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Chengyuan, located on the southwestern edge of Jing State’s capital region, is often regarded as the front yard of the royal capital. The Lew River, renowned as the “First River of the Divine Kun,” originates here and winds its way through the states of Yi, Liang, and Yong. This area has a high altitude and an expansive terrain; from afar, clouds descend to meet solitary wisps of smoke, and the vast plains stretch endlessly under the open sky. Bending down to pluck a withered blade of grass, I examined it closely, my heart heavy with melancholy: Chengyuan has always been a battlefield, its soil soaked with blood, and even the roots of this grass have turned red.
Sighing.
I led Ta Yong slowly back to the barracks when suddenly a loud shout rang out: “Who?!” Focusing my gaze, I saw a sentry hurriedly running toward the main tent, clutching a red-feathered arrow. Could something major have happened? Furrowing my brows lightly, I handed the horse reins to the guard and hastened my steps. Pushing aside the tent flap, I saw my brother sitting upright, removing a piece of dark-patterned silk from the arrowhead. After a moment, he raised his head, his sharp eyes scanning the room: “A challenge letter.”
The generals in the tent leaned forward in unison: “A challenge letter?”
My brother passed the silk to those seated below, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, his deep-set eyes grave. “Xiao Mo.”
“Here.”
“When we distributed grain in Jiacheng, I vaguely heard you mention that all the salt and grain carts bore the name of the same merchant house. Is that true?” His voice was low and solemn.
“Yes!” Xiao Mo bowed his hands in response, “We did not disturb the border areas but opened the granaries to distribute food. My men and I discovered during our mission that the official warehouses in Shaoguang were not filled with government grain.” Not government grain? Doubts began to rise in my mind. “Both the grain and salt came from civilian merchant houses. Even the minor officials managing the grain could not explain their origin, only knowing they were delivered by a Liu family merchant.”
“Liu?” “Which influential merchant can afford to supply the salt and grain for thirty thousand soldiers guarding Jiacheng?”
“Hmph.” A cold laugh came from the seat above; raising my head, I saw Yunzhi holding a jade fan, his charming eyes slightly closed. “It’s likely not just Jiacheng they’re supporting.” He glanced sideways at my brother, “Bamboo Su must already have guessed who it is.”
My brother gave a slight nod and bowed his hands together: “Yes.”
Yunzhi slowly turned his gaze toward the tent: “How many Liu families in the world are wealthy enough to rival a nation?”
“The Liu family of Mucheng!” One general slapped his thigh and exclaimed loudly, enlightening everyone. The next moment, worry crept onto their brows. Why such concern? It’s just one wealthy merchant, isn’t it? I looked up at the seat above, puzzled. Yunzhi gave a faint smile and spoke softly: “The Liu family of Mucheng is the designated royal merchant appointed by King Liang, overseeing salt and grain in the northwest. They are powerful merchants who hold sway over an entire country.” So, Liu’s support of the Wen family equals… “Last month, the head of the Liu family, Liu Bonian, passed away, and leadership was passed to his third son.” At this point, he slowly closed his fan, his gaze profound. “This son is not only adept at business but also holds considerable status in the martial world.” His eyebrows twitched slightly, and I widened my eyes in surprise. “Indeed.” He gave a chilling smile, gazing deeply at me. “This man is known by the alias ‘The Tenderhearted Gentleman,’ and his proper name is Xun He.”
Brother Liu, have you now become our enemy? My heart raced, but I remained silent.
“No wonder the brat Wen Tu dared send someone to shoot this letter at our camp gate.” Uncle Han Shuo clenched his iron fist. “He must have the backing of King Liang!”
“Hmph! Why should we fear him!” Han Dong, young and fiery, stood up, slapping his thigh. “If one comes, we kill one; if two come, we kill both! Since the scoundrels of Liang dare to come seeking death, let us take their lives!”
“Right!” “Right!” The tent erupted with fervent cries, “There are no cowardly words in the annals of the Han family army!”
My brother raised his long arm, and the surroundings gradually quieted. “Everyone...” he began gravely, “Since entering Jing State, our army has won every battle, our morale high, but our arrogance has grown as well!” His voice rang like an evening bell, causing the generals to sit in shame. “If it weren’t for the slight unrest in Yong State and the urgent recall of the Northern Ming King to Nandu, would this campaign have gone so smoothly?” His star-like eyes blazed, “Since entering Min Pass, we have encountered only small bands of enemy troops, far outnumbered by our forces, and thus naturally victorious. But now we will face the main force of the external relatives, numbering no less than two hundred thousand.”
My heart sank at the number twenty thousand.
“If the Liu family is providing military provisions and iron for the Wen family, it shows that King Liang is exerting his full strength to aid the external relatives.” A flicker of caution appeared in my brother’s eyes. “The Liang army is already close at hand!”
The autumn wind stirred the tent flaps, emitting a dull sound; the tent fell into silence.
