In the Moonlight

The deputy general led the soldiers in clearing the battlefield and returned to the city to report: "The Northern Rong indeed have very little provisions left. Their water pouches are almost empty, their horses show signs of bloodletting, and the soldiers only have some raw cured meat with them."

Yaoying nodded and said to the others, "Their rations consist of horse blood and raw cured meat."

Everyone was both astonished and impressed. The Northern Rong army outside the city, fully aware they had no retreat, still besieged Gaochang to cover Wahan Khan's escape from the encirclement. No wonder they fought so fiercely despite their small numbers during the siege—they had all prepared to die.

Damo asked, "Were there any captives?"

The deputy general replied, "No soldiers surrendered during the battle. Later, when I was clearing the battlefield, I found some severely wounded captives who were still alive."

Damo glanced at Mobi Duo, who was speaking with his subordinates not far away, and asked quietly, "How should these captives be dealt with?"

The Northern Rong Iron Cavalry were remnants who had previously broken through from the Sand Sea Road. Mobi Duo must be feeling deeply troubled. Handing the captives over to him would allow him to account to the Royal Court. However, this Iron Cavalry was defeated by the combined forces of Mobi Duo, Li Xuanzhen, and Li Zhongqian. Moreover, Gaochang had already submitted to the Wei Dynasty, so the disposition of the captives ultimately depended on the stance of Li Yaoying and Li Xuanzhen.

After a moment of contemplation, Yaoying said, "Hand them over to Mobi Duo."

Damo had been thinking the same and nodded in agreement.

The scouts sent out earlier returned one after another. After hearing their reports, everyone entered the council hall. As Li Zhongqian stepped over the threshold, his expression changed slightly, and he clutched his arm with a muffled groan.

"Brother, are you injured?"

Yaoying asked anxiously, untying Li Zhongqian's white robe to find a bandaged wound on his left arm. After the intense battle, the wound must have reopened.

Li Zhongqian downplayed it, saying, "It's just a minor injury from an ambush at Asa Fort when we emerged from the Great Western Sea Route."

Yaoying knew the ambush couldn't have been as simple as he described—he was likely downplaying it to keep her from worrying. Frowning, she summoned a physician and said, "The weather is hot, and the wound shouldn't be left covered. Brother, go tend to your injury first."

Li Zhongqian smiled and muttered under his breath, "Such a bossy little sister."

He chuckled and followed the physician to a side room to clean the wound.

Nearby, Li Xuanzhen looked up, his expression cold as he watched Yaoying's concerned gaze follow Li Zhongqing out.

His own wounds seemed to ache more sharply.

Shortly after, Zheng Jing and a few others hurried in, paying respects to Li Xuanzhen and asking in surprise, "Your Highness, how did you arrive so promptly? What is the situation in Shazhou, Guazhou, and Ganzhou?"

Li Xuanzhen collected himself and ordered his deputy to spread out several parchment maps.

Everyone gathered around the long table, with Yaoying and Damo joining them.

Li Xuanzhen, pale with dark circles under his eyes and a hoarse voice, spoke slowly: "The Northern Rong are in chaos. To reclaim our lost territories, we must strike while the iron is hot. There's no time to delay, or we'll face prolonged battles. The priority now is to seize key strongholds first and gradually recover the other counties. While the Xizhou troops retook Guazhou and Shazhou, I led forces to confront the ten tribes of the Northern Rong at Heishui City, killed their chieftain, annihilated forty thousand enemies, and captured hundreds of their nobles. The Northern Desert region won't see a powerful tribe like the Northern Rong for at least a decade. After that, I joined forces with the Xizhou troops. They remained to guard the cities, while I led the Liangzhou army and other Xizhou troops straight to Yi Province. Only by retaking Yi Province can we truly reopen the Hexi Corridor.""Upon reaching Yi Province, I discovered that the Northern Rong remnants weren't fortifying defenses within the city walls but were instead strangely gathering frantically toward the east." I realized they likely intended to attack Gaochang..."

