When Empress Zhao Shuhua led the main army to the outskirts of Chongzhou City, Zhao You’s forces were still in a standoff with the troops inside the city. As soon as Zhao Shuhua arrived ten li from the camp, someone came to receive her. The one who came to meet her was named Sun Qi, another senior general under Zhao You’s command. This man enjoyed Zhao You’s deep trust, which was why he had been sent.
As soon as he saw Zhao Shuhua, Sun Qi asked her to step aside for a private word. When they had moved away, Sun Qi lowered his voice and said, “Your Majesty, the general received the news early this morning. As soon as he heard about the incident in Cangzhou, he fell gravely ill. Now, the camp is only being managed by the young general and myself. When Your Majesty sees the general later, please do your best to persuade him.”
Zhao Shuhua frowned immediately and, after a long pause, gave a brief acknowledgment. Then she led the main army to join Zhao You.
Upon reaching the camp, Zhao Jing was waiting at the entrance. When the siblings met, Zhao Jing only inquired about the situation in Fengzhou before they proceeded to the central command tent. Inside, they indeed found Zhao You bedridden with illness.
It had been several months since they parted in Cangzhou. The last time they met, Zhao You had been full of vigor, but now his temples were streaked with white, and his face looked haggard, as if he were on the verge of collapse. Hearing footsteps, Zhao You opened his eyes. Seeing Zhao Shuhua, he showed no joy and instead let out a soft sigh. “Was the journey safe?”
Even as the Empress, Zhao Shuhua remained a daughter before Zhao You. Zhao Jing pulled over a stool, and after Zhao Shuhua sat down, she said, “Father, rest assured. The journey was very safe. The main army has already entered the camp, and General Sun is organizing the troops. Father, how are you?”
Zhao You shook his head. “I’m fine. This morning, scouts reported that the barbarians have moved south.”
Zhao Shuhua had taken three days to reach Chongzhou, and during those three days, the barbarians had naturally not remained idle.
Zhao Shuhua replied, “I already know about that, Father. You needn’t worry. For now, just focus on recovering. Now that I’m here, and with Generals Sun and Cheng, military affairs are being managed and taken care of. Please rest and recuperate.”
Zhao You looked at Zhao Shuhua but did not respond. Instead, he asked, “What do you plan to do next?”
This question stumped Zhao Shuhua. “This matter… still needs to be discussed with all the generals and with you, Father. At the moment, I have no plans.”
Zhao You stared intently at Zhao Shuhua and, after a long while, sighed deeply. “You are my daughter. When you were young, you were my only child, and I raised you myself. I understand your thoughts better than anyone… There’s no need to deceive me. I know you already have an idea in mind. I only need to tell you—I do not agree with your idea. With 200,000 barbarians now and Cangzhou already turned into a sea of blood, I absolutely cannot let you act for personal gain at such a time… cough, cough, cough…”
Before Zhao You could finish, he was seized by a violent coughing fit. Though his words were left unfinished, his meaning was clear. Zhao Shuhua instructed Zhao Jing to fetch tea and sighed. “Since Father knows my thoughts, you shouldn’t—”"Listen to me!" Zhao You abruptly cut off Zhao Shuhua, "Back then, when I received your letter, I didn't hesitate—even risking the entire Zhao clan didn't frighten me. But now... now I've begun to fear... Shu'er, the Northern Garrison Army has defended the northern border for over a decade—when has such a disaster ever occurred? The hundreds of thousands of civilians in Cangzhou have all become wandering ghosts. When I descend to the netherworld, I absolutely won't have the face to meet them. Matters have reached this point—the fault lies entirely with me. But you, Che'er, and the other officers and soldiers—how can we compound error upon error?"
Zhao You pleaded bitterly, refusing even to drink tea. Zhao Shuhua listened and sighed, "Father, we are not at fault. The fault lies with the emperor."
Zhao You said helplessly, "The current sovereign is wrong, but haven't we also committed errors? Shu'er, listen to me—if the barbarians retreat, I won't oppose however you contend for the throne. But now, how can we let the northern territories of Great Zhou fall into barbarian hands?!"
Zhao Shuhua pressed her lips together in silence. Zhao You began coughing violently again. Seeing this, Zhao Shuhua had no choice but to say, "Alright, Father, I'll listen to you. Please don't agitate yourself. With so many people gathered here, we must carefully discuss our course of action. Don't upset yourself—Che'er and Chao Yu are outside. Shall I have them come in to pay their respects?"
After catching his breath for a moment, Zhao You finally nodded. Then Yan Che and his wife entered to pay respects to Zhao You. After exchanging a few words with them, Zhao You rested.
