Yue Linxi's expression stiffened.
Yet Meng Tinghui continued to drink leisurely, asking someone, "They say the southern rebel scourge is severe, and Chuzhou lies at the border of Jiankang and Linhuai routes, but I haven't witnessed any chaos."
The man raised an eyebrow, "Though Chuzhou city remains relatively stable, I've heard from refugees fleeing the Jiankang route that those rebel troops kill anyone they see, violate women, and don't even spare infants in swaddling clothes - truly terrifying! Judging by the current situation, if the court doesn't deploy troops on a large scale, relying solely on these northern Imperial Army forces will likely prove insufficient to quell the rebellion. I suppose His Majesty has considered this too, hence his decision to lead the expedition personally!"
Someone nearby overheard and chimed in, "If His Majesty leads personally, these frontier Imperial Army officers and soldiers would be immensely inspired! Then neither Northern Frontier nor bandits would stand a chance!"
Another added, "If not for Meng Tinghui's defection to the enemy, would our northern Imperial Army have suffered such heavy losses? We might have already dispatched troops south for large-scale suppression! And His Majesty wouldn't need to lead an expedition over great distances, causing anxiety among the populace."
She set down her wine cup and turned to Yue Linxi, "Let's go."
Yue Linxi placed payment for the wine and rose as instructed, accompanying her inward. Hesitantly, he ventured, "That commoner's account of rebel troops slaughtering innocents must be mere fabrication. Your Majesty should not take it to heart."
Meng Tinghui said softly, "Regardless of which troops or who commands them, whenever war occurs, there will inevitably be harassment of civilians and indiscriminate killing. I understand this well - no need to say more."
Her words were decisive and resolute. Hearing them, Yue Linxi secretly admired her, feeling she truly feared no battle, and thus respected her even more. "If the Great Peace Emperor indeed leads the expedition personally, what does Your Majesty think?"
She chuckled lightly, "The Great Peace Emperor lacks military prowess. This is likely just posturing for the Imperial Army's benefit - simply wanting to motivate officers and soldiers to fight courageously. But with his incompetent strategy, how could he possibly achieve victory?"
Yue Linxi asked further, "Though that may be, we still cannot drop our guard. When will Your Majesty inform your servant of the Northern Three Routes' military defenses and strategies? So I can make early preparations."
Meng Tinghui glanced back at him and said indifferently, "Why the hurry? Aren't we entering Jiankang tomorrow? When I meet with the frontline generals, I'll naturally tell you."
·
In the capital.
The Censorate Prison was cold and damp, the air thick with a moldy, rank odor, the ground filthy underfoot.
Zuo Qiurong carried a red lacquer food box in one hand and lifted her long skirt with the other, carefully navigating the dimly lit path before hurrying deeper inside.
At the end stood a horizontal iron gate, guarded by jailers outside.
She quickly drew something from her sleeve and gave some silver pieces to each jailer, whispering, "I've come on behalf of Academician Fang from the Imperial Academy."
The jailers stepped aside, opened the gate to let her in, then locked it heavily behind her.
Once inside, she stood motionless at the doorway, clutching the food box, staring fixedly at the man within.
Yin Qing lay supine on the dry straw covering the cell floor, his figure emaciated, eyes shut tight. Hearing someone enter, he remained completely still.
Zuo Qiurong stood for a long while before silently approaching him. She knelt, unpacking the food box and arranging dishes one by one beside him.
In the faint light, he slowly opened his eyes. Recognizing her, he frowned.She lowered her head and said, "Lord Fang mentioned that you were imprisoned and interrogated because your writing while compiling historical records was deemed inappropriate and offended the Emperor."
He stared at her with a cold gaze, not uttering a word.
She continued, "Lord Fang is also worried about you. After hearing of this matter, he joined several other scholars in submitting a joint petition to plead your case before the Emperor. However, the entire court has been overwhelmed with preparations for the Emperor’s personal campaign, so it’s no surprise the Emperor paid no heed. Even the Chief Administrators in the Secretariat have no time to attend to your case. Please endure a few more days here—Lord Fang will find a way to secure your release."
