Since the strategy of fire attack had been decided, these past few days were spent waiting for the right weather conditions. Yue Qiong said they needed to wait for a southwestern wind, but unfortunately, the north wind had been blowing continuously. Not only that, the sky was overcast with signs of impending rain. Such weather was naturally unsuitable for a fire attack.
Fortunately, after the Rong barbarians suffered a major defeat earlier, they did not attack Wei County again, seemingly also devising a plan.
In the main camp at Fallen Phoenix Slope, the Rong barbarians had tightened their defenses, and more people were heading toward Cangzhou, clearly seeking additional military provisions.
Having been unable to invade Zhou territory for decades, the Rong barbarians had seized the opportunity presented by the internal strife in Zhou to strike a heavy blow. Thus, despite consecutive defeats, they showed no intention of retreating. This fearless spirit earned a measure of respect from the soldiers.
As the timing was not yet right, training drills were conducted across the camps. Within the Northern Garrison Army, Zhao You felt greatly reassured seeing Zhao Shuhua and Yue Qiong working together. Over the past few days, his illness had improved significantly, and on this day, he even donned military attire to personally observe the soldiers' drills.
After watching for a while, he returned to his tent and summoned Zhao Shuhua for a conversation.
Upon entering the tent, Zhao Shuhua noticed Zhao You’s high spirits. After she took a seat, he said, "Once this great battle is over, the Rong barbarians will likely be left with no means to retaliate. After that, you may do as you wish—I will no longer stand in your way. After all, our Northern Garrison Army is not truly a rebel force. In this time of national crisis, we have still contributed our efforts. In the future, if the common people discuss this, Che’er will not be criticized."
Zhao Shuhua reflected that although she had been collaborating with Yue Qiong these days, there had been no significant losses. Her earlier worries and reservations had gradually faded. She replied, "Father has considered everything thoroughly. Anyang Marquis said we must wait for the right moment—it should only take four or five days at most for news to arrive."
Zhao You nodded and added, "I know. What I wanted to tell you is that for this battle, I intend to lead the troops myself."
At these words, Zhao Shuhua’s expression immediately changed. "Father, how can that be?"
Zhao You raised his hand and said, "My illness has improved greatly, and I am no longer seriously unwell. Fighting the barbarians has always been my duty. If I do not take part in this battle, I fear I will regret it deeply. Rest assured, I will only command from the front lines and not engage in combat."
Zhao Shuhua frowned, still uneasy. However, considering that Zhao You had spent half his life on the battlefield and possessed extensive experience, her concerns lessened.
"Has Father truly made up his mind?"
Zhao You smiled and replied, "Naturally, I have. Don’t worry—I value my life. With your great task still unfinished, how could I leave you all unprotected?"
Zhao Shuhua sighed. "Very well, then. For this battle, we will deploy all our forces. I will have Cheng Wei, Sun Qi, and Zhao Jing accompany you to ensure your safety."
Zhao You waved his hand dismissively. "They will be there to command the troops, not to look after me. Enough—my decision is final. There’s no need for you to worry excessively. I will discuss this matter carefully with Cheng Wei and Sun Qi to ensure our victory."
Only then did Zhao Shuhua feel somewhat reassured. As they were speaking, Zhao Jing suddenly entered and said, "Elder Sister, there is someone outside who claims to have come from the north and wishes to see you."
"From the north?" Zhao Shuhua raised an eyebrow. Why would someone specifically seek her out at such a time?
Zhao Jing took a step closer and added, "He is carrying a handwritten letter from Zhen’er."Yan Zhen?! Zhao Shuhua immediately stood up!
"Where is she?"
Zhao Jing quickly replied, "Right outside."
Zhao Shuhua hurried out and saw an unfamiliar man standing there, covered in dust from his journey.
Though his features were ordinary, his stature was tall and imposing, clearly that of a skilled martial artist. After a moment's contemplation, Zhao Shuhua turned and entered her main tent. Zhao Jing soon followed with the man in tow. Upon entering, the visitor knelt down.
