In the bitter cold of deep winter, the area north of Cloud Mist Mountain was blanketed in swirling snowflakes. As dusk fell, the marching camp was fully packed up, and the entire force of five thousand troops began moving south together.
Yun Ridge was very close to the capital, yet its location was extremely remote. As it fell under the jurisdiction of Luoyang's garrison, many military officers in the capital were unaware of its existence. After nightfall, the entire procession slowed its pace considerably, and with the snow that had previously stopped now falling again, their progress became even more difficult.
Qin Guan still rode in the large carriage she had arrived in, which was kept quite warm by a heating stove inside. They traveled southward through the night, and by daybreak, the procession had only covered about a hundred li. Despite marching all night, Yan Chi had no intention of letting the troops rest that day, allowing only half an hour for replenishment before setting off again.
At the front of the procession, Zhou You and Yan Chi rode side by side on horseback. Zhou You said, "The imperial decree has already been issued, and it's spreading faster than our southward advance. What are Your Highness's thoughts?"
The news had arrived two nights prior. Yan Chi wasn't surprised by the emperor's move. Having left the capital with Qin Guan, the emperor would easily deduce his intentions. Rather than waiting for him to reach the northwest and take control of the Northwest Frontier Army, it was better to preemptively accuse him of treason. With this charge, he would undoubtedly face numerous hardships along the way.
"Lin Xie is Lin Zhang's nephew, cultivated by the emperor to be the next commander of the imperial guards. Appointing him as the commissioner likely means he also holds the tiger tally to mobilize the southern garrisons. Our progress is somewhat slow, and I also wish to head south to Jianzhou. It would be best for us to split up."
Yan Chi's voice was calm and resolute. Hearing this, Zhou You smiled. "This humble general had already guessed Your Highness would think this way. By advancing swiftly southward, we can draw Lin Xie's attention. Your Highness can proceed with your plans, and we'll rendezvous in the northwest?"
Yan Chi nodded. "Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng have been waiting in the northwest for some time. You go to Liangzhou first; someone will be there to assist you."
Zhou You expressed concern, "That sounds good, but without our protection along the way, will Your Highness be…"
A faint smile touched Yan Chi's lips. "Once out of the capital, no one can hold me back. On the contrary, Lin Xie, accustomed to throwing his weight around in the capital, may struggle outside it. Rest assured, I have already made thorough arrangements."
Zhou You nodded, and Yan Chi added, "We'll reach Luozhou before nightfall today. We can discuss the details then. I'll assign two men familiar with the northwest to accompany you, so you'll have guides when you reach Liangzhou."
Zhou You readily agreed, then glanced back and said softly, "Your Highness, can the princess consort endure this?"
They had marched through the night, and now, at daybreak, the procession was only taking a brief rest before continuing. Though a rough man, Zhou You was somewhat worried about whether the princess consort could withstand such hardship.
Yan Chi also looked back, a flicker of tenderness in his eyes. "She understands the bigger picture. Even if her body suffers, she grits her teeth and doesn't complain."
Hearing this, Zhou You's face brightened with relief. "When the prince was alive, he worried most about Your Highness's marriage. This humble general knew the old prince's character well—he would never speak of it openly. Now, seeing Your Highness wed to such a fine princess consort, his spirit in heaven must be greatly comforted."Zhou You was not only Yan Lin's personal guard but had also grown up with him since childhood, naturally showing even greater concern for Yan Chi. For him to speak these words carried no presumption.
At the mention of Yan Lin, Yan Chi's gaze turned cold. "I had thought Father would live to see my wedding day."
Having served in the Northwest Frontier Army and maintained close ties with Prince Rui's residence, Zhou You was well aware that Yan Lin's accident was no coincidence. He sighed deeply. "Fortunately, Your Highness has taken this step. As long as you remain, we need not worry about failing to avenge the Prince. To speak bluntly, the entire Northwest now awaits your call to arms!"
Hearing this, a sharp intensity surfaced on Yan Chi's face. "Reaching this point was never my intention."
Zhou You sighed again. "With blades already at our throats, what other choice remains for Your Highness? You carry the bloodline of the Yan clan. For all these years, you and the Prince have guarded the western gateway of Great Zhou. Were it not for you both, the Northwest Plateau would have long been plunged into suffering. Yet His Majesty remembers neither your contributions nor the Prince's, forcing you to this extremity. Truthfully, this humble general had always hoped the Prince, after a lifetime of toil, would enjoy his twilight years while you inherited the Northwest. You would wed a worthy princess consort, raise children, and continue the lineage of Prince Rui's residence—far removed from succession struggles. But fate proves unpredictable. Who knows how historians will record these events..."
Historians had always condemned rebellion with their pens. Those seeking eternal glory feared scholars' writings more than warriors' blades. Yet Yan Chi clearly had no desire for historical fame. Though forced into this position against his will, the circumstances had indeed awakened the latent ambition and defiance within him.
"Indeed, fate is unpredictable. I regret you must endure such turmoil at your age."
Yan Chi's sigh prompted a laugh from Zhou You. "Your Highness must not say such things. While this humble general wished for Prince Rui's household to enjoy peace and stability, I myself have long harbored discontent. Look at me—all these years confined to that valley encampment. My old injuries healed long ago, and my heart yearned to return to the Northwest. Yet no suitable opportunity arose, and I thought staying nearer the capital would be prudent when the Prince eventually returned. Now that the Emperor pushes us beyond endurance, it suits me perfectly—this old campaigner gets to fight once more! Success or failure matters not. When I meet the Prince in the afterlife, my conscience will be clear..."
Yan Chi felt profound gratitude. His father had always possessed keen judgment of character. Whether guards or attendants who served him in youth, all with capability eventually shed their servant status and entered official careers. Through years of war and chaos, some fell in battle, others abandoned the Northwest seeking comfort and wealth. But those who remained were ultimately loyal souls who shared his father's convictions.
As they traveled, Yan Chi and Zhou You finalized plans for heading south. By nightfall, the contingent reached Xiangye Ridge north of Luozhou. Though close to the city, their five-thousand-strong force was too large for main roads. After discussion, they decided the main troops would take backroads south through Yuzhou to Liangzhou, while Yan Chi himself would lead Qin Guan and his shadow guards through Yuanzhou to Jianzhou.
Having marched through a full day and night, they rested only until midnight before setting out again.At the hour of Mao, Yan Chi led his disguised small team onto the official Path to Luozhou City.
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