"No need," he finally spoke, his voice hoarse. "Tell Lord Fang not to trouble himself further. It’s useless."
She silently raised her head, studying him carefully in the dim light. Suddenly, her eyes glistened with tears as she cautiously asked, "They... they haven’t tortured you, have they?"
Seeing her expression, a wave of irritation surged within him. He muttered softly, "Leave."
She retreated half a step, steadying herself before saying, "This... this food is fresh. Please eat some..."
He shot her an impatient glance, a flicker of anger rising in his heart. "I am now a prisoner, no longer the refined scholar who composed poetry. Are you blind or foolish?"
Her eyes slowly fell, tears silently streaming down her face as she choked back a sob. "I pleaded with Lord Fang for a long time before he persuaded Vice Censor-in-Chief Liao to allow me to visit you. Let me stay a little longer—don’t send me away, please?"
Her tears, clear and crystalline, fell onto the filthy prison floor, stirring something deep within him—yet he forcibly suppressed it.
He turned away, closing his eyes, neither looking at her nor speaking another word.
She remained quietly by his side, watching him for a long time without a sound. Finally, she gently closed the food container and prepared to leave.
Suddenly, he asked, "Has the Emperor’s departure date been set?"
"In three days," she replied softly.
So, he had three days left to live.
With his eyes closed, he envisioned the scene of thousands of troops and thundering hooves, sighing inwardly with despair.
In his daze, he suddenly felt a cool touch on his forehead.
He instantly opened his eyes and saw her face close to his, startling him. "You..."
She had kissed his forehead. Biting her lip, she said, "You... please don’t oppose the Emperor, alright?" Her eyes grew moist again, shining like pearls in the darkness, abruptly illuminating his heart. "I don’t know how you offended the Emperor, but His Majesty has always been benevolent and wise. He would never impose such a severe punishment on a scholar over mere writings. Your crime does not warrant death—why force yourself to die? If you die... I won’t be able to bear it." She wept softly, "Please don’t die, alright?"
Facing her tears, his chest tightened with a sudden heaviness. In that moment, he recalled the evening when that lavishly dressed man spoke of Meng Tinghui—the emotion in his eyes, the ruthlessness in his words.
No one in this world deserves to die.
It was true then, and it is even truer now.
It holds for the common people, and even more so for Meng Tinghui.
Clenching his fist slightly, he said to her, "Alright. When you leave, inform Lord Liao on my behalf that I wish to see the Emperor."
·
The journey westward from Chuzhou to Jiankang proceeded smoothly.As Yue Linxi had mentioned earlier, no sooner had they crossed into Jiankang Road's territory than a contingent of gray-clad, dark-armored troops arrived to escort her within thirty li.
Yue Linxi introduced the leading commanders to her one by one. She acknowledged each with unruffled composure, then proceeded alongside them with a touch of aloofness.
The road became much easier to travel after continuing south from Jiankang Road.
The Rebel Army had recently captured several key prefectural cities along Jiankang Road, and their morale was currently at its peak. Though the scenes along the way weren't as dire as the old man at the Chu Province inn had described, the evidence of plunder and devastation remained starkly visible.
Meng Tinghui's expression remained impassive throughout the journey. Only when they stopped to rest in Yongzhou City did she finally instruct Yue Linxi, "I wish to speak with these generals."
Yue Linxi complied and soon brought them before her.
She sat quietly in the seat of honor, watching them bow to her below before smiling faintly. "There's no need for formalities. Please be seated, generals."
The key ministers from the Central Wan remnants were still awaiting her arrival in Shu Province. Though these men commanded troops, they held no significant authority. Hearing her warm tone, they hastily expressed their unworthiness.
After studying each one carefully, Meng Tinghui continued, "I don't know whom you normally take orders from, but since you've come before me today, I must intervene with a question."
"Regarding the soldiers' plundering of civilians along Jiankang Road—was this done with your permission, or did your subordinates act recklessly?" She posed the question bluntly, not waiting for them to speak first.
The generals exchanged uneasy glances, hesitating to respond.
