Qiao Chu

The city gates near the Border Commandery were tightly shut, with only troops and horses galloping across the snow-covered wilderness.

"Report—"

"Victory bulletin—"

The galloping messenger shouted all the way, spreading the joyous news throughout the city.

"Congratulations, General! Our felicitations to you, General!"

The commandery's government office had become the military headquarters. In the main hall, a sand table was arranged, and maps hung on the walls. Armored officers stood within, offering congratulations to Chu Ling, who sat on the elevated seat.

"With frequent victory bulletins now, it is due to your excellent command, sir."

Chu Ling did not laugh heartily at these praises nor wave them aside modestly. He was never swayed by external acclaim or humiliation, focusing solely on the sand table before him.

"The King of Xiliang should not be underestimated," he said. "Since he dared to mobilize troops and invade at this time, he must have full confidence. A few defeats, or even a temporary retreat, will not shake his army's morale."

He then looked at the assembled officers.

"Therefore, we must not underestimate the enemy, nor be negligent, and certainly not become arrogant."

The officers bowed in unison and acknowledged his words.

"However," Chu Ling smiled slightly, "merits must be rewarded immediately. Besides feasts with wine and meat, the most crucial rewards are official titles and ranks. Compile the list of those who have distinguished themselves and deliver it to the court by fast horse, requesting immediate bestowal of honors."

In the past, military achievements sent to the court took at least half a year to be approved and finalized, sometimes even remaining unresolved for one or two years.

Now, when Chu Ling spoke of immediate rewards, the officers had not a shred of doubt. They cheered in unison, celebrating in advance—

Although Chu Ling was still a Garrison General, not to mention his military exploits from over a decade ago, the late Emperor had arranged the marriage of his daughter to the Crown Prince before his passing, entrusting him with the orphaned heir.

Now his daughter was the Empress, and he was the Imperial Father-in-law. Though he did not preside over the court, in this Great Xia, Imperial Father-in-law Chu had the final say.

If Imperial Father-in-law Chu wanted to reward military merits, the court would, of course, obey immediately.

With General Chu as the Imperial Father-in-law, life would be better for them, the military officers. They would no longer be harassed by civil officials and would have no worries about the future—though currently, there was still one concern.

The battle in Yunzhong Commandery was intense, yet there was not a single reinforcement from the rear. It seemed as though they were left to fight alone.

Previously, there had been some instability in morale, but now—

"Our army's morale is high," one officer said with a laugh. "Not only because of the repeated victory bulletins but also because the Empress has personally come to support us."

Not only had the Empress arrived, but she had also defeated the Xiliang soldiers who had infiltrated the rear and reported a flying victory bulletin, shaking the entire Great Xia.

At the mention of Chu Zhao, a smile appeared on Chu Ling's face.

"Where has the Empress reached?" he asked.

An officer promptly replied, "She is about to enter the commandery city." He pointed at the sand table for Chu Ling to see. "This is the latest news received just yesterday."

Chu Ling looked at the sand table, his body stiffening slightly for a moment, then nodded with a smile.

"General, should we not send troops to welcome the Empress?" another officer asked.

Chu Ling laughed. "Is there any danger left in our Yunzhong Commandery?" He leaned back in his chair. "Moreover, since the Empress could annihilate the Western Liang stragglers, she certainly does not need an armed escort."

The officer chuckled. "This humble general does not doubt the Empress's bravery, but—" He scratched his head. "Shouldn't an Empress have a ceremonial procession? With officials and commoners welcoming and bowing? When the Empress arrives in our Yunzhong Commandery, we shouldn't appear shabby."

Chu Ling laughed heartily.

"The Empress who needs a ceremonial procession is the one seated in the Imperial City," he said, pointing outside. "Now, coming to Yunzhong Commandery, the Empress who rides into battle and slays the enemy is simply our Miss Chu.""Miss Chu doesn't need ceremonial guards."

"Miss Chu is one of our own."

Indeed, Miss Chu was Chu Ling's daughter, a military general's daughter, and even after becoming Empress she could still fight alongside them - she truly was one of their own. The officers all laughed.

"The Empress is mighty." "We await the Empress's arrival."

To welcome the Empress who would fight alongside them, the officers became even more energized and busy as they departed. When Zhong Changrong entered the government office, only Chu Ling sat alone in the main hall.

