Qiao Chu

Liang Qiang gazed at the girl on horseback. Life’s encounters were truly unpredictable.

He knew she was in the army. As the vanguard, he fought in the most perilous places, while she, the daughter of Garrison General Chu Ling and also the Empress of Daxia, remained within the heavily guarded central formation surrounded by elite soldiers.

He could catch glimpses of her galloping past, but he had never imagined they would meet.

And certainly not under such circumstances—so dangerous, so disheveled—

He was covered in blood, his armor and robes torn and tattered, half-kneeling on the ground, propped up by his long blade. A deep gash on his left arm bled profusely.

Was he all right?

"I," Liang Qiang gripped his long blade, lowering his gaze, "am fine."

Even with his eyes downcast, he could feel the girl’s gaze sweeping over him, lingering on his left arm.

"You are indeed fine," the girl said, with a tone of admiration, repeating it twice, "Fine, fine."

Was he really fine? Liang Qiang lifted his head and looked at Chu Zhao.

Chu Zhao was no longer looking at him: "A Le, come and treat Young Master Liang’s wounds."

Liang Qiang watched as the maidservant dismounted and approached him, using a knife to cut open his sleeve.

"That was close," A Le said. "Another inch forward, and your arm would have been severed."

Liang Qiang remained silent, seemingly numb to the pain, motionless and unresponsive.

"Stop the bleeding and bandage the wound first," Chu Zhao instructed. "We’ll have a skilled physician treat it properly later to avoid damaging the meridians."

A Le hummed in agreement, fed Liang Qiang a pill, and swiftly applied medicine and bandages to stop the bleeding.

In that short time, the fighting ahead had already ended.

"Miss Chu!" a woman’s voice called out.

Liang Qiang instinctively turned to look and saw a girl ahead holding a long blade. Beside her stood another woman gripping dual blades, both stained crimson—

"Seven or eight escaped. Ding Dachui is in pursuit," the girl shouted, then asked, "Shall we withdraw?"

Are these Chu Zhao’s female guards? Liang Qiang wondered. Why does her tone sound so impatient? There’s no reverence for the Empress.

Chu Zhao raised her voice: "Forced march—to the location of the Chinu army headquarters."

The girl asked no further. Orders to assemble echoed through the ranks.

Chu Zhao’s warhorse pawed at the ground. A Le finished bandaging the wound swiftly and mounted her horse.

"Young Master Liang," Chu Zhao turned to Liang Qiang again, "Can you still follow me to continue fighting the enemy?"

Liang Qiang looked up at her, using his long blade to push himself to his feet: "As long as this humble general is not yet dead, he will fight to the death."

Chu Zhao said, "Young Master Liang remains as valiant as ever."

Her use of "remains" did not refer to his injury but to the past.

In the past, when Liang Qiang, a scion of the powerful Liang family, roamed the capital freely, she had praised him for his valor.

Now, as a Liang family member exiled to the Border Commandery, he could still fight on the battlefield, and she praised his valor once more.

Liang Qiang knew that both praises were the girl’s sincere words.

She truly believed he was valiant.

But was he valiant? In the past, he had thought himself very valiant. Now, however—

Hoofbeats thudded as Chu Zhao urged her horse into a gallop and rode away.

Liang Qiang watched Chu Zhao’s retreating figure. Being able to fight alongside her would surely be unforgettable in this lifetime. He withdrew his gaze, mounted his horse, and gripping his blade with one hand, galloped after the girl.

……

……

By the time dusk fell, Zhong Changrong had already paced countless circles inside the command tent.

"Old Zhong, don’t worry," an officer tried to reassure him for what felt like the hundredth time. "The young lady didn’t go to the main force of the Chinu army, and—"

His words were cut off before he could finish."Is that all?" Zhong Changrong fumed. "Even if they weren't the main force, they were still the elite of the Chinu army."

