The sky was a murky gray, with relentless torrential rain.
The reeds near the Han River grew tall enough to obscure a person. Thunder rumbled across the river surface, rolling from west to east, followed closely by a lightning strike that split a century-old elm tree inside Han River Pass. Two Yanbei Army guards on duty were injured, and a civilian home in the eastern part of the city had its roof beam shattered by the strike, crushing all seven family members to death in their sleep—their bodies mangled, brains splattered.
This marked the first bloodshed in the Battle of Han River Pass. Though no fighting or slashing had occurred, it was enough to push the already tense atmosphere to the brink of collapse. The residents of Han River Pass hid in their homes all day, not daring to venture out even in daylight. Rain poured onto the empty streets, devoid of any human presence. Only some withered, yellow grass was blown about by the wind, too soaked to fly far, barely lifting its head before being brutally beaten down by the raindrops.
The heavy rain had persisted for eleven consecutive days. The water level of the Han River surged wildly, the weather was abnormal, and flocks of birds flew northward. Every night, the lonely howls of wolves could be faintly heard from the wilderness, like a death knell. Some well-traveled elders recalled that in the seventh year of Emperor Xiaozong’s reign, a summer much like this one had brought incessant storms and thunder. That year, Biantang’s General Xue Li led 400,000 troops to attack Daxia, crossing the Han River under similar conditions. They advanced northward, breaking through effortlessly, capturing Baizhi Pass and pushing deep into Daxia’s heartland. Just as all of Biantang waited with bated breath, believing the Great Tang would reclaim its lost territories and redeem its shame, the Lion King of Yanbei suddenly dispatched his forces, crushing the Tang Army and personally slaying the ever-victorious General Xue Li, once again shattering the Great Tang’s ambitions for dominance.
That year, blood stained the Chishui River red, flowing all the way into the Han River. Corpses floated on the river surface for dozens of miles, and wild dogs and wolves leaped into the water, treading upon layers of bodies as if on solid ground, their eyes red with frenzy.
Decades had passed, but the memory of that brutal battle still lingered in the minds of the elders. Now, the Lion King of Yanbei had long since died, and General Xue Li’s grave was overgrown with moss and reeds. Biantang had grown weak, while internal strife plagued Daxia. Though times and people had changed, the eagle banner of Yanbei once again flew over Baizhi Pass, winding its way until it was planted atop the walls of Han River Pass.
On the seventh day of the fifth month, Yan Xun, at the request of the Jing’an Princess of the Great Tang, personally led his troops to garrison Han River Pass, resisting the Xiuli Army, which had traveled thousands of miles to provide reinforcements, and protecting the advantageous situation east of Han River Pass. Just one day later, Chu Qiao’s Xiuli Army appeared in Weiliao County, west of Han River Pass. This once-overlooked small town quickly rose to prominence, capturing the attention of all Biantang and even the entire land of Ximeng. A white banner with red clouds was raised over the low city walls, and Chu Qiao herself donned armor to review her troops and swear an oath. Scattered Tang Army forces west of Han River Pass flocked to her upon hearing the news, and feudal lords loyal to the royal family delivered supplies and reinforcements. In just three days, the Xiuli Army’s numbers swelled to 90,000 and continued to grow.
This was the first official banner of rebellion raised within Biantang since the Jing’an Princess’s swift and sudden coup, and it stood directly against the Jing’an Princess’s powerful ally—the Yanbei Army.An unprecedented war of immense scale loomed before them. Everyone held their breath, silently awaiting the arrival of the impending storm of bloodshed.
On the fourteenth of May, the torrential rain abruptly ceased, and the water level of the Han River stabilized at an astonishing height. Six consecutive days of standoff had pushed the patience of both sides to a dangerous breaking point. Although the commanders on both sides understood the necessity of this stalemate, stationing hundreds of thousands of troops in such close proximity without taking action was an extremely perilous gamble. A tense atmosphere hung over the camps of both armies, where the slightest misstep could trigger a mutiny.