After leaving the main tent, Zhao Jing led Zhao Shuhua to the tent prepared for her.
Zhao Jing was Zhao You's son born in his later years, only a few years older than Yan Che. Zhao Shuhua was almost like a tutor to Zhao Jing, so he normally obeyed her completely. Upon entering the tent, Zhao Shuhua asked, "How is Father's condition?"
Zhao Jing replied, "It's acute anger affecting the heart, compounded by his advanced age. This expedition has aggravated old injuries from earlier years—all these factors together triggered the illness. The army physicians have examined him and say it's somewhat serious. From now on, he absolutely must not become agitated."
Zhao Shuhua sat down, her expression dark. Seeing her demeanor, Zhao Jing knew she didn't intend to follow Zhao You's advice. Frowning, he said, "Elder sister doesn't understand—Father has always been strong-willed. Now branded as rebels, this is already hard for him to accept, let alone the massacre in Cangzhou. The Northern Garrison Army has been in Cangzhou for years—even I can't bear hearing this news, not to mention Father. Now with his anger and guilt combined, he naturally can't overcome this mental barrier."
Zhao Shuhua remained silent with a grim face. Zhao Jing continued, "Actually... I've always had a question. Elder sister, is this really only for the Crown Prince?"
Zhao Shuhua glanced at him, and Zhao Jing felt intimidated, growing somewhat nervous. Zhao Shuhua withdrew her gaze and said, "You needn't ask about such matters. Just know that I have my own reasons." After a pause, she looked toward the south. "What's the situation in Chongzhou city?"
Zhao Jing hurriedly reported, "The city currently holds over thirty thousand troops. We've clashed twice before—their city defenses are extremely well-prepared. We've come from afar without siege engines, so naturally it's difficult to attack. No matter how we try to lure them out, they refuse to deploy troops, determined to hold out stubbornly. Father is unwilling to send in the suicide squads, so we've reached a stalemate."Zhao Shuhua sighed, "Father has always been too soft-hearted towards the Zhou people!"
Zhao Jing seemed on the verge of speaking but ultimately remained silent. Zhao Shuhua waved her hand dismissively, "I need to rest for a while. Go assist General Sun in settling the troops. We'll talk later."
Zhao Jing accepted the order and left, first checking on Yan Che and his wife before proceeding to reorganize the army. They had arrived just at sunset, and by the time the entire force was properly settled, the sky had long since darkened. Though exhausted from their night march and in need of rest upon entering camp, Zhao Shuhua slept for barely over half an hour before rising again.
After a simple meal, Zhao Shuhua summoned the generals for a council. As they gathered in the meeting hall, the atmosphere grew heavy—everyone had evidently learned about the barbarians' massacre in Cangzhou. Those who followed Zhao You naturally retained some measure of courage and conscience, and the news of Cangzhou's devastation stirred deep emotions within them. Noting this, Zhao Shuhua withheld further discussion of the matter and focused instead on strategizing how to capture Chongzhou City first.
Whether to resist the barbarians or continue southward, passing through Chongzhou was an unavoidable necessity.
The generals showed no opposition to this plan, yet Chongzhou's formidable fortifications made capturing it without significant casualties nearly impossible.
While they were still debating, a scout suddenly arrived with urgent news.
"Your Majesty, the Empress! The garrison in Chongzhou City has withdrawn!"
Shock rippled through the assembly. The Empress frowned, "Withdrawn? Did they head west?"
With Yue Qiong likely stationed in Fengzhou, was it possible he had recalled these troops to bolster defenses against the barbarians?
The scout shook his head, "No, they marched south and have encamped twenty li outside the city!"
Hearing this, Zhao Shuhua's brow furrowed deeply. Camping twenty li south of the city clearly indicated they were still monitoring their movements—not granting them free passage south. Yet by vacating Chongzhou so conspicuously, what were they planning...
A tremor passed through Zhao Shuhua's pupils as she let out a cold laugh. Yue Qiong was forcing her hand—making her confront the barbarians!
With those thirty thousand troops blocking the way, any southward advance would require days of intense fighting. By then, the barbarians might already be at their doorstep. Under such circumstances, how could they avoid engagement?
Zhao Shuhua laughed mirthlessly, momentarily at a loss for words.
Yue Qiong had acted exactly as she predicted—but she never imagined he would resort to such methods to compel her into battle!
Still perplexed, Zhao Jing asked, "Elder Sister, what does this mean? What should we do now? Could this be a lure?"