“King Liang, Liu Xun, is only twenty-five years old, eccentric, and loves books like his life depends on them.” Yunzhi leaned against the long chair, casting a sidelong glance at those below. “This time, King Jing killed his uncle and wife, likely offending this rule-abiding, respectful king of Liang.” A cold glint flashed in his eyes. “If he throws the full might of his nation into aiding them, then we’ll be in trouble.”
Anxiety spread throughout the tent, and the generals sat in silence, the color of the grass swaying under the fluttering tent flap, appearing and disappearing intermittently.
“Not only that.” Yunzhi stared straight ahead, his brow furrowed. “During this internal turmoil of Jing State, Yuan Tengfei, the Cavalry General guarding Lou Pass east of Chengyuan, has remained idle. If he learns that the Wen family is receiving full support from King Liang, he may join the external relatives, adding insult to injury during the battle.”
“Five thousand.” My brother interjected, “The Yuan family still has fifty thousand elite troops.”
“Furthermore!” His voice grew heavy, and those peach blossom eyes lost their usual laziness, shining alarmingly. “The one hundred thousand strong army of Yi State is still quietly waiting north of Yuancheng, showing no signs of movement. And Mianzhou—” He gazed piercingly at me, his tone deceptively gentle yet sharper than blades, “Duke Ding personally leads fifty thousand Qinglong cavalry, rushing swiftly to assist the Wen family’s external relatives.”
My mind buzzed, and I staggered backward, taking two shaky steps: No, it can’t be. Dazedly, I gazed at those sharp eyes: No... Xiuyuan... Clenching my brows tightly, my heart felt hollow, leaving me breathless for a long while: Enemies? Enemies? Xiuyuan, if we meet on the battlefield, how can I face you?
“Ninety thousand versus five hundred and fifty thousand, do the generals still have confidence?”
“Yes!” “Yes!” “Yes!” “Winning against overwhelming odds—that’s what makes us true men!”
The voices seemed to float from afar, fading before reaching my heart. Whispering the name Xiuyuan, my chest felt heavy, my heart bitter. Suddenly, a piece of silk was pressed into my hand. Taking a deep breath, I unfolded this letter of war. The autumn wind lifted the curtain, cooling my brows:
“The shame of Min Pass, the hatred of Jiacheng—how can we face breaking the Qing army? On August 24th, I will meet the General in the wilds of Chengyuan. Signed, Wen Tu, Grand Marshal of Jing State.”
Night deepened, and I tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. A lone candle still burned inside the tent, its flickering light dancing in the autumn wind, mirroring my restless state of mind—and perhaps... Sitting up, I looked outside at the tall figure standing with hands clasped behind his back—my brother’s thoughts. Letting my hair loose, I put on my outer robe and quietly walked to stand behind him, looking up at the vast sky. Tonight, there was no moon, the night pressing heavily down, as if one could reach out and touch the stars in the sky.
“The night sky is just a torn cloth, and the stars and moon are merely shadows left by passing light.” A laughing voice drifted on the wind. “These were your words when you were three years old.”
“Mm.” I responded softly.
“Before you were born, Mother asked me: Xiao, do you want a younger sister or a younger brother?” He raised his head to gaze at the vast sky, lost in reminiscence.
“How did you answer, Brother?”
“A younger brother.” A decisive response.
“Huh?” Surprised.
“A younger brother can ride horses and fight battles with me, can go to battle and kill enemies together. That’s how I answered Mother back then.”
“I can do that too.” Pouting.
“Mm.” He turned around, his deep eyes warm. “Qingqing has been very smart since she was little. In fact, you could recognize words before you were even a year old. Whenever I read to you while holding you in my arms, your eyes would follow the pages in an orderly manner.”
I stared in astonishment, thinking I had hidden it well, but it had long been noticed.
“When you were three years old, Father, Mother, and I secretly overheard you singing. The tune was quite peculiar, like a shaman’s chant.”
Embarrassed, glad I hadn’t sung it again, or I would have become a sorceress.
“Qingqing might not know, but during those days, Mother cried secretly every day, worried sick that you were possessed by a ghost.” My brother chuckled. “Later, Liu Ma, who took care of you, came from a family that made a living catching ghosts. Mother sent her to help guard your soul.”
My mouth dropped open, exhaling softly: No wonder for a period, Liu Ma used ash to mark my forehead every day. The warmth of my breath solidified in the cold night, slowly rising as white mist enveloped my brother’s brows. Those deep, handsome eyes now revealed a hint of worry.
“Brother.”
“Hmm?”
“You miss Yane, don’t you?” That’s why you’re talking about my childhood.
“Mm.” A barely audible response.
“And Sister-in-law too?”
He turned around, gazing at the starry sky, silent.
The night
was dark with melancholy,
the stars
trembled in the cold wind,
like
lonely teardrops,
slipping down
the horizon.
From afar,
a qiang flute sounded,
its desolate melody
seeping into my heart,
twisting and turning
into a sigh:
Xiuyuan,
when we meet again,
what will our feelings be?
...
On the 23rd day of the eighth month, at the hour of Hai, the great battle was imminent. The night in Chengyuan seemed forever devoid of moonlight, forever sorrowful.