Despite Chu Qiao and Yan Xun having made thorough preparations—with Scout Cavalry shuttling back and forth like the wind and battle plans revised repeatedly—they had ultimately, and almost simultaneously, settled on the direction and location for their military operations. Yet, when the first battle arrived, it still caught them off guard for a moment.
On the afternoon of the fourteenth, Mo Xu, the governor of Wuling County, had just crossed the Heyuan Plains. He was escorting fifty thousand dan of provisions, traversing mountains and valleys while cautiously navigating through layers of enemy lines, heading toward Chu Qiao’s main camp at Weiliao.
A native of Tang, Mo Xu’s ancestors had followed the first Tang king in his campaigns and were granted high positions. His forebears had even held titles as marquises and ministers. However, after generations of decline, the Mo family no longer enjoyed their former glory. Yet, in this moment of national crisis, the septuagenarian Governor Mo personally led his troops to transport provisions, hoping to contribute his share to the Restoration Army led by Chu Qiao.
But just as they reached the vicinity of the Tiexian River, they unexpectedly encountered a small group of Yanbei workers reinforcing the embankments. The Tiexian River, a tributary of the Han River, had unstable levees, prompting Yan Xun to dispatch three thousand infantrymen to urgently repair the embankment and prevent it from flooding their downstream main camp. Unbeknownst to the cautious Governor Mo, his forces had stumbled right into the enemy’s path. The battle erupted instantly, and the sounds of fighting alerted nearby Scout Cavalry units. Within half an hour, troops from both sides converged on the scene, plunging the battlefield into chaos.
When Chu Qiao received the news, she was in the command tent planning the next day’s strategic routes. Even someone as composed as her was momentarily stunned by the sudden report.
A Tang Army general frowned and said, "Your Highness, we should immediately send reinforcements to cover their retreat. We are completely unprepared, and the Tiexian River is close to the Yanbei Army’s main camp. We must be cautious."
Chu Qiao, however, shook her head and replied firmly, "We may be unprepared, but is Yanbei any more ready? According to the intelligence, this battle is entirely unexpected. Neither we nor Yanbei have made any preparations."
"But—"
"He Qi, take twenty thousand infantrymen and rush to the Tiexian River immediately. The first battle of our army rests on your shoulders."
He Qi was taken aback and asked, "Twenty thousand infantrymen?"
Chu Qiao nodded. "Yes."
"But, my lord, most of our troops are cavalry and heavy infantry. We have fewer than eight thousand infantrymen."
"Then dismount the cavalry. Remember, each soldier must carry at least three blades. Remove their heavy armor—light armor will suffice."
He Qi frowned, but seeing that Chu Qiao was not joking, he nodded in acknowledgment, strapped on his sword, and strode out.Seeing He Qi depart, the Tang Army general asked, "Your Highness, are twenty thousand troops enough? Why not send more? After all, Ironwire River is close to the Yanbei Army camp—they can reinforce much faster than we can."
Chu Qiao slowly shook her head, her eyes deep and sharp, and said calmly, "No need. Twenty thousand is sufficient."
The thunderous sound of hooves approached, causing the ground to tremble slightly. Massive square formations assembled in an instant, and before one could clearly see, they had already drawn their swords and charged forward like tigers and wolves.
Days of heavy rain had turned the already uneven ground into a muddy mess. The mud severely restricted the horses' movement as the two sides clashed. The front-line soldiers' bodies tangled together, their swords slashing wildly, creating explosive sounds like sudden thunder rising from the ground.
The white-haired and bearded Governor Mo, over seventy years old, sat on his horse with a flushed face, gripping his sword. His personal guard tugged at his reins, shouting, "Governor, flee quickly!" but was knocked to the ground with a single punch. The elderly governor raised his broadsword, yelling, "Kill the enemy for our country!" and spurred his horse forward, leading the charge. He took more than ten arrows but refused to retreat. His subordinates followed him, including his son, his thirty-year-old grandson, and his great-grandson, who was not yet sixteen.