Zhao Shuhua pressed her lips together, "It's no lure—this is a classic stratagem of retreating to advance!"
Her expression turning stern, she continued, "The Anyang Marquis knows our intentions. He's handing us Chongzhou City. Since it's being offered, we'd be fools not to accept. Send a hundred scouts to investigate the city first. The rest of you, prepare the troops to enter in separate units. Whatever comes next—Chongzhou City is ours!"At Zhao Shuhua's command, everyone naturally complied. Zhao Shuhua then went to Zhao You's camp. Though bedridden, Zhao You was surrounded by his trusted officers and had already learned of the news from Chongzhou City as well as Zhao Shuhua's orders. When he saw Zhao Shuhua, Zhao You said, "Yue Qiong is a man of principle. By acting this way, he's giving us room to join forces with him against the barbarians. Shuhua, since he has taken a step back, let us ally with him."
Seeing Zhao You's earnest and solemn tone, Zhao Shuhua couldn't help but sigh. "Father, even if we turn our blades now, it's too late. Once we set foot on this Path, everything is irreversible. Right now in Lin'an, the Emperor must wish to tear me to pieces. How can we prepare the Wedding Gown for him?"
Zhao You closed his eyes, his breathing becoming labored. "But if we abandon the northern territories and march south, I absolutely cannot agree. If you wish to go south, then go. Leave me here in Chongzhou City. This old bones no longer seeks to be an imperial father-in-law or a new emperor's grandfather. Just let me remain in the north."
Hearing this, Zhao Shuhua felt a pang of sorrow. "Why must you say such things, Father? How could I leave you alone here?"
Zhao You waved his hand, signaling Zhao Shuhua to leave, and spoke no more. Seeing his ragged breath and paper-white complexion, Zhao Shuhua grew concerned. "Father, why don't we enter the city first? I won't rashly head south. Let's assess the situation in the north before deciding, alright?"
Only then did Zhao You open his eyes. He had feared Zhao Shuhua would immediately order a southern advance amid the northern chaos, which would tear open Chongzhou's defenses. Zhao You sighed, "That's more reasonable. With us in Chongzhou, we definitely won't let the barbarians easily move south. I just wonder how Wuzhou is faring."
Zhao Shuhua sighed, "Father, you still worry about such matters? In your poor health, you mustn't strain yourself. Starting tomorrow, your aides are forbidden from reporting military affairs to you. I will personally update you on everything."
Zhao You would not agree, and father and daughter argued until Zhao Shuhua finally relented. Meanwhile, scouts sent into the city found nothing unusual after half a day. At dawn, the army began entering the city. The people of Chongzhou, already aware of the Empress's rebellion and Zhao You's threatening presence outside, were filled with terror upon the Northern Garrison Army's entry. The once-bustling city fell silent as residents barred their doors and hid indoors, fearing plunder. Yet the Northern Garrison Army maintained strict discipline, and not a single disturbance occurred throughout the day. By evening, everything was settled.
Though ill, Zhao You ordered Sun Qi and Cheng Wei to personally reinforce the city walls against potential barbarian raids. After extensive instructions, Zhao You finally rested. Seeing his stubbornness, Zhao Shuhua felt helpless. While she could be ruthless toward others, her deep respect for her elderly father prevented her from being completely cold-hearted. At midnight, hearing the city defenses were fully deployed, Zhao Shuhua took Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu in a carriage to the city gates.
Accompanied by Cheng Wei, the three ascended the watchtower. In the vast darkness, the wilderness beyond Chongzhou appeared profoundly still.Yet Zhao Shuhua knew all too well that to the south, thirty thousand troops blocked her path, while to the north, jackals and tigers were charging toward them.
"Che'er, what do you think we should do now?"
After a long silence, Zhao Shuhua asked Yan Che. Yan Che hesitated briefly before replying, "Whatever Your Majesty commands, this subject shall obey."
Zhao Shuhua frowned and shook her head. "I don't want to hear such formalities. Just speak what's truly in your heart."
Yan Che's eyes darkened. "My heart is in turmoil, and I have no decision at present."
Zhao Shuhua's brows furrowed with apparent displeasure, but Yan Che continued, "All along, Your Majesty's will has been my will. Thus now, I cannot distinguish which carries more weight. Whatever Your Majesty desires is what I desire."
Yan Che spoke without a trace of resentment, instead with complete calmness.
Hearing these words, Zhao Shuhua felt an inexplicable sting in her nose. The reprimands she had intended for Yan Che instantly vanished without a trace. As she continued gazing into the vast, starless night outside, the steadfast hatred in her heart suddenly began to waver.
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