After a tiring afternoon in the medical tent, Qin Guan returned to the central command tent quite late. Since the main camp would be launching troops the next day, Yan Chi hadn't yet returned to the tent. Qin Guan washed up first, stretching her sore back with Baiying while saying, "Fortunately, I didn't bring Fuling along. She'd probably be even less accustomed to this than I am."
This remark made Qin Guan somewhat worried again. "I wonder if they've arrived yet."
Baiying replied, "They're traveling slowly but should arrive within a couple of days. Don't worry, there are only a few elderly servants at the royal residence. No one would bully Fuling."
Qin Guan nodded with a smile. "That's good. I suppose we won't receive news from her until we reach the main camp?"
Baiying confirmed this, and Qin Guan didn't inquire further. Soon after, Yan Chi entered, bringing a chill from outside.
Qin Guan hurried to greet him. "Why so late? Have all discussions concluded?"
Yan Chi gave an affirmative hum. They sat together on the couch by the window, where Yan Chi unfolded a sheepskin map. "It's a two-day journey from here to the main camp, but with heavy snow blocking the mountains, it might take three days. Lin Xugui can mobilize about ten thousand troops, plus some wavering Northwest Frontier Army soldiers—at most twenty to thirty thousand. To protect the main camp, I plan to lure all of Lin Xugui's forces out and eliminate them in the open."
Though not versed in military strategy, Qin Guan was clever enough to understand. "So when you previously mentioned having General Chu advance first, it was to draw out the enemy?"
Yan Chi nodded. "They depart tomorrow, we follow the day after. He'll serve as bait with six thousand troops while I lead the rest in an ambush."
Qin Guan then asked, "Should I set out with you?"
Yan Chi looked at her, his expression turning serious. "You'll come with me."
Qin Guan's eyes lit up instantly. The infirmary would inevitably be the last to move, and she had worried Yan Chi might leave her behind with them. Having heard many tales of Yan Chi's exploits in the Northwest from Xu Zi'ang that day, her admiration for him had grown deeper. Pleased with his arrangement, she leaned in and embraced him. "Good. I want to be with you."
Surprised by her unusual initiative, Yan Chi chuckled. "So touched?"
Qin Guan shook her head and recounted Xu Zi'ang's stories, gazing at Yan Chi. "I wouldn't have known these things if I hadn't come to the Northwest. In the hearts of the people here, you're truly like a deity." After a pause, she added, "And now in my heart too!"
Yan Chi's smile deepened. No man dislikes praise from the one he loves, especially when Qin Guan was usually so reserved—this was rare.
Stirred, Yan Chi swept Qin Guan into his arms and carried her toward the rear tent. Reaching the bed, he pressed her down and kissed her deeply. Qin Guan gasped and pushed him away. "We're in camp... people can hear through the tents..."
Yan Chi breathed heavily. "No one would dare listen."
Ignoring her shyness, his hand slipped beneath her skirt.
Early the next morning, Qin Guan was awakened by thunderous war drums. Jolting awake, she saw the empty space under the brocade quilt beside her. Reaching out to touch it, she found all warmth had faded. She quickly called for Baiying to help her dress.She used to be extremely alert by nature, but since their marriage, partly due to nightly exertions and partly because of Yan Chi who served as a large heating furnace, she had been sleeping much more soundly than before. Unless she slept until her usual waking hour, she wouldn't easily rouse. Now that Yan Chi had gotten up, she remained completely unaware.
After quickly dressing and washing, when Qin Guan stepped out of the central command tent, her eyes immediately fell upon the path from the tent to the camp gate, now lined with soldiers clad in armor and bearing sharp weapons. The Northwest Frontier Army wore dark military uniforms with wolf patterns emblazoned on their chest armor. This sea of black created an imposing and intimidating presence!
Standing at the tent entrance, Qin Guan was instantly overwhelmed by the overwhelming aura of killing intent.
The morning chill was severe, yet it couldn't compare to the icy determination on the faces of the departing troops. At the camp gate, Yan Chi stood mounted alongside Master Qi and others. The war drums grew increasingly fervent, and suddenly, Qin Guan saw Yan Chi wave his command flag. In that instant, General Chu led thousands of cavalry out of the camp.
