Coroner's Diary

At daybreak, Gu Ling and Yu Qi had gathered in Yan Chi's study.

After Zhang Dongxuan recounted his stargazing observations from the previous night, Yan Chi finally spoke, "The sudden departure of the Rong army from their tribal lands was already highly unusual. Troubled by this matter for days, I woke exceptionally early today. Upon picking up military texts to read, I grew increasingly unsettled, until this earth-shattering thought emerged. Just as the idea formed and I intended to come to the study, I encountered Zhang Daoshi. Hearing his words now aligns almost perfectly with my speculation."

Yan Chi looked at Gu Ling and Yu Qi and continued, "The northern frontier has long been guarded by the Northern Garrison Army. Now that they've moved south for over three to four months, if the barbarians left scouts south of Azure Dragon Mountain, the message would have reached them long ago. These months would provide ample time for barbarians and Rong tribes to collude and march south together."

Gu Ling and Yu Qi, roused from sleep, had known something major was afoot.

Yet they never anticipated something of this magnitude. After hearing Yan Chi and Zhang Dongxuan's words, even these battle-hardened veterans were struck speechless.

Yan Chi issued orders: "Yu Qi, immediately send word north. If this theory holds true, we should receive confirmation within three to five days. However, nobody would expect the Rong to invade from the north via Azure Dragon Mountain." After a brief hesitation, he added, "Also dispatch a covert message to Anyang Marquis informing him of the Rong movements."

Yu Qi, finally regaining some composure, hastily acknowledged before hesitating, "Informing Anyang Marquis is wise, but will he believe it?"

Given their opposing stances, Yan Chi's intention to warn Anyang Marquis was well-meant, but what were the Marquis's true intentions?

Yan Chi waved dismissively, "Don't trouble yourself with that. Anyang Marquis is no ordinary court official—he prioritizes military intelligence. Moreover, if my predictions prove accurate, this could spell catastrophe for the Great Zhou dynasty. The Marquis would never stand idly by."

Yu Qi nodded urgently. Yan Chi then turned to Gu Ling, "Deploy troops to Mengzhou immediately. Though its northwest comprises snowy valleys and high peaks, we cannot assume the Rong won't attack there first. We still don't know the Rong's exact whereabouts. If they move southwest from Cangzhou, they'll reach Wuzhou first, then Mengzhou. Better to prepare early."

Gu Ling focused intently, "But sending troops into Mengzhou territory might provoke opposition from their garrison commander.Yan Chi sneered, "They'd certainly object today. But by the time our forces reach Mengzhou—at least three to five days from now—they'll likely beg us to station our entire army there..."

Mengzhou bordered the Northwest Frontier Army's territory, with most of its population consisting of migrants from the northwest frontier. Why had they relocated to Mengzhou? Out of fear of the Rong. If the Rong were truly circling around from the northwest now, the locals would be terrified. With the imperial court a thousand miles away, only the Northwest Frontier Army could save them.

Gu Ling and Yu Qi immediately went to relay the orders. Without concrete intelligence, they couldn't implement full preparations yet—all they could do was pray for swift news.When Qin Guan woke up, she soon learned of the matter. Hastily making her way to the study, she found Yan Chi seated behind the desk, his expression grim. Gu Ling and Yu Qi had already left to attend to their duties. Seeing Yan Chi’s deeply troubled countenance, Qin Guan approached him. Yan Chi sighed, drew her into his lap, and leaned against her as he closed his eyes to rest. Qin Guan gently smoothed the dark hair atop his head. "No wonder the Rong army was nowhere to be found—they took such a route, making such a wide detour. Who in the north could have anticipated it? Moreover, the Northern Garrison Army has long since moved south. Cangzhou City is empty, utterly defenseless against the barbarians alone, let alone with the Rong joining them."

Qin Guan sighed. "The news will likely arrive in a few days. What will you decide?"

Yan Chi tightened his arm around her waist. "We’ll wait for the news first."