"Greetings, Empress. This humble servant is Helian Chu, one of the Northern Wei Crown Princess's personal guards. I have come by order of the Northern Wei Crown Princess to see you."
Hearing this, Zhao Shuhua's eyes instantly reddened. "Zhen'er sent you to see me?"
Back then, Zhao Shuhua had forced Yan Zhen into marriage. Although Yan Zhen eventually complied, she harbored deep resentment in her heart.
In the six months since her marriage, Yan Zhen had not sent a single letter to the capital. Even the Empress's spies, who initially managed to send back snippets of information, eventually lost contact.
Zhao Shuhua knew Yan Zhen had discovered and eliminated her informants. Later, when she and Yan Che fled the capital, they were too preoccupied with their own survival to send more messages to Northern Wei. She never expected Yan Zhen would reach out to her at such a time.
"Rise quickly. Give me the letter at once!"
Helian Chu took a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Shuhua, adding, "I first went to Chongzhou, but found the Empress had already moved with the army here, so I came to find you. Your news only reached the Crown Princess after the New Year. There was some trouble in the Northern Wei palace at the time, and the Crown Princess was unable to attend to matters here. Later, she sent people to investigate further. I set out from the Northern Wei capital two months ago, before the barbarians attacked."
Zhao Shuhua's hands trembled as she unfolded the letter. After reading just a few words, tears began to stream down her face.
Back then, she had used many tactics to force Yan Zhen into marrying into Northern Wei, earning Yan Zhen's hatred. She never explained herself. Later, when she and Yan Che rebelled and fled the capital, causing such an uproar, Yan Zhen seemed to have realized something upon hearing the news.
The letter was filled with Yan Zhen's questions and speculations. She guessed that Zhao Shuhua had long planned the subsequent events, hence marrying her off early. She also questioned the Empress's motives. At the end, she urgently requested the Empress to reply, with the final two lines expressing some nostalgia and concern.
Zhao Shuhua wept bitterly. Zhao Jing, watching nearby, felt deeply distressed. After a while, Zhao Shuhua took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears and asked Helian Chu, "Is Zhen'er doing well in Northern Wei? Is your Crown Prince good to her?"
Helian Chu smiled at this. "You need not worry. When the Crown Princess first arrived in Northern Wei, she did not fare well. She was unaccustomed to things and quarreled with His Highness the Crown Prince daily. However, our Crown Prince was very patient with her, never angered by her temper. On several occasions when the Crown Princess caused trouble, the Crown Prince shielded her. Later, the Crown Princess gradually changed, perhaps realizing the Crown Prince's goodness. They are very happy now. By the way, I was given to the Crown Princess by the Crown Prince. I come from a Northern Wei noble family and was originally the Crown Prince's guard, now serving the Crown Princess. This letter was extremely important, which is why the Crown Princess sent me to deliver it."Upon hearing this, Zhao Shuhua felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart. "Your Crown Prince is a good man. I did not misjudge him. Did Zhen'er have any other instructions?"
Helian Chu replied, "The Crown Princess is deeply concerned about you and the Crown Prince of Great Zhou, and she is also very puzzled. She likely explained her thoughts in the letter. She sent me here with another message: she hopes that the Empress will not cling too stubbornly to her obsessions. Whatever the reason, she wishes to reunite with you in this lifetime."
At these words, Zhao Shuhua's eyes reddened again. "She... ah..."
Countless words swirled in Zhao Shuhua's heart, yet she could not voice them. Instead, she said, "I will write her a reply immediately."
Helian Chu nodded and added, "Our Crown Prince is also aware of this matter. However, Northern Wei is weaker than Great Zhou, and the court is currently in turmoil. It is difficult for him to intervene directly, but he asks you not to worry—he will take good care of the Crown Princess."
Zhao Shuhua was deeply moved. "Good, good. That is enough. I suppose many in Northern Wei know of this matter? Has Zhen'er been subjected to gossip?"
Helian Chu hurriedly assured her, "There was some initially, but the Crown Prince has been very protective of the Crown Princess, so others dare not say anything. Moreover, the Crown Princess has grown strong-willed, and no one in the country dares to slight her. Please set your mind at ease."
