The Prisoner of Beauty

Late at night, Zhu Zeng lay awake, his mind preoccupied with the impending battle.

Donning his outer robe, he stepped out of his tent to find the snow had ceased. The sky above was pitch black, as if splashed with ink, and the sprawling military camp stretched for miles, its end lost to sight.

In the profound silence, the urgent strains of bamboo flutes and strings from the direction of Xing Xun's central command tent stood out starkly.

Even at such a distance, the music drifted over intermittently.

In a camp where the horns of war were about to sound, such discordant noise was utterly out of place.

Zhu Zeng listened intently for a moment, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

While he was grateful to have left Xing Xun's ranks in time to join Yue Zheng Gong, a faint unease lingered within him.

On the eve of a major battle, Xing Xun displayed such arrogance and underestimation of the enemy, indulging in nightly revelries. Meanwhile, Yue Zheng Gong seemed to be conserving his strength, approaching the coming conflict with caution.

Though unspoken, Zhu Zeng had discerned this clearly.

Though the allied forces claimed to outnumber Wei Shao's troops twofold, presenting an overwhelming advantage, their supreme commanders were flawed—one blinded by hubris, the other harboring selfish motives and holding back.

Had their opponent been an ordinary man, this might not have mattered much; sheer numbers alone could have crushed him.

But now, they faced Wei Shao, the hegemon of the north.

Though Zhu Zeng had never met Wei Shao, he was well acquainted with the tales surrounding this man.

Had Wei Shao been an easy adversary, he would never have achieved his current status at the mere age of twenty-four or twenty-five.

No territory was won without effort. Even those who inherited their domains had to fight battle after battle to secure them.

Wei Shao was undoubtedly a formidable foe.

Xing Xun was beyond hope, but Zhu Zeng resolved to find an opportunity to caution Yue Zheng Gong.

Since they had joined this northern campaign, they must commit fully, seizing this chance to annihilate Wei Shao's forces and prevent any possibility of his resurgence.

With these thoughts, Zhu Zeng turned back to his tent, extinguishing the lamp and retiring to bed.

While he lay restless with concern for the war, not far away in another tent, another man also found no sleep that night.

As one of Yue Zheng Gong's strategists, Zhang Yan, though not renowned for grand stratagems, had over the years proposed many plans that contributed to key victories in securing Hanzhong, earning him considerable trust.

But now, he felt his position growing precarious.

Zhu Zeng was rapidly replacing him as Yue Zheng Gong's most valued advisor.

From his perspective, Zhang Yan naturally hoped for Yue Zheng Gong's victory in this northern campaign.

Yet he also knew that if Wei Shao were truly defeated, Zhu Zeng's irreplaceable standing with their lord would be cemented forever.

A sense of anxiety gnawed at him.

Late into the night, he still sat by candlelight, poring over a military manual. Suddenly, the crunch of footsteps on snow sounded outside his tent. A subordinate lifted the flap and announced that the gate guards had reported the arrival of a man named Rong Yan, who sought an audience despite the late hour.

Zhang Yan was taken aback.

Rong Yan was an old acquaintance from their days serving together in Luoyang years ago.

At that time, Rong Yan had risen to the position of Chief Justice but was forced to flee after offending Xing Xun.

Though not close friends, they had occasionally interacted due to their shared interest in seal carving.

Zhang Yan had once lamented Rong Yan's plight.

Later, he too had switched allegiances to Yue Zheng Gong. After all these years, he never expected Rong Yan to visit him so late at night.

After a moment's contemplation, he ordered the man to be brought in.Rong Yan entered the tent with a cheerful smile. "Brother Yiliang, it's been many years since we parted in Luoyang. How have you been all this time?"

Zhang Yan sized him up with a perfunctory response, his mind already guessing that Rong Yan likely came from Wei Shao's opposing camp.

He hesitated for a moment, debating whether to call in guards and have him bound.

"An old friend comes to reminisce, and yet you consider binding me to present before your lord for merit?" Rong Yan laughed openly.