Though he said this, Qin Guan sympathetically patted his shoulder. Just as Xilin had expanded its administrative offices and Yan Chi had established new northern and eastern camps—seemingly securing Shuoxi’s defenses flawlessly—no one could have foreseen that turmoil would erupt in the north. Xilin and Cangzhou lay to the west and north respectively, neither too close nor too far apart. With the Rong also showing signs of advancing south into the northwest, how could Yan Chi stand idly by?

The two sat in the study for a while before Qin Guan busied herself with preparing breakfast. Despite the shocking news, she maintained her usual composure, managing the royal residence’s affairs with meticulous order. Yan Chi, however, was frequently away—either at the administrative offices or the northern camp. The next day, Chu Fei Sheng and Xiao Cheng arrived, and upon hearing the news, they were equally stunned. After four days of anxious waiting, the long-anticipated message finally arrived late that evening.

In the deep of night, a heavy silence filled the study of Prince Rui’s residence.

Yan Chi’s northern informants had delivered reports from Cangzhou, Fengzhou, and Chongzhou—dispatches that had traveled for three days before reaching Shuoxi.

Chu Fei Sheng let out a long sigh and couldn’t help but slap the armrest of his chair. "A calamity! A true calamity! Cangzhou has spent decades recovering and rebuilding, and now, in one fell swoop, all those years of accumulation have been destroyed again! Of over a hundred thousand people, barely a thousand escaped. Such a tragedy—if blame must be assigned, it truly falls on Zhao You. I wonder if he’ll have the face to face the people of Cangzhou in the afterlife. All these years, the Northern Garrison Army held Azure Dragon Mountain securely, and that was inseparable from the support of Cangzhou’s citizens. He... Ah!"

Unaware of the Empress’s reasons for rebelling, Chu Fei Sheng placed all the blame on Zhao You. Yan Chi remained silent. To him, Cangzhou was like Shuoxi—a place where those who had guarded it for half a lifetime bore responsibility for its people and walls. Now that Cangzhou had been slaughtered, Zhao You’s infamy was not undeserved.

Gu Ling remarked, "The Empress has withdrawn her troops to Chongzhou, and the Anyang Marquis has led his forces into Fengzhou. By now, the news has likely been sent back to the court. The Anyang Marquis has only seventy to eighty thousand troops—how can he withstand the Rong and the barbarians? I wonder if the Empress will assist him."

Yu Qi gave a bitter smile at this. "How could she help? Our Empress is a woman who rivals men in valor and surpasses them in ruthlessness. By retreating, she intends to let the Anyang Marquis endure several fierce battles first. Not only will she not aid him—she’ll likely take further action."Xiao Cheng, seeing the others' reactions, merely asked, "The Rong people's women, children, and elderly remain in their tribal lands. Their journey over the Azure Dragon Mountain must have taken months. Now that they've breached Cangzhou City, they won't easily retreat the same way. This humble general suspects they'll head southwest."

This possibility had been speculated earlier. Yan Chi glanced at the group. "What are your thoughts?"

Chu Fei Sheng slapped his armrest again. "Fight, of course! Those sons of bitches! They've harassed us beyond the pass multiple times but never dared confront us directly. Now they've circled around and caught Cangzhou unprepared. Do they think Great Zhou has no one left?! Wuzhou and Mengzhou are both in the northwest—if anyone should occupy them, it should be us! There's no reason to let those wolf cub outsiders take them!"

Gu Ling and Yu Qi exchanged glances. Gu Ling said, "We must defend, of course. The Rong are insatiable. Since this is their first incursion into our territory, they won't stop unless we curb their momentum. The common people will suffer otherwise. However..." He paused. "The timing for deploying troops needs consideration."

Before Gu Ling could finish, Yu Qi continued, "We're already a thorn in the court's side. At this stage, caution is wise. The court isn't incapable of fighting—haven't they prepared the Western Expedition Army? If we rush forward to block the enemy's blades, only to return and find the court's Western Expedition Army waiting for us, wouldn't we be digging our own graves? This humble general believes we should observe the situation further."

