Having resolved to contend for the imperial throne, Yan Chi dispatched his covert guards southward even before his own departure. Though renowned for leading troops to defend the northern frontiers, he knew imperial authority was not easily overthrown. Thus, he discreetly spread rumors among the populace about the emperor’s neglect of national crises and execution of loyal officials. By the time Yan Chi reached Suzhou, its military commander and prefect surrendered without resistance, instead offering provisions to pledge their loyalty.
Suzhou set an example, and tales of Yan Chi’s might spread from north to south, city by city. Wherever he went next, conflict was averted.
It took seven days for Yan Chi to receive word from Qin Guan. By then, he had passed Lizhou and was nearing Yingzhou. Learning that Qin Guan would delay another two days displeased him, but with a thousand li between them, he could not simply seize her. He had no choice but to wait patiently.
Calculating that Qin Guan had now set out, he intentionally slowed his march.
Approaching Yingzhou meant the capital was near. Their forced march from the north had taken less than half a month, yet imperial reinforcements had long been overdue. Yan Chi realized the emperor never intended to send Ge Yang and others northward. He turned these suspicions into whispers among the people.
The rumors grew and mutated. Though Yan Han had ruled diligently for twenty years, the harsh taxes of Great Zhou remained unaltered under his reign. Meanwhile, refugees from northern regions like Cangzhou and Fengzhou fled south, depicting the Rong barbarians as monstrous ghouls. In contrast, the Northwest Frontier Army, which had repelled them, gained immense prestige, and its commander Yan Chi was hailed as the God of War, soaring in popular esteem.
As water bears the boat yet may also capsize it, the people’s support elevates a ruler, but their loss of faith paves the way for a new leader. Without losing a single soldier, Yan Chi arrived at Yingzhou.
From Yingzhou, a swift march would reach the capital in three days. Yet Yan Chi did not rush onward, instead awaiting news from the west.
After two days, word came: Ge Yang and Lin Zhang’s forces had reached Dingzhou. Hearing of Yan Chi’s southward advance toward the capital, they were now turning back. However, the great distance from Dingzhou to Lin’an made it impossible for them to intercept Yan Chi.
Thus, the Northwest Frontier Army stood ready, lacking only the final catalyst. Another day passed before Yan Chi finally welcomed Qin Guan.
Dusk had fallen. Having received her letter just the day before stating she had reached Lizhou, Yan Chi expected her arrival by now. As darkness deepened with no sign of her, anxiety gnawed at him. He considered delaying another day when sudden military reports arrived.
Though in Yingzhou, Yan Chi had not entered the city. His vast army would disturb the citizens if stationed within, so he consistently camped outside urban areas. The people, already awed by his reputation as the God of War and moved by his consideration, held him in high esteem. Soldiers and civilians alike supported him.
Hearing of the report, Yan Chi wondered what trouble could arise here. As he pondered, Xiao Cheng strode in urgently.
“Your Highness! Our northern scouts report tens of thousands of troops advancing toward us!”Upon hearing this, Yan Chi immediately stood up. "Tens of thousands of troops?"
Xiao Cheng nodded with a grave expression. "Yes, they say there are tens of thousands."
Yan Chi frowned deeply. "Let's go take a look—"
Yan Chi led Xiao Cheng out of the central command tent and immediately ordered horses to be brought. Mounting his steed, he rode straight toward the camp gates. Once beyond the gates, he galloped another li and soon spotted over a dozen of their own scouts returning to camp with reports. Seeing Yan Chi arrive with Xiao Cheng and his personal guards, they hurried over to bow and offer greetings.
Yan Chi waved his hand dismissively. "Where are they now?"
"Your Highness! They'll be here any moment! Though their numbers are vast, they don't seem hostile toward us."
As they spoke, a thunderous rumble shook the ground, causing everyone's expressions to shift. They knew the troops had arrived!
Xiao Cheng asked, "Your Highness, should we return to camp?"
Yan Chi shook his head, remaining steadfast on his horse. Before long, a tide of soldiers and horses came galloping into view. At a distance, Yan Chi couldn't discern their features clearly, but he noticed this army carried no banners.
Typically, banners represented a military unit's designation. Unless it was a small-scale operation, armies always marched under battle flags.
Yan Chi estimated the approaching force at fifty to sixty thousand troops. Such a large contingent without banners clearly indicated they had no official designation.
But in these times, where could such a massive, unaffiliated force have come from?
As this thought crossed his mind, Yan Chi's eyes narrowed slightly. He spotted the commander leading the troops—though distant, he instantly recognized the figure as Qin Guan.
A flash of astonishment passed through his heart as Yan Chi couldn't help but urge his horse forward. Riding out about an arrow's flight distance, he saw the approaching figure more clearly. The rider at the forefront was undoubtedly Qin Guan! Joy surged in Yan Chi's chest, until he noticed the person beside Qin Guan—it was actually Cheng Wei!
His dark pupils contracted as a glimmer of understanding flashed through his mind. Though he couldn't guess the details, he seemed to already comprehend what had transpired!
With this realization, Yan Chi immediately whipped his horse forward.
Seeing Yan Chi riding out to meet them, Qin Guan—whose face showed exhaustion from days of travel—finally broke into a smile.
OpenNovel