Wei County, located a hundred li south of Cangzhou City, was a small town along the southern route from Cangzhou. When Cangzhou fell, Wei County was the first to know, so by the time the Rong barbarians arrived, most of its inhabitants had already fled. Only the elderly and those without relatives remained in the city. The Rong barbarians, upon breaking in, naturally spared no one, yet compared to Cangzhou, Wei County fared somewhat better.
Yue Qiong led the Jinzhou Army and arrived first at Wei County. Unlike cities in Wuzhou and other regions, this town had no surrounding walls—it was merely an open settlement. Yue Qiong unhesitatingly stationed his troops there. Half a day later, the Northwest Frontier Army arrived west of Wei County and eventually encamped in the mountain valley to its west. Another half-day passed, and Zhao Shuhua, Yan Che, and others brought the Jinzhou Army to the east of Wei County. Although Yue Qiong sent messengers to invite Yan Chi and Zhao Shuhua into the city to rest, both declined.
Learning that Zhao Shuhua had also agreed to join the blockade against the Rong barbarians, Yan Chi felt somewhat surprised. After Yue Qiong made arrangements, he planned to set up a grand alliance camp outside Wei County two days later, inviting Yan Chi and Zhao Shuhua to discuss major strategies together.
Since the three forces had decided to join hands, it was natural to formulate battle plans face-to-face. However, with the Jinzhou Army stationed inside the city, inviting anyone in would arouse suspicions of conspiracy. Thus, Yue Qiong proactively established the camp outside the city to dispel any doubts Yan Chi and Zhao Shuhua might harbor.
On the eve of the alliance meeting, Qin Guan discussed with Yan Chi, "I wonder if we’ll get to see Qin Chaoyu this time."
Yan Chi replied, "If you wish to see her, just accompany me tomorrow. There might be an opportunity."
Qin Guan said, "Tomorrow’s meeting is for the alliance—it might be inconvenient for me to go..."
Yan Chi laughed, "What inconvenience? If I don’t go, the alliance won’t proceed. You are my wife—what’s wrong with coming along?"
Hearing this, Qin Guan felt tempted and ultimately decided to go with Yan Chi.
The next morning, Yan Chi selected five thousand troops and brought Qin Guan along to the alliance site.
The meeting place was ten li south of Wei County, not too close to the town. Yan Chi had already sent out scouts; if Yue Qiong attempted any tricks, they would know immediately.
At the same time, Zhao Shuhua, along with Yan Che, his wife, and Zhao Jing, left their camp, also leading five thousand soldiers.
As Zhao You was unwell and remained in the camp, Zhao Shuhua felt quite complex emotions, thinking about meeting old acquaintances later.
When both sides approached the alliance site, they saw it was an open plain where a temporary grand tent had already been set up. Only about a thousand soldiers guarded the perimeter. Reassured, Yan Chi and Zhao Shuhua led their men forward.
Yan Chi arrived half a cup of tea’s time earlier than Zhao Shuhua. Upon meeting, they exchanged pleasantries. Not long after, Zhao Shuhua arrived as well.
Yan Chi and the others stood in front of the main tent, watching Zhao Shuhua lead her troops on horseback as they drew near.
The once-empress, who had presided over the imperial harem, wore a moon-white cape as she rode. Though less than a year had passed, her face bore much more weariness, as if she had aged five years. Her formerly dignified and elegant aura had diminished slightly, yet even in plain attire, she exuded the decisive authority of a high-ranking commander. Yue Qiong narrowed his eyes, gazing at Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu behind Zhao Shuhua—Qin Chaoyu had never openly assumed the role of Crown Princess, yet rumors of her status had spread throughout the northern territories. Yue Qiong had long suspected as much, and seeing her closely following Yan Che now confirmed his suspicions. He stepped forward to greet them, "Empress."
Zhao Shuhua was dismounting from her horse. At his words, her eyebrows arched. "The Marquis speaks boldly. If the Emperor were to hear this, he would surely brand you a rebel."
Yue Qiong responded with a fearless smile. "It matters not. Those who have followed us to this camp are all trusted allies. Besides, if I do not address you as Empress, I am at a loss for what else to call you. And as for... the Crown Prince..."
Yue Qiong clasped his hands in salute. Yan Che promptly returned the gesture, but his gaze drifted and fell upon Qin Guan standing beside Yan Chi.
Zhao Shuhua also noticed Yan Chi and his companion, as did Qin Chaoyu. Unlike Yue Qiong’s enthusiastic demeanor, Yan Chi merely nodded in acknowledgment when their eyes met. Then, taking Qin Guan’s hand, he turned and entered the tent first.
Meanwhile, Yan Che was momentarily lost in thought.
The turmoil of the past year had left its mark on all of them. Zhao Shuhua had aged, and he himself no longer possessed the youthful elegance of before, now burdened with a heavy air. Yet Yan Chi and Qin Guan seemed entirely unchanged... Yan Che frowned inwardly, shaking his head. No, they had changed.
