donghan once before, after she left, the Duke recruited soldiers and bought horses against my lord’s wishes. What was his intention? The Duke told my lord it was to strengthen defenses against foreign aggression, but in my view, the Duke’s intentions were likely far more than just defending against external threats. Now the effects are beginning to show, and the Duke has introduced Bi Zhi back. From what my lord just said, it’s not hard to see that the Duke has long been in private contact with Bi Zhi. Although Bi Zhi is nominally my lord’s son-in-law, he is the Duke’s man. Yanzhou already has the Duke, and now with the addition of Bi Zhi, where will my lord’s position be in the future? My lord, please think carefully!”
This speech of Zhang Pu’s hit right at the heart of the problem that had been buried in Qiao Yue’s mind for the past few years, something he couldn’t speak of.
Hearing this, his back broke out in a cold sweat: “Fortunately, I asked you! Otherwise, I would have almost invited a wolf into the house! What you say is right! Bi Zhi is nothing but a lowly stable boy, how could our Qiao family accept such a son-in-law? As for that daughter of mine who abandoned her father and ancestors, I’ve long considered her dead. With no daughter, how could I have a son-in-law? However…”
He stopped.
“Why does my lord still look worried?” Zhang Pu observed closely from the side.
“I originally thought that with my niece married to Wei Shao, Yanzhou would have some support in the future. But I never expected that Wei Shao would now be struggling to protect himself, let alone protect Yanzhou. Our Qiao family and Xing Xun have always kept to ourselves. When Xing Xun proclaimed himself emperor, of the nine provinces in the world, it wasn’t just our Yanzhou that didn’t respond. He doesn’t attack others but specifically sends Zhou Qun to attack Yanzhou, surely because our Qiao family has formed a marriage alliance with Wei Shao. And then my younger brother wouldn’t listen to my words and completely fell out with Xing Xun. Although we’ve luckily won two battles now, there’s no guarantee that Xing Xun won’t cause trouble in the future. If I don’t accept Bi Zhi now, how will Yanzhou defend itself if Xing Xun sends troops again?”
He let out a long sigh: “The initial alliance with the Wei family was meant to gain more support, but now it has unexpectedly entangled us and brought trouble upon ourselves, leaving me in a difficult position, caught between a rock and a hard place!”
Zhang Pu said, “My lord’s concerns are very valid. After Xing Xun proclaimed himself emperor, he sent a large army to attack Wei Shao. Wei Shao was already at a disadvantage, and now that Xing Xun has gained the support of Yue Zheng Gong, he’s become even more formidable. Although the two sides are currently in a stalemate at the old course of the Yellow River, with no clear outcome, anyone with eyes can see that Wei Shao’s defeat is already certain. Now he’s just like a strong bow at the end of its draw, struggling in vain!”
Qiao Yue became increasingly anxious, unable to sit still. He stood up and paced back and forth in the room, sighing repeatedly.
Zhang Pu watched from the side and suddenly said, “My lord need not be so anxious. There is now an opportunity that could help my lord turn the tide.”
Qiao Yue stopped and turned his head, asking, “What opportunity?”
Zhang Pu quickly stepped to the desk and wrote a few characters.
Qiao Yue went over and looked.
“Liu Yan?”
He was astonished.
“That’s right!” Zhang Pu nodded, “The former Prince of Langya who once received kindness from the Qiao family has now been supported by heroes across the land to ascend to the imperial throne. My lord must have heard of this.”
Qiao Yue frowned: “Of course I know. But what of it? What does it have to do with me?”
Zhang Pu whispered in his ear: “To be frank when Liu Yan resided in Donghan years ago, I was quite familiar with him. Just a few days ago, he sent a messenger with a letter for me, asking me to convey it to you, my lord.”
As he spoke, under Qiao Yue’s astonished gaze, he took out a yellow silk letter from his sleeve and presented it with both hands respectfully.
Qiao Yue hurriedly took it, unfolded it, and quickly read it through.
His thoughts surged, causing his fingers holding the letter to tremble slightly.
Zhang Pu spoke eloquently beside him: “Xing Xun has a bad reputation, usurping the throne and proclaiming himself emperor without legitimacy. The world will eventually rise against him. Liu Yan, however, has all the advantages of timing, geography, and the support of the people. In civil matters, he has Wang Ba, Dong Cheng, Dou Wu, and Deng Xun, all of whom are important ministers and great lords. In military affairs, he had governors from various places who went to join him, and even Yuan Zhe supported him as emperor, with strong troops and horses. This battle at the Yellow River will surely be the watershed moment for the future of the world. In the future, the nine provinces will be divided in two. Xing Xun and Yue Zheng Gong occupy the capital of the usurper, while Liu Yan leads the world as the legitimate Han emperor. My lord has already offended Xing Xun because of Wei Shao and has no way to retreat. Liu Yan, however, remembers the kindness shown to him and has personally written an imperial edict offering high positions and rich rewards, leaving a position open for you. When I said earlier that this was an opportunity, does my lord think I spoke wrongly?”
