The Northwest Frontier Army maintained strict discipline. Although the camp had been leaderless for many days after Yan Lin's sudden death last year, the officers and soldiers had remained orderly and disciplined over the past six months. Because of this, Chu Fei Sheng needed only half a day to reorganize the existing eighty thousand troops. While Chu Fei Sheng was reorganizing the army, Qin Guan took Baiying to tidy up the central command tent. When Lin Xugui first arrived at the camp, he didn't dare to reside there directly. It wasn't until news of Yan Chi's rebellion spread that he openly moved into the central command tent. In just over two months, the furnishings in the tent remained unchanged, requiring only the removal of Lin Xugui's personal belongings and a thorough cleaning.
After noon, Chu Fei Sheng entered the council hall with the current military roster.
Placing all the documents on the table, Chu Fei Sheng reported, "Lin Xugui indeed intended to dismantle our original structure. He completely disrupted and reorganized all battalions, relocating every commander. Now that Your Highness has returned, we only need to restore the original organization. Lin Xugui bribed many people. Of the ten Valiant Generals of the sixth rank and above whom we rescued, seven who remained in the camp were bribed by him. Among officers below the sixth rank, six were rescued, while thirty-four who stayed were imprisoned, and three died from excessive torture. Among the soldiers, five were executed by hanging after being labeled rebels for openly defying Lin Xugui, and another hundred were imprisoned for inappropriate remarks. Most of those imprisoned now suffer from injuries or illnesses and have been released and settled."
Chu Fei Sheng sighed at this point. "The deceased were discarded outside the camp. I have already sent people to retrieve them for a proper burial."
When Lin Xugui first arrived at the Northwest Frontier, he didn't dare to harm the soldiers and officers extensively. As the situation escalated, he grew bolder. Originally, he planned to send the troublemakers from the Northwest Frontier Army to Dingzhou for trial, but Yan Chi had Yu Qi and others intercept and rescue them along the way, allowing many to escape. In the end, Lin Xugui had to imprison these individuals within the Northwest Frontier camp. During idle times, he tortured them to extract confessions, forcing them to write statements incriminating Yan Lin and Yan Chi, intending to use these later in the capital to frame Yan Chi and his father.
Yan Chi sat in the main seat, frowning slightly, his eyes cold and sharp.
The Northwest Frontier Army suffered significant casualties every year, but those losses were always in defense against foreign enemies. This time, however, these deaths were caused by Lin Xugui.
Merely cutting off one of his ears was far too lenient!
Yan Chi quickly suppressed his emotions. "Ensure the injured receive proper treatment. Other matters can wait. Imprison both Lin Xugui and Lin Xie in the water dungeon."
After a brief pause, Yan Chi instructed, "Do not let them die."
Chu Fei Sheng nodded. "Understood. I had considered that as well."
As he finished speaking, Bai Feng entered from outside. "Master, the generals outside request an audience with you."
Yan Chi had just arrived at the camp and had briefly met most of them, but a mere greeting was insufficient. Besides those rescued by Chu Fei Sheng and others, the remaining commanders were eager to pay their respects to Yan Chi. Yan Chi nodded. "Let them in..."Outside the council hall stood about thirty officers and soldiers. Among them, the lowest rank was sixth-grade, and many had just been released from imprisonment. Knowing Yan Chi had returned, they rushed to see him despite bearing wounds inflicted by Lin Xugui’s torture, finding peace only upon laying eyes on him.
Yan Chi invited them inside, and the group filed into the council hall one after another. Most were hot-tempered individuals who had suffered greatly for opposing Lin Xugui. Even those skilled in restraint had long accumulated pent-up fury and grievances. Now, as they bowed to Yan Chi in this familiar hall, over half had red-rimmed eyes. Seeing their state, Yan Chi’s gaze grew heavy with sorrow.
Though the Northwest Frontier Army was vast, Yan Chi knew these mid-ranking officers best. As he looked into their tear-filled eyes and familiar yet scarred faces, a dull ache spread through his heart. He personally helped each of them rise, his voice slightly hoarse. "You have suffered greatly. These past six months have been arduous, and I am deeply grateful to see you still standing here."
"As long as we could await Your Highness’s return, our suffering meant nothing!"
"Indeed, Your Highness! We’ve learned of the Old Prince’s murder by the emperor. How shall we avenge him?"