Another officer remarked, "With that person present—"

This only added fuel to the fire. Zhong Changrong seethed, "She's treacherous and cunning, only capable of causing the general's death. A mere rabble."

The other officers exchanged glances, their expressions resigned. This Mu Mianhong was indeed despicable—she had ruined the general's promising future. However, Miss Chu was still her daughter.

"What does being her daughter matter?" Zhong Changrong sneered. "When faced with danger, she'd use her daughter to save her own skin. If she encounters the fierce Chinu army, she might even abandon her daughter to flee."

As his words fell, chaotic shouts erupted from outside: "Victory bulletin! Victory bulletin—"

Zhong Changrong dashed out like a gust of wind, nearly colliding with the messenger rushing toward him.

"General Zhong! The Empress and Commandant Xie have achieved a great victory, crushing the Chinu army. Commandant Xie has captured the son-in-law of the King of Xiliang alive!" the messenger shouted.

The officers who had followed outside heard this and erupted in cheers. Soon, the entire camp echoed with successive roars.

"Great victory! Great victory!"

This was the crucial battle after Chu Ling's death. From now on, military morale would stabilize.

"Quick, report to the capital—send a flying victory bulletin!"

While the officers rejoiced and busied themselves, Zhong Changrong grabbed the messenger and urgently asked about Chu Zhao—whether she was injured.

How would the messenger know such details? After a battle, especially a fierce frontal assault, everyone bore some wounds.

He said, "By the time Her Majesty led the troops to reinforce, Commandant Xie was already locked in intense combat with the Chinu army. Her Majesty encircled them, cutting off all escape routes for the Chinu forces."

An officer beside him patted Zhong Changrong's shoulder. "Set your mind at ease. The young lady is no longer a child."

She had become the Empress, bid farewell to her father, and taken up his unfinished military duties.

Zhong Changrong indeed felt reassured, but he cursed Mu Mianhong bitterly: "That wicked woman has all the luck. Now the young lady owes her a favor."

...

...

Under the night sky, the battlefield where the fighting had just ended remained noisy.

Fires burned, corpses lay piled like mountains, and the wounded groaned in agony.

The injured had already been evacuated in batches.

When Liang Qiang arrived, he saw Chu Zhao listening to an officer's report on casualties. Men and women surrounded her, and the moment he glanced their way, they fixed him with hostile stares.

Liang Qiang averted his gaze and turned to leave, but Chu Zhao had already spotted him and called out, "Young Master Liang."

"Your injuries are severe. Why haven't you left yet?" Chu Zhao said, preparing to question the officer about the situation.

"I chose to stay," Liang Qiang said proactively, then added, "I'll leave now."

...

...

Not far away, Mu Mianhong asked Xiao Man, "Who is that man?"

Xiao Man was busy fiddling with her long blade, which had broken during the battle, much to her irritation. She glanced up and said, "Auntie, have you forgotten? That soldier who nearly got killed by his own comrades."

When they had approached earlier, scouts reported the situation was strange. So Chu Zhao and they dismounted and crept closer, only to see several dozen left-wing vanguard soldiers facing hundreds of Xiliang soldiers across from them.

It appeared they were surrounded, but no fighting had broken out. The left-wing soldiers were actually talking, even laughing, and then two soldiers suddenly attacked one of their own—

Seeing this, Chu Zhao ordered arrows loosed.

The rescued soldier, upon seeing reinforcements, shouted, "They've defected to the enemy!"

Chu Zhao ordered everyone to charge. Xiao Man and Mu Mianhong joined the fray, paying no further attention to what happened afterward."This man actually followed and fought his way here too, not bad," Xiao Man said.

Mu Mianhong certainly knew this soldier, but that wasn't what she was asking about. She whispered, "A Zhao seems to know him."

Xiao Man glanced over again: "I don't recognize him, never seen him before." Then she pursed her lips, "She really knows so many people."

Mu Mianhong smiled faintly and looked over there, where the young man stood before Chu Zhao.