Yan Chi now carried an even more commanding presence, his sharp aura faintly intimidating. As for Qin Guan, she had grown more radiant and beautiful, the icy aloofness about her somewhat softened. Only when her eyes met his did they remain distant.
"Your Highness... it is time to enter..." Qin Chaoyu’s soft voice snapped Yan Che back to reality. He realized then that Zhao Shuhua had already reached the tent entrance.
Yan Che hurriedly stepped forward and entered the main tent.
Inside, the tent was arranged with numerous seats. Yue Qiong occupied the central position, with Yan Chi and Qin Guan seated to the left. Zhao Shuhua had already taken her place on the right. Additional seats lined both sides, now filled with military officers from the three factions.
Remembering that everyone present had once been his subordinates, Yan Che walked in with his spine straight.
A modest banquet had been prepared. Yue Qiong raised his cup and declared, "The Rong barbarians’ invasion is a national crisis. Fortunately, we have the aid of Prince Rui and the Empress. I propose a toast to both of you."
Neither Yan Chi nor Zhao Shuhua moved at first. Yue Qiong smiled. "The wine is not poisoned. At this moment, you two are the last people I would wish harm upon. If anything were to happen, with the Rong barbarians at our gates, I would face over a hundred thousand additional enemies. Our Jinzhou Army could not withstand that."
Hearing this, Yan Chi was the first to raise his cup. Zhao Shuhua followed suit, and seeing this, the others also lifted their glasses.
After exchanging a few formal pleasantries, Yue Qiong got to the point. "Today’s banquet is but a prelude. The true purpose of inviting you both is to devise a battle strategy. The Rong barbarians still have a force of one hundred and fifty thousand. Though their morale is shaken by lack of provisions, they are a people who know no retreat. If we cannot drive them beyond Azure Dragon Mountain, the northern frontier will face another catastrophe."
Since Yan Chi and Zhao Shuhua had come, they were naturally prepared to cooperate. Yue Qiong, aware of their concerns, proposed that the Jinzhou Army take the lead in all engagements, with the Northern Garrison Army and the Northwest Frontier Army primarily covering the flanks. This arrangement would inevitably result in the heaviest casualties for the Jinzhou Army.
Zhao Shuhua had initially harbored reservations, but seeing Yue Qiong’s sincerity, she found no grounds for discontent. Thus, the alliance proceeded rather smoothly.Although Zhao Shuhua had read many military texts, she was ultimately not skilled in warfare. Watching Yue Qiong and Yan Chi discuss battle strategies with practiced ease, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Zhao You's poor health made it impossible for him to lead troops personally. Given this, the Northern Garrison Army was sorely lacking in capable commanders.
As battle plans were being discussed in the main tent, Qin Guan didn't understand these matters and had no intention of speaking up, so she simply watched Qin Chaoyu.
Qin Chaoyu kept glancing back at her. Before long, Qin Guan lifted her chin to signal going outside. Qin Chaoyu nodded, and the two stepped out to talk.
It wasn't yet noon. Outside the tent stretched an endless expanse of verdant grassland, with a rather cool breeze blowing. They walked a few steps south along the meadow before stopping to talk. Qin Guan spoke first, "You look somewhat weary. Are you faring well with the Crown Prince?"
Qin Chaoyu smiled, "Better than in the capital."
Hearing this, Qin Guan understood completely and curved her lips upward, "As long as you've achieved what you wished."
Qin Chaoyu didn't elaborate further, "And you? I noticed Prince Rui is very attentive to you - he poured tea for you three times just now."
Qin Guan and Yan Chi shared the same seating mat. Since Qin Guan didn't drink alcohol, she only drank tea. Yet she needed no attendant's care - he personally poured tea and water for her. Qin Guan hadn't expected Qin Chaoyu to notice this, and her smile softened, "Yes, he's very good."
Qin Chaoyu said with clear eyes, "That's good."
After this exchange, they looked at each other, momentarily unsure what else to say.
They had never been close confidantes, unlike her relationship with Yue Ning. Moreover, much had happened over the past six months. Their reunion now carried a sense of how much had changed, and even if they wanted to say something, they didn't know where to begin.
After a moment of silence, they suddenly smiled simultaneously. Seeing the thick meadow underfoot, Qin Chaoyu simply sat down on the ground. Qin Guan raised her eyebrows at this - for Qin Chaoyu, the noble daughter who had once been determined to become Crown Princess, this was the most improbable action.
As if reading Qin Guan's expression, Qin Chaoyu patted the space beside her, "Sit down. The sun's about to rise higher, and the ground has no moisture now."
Having often sat on the ground while treating wounded soldiers in the medical camp, and never being one for rigid etiquette, Qin Guan sat down as well.
