"You ungrateful beast! Say that again!"
A fierce gust of wind suddenly swept through as Zhao Song drew the battle sword from his waist. His pine-green robe billowed violently in the cold wind, like a ferocious eagle tearing at its own majestic feathers. The usually carefree and kind-hearted man stood in the icy wind, his eyes sharp and expression murderous—the aura of the Daxia imperial family instantly revived within him!
Yan Xun, who had always maintained a gentle and obedient demeanor, now wore an icy expression as he glanced sidelong at Zhao Song.
Behind the man stretched an ink-black night. Beneath his iron hooves, the entire imperial city trembled in fear. In his ears, he could almost hear the collapsing roar of the decaying Holy Gold Palace. He slowly curled his lips, his voice cold as a blade's edge: "Ungrateful? What gratitude exists between Yanbei and Daxia?"
Zhao Song snorted coldly, his voice sharp and severe: "My father raised you for ten years, treated you as his own son, not only enfeoffing you as the King of Yanbei but also betrothing Chun'er to you. Such immense grace! Yet you repay kindness with betrayal, turning against the nation and slaughtering the capital's citizens. Yan Xun, your wolfish ambitions are clear for all to see—your heart deserves execution!"
A cold wind blew past as the man in black robes suddenly let out a cold laugh: "Raised me for ten years? Treated me as his own? The bones on the Shangshen Plateau still lie unburied, the blood on the Nine Nether Altar has yet to dry. Zhao Song, is this your Zhao Clan's magnanimous grace?"
Zhao Song froze momentarily, then raised his eyebrows defiantly: "The King of Yanbei rebelled against the throne. The imperial army's expedition was a righteous campaign..."
"Enough!" Yan Xun suddenly shouted sharply, his face showing impatience as he coldly declared: "No more words. History is always written by the victors. The judgments of millennia will be made by future generations—we need not debate here. Zhao Song, for the sake of our years of friendship, I'll let you leave today. Go tell your father that I, Yan Xun, have rebelled."
Just then, a firecracker shop in the southern city was ignited. With a thunderous roar, fireworks exploded across the night sky, painting the fire-reddened heavens in brilliant colors. Yan Xun's eyes shone in the darkness like morning stars—radiant yet firm as iron.
Eight years of planning, set in motion in a single day. Could the mighty Daxia withstand this overwhelming wrath?
"You!"
"Zhao Song!" A clear female voice suddenly cut through as Chu Qiao urged her horse forward, speaking gravely: "Zhao Song, go back."
"A Chu?" Zhao Song's brows furrowed in pain: "Will you too become my enemy?"
Chu Qiao looked at Zhao Song's face. Around her stood iron-willed soldiers; behind her, Zhenhuang Capital burned in flames. Everything seemed like a fleeting dream. Time raced past, and she remembered many years ago in the snowy plum grove, a young noble in emerald brocade arrogantly shouting at her: "You! I'm talking to you!"
In the blink of an eye, years of bloodshed and turmoil had passed. She raised her head, her gaze firm as she looked at the young man on horseback, speaking each word deliberately: "I never intended to be your enemy. The protection you've shown me these eight years—I will never dare forget."
Zhao Song let out a long breath, his expression softening slightly as he quickly said: "That's good then. A Chu, come back with me. Don't follow him. I'll plead your case before Father..."“But I must stand against the entire Daxia Empire.” The resolute words suddenly came from the girl’s lips, leaving Zhao Song frozen in place. He watched as Chu Qiao urged her horse forward, positioning herself beside Yan Xun. “You should understand my stance—it has never changed.”
“Fine,” Zhao Song let out a bitter laugh, his eyes bloodshot and his voice hoarse. “Consider me blind all these years.”
With a sharp swish, Zhao Song swung his blade down, carving a white mark into the bluestone pavement of the long street. His expression was fierce as he declared, “From this day forward, I, Zhao Song, sever all ties with the two of you. Should we meet on the battlefield, we are no longer friends, only enemies! Chun’er, come with me!”
Zhao Chun’er had been staring blankly, as unresponsive as a doll. At Zhao Song’s call, she suddenly lifted her head, her eyes misty, and reached out a pale, delicate hand as if to grasp Yan Xun’s boot. The man on horseback frowned slightly, tugging the reins to step back. Zhao Chun’er’s hand closed on empty air, her fair fingers suspended mid-air—still stained with a dull crimson bloodstain.
That blood belonged to the messenger soldier she had killed—the first life she had ever taken.
With a retching sound, Zhao Chun’er collapsed to her knees and began vomiting violently. The acidic contents of her stomach splattered onto her magnificent wedding gown, soiling the mandarin ducks embroidered on it—symbols of a harmonious, lifelong union.
“Why did it have to come to this?”