Chu Ling appeared to be intently studying the sand table, lost in thought, and didn't look up at the sound of footsteps.

"General." Zhong Changrong was very familiar with Chu Ling and didn't worry about disturbing him, especially since he wanted to talk about Chu Zhao. "Are you really not going to meet A Zhao?"

Chu Ling hummed in acknowledgment and smiled. "No need. Now that she's back in Yunzhong Commandery, it's like coming home for her."

"But—" Zhong Changrong started to say more.

Chu Ling straightened up and looked at him. "Changrong, A Zhao has grown up. She's no longer a child. She can negotiate terms with the Emperor and lead troops on horseback. We can both rest assured."

Zhong Changrong said, "It's not that I'm worried, I'm just happy." He grinned widely. "A Zhao actually came back, General. She came to see you."

While commoners were fleeing the border commandery, his daughter was rushing to the most dangerous place precisely because her father was here. Even becoming Empress couldn't stop her from returning out of concern for her father. Chu Ling smiled faintly.

"At least I can still hold on long enough to see her one more time," he said. "Unfortunately, I can no longer see her appearance with my own eyes."

Zhong Changrong froze for a moment. These words sounded—

Chu Ling looked at him, his expression calm. "Changrong, I've gone blind."

Zhong Changrong felt his breath catch.

......

......

Amid the vast snowy landscape, a city appeared. Chu Zhao couldn't help but remove her hood and point excitedly.

"Look," she said. "That's the commandery city."

Xie Yanlai, not far behind her, didn't even lift his eyelids at her words. "Your Majesty, I'm a courier. There's no place I don't know."

Oh right, he had been here before. Chu Zhao laughed. "But you're not as familiar with it as I am. I grew up here and played here almost every day." She reined in her horse to wait for Xie Yanlai to approach. "Don't think our commandery city is remote - there are many interesting places. After we repel the Xiliang soldiers, I'll take you around properly."

Xie Yanlai chuckled twice, urged his horse forward, and with a wave of his hand, flipped Chu Zhao's hood back over her head.

"Miss Chu should focus on the present first," he tossed back.

Chu Zhao felt both amused and annoyed as she pulled her hood off again, but Xie Yanlai had already galloped toward the city gate where officials and soldiers were coming out to meet them.

As Chu Zhao approached, she exchanged greetings with the officials but declined their invitation.

"I won't enter the city," she said. "I'll go directly to where my father is stationed."

The officials glanced at the sky. "It will definitely snow tonight, Your Majesty. Traveling through the night is too dangerous. Why not stay overnight and leave tomorrow?"

Chu Zhao looked at the sky. "There's still some time. I can reach Luocheng by nightfall, which will make tomorrow's journey faster."

Though she appeared to be just a young girl, she was still the Empress. The officials didn't dare oppose her words and acknowledged her decision.

"No need to provide additional troops as escort," Chu Zhao added. "Don't let my presence disrupt your military deployments."The officials once again acknowledged the order and presented prepared hot tea, ginger soup, and stewed beef and mutton, allowing them to rest briefly and replenish their energy for the journey ahead.

Chu Zhao did not refuse this time, instructing everyone to dismount and rest where they were. She also accepted the bowl of mutton soup handed to her by A Le.

"A Jiu and Xiao Man personally verified it," A Le whispered. "It's all safe."

Chu Zhao smiled but didn't comment on their excessive caution—after all, she had been poisoned to death in her past life, not just once but multiple times. First, a miscarriage, then her health ruined, and finally, a cup of poisoned wine.

As the two of them were drinking the mutton soup, Ding Dashen approached.

"Auntie," Chu Zhao greeted warmly. "Come try our local mutton soup. It's exceptionally delicious."

Ding Dashen nodded. "Alright."

Chu Zhao thought of something and pointed to a nearby makeshift shelter, lowering her voice. "Auntie, you can drink over there to avoid the crowd."

Remembering that Ding Dashen had mentioned her injured face made it inconvenient to be seen, Chu Zhao paid attention to such details. Ding Dashen's eyes brimmed with warmth like flowing water—ah, what a thoughtful girl.

Even just a moment by her side was enough to make this lifetime worthwhile.

