After stabilizing the military morale, Yan Xun immediately launched a swift and decisive reform. He first verified the military roster and transferred one-third of the Black Hawk Army, dispersing them among various troops. Most of these personnel took on clerical roles within the armies, with almost no interference in the core combat authority of the military departments. The commanders of the various armies, who had been worried about Yan Xun seizing power, were greatly relieved by this arrangement. They even gladly bestowed these individuals with grand-sounding titles: Imperial Speechwriter (officials who drafted morale-boosting speeches after major victories), Provisions Registrar (officials recording daily grain and fodder transactions), Weapons Inspector (managing weapon wear and tear), Camp Correspondence Officer (writing letters home for soldiers and overseeing the distribution of incoming and outgoing mail), and Field Kitchen Supervisor (authority limited to managing pots, pans, and other kitchenware in logistics, yet the officer closest to the soldiers), and so on.
Pitiful were those Yanbei generals of humble military origins—they had no understanding of the strategic significance these seemingly insignificant positions held for an army. In the face of Chu Qiao, a commander trained in the iron discipline of modern military systems, and Yan Xun, a seasoned player steeped in the vortex of power for over a decade, their wisdom was as shallow as the film on an eggshell. On the very night of the military reform, the commanders of the various armies gathered in small cliques, slapping each other’s backs in celebration of yet another victory against the upper echelons. They toasted their triumph over Yan Xun, that pretty-faced upstart who had returned from the capital to reap the benefits, and cheered the preservation of Yanbei’s local forces’ high degree of autonomy. They drank themselves into a stupor, their fears of Yan Xun seizing power upon his return to Yanbei completely dispelled. Everyone was flushed with excitement, convinced that the future was bright and full of promise. Meanwhile, on the desk of that pretty-faced man they repeatedly mentioned lay a thick stack of internal documents from the various armies.
The contents of these documents ranged from the actual numbers and composition of each army, their combat effectiveness, grain and fodder distribution, and the condition of their weaponry, down to the loyalty of squad leaders to their commanders, the actual deployment of night sentries, which captains were brave in battle, which were unruly, which were liabilities, and which showed signs of wavering instability. It even included which commanders kept mistresses, where they had illegitimate children, which banks they frequented, which underground gambling dens held records of their misconduct, who loved to drink, who was greedy for wealth, who had a bad temper, who enjoyed beating others, who was foolish and lacked ambition, and who was unpopular. The intelligence was diverse and comprehensive. After Chu Qiao led the staff officers in the operations department through a night of intense effort to systematically analyze and consolidate the information, Yan Xun had, in this subtle and imperceptible way, completely grasped firsthand knowledge of the entire Yanbei armed forces. The depth and detail of this intelligence would undoubtedly leave the subjects astounded.
Unbeknownst to them, in just one night, an invisible hand had descended over their heads. How formidable this hand would prove to be, everyone would come to understand deeply in the years to come.This was the precursor to the Swallow Battalion, which would later achieve extraordinary feats in the Second Northern Expeditionary War, the Third Northern Expeditionary War, and even the three-year-long Ximeng Defense War. It was they who repeatedly safeguarded Yanbei's political power and dignity, saving Yanbei—and even the entire continent—from crisis time and again. They became the most legendary iron-blooded army on the Ximeng land: capable of both offense and defense, charging forward fearlessly at the sound of the bugle with unstoppable momentum, yet able to disperse and vanish without a trace when lying in ambush, silently coordinating all intelligence. In terms of combat prowess, aside from the later Xiuli Army and the Seventh Division—the King of Qinghai's personal secret guard—no force in that era could match them.
Of course, at this moment, no one could yet foresee the strength of this legion. After the morning bugle sounded, the soldiers gazed toward Beishuo, then parted ways and embarked on their respective illustrious journeys, each paved with blades, spears, and bloodstains.