The young girl lifted her pallid face, resembling a shivering, hairless puppy in winter. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but her voice, though not trembling, carried a chilling sorrow, as if everyone around her had vanished and she were speaking to herself. “It’s all my fault, I’m the one to blame. Brother Xun, why wasn’t I by your side when the Emperor executed the entire Yan family?”
“All these years, I’ve been filled with regret. If I had been there, even if I couldn’t save Prince Yan, I could have protected you, Brother Xun, shielded you from being bullied. But I was too young back then. The Empress locked me in the main hall, and no matter how much I cried or threw a fit, she refused to let me out. Xiao Tao helped me stack cabinets so we could climb up, remove the tiles, and escape through the roof—but we fell and alerted the Empress.”
Zhao Chun’er suddenly began to sob, her voice trembling as her tears fell even more heavily. “Then… then Xiao Tao was beaten to death by the Empress’s guards. I… I saw it with my own eyes. Her back was broken, and blood kept flowing from her mouth… flowing… so far that it soaked my boots. It was so hot, like fire.”
“Brother Xun, I’m so useless. I never dared to escape again after that. Not even in the first two years did I dare to visit your courtyard. I was afraid, I was a coward. I always had nightmares—Xiao Tao’s blood kept flowing, threatening to drown me, rising past my neck, my mouth, my eyes… everything was red.”Zhao Chun'er wrapped her arms tightly around her shoulders, shrinking her head in fear as if blood were truly about to drown her. Biting her lower lip, she raised her head, tears streaming down: "But Brother Xun, please don't rebel, okay? Father will kill you. Chun'er wants nothing anymore—won't force you, won't pressure you to marry me—only wishes for you to live well, even if it's somewhere Chun'er cannot see, as long as you live peacefully."
Yan Xun frowned deeply, avoiding Zhao Chun'er's gaze as he turned his head aside. The profile of his face appeared cold and unyielding in the air.
"Chun'er! Come here at once!"
Zhao Song roared in fury, his voice sharp.
With a "thud," Zhao Chun'er immediately knelt on the ground, crawling forward a few steps and raising her hands high to clutch Yan Xun's robe. She finally broke into loud sobs: "Brother Xun, don't rebel! Chun'er begs you!"
Zhao Song's eyes blazed with anger as he shouted, "Chun'er, what are you doing?" With that, he spurred his horse forward. The warriors of the Great Alliance Society stepped forward in unison, shielding Yan Xun, their weapons pointed outward as they let out a cold, collective roar!
"Brother Xun, Chun'er pleads with you! Father will kill you—he will send someone to kill you!"
Zhao Chun'er prostrated herself on the ground, weeping bitterly. Yan Xun remained unmoved, tilting his head back to gaze at the sky, allowing his robe to be gripped in her hands. Only when the cold wind stirred his jet-black hair and dark robes could one see the slight furrow of his resolute brow, like a deity shrouded in darkness.
Just then, fierce sounds of battle erupted in the distance. A golden flame exploded in the sky above the southern city. Yan Xun and Chu Qiao simultaneously looked up, their expressions grave.
"The Nineteenth Division has broken through! Yan Xun, if you don't want others to die in vain with you, surrender now!"
Zhao Song brandished his sword, forcing back a warrior of the Great Alliance Society as he spoke sharply.
"Yan Xun, we cannot delay any longer."
Yan Xun turned his head and nodded slowly, then reined his horse around and rode decisively toward the southern city. Zhao Chun'er, still on the ground, lost her balance and collapsed face-down. Chu Qiao and the black-armored soldiers galloped after Yan Xun. From afar, she glanced back and could still see Zhao Chun'er half-prostrate on the ground, weeping, and Zhao Song standing tall beside his younger sister, a long blade in hand, seated firmly on his horse. The cold wind whipped through his clothes, and even his fluttering black hair seemed desolate and lonely.
Eight years of companionship had ultimately proven illusory, vanishing into nothingness.
The moment she followed Yan Xun into the Holy Gold Palace, this outcome had been sealed. Thirteen, I have finally failed your kindness.
"Hyah!"
The young woman shouted sharply, cracking her whip as she galloped away, leaving behind the eight years of wandering. Her eyes fixed ahead, she steadfastly followed the black eagle banner leading the way.
Thick blood and an indescribable stench assaulted their senses. On South Peace Street in the southern city, the ragtag mob of rebels had long been repelled. The officers and soldiers of the Southwest Garrison Commander charged at the forefront, enduring arrows and rubble. Fang Baiyu, the division commander of the Nineteenth Division, wielded a heavy sword, drenched in blood as he led his troops in a fierce struggle. The formidable imperial regular army advanced like an unstoppable torrent, slow yet unwavering, pressing toward the inner capital. Wherever they passed, chaos reigned—obstacles were shattered, and all resistance crushed.The scout on the swift horse galloped back like the wind, bringing one unfavorable battle report after another. Yan Xun sat atop his horse, silent and composed, his expression unreadable.
