Yue Qiong departed from the Northwest Frontier Army camp, taking Yue Ning along with him.
Yue Ning was unwilling, but Yan Chi's intentions had been revealed. While Yue Qiong could indulge Yan Chi, he dared not implicate the elders and children in the capital, leaving Yue Ning no choice.
Yan Chi interrogated Qi Cen and the others brought by Yue Qiong one by one. Upon learning that Qi Cen had led troops to set fires under Yan Qi's orders, he immediately sentenced Qi Cen to death by hanging.
After Qi Cen was taken away, Lu Xiao was detained. In the main tent of the Northwest Frontier Army, Lu Xiao had barely knelt when a puddle of water appeared beneath him.
Prostrating on the ground, Lu Xiao pleaded, "Your Highness Prince Rui, I am merely a deputy commander under Prince Cheng. Back in the capital, I never harmed anyone for wealth. Now in the army, I only follow Prince Cheng's orders. That night, when I heard Your Highness's command, I knew it was improper, but... what could I possibly do..."
Yan Chi frowned deeply. "Has Yan Qi been in constant contact with the capital these days?"
To save his life, Lu Xiao would say anything. "Yes... His Highness has been corresponding with the Emperor. He has his own messenger hawks. The moment he learned the Anyang Marquis intended to ally with you, he sent word to the capital. The Emperor's orders stated that while the northern barbarians must be fought, neither you nor the Empress could be spared. Our prince then devised this plan: first use the Northwest Frontier Army and Northern Garrison Army, then abandon them in a perilous situation to eliminate you through borrowed blades. Though the Crown Prince has been deposed, the Emperor shows no intention of appointing our prince... so His Highness has been seeking opportunities to earn merit..."
Lu Xiao wept throughout his confession, displaying no dignity. After hearing him out, Yan Chi asked, "Does he know about Ge Yang's westward movement?"
Lu Xiao froze, surprised Yan Chi knew even this. "His Highness didn't know, but he guessed—certain the Emperor wouldn't miss such an opportunity. His Highness remained silent precisely to wait for the final chance..."
Yan Chi listened, then tilted his chin. Guards immediately dragged Lu Xiao away.
As Lu Xiao wasn't the primary offender and his crimes didn't warrant death, Northwest Frontier officers beat him severely according to military law before expelling him from camp.
The others weren't so fortunate. These men had followed Qi Cen in arson, dreaming of promotion and wealth while staining their hands with the blood of Northwest Frontier soldiers. Yan Chi showed no mercy, sentencing them all to hanging. He entrusted He Lin and Xu Huai to Zhao You's custody.
After dealing with these matters, Xiao Cheng returned. With too many dead to identify Gu Ling and Yu Qi individually, he dug a mass grave southwest of the grassland near the camp, burying all fallen comrades together.
The burials took a full day. Yan Chi approved this method and ordered a memorial steele erected. Though individuals couldn't be distinguished, all names remained in military registers. Yan Chi commissioned dozens of men to inscribe every casualty's name—a monumental task.
By the time these matters were settled, deep night had fallen. In the main tent, Chu Fei Sheng asked, "Your Highness! Do you truly intend to march south to contend for Lin'an?"
Surveying the remaining officers, Yan Chi felt as if a block of iron were lodged in his throat.In the past, when everyone gathered for discussions, the central command tent felt particularly crowded, but now it seemed somewhat empty. Moreover, Yu Qi and Gu Ling, who had followed him for many years, had fallen within a single day. Yan Chi could still vividly recall Yu Qi’s spirited expression just before their departure the previous night.
“The question of whether to contend for Lin’an was one Master Qi had posed to me when we first arrived in Xilin. With my father’s blood feud still unavenged, Master Qi believed I should not confine myself solely to Xilin City. At that time, seeing the Northwest Frontier Army stable and Xilin newly established, I could not bear to suddenly ignite a war merely for the sake of my personal vendetta.”
Yan Chi’s tone was resolute, and a shadow of gloom fell over the faces of those present. The deaths of Gu Ling and Yu Qi in battle had left everyone reeling, their minds still struggling to process the loss.
“But now, the weight of blood feuds on my shoulders has grown heavier—significantly so. The emperor is so blinded by folly that he would stop at nothing to eliminate dissent. Since that is the case, why should I hold back out of reluctance? The common people, deceived by such a ruthless and faithless ruler, will inevitably face dire suffering sooner or later.”