Zhang Yan flushed and quickly replied, "Brother Changlu, you misunderstand me!"

Given their past friendship, though they now served different masters, binding him was indeed unthinkable. He said, "Brother Changlu, I presume you serve Wei Shao now. With our armies at war, what brings you here so late at night?"

Rong Yan's smile faded, replaced by solemnity as he bowed deeply to Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan hurriedly steadied him. "Brother, why such a grand gesture? You honor me too much!"

Rong Yan then spoke quietly, "To be frank, I come to pledge myself to the Marquis of Hanzhong."

Zhang Yan was taken aback.

"Brother, you may not know this, but years ago I left office to join Wei Shao, hoping to fulfill my ambitions under a great leader. Yet Wei Shao is but a hollow name—short-sighted and ignorant, unwilling to employ me. To this day, I remain merely a lowly campaign officer. That aside, now he overestimates himself, daring to pit his three hundred thousand troops against the allied forces of Xing Xun and the Marquis of Hanzhong. It’s like an egg striking a rock—a path to ruin. A wise man knows when to change course. Xing Xun is no option, but the Marquis of Hanzhong rises like the sun, destined to soar to greatness. My heart yearns to serve him. Yet I regret having no merit to offer and no means to approach him. Fortunately, I learned that Brother Yiliang is now the Marquis’s indispensable right hand. Seeing my chance, I fled Wei Shao’s camp under cover of night to seek you out! I beg you, for the sake of our old friendship, to introduce me."

He unfurled a piece of parchment on the table. "As a campaign officer, I had access to the command tent. This is a map I secretly copied—Wei Shao’s battle strategy. It details troop deployments and supply routes for Liyang, Fanjin, and the Huangchi granaries. I offer this as proof of my commitment!"

Zhang Yan examined the meticulously annotated map and rejoiced. "Brother Changlu, your talents were wasted before, but now you walk the righteous path. My lord thirsts for capable men—how could he turn you away?" He rolled up the map and was about to take Rong Yan to see Le Zhenggong when Rong Yan stopped him. At the tent entrance, Rong Yan peeked outside, then returned to whisper in his ear, "I have another secret to share. Days ago, I overheard Wei Shao and his strategist Gongsun Yang speaking privately. They mentioned Zhu Zeng’s name. Guards approached, so I left hastily, catching only fragments. It seems Zhu Zeng, having fled Luoyang after falling out with Xing Xun, first sought refuge with Wei Shao, who employed him before he joined the Marquis of Hanzhong. I suspect he’s Wei Shao’s spy!"

Zhang Yan was first stunned, then ecstatic. He seized Rong Yan’s sleeve. "Is this true?"

Rong Yan replied gravely, "I cannot swear to it, as I didn’t hear everything. But the suspicion remains. I hesitated to speak, yet the stakes are too high. I thought it best to warn you first. Keep this secret and observe Zhu Zeng discreetly, lest my partial hearing wrongly tarnish an innocent man."Zhang Yan's excitement surpassed even what he had felt upon seeing the map earlier. Pacing rapidly around the tent several times, he seemed to reach a decision. Clenching his right fist, he struck his left palm resolutely and declared, "As you say, brother, this matter is of utmost importance, and we cannot afford the slightest hesitation! I must report to our lord immediately and urge him to be on high alert, lest he fall victim to Wei Shao's treacherous schemes!"

With that, he led Rong Yan secretly to the central command tent.

Le Zhengong was roused from his rest.

Zhang Yan brought Rong Yan before him and explained their purpose, lavishing praise in the process.

Rong Yan stepped forward to pay his respects.

With the great battle imminent, both sides had been sending spies to gather intelligence. Le Zhengong had naturally collected some reports about Wei Shao's troop movements and formations, though most were fragmentary at best.

By the candlelight, he scrutinized the map Rong Yan had presented, comparing it silently with the intelligence he possessed. The overlapping details matched perfectly, confirming its authenticity.

Rong Yan's reasons for defecting were also entirely plausible.