He paused briefly before continuing, "I left two main forces to cut off the Northern Rong troops' retreat route in Yi Province and brought two thousand cavalry to rush to Gaochang."

The council hall fell silent as everyone stared at Li Xuanzhen in astonishment.

They had been wondering how Li Xuanzhen, who was supposed to be far away in Gua Zhou, could arrive so quickly. After hearing his explanation, their puzzlement turned to disbelief: Li Xuanzhen had led his troops to sweep through the Northern Desert, completely crushing the ten Northern Rong tribes guarding the grasslands. From then on, no powerful force like the Northern Rong that could threaten the Central Plains' Wei Dynasty would emerge from the Northern Desert again.

But that wasn't all - after several bloody battles that altered the world's balance of power, he had managed to force-march thousands of li within half a month in a long-distance assault, directly capturing Yi Province to reclaim the vital passage to the Western Regions, then rushed straight to Gaochang!

He didn't know the situation in Gaochang, nor did he expect to encounter Li Zhongqian and Mobi Duo here. With just two thousand men, he had planned to ambush the main Northern Rong army! Wasn't he afraid of being completely annihilated?

Truly, the Crown Prince possesses extraordinary courage.

After being stunned for quite some time, everyone suddenly realized that the Xizhou troops had opened up Hexi Corridor. Overjoyed, the Gaochang noble youths in the hall couldn't help but roar with excitement.

Amid the cheerful praises, Yaoying remained calm. Pointing toward Yi Province's location, she said, "The Northern Rong remnants have been wiped out. The others escorted Wahan Khan in breaking through the encirclement. Now Yi Province stands isolated without reinforcements. We must seize this opportunity to capture Yi Province as soon as possible."Damo calmed down from his ecstasy, thinking to himself: As expected of Princess Wenzhao." Even with Xizhou troops advancing triumphantly, she remains this composed.

The others also regained their senses, laughing as they said, "We successfully pinned down the Northern Rong remnants this time too. There aren't many Northern Rong troops left in Yi Province anymore. We'll definitely capture Yi Province in one stroke!"

Yaoying said, "Don't let your guard down. Yi Province was once the Northern Rong's Royal Court - it won't be easily taken."

Everyone acknowledged her warning with smiles.

Li Zhongqian, his wounds freshly bandaged, entered the hall. The group decided who would lead troops to Yi Province.

"I shall not fail this mission!"

The general clasped his fists in salute, immediately departing without a moment's delay.

The noble youths had been eager for action all along. Seeing this, they volunteered one after another, requesting to lead troops to Yi Province.

Damo knew Yi Province was now within easy reach and no major changes would occur, so he approved all requests.

After encouraging everyone and watching them depart in high spirits, Yaoying said, "With the eastern front proceeding smoothly, what we need to do next is hold the city firmly, guard against counterattacks from other tribes, and also..."

Li Xuanzhen finished for her: "And cooperate with the Royal Court to pursue the last Northern Rong remnant force."

Without looking at him, Yaoying told Damo: "Yang Qian is probably trapped in Yanqi. We need to send someone there. There's been no news from Baicheng either - Haidu Aling's forces are right outside Baicheng, so Baicheng is likely besieged too. Send scouts to investigate."

Damo nodded.

Li Xuanzhen fell silent.

Yaoying instructed her guards: "Invite Prince Mobi Duo in."Mobi Duo, a long sword at his waist, entered the council hall and exchanged greetings with the assembly before reporting on the war situation: "Several days ago, as I was leading the main army back to the Holy City, I suddenly received a battle report informing me that Gaochang was besieged. General Ashina’s personal guard, Abi, arrived under the Buddha Prince’s orders, instructing me to lead several thousand tribal troops to rescue Gaochang. The Regent arrived soon after and personally led the main army in pursuit of Wahan Khan. The crisis in Gaochang has been resolved, and the Northern Rong now consist only of Wahan Khan’s remaining forces—the rest are no longer a threat."

The assembly suddenly understood: the Royal Court had not dispatched the main army but had instead divided the returning victorious forces, sending one contingent to pursue Wahan Khan and the other to relieve Gaochang. This strategy saved time and avoided placing the Royal Court in danger.