Their eyes simmered with hatred, but Yan Chi felt more gratitude than rage. "Jiang Heying, the Regional Commander of Qianzhou, has already been executed. Next, we will settle accounts with the Son of Heaven."
A momentary silence fell over the hall. The idea of opposing the emperor felt surreal to these mid-ranking officers—respected within the Northwest Frontier Army but insignificant in the imperial court. They struggled to grasp the magnitude of such an undertaking. The Northwest Frontier Army had always been loyal to the throne, and neither Yan Lin nor Yan Chi had ever overstepped. Now branded a traitor, Yan Chi had their allegiance, yet unease lingered in their hearts.
Noting their hesitation, Yan Chi declared, "Your willingness to follow me upon my return moves me deeply. But the circumstances have changed, and I must be clear: henceforth, the Northwest Frontier Army will no longer serve the emperor. I intend to establish an independent principality from Prince Rui’s residence in Xilin City, governing the Northwest Frontier. If strength permits, we may expand south to Jianzhou and Qianzhou, east to Liangzhou, Dingzhou, and Mengzhou. White Wolf Pass remains our responsibility, but the Lin’an court holds no further claim over us. This declaration of sovereignty will inevitably provoke military retaliation. The Northwest Frontier Army may face attacks on multiple fronts. You are its backbone, and many battles await. Today, I leave the choice to you: stay without promise of high rank or wealth, or depart with tenfold severance pay for your years of service."
Yan Chi spoke deliberately, ensuring every word was understood—his plans, the army’s future struggles, all laid bare. After a pause, he concluded, "From this moment until noon tomorrow, all—from Chu Fei Sheng to the lowest soldier—may freely choose to stay or leave. But after noon tomorrow, deserters will be treated as traitors and punished under military law!"Yan Chi's stern gaze swept over each person. "These words will soon be drafted into a proclamation distributed to every camp. The soldiers below must consider them, and you must weigh them carefully. For many years, the Shuoxi Garrison has relied on your tireless dedication. Regardless of whether you stay or leave hereafter, I will remember your hardships and hold them in my heart."
His words brought tears to everyone's eyes. After a moment, Yan Chi curved his lips slightly. "Alright, the wounded should seek medical treatment quickly. The rest of you, assist General Chu in reorganizing the troops. At least for today, you are still my commanders! Dismissed. There will be a banquet tonight to reward everyone."
The hall fell into silence for a while before someone slowly bowed and retreated outward. After everyone had left, Yan Chi also sighed.
Chu Fei Sheng said, "Your Highness, why go to such lengths? Even without saying these words, everyone would absolutely be willing to follow you."
Yan Chi waved his hand. "Things are different now from before. Among the hundred thousand troops of Shuoxi, there are always those from north of Wild Goose River. If they remain in Shuoxi, it would be unfair to their families at the very least. These words had to be said today. As for how they choose, we shall see."
After a pause, Yan Chi said, "Recall Fang Qin. For now, hand over White Wolf Pass to the deputy general. Before returning to Xilin, I want to see him."
Chu Fei Sheng acknowledged the order before turning to leave. The army still needed reorganization, and there was a banquet tonight—a grand feast for the entire army. In the past, such treatment was only given after winning a battle. But for all the officers and soldiers, Yan Chi's return was almost as good as winning a battle!
Yan Chi remained in the council hall to discuss miscellaneous matters with Yu Qi, Master Qi, and others before returning to the central command tent. Upon entering, he saw Qin Guan asleep on the couch by the bed. Frowning, Yan Chi hurried forward and picked her up. As he carried her toward the rear chamber and had just laid her on the bed, Qin Guan woke up.
Blinking drowsily at Yan Chi, she asked, "Why are you back?"
Yan Chi smiled. "I returned after finishing. You didn't sleep at all last night—why didn't you lie down on the bed?"
Qin Guan shook her head and sat up. "Is everything arranged? I wanted to wait for you to return. You just came back, so you must be busy."
Yan Chi tapped the tip of her nose. "Silly girl, it's still early now. Why don't you sleep for a while?"
It was indeed still quite early. After hesitating briefly, Qin Guan nodded. Staying up all night was nothing, but what was difficult was that she had traveled through the night wearing heavy armor without rest, then been busy again after returning to the main camp. By now, she truly couldn't hold on any longer.
"Alright... I'll sleep for an hour. Remember to wake me," Qin Guan said, then added, "Aren't you going to rest?"