“Han Qi!” Gone were the sentimental musings, replaced by a thick, decisive command.
“Here!”
“I order you to lead twenty thousand soldiers from the northern camp to hold back the enemy’s right flank. Although General Zhao Lingzhi of the Tiger Roar Right Army is valiant and skilled in battle, he is arrogant and conceited by nature.” My brother handed him a copper coin. “Do not attack directly; only use strategy. The colonel can feign defeat and lure the enemy’s right flank into the Lihen Slope, which is covered with dense forests and shrubs. Hidden here, it will be difficult for their main force to reach. Then divide into teams to ambush and lure them into the funnel-shaped valley behind the slope.” My brother pointed to the map, his eyes revealing a cold light. “I’ve already had someone check beforehand. Here the terrain is steep, the stone walls smooth, making climbing difficult.” Could it be? “In a moment, the cooks will prepare fish oil and firewood. At that time, just one fire will eliminate their fifty thousand-strong right flank.” The惨景of Shemo Valley flashed in my mind. “Even if heaven doesn’t aid us and a sudden rainstorm occurs,” he pressed sternly, leaving no room for argument, “we must still annihilate them completely!”
“Yes! Your subordinate accepts the order!” Is this the cycle of fate? My heart felt heavy.
“Han Shuo!”
“Here!”
“After the battle begins, the southern camp you lead will face the enemy’s left flank. General Bao Yun of the Dragon Might Left Army is young and fierce, and a direct confrontation may put us in a tight spot.” My brother raised his head, his star-like eyes slightly closed. “At the beginning of the year, I ordered you to train the Xiangyun Array. How is the southern camp’s practice going?” The Xiangyun Array, the token of affection between my brother and sister-in-law.
“It’s now fully under control!” Han Qi replied clearly.
“Good! Use this array to swallow up their fifty thousand-strong left flank!”
“Yes! Your subordinate accepts the order!”
“Everyone else will stay with me to defend the central army. Whether there are ten thousand or forty-five thousand left, we cannot disperse our main force anymore. Now we have no choice but...” My brother glanced sharply at the silver armor, his eyes glinting coldly, his lips set firmly. “To fight to the death!”
“Yes!” Their boldness soared to the heavens.
After everyone received their orders and left the tent, I slowly approached my brother, who was putting on his armor: “General.”
He fastened his beast belt around his waist and looked at me gently: “Hmm?”
Gazing intently, I softly opened my lips: “If you give me two thousand soldiers, I can alleviate the General’s hidden worries of ten thousand men and also destroy tens of thousands of enemy troops.” The candlelight flickered, and with a clatter, the silver helmet in Xiaomo’s hands fell to the ground. My brother looked at me incredulously, the flickering shadows dancing. Slowly stepping forward, I pointed to the map on the tent and softly said: “Today, listening to the generals’ discussions, the Liang State’s fifteen-thousand-strong army is rushing from the northwest, while the Yi State’s ten-thousand-strong elite troops are lying low two hundred miles northeast of Chengyuan.” Drawing a horizontal line on the paper thin as a cicada’s wing, “These two armies must cross the Lew River to reach Chengyuan.” Pointing to the black line on the map, “Give me two thousand elite soldiers. As long as we dig out the Chengyuan Dam when the Liang army crosses the river, even if we can’t destroy their entire fifteen-thousand-strong army, we can reduce the enemy’s main force.”
Several pairs of eyes stared hard at me, some filled with naked affection. Glancing at the corner of the tent, I smiled faintly: “The Yi army and the Liang army are different; friend or foe is unclear. If we drown them together, it might cause problems later. Releasing water from the dam will inundate downstream areas, merely to slow the Yi army’s crossing. Whether we can turn this unknown force to our advantage depends on whether the General can win with fewer troops.”
“Good!” My brother nodded heavily, his eyes trembling. “Good!” He waved his hand toward his side. “Xiaomo.”
“General.”
“Dispatch two thousand elite soldiers from the Flying Tiger Camp to be placed under Lord Feng’s command.”
“Yes!” Xiaomo bowed low and turned to leave.
“Hold on!” My brother gazed deeply at him, enunciating each word with emphasis, “Remember this—ensure Lord Feng’s safety at all costs!”
“Yes.”
“Yunqing.” My brother turned around, placing both hands on my shoulders. “After destroying the dam, regardless of the battle situation, you must return to Jiacheng immediately. Do you understand?” The pressure on my shoulders grew stronger, leaving no room for refusal.
I looked up to see the worry in his eyes and nodded gently: “Mm.”
“General Han.” A faint musky aroma drifted through the night air.
“Your Highness.” My brother bowed his head in respect.
“This palace has matters to attend outside the camp.” His enchanting eyes shimmered with vast, brewing waves.
My brother quickly clasped his hands: “Your Highness! The great battle is imminent; please reconsider your actions.”
Yunzhi gazed at me intently, a faint smile curling his lips as he elegantly turned to leave. His confident yet gentle words floated back through the dark night: “This palace is going to borrow fifty thousand troops from Yuan Tengfei to help you crush the enemy forces.”