Li Xuanzhen asked, "Does your esteemed Regent know where Wahan Khan has fled? Will the army be able to intercept him in time?"

The others wore expressions of concern.

Haidu Aling had thrown the entire situation into chaos. All remaining Northern Rong forces had converged on Gaochang, while other Western Region troops and tribes had rushed to provide aid. The Regent, Su Dan Gu, had taken command of the army only temporarily. Could he swiftly see through Haidu Aling’s schemes and track down Wahan Khan?

Mobi Duo smiled, his hand resting on his sword. "There is no need to worry. The Buddha Prince has already deduced where Wahan Khan will attempt to break through. The Regent will surely intercept him."

The assembly fell silent for a long moment, exchanging complicated glances.

It was fortunate that the Royal Court’s Buddha Prince was their ally and not their enemy.

By the time the boisterous discussions concluded, the sky had darkened completely. Everyone returned to their quarters to rest.

With the crisis averted, the city did not impose a curfew that night. Colorful lanterns hung high in every ward, and the citizens, who had lived in fear for days, finally felt safe enough to venture out and enjoy themselves. The streets were packed with crowds, bustling with activity.

Yaoying, physically and mentally exhausted, her eyelids heavy, returned to her room and summoned Li Zhongqian’s personal guard to inquire in detail about his injury.

"How did my brother get injured? Was it serious?"

The guard replied, "That day, we had just emerged from the Great Western Sea Route when ambushers suddenly fired arrows. It was an extremely perilous moment. At the critical juncture, Mobi Duo’s personal guard arrived unexpectedly and saved your brother. Your brother only suffered an arrow wound to his arm—it’s not serious... That guard was truly valiant. He charged into the Northern Rong battle formation with his sword and personally slew their commander! He told your brother that Mobi Duo would arrive soon, and indeed, Mobi Duo came shortly after. We joined forces with the prince and later encountered the Crown Prince. That’s how our three groups united..."

He added finally, "Princess, the prince’s guard was injured while saving your brother, and his injuries are more severe. Today, when Mobi Duo was speaking with you, I saw the guard standing in the crowd, looking as if he could barely stay on his feet..."

Yaoying asked, "What is that guard’s name?"

The guard shook his head. "The guard wore a face covering, so we didn’t recognize him. He didn’t leave his name."

Yaoying rubbed her temples and said, "He saved my brother. Take my token to the storeroom, select some blood-nourishing and energy-boosting medicinal herbs and wound treatments, and prepare a generous gift according to custom to send to him. I will personally thank him when I have the time."

The guard acknowledged the order and waited for a moment. Hearing no further instructions, he looked up and noticed Yaoying’s eyelids drooping—she had already drifted into a hazy sleep.

She had been unable to sleep for days and was utterly exhausted.

The guard hurriedly exited the room, signaling the maids outside to attend to the princess and help her settle in. He then went to the storeroom to gather some valuable medicinal herbs and made his way to the quarters where Mobi Duo was staying.Mobi Duo had already retired for the night when he heard that the princess had sent someone over. He immediately got up and asked, "What is it?"

The guard presented generous gifts and explained the purpose of the visit.

Mobi Duo showed a hint of disappointment and smiled, saying, "The princess is too kind. I will accept these gifts on A Bi's behalf."

Early the next morning, Mobi Duo brought the gifts sent by Li Yaoying and found Yuanjue.

"Is A Bi here with you?"

Yuanjue had been taking care of Tanmoroqie all night, his eyes bloodshot. He nodded and said, "He was injured and slept through the night. He just woke up."

Mobi Duo entered the room.

Tanmoroqie was already up, dressed in ordinary guard attire with a face covering. He sat leaning against the couch, wiping his long blade.

Mobi Duo briefly recounted several important matters discussed by everyone the previous night and said, "Things are settled in Gaochang. Princess Wenzhao and the others are planning to attack Yi Province next. Once matters here are handled, I will lead troops to assist the Regent."