It seemed not just acquaintance, but shared history—otherwise why would he hesitate there, wanting to leave yet staying.

Chu Zhao didn't ask again about Liang Qiang leaving early or late—such personal matters were for individuals to decide themselves.

"Since you haven't left yet, there's something I need to confirm with you," she said. "Young Master Liang—"

Liang Qiang interrupted her: "I am no longer a young master."

Chu Zhao smiled. "Commandant Liang."

She had already inquired about Liang Qiang's situation earlier and knew that he and his father had earned official positions through combat.

Liang Qiang lowered his gaze. "Your Majesty, please give your orders."

Chu Zhao said, "What happened after your vanguard unit was ambushed? Was there internal conflict?"

Liang Qiang remained silent for a moment.

"Our five hundred troops fought desperately to break through, ultimately leaving fewer than a hundred survivors," he said. "The Xiliang soldiers pursued us relentlessly, and—tempted us to surrender."

Chu Zhao said, "You refused, so they turned their blades against you?"

Liang Qiang fell silent again, then knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, they were all good men, truly with no way out. I believe even if they surrendered to the enemy, it was only a delaying tactic—I beg Your Majesty to grant them dignity in death."

This undoubtedly confirmed it. The nearby officer frowned: "How can that be? Surrendering to the enemy is worse than fleeing from battle out of fear. Even in death, they must be convicted and punished, made public as a warning to others."

Chu Zhao looked at the kneeling Liang Qiang, then at the officer, and said, "Since they are already dead, and we have achieved great victory in this battle, let's report only the good news. Announcing their surrender would only shake military morale."

The officer acknowledged the order but insisted: "But they cannot receive compensation as battle casualties, nor can they be enshrined in the memorial cemetery with the fallen soldiers."

Chu Zhao nodded in agreement.

Only then did the officer accept the command and leave.

"Commandant Liang, please rise," Chu Zhao said to the still-kneeling Liang Qiang.

Liang Qiang expressed thanks and stood up, still keeping his gaze slightly lowered, but he could feel the girl's eyes examining his arm.

Very carefully, very intently—very concerned.

Liang Qiang clenched his hand at his side, hearing the girl say softly: "Return quickly and find the best physician. Make sure to receive careful treatment to avoid leaving any lasting effects."

Liang Qiang couldn't help but look up: "Even with one hand, I can still wield a blade and kill enemies."

That was true. In her previous life, the one-armed General Liang Qiang had become famous throughout Great Xia. After Uncle Zhong's death, Liang Qiang and his father took over the Border Army, stabilizing half the kingdom for Xiao Xun, returning the Liang family to court, and allowing the Liang daughter to replace her as Empress. Chu Zhao sighed softly.

"With both arms intact, you will certainly be even more valiant," she said, looking at Liang Qiang. "Young Master Liang, life inevitably brings hardships. I ask you to set aside personal and family grudges, serve the nation and people, protect Great Xia's peace, and the court will surely not treat you unfairly."

Was this reconciliation? Liang Qiang averted his gaze: "The law has judged me guilty. Your subject dare not hold grievances, only strive wholeheartedly to atone through merit."

Of course Chu Zhao didn't believe he held no resentment, but there was no need to say more about it.By sheer coincidence, she had saved Liang Qiang this time, preventing him from losing his arm. She hoped Liang Qiang would remember her kindness. It would be best if she and the Liang family could coexist peacefully. If not, in this lifetime, she would absolutely not let the Liang family take what belonged to her.

"Commandant Liang, it's getting late," Chu Zhao said. "You should hurry back to camp to treat your injuries."

Liang Qiang didn't respond, seemingly still lost in thought—

His earlier words had been too harsh.

Regardless of the truth, this girl had saved his arm.

He ought to thank her.

And apologize for his poor attitude during their last meeting in the capital.