Yue Linxi, standing nearby, showed a flicker of unease but remained silent.
Meng Tinghui could read their expressions perfectly. Without mincing words, she declared, "You raise high the banner of restoration, constantly decrying the new Great Peace Emperor's incompetence and Prince Ping's lack of virtue, claiming to seek welfare for all living beings. Yet now, not content with capturing cities and strongholds, you harass the people and plunder civilians—is this what you call seeking the people's welfare?"
Seeing them still hanging their heads in silence, she sneered coldly. "If this continues, even if Central Wan is restored, how could we possibly hold this territory? Now that I've undertaken the mission of restoration, I cannot permit such rebellious acts that tarnish the reputation of the Central Wan Imperial Descendant."
Yue Linxi turned to the generals. "The Monarch speaks truth. You must strictly discipline your troops against further harassment of civilians, or face severe punishment!"
They all assented and withdrew.
Yue Linxi turned back. "The Monarch has endured much travel fatigue these past days. Now that we've reached territory under our army's control, you may rest assured."
He bowed to take his leave, but Meng Tinghui stopped him.
Gazing steadily at him, she said, "Wait. I have more to say to you."
Yue Linxi stood with bowed head. "Please speak, Monarch."
Shifting to a more comfortable position, she said softly, "I know those generals complied just now only out of fear of your influence, Yue Linxi—it had nothing to do with me as Monarch."
His expression darkened. "Monarch, these words..."Meng Tinghui smiled, "What, do you find my words too blunt?" Seeing him fall silent, she continued, "After all these years of navigating the Great Peace court, I’ve learned to discern the nature of power and human hearts. Though I am a descendant of the Meng line, here I have neither foundation nor trusted allies. Why would those holding military power obey me? You honor and treat me well only because you wish to use my imperial descendant status for your grand scheme. As for what exactly is to be done, would you truly let me dictate terms?"
Yue Linxi let out a soft sigh.
She said, "You, Yue Linxi, are a pillar among the remaining ministers of Central Wan. You personally went to the Northern Frontier to instigate turmoil among the three states—your status is indeed different. But the reason you still follow my words now is simply because I possess knowledge of the Great Peace Imperial Army’s military affairs. In truth, even if you were to find someone to impersonate the Central Wan Imperial Descendant for your rebellion and restoration, it would still be feasible. Yet you went to the trouble of bringing me all the way from the Great Peace court to this place, precisely because you value my understanding of the Great Peace court’s political and military affairs. Am I right?"
He nodded frankly. "Yes."
She chuckled lightly. "In that case, once you’ve obtained from me the details of the Great Peace military and governance, would you still honor and respect me as you do now? Surely, you would elevate me in name only, leaving me as a mere puppet with the shell of an imperial descendant. Since I see through this, why would I easily let you learn everything?"
Yue Linxi frowned slightly. "I have long heard of Your Majesty’s wisdom and intelligence, and today I understand it in detail. Since that is the case, Your Majesty, please speak plainly about what you desire."
Meng Tinghui’s smile faded, and she said solemnly, "I, Meng Tinghui, have always been greedy for power and influence. Since you intend to enthrone me to restore the empire, I must firmly secure this imperial position. Now, the Great Peace Emperor is personally leading the campaign—this is not merely an affair of the Northern Three Routes but concerns all twenty-eight routes of the Great Peace. Though I will not disclose the detailed deployments of the Great Peace Imperial Army, I can ensure your forces achieve victory, provided you follow my commands."
Seeing Yue Linxi hesitate, she added, "You witnessed with your own eyes the Northern Frontier’s recapture of Golden Gorge Pass—I would never deceive you. Moreover, I am now despised by the world; the Great Peace court will never take me back. You need not suspect that I would change my mind midway and abandon this place to return to the Great Peace."
Yue Linxi said gravely, "The Great Peace brought about the destruction of Your Majesty’s nation and family—this subject would never doubt that Your Majesty would return to them."