The tall figure disappeared into the night, his seemingly casual words resonating deeply within my heart.
“Report!” A loud shout echoed from outside the gate.
“Don’t panic!” A low growl of displeasure came from inside the tent.
“Reporting to the General!” The soldier knelt on the ground. “A man has arrived outside the camp, claiming to be the Ninth Prince and Inspector General of Qing State, Lord Ning!”
“What?!” The curtain was lifted, revealing General Yuan Tengfei standing at the entrance. He stared into the distant darkness, remaining silent for a moment before speaking. “How many men did he bring?”
The soldier glanced furtively at his general, stammering, “One man, one horse—he came alone.”
“Oh? Quite bold of him.” The rigid spine relaxed suddenly, and he sneered: Is he here as an envoy? I shall see what kind of person this Ninth Prince of Qing State is. “Bring him to the main tent!”
“Yes!” Yuan Tengfei watched the figure in front of him, finding himself awestruck and unable to move. Though those slightly drunken peach blossom eyes appeared hazy, they carried a vast, burning gaze that exuded an irresistible imperial aura. The Ninth Prince of Qing State was someone who naturally commanded reverence. Years later, Yuan Tengfei still vividly remembered that first glance, secretly pleased with the accuracy of his intuition and grateful for having aligned himself early with Emperor Yuanchu.
“Yuan Tengfei, General Yuan?” Ling Yiran’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
That voice seemed to break the spell. Yuan Tengfei finally snapped out of it and weakly responded, “Ah, Yuan Tengfei pays respects to the Ninth Prince.” Before his words had even left his lips, Yuan Tengfei was already stunned, wishing he could slap himself. Why act so intimidated just to show off? Weak from the start—what a disgrace!
Ling Yiran noticed this but understood fully. He smiled faintly, lifted his robe, and sat down, gesturing to the seat below: “Sit.” His demeanor calm and composed, as if he were the master.
“Ah.” Yuan Tengfei realized the roles had been reversed and wished he could punish himself twenty times over. Regret gnawed at him, turning his insides bitter. Clearing his throat, he straightened his back and asked with forced composure: “What brings Lord Ning here alone before the great battle?”
“What indeed?” Ling Yiran regarded him with a half-smile, causing Yuan Tengfei to feel as if daggers were piercing his heart. “I assumed the General already knew.” He shifted his gaze, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
Yuan Tengfei stood up, nervously clenching his fists, and dramatically flicked his sleeve: “If Your Highness is here as an envoy, I suggest you return promptly!”
“Hahaha~” Loud laughter suddenly erupted in the tent. Yuan Tengfei lost his earlier fierceness, staring in astonishment at Ling Yiran, who laughed uncontrollably, suppressing his confusion without uttering a word.
After a while, Ling Yiran wiped away tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes, sat upright, and teased, “They say General Yuan is straightforward by nature; today confirms it.” He snapped open his jade fan, raising an eyebrow. “If it were any other general, they wouldn’t be so merciful. What do you think they would do, General?”
Yuan Tengfei furrowed his brows tightly, his mouth unresponsive, but his eyes glimmered with intense doubt.
Ling Yiran smiled softly: “They would surely capture the visitor, decapitate him, and send the head to Marshal Wen.” His tone was light, as if discussing something unrelated.
“Oh? Interesting.” Yuan Tengfei raised his thick eyebrows, sitting back down with a menacing glare. “After hearing Your Highness’s suggestion, I am quite tempted.” He drew his long sword, pressing the blade against Ling Yiran’s pale neck.
Ling Yiran glanced at him, smiling casually: “I have studied physiognomy and love fortune-telling. How about I read your fortune, General?”
“Oh?” Yuan Tengfei bared his white teeth, nudging the blade slightly. “Alright.”
“General, you will cut off my head and present it to Marshal Wen. Then, in the battle of Chengyuan, you will crush the Qing army, your power reaching the heavens, unmatched in merit and authority.” His soft, gentle voice felt like a soothing hand stroking Yuan Tengfei’s ego, making him twitch his brows contentedly. “Then, the Wen family will assassinate the king and install the young prince, who shares their bloodline, on the throne. Remembering the general’s great contributions, the young king might bestow upon you the title of Grand Marshal. For a time, your gates will be crowded with visitors, your influence soaring. General, no,” Ling Yiran chuckled lightly, eyeing Yuan Tengfei’s self-satisfied expression, “Marshal Yuan, aiding the young ruler, your prestige rivaling the Wen family.”
Tsk, Yuan Tengfei’s heart felt like it was filled with honey—two words: devilishly sweet.
“There’s a saying: ‘When the birds are gone, the good bow is put away; when the cunning rabbit dies, the running dog is cooked.’“ Pausing briefly, he continued smoothly, “Marshal Yuan, your achievements overshadow your lord, and with your heavy troops, you will soon be arrested on false charges by Empress Wen. Hmm, what crime would satisfy her?” Ling Yiran tapped his chin with the fan’s handle, then suddenly clapped his hands, joyfully exclaiming, “Plotting to usurp the throne, your intentions are punishable by death.” This nonchalant statement jolted Yuan Tengfei from his beautiful dream. He glared fiercely, but Ling Yiran ignored him, leisurely fanning cool air in the cold night. “Then your nine clans will be executed. Marshal Yuan, ah, no.” He smirked lightly, “You’ll become a criminal, Yuan the criminal, torn apart by chariots.”