Tanmoroqie nodded.

Mobi Duo asked, "What about you?"

Tanmoroqie sheathed his blade. "Don’t worry about me. I will set off immediately to join the Regent."

Mobi Duo didn’t ask further. This A Bi was Bi Suo’s trusted aide, sent by the Buddha Prince to deliver orders, and not under his command.

"By the way, this is from Princess Wenzhao. She is very grateful that you saved the Duke of Wei and said she would come personally to see you."

The guards carried several large gift boxes into the room.

Yuanjue’s eyes widened.

Tanmoroqie’s hand on the hilt twitched slightly, his gaze falling on the packages of medicinal herbs.

Yuanjue’s eyes darted around. After Mobi Duo left, he coughed and rummaged through the boxes, exclaiming, "These are all valuable herbs... The princess is truly thoughtful..."

Before he could finish, Tanmoroqie stood up. "Stay here and handle things. If anything happens, send a message by hawk."

"But your injuries..."

"It’s fine."

Yuanjue hesitated, wanting to say more but not daring to speak, and watched as Tanmoroqie walked out.

Tanmoroqie carried his blade down the stone steps, rounded the corridor, and headed toward the stables. As he passed the corridor outside the council hall, a familiar laugh suddenly drifted from nearby.

It was like morning dew rolling between bodhi leaves.

He paused.

Footsteps and laughter grew closer. At the other end of the corridor, a group of elegantly dressed, tall, and handsome young generals escorted a radiantly beautiful woman as they approached leisurely. Sunlight spilled into the corridor, casting interlaced shadows over her. Her eyes smiled, and she looked much better than she had the day before.

Yesterday, when she rode out of the city, she had been haggard and worn... as if she had lost weight.

The remnants of the Northern Rong had been completely wiped out. She would no longer be in danger.

Tanmoroqie stood lost in thought for a moment, then stepped back behind a pillar, watching as Yaoying and her party entered the council hall.

Li Zhongqian, Li Xuanzhen, Damo, Mobi Duo, and Zheng Jing arrived one after another. Except for Damo, the others were subtly sizing each other up.

Yaoying glanced at Li Zhongqian’s arm. "Did you change the dressing this morning?"

Li Zhongqian nodded, his phoenix eyes suddenly lifting to glance at Li Xuanzhen, just as Li Xuanzhen’s deep, cold gaze met his.

Li Xuanzhen nonchalantly averted his eyes.

Li Zhongqian frowned slightly and looked at Yaoying.

Yaoying was discussing farmland reclamation with Zheng Jing, standing very close to him.

Li Xuanzhen suddenly asked, "Third Brother, isn’t your eldest son’s birthday coming up soon?"

Zheng Jing stiffened, his expression flustered.Though he had not taken a principal wife, he kept concubines in his residence, and one of them had already borne him a firstborn son.

"I..."

He opened his mouth, sweat beading on his forehead.

Yaoying lifted her head, her brows and eyes slightly curved, a bright smile on her face: "Third Young Master, you’ve become a father?"

Zheng Jing looked at her, his palms cold, and nodded.

"Congratulations," Yaoying said with a sincere smile.

Zheng Jing forced a faint smile in return.

Those among them who had once admired Princess Wenzhao had traveled thousands of miles to Gaochang, half to achieve merit and half to fulfill a dream in their hearts—when Princess Wenzhao was sent away for a political marriage, they had been powerless. Now, with the Western Region’s army advancing triumphantly and reclaiming lost territories, they had hoped to bring Princess Wenzhao back to the Central Plains.

Yet they had arrived too late. Princess Wenzhao no longer needed them; she was now the people’s savior.

She remained lofty and unattainable, as distant as ever.

Zheng Jing smiled wryly, pushed aside his thoughts, and continued discussing with Yaoying how to help the people resume production as quickly as possible.

"We must fight the war, but the land must also be farmed. Seeds should be distributed promptly across the regions, irrigation canals dredged... I have already arranged for agricultural manuals to be printed. Each region will appoint two agricultural officials to teach the people how to cultivate cotton and hemp..."