Only then did Zhao Shuhua feel completely relieved.
Tuoba Hong's protection was external after all. If Yan Zhen herself had shed her former willfulness and willful pride, understood the ugliness of human hearts, and become strong and resilient, then she would fear no crisis. Zhao Shuhua let out a long sigh. "Good, good. This is for the best. She is, after all, my daughter and has not disappointed me. You must be tired from your long journey. Why not rest and have some food? Since you are in no hurry to return, stay in the camp for two days. I will arrange for someone to escort you back to Northern Wei. The Rong barbarians have invaded Great Zhou, so your journey here must have been perilous."
Helian Chu quickly replied, "Thank you, Empress. The journey was indeed treacherous, otherwise I would have arrived earlier. I shall follow your instructions and take my leave now."
Zhao Shuhua glanced at Zhao Jing, who promptly escorted Helian Chu out.
Once the tent was empty, Zhao Shuhua opened the letter again. As she read, tears fell silently. After weeping for some time, she finally went to write a reply to Yan Zhen. Yet, she wrote and discarded draft after draft, unable to finish the letter for a long while. Soon, Yan Che arrived after receiving the news.
Zhao Shuhua showed him the letter. Yan Che was also overwhelmed with emotions. Zhao Shuhua said, "Since someone is here to deliver letters, why don't you write one to your sister as well?"
Yan Che nodded in agreement. Seeing the faint redness in Zhao Shuhua's eyes, he could not help but ask, "Mother... so, what is the reason you have never told me?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Shuhua's stern gaze fell upon him.
Yan Che's expression remained resolute, and he did not evade the question. "If you cannot tell my sister, can you not tell me either? We have been away from the capital for so long. No matter what you say, I will support you. I also know that there must be a profound reason for you to act so recklessly. It's just... in your eyes, I am incompetent, which is why you have never been willing to tell me the truth..."
Yan Che's tone was calm, without a trace of resentment. Yet, as he finished speaking, his eyes were filled with desolation.Zhao Shuhua seemed somewhat reluctant, "It's not that I don't trust you, but... I don't want you to bear these burdens. I've endured nightmares for so many years, and I don't want you to suffer the same. Che'er, you are my hope. I have been far more merciful to you than to your sister."
Yan Che lifted his gaze, "Does Mother's mercy mean keeping me in the dark and manipulating me like a puppet?"
Zhao Shuhua shook her head, slowly turning away, "You... you mustn't ask. I won't tell you."
Yan Che pressed his lips together, then let out a bitter smile after a long pause, "Very well, I understand. I won't ask anymore. I'll go reply to my sister now."
With these words, Yan Che stood up and walked out with heavy steps.
Zhao Shuhua turned her eyes, watching Yan Che's slightly hunched back, her pupils trembling slightly. She suddenly said, "Your father died twenty years ago. The person I asked you to rebel against is nothing but a criminal who seized another's place!"
Yan Che halted, his entire back stiffening.
He whirled around, staring at Zhao Shuhua in disbelief.
But Zhao Shuhua had completely turned her back to him, "You don't understand why I want you to abandon everything and walk this Path. There's only one reason: as a son, you should avenge your father and reclaim what rightfully belongs to you."
Yan Che opened his mouth, but no words came out, "Mother, you mean... but... how... how is this possible..."
"He never intended to make you Crown Prince, and even if he did, he would have deposed you sooner or later."
After a slight pause, Zhao Shuhua continued, "No matter how meticulous the disguise, there will always be flaws. It's just that there are too many people in this world with clear eyes but blind hearts."
Zhao Shuhua let out a bitter laugh and entered the inner tent without another word.
Watching Zhao Shuhua's back disappear behind the curtain, Yan Che opened his mouth again but still couldn't utter a word.
He stood rooted to the spot for a long time, feeling as if his entire body had been plunged into an ice cellar. Only after what seemed like an eternity did he stumble out. Upon exiting the main tent and seeing the camp full of soldiers, he finally regained his senses, yet he still couldn't believe it.
How could the father he had respected for over twenty years be an imposter?!
OpenNovel