What was wrong with her being on good terms with the Xie family? Everyone seeks profit—wasn't he the same?

It was rare for them to meet on the battlefield today; it must be fate.

Since fate had arranged it, he couldn't let the opportunity slip away.

There was no one else around at the moment. They were old acquaintances after all. She had been calling him "Young Master Liang" repeatedly earlier—in her eyes, he was still Young Master Liang, so in his eyes, she remained Miss Chu.

"Chu—" He turned to speak.

But a woman's voice, louder than his, cut him off: "—Miss, A Jiu is back!"

A Jiu? Liang Qiang's voice was drowned out, and he paused, watching the girl's starry eyes light up.

"Why so slow? Did it take this long to pursue the remaining soldiers?" she said, starting to walk away but then turning back to add, "Commandant Liang, take good care of your injuries. Although the vanguard encountered some unexpected setbacks, your contributions will still be reported truthfully."

Liang Qiang bowed his head. "This humble general thanks Your Highness for your grace."

With hurried footsteps, the girl's voice faded. Liang Qiang looked up and saw someone striding toward them through the flickering light.

Whether in the dim alleys of the capital or the dusky night on the Border Commandery battlefield, Liang Qiang recognized the young officer at a glance.

Xie Yanlai.

Xie Yanlai was like a soaring swallow—clad in black armor with a pale face, tall and straight-backed, standing with his hands behind his back.

The girl stood before him, circling around to inspect him from all sides.

Even without hearing, Liang Qiang could guess what she was saying: Are you injured? Are you alright?

But she probably wouldn't say, "Go see a physician quickly"—instead, she would insist on checking herself.

Sure enough, the girl reached out to pull Xie Yanlai's arm—

Someone stepped in, blocking the view.

Liang Qiang was taken aback to see a woman in worn soldier's robes, seemingly searching for something and muttering, "What else have we missed?"

Then she looked at him.

"Why is there still a wounded soldier here?" she exclaimed in surprise. "Young man, you're badly injured. Come with me for treatment."

This was one of Chu Zhao's female attendants. Liang Qiang knew of them and had seen these women wielding weapons alongside Chu Zhao in battle. After the fight, they followed her to tend to the wounded.

The woman enthusiastically reached out to support him.

Doing the same task, but not the same person. Liang Qiang said coldly, "No need," and turned to leave.

"See that?" Xiao Man walked over, pursing her lips. "All the people she knows have terrible tempers."

Mu Mianhong smiled as she watched the young man's retreating figure. "A bad temper isn't the issue; it's the heart that matters."

Not far away, Chu Zhao was also watching Liang Qiang's back and pointed him out to Xie Yanlai.

"It's Liang Qiang, Liang Qiang. Remember him?" she said.

Xie Yanlai looked up at the sky. "No, and why should I care about people you know?"

Chu Zhao laughed. "What do you mean, people I know? You were once betrothed to his sister.""Then I don't know him either, unlike you—" Xie Yanlai lowered his gaze to look at her, sneering, "You can fight with someone's sister yet still become familiar and intimate with them."

"Where have I been intimate with him?" Chu Zhao laughed, then tugged at his animated eyebrows saying, "Let me tell you, I saved his life."

She recounted the previous events to him.

Xie Yanlai looked past her into the distance—Liang Qiang's figure had already disappeared. He had spotted this fellow before even approaching, hmph.

"A graceful gentleman reduced to needing you to save his life," he said, then looked down at the girl before him, "Do you think he's grateful to you, or resents you more?"

Chu Zhao shook her head: "Yan Lai ah, don't always be so gloomy. At such a young age, you should think more about beautiful things."

Xie Yanlai chuckled twice: "Her Ladyship is beautiful and kind-hearted, dwelling in brightness. Yan Lai is different—I haven't been as fortunate as Her Ladyship."

Chu Zhao raised an eyebrow with a playful smile: "So A Jiu, you do know I'm beautiful and kind-hearted after all."