"Your Majesty," Ding Dashen bowed with lowered eyes. "Due to my physical condition, I wish to rest here in the commandery city and will not accompany you to Luo City."

...

...

A bowl of steaming mutton soup warmed her entire body. As Chu Zhao rode on horseback, the biting cold wind no longer felt unpleasant but instead refreshing and pleasant.

"This is what you call a liar meeting other liars," Xie Yanlai passed by and lifted his hand, pulling the hood back over Chu Zhao's head.

Chu Zhao tugged the hood off and urged her horse to catch up with him.

"Then you're the kind of liar who sees everyone else as liars," she said. "Can't Auntie Ding rest for one night?"

Xie Yanlai chuckled twice. "She didn't rest along the entire journey, yet she chooses to rest precisely here." He waved his hand. "Either there's something ahead that she fears, or there's something here that she needs."

Chu Zhao laughed heartily. "So, in short, no one in the world can be trusted."

Xie Yanlai said, "Exactly." He glanced at Chu Zhao with a mocking smile. "The Empress understands this better than anyone."

Though this girl never spoke of it, who would she truly trust in her heart?

Chu Zhao raised an eyebrow at him and smiled. "Oh yes, oh yes. But I see through without exposing it—keeping things pleasant for everyone."

Xie Yanlai spat in disdain and turned his gaze forward.

Chu Zhao looked back at the commandery city gate and saw Ding Dachui, who had been reluctant to part with Ding Dashen, now leading his men to catch up.

"Whatever her reasons, her people are still following us," she said. "It doesn't affect our journey. Everyone has secrets; I only take what I need, and that's enough."

"You're easily content," Xie Yanlai remarked. "But don't forget, the world is unpredictable and won't always go as you wish."

Chu Zhao nodded. "Then we do our best and leave the rest to fate."

With that, she cracked her whip.

"Xie Yanlai, if we compete in horsemanship, I might not necessarily lose to you."

The girl galloped past him, her hood and cloak fluttering. Xie Yanlai pursed his lips behind her. Back when he was A Jiu and she was A Fu traveling together, the couriers had jokingly challenged A Fu and A Jiu to a horsemanship contest. At that time, he would never have raced her, and she, pretending to be meek, hadn't competed with him either.

Now, there was no need to pretend to be meek—she could show her true skills."Can't he compete when I show my true skills? What a joke!" Xie Yanlai cracked his whip in the air, his horse shooting past the girl like an arrow. This time he didn't nearly knock her off her horse, but the scolding still rang out—

"Xie Yanlai! Why must you compete with a girl like me? Would you die if you lost to me?"

Watching the young pair gallop away one after another until they became mere specks in the distance, Ding Dashen still couldn't tear her gaze away from the city gate.

"Madam," the officials at the gate had already returned, and the guards called out to her, "You'd better enter the city soon. The gates close at dusk."

Ding Dashen thanked them but continued gazing into the distance until twilight fell, only entering the city at the last moment before the gates shut.

Though not as bustling as before, life within the city walls remained orderly, without any signs of panic.

Ding Dashen walked slowly through the streets, seemingly searching for an inn.

Earlier, Chu Zhao had intended to entrust her to the local authorities, but Ding Dashen declined, and Chu Zhao didn't insist.

"That's true, you're not familiar with the officials—it would only make you uncomfortable," she said with a laugh, pressing a bag of coins into her hand. "Take this money and rent a place for yourself. You'll be more at ease that way."

Thinking of this, Ding Dashen's eyes filled with laughter again. She reached to touch her waist, where not the money pouch but A Zhao's overflowing affection rested.

Though this love wasn't that of mother and daughter, she felt no sadness at all.

A bird's cry cut through the air nearby. Ding Dashen's expression remained unchanged as she walked straight ahead without looking around, passing through streets and alleys until she reached a residence gate, which she pushed open and entered directly.

Joyful shouts rose from the courtyard: "The boss is back!"

Standing under the lamp in the yard, Ding Dashen unwrapped the scarf covering her face, revealing fair features.

"Ahong," an elderly woman examined her and smiled, "After all these years, this is the first time I've seen you so happy."

Mu Mianhong reached up to touch her face: "Really?" She hadn't even realized she was smiling. "I'm just happy."

Everyone welcomed her inside. The spacious hall was warmed by a brazier, with a large chair covered in tiger skin placed at the center. Mu Mianhong walked directly over and sat down.