"Is cotton the same as báidié? I noticed the Western Region soldiers wear clothing made of báidié fabric..."

Yaoying nodded: "Báidié cloth is lightweight, soft, and warmer... Currently, the supply is only enough for the Western Region soldiers. With the Hexi Corridor reopened, trade routes will soon be accessible. Once production expands in the future, báidié cloth can be sold as far as Chang’an..."

Everyone listened with rising excitement.

Tanmoroqie stood in the shadows, gazing from afar at the council hall.

This was her world of mortal affairs.

He turned and left.

Inside the council hall, Yaoying felt as though a pair of eyes had been fixed on her for a long time. She abruptly looked up toward the direction of the corridor pillars.

The corner was empty, only scattered fragments of sunlight remained on the ground.

...

Hundreds of miles away.

A dozen riders galloped through a canyon, kicking up clouds of dust. The men on horseback were bloodstained and disheveled, their armor in tatters.

Haidu Aling whipped his horse relentlessly when suddenly the steed let out a series of shrill whinnies, reared up, and threw him violently to the ground.

He tumbled several times in the sand, leaving a trail of blood.

His guards panicked, reined in their horses, and rushed to help him up. "Your Highness, we’ve been riding for days and nights without rest. Even the horses can’t take it anymore!"

Dizzy and trembling, Haidu Aling nodded grimly.

They found a hidden spot to rest, drinking horse blood to quench their thirst. They slaughtered a horse but, fearing pursuit, dared not light a fire. They simply laid the meat on sun-scorched rocks to warm it slightly before devouring it ravenously.

That night, a scout caught up with them: "Your Highness, there are no pursuers behind us!"

Haidu Aling let out a long sigh of relief—they had finally escaped.

Though they had lost ten thousand elite cavalry, Wahan Khan had successfully fled. Haidu Aling had gained prestige and had also uncovered Tanmoroqie’s weakness. The strategy had ultimately succeeded.

After sleeping for two hours, the group continued westward. Suddenly, a fast rider approached at full speed.

A reinforcement guard tumbled off his horse: "Your Highness! The Khan is trapped at Red Mountain! It’s been five days and nights!"

Haidu Aling shuddered, a bad feeling washing over him. "Who has surrounded the Khan?"

"It’s the Royal Court’s army! Led by Regent Su Dan Gu! They have thirty thousand troops!"

Haidu Aling trembled violently, his eyes widening in disbelief. "How is that possible?"The Royal Court was unaware that Wahan Khan was still alive. Mobi Duo's forces had rushed to aid Gaochang, so from which rock did Su Dan Gu and his massive army spring forth?

Could it be that Tanmoroqie had seen through his scheme, deduced that Wahan Khan had not perished, and decisively dispatched Su Dan Gu to intercept the Khan while sending Mobi Duo with troops to Gaochang?

That was impossible...

A chill crept up Haidu Aling's spine. His plan had been flawless—Wahan Khan, under Jin Bo's protection, had advanced unimpeded, on the verge of breaking through the encirclement. The world believed Wahan Khan dead, so why had Tanmoroqie not been deceived?

Even if Tanmoroqie had seen through it, how could he have mobilized forces so swiftly?

A fierce gale swept through, freezing the blood and sweat on Haidu Aling's body into clumps. Suddenly, he understood why Wahan Khan had hesitated during the assault on the Royal Court.

Folklore claimed that as long as Tanmoroqie lived, the Royal Court would remain unbreachable.

Haidu Aling clenched the reins tightly.

A guard asked, "Prince, how can we rescue the Khan from this encirclement of tens of thousands of troops?"

The defending general named Xie Qing held Bai City firmly, and over ten thousand soldiers loyal to Haidu Aling remained blocked outside the city. They had infiltrated the pass disguised as herdsmen, with no reinforcements in sight.

Haidu Aling sneered, "I abandoned my own forces, risked crossing the blockade, and besieged Gaochang solely to create an opportunity for the Khan and Jin Bo. Now everyone knows I led the diversion. Whether the Khan lives or dies is irrelevant."