Le Zhengong was ready to believe him on the spot.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yan then brought up the matter of Zhu Zeng. Instantly, doubt crept in. After a long silence, Le Zhengong suddenly changed his expression, hurled the map to the ground, and roared, "Does Wei Shao take me for a fool? Clearly, you were sent by him to feign surrender and sow discord! Such tricks cannot deceive me!"

He loudly ordered his guards to seize Rong Yan, bind him, and execute him outside the camp gates.

Zhang Yan turned pale with shock and hurriedly pleaded for mercy on Rong Yan's behalf.

But Le Zhengong remained silent, his expression dark.

Rong Yan was bound by Le Zhengong's personal guards and dragged out without uttering a word in his own defense. Instead, he laughed wildly all the way to the camp gates, still laughing even as the executioner's blade rested on his neck.

Le Zhengong then ordered him brought back and said coldly, "Facing death, you still dare to mock me? Do you think our army's dignity means nothing? However, I have always respected men of iron will. Though you are a spy, you have earned my regard. If you confess truthfully, I may spare your life!"

Only then did Rong Yan stop laughing. Raising his head, he retorted coldly, "Since you don't believe me, what more is there to say? It's a pity. I heard you were a master of strategy, a rare and illustrious leader. A man's purpose in life is to achieve greatness, and it was this admiration that drove me to risk stealing Wei Shao's map to pledge my loyalty. Yet you are suspicious and distrustful, a mere shadow of your reputation—far inferior to Wei Shao! I misjudged you, and now it's too late for regrets. Kill me if you will—do you think I fear death?"

"My lord! I swear on my life that Brother Changlu is no spy for Wei Shao! Earlier, he only voiced his suspicions to me and even urged me not to report them to you, lest we wrong Zhu Zeng's innocence! I can vouch for Changlu!" Zhang Yan interjected, his agitation evident.

Le Zhengong stared at Rong Yan for a long moment, the storm in his expression gradually clearing. Suddenly, he burst into laughter, picked up the map he had thrown aside, and stepped forward to grasp Rong Yan's arms firmly. "That was merely a test!" he exclaimed joyfully. "Changlu is a true hero, and your boldness has won my admiration! From now on, I have gained another worthy minister—this is heaven's blessing!"

Only then did Rong Yan smile. He performed the rites of greeting anew, and Le Zhengong conferred an official rank upon him. Zhang Yan, still anxious, reminded him, "My lord, the matter of Zhu Zeng cannot be delayed. We must summon him for questioning at once!"

Le Zhengong fell into thought.

His decision to abandon Luoyang and support Xing Xun's northern campaign had been entirely based on Zhu Zeng's counsel.

With the great battle imminent and Wei Shao at a disadvantage, it was highly suspicious that a defector would arrive at such a critical moment, bringing accusations against Zhu Zeng.

That was why he had tested Rong Yan earlier.At this moment, though he believed Rong Yan had come to surrender sincerely, he remained half-convinced and half-doubting about Zhu Zeng being a spy.

Or perhaps, he simply didn’t want to believe it.

So he said, “As you just mentioned, you didn’t hear Wei Shao and Gongsun Yang’s entire conversation. Let’s not alarm anyone yet. I have my own considerations.”

He then instructed Rong Yan to stay out of sight for the next few days.

Though Zhang Yan was unwilling to wait, itching to capture Zhu Zeng and expose him immediately, he dared not speak further. Thus, he withdrew along with Rong Yan.

By the next day, Le Zhengong summoned Zhu Zeng to the main tent, making no mention of the previous night’s events. Instead, he casually discussed battle strategies, laughing and chatting as if nothing had happened.

Zhu Zeng had no idea he was already under suspicion. When asked about the war, he listed Xing Xun’s military shortcomings, strongly advising Le Zhengong not to underestimate the enemy and to concentrate forces here for a decisive battle.

Le Zhengong outwardly agreed but inwardly grew more suspicious.

Several days passed, and the blizzard finally ceased. Le Zhengong intensified preparations for battle. But early that morning, a commotion erupted outside his tent.