Ling Yiran picked up the jade fan, reciting affectionately: “In midsummer’s stifling heat, a gentle breeze stirs. Hide you in my sleeves, praising your fine words.” One by one, he folded the fan, “When autumn nights grow cool, the chilling winds will strike again. Abandoned in the box drawer, at your mercy to slay.” With a smile in his eyes, he applied slight pressure with both hands, and with a snap, the jade fan broke in half.
At the sound, Yuan Tengfei’s heart skipped a beat, his face turning pale, the sword in his hand trembling slightly.
“General!” A voice urged from outside the tent, “Time is almost up, what do you think...?”
“Oh, is the General in a hurry to join forces?” Ling Yiran smiled faintly, “Don’t delay important matters, General. Hurry up and make your move.” Saying this, he leaned his neck forward slightly, “In a year, I will host a banquet in the underworld to welcome you...” Moving forward again, the blade pierced his skin, droplets of blood seeping out, bright and full, shockingly vivid.
Yuan Tengfei’s hand faltered, and the treasured sword fell to the ground with a clatter.
“General, Marshal Wen’s messenger is here to urge you!” A low call came from outside the tent.
“Damn it! What’s worrying you!” A loud roar revealed his unstable breathing.
Ling Yiran coolly observed the stunned Yuan Tengfei, snorting disdainfully: “When the time comes, I’ll see what fate awaits you, General.” His slender fingers loosened, and the broken fan clattered to the ground.
Shattered jade cannot be made whole. Painful, penetrating deep into the heart.
Yuan Tengfei withdrew his dazed gaze, stammering: “If it were you, Your Highness, what would you do?”
Ling Yiran’s lips curled slightly, rising to his feet, his intoxicating peach blossom eyes casting a sidelong glance downward: “Adding flowers to brocade pales in comparison to sending charcoal in the snow.” These ten words struck Yuan Tengfei’s heart like small hammers. He repeated them softly, slowly raising his head to meet those piercing, insightful eyes. “In the struggle between two factions, it’s not about choosing the wrong side—it’s about not choosing a side at all. By remaining idle earlier, you likely offended both sides.” Ling Yiran sighed, “And now, choosing the wrong side again—this is truly adding frost to snow.”
“General!” An urgent voice called from outside the tent, “The main camp’s horn has sounded!”
Yuan Tengfei picked up the sword from the ground and swiftly flew out: “Get out!”
The flickering candlelight in the tent cast a glow on Ling Yiran’s devilishly handsome face, bringing out a radiant beauty. “Please enlighten me, Your Highness!” Yuan Tengfei clasped his hands and bowed respectfully.
“If I were the General, I would lead from the front in the battle of Chengyuan, raising the royal banner high and fighting shoulder to shoulder with General Han Yuesha of Qing State,” Ling Yiran calmly wiped the warm blood from his neck. “Don’t be deceived by the arrogance of the Wen family or the might of Liang State’s troops. The Han family has always been renowned for their divine warriors; with a mere wave of their hand, the enemy vanishes into thin air.” He flicked his fingertips, sending droplets of blood flying. “As for Yi State and Mianzhou, they are foreign forces, making any significant impact quite difficult. By riding the wave of popular sentiment and invoking the name of loyalty to the king, you can achieve great results with minimal effort. In one day, you’ll rise to prominence and enter the capital region. By then, after the Wen family is exterminated and the four fields are unstable, King Jing will have no choice but to rely on you. Without the power of the external relatives, you can command the throne and order the lords, placing yourself just below the king and above all others, wielding power that overshadows the court.” His thin lips curled slightly upwards. “Then, why worry about your life?”
Yuan Tengfei’s frozen heart warmed up again. He nodded slightly, gratitude flowing in his eyes. Looking at the man smiling like spring flowers, he felt as satisfied as a gorging glutton at a feast.
Amidst laughter, formidable enemies crumble to dust...
On the dam, the cold wind howled, and the sight of scattered corpses chilled the heart.
“Master!” Xiaomo ran over quickly, holding his sword. “Everything is cleaned up.”
“Mm.” Standing on the warm bodies, he spoke heavily, “Now, block the upstream broken boats and the straw bags we brought to the dam outlet, then let the brothers dig the soil.”
“Yes.”
“Remember, leave the dam source untouched.” He added another instruction.
“I obey your command.”
Taking a deep breath in the night wind, his nostrils filled with the thick scent of blood. A demon at midnight, the Abbot Liao Wu must surely regret giving me this string of sandalwood prayer beads if he knew I had killed countless today. Subconsciously, he touched the bracelet on his left wrist. It was all stained with blood...