By the time He Qi arrived with his troops, the battle was nearing its end. Inspired by their commander's courage, the officers and soldiers of Wuling County, with just a few thousand men, had resisted tens of thousands of enemy cavalry and were now at the end of their tether. Without a word, He Qi led his men into the fray. After the earlier fighting, Ironwire River had become half a quagmire. Horses sank deep into the mud, forcing Yanbei's heavy cavalry to dismount and engage He Qi's infantry in close combat with swords. However, the advantage of heavy cavalry lay in charging on open plains—fighting in the mud, their heavy armor greatly restricted their mobility.
Horses and men fell, battle cries and screams mingled into a chaotic uproar, the scene like a pot of boiling porridge. Gleaming blades flashed, murderous intent filled the air, dark clouds blotted out the sun, birds cried mournfully, and a bloody red light enveloped the world.
The Yanbei Army finally realized their limitations. Some quick-witted soldiers tried to remove their heavy armor, but in such a critical moment, there was no room for distraction. Before they could shed their cloaks, deadly blades had already severed their necks.
Yan Xun sat in the central command tent. Since Ironwire River was close to his camp, his subordinates were the first to receive news of the battle there. However, precisely because of this, by the time Yan Xun received the report, some of the guards stationed outside the camp, hearing the sounds of fighting, had mistaken it for an enemy raid and had already swiftly dispatched reinforcements.
By the time he tried to recall those cavalry units, the two sides were already locked in fierce combat.
At first, the commanders in the camp mocked the Xiuli Army for overestimating their abilities. But soon, as battle reports came in one after another, their expressions grew increasingly grim. Some requested to send troops for support with light infantry, but Yan Xun coldly shook his head.
It was too late. Ironwire River was a narrow alluvial plain—only a small area—yet nearly fifty thousand troops were now crammed into it. With the space already overcrowded, sending more soldiers would only mean pointless sacrifice.However, they couldn't simply let this go. This battle was the first confrontation at Hanshui River—if they lost, it would severely impact morale and directly affect future military operations.
Yan Xun immediately issued orders for the entire army to prepare, dispatching troops to Weiliao for a frontal assault.
Late at night, a crimson moon rose over a barren hillside as a hazy mist shrouded the Hanshui River. A young Yanbei Army staff officer repeatedly advised that as the defending side, they should simply garrison Hanshui Pass rather than take the initiative to attack and deplete their military strength.
At first, Yan Xun ignored him, but eventually growing weary of the disturbance, he directly ordered his personal guards to bind the officer and lock him in a cellar. With the annoying voice silenced, he could finally calm his mind and quietly survey this not-so-imposing pass.
That staff officer didn't understand—many people didn't understand. Even many of his veteran generals who had followed him through countless campaigns might not grasp his current intentions.
Indeed, the Xiuli Army had come under the banner of defending the capital. To reach Tang Capital and defeat the Princess of Jing'an who was besieging the capital, they would have to pass through Hanshui Pass. This meant that as long as he held Hanshui Pass, a confrontation with the Xiuli Army was inevitable. As the defending side, the cost would be far less than that of the attacking side.
Yet now he was leading his troops to take the initiative and become the attacker—a move many would find perplexing.
But only he himself understood his current situation. Hanshui Pass was not only Biantang's most crucial city but also the most populous city on the Ximeng Continent, with a vast area and nearly a million residents. The reason he could occupy it so easily without resistance was twofold: first, his reputation for cruelty after unleashing horse bandits in Daxia had spread; second, the Yanbei Army remained undefeated thus far, combined with his personal presence intimidating the populace. He knew that with just his own forces and the Princess of Jing'an's, they could never completely crush Biantang's armed forces. Even the Prince of Meishan's decade-long conspiracy had ultimately been defeated by Li Ce—how could his isolated army destroy a millennium-old kingdom? He clearly understood that dozens of armies west of Hanshui were quietly watching, all waiting for this confrontation between his forces and the Xiuli Army. The moment he showed weakness, they would swarm in.
Therefore, the battle at Ironwire River became crucially important. Though small in scale, it was an undeniable defeat. Now, only a larger battle could cover this failure, and by leading his troops out of the pass to engage proactively, he could demonstrate the Yanbei Army's strength.