Le Zhengong stepped out to find Ding Qu gripping a long halberd, leading a group of followers who seemed intent on forcing their way in. They were blocked by Le Zhengong’s son, Le Zhengjun, and his men.

Tensions flared, with both sides on the verge of a fight.

Ding Qu, though renowned for his unmatched ferocity, was arrogant and overbearing. Now that Xing Xun had declared himself emperor, Ding Qu had been ennobled and promoted, making him even more insufferable.

The recent conflict between the two armies had been sparked by Ding Qu’s men forcibly seizing firewood and charcoal from Le Zhengong’s side.

Since Xing Xun had proclaimed himself emperor and Le Zhengong was now following his campaign, he couldn’t afford to openly oppose Ding Qu.

Thus, when he heard of the incident, Le Zhengong ordered his men not to resist and let Ding Qu take what he wanted.

But the resentment festered in his heart.

Suppressing his anger now, he commanded Le Zhengjun to stand down. “General Ding, what brings you here so early?”

Ding Qu strode up to Le Zhengong and declared haughtily, “By His Majesty’s order, I’ve come to demand a head!”

Le Zhengong frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

Ding Qu sneered. “Does the Marquis of Hanzhong take His Majesty for a fool? Zhu Zeng offended the emperor and fled to your camp. How dare you shelter him?”

Le Zhengong had been careful not to let Zhu Zeng appear in public during military banquets or strategy meetings, precisely because Xing Xun was nearby.

He had no idea how Xing Xun had found out.

After a brief pause, he replied, “So that’s the matter. Zhu Zeng deeply regrets his past offense against His Majesty. Allow me to have him write a letter of apology, which I will then present to His Majesty. You may return for now.”

Ding Qu shook his halberd, its iron rings clattering loudly, and barked, “You’re nothing but a petty warlord! How dare you defy the emperor’s command?”

Le Zhengong commanded a formidable armored army and had marched here solely to join forces against Wei Shao. He didn’t even hold Xing Xun in high regard—let alone Ding Qu.

He had already tolerated Ding Qu’s provocations repeatedly. Seeing him push his luck now, Le Zhengong scoffed coldly. “What imposing authority you wield, General! The world knows well of your heroic reputation from the first battle at Hulao Ford against Wei Shao. I, too, admired it greatly.”

During that first battle at Hulao Ford, Ding Qu had been utterly routed, barely escaping with his life. Though he blamed it on momentary underestimation, it remained a humiliating disgrace. That was why he later fought desperately to escort Xing Xun out of encirclement, barely salvaging some dignity.

Now that Le Zhengong had publicly stripped him of his pride, shame and fury burned in Ding Qu’s chest.

He wanted to lash out, but glancing around, he saw only Le Zhengong’s men. After a moment’s hesitation, he spat out a final threat and stormed off, seething, as laughter followed him."Father! Why bother with such shameless and treacherous scum? I was just about to drive him out!"

Yuezheng Jun let out a hearty laugh, venting his pent-up frustration.

Yuezheng Gong instructed him to tighten the camp's defenses and guard against Ding Qu causing trouble again, then turned and entered the barracks.

When Zhu Zeng heard the news that Ding Qu had come to demand his head, he was filled with lingering fear and hurried over to express his gratitude to Yuezheng Gong.

Noticing Yuezheng Gong remained silent, staring at him with an odd gaze, Zhu Zeng hesitated before asking, "My lord, are you worried that protecting me will offend Xing Xun?"

Yuezheng Gong's tone suddenly changed: "I heard that before joining me, you first sought to serve Wei Shao?"

Zhu Zeng was stunned. "My lord, you must be mistaken. That is absolutely untrue!"

"Yet I received a secret report claiming you are a spy sent by Wei Shao to infiltrate my ranks!"

Zhu Zeng was shocked and hastily protested his innocence.

Yuezheng Gong listened to his defense, half-convinced, and ordered him to withdraw for the time being.

With no other choice, Zhu Zeng retreated.

As soon as he left, Zhang Yan, Luo Xian, and others entered.

With a major battle looming, they all urged Yuezheng Gong not to antagonize Xing Xun over Zhu Zeng.