Chu Fei Sheng slapped his thigh emphatically. “Well said, Your Highness! For the sake of the Old Prince alone, I would follow you south. And now, with this additional blood feud added to the tally! Our Northwest Frontier Army numbers only a hundred thousand in total, and this time, over ten thousand have been slaughtered due to Yan Qi and that dog emperor! Even the Old Prince’s spirit in heaven would support us!”
The others echoed their agreement in unison. Seeing their unwavering loyalty, Yan Chi felt completely reassured. “Now, with Ge Yang and Lin Zhang leading their troops westward, only about ten thousand imperial guards from the capital remain north of the Wild Goose River as the sole defensive force. This is precisely our opportunity!”
Xiao Cheng, who had spent the day tending to the remains of his fallen comrades, was already seething with indignation. Upon hearing this, he clenched his fist and declared, “Excellent, Your Highness! Let us march south and expose the emperor’s crimes to the world! Your Highness, the throne of Great Zhou should be occupied by a wise and virtuous leader who has shed blood for the nation. There is no one more deserving than you!”
Chu Fei Sheng cursed the dog emperor again and added, “In the past, the Old Prince was also one of the late emperor’s favored sons, but being not the legitimate heir, he lost his chance. Had the Old Prince ascended the throne, none of these tragedies would have occurred. Your Highness, as a legitimate descendant of the royal lineage and the savior of Great Zhou in its hour of crisis, you are the most fitting candidate for emperor!”
As Chu Fei Sheng and Xiao Cheng spoke with fervent passion, Yan Chi remained composed and steady in his seat of honor. How many people in this world could maintain such calm and clarity of mind when receiving such fervent support?
Only Yan Chi! Witnessing his unwavering demeanor, the others grew even more resolute in their convictions, their eyes shining with admiration as they looked upon him.
Yan Chi declared with firm resolve, “You place your trust in me, and I will not fail you! Since we are to mobilize our forces, we must ensure ample provisions and weaponry. We will reorganize the troops for two days, and after that, we march straight for Lin’an!”
The assembly voiced their compliance in unison, each taking on their assigned tasks to prepare the army. Yan Chi then ordered Bai Feng to send a message back to the Northwest Frontier. Only after arranging all necessary matters did Yan Chi turn his gaze to Qin Guan beside him. Throughout the entire day, she had remained by his side, speaking little yet serving as a stabilizing presence that brought him solace and reassurance.
Now, with the army’s morale secured and Yu Qi and the others laid to rest, Yan Chi’s tension, which had gripped him for nearly twelve hours, finally eased slightly.
He led Qin Guan into the inner tent, and as soon as they entered, he embraced her tightly. “I’ve changed my mind. Who knows how long it will be before we can return to the Northwest Frontier?”Qin Guan lay against Yan Chi's chest, her heart filled with tenderness. "The Northwest Frontier Army camp is our second home. Now you're taking me back to our original home—how could I not be happy?"
Yan Chi felt another pang of bitterness in his heart. "I'm ultimately going to change the ruler of Great Zhou. I fear this will bring suffering to many common people."
Qin Guan let out a soft hum. "If not for you, the barbarians' iron hooves would have swallowed thousands of miles in the north long ago, and the south likely wouldn't have been spared either. You've already saved so many people—what does it matter if they endure some minor hardships? Besides, with the emperor sitting on that throne, Great Zhou would eventually descend into complete chaos sooner or later!"
Hearing this, Yan Chi rubbed his chin against the top of Qin Guan's hair. Outwardly, he was an indomitable, fearless man, but in her presence, he could voice his deepest worries. And Qin Guan, like a gentle spring rain, provided him with the most steadfast support. Any lingering guilt in Yan Chi's heart vanished completely at that moment.
After two hectic nights and one day, they still needed to pay respects to the fallen soldiers tomorrow and didn't dare overindulge. They didn't talk much longer before retiring together. Early the next morning, before dawn had fully broken, Baiying's voice sounded outside. "Princess Consort, General Zhao, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess request an audience—"
Qin Guan and Yan Chi immediately rose. After changing clothes and emerging, Baiying reported, "It seems the Empress... may not make it."
The horizon outside was just showing the first light of dawn. When Qin Guan stepped out, she saw Zhao You and the others waiting anxiously. They crowded around her as soon as she appeared. Zhao You, pale-faced, pleaded, "Princess Consort Rui, I beg you, please go check on Shu'er..."