"A Chu, the Ironwire River battle—though unintentional on your part—still shows your superior skill."
Under the night sky, Yan Xun sat in his royal war chariot drawn by eight pure black Yanbei warhorses. Dressed in black python robes, he slightly lifted his chin and narrowed his eyes at the city gatehouse hidden in darkness. A dancer with honey-colored skin and enchanting eyes knelt semi-prostrate in the chariot, her smooth back like a white lamb. Tilting her head up, she held a cup of fine wine high and said with a coquettish laugh, "May the King achieve immediate victory, tear that wretched woman in the city to pieces, and spread the fame of Yanbei!"Yan Xun lowered his gaze, quietly glanced at her, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips as he said nonchalantly, "Are you one of my Yanbei people?"
The dancer was momentarily stunned before replying, "This humble one was originally from Hanshui, but I have long admired Your Majesty's prestige. Now that I am by Your Majesty's side, I am Your Majesty's person, and naturally, I am also of Yanbei."
Yan Xun's smile deepened. "Your homeland was conquered by me, your compatriots slaughtered by my hand, yet you still claim to be my person. It seems your loyalty to me is truly profound."
Seeing his delight, the dancer was overjoyed and quickly pressed her advantage. "This humble one is indeed Your Majesty's person. If Your Majesty is willing, I would do anything for you."
"Anything?" Yan Xun raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yes," the dancer replied, her eyes like water, her lips full and seemingly dripping with honey. Pressing her ample bosom against Yan Xun's leg, she swayed her serpentine waist, bit her lower lip, and whispered softly, "Anything."
Yan Xun laughed heartily and said to the guards on either side, "She claims she can do anything for me. Then grant her wish. When we attack Wei Liao City later, let her charge at the very front."
With that, the guards immediately seized the dancer. The woman's face instantly turned pale, and she cried out in panic, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, spare me! I am but a weak woman—how could I go into battle? Your Majesty, have mercy!"
As the struggling dancer was dragged away, Yan Xun leaned back in his chair, quietly swirling the fine grape wine in his hand and muttering to himself, "Anything?"
He couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
At that very moment, in Wei Liao City, there was another weak woman clad in battle armor, standing atop the high city wall and gazing down at the endless military formations below. Streaks of light glimmered along the horizon, countless torches illuminating the night as bright as day.
She knew Yan Xun was among those thousands of torches. After years of separation, today marked their first reunion.
Perhaps she had long anticipated this day. Fate, like a mischievous child, delighted in orchestrating such dramatic encounters.
Standing high on the city wall, she slowly lifted her head. The night wind swept past her, tousling the strands of hair at her temples. The torches set the sky ablaze with a fiery red, much like many years ago when they stood shoulder to shoulder, their blades swinging in unison, shattering the prison that confined them and carving a bloody path forward.
Had they known then that this day would come, would they still have joined hands back then?
She slowly closed her eyes, her expression resolute, the corners of her eyes frosty. The world was like churning tides—no one could predict when the next wave would crash.
She tightened her grip on her war blade. The man with wolf-like eyes emerged from the depths of her memories, standing before her across a sea of weapons and armor. The wind howled, the night menacing, and in that hazy moment, it was as if they were back in that ruthless season when pomegranates blazed like fire and arrows stood dense as a forest.
A thunderous roar suddenly erupted. In the fiery glow, a bare-chested man stood atop a high platform, beating a war drum. The drumbeats pierced deep into one's soul, as if the very earth trembled with each strike.
He Xiao drew his powerful crossbow, pulled the string taut, and released. The arrow shot forth like a meteor. But at that moment, a sharp arrow from the enemy formation came flying toward them. That arrow was even faster, swiftly colliding with He Xiao's and shattering it effortlessly, continuing its relentless trajectory without losing momentum.Seeing this, Chu Qiao casually drew a throwing knife and sent it flying. The knife struck the arrow, and both fell to the ground.
A chorus of cheers erupted simultaneously from both armies.
Yan Xun lowered his crossbow and slowly raised his head amidst the vast army.
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