Yuezheng Gong was torn when, suddenly, a fast courier delivered an urgent message from outside the tent.

Upon reading it, he was astonished.

The letter was from his eldest son, Yuezheng Kai, whom he had left to defend Hanzhong. It reported that Yang Xin and Guo Quan had united their forces and were advancing toward Liangzhou via a shortcut. Having already passed Lushi, they were now charging toward the Qingni Pass at Mount Hua. The situation was dire, and Yuezheng Kai urgently requested his father's return to reinforce their defenses.

Zhang Yan turned pale with shock. "My lord, we've been deceived! Zhu Zeng is undoubtedly a spy sent by Wei Shao! He persuaded you to follow Xing Xun's forces here under the pretense of joining forces to kill Wei Shao, but his real goal was to lure us away from our stronghold. With Hanzhong left vulnerable, they aim to seize Liangzhou! Liangzhou is the foundation of your power—it must not fall!"

Yuezheng Gong recalled how Zhu Zeng had repeatedly urged him not to hold back any troops and to commit fully to the campaign. Suddenly, everything became clear. Without a shred of doubt left, he cursed, "That brat Wei Shao! How vile his schemes are! First, he tricked me into bowing to that old thief Xing Xun, all while plotting to steal my lands behind my back!"

Overwhelmed with rage and regret, he immediately ordered Zhu Zeng to be bound and executed outside the camp gates. He then urgently summoned his generals and advisors to the main tent to discuss their next move.

The news incited fury among the gathered men, but opinions were divided. Suddenly, another report came from outside the camp: just as they were about to execute Zhu Zeng, a group of soldiers dressed in Xing Xun's army uniforms had stormed in and seized him. At first, they thought it was Xing Xun's eastern camp, but upon pursuit, they realized the group was heading toward Wei Shao's enemy camp across the old Yellow River path. Fearing a trap, they dared not chase further and returned to report.

Yuezheng Gong nearly coughed up blood in fury. He overturned the table before him with a single strike and ordered an immediate assault on Wei Shao's camp.

Zhang Yan and others barely managed to restrain him, arguing that Wei Shao's cunning ran so deep that he must have prepared defenses in advance. Acting rashly would be unwise.

After a long while, Yuezheng Gong's rage gradually subsided. Pacing back and forth in the tent, he finally said, "You are all right. This debt will be repaid—but not today. Pass my order: break camp at once and return to Hanzhong!"

...To continue, when Xing Xun received word that Zhu Zeng, who had escaped, was now employed by Le Zheng Gong, how could he let it go? Early the next morning, he sent Ding Qu to the western camp to demand Zhu Zeng's surrender. Not only did Ding Qu fail to retrieve the man, but he was also ridiculed. Unable to swallow this humiliation, he returned and exaggerated the matter to Xing Xun, claiming that although Le Zheng Gong nominally pledged allegiance to His Majesty, he was in fact arrogant and boastful, relying on his military contributions. Even his son looked down on everyone and held no regard for His Majesty.

Xing Xun was displeased and immediately sent someone to summon Le Zheng Gong for questioning. Unexpectedly, he received another report that the western camp seemed to be mobilizing. He hastily dispatched scouts to investigate.

Soon, news arrived that Le Zheng Gong had bypassed him entirely and ordered his troops to break camp and return to Hanzhong.

Enraged, Xing Xun immediately commanded Ding Qu to capture Le Zheng Gong and bring him back.

But Le Zheng Gong, having already resolved to retreat and save himself, no longer paid any heed to Xing Xun’s orders. He sent Le Zheng Jun and a deputy general to firmly guard the barriers at the border between the two camps, hastening their withdrawal.

When Ding Qu attempted to breach the barriers, Le Zheng Jun, no mediocre commander himself, refused to let him pass. The two sides immediately clashed, blades and spears crossing in fierce combat.

Thus, the allied forces of the eastern and western camps turned against each other, staining the barriers with blood.