"Very good." Meng Tinghui relaxed her expression. "If you are willing to follow my plans, once the restoration is accomplished, the benefits you gain will far exceed what you have now. As for my identity, it need not be revealed to the world for the time being. This will make the Great Peace ruler and ministers believe I am in the Northern Frontier, so they will not heavily fortify against our army but instead divert their main forces northward to reinforce border defenses. Our army can then seize the opportunity to advance south and capture their key towns."
Yue Linxi remained silent for a long time, then gave a slight nod.
She looked somewhat weary as she said, "The agreement with the Northern Frontier was set by me. After this campaign of capturing cities and territories, even if you wish to replace me with someone else, the Northern Frontier army will not comply."
He looked up, his gaze sharp. "With such strategic insight, no one could possibly replace Your Majesty. When in the Northern Frontier, I only knew of Your Majesty’s eloquence, but today I see you are truly a heroine.""Withdraw." Meng Tinghui's expression remained serene, yet she added, "You, Yue Linxi, are no ordinary scholar—what you seek surely transcends common fame and fortune?"
Yue Linxi cast a deep glance at her, then bowed and retreated.
After resting in Yongzhou city for three days, they resumed their journey southward.
The further south they traveled, the more severe the rebel infestations along Jiankang Route became. Most major towns and forts had already fallen to the Rebel Army. The Great Peace Imperial Army, having suffered consecutive defeats and lacking effective tactics to suppress the rebels, grew increasingly hesitant to advance recklessly upon hearing of renewed northern border conflicts.
While passing through Qiongzhou, definitive news arrived: the Great Peace Emperor had departed the capital northward on August twentieth, personally leading 130,000 imperial troops from the capital region circuits on a royal expedition.
Beyond the capital circuits, seven additional routes—including Fengqing, Yongxing, and Pingde to the west; Heyang South and North Routes to the north; and Beiliang and Zhongning Routes to the east—were also mobilizing forces northward. Great Peace appeared poised to deploy its entire national strength against the Northern Frontier.
Within ten days, northern reports confirmed that Han Peng, the valiant Great Peace general, had captured Suizhou.
The Northern Frontier amassed troops toward Linhuai Route, attempting to force Han Peng's division to retreat. Meanwhile, Di Nian's long-stationed forces launched another assault on Golden Gorge Pass.
Though the Great Peace Imperial Army made repeated advances in the northern borderlands, their failure to launch large-scale offensives against nearly 100,000 rebels south of Jiankang, Chaoan, and Linhuai Routes remained puzzling.
As the world situation shifted dramatically, Yue Linxi repeatedly sought Meng Tinghui's counsel. She ultimately ordered him to deploy the Chaoan North Circuit garrison westward against Chengfu Route while commanding Linhuai Route forces to cease operations and observe developments.
Approaching Shu Province, the landscape grew increasingly mountainous, making travel arduous.
Despite being deep in Zhongwan territory, Yue Linxi remained cautious, unwilling to relax vigilance until reaching Shu Province. He dispatched nearly a thousand additional troops for escort duty.
For convenience, Meng Tinghui had long abandoned her carriage in favor of horseback, progressing slowly with her guard detail.
Early autumn winds carried a slight chill, scattering layered petals and leaves across the mountain path. War had emptied all roadside dwellings, leaving the autumn scenery beautiful yet unappreciated.
Several dozen li beyond the border county, with no villages ahead or behind by midday, Yue Linxi ordered the party to rest roadside, concerned for Meng Tinghui's fatigue.
Soon, however, a scout cavalryman galloped back in alarm, whispering urgently to Yue Linxi.
Yue Linxi's face tightened. "Confirmed?!" he exclaimed, then ordered, "Investigate further!"
The soldier hurried off on his mission.
Meng Tinghui, who had been dozing against a pine tree, rose and lifted her skirts. "What troubles us?" she inquired, eyebrows raised.
Yue Linxi approached, lowering his voice. "Scouts report Great Peace Imperial Army activity ten li ahead."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
This was heartland territory for Zhongwan remnant rebels, with military networks interlinked throughout. However capable the Great Peace Army might be, they couldn't possibly penetrate so deeply. Moreover, she'd received no reports of their operations in Jiankang Route during her southward journey. Why would imperial troops appear here unexpectedly?