Xiao Cheng pondered briefly, then looked at Yan Chi. "This humble general will follow Your Highness's orders. Whether we mobilize immediately or wait, both have pros and cons. I cannot discern which is right—Your Highness, please decide!"

At this, the others echoed, urging Yan Chi to command.

Yan Chi only hesitated a moment before declaring, "The Northwest Frontier Army has endured such hardships. Common soldiers from impoverished backgrounds have no choice, but you few could have left long ago. Why have you stayed by my side until today?"

Yu Qi and the others' expressions shifted slightly, understanding dawning in their eyes.

Seeing their reactions, Yan Chi smiled faintly. "This battle—whether against the Rong or other tribes—is one we've long awaited. The message was sent three days ago. By now, the Rong may have reached Wuzhou, or Fengzhou may have fallen. Military situations change in an instant. We have no reason to wait for the perfect moment. If we lose this war, even if we stay put in the Northwest Frontier, we'll still fall when the court's Western Expedition Army arrives. If we win, even if the court's army seizes the Northwest Frontier in our absence, can we not take it back? The Northwest Frontier Army's spirit thrives on strength! My decision is this: mobilize tomorrow, march the day after! We will not wait idly!"

Yan Chi's words ignited the group's fervor. Instantly, they rose to their feet.

Chu Fei Sheng clasped his fists. "This humble general requests to fight!"

Yu Qi and the others quickly followed. "This humble general also requests to fight—"

Watching them, Yan Chi smiled again. "Though we carry certainty of victory, we must not underestimate this battle. I intend to lead the troops myself."

Chu Fei Sheng frowned slightly. "But Your Highness, with the Northwest Frontier now independent, you are its backbone..."Just as Yan Huai would not lead troops in person, if Yan Chi were to lead the army, would it not be considered an imperial expedition? This was extremely risky.

Yet Yan Chi declared with unwavering resolve, "The Rong people have long been a scourge to Great Zhou and to Shuoxi. Since they have gone to such great lengths this time, and we too must take the risk to deploy troops, having taken this risk, we must ensure they never return, completely eradicating the threat to Shuoxi. This is the very reason I am leading the army personally!"

After Yan Chi spoke, the others fell silent for a moment. Even if Chu Fei Sheng were to lead the troops, there was no guarantee of victory. To secure a win and achieve a swift resolution, only Yan Chi personally leading the army would suffice. The crowd grew even more fervent, as it had been two years since they last fought alongside Yan Chi!

Yu Qi laughed, "Excellent! Fighting alongside Your Highness is the most exhilarating! Your Highness, give the order! How shall we deploy the troops?"

Over the past few days, while awaiting news, Yan Chi had considered every possibility. Thus, he had already devised the plan for deployment. He spoke solemnly, "The garrison at White Wolf Pass remains unchanged to guard against any hidden schemes by the Rong. The main camp will leave ten thousand troops under Huo Qi's command. This campaign will last at least three months, possibly up to half a year. The banditry and turmoil within Shuoxi must also be kept in check. The Shuoxi East Camp will leave ten thousand troops temporarily under Zhou You's command to prevent unrest in Dingzhou, Liangzhou, and other areas. Xilin City need only retain its original five thousand garrison troops, still under their current commander. Master Qi and Dong Shuwen will remain in Xilin to oversee military supplies and logistics. All others will follow me into battle!"

Seeing that Yan Chi was not taking all the troops, the last trace of worry about Shuoxi faded from everyone's minds. The thought of following Yan Chi to fight the Rong stirred their blood with excitement. After outlining the overall plan, Yan Chi ordered several men to relay the military commands. Once the orders were dispatched, they would reach their destinations by the next day, and the troops would set out the day after. The main camp, the East Camp, and the North Camp would all march through Mengzhou, heading northwest toward the north, engaging the Rong only upon encounter.