Upon hearing the news, Xing Xun grew even more furious, smashing cups and bowls in his rage. He ordered his troops to assemble and march forth, determined to confront Le Zheng Gong in a deadly battle.

Zang Chang dissuaded him, saying, "Your Majesty, have you not heard that matters have their priorities? In your northern campaign, the primary target is Wei Shao. Since this objective remains unfulfilled, engaging in conflict with the western camp now would only lead to internal strife, resulting in mutual destruction and allowing Wei Shao to reap the benefits! If Yue Zhenggong wishes to leave, let him go. Once Your Majesty has defeated Wei Shao, you can then turn your forces to conquer Hanzhong and capture Yue Zhenggong, holding him accountable for deserting the battlefield!"

The others also fervently pleaded with him.

Only then was Xing Xun persuaded to restrain his fury. He ordered the troops to withdraw and strengthen their defenses to prevent Wei Shao from taking advantage of the situation to attack the camp.

...

That night, Yue Zhenggong, in his haste to depart, set fire to all the provisions and supplies that were inconvenient to carry away.

In a single night, the sprawling tents of the western camp vanished without a trace. Flames roared across the snow-covered fields.

From across the old course of the Yellow River, the soldiers in Wei Shao's camp could clearly see the blaze with their naked eyes.

In Wei Shao's central command tent, laughter resounded.

Wei Shao sat at the center, flanked by Gongsun Yang, Li Dian, Li Chong, Zhang Jian, Wei Quan, and others. They all joked and laughed about the fire in the western camp.

"Is Rong Yan safe?" Wei Shao asked after his laughter subsided. "He must return soon. Otherwise, in a few days, when Yue Zhenggong learns that Yang Xin and Guo Quan only dispatched five thousand troops as a feint, it may bode ill for him."

"Rest assured, my lord," Gongsun Yang quickly replied. "I have already arranged everything with him. He has gained Yue Zhenggong's trust, and his life is temporarily secure. He cannot leave now, as it would arouse suspicion and undo all our efforts. He will escape and return to camp when the opportunity arises."

Wei Shao nodded. "This time, Yue Zhenggong fell for our ruse entirely due to Rong Yan's courage and wit. His contribution is unparalleled. Military Advisor, be sure to record his great merit for rewards after the war."

Gongsun Yang acknowledged the order.

At that moment, a personal guard reported that Zhu Zeng had been delivered.

Wei Shao ordered him to be brought in.

Zhu Zeng, bound tightly, entered the central command tent amidst the echoing laughter within.

Inside, over a dozen men were seated in the brightly lit tent, their figures illuminated by candlelight. At the back stood a purplish sandalwood screen dividing the space, adorned with a painting of green pines, swirling clouds, and a roaring tiger perched on a cliff. The majestic tiger, though silent, seemed to reverberate through the forest, as if it might leap down at any moment, exuding an intimidating aura that made one hesitant to gaze upon it for long.

On either side of the tiger screen stood tall racks, piled high with bamboo scrolls and documents.

In the center was a general's desk, flanked by command arrows and tiger tallys.

Behind the desk sat a man no older than twenty-four or twenty-five. He wore no helmet, his hair tied up with a black-gold crown. Clad in a chainmail tunic embroidered with a qilin and draped in a commander's cloak, with a sword hanging at his waist, his imposing figure was further accentuated.

His handsome, resolute face was turned slightly as he engaged in lively conversation with a thin-faced man sporting three wisps of beard beside him, his demeanor effortlessly graceful.

Upon hearing the announcement of Zhu Zeng's arrival, the young man ceased his banter and turned his gaze toward the newcomer.

Zhu Zeng guessed this must be Wei Shao.

Yet he had never imagined that the legendary northern overlord Wei Shao would be such a strikingly extraordinary figure.

For a moment, he was utterly transfixed.

Only when the young man stopped laughing, straightened his posture, and fixed his piercing eyes upon him did Zhu Zeng feel an overwhelming aura of battlefield ferocity emanating from him.

A chill ran down his spine, and he dared not meet the gaze of the man behind the general's desk any longer.