Qin Guan frowned and looked at Qin Chaoyu, who explained, "Mother's body keeps burning with fever, her breathing grows weaker, and just now... just now she seemed to have stopped breathing entirely!"
Qin Chaoyu's eyes reddened as she spoke. Qin Guan hurried toward Zhao Shuhua's tent.
Zhao You staggered behind, relying on Yan Che's support to walk steadily.
Yan Chi followed close behind. As they reached the tent entrance, he saw Qin Guan's expression darken.
Qin Guan sat by the bedside, carefully unwrapping Zhao Shuhua's bandages to examine the wound. Since Zhao Shuhua couldn't be easily moved, Zhao You and the others had temporarily remained with the Northwest Frontier Army yesterday. Though not particularly warm, Yan Chi had allocated several tents for their stay. In the evening, Yue Qiong had delivered He and Lin, whom Yan Chi handed over to them for disposition. Zhao You, ultimately soft-hearted toward people of Zhou, spared He Lin and Xu Huai's lives but had them severely punished with one hundred military staff strikes according to martial law. Though they survived, the two would likely be left with permanent disabilities, making military advancement and future glory impossible. The rest of the Northern Garrison Army had temporarily camped two miles north of the Northwest Frontier Army camp.
Since Zhao You had come, he naturally brought his camp's best physicians. However, even the finest physicians couldn't compare to Qin Guan.
After examining the wound, Qin Guan said gravely, "The Empress's wound has begun to fester. The situation isn't good... and currently, I don't have any better medicine on hand..."
Her tone was heavy, clearly indicating her helplessness.
Zhao You nearly fainted on the spot and persisted, "Princess Consort Rui, you're our only hope now. If even you don't know how to save her, then we can only watch her die."
Yan Che couldn't help adding, "Qin Guan... we're begging you..."
Qin Chaoyu also looked at Qin Guan with desperate hope. Faced with their pleas, Qin Guan could only offer a bitter smile. "It's not that I won't save her..."Qin Guan had always possessed the heart to heal the world, but without medicinal herbs, even if she had them, saving lives would be difficult. That was why she hadn’t made grand promises. However, facing these three individuals, especially the frail and elderly Zhao You, she couldn’t help but feel deep compassion. After careful thought, she said, “At present, I lack two extremely rare medicinal herbs: one is Patrinia scabiosaefolia, and the other is Paris polyphylla. These two herbs can counteract toxins, cool the blood, reduce swelling, and expel pus. They are the most crucial ingredients in the current treatment. Without them, no amount of other herbs will be effective. Moreover, we must now excise the necrotic flesh and pus from the Empress’s wound again. The pain will be unbearable, and she will lose a significant amount of blood. Just this step alone is beyond the capabilities of an ordinary physician…”
As Qin Guan spoke, she glanced at the physician from the Northern Garrison Army. The physician, a man in his forties, immediately waved his hands at her upon hearing this. “I am not skilled in such matters. I only know how to prescribe medicine. I am not adept at treating external wounds and fear I might cause a disaster…”
Yan Che said, “These two herbs can be sought in Chongzhou City!”
Qin Chaoyu added, “If not in Chongzhou, then in Fengzhou. Within two or three days, we will surely find them. Can you keep my mother alive for those two or three days?”
Qin Guan smiled bitterly upon hearing this. Before she could speak, Yan Chi at the entrance of the military tent said, “We are heading south in two days. Guan Guan has already done her best. Do not pressure her further.”
At these words, Zhao You and the others looked at Qin Guan, then at Yan Chi, momentarily at a loss for words. Zhao You coughed violently several times and collapsed. Yan Che was thrown into a flurry of activity, quickly helping Zhao You into the adjacent tent. The physician from the Northern Garrison Army, who could treat Zhao You, naturally followed to check his pulse and attend to him.
Meanwhile, Qin Chaoyu stepped aside and approached Qin Guan, kneeling before her. “Ninth Sister, is there truly no way to save Mother? If you can save her, I am willing to do anything you ask…”
Tears streamed down Qin Chaoyu’s face. Yan Chi frowned at the sight, but since Qin Chaoyu was a woman, he refrained from commenting.
Seeing Qin Chaoyu in such a state, Qin Guan’s bitter smile deepened. “Is this for the Crown Prince?”
Qin Chaoyu nodded, then shook her head, saying, “On the journey north, Mother treated me with utmost kindness.”