The northern grasslands weren't lush, with wormwood grass only reaching their ankles. Sitting on the ground, they could look up and see the azure sky overhead. Qin Chaoyu said in a relaxed tone, "I'm still glad to see you. In these past months, I haven't experienced this feeling of meeting an old acquaintance."
"Have you been in contact with your uncle's family in the capital?"
Qin Chaoyu nodded, "News of my survival would eventually reach them. I sent a letter over a month ago, suggesting they relocate south to avoid imperial retaliation if our cause fails. I don't know if they've moved south yet."
Qin Guan frowned slightly, "Do you... truly believe the Empress can return to Lin'an?"
They hadn't brought any servants today, and the nearest guards were over ten zhang away. No one could overhear their conversation.
Hearing Qin Guan's question, Qin Chaoyu's brows tightened sensitively.Qin Guan sighed, "You truly love the Crown Prince, and after enduring hardships, you've finally achieved your desired outcome. However... the ambitions of the Empress and the Crown Prince are not what you originally sought. If you are content, I won't say more. But if you have even the slightest hesitation, you should consider whether this endeavor can succeed. The Empress... the Empress harbors deep hatred for the Emperor, and the Emperor won't stand idly by as she rebels day by day. His wariness of her likely runs deeper than his distrust of us. This is evident from his earlier decision to send troops north. If you had remained in Cangzhou, you could have defended the city walls and relied on stable supplies. But now, attempting to march south is a desperate gamble. You must understand this."
Qin Chaoyu felt her heart grow unsettled by Qin Guan's words and retorted, "What about you?"
Qin Guan smiled faintly at this. "I will naturally follow Yan Chi. But our situation is different. Yan Chi has the Northwest Frontier Army, and the Northwest is a natural fortress. He has left thirty thousand troops stationed there and has achieved multiple victories in this northern campaign. Once the war is over, we will return to the Northwest. We have no intention of seizing the throne—we only aim to see this rebellion through to the end."
Qin Guan and Yan Chi wished for the Emperor's downfall not out of personal ambition but because they knew his true nature. They were not the kind of people who would sacrifice the lives of the common people for their own ambitions.
Qin Chaoyu's expression darkened.
Qin Guan's face grew serious. "I say this not to sow discord, but to remind you that if the day comes when life and death hang in the balance, you must be prepared to make a choice."
As she spoke, Qin Guan gazed toward the distant horizon where the wilderness met the sky. "Once this war ends, who knows when we will meet again? But I believe that first, we must survive to have any chance of reuniting. Don't you agree?"
Qin Chaoyu pressed her lips together tightly. "Yes... I also know that survival is what matters most."
Throughout the northern campaign, Qin Chaoyu had never involved herself in military or political affairs, but that did not mean she was ignorant or unaware. She understood Qin Guan's words immediately because she had long harbored similar thoughts. Yet she also knew it was not yet the time to voice opposition.
Seeing her composed expression, Qin Guan smiled bitterly. "Having witnessed so much life and death, I've come to believe that survival is the most crucial thing."
Qin Chaoyu echoed the bitter smile. "I fear I've seen even more than you."
Her words carried a profound weariness, and Qin Guan fell silent.
The two sat with their backs to the camp, unaware of how much time had passed, until footsteps sounded behind them.
Qin Guan turned and saw Yan Chi approaching. She stood and went to meet him. "Is it over?"
Yan Chi nodded, then acknowledged Qin Chaoyu, who had also risen. "It's over. We need to return to camp."
Hearing this, Qin Guan turned and walked back to Qin Chaoyu. Unsure what Qin Guan intended to say, Qin Chaoyu was taken aback when Qin Guan leaned in and gently embraced her. Qin Chaoyu stiffened, but before she could react, Qin Guan released her and walked toward Yan Chi. Yan Chi placed a hand lightly on Qin Guan's shoulder, and the two headed toward the Northwest Frontier soldiers holding their horses. Qin Chaoyu held her breath for a long moment, only exhaling when she felt suffocated. By then, Yan Chi had already lifted Qin Guan onto his horse, flicked the reins, and galloped away.
Watching their horses speed into the distance until they vanished from sight, Qin Chaoyu suddenly felt an overwhelming tightness in her chest. For a moment, her eyes grew slightly red.His gaze shifted as Yan Che emerged from the tent. He first scanned the surroundings before approaching Qin Chaoyu. Noticing her unusual expression, he immediately asked, "What's wrong? Why do you look like you're about to cry?"
Qin Chaoyu forced a faint smile at the corners of her lips. "Have the discussions concluded?"
Yan Che nodded. "Yes, we can leave now?" After a pause, he pressed, "What's the matter with you?"
Lowering her gaze, Qin Chaoyu shook her head. When she looked up again, her expression had returned to normal. "It's nothing. Let's go."
Yan Che studied her with suspicion for a moment before following her to find Zhao Shuhua.
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