He had tried to rally the scattered Northern Rong remnants, but the tribal chiefs, proud and unruly, refused to obey him, an outsider. Desperate, he had ventured with a dozen guards to rescue Wahan Khan—not out of gratitude for upbringing, but to establish his authority.

If Wahan Khan truly escaped, he would soon be sidelined and reduced to a puppet. If he failed to break free, Haidu Aling could rightfully command the scattered Northern Rong forces in the Khan's name.

Haidu Aling turned to gaze at the undulating mountains in the distance.

He would return with his army, conquer this land, and claim that woman.

...

As Haidu Aling fled westward without looking back, the gravely wounded Wahan Khan sat on a cliff, his grizzled hair disheveled by the howling wind, his wrinkled face stained crimson with blood.

At the mountain's base, the Royal Court army advanced step by step.

Shields, spears, and crossbows in hand, they encircled the last elite troops around Wahan Khan under their commanders' calm and decisive orders, tightening the noose slowly. Northern Rong cavalry fought desperately, their battle cries piercing the clouds and cracking the stones.

"Father Khan!"

Jin Bo rushed up the cliff, armor shattered, hair wild, voice trembling. "Father Khan, I'll hold them off! You must escape! Aling will send aid!"

Wahan Khan brushed aside his tangled hair and asked, "How many of us remain?"

Jin Bo glanced down the cliff, face pale, too afraid to speak.

During the fierce battle between the Royal Court and Northern Rong armies, he had stayed on Sand Sea Road, thinking he would not be needed. But when Wahan Khan suffered a crushing defeat, he had hidden his troops in the valley, rescued the Khan when Mobi Duo let his guard down, and fled westward with him. During this time, Mobi Duo, believing Wahan Khan dead, had triumphantly withdrawn his forces. Haidu Aling took command of the remaining troops, rallied the survivors, and marched toward Gaochang.He desperately fled with the severely wounded Wahan Khan, and just when it seemed they could break through the encirclement, a Royal Court army pursued them in full force, trapping them there.

The Royal Court army set up camp on the spot but did not launch an immediate attack.

For several days in a row, the Royal Court army remained inactive, as if waiting for something. Jin Bo hoped that Haidu Aling would come to rescue them, but after waiting and waiting, Haidu Aling never arrived. Instead, they were met with the sound of war drums from the Royal Court army.

After a bloody battle, they were forced onto a cliff, and the soldiers fell one after another.

They had nowhere left to flee.

A faint smile flickered across Wahan Khan’s aged face. “Do you remember when I took you to hunt a pack of fierce tigers? Now, we are the ones being hunted… a cornered beast’s last stand.”

Jin Bo’s eyes reddened.

Wahan Khan tightened his grip on his long blade, gazing at the mountain of corpses piled beneath the cliff. “Jin Bo, you should surrender. The Buddha Prince is a man of his word—he will spare my sons.”

Jin Bo trembled, tears streaming down his face. “Father Khan, you should surrender too. The Buddha Prince will not kill you. You could remain a tribal chieftain like the leader of Wujili Bu and continue to enjoy wealth and honor.”

Wahan Khan laughed heartily. “I am the Great Khan of Northern Rong—how could I kneel in surrender?!”

“In this life, I endured humiliation in my youth, slaughtered countless in my prime, and led my people to conquer the entire grassland in my middle years. We started with nothing, then subjugated every tribe—gold, treasures, land, women—we had it all. Countless warriors fell beneath my blade, countless tribes were trampled underfoot, countless women bore me children. My name will echo forever across the steppes, and my descendants will honor my memory. Plunder and conquest are our way of life—born on horseback, dying on horseback. Now that I am defeated, let me meet death with dignity.”

“Remember this: Northern Rong may be defeated, but we will never be tamed.”

Jin Bo wiped his tears incessantly.

Struggling to his feet, Wahan Khan’s armor reflected the fading twilight. Facing the crimson sun about to sink into the valley, he staggered step by step down the cliff.

The pursuing Royal Court soldiers exchanged glances and parted to clear a path.