Qin Guan sighed, first helping Qin Chaoyu to her feet, then said, “Let me think about it. For now, I will use new medicine to redress the Empress’s wound.”
Only then did Qin Chaoyu rise, assisting Qin Guan in changing the cotton cloth and applying the new medicine. After the wound was fully dressed, Qin Guan finally left the tent.
Upon entering the central command tent, Qin Guan said, “Zhao Shuhua’s breathing is indeed very weak. If things continue like this, she has at most three to five days left.”
She paused briefly before adding, “The army must depart in two days, but… I want to try and see if I can save her life.”
Yan Chi frowned and immediately rejected the idea. “No, I will not leave you here.”
Qin Guan took his hand and gently shook it. “What are you worried about? The Rong enemy has gone to Cangzhou, and my foster father has also headed north today. I am the Empress’s savior—would the Northern Garrison Army harm me? If you are still uneasy, leave Bai Feng here to look after me. I will stay here for at most three days. After that, I will surely head south to find you. By then, you will likely have just passed Yingzhou. With a light carriage and minimal baggage, I can travel faster than you, moving from city to city.”
Now that Yan Chi was heading south to contend for the throne, the situation was naturally different from before. On the journey south, they were bound to encounter obstacles along the way.Seeing the plea in Qin Guan's eyes, her clear, cool gaze fixed unblinkingly on him, Yan Chi's heart softened by three parts. Still unwilling to concede, he asked, "Are you truly decided? Do you really wish to stay to treat the Empress?"
Qin Guan nodded. "I've thought it through. If I leave, she will surely die. If I stay, she still has a thirty percent chance of survival. Saving one more person is always good."
Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan for a long moment before pulling her into his embrace with a deep sigh. "Others die because of me, yet people keep being saved because of you. All the virtue you've accumulated will likely be exhausted on me. Having you as my wife is a blessing from several lifetimes."
Hearing this, Qin Guan knew Yan Chi had agreed. Unable to restrain herself, she kissed his face several times. Yan Chi chuckled helplessly. Qin Guan then informed Qin Chaoyu of the decision. Immediately, Zhao You dispatched people to Fengzhou and Chongzhou to search for medicine and, despite his illness, came personally to express gratitude.
Noting his serious condition, Qin Guan incidentally prescribed new medicine for Zhao You. Already chronically ill, Zhao You's condition had worsened after participating in the Battle of Fallen Phoenix Slope two days prior and witnessing Zhao Shuhua's critical state. After receiving Qin Guan's treatment, Zhao You felt even greater respect for this princess consort of Prince Rui.
Returning to his own camp, Zhao You rested briefly before asking Qin Chaoyu, "Yu'er, this princess consort of Prince Rui—is she your cousin?"
Qin Chaoyu nodded. "Yes, Grandfather. She's my second uncle's daughter."
Zhao You clicked his tongue softly. "She's truly an extraordinary woman. At my age, I usually see people as children, but your cousin carries a poise beyond her years. Yet beneath this, she possesses genuine kindness. Combined with her medical skills... that such a maiden could emerge from the capital! Her resilience of spirit rivals even your mother's."
Yan Che couldn't resist adding, "She also performs corpse examinations—more skillfully than the best coroner in the capital!"
Zhao You's eyes widened in surprise, but before he could speak, a violent coughing fit seized him. Yan Che hurriedly patted his back. "Grandfather, you must preserve your health."
The coughing fit cut short Zhao You's praise for Qin Guan. When he recovered, he saw specks of red on the handkerchief he'd covered his mouth with. Yan Che noticed too, his eyes instantly moistening. "Grandfather—"
Zhao You waved dismissively. "It's nothing, nothing. This isn't the first time. The princess consort noticed during the examination—her prescription is stronger than what our own physicians would dare prescribe. She probably wants to prolong my life. She knew I understood, so she didn't spell it out. That girl is truly admirable."
Yan Che hadn't noticed these details earlier and blurted, "Grandfather will surely live a hundred years..."
Zhao You merely shook his head. After a moment, his expression turned solemn as he looked at Yan Che. "Che'er, with your mother's fate uncertain and my lamp nearly burnt out, yet your mother's great undertaking unfinished—we still have the Northern Garrison Army. Tell me, what are your thoughts?"
Yan Che seemed to have completely forgotten about marching south to contend for the throne and was momentarily stunned by the question. "I... how could I abandon you and Mother to go south? I..."
Seeing his reaction, Zhao You sighed softly. "Good child, I understand."
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