Chu Qiao stood at the gate of Beishuo. Directly ahead were the three thousand vanguard troops of the First Restoration Army and the remaining twenty thousand soldiers of the Black Hawk Army. Yan Xun, clad in armor and a dark fur cloak, stood fully armed with his sword. The icy wind brushed past his temples, gently caressing his thin yet resolute profile. Suddenly, she felt a chill. Pressing her lips lightly, she wanted to speak but found her throat tight, as if all that needed to be said had already been spoken, leaving only thick worry and reluctance.
"Let me go with you," she finally uttered. Though she knew it was a futile hope, she still clung desperately to his sleeve, pleading pitifully once more.
"A Chu, be good." Yan Xun took Chu Qiao's hand, breathed warm air onto it, then rubbed it affectionately as he coaxed softly, "Meilin Pass is thousands of miles away, bitterly cold, and the weather is unusually harsh now. Your health is poor—how could you endure such a long and arduous journey? Besides, I need someone I trust to oversee the overall situation here and send me battle reports promptly. Daxia won't attack immediately, and it will be some time before Beishuo becomes the main battlefield. Later, I'll send escorts to take you to the rear Blue City, where Miss Yu's forces are stationed. You'll receive her help and care there, so I can set my mind at ease."
This conversation had replayed countless times the previous night. Chu Qiao knew her plea was hopeless, yet she couldn't suppress her discontent. She lowered her head dejectedly, remaining silent.
"Your Highness, it's time to depart," A Jing approached and whispered.
"Wait a moment," Yan Xun raised his head, his expression dark and unfriendly. "Can't you see Military Advisor Chu and I are discussing important military affairs?"
A Jing, having run into a stern rebuke, hastily nodded and bowed apologetically, not daring to disturb His Highness the Prince of Yan and Military Advisor Chu any further in their "important military discussions."
"A Chu, don't act like a child. Give me ten days at most, and I will return."Yan Xun bent down, leaning his head beneath Chu Qiao's lowered face, and gently pinched her cheek. His smile was as sly as a mouse that had stolen honey. "I know A Chu is incredibly capable. Having you by my side is better than ten reinforced regiments, more useful than a hundred military advisors. Just standing at the gates of Meilin Pass would make those inside flee in panic and surrender, all resistance melting away like flowing water. The Daxia bandits would surely come out weeping to disarm and beg for mercy, prostrating themselves before your divine might. But what can I do? I need you here too. Without you by my side, I can't eat or sleep, my mind is restless and distracted. So please, Lady A Chu, take pity on this humble servant's meager wish and help me manage this mess in Beishuo."
With a sudden snort, the sulking one finally turned anger into joy, landing a light punch on Yan Xun's shoulder. Pouting, she said, "Smooth talker."
Yan Xun exaggeratedly made a gesture of relief, wiping his forehead and flicking his hand as if shaking off buckets of sweat. He clicked his tongue and said, "Finally, the storm has passed. That was more exhausting than fighting a northern campaign."
Chu Qiao glared at him. "You're still going on!"
"No more, no more," Yan Xun quickly apologized. "I was talking nonsense, babbling foolishly. Please, Lady Chu, don't hold it against me."
Chu Qiao humphed, adopting an expression that said she'd let him off this time, making Yan Xun laugh heartily. In the distance, soldiers craned their necks, wondering why His Highness King Yan and Lady Chu could discuss military affairs with such high spirits—now bowing and scraping, now beaming with joy. Could it be that Lady Chu had decided to assassinate Emperor Xia in Zhenhuang City?
"You have to be careful. On the battlefield, swords and arrows have no eyes. Don't take unnecessary risks."
No matter how sharp and formidable a woman might be, there are times when she becomes utterly flustered—like now. Having realized she couldn't accompany him, someone began to chatter incessantly.
"Mm, I know," Yan Xun nodded obediently, his attitude perfectly earnest.
"Although Mr. Wu is in charge of the First Army, the factions within the legion are complex, and the Great Alliance Society has deeply infiltrated it. Be careful of fires in the rear and internal instability."
"Don't worry, I'll remember."
"Meilin Pass is too far north, and the weather is cold. You're also unwell, so dress warmly, wear more layers, and cover up well at night. Remember to take the medicine the accompanying physician prescribed on time."