Yan Chi smiled. "I'm not tired. In the past, there were times when I went three or four nights without sleep."
Knowing that Yan Chi had taken time to come back and see her, Qin Guan didn't press further. She lay down and pulled up the covers, soon drifting into dreams.
In her dream, she was back on the mountain ridge from last night, feeling the biting cold wind. She watched helplessly as the valley below ran with rivers of blood—the crimson hue almost identical to the night her clansmen died in her previous life. Just as the overwhelming bloodshed was about to drown her, a hand suddenly grasped hers. That hand was slender yet strong, warm and firm. In an instant, Qin Guan felt as if the deluge of blood was swept away by the wind...She saw the triumphant smiles of the Northwest Frontier Army soldiers, beheld the majestic main camp standing like a fortress, and witnessed thousands of troops bowing to Yan Chi while shouting in unison, "Long live Prince Rui!" Scene after scene flashed before her eyes, causing the last traces of reluctance and fear in Qin Guan's heart to dissipate. That warm hand held hers, guiding her past the gazes of the main camp's soldiers, step by step until they reached the entrance of the central command tent. He said, "Greetings to the princess consort—"
Qin Guan didn't know how long she had slept, but when she opened her eyes, she saw that the sky outside had darkened. A jolt of realization struck her—Yan Chi had deliberately let her sleep. Though the rest had restored her energy, she now felt too languid to move.
The central command tent was simple yet warm, built of stone. A stone wall divided the interior, covered with red clay. As the commander's tent, it was adorned with fabric paintings, lending it an air of grandeur. Qin Guan glanced toward the entrance, where dim yellow lantern light flickered, confirming Yan Chi's absence. Assuming he was still occupied, she rolled over to rest her eyes.
Just then, a resonant, profound, and ancient song reached her ears.
At first, the lyrics were unclear, but soon the singing grew louder, and Qin Guan discerned the words:
"How can you say you have no robes? I will share my war garments with you. The king is raising his army—I will sharpen my spear and dagger-axe to face our common foe."
"How can you say you have no robes? I will share my undergarments with you. The king is raising his army—I will sharpen my spear and halberd to march alongside you."
"How can you say you have no robes? I will share my battle skirts with you..."
The chorus swelled as more voices joined in. The soldiers' chant lacked delicacy, carrying instead a desolate sorrow. Listening intently, Qin Guan hurriedly rose and dressed. This was an ancient war ballad celebrating the camaraderie and shared resolve of troops who faced death together. A surge of fervor warmed her chest as she strode out of the tent, where only Baiying stood guard.
"Princess Consort, have you rested well?"
Qin Guan nodded and moved forward. "Where is the singing coming from?"
Baiying quickly replied, "There's a grand feast in the camp tonight. General Chu reorganized the troops this afternoon and dealt with those bribed by Lin Xugui. Morale has just stabilized. His Highness and General Chu are at the training ground, rallying the soldiers."
For over half a year, the Northwest Frontier Army had endured immense hardship. Qin Guan said, "Let's go quietly and observe."
Baiying nodded and followed Qin Guan southwest toward the training ground. As they drew nearer, the ballad grew louder—a stirring, solemn anthem now magnified by thousands of voices into a breathtaking spectacle. Reaching the edge of the field, they saw bonfires dotting the grounds, soldiers in heavy uniforms sitting cross-legged with coarse rations before them.
Though the food was humble, each warrior had a cup of wine tonight, boosting their spirits further. After finishing the first song, they launched into a second. The men's powerful, unified voices reverberated across the field, moving even a young woman like Qin Guan.Sweeping across the extremely spacious square, Qin Guan immediately spotted the high platform to the north of the training ground. Seats were arranged on the platform, yet no one occupied them—all stood at the forefront, seemingly watching the scene of soldiers and officers celebrating together tonight. Qin Guan faintly discerned Yan Chi's particularly tall and imposing figure among them.
"Princess Consort, His Highness has issued a proclamation allowing all soldiers to freely choose whether to stay or leave. Before noon tomorrow, those who report their departure will receive tenfold military pay as compensation for years of service. This is no ordinary battle, so many still harbor doubts in their hearts."
Qin Guan frowned slightly, but gazing at the distant figure, she stated with certainty, "Not many will leave! If I were them, I too would choose to follow such a king!"
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