As the troops gradually departed, Yan Chi watched them fade into the distance, only turning back when they were completely out of sight. The entire camp was scheduled to move out the next day. As soon as General Chu left, soldiers began dismantling tents. Despite the apparent chaos, the camp remained eerily silent. Observing the soldiers' efficient and orderly work, Qin Guan gained a deeper appreciation for the elite nature of the Northwest Frontier Army.
After sharing breakfast with Yan Chi, Qin Guan headed to the infirmary. The medical unit would be the last to depart, leaving the day after tomorrow. She spent the entire day assisting Xu Zi'ang in preparing medicinal supplies and applying better ointments to the most severely wounded soldiers. After a busy day, she finally joined Baiying in packing their belongings that evening.
That night, Qin Guan made a request to Yan Chi, "May I ride a horse tomorrow?"
Yan Chi frowned, "It's so cold. How could you ride in such weather?"
Qin Guan sighed, "Everyone else will be riding. If I take a carriage, it would seem rather odd."
Yan Chi chuckled, "What's odd about it? You're my princess consort, precious and noble by right."
His words brought a blush to Qin Guan's cheeks, but she still wanted to persuade him further. Seeing her determination, Yan Chi thought for a moment and surprisingly nodded, "Very well, you may ride tomorrow."
Qin Guan immediately beamed with delight, "Don't worry, my riding skills are quite decent!"
Yan Chi simply smiled and nodded without further comment. That evening, he dared not exhaust her again, concerned she might suffer during the journey.
Early the next morning, while the sky was still pitch black, the entire camp stirred to life. The kitchen corps had already prepared breakfast, and by first light, the troops were fully assembled. Qin Guan wore the set of men's clothing and draped over it the fox fur cape Yan Chi had bought for her. For additional warmth, she pulled up the hood before leaving the central command tent. Their departure was scheduled one day after Chu Fei Sheng's, not for direct combat but to set up an ambush two days' journey northeast of White Wolf Mountain. Therefore, unlike the previous day, there were no war drums. When Qin Guan emerged from the tent, the vanguard had already left the camp gate under Zhou You's leadership.
Outside the camp gate stood three horses. Qin Guan blinked, "Which horse is mine?"
Bai Feng and Baiying exchanged glances, neither speaking immediately.Just as Qin Guan was about to express surprise, Yan Chi and Master Qi emerged together from the council tent. Though Yan Chi wasn't wearing armor today, he had draped a black cape over his shoulders, making him appear exceptionally dashing and handsome—a truly pleasing sight. Watching him approach, Qin Guan asked, "Are we ready to depart?"
Yan Chi nodded, "We're all set! Let's go!"
After he spoke, Qin Guan inquired, "Which horse is mine?"
Yan Chi walked up to Qin Guan and, before she could react, scooped her up in his arms. Her heart leaped into her throat, and by the time she realized what was happening, she was already seated on horseback. Looking down, she saw she was mounted on Yan Chi's steed!
"Eh? Then which one will you..." Qin Guan began to ask which horse Yan Chi would ride, but he swiftly swung himself up into the saddle behind her. Taking the reins, he encircled her in his embrace.
Qin Guan was taken aback, momentarily torn between amusement and exasperation. "When you said I could handle the horse, did you mean we'd be sharing a mount?"
Yan Chi gently tugged the reins, setting the horse in motion. "Did you really think I'd trust you to ride alone?"
Qin Guan took a soft breath and muttered, "You're underestimating me..."
As she spoke, Yan Chi spread his cape wide, enveloping her completely. Master Qi and the others nearby witnessed this scene and couldn't help but smile. Qin Guan squirmed slightly, but Yan Chi's arm tightened around her. Her cheeks flushed, and she whispered, "Won't this make everyone think I'm being spoiled and arrogant?"
Yan Chi chuckled, "Why shouldn't you be spoiled? I want to pamper you openly and clearly."
Qin Guan was left speechless, her face warming while her heart swelled with warmth. The early morning valley was bitterly cold, but wrapped in Yan Chi's cape and surrounded by his presence, the biting wind seemed to be kept at bay. She sighed inwardly and gave up struggling.
Watching Yan Chi and Qin Guan ride off together, Master Qi shook his head helplessly from behind.
A general beside him remarked quietly, "Looking at His Highness, it seems he truly dotes on the princess consort."
Master Qi glanced at the man. "You all know His Highness's temperament. Since you see it clearly, don't do anything foolish. Besides, our princess consort is no ordinary woman—just wait and see..."
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