"Alright, I'll be careful."
"Remember to keep a basin of water by your bedside when you sleep. You're always coughing, and the brazier's smoke is too heavy—it's not good for your health."
"Mm, I'll remember."
"Leave the dealings with the Quanrong People to others. Don't handle it personally. We don't know the Quanrong's stance, so guard against any changes."
"Rest assured."
"Remember to write to me every day. If I don't receive news from you for three days, I'll go to Meilin Pass to find you immediately."
Yan Xun groaned helplessly, "Even if I die, I'll remember to write to you first."
But the one who had been nagging instantly grew anxious. "What are you saying about dying? Say that again and I'll pack my bags and follow you right now!"
Yan Xun hurriedly declared, "I was talking nonsense, I'm utterly guilty. A Chu, if we keep talking, it'll be dark soon."
"What does it matter if it gets dark? If it's dark, then leave tomorrow."Yan Xun's tears nearly fell; he could only let out a helpless groan, not daring to voice any rebellious remarks.
"How many coats did you pack?"
"Five."
"What about boots? There's snow everywhere—they'll get wet when you warm yourself by the fire. Remember not to wear damp boots."
"Mm, I know."
"Did you bring hand warmers? How many? Are they enough?"
"A Chu," Yan Xun broke out in a cold sweat, "You were the one who packed my luggage."
"Oh? Really? I forgot." Chu Qiao's attitude was completely unapologetic. "Let me check—did you bring knee pads? Oh, you did. Are there enough socks? Oh, you packed eighty pairs. Is the wind hood thick enough? Not bad, it's made of bear fur, and I even sewed a strip of fox fur on the outside."
Chu Qiao unloaded the luggage from the carriage and crouched on the ground, rummaging through it. After a while, as if suddenly remembering something, she jumped up and exclaimed, "Is there enough charcoal? I only packed one cartload for you."
Yan Xun replied weakly, "It's enough, A Chu, it's enough. Don't worry—there are garrisons all along the way. Even if it runs out, we can resupply from the army."
"How can that be?" Chu Qiao frowned. "We use white orchid charcoal—it produces the least smoke. The army's charcoal is just crude stuff—it billows smoke when burned and hurts the respiratory tract."
Before Yan Xun could stop her, Chu Qiao had already ordered the guard following them: "You—yes, you—come here. Go to the military supply depot immediately and load two carts of charcoal. Remember, it must be white orchid charcoal. Hurry—this is a matter of life and death for our army. His Highness trusts you with this task, so you must complete it swiftly and flawlessly, understand? The skies of Yanbei will remember your loyalty and courage."
The young soldier's face flushed with excitement. After holding back for a moment, he suddenly snapped a sharp military salute and shouted, "Everything for Yanbei!"
With that, he sprinted away. Though he didn't understand what two carts of charcoal had to do with the army's survival, Commander Chu was a military genius. Any task she assigned must have profound underlying significance. The soldier firmly believed that in future battles, these two carts of white orchid charcoal would play a decisive role in their victory or defeat. Thus, with passionate revolutionary fervor, he dashed off so fervently that he even forgot to ride a horse.
The morning sun blazed like fire, casting golden rays across thousands of miles. On the vast snowfield, two people bid each other a reluctant farewell.
"Yan Xun, you must be careful. This journey is fraught with danger—stay vigilant of everyone around you."
Yan Xun nodded. "I know. You too—while I'm away, some might try to take advantage of you. Remember their names, but don't confront them directly. Wait until I return, and I'll deal with them one by one."
"Mm, alright. When the time comes, we'll confiscate their homes and seize their assets."
"Good. We'll tie them up and let you beat them as you please."
"Deal. It's settled then." Chu Qiao nodded and continued, "The four thousand crossbowmen I assigned to you—treat them as your personal guards. Don't deploy them lightly on the battlefield. Their weapons have been modified by me and possess extraordinary combat power. We must keep them as a secret weapon."
"Alright, I'll remember that."