By the time everything was finalized, it was past midnight. Yu Qi and the others quickly departed, while Yan Chi summoned Master Qi and others to discuss military provisions and supplies. By the time these discussions concluded, it was already the early hours of the morning. Throughout this time, Qin Guan continuously sent over refreshments and fruits, as if unaware of his decision. However, when Yan Chi returned to the East Courtyard, he found his armor and other belongings already packed, and even Qin Guan's own luggage was prepared. Only Fuling stood by the door of the room, her eyes red.

When Yan Chi returned and saw this scene but did not see Qin Guan, Fuling said with teary eyes, "The princess consort is bathing."

Yan Chi looked at Fuling. "Why are you crying?"

Fuling lowered her head mournfully. "The princess consort said... this time, she isn't taking me again... sob..."

Yan Chi pitied Fuling but said nothing more. Upon entering the bathing chamber, he saw Qin Guan indeed reclining in the tub, resting her mind. Baiying had just finished washing her hair and, upon seeing Yan Chi enter, hurriedly withdrew. Yan Chi walked to the side of the tub and picked up a soft cloth to wipe Qin Guan's exposed shoulders.

Qin Guan opened her eyes. "Have you finished discussing everything?"

It was now the dead of night, and fatigue showed in Qin Guan's eyes, but upon seeing Yan Chi, her gaze grew clear and alert.

Yan Chi nodded. "Yes, it's all settled."

Qin Guan turned over and leaned on the edge of the tub. "I've prepared everything for you."

Yan Chi said, "I saw it all."While speaking, Yan Chi wiped Qin Guan's back. Qin Guan then stood up, and Yan Chi went to fetch fresh clothes. As he dried her body, he helped her dress, suddenly saying, "I never wished to keep you here in the first place."

Qin Guan burst into laughter upon hearing this. "We're still newlyweds in our first year—I couldn't bear to be apart from you for half a year."

A smile touched Yan Chi's lips. Once Qin Guan was fully dressed, he scooped her up and carried her into the inner chamber, setting her before the dressing mirror to dry her hair himself.

"But this journey will be extremely arduous. I fear I'll grow reluctant again."

Qin Guan extended her arm. "I always knew we'd face war again. These days, I've been walking and riding every morning at dawn—I'm not the same as before. Look, my arms have grown much sturdier."

Yan Chi gently squeezed her arm, murmuring agreement with a vague smile. Qin Guan continued, "When I heard about the trouble up north that day, I knew you'd march out swiftly. No one worries more than you, especially with both the Rong and Man barbarians arriving."

Yan Chi's smile relaxed further. He was never one for many words, and Qin Guan understood him completely without needing explanations.

After drying her hair, Yan Chi carried Qin Guan to the bed, then went to wash up himself. Soon, he returned to the inner chamber, lay down, and drew her into his embrace. Nestled against his chest, Qin Guan said, "We have one more day tomorrow. I'll make proper arrangements for the royal residence and leave Fuling to watch over it."

Yan Chi hummed in acknowledgment, his hands beginning to wander restlessly. Qin Guan trembled under his touch and burrowed deeper into his arms. "You're leading troops out tomorrow—how can you misbehave now?"

But Yan Chi flipped over, pinning her beneath him. "After tomorrow, the road will be exhausting. I won't have the heart to tire you then. Tonight, let me have my way with you one last time..."

"I don't believe you," Qin Guan whimpered, yet she could not resist Yan Chi's teasing. Before long, she was swept into desire.

After their passion, Qin Guan immediately succumbed to deep sleep, but Yan Chi remained awake. By the dim light of the corner lamp, he gazed at her features, thinking how she had followed him all this way to Shuoxi without ever complaining about the crude customs or harsh conditions. No matter the difficulty, she faced it with a smile and never voiced resentment. In just half a year, she had truly made this place her home. Yet Yan Chi knew—she never grew accustomed to the local tea brewed with well water, nor could she endure the cutting winds, among many other hardships she never mentioned as serious concerns. Now, with war approaching, she had quietly prepared everything without a word.

Holding Qin Guan tightly, Yan Chi felt a wave of guilt wash over his heart.