Once she was seated, everyone in the room stood still and saluted with clasped fists.

Mu Mianhong raised her hand: "Everyone, take your seats."

Ten people sat in chairs on either side according to seniority, while the rest stood along both walls.

"How goes the battle in Yunzhong County?" Mu Mianhong asked.

A tall, lean man replied, "There have been no defeats so far, but that's mainly because Western Liang hasn't launched any major attacks."

Mu Mianhong asked, "Wasn't it said that the King of Xiliang came personally?"

Another woman said softly, "Our scouts confirmed that the King's tent is indeed there, but no one has actually seen the King of Xiliang."

"Maybe he never came at all—just bluffing." "The Xiliang soldiers in the rear were probably already there posing as merchants." "Likely spies who've been undercover for a long time, colluding with local officials and powerful families." "They probably intended to capitalize on the chaos, but Miss Azhao's order to annihilate them ruined their plans."

Hearing this, a smile reappeared on Mu Mianhong's face.

Seeing her expression, everyone in the hall smiled too.

"Though we didn't witness Miss Azhao's bravery ourselves, word of it has spread everywhere," they all said.

"Boss, why didn't you continue traveling with the young lady?" someone else asked.

Mu Mianhong's smile faded slightly as she said, "Luocheng—I promised I wouldn't go there."The atmosphere in the hall grew slightly tense, punctuated by snorts and muttered words like, "Why should we fear him?"

Mu Mianhong had no desire to continue this topic and silenced the others.

"It's not just Luocheng. As we get closer and closer to General Chu, who has many former subordinates, it's inconvenient for me to appear by A Zhao's side," she said, yet there was no trace of sorrow on her face. Being able to accompany A Zhao this far had already filled her with contentment, and she could still watch over her from afar.

"We'll just conceal our identities and continue following her."

"Moreover, hiding our identities will make it easier for us to mobilize our people."

"The further northwest we go, the more dangerous it becomes."

Mu Mianhong looked past the people in the hall, gazing into the night outside the door. Under the lantern light, scattered snowflakes danced—it was indeed snowing.

But Mu Mianhong didn't have to wait long. Before dawn, she was roused by a knock at the door.

"Boss, Miss Azhao and the others didn't enter Luocheng," the messenger said urgently. "General Chu... doesn't seem to be doing well."

Having stayed up all night, Mu Mianhong, who had been sitting by the bed, abruptly stood up. She staggered, nearly falling to the ground, but managed to steady herself by grabbing the table in time.

"Boss!" the messenger cried out in alarm.

Mu Mianhong could no longer hear what he was saying. Leaning on the table, her ears buzzed. Yes, something had felt off all along, but she had been too overjoyed to dwell on it.

Had A Zhao rushed headlong to the Border Commandery, disregarding danger and her status, merely to infiltrate the Western Liang stragglers in the rear?

Had Chu Ling sent his daughter, whom he had cherished for over a decade, to the capital just so she could find a good match?

Chu Ling... something was truly wrong.

...

...

By the time the sky brightened, the wind and snow had eased considerably. Chu Zhao, nestled in Xie Yanlai's arms, could finally see the road ahead clearly.

But before long, her vision blurred again, and she couldn't resist raising a hand to wipe her eyes.

"Stop fidgeting," Xie Yanlai's voice came from above her head. After a night of riding through the storm, his voice had grown hoarse.

Chu Zhao stilled, pressing herself tightly against him, allowing the mist to cloud her eyes. All she could hear was the howling wind and the steady beat of Xie Yanlai's heart.

Yesterday, upon receiving the news near Luocheng, she had recklessly followed the messenger at a gallop. Xie Yanlai had arranged for the others, then caught up with her, bringing three horses.

In the heavy snow at night, her riding skills were insufficient for the journey. Xie Yanlai rode with her, switching horses three times without stopping throughout the night. Now, her father's location drew nearer and nearer.

Yet, Chu Zhao grew even more afraid.

"A Jiu," she murmured, leaning against Xie Yanlai. "What if I still can't see Father this time?"

This time? Was she comparing it to the last time he had stopped her? Xie Yanlai urged the horse forward with one hand while tightening his other arm around the girl. "Chu Zhao," he said loudly, "you won't always have such bad luck!"