"Don't eat cold food—it's bad for your health. Rest well and don't overexert yourself."
"Mm, don't worry."
"Ride less and stay in the carriage more. The wind is too strong—thick clothes won't help much."
"Mm.""Don't drink cold water. I brought you some honey - drink more of it. You've lost so much weight recently."
"Mhm..."
"If anyone in the army hires camp prostitutes, just execute them. Those women probably all carry diseases - don't even look at them twice, understand?"
"Un...understood..."
"If any local officials dare to send you beautiful women along the way, write down their names and tell me when you return. Those women are likely all spies sent to monitor you - none of them can stay. I'm doing all this for your own good."
"..."
"After capturing Meilin Pass, don't completely exterminate the rebel families. You can send them to work in the mines. As for the women, don't keep them in the army - just drive them out of the border. Keeping a bunch of women in the military camp is a classic case of corrupting military discipline - none of them are any good."
Chu Qiao spoke eloquently, her expression full of contempt for those women who corrupted military discipline. She seemed to forget that she herself was a woman staying in the army, even holding a high-ranking position and wielding significant authority...
"Yan Xun," Chu Qiao said with profound sincerity, her gaze distant and her tone earnest, "The purity of an army and political party depends on the guidance of its highest leader. You are the King of Yanbei - your lifestyle and moral standards will directly influence the direction of Yanbei's regime, directly affect Yanbei's future destiny, and even have immeasurable impact on the entire Ximeng Continent. You must never adopt the irresponsible lifestyle of those dandies in Zhenhuang City - their unrealistic, willful, decadent ways and their chaotic, irresponsible relationships between men and women. Though you now hold high position and great power, you must remain vigilant in times of peace and be cautious! This is my most sincere advice to you as someone who grew up with you, fought alongside you, and lived with you."
Yan Xun was utterly embarrassed and completely speechless.
Unexpectedly, Chu Qiao was extremely dissatisfied with his attitude. Her eyebrows shot up angrily as she demanded, "Are you even listening to me properly?"
Yan Xun looked like he was about to cry, his expression extremely pained: "A Chu, I'm listening."
Chu Qiao's anger subsided slightly. She shot him a glance that wasn't without charm and said, "Send me a message by eagle tonight when you reach Luo'an City. Don't make me worry."
Yan Xun's heart was bleeding. At this rate, even if the war horses suddenly grew four extra legs, they probably still wouldn't reach Luo'an by tonight.
Seeing that the soldiers fetching charcoal had all returned cheerfully, Chu Qiao had to end her lengthy speech. She felt somewhat uncomfortable, her eyes slightly sore as she held onto Yan Xun's sleeve, unwilling to let go. This was so unlike her usual self. She knew Yan Xun was probably laughing at her inwardly, and A Jing and the others might be doubled over with laughter, but she just didn't want to let go. Last time they separated, it had been for so long - in all their years together, they had never been apart for that long. She felt an instinctive resistance to this separation. She awkwardly made small talk, head lowered and feeling embarrassed, like a wronged young wife, mumbling so softly that Yan Xun could barely make out what she was saying.
"How about..." Yan Xun tentatively suggested, his voice very soft, "you see me off for a while? But you must return once we reach Sunset Mountain!""Whoosh!" A white figure flashed past, and for a moment, Yan Xun thought he'd seen a ghost. In the blink of an eye, Chu Qiao was no longer where she had been standing. The King of Yanbei was momentarily stunned. Before he could react, he saw Chu Qiao already far ahead with the troops, sitting tall on her horse, waving and shouting at him, "Come on! What are you waiting for? It's getting late! Stop dawdling!"
The other soldiers glanced sideways at Yan Xun, their expressions seeming to say: His Highness must be scared of going into battle, reluctant to leave!
In that instant, Yan Xun felt utterly helpless.
"Miss! Are you coming with us?"
As the troops finally set out, the Black Hawk Army soldiers who were familiar with Chu Qiao asked cheerfully.
"No, I'll only accompany you to Sunset Mountain."