Unless...
Nearby prefectures must have newly erupted in conflict, with battle reports yet to arrive while imperial forces already advanced this far. Her eyes flickered upward to meet Yue Linxi's grave expression—clearly sharing her suspicion.
If true, their escort of under a thousand troops would likely prove inadequate against the imperial forces ten li away.As she pondered, another scout cavalry returned, reporting the same as before—that the Great Peace Imperial Army appeared to number only a few thousand cavalry, likely a vanguard scouting party advancing in their direction.
Meng Tinghui mounted her horse and urgently said to Yue Linxi, "Have our troops take cover in the forest on the mountain. There’s a path below; those Great Peace Imperial Army soldiers might bypass us along the foot of the hill."
Yue Linxi nodded and swiftly relayed the orders.
From her saddle, she gazed into the distance, already able to discern faint clouds of dust stirred by the wind, beneath which tiny dark figures moved rapidly across the yellow sand.
Yue Linxi advised from beside her, "Your Majesty should also take cover."
"No," Meng Tinghui frowned. "We must first identify whose troops these are before deciding our next move." With a low command, she urged her horse forward, climbing to the hilltop before halting.
Yue Linxi followed, reining in his horse behind her, and joined her in surveying the distant scene.
Gradually, the dark figures grew larger—indeed, several thousand cavalry charging forward. Sunlight glinted sharply off their iron armor, and their warhorses advanced silently, their distinctive chain-mail barding gleaming—a hallmark of the Great Peace Imperial Army.
The formation moved swiftly, and several deep purple military banners flashed past within the ranks, fluttering in the wind—standards reserved exclusively for the Imperial Army cavalry from the capital region!
Seeing this, Meng Tinghui’s heart tightened abruptly.
If so, the Great Peace Imperial Army appearing here must be troops under the Emperor’s personal command, having followed the campaign this far, now poised to launch a major offensive against the bandits in Jiankang Circuit.
The thought of His Majesty’s presence in Jiankang Circuit instantly overwhelmed her, leaving no room to wonder how these troops had penetrated so deeply—her mind fixated solely on his whereabouts.
Yue Linxi leaned closer and asked, "Your Majesty, have you identified whose troops these are?"
Meng Tinghui snapped back to attention, forcing composure as she replied, "They must be Imperial Army forces from Fengqing Circuit—nothing to worry about. Their vanguard is too small to determine whose command they’re under."
Yue Linxi frowned deeply. "Who knows which nearby prefecture or county the Great Peace Imperial Army has attacked? We’re nearly at Shu Province, yet we encounter their troops blocking our path here. Truly vexing."
She pressed her lips together. "Let’s not alert the enemy. If these troops spot soldiers hiding on the mountain, the consequences would be dire."
A strong wind swept dust across the land, and soon, iron-clad soldiers flashed past on the narrow path below.
Yue Linxi sighed softly. "Pity we have only a thousand troops now—otherwise, this would be an ideal spot for an ambush."
Meng Tinghui focused intently on the distant troops, noting their gradual slowdown. Soon, sounds of reins being pulled and horses halting echoed, followed by the soldiers forming orderly ranks at the mountain’s base, advancing no further.
She lowered her gaze slightly, sighing inwardly.
Even Yue Linxi could deduce such tactics—how could the Great Peace Imperial Army be unaware? Moreover, the capital’s Imperial Army represented the elite of the Great Peace forces, each soldier and commander exceptionally skilled in warfare.
She had assumed the Emperor’s personal expedition would lead the capital’s Imperial Army straight to the northern frontier—never expecting them to come to this chaos-ridden region plagued by bandits.
The clip-clop of fast hooves echoed again from the narrow path below as several riders who had previously charged through galloped back, leaping to the front of the formation.
Yue Linxi looked concerned. "It seems these Great Peace officers also fear ambushes from both mountains. What if they change course and ascend the hill?"Commotion suddenly arose from the formation as someone spurred their horse forward. After receiving reports from the several Scout Cavalry riders, the figure turned back to the ranks and issued orders left and right. Within moments, the thousands of troops began turning layer by layer like waves, appearing to retreat.