Despair had already taken hold of his heart.Learning that Wei Shao had set such an elaborate trap to frame him, ultimately tricking Le Zhenggong into withdrawing his troops, Zhu Zeng realized Wei Shao must have also guessed that the strategy of sending troops to aid Xing Xun had originated from him.

He must hate me to the bone, Zhu Zeng thought.

Having fallen so inexplicably into his hands, all that awaited was execution by a thousand cuts.

Yet unexpectedly, Wei Shao suddenly rose from behind his desk, approached him, and personally untied the ropes binding him, smiling as he said, "To resolve our military predicament, I had to put you through this ordeal, Ziyi. Do you hold it against me?"

Zhu Zeng looked up, startled by Wei Shao's beaming expression.

Glancing around at the others seated nearby, he saw they were all watching him with smiles.

Wei Quan spoke: "Our lord recognizes your exceptional talents and could not bear to see you meet your end by the executioner's blade. That's why he sent troops to rescue you."

As if waking from a dream, Zhu Zeng was overcome with sincere admiration. He immediately prostrated himself and said, "I am deeply honored by Marquis Yan's high regard, willing to overlook my flaws and employ me. Zhu Zeng pledges his allegiance to serve under your banner, repaying your grace in recognizing my worth!"

Wei Shao laughed heartily, his heroic spirit soaring to the clouds, and ordered wine to calm Zhu Zeng's nerves. After introductions were made, he had his personal guards escort Zhu Zeng out.

The remaining people in the command tent gradually dispersed, leaving only Gongsun Yang to discuss matters in Yanzhou.

While Xing Xun's main forces were stalled here in a standoff with Wei Shao, he had dispatched Zhou Qun from Rencheng—who had previously attacked Yanzhou—to lead a massive assault on the region again.

Qiao Ping led the defense, fiercely counterattacking and repelling Zhou Qun.

Unwilling to accept defeat, Xing Xun sent reinforcements and launched another offensive. Yanzhou then received aid from the Green-Eyed General leading his troops.

After a brutal battle, not only was Yanzhou successfully defended, but Zhou Qun also perished in the chaotic fighting.

This news had only just reached Wei Shao's desk the previous day.

"My lord need not worry excessively," Gongsun Yang said. "From these two battles, it's clear Yanzhou has been strengthening its military over the past two to three years and is no longer the weak region it once was. Moreover, with Bi Zhi's assistance, there will certainly be no loss. Now that the allied forces have disintegrated and the weather is gradually improving, the opportunity for battle is at hand. My lord should focus all efforts on dealing with Xing Xun."

The two continued discussing military matters until late into the night.

Wei Shao personally escorted Gongsun Yang back to his tent.

Returning to the central command tent, he felt restless and, on impulse, turned to walk toward the camp's gate, his boots crunching through the snow.

The night watch soldiers at the gate hurriedly saluted when they saw him emerge.

Wei Shao nodded slightly, removed his own cloak, and draped it over a young soldier nearby—no more than sixteen or seventeen years old, his face still bearing traces of youthful innocence—patting him on the shoulder. Then he stepped out alone through the gate and climbed a nearby snow-covered hillock.

Facing the vast plains where the old Yellow River course had been swallowed by night, he took a deep breath of the crisp, cold air.

Instantly, a magnificent sense of grandeur welled up in his heart—the feeling that the world belonged to none but him.

Slowly exhaling the turbid air from his chest, he finally turned his gaze to the distant northern night sky and stood silently for a long while.

She should be giving birth soon.

Perhaps he might not make it back in time to welcome their child into the world together.

But he would surely dedicate the coming victory as the finest gift—to her and to their child about to enter this world.

...

The young soldier who had received the lord's cloak, under the envious gazes of his comrades, suppressed his excitement and gazed with worship at the distant figure atop the hillock, whose silhouette seemed to merge with the night.

To fight for our lord, even if it means staining the yellow sands with my blood—I would not hesitate.

The youth made this silent vow to himself.

Author's Note: Forgot to mention—next chapter will also be updated tomorrow at 6 PM.