"It'd be great if you came along, Miss. You're amazing in battle!" said a veteran who had followed Yan Xun since Zhenhuang, speaking earnestly.
"Exactly! I saw it that day—Miss took on over a hundred men single-handedly. Those guys were all as big as hills, with eyes as wide as bronze bells, and fists that could crush a skull with one punch. Old Liu here couldn't handle even one of them. But Miss? She took them down in no time, without even a drop of blood on her."
"Wow! That incredible?" The uninformed young soldiers widened their eyes.
"Absolutely! You should've seen it—the scene was something else, no exaggeration."
Chu Qiao modestly demurred, "Heh, it wasn't that impressive. Just average, really."
"If only you were coming with us."
The soldiers sighed collectively, and Chu Qiao immediately turned her head proudly, gazing eagerly at Yan Xun as if to say, "See? See? This is the voice of the people!"
"Keep moving! Less chatter!"
Yan Xun scowled and scolded, ignoring Chu Qiao's look and pretending the earlier comments were all praises for the day's rations and weather.
In less than an hour, the army reached Sunset Mountain to the west. The main force went ahead while Yan Xun and his guards paused briefly. Seeing Chu Qiao with red-rimmed eyes, head bowed, and fidgeting with her fingers, Yan Xun sighed, dismounted, and walked over to gently embrace her. Softly, he said, "I promise you, I'll take care of myself and be cautious. If the battle turns unfavorable, I'll retreat immediately—no reckless bravery. I'll return to you unharmed in ten days. If I break any of these, you can scold or hit me as you please. Don't be like this; how can I leave with peace of mind if you're like this? A Chu has always been the strongest. You need to support and stand by me—you're my closest comrade and most trusted love, right?"
"Mm," the girl mumbled against Yan Xun's chest, her voice muffled and full of grievance. "You have to keep your word."
"Absolutely!" Yan Xun vowed earnestly. "A man's word is his bond. Whoever fails isn't fit to walk on two legs."
"Alright, you can go now."
"Wait, there's one more thing." Yan Xun suddenly turned serious. "This is important. You must remember it carefully."
"Huh?" Chu Qiao immediately looked up, blinking her misty eyes. "What is it?""As a friend who grew up with you, fought alongside you, and lived with you since childhood, I have the most sincere advice for you that you must always remember."
Chu Qiao frowned. Being clever, she seemed to detect a hint of conspiracy in his words. She asked suspiciously, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Be more honest with me!"
Yan Xun shouted sharply, suddenly lowering his head to kiss Chu Qiao on the lips. An overbearing aura instantly invaded as the man pressed his hand against the back of the young woman's head. Their lips and teeth met, his tongue forcefully entering, domineering and aggressive, instantly breaking through the girl's fragile defenses and catching her completely off guard. Her breathing immediately became chaotic, her chest heaving violently. Against the vast silver-white snow plain, before five hundred guards, the King of Yanbei engaged in a deep kiss with Advisor Chu. Under everyone's watchful eyes, he showed no trace of self-consciousness.
Only when Chu Qiao was nearly breathless did Yan Xun slightly release her. Watching her flushed face as she nervously glanced around like a thief caught red-handed, Yan Xun burst into hearty laughter and declared loudly, "What are you afraid of? All of Yanbei belongs to me."
Chu Qiao instantly flew into a rage, her face flushing crimson as she shouted, "Ah! You bastard! You've completely ruined my reputation!"
Yan Xun wrapped his arm around Chu Qiao's waist, his eyes slightly upturned with an alluring smile. "A Chu, don't you know? From the moment you followed me into the Holy Gold Palace, the word 'reputation' had already waved goodbye to you."
"Bastard!" Chu Qiao was at a loss for words. Seeing everyone around her watching with amused smiles, she grew even more furious. Pointing at A Jing and the others, she yelled, "Stop laughing! Don't you dare spread this! I'll beat you up! And you, you—who are you? Your gums are showing from laughing so hard! What's your name? Which unit are you from? Still laughing? I'm talking to you!"