The battlefield fell abruptly silent as both armies ceased fighting.

Wahan Khan strode through the battle lines, chest held high, continuing forward. The Royal Court forces parted like waves to each side, banners fluttering sharply in the wind. The Regent of the Royal Court rode forth on his steed, his emerald eyes cold as frost.

“Will the Royal Court’s Buddha Prince honor his promise and spare my surviving sons?”

The man nodded.

Standing before the armies, his white hair bathed in brilliant sunset glow, Wahan Khan smiled faintly and raised his blade to take his own life.

Blood sprayed forth. Jin Bo knelt before his corpse, wailing in anguish.

The setting sun bled crimson, the long wind whipping fiercely.

The army remained to clear the battlefield and collect Wahan Khan’s body.

The man sheathed his blade, turned his horse, and rode back to camp, followed closely by Bi Suo.

“No prisoners are to be executed.”

The man spoke, his voice hoarse.

Bi Suo acknowledged the order.

He had disguised himself as the Regent to lead troops in pursuing Wahan Khan, waiting here for days to exhaust the Northern Rong’s provisions and water, completely breaking their will. Just as he prepared to launch the final assault, Tanmoroqie arrived from Gaochang, witnessing Wahan Khan’s heroic end.

Bi Suo sighed inwardly, then smiled. “This time Wahan Khan died before our eyes—there’s absolutely no chance of another mishap. It’s just a pity Haidu Aling didn’t come. I waited for days but found no trace of him. He must have escaped…”

After chattering for a while, he looked up and studied Tanmoroqie’s complexion, his gaze revealing concern.

“You forced your power this time and traveled day and night—you must dissipate it soon…”

As the words left his mouth, Tanmoroqie’s brow twitched, his aura surging violently.

Bi Suo startled, instinctively stepping back several paces.

Tanmoroqie glanced back at him, emerald eyes swirling with killing intent.

Bi Suo’s face paled, cold sweat drenching his body.Sensing his fear, Tanmoroqie turned expressionlessly.

"Lead the army back to the Royal Court."

He removed his armor, donned a face covering to conceal his features, and strode out. Soon, the sound of hoofbeats faded toward the east.

Bi Suo’s heart raced with dread. Steadying himself, he informed his subordinates that the Regent had received a secret report and departed first. After the soldiers finished clearing the battlefield, they were to return to the Royal Court with Wahan Khan’s corpse.

The army set out.

After several major battles, the remaining Northern Rong forces were completely annihilated, except for Haidu Aling, who had fled. To the east, the Wei dynasty successfully reclaimed lost territories and destroyed the Northern Rong’s stronghold. News of the victory spread across the kingdoms.

Wherever Bi Suo’s army passed, tribes celebrated with singing, dancing, and offerings of food and drink, joining in the revelry.

One day, as the army crossed a desolate plain, the sky darkened. A fierce wind rose, and heavy black clouds pressed low, flickering with lightning—a storm seemed imminent.

Traveling in the rain was difficult, so Bi Suo ordered the army to halt and set up camp.

Suddenly, dust billowed in the distance as a troop of riders emerged from a mountain path, several battle flags fluttering in the wind.

Recognizing their banners, Bi Suo rode out to meet them.

The approaching party slowed. One rider broke from the ranks, urged their horse forward, and lifted their veil, revealing dark, luminous eyes fixed on Bi Suo.

"Where is he?"

Holding the reins, she asked.

Bi Suo smiled. "Who does the princess mean?"

Yaoying’s lips curved slightly. "Bi Suo, you know who I mean. The Regent went to Gaochang—he’s injured. Where is he?"

Bi Suo remained silent.

Yaoying lifted her gaze, scanning the army behind him.

"Wahan Khan is dead, and all under heaven rejoice… At a time like this, the Regent hides alone to recover from his wounds… Bi Suo, I won’t cause trouble. I only wish to care for him, to ease his suffering."

A flash of white lightning split the churning clouds, and thunder cracked across the sky.

Bi Suo sighed. "I’ll take you to him."