Turning his gaze to the distant sky, the Milky Way dense and faint, clouds darkly passing, stars entangled with each other, hearts responding across the shore: No, you and I won’t be enemies, never...
In the darkness, only hearing remained. The sound of rushing water reached his ears. After several rains, the autumn waters had risen. This breach would take away tens of thousands of lives. Bending down, he dipped his hands into the icy Lew River, the chill seeping through his veins into his heart. Not knowing how much time had passed, he heard a low call, “Master, everything is ready.”
“Good.” Straightening up, his right hand already numb from the cold, “Wait for my command before releasing the flood.”
“Yes.”
The west wind whistled freely across Chengyuan. The stars in the sky dimmed further under its gusts, time slipping through his fingers. Suddenly, the downstream water sounds changed dramatically, accompanied by splashing noises. In the half-light of night, faint figures could be seen in the distance.
“Master?” Xiaomo leaned forward and asked softly.
Raising his right hand, signaling not to move. The previous river crossing consisted of only a small band of enemy troops; if the floodgates were opened now, it would only drown a few insignificant soldiers, alerting the snakes in the grass. The footsteps grew heavier, the water sounds more chaotic. Summoning Xiaomo, he whispered, “Let the brothers start digging at the dam source.”
“Yes.”
After a while, the clanking of iron armor and the clip-clop of horse hooves sounded loudly downstream, followed by a crackling noise.
“Master, the dam source has been completely dug out.”
Silently nodding, he watched the broken boats and straw bags at the dam outlet tremble under the fierce current. Crack! A fishing boat was torn apart, and a rough section of the low dam was breached by the torrential flow. The earth seemed to shake; the main force of the Liang army was near. Feeling a bit tense, he stared intently at the water surge at the dam outlet. Fishing boats were being punctured one by one. Half an hour later, just as the downstream thunderous splashing began, the Lew River finally broke through the last line of defense. The west wind pushed the raging flood like thousands of galloping horses, shaking and pounding the riverbed and banks with earth-shattering roars. In the pale night, dark foam splashed up.
“Aah!” “Water!” Cries of distress echoed downstream, horses neighing mournfully. For a moment, it felt like descending into the eighteen levels of hell, with chilling winds ravaging and the cries of ten thousand ghosts echoing.
“Retreat!” Mounting his horse, he left the ghastly scene behind. Even burdened with blood debts, even if vengeful spirits pursued him, he had no regrets!
Feeling a slight chill on his cheek, his robe flapping, he spurred his horse into a wild gallop, blending into the waning night. Reaching the fork in the road, he stopped.
“Master.” Xiaomo was still following behind, kindly reminding him, “To go to Jiacheng, you should turn left.”
Silently nodding, he looked to the right. The sound of horns signaled the beginning of the formal battle. Next would be the lineup of both armies, with the generals exchanging words. Kicking Ta Yong lightly, he leapt onto a mound. Ignoring Xiaomo’s urgent calls, he stood firm and gazed far ahead. Then, without further ado...
“Kill!” “Kill!” The earth-shaking roar awakened the land, diluted the night, and deeply shook him. Taking a deep breath, the coolness of autumn filled his chest.
Once again facing death, how could he retreat?
Once again losing, how could he live alone?
With these thoughts in mind, he kicked the horse’s belly: “Go!”
“Master! Master!”
Ta Yong galloped wildly, swift as the wind and lightning. Breaking through the resistance of the cool night and parting the foggy veil, he finally arrived at the edge of Chengyuan. Beneath the faint morning sky, standing on a high ridge, he watched the two armies divided into three streams, entangled in a fierce battle like a trident. However, the Wen family’s “trident weapon” appeared more massive. Soon, the enemy’s right wing surged like a flood, forcing our left wing to retreat step by step. Their rampant right flank charged deeper like a runaway wild horse. Drawing the enemy in deep—apparently, the first step was successful.
Looking elsewhere, our right wing shifted eastward, pulling the enemy’s left flank to an open area. Then the formation suddenly changed, resembling a cloud, flowing unpredictably. Finally, only the central armies remained—100,000 against 50,000. They surrounded us using their numerical advantage, planning to swallow us whole? Through the haze, he saw the Han family’s flag fluttering in the wind. Hearing the approaching hoofbeats behind him, he leapt onto his horse: “Take care of Ta Yong for me.”
“Master!”
Riding swiftly eastward, he dove into the battlefield. Entering head-on, he advanced with drawn weapons, his eyes fixed solely on the commander’s flag. As he drew closer, he saw that his brother’s mount had its legs cut off and was writhing on the ground. He wielded a silver spear, dancing amidst the chaos, with his personal guards fiercely battling around him, undaunted. The cool autumn wind stirred the dust, and under the dim sky, everything appeared heavy like an oil painting. Seeing a cold arrow flying towards his brother’s unguarded back, he widened his eyes, exerted force with his feet, and performed “Treading on Sand.” Flipping down, he grabbed the arrow’s feathers, channeling his inner strength, causing surrounding enemy soldiers to scatter.