"A Chu! Stop changing the subject!" Yan Xun straightened his expression and pulled her closer. "Be honest with yourself. You're clearly worried I'll fool around outside, so why all the long-winded excuses and righteous posturing? I think you're the one asking for a beating."
"Hey, hey!" Chu Qiao was utterly embarrassed, her face red as she stomped her feet. "Yan, have I gone too long without teaching you a lesson? You want to beat me? Do you even stand a chance?"
Yan Xun scoffed, "I've been going easy on you. Do you really think you're invincible?"
"Fine! Burning bridges after crossing the river, huh? If you're not convinced, let's settle this with a fight!"
Yan Xun burst into laughter. "A Chu, are you reluctant to see me go? Deliberately dragging your feet to waste my time?"
Chu Qiao glared at him, fuming. "Who's reluctant to see you go? Get lost! I can't stand the sight of you!"
"Then I'm really leaving?"
"Go, go! No one wants to look at you anyway."
"Don't regret it later!"
"Only a ghost would regret it."
"Don't cry in secret after I'm gone!"
"Are you leaving or not? So much nonsense!"
"Haha!" Yan Xun swung onto his horse, laughing heartily. "A Chu, I'm off! Ten days from now, at Minlan Plains, wait for my triumphant return!"
"Hyah!"
Hundreds of warhorses kicked up dust, their hooves churning the snow into a straight white line behind them. War Eagles soared across the sky, while distant winds roared. The blazing sun cast a golden glow over the soldiers' departing figures, like a magnificent painting—until, in the blink of an eye, only faint shadows remained.
Chu Qiao stood in place, watching Yan Xun's receding figure, her heart overflowing with tenderness. Silently, she clasped her hands together, slowly closed her eyes, and spoke in a calm voice, filled with deep affection and sincerity: "Almighty deities, please protect my beloved. Grant him smooth sailing and a safe, triumphant return."
On October 18th, Yan Xun made a military move that was tantamount to suicide yet stunned everyone with its audacity. Leading the vanguard of the First Army, he rendezvoused with Wu Daoya of the First Army in Lanque Province. Together, they marched with 200,000 troops straight toward Meilin Pass, located at the northernmost tip of Yanbei.Even many years later, when people spoke of the famous battles during the Xiuli Era, Yan Xun's division of forces that day remained one of the foremost renowned military maneuvers of the time. Facing the overwhelming pressure of a million-strong Daxia Army advancing from the east, he, as the primary commander of the battle, actually led the most elite troops in a flanking assault against the remaining Daxia garrison forces in the north. In terms of military strategy, this was an unimaginable risk. Yet, it was precisely this move of his that saved the entire strategic situation of the first northern expedition, reversed Yanbei's predicament of fighting on two fronts, eliminated the unstable factors in Yanbei's rear, and even indirectly rescued the fate of the entire Yanbei Plateau.
One can imagine the expressions on the faces of the Daxia Army garrisoning Meilin Pass when the Yanbei army suddenly appeared before them with lightning speed. Believing that Daxia reinforcements had arrived and that the crisis at Meilin Pass was resolved, they had let their guard down, growing complacent and lax. It must have been a truly spectacular scene.
When reviewing historical records, one cannot help but acknowledge that Yan Xun's ability to endure humiliation in the imperial capital for eight years, ultimately shattering the Zhenhuang defense line, marching his troops into Yanbei, and later establishing a world-renowned foundation, was no mere fluke or coincidence. Whether in politics or military affairs, he was a genius with remarkable creativity. He possessed an unfettered imagination and the courage to turn that imagination into reality. Moreover, he had an indomitable will and endurance, embodying nearly every virtue a successful ruler should possess. And most importantly, he harbored an unparalleled loathing and hatred for the current ruling powers. What he perhaps still lacked was just a touch of ambition to conquer the world, but it is believed that, in the years to come, this too would gradually be fulfilled.
It is foreseeable that a great figure has been born. His glorious achievements, which would be revered by countless people throughout their lives and celebrated by future generations, began their legendary ascent from this very moment...
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