As Qiao Yue listened, his eyes gradually began to shine with a strange light. He clasped his hands behind his back and excitedly paced back and forth in the room several times. Suddenly remembering something, he abruptly stopped and hesitantly said, “But, my younger brother…”
“Has my lord forgotten what I said earlier? Wei Shao is the Duke’s son-in-law, and the Duke has been secretly undermining my lord’s position. He likely has long harbored the intention of replacing you. How can my lord still hope that the Duke will work with you wholeheartedly?”
Qiao Yue’s expression turned somewhat unpleasant. After being lost in thought for a while, he finally said, “You also know that times have changed. If he doesn’t agree, the family generals and retainers may not all be willing to follow my orders.”
Zhang Pu said, “I have a strategy to offer. My lord can first drive away Bi Zhi, which must be decided by my lord. Even if the Duke is unwilling, he cannot object. After driving away Bi Zhi, my lord can select trusted men and, taking advantage of the Duke’s unpreparedness, restrain him. Announce to the outside world that the Duke is seriously ill and unable to handle affairs, seize the military power from the Duke’s hands, and Yanzhou will return to my lord’s control. Then, whether it’s wind or rain, won’t it all be decided by my lord alone?”
Qiao Yue hesitated, unable to decide.
“My lord! Mercy cannot command troops, and without some ruthlessness, a man cannot achieve greatness! Has my lord not yet learned the lesson of being too kind-hearted and soft-handed in the past, leading to the loss of your position? Wei Shao will surely be defeated in this battle! Once Xing Xun destroys Wei Shao, his spearhead will point toward Yanzhou again. If my lord hesitates further and misses the opportunity for Liu Yan’s protection, I fear the hundred-year foundation of Yanzhou will be destroyed in an instant! Moreover, my lord is not taking the Duke’s life, but merely restraining him. Why is my lord so indecisive?”
Qiao Yue shuddered, gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and nodded, saying, “Let’s do as you say!”
Zhang Pu was overjoyed and knelt in obeisance: “My lord is wise! Liu Yan has great talent and strategy, winning the hearts of the people. He will surely be the ruler who revived the Han dynasty. With my lord’s merit of supporting him, glory, wealth, and honor will be within easy reach!”
…
On the first day of the third month, the moon was like a hook.
On the vast wilderness of Muye Plain, the spring chill was still biting, and the heavy snow that had covered the land for a long winter had not completely melted.
But between the cracks of rocks and crevices, moss had quietly turned green again.
The wind echoed day and night in the wilderness, singing, seemingly no longer carrying bone-chilling cold. If one closed their eyes, perhaps they could smell a hint of the invigorating spring breeze.
The spring in Muye, though delayed, had finally arrived.
Just days after Yue Zheng Gong withdrew his troops, Xing Xun, who had been in a standoff with Wei Shao for several months, could no longer restrain himself. In this dim dawn, he divided his forces into three routes and launched a full-scale attack along the old course of the Yellow River, with an overwhelming attitude towards the enemy camp opposite.
Wei Shao’s entire army had long been armed and ready, waiting in strict formation.
The ox horns sounded a deep and heart-trembling long blast.
A battle destined to make blood flow like a hill opened its prelude.
The battle continued intermittently for three days.
More than a thousand years ago, on this land called Muye, there had been a war that similarly made heaven and earth lose color and the sun and moon lose light.
After that war, some were remembered as sage rulers, creating an empire that lasted eight hundred years, winning glorious reputations.
Others exited history books ingloriously.
It is said that for one general’s success, ten thousand bones are buried. How much more so for those who seek to rule an empire and govern vast lands?
The war spirits that had been buried underground for more than a thousand years seemed to be awakened again by blood and weapons, groaning and shouting, breaking out of the dark world.
Dragons battled in the wilderness, their blood dark yellow.
Wind and clouds roared, and ghosts and spirits wept.
The soldiers advanced with their spears, treading on blades and drinking blood.
The flesh was no longer.
The only thought that remained was to follow the great flag ahead with red eyes, wrapped in fresh blood, wielding swords and spears in hand, driving rolling war chariots.
Kill, kill, kill!