His brother turned urgently: “Qingqing!” He swung his long spear, knocking down a group of Jing soldiers. “How could you...?!” Furious, his deep eyes blazing, the scar on his face quivering.
Supporting his broad shoulders, she spun and kicked away the attacking soldiers, whispering in mid-air: “Didn’t Brother want a sibling who could ride into battles and fight alongside you?” Landing silently, she smiled back, “Leave your back to me! Fight to the death!”
He shook his head, sweeping his spear horizontally, blood and flesh flying everywhere. His deep eyes shimmered with hope: “Qingqing, we must survive!” These words resonated like echoes from the Moon Valley.
Picking up an iron spear with his foot, he stood back-to-back with her, scanning the surroundings with hollow eyes: “Today, we shall settle this with the Han family spear techniques!”
“Ah!” With a bold roar, dozens rushed at them together. Recalling memories, the image of their father loomed in his mind—every spear movement graceful and composed, exuding unmatched dominance. Holding the spear diagonally, he thrust it in all directions, head held high, striking all around. Twisting his waist halfway, moving broadly, concealing spears in both arms. Amidst the chaos, he caught a glimpse of his brother’s gratified smile, lightly smiling back, matching his steps, twirling his body, maneuvering around. Moving close, one yin and one yang, the spear emerging from under the arm, the tip darting from the wrist. Suddenly turning his head sharply: “Ha!” Roaring simultaneously, the long spear danced around him, propelled by the momentum of his strike. The silvery spearhead pierced through bodies, the trembling spear tail swaying with the cold wind. Opening his tiger mouth wide, he firmly grasped the spear thrown from his brother’s hand. Turning, he chuckled softly, locking eyes with him: “Dragon Tail Swing!”
Another round! Childhood memories flooded his mind like a released floodgate. Father, Mother, Qingqing has finally grown up, finally reaching the point where she can fight side by side with her brother. Bending low, thrusting sharply, rising on the spear, amidst flashing blades and shadows, the night finally came to an end. The morning light emerged from the solitary tombs of past generations, from the dark turbulent times, from the brink of despair, slowly approaching him. The spear rebounded off the ground, driven by his energy, sweeping across a vast area: “Tiger Leaping Deep Ravine!” With a loud shout: “Kill!”
Blood and chaos flew around, the battlefield a muddled mess. Where there was no reasoning, only survival! Wiping away blood splatters from his fingertips, his lips curled higher, filled with the excitement of bloodlust, the silver spear sweeping away countless vengeful spirits. Who said the gates of hell only open at midnight? In fact, wherever there is sunlight, there is shadow. Gazing afar with a smile: You said you would accompany me.
Lifting a bloody figure, he thought inwardly: I’ll wait for you in hell.
The fields shook, the sound of galloping hooves frantic. A “black cloud” flew in from the horizon, so dense and heavy it seemed to obscure the rising sun.
“Marshal, look!” The guard pointed into the distance. Wen Tu squinted to see.
“Marshal, it’s the Qinglong Cavalry from Mianzhou!”
Indeed, as expected of Mianzhou, renowned for its iron and salt, fifty thousand cavalry riding on fine horses, each soldier clad in precious armor. No wonder Mianzhou had remained independent within the Kun Empire for hundreds of years, navigating the three kingdoms without faltering. With the arrival of the Qinglong Cavalry, it was like a divine army descending. Taking on ten men at once was no exaggeration.
“Good!” Wen Tu clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “Open the central army! Let the Qinglong Cavalry enter the formation!”
“Young Master!” Song Baolin, clad in black iron armor, closely followed his master, who wore only a brocade robe. He raised his powerful arm. “Chengyuan is here!”
Yejing Lan’s cold phoenix eyes gazed into the night, flicking his short whip, urging his steed forward, galloping alone at the forefront of the battle lines.
“Go!” Song Baolin watched the solitary and upright figure ahead and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: If eight years ago, during the suppression of the rebellion, the Young Master relied on youthful audacity and resolute ruthlessness to dominate all directions, then eight years later, the Young Master now uses restrained coldness and cunning strategies to sweep through Chengyuan. Seeing the Wen family open their central army, joyfully welcoming the Qinglong Cavalry into their formation, Song Baolin couldn’t help but laugh aloud: First, with just a letter, our army breached Jin Pass without losing a single soldier. Then, under the pretense of assistance, they made the Wen children open their own gates, inviting tigers into their midst. Young Master, what excellent tactics!
“Qinglong Cavalry!” “Qinglong Cavalry!” Surrounded Qing soldiers looked up, watching the oncoming black-armored troops, tightening their jaws. “Damn! Today is going to be thrilling!” Each wiped the blood from their faces. “Dying this way isn’t disgraceful!” “Yeah, better than dying at the hands of Jing soldiers.”
“Let me taste the might of the divine army!” A bearded warrior slashed down a Wen soldier beside him, facing the neighing steeds, roaring, “Come on!” His body didn’t meet the sharp blade; he widened his eyes, watching the horse bellies and flying hooves leap over his head, momentarily stunned. Damn, they actually disdain me? Turning around, he saw that his brothers were unharmed. What? He frowned, scrutinizing closely, and saw that the previously menacing Jing soldiers were either slaughtered or trampled beneath the horses. Arms and legs flew everywhere, cries for mothers and fathers filled the air. After a while, the soldiers finally realized.