Meng Tinghui remarked softly, "These troops are merely the vanguard sent to scout the route. They likely won't cross the mountains rashly and will return to join the main force."
Seeing there was truly nothing to worry about, Yue Linxi finally relaxed his expression and nodded, "Let's go."
She immediately tugged the reins to turn around, but in that moment of turning back, she caught sight of another rider emerging from the cavalry formation far below the mountain.
The warhorse’s coat was glossy black all over, its tall and sturdy frame clad in chainmail armor, making it appear even more indestructible.
The rider wore light armor that shimmered faintly, a long spear in hand, a cold-glinting sword at his waist, and pheasant feathers on his helmet swaying gently in the wind. That resolute and handsome bearing—even after countless days and nights had passed—
Still made her lose herself in a single glance.
The howling autumn wind pierced through her robes, body, and limbs, causing her crimson skirt to flutter lightly and stirring a tempestuous surge in her heart.
The sky was adorned with colorful clouds reflecting the sun, the azure expanse thin and clear, yet the surroundings seemed to pale, to fade… until nothing held any color but him.
She stood rigidly on her horse, knowing she ought to leave, yet unwilling to depart just like that.
That horse, that man.
He guided his horse to the front of the mountain, the silver tip of his long spear sinking into the ground as he surveyed the narrow path once more.
Through the steep mountains, verdant trees, falling blossoms, and delicate moss, she stared unblinkingly at his every move. Here she was, high above, commanding troops, beautiful and noble, yet she could not take a single step closer to him.
Not even call out to him.
Yue Linxi noticed her unusual demeanor and immediately turned to approach, asking, "Is there something amiss?"
She replied softly, "Nothing."
Yue Linxi followed her gaze and inquired further, "Does Your Majesty recognize that young commander?"
She shook her head, answering briskly, "I do not know him. I only worry that, as he examines this mountain pass, he might lead his troops back up this path."
Her heart pounded like a drum.
Heavy and rapid, beat after beat.
It hurt.
She had never imagined that he would personally lead these several thousand cavalrymen to spearhead the advance. If anything were to happen along the way, how could his imperial person endure it!
Resolute, she intended to retreat, but the black steed suddenly reared and turned its head, his gaze slicing through the wind like a flying blade.
Directly into her eyes.
Despite the height and distance, he had still spotted her, and then his gaze locked onto her, never withdrawing.
Her entire body began to tremble.
He had seen her.
But how could he see her here and now!
And how could she, Meng Tinghui, be seen by him here and now?
She ought to be in the Northern Frontier, ought to continue bearing the name of a traitor who defected to the enemy, ought to vanish forever from his sight, never to meet again in this lifetime.
In an instant, her mind went blank, her usual composure and calm nowhere to be found.
Her palms were drenched in sweat.
His appearance had disrupted everything she had meticulously planned.
She truly had not expected such an improbable coincidence in this world…
Yue Linxi stood by her side, gazing down the mountain with her. She could not let Yue Linxi know that he was the emperor of Great Ping, or else Yue Linxi would surely dispatch orders to Yizhou to mobilize troops, trapping his several thousand men in this area. Nor could she let him discover the nearly thousand Rebel Army soldiers concealed in the forest behind her, or else a fierce battle would be unavoidable, and the situation would spiral beyond her control.
So she dared not move, dared not make a sound, dared not even look away. She feared he might do something in the next moment that she could not handle.
Yet he merely stood there, head tilted slightly, eyes bright, gazing at her motionlessly.
He stood there watching her, and behind him, the eyes of thousands of cavalrymen burned like fire through the wind, all directed toward her.Her body burned with fever, then chilled, her back drenched in cold sweat.
His figure stood tall and straight like an ancient frost-covered pine, sharp and cold as a blade, proud and unyielding as he waited below, blocking her path, cutting off all roads she might take from this day forward.
Even if she had a thousand strategies and ten thousand schemes, upon encountering his Iron Armor, there was no room left for any of them to unfold.
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