…
Yue Zheng Gong led his great army, crossing the already thawed Yellow River by boat bridge, then marching day and night, wishing he had wings to fly back to Liangzhou.
On this day’s march, as they were finally approaching Mount Hua, he gradually felt something was amiss.
All along the way, there was no trace of a large army having passed through.
When asking people in villages and towns along the road, they were also unaware of any large army having passed by recently.
Yue Zheng Gong hesitated. At this time, the advance scouts he had sent ahead finally returned on fast horses, bringing another message from his eldest son, Yue Zheng Kai.
The eldest prince said that after investigation, the previous intelligence turned out to be a false alarm. Yang Xin and Guo Quan only led a total of five thousand troops, arriving at the pass to make a show of force and feign an attack. Several days ago, they had already been routed by his son’s army and were no longer a threat. He asked his father not to return to the army but to focus on attacking Wei Shao.
Yue Zheng Gong was stunned.
He immediately turned and ordered someone to summon Rong Yan.
But he was told that Rong Yan had disappeared.
Yue Zheng Gong finally realized he had been deceived. He cried out in alarm and immediately ordered the army to turn around and rush back to Muye.
But it was all too late.
Three days later, when he was still halfway on the road to the Yellow River, he received news that pierced his heart and rent his liver, causing unspeakable pain:
On the first day of the third month, Wei Shao defeated Xing Xun at Muye.
…
At the end of last year, when Xing Xun crossed the Yellow River to begin his northern expedition, he led a vast army of five hundred thousand men.
In the battle of Muye, they were utterly destroyed.
When he fled back to Luoyang, he had less than a hundred thousand troops remaining.
The rest of his forces were either dead, wounded, scattered, or had surrendered.
Wei Shao had won.
Not only had he defeated the Great Jiang Emperor, but he had also defeated Yue Zheng Gong.
Yue Zheng Gong sat on his yellow warhorse, his eyes wide open, staring straight in the direction of Muye north of the Yellow River, silent for a long time.
He seemed to have turned into a stone statue.
His son Yue Zheng Jun and a group of generals knelt before his horse, anxious and uneasy.
Yue Zheng Jun had never seen his father with such a strange expression in his life.
It seemed sad, angry, and crying, yet also seemed to be laughing.
Even when he had suffered great defeats before, he had never looked like this, making people feel uneasy.
“Father—”
He called out tentatively.
Yue Zheng Gong finally came back to his senses.
He withdrew his gaze from the north.
“Return to Hanzhong.”
He gave the order in a calm tone. Then he turned his horse and slowly rode forward.
After about ten steps, he suddenly vomited a mouthful of fresh blood and fell from his horse, fainting on the spot.
…
The late spring in Yuyang was mild and pleasant, with grass growing and orioles flying.
All things were thriving.
Early in the morning, when the first rays of the sun shone through the window of the delivery room, Xiao Qiao gave birth successfully amidst the clear, crisp cry of a newborn baby.
…
In November of last year, when Wei Shao sent troops to the Yellow River, Xiao Qiao’s pregnancy stabilized, and she safely returned to Yuyang.
During the intervals of waiting for the birth, she also gradually learned of Wei Shao’s battle situation along the Yellow River.
Regarding the war situation, Madam Xu never concealed anything from her because of her pregnancy, whether the news was good or bad.
Her husband was destined not to be content with mediocrity, so as his wife, she had to be prepared at all times to bear the consequences, whether good or bad.
Although Madam Xu had never said this to her, Xiao Qiao understood this point.
This should be the wisdom that this old woman had gained from her half-life of experience.
Xiao Qiao was very grateful for this.
Because she also wanted to know.
For the first time in her life, she felt as if she and the child in her womb were accompanying Wei Shao, experiencing this extraordinary and long war together.
From the initial unfavorable situation, step by step reversal, until finally, the army was pointed towards Luoyang.
Once Luoyang was taken, Wei Shao would be able to return.
When he returned, their daughter, who would have already been born, would be waiting to welcome him.
…
Madam Xu carefully took the small, soft body wrapped in swaddling clothes from the midwife’s hands and gazed at her tightly closed little face for a long time.
Although she had just separated from her mother’s body, she already had long eyelashes and black hair. Her tender skin shone with the luster of beautiful jade under the morning sunlight.
“What a lovely, beautiful child!”
Madam Xu held her and said softly with joy, her voice revealing heartfelt pleasure and delight.
“In ancient times, on Mount Huo, there was a spiritual beast called Fei Fei, which could remove worries when raised. Let’s call this child Fei Fei as her pet name.”
Madam Xu smiled at Xiao Qiao.