“Damn it! Damn it!” “The Qinglong Cavalry has come to aid us!” A group of burly men looked at each other, laughing more brightly than the morning light. After laughing for a moment, one suddenly slapped his forehead: “What are we standing around for! Hurry before the war merits go to others!”
“Screw it! Kill!” They bared their teeth, eyes gleeful, charging towards the Jing army.
At one corner of the southern front stood two blood-soaked figures. The taller one, clad in silver armor, was already dyed crimson. The shorter one’s waist-length hair fluttered in the wind.
Wiping away the blood, the figure turned out to be General Han Yuesha of the Qing army. He embraced the person beside him, softly calling, “Qingqing.”
“Mm.” Having slain thousands, even with supreme skills, she was utterly exhausted. Despite her dazed expression, she stubbornly stood under the bright sun, murmuring as if in a dream, “Has he come? Has he come?”
Han Yuesha cut down the approaching stragglers, panting heavily: “Qingqing, don’t be afraid. Brother will protect you and get you out.”
“No!” A clear shout made the distant figure tremble slightly. She threw down the spear she used for support and drew a flexible sword from her waist. “Brother, I want to fight side by side with you and break out.” Finishing her words, her beautiful eyes narrowed, wrist flipping, sending the sword dancing, energy flowing in all directions, graceful like a dragon, swift like a startled goose. It was truly wielding the sword against the wind, a dazzling dance that astonished the heart.
Yejing Lan stood steadfast in the array, his jade-like face stern, phoenix eyes slightly closed: That voice earlier sounded like Yunqing. He spurred his horse, rushing madly through the battlefield, entering left and right like an unstoppable force. Where? Where? Deep anxiety welled up in his heart, his usually cool brows furrowed with deep concern.
“Ah!” Another shout came from behind. It’s her! He reined in his horse, turning swiftly towards the south.
“Qingqing, Qingqing.” Han Yuesha grabbed his delirious sister, shielding her in his arms. “You’re tired, so tired.”
She shook her long hair, swaying unsteadily, the world spinning, the bloody battlefield blurring into a vivid scarlet before her eyes.
“Kill!” A roar erupted from behind the ranks. Han Yuesha cast a solemn gaze afar, seeing the marshal’s flag embroidered with the character “Yuan” and the Jing royal banner adorned with peacock patterns waving on the horizon. Master, you have finally convinced Yuan Tengfei. With the arrival of the Qinglong Cavalry, Chengyuan... He plunged his silver spear into the ground, smiling deeply: Chengyuan, truly a blessed land for my Han family army!
“Not falling...” The slender figure before him swayed, about to collapse. “Cannot fall...” With the last ounce of her strength, she raised her soft sword, supporting herself to stand tall under the vast sky and clear clouds, her resilience bringing tears to one’s eyes.
“Qingqing!” Before Han Yuesha could hold her waist, a black horse galloped past, and the figure before him vanished as if swallowed by the earth. Han Yuesha turned urgently, only to see that moon-white figure appearing particularly gallant in the early morning sunlight. It’s him, the heavy stone in his heart lifted, and now she would be safe.
Yejing Lan held the beauty in his arms, tearing off the mask on her face. His gaze roamed over her slightly pale, delicate features, heart aching as he tightened his embrace. Arrows flew from afar, but Yejing Lan’s phoenix eyes darkened, raising his protective Qi. Feathers scattered, unable to approach. He pried open her tender hand, holding the soul-stealing sword in his palm, then drew Ziye from his waist. Hilt to hilt, blade to blade, the two swords seemed mutually attracted, fitting together seamlessly. With a snap, they merged into a single sharp sword. This sword, golden on the yang side, silver on the yin side, was the ancient divine weapon “Ziye Soul-Stealer.”
Two streaks of gold and silver light, limbs flying around the black horse. In Yejing Lan’s clear, determined eyes, there was an endless resolve. His elegant eyebrows resembled a cold sword drawn from its scabbard, deterring the autumn sun from touching the beauty in his arms. Amidst the blood-spattered battlefield, his white robes remained immaculate. Among the crouching, crawling masses, his proud, poised figure exuded calm strength.
“Mm.” The person in his arms let out a soft hum, her indigo brows shy in the spring splendor, her pure smile blooming beautifully. Yejing Lan’s eyes softened, lowering gently as he leaned her softly against his chest, lightly rubbing her glossy black hair with his chin.
This embrace, like the eternal night tightly holding the lonely moon;
This embrace, like the vast sky welcoming back the wandering clouds;
This embrace, like the green waters reclaiming their ripples.
“Did we win?” A faint murmur.
“Yes.” A warm reply, like spring water.
“Xiuyuan, is that you?”
“Mm.”
“I’m so tired...”
“Sleep, I’ll watch over you.”
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