Chu Qiao narrowed her eyes as she gazed into the distance and said gravely, "Is it still not time?"
Yan Xun’s voice was low and calm as he shook his head. "Not yet."
"The casualties are heavy. Should we continue to wait?"
"Yes, we still need to wait."
Chu Qiao took a deep breath, her brow furrowed tightly. "Yan Xun, if this continues, the Southwest Garrison Commander’s forces will be completely wiped out."
"The division commanders of the Twelfth and Thirty-Sixth Divisions are still watching from the outside. If we retreat now, the imperial city will retain its elite troops, and our journey back to Yanbei will be anything but peaceful. We’ll be chased like stray dogs by the empire all the way."
"But if we keep going like this, our own forces will suffer heavy losses! Just transporting the wounded and organizing the retreat will throw us into chaos."
Yan Xun’s brow furrowed slightly, but he shook his head. "Don’t worry, I have a plan."
"Yan Xun…"
"A Chu, you should leave the city first."
Chu Qiao was taken aback, then frowned deeply and said firmly, "No."
"A Chu," the man’s voice was gentle amidst the slaughter and bloodshed around them. "Leave the city first and go to the Chishui River to arrange the crossing with A Jing. He’s careless by nature, and I don’t trust him to handle it alone."
"No," Chu Qiao stubbornly shook her head. "I want to stay with you."
Yan Xun deliberately put on a stern face and said gravely, "A Chu, this is a critical matter. Don’t act like a child."
"With swords and blades flashing everywhere, and the Twelfth and Thirty-Sixth Divisions watching us like tigers from behind, how can I rest easy leaving you alone here?"
Yan Xun chuckled softly. "Silly, I’m not alone. There are still ten thousand troops from the Southwest Garrison Commander here. You don’t need to worry about me."
Chu Qiao retorted sharply, "The Southwest Garrison Commander has only just defected. Who knows if they’ll switch sides again? How can I trust them?"
"If the Southwest Garrison Commander is unreliable, even if you stay, we’ll struggle to escape death. A Chu, ‘if you employ someone, do not doubt them; if you doubt someone, do not employ them.’ That’s what you taught me."
Chu Qiao looked at Yan Xun with suspicion. "Yan Xun, do you really trust them that much?"
"I don’t trust them; I trust myself."
A great roar of battle cries suddenly erupted as another fierce round of attacks and counterattacks began. Arrows filled the sky, and blood stained the air. Yan Xun’s black robes fluttered fiercely in the night wind. His eyes were sharp as stars, calmly watching the slaughter and bloodshed ahead. "They have no way out but to rely on me," he said slowly. "If they fight to the death, there’s still a slim chance of survival. If they defect, they’ll be despised as traitors by both Yanbei and the empire."
"But," Chu Qiao said with reluctance, "this battle is too bloody. I fear it will tarnish your reputation for benevolence."
"Benevolence?" Yan Xun let out a cold laugh. "My father died on the plateaus of Yanbei precisely because he was too benevolent. I will not make the same mistake."
For a moment, Yan Xun’s face seemed shrouded in darkness. Chu Qiao was startled and looked up at him, calling softly, "Yan Xun?"
Yan Xun lowered his head and smiled at her, then spread his arms and embraced her slender shoulders from atop his horse. "A Chu, trust me. Wait for me by the Chishui River. We will leave together."The gale howled, and Chu Qiao suddenly felt a chill. She reached out her hands, tightly wrapping them around the man’s waist, her voice tinged with a barely suppressed sob.
“Yan Xun, if anything happens to you, I will avenge you.”
The wailing wind swept through the dark streets, and the distant sounds of battle seemed to fade into the background. The young King of Yanbei, with a face as fair as jade and ink-black hair flying in the wind, gently lifted the girl’s chin with one hand, a faint smile playing on his lips. Their eyes met, reflecting an unshakable, profound affection. Eight years of companionship, entrusting their lives to one another, a bond forged in life and death—their deep feelings were etched into their very bones. Yan Xun’s eyes were like deep, tranquil pools as he whispered, “A Chu, there’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
The girl’s cheeks, pale as snow, flushed with a faint rosy hue under the glow of the raging fires. She lifted her head and smiled gently. “Then what are you waiting for?”
“Haha!”
The young king laughed heartily, then lowered his head, pressing his lips softly against the girl’s flower-like mouth.
In that moment, Chu Qiao closed her eyes, letting her thoughts plunge into an endless abyss. Memories of the past eight years surged and churned in her heart. In the distance, the clamor of battle shook the heavens, while nearby, the clash of weapons blazed like fire. The entire Zhenhuang capital trembled and wailed beneath their feet, emitting the mournful cries of a cornered beast. The resplendent Holy Gold Palace was engulfed in flames, its vast golden towers reduced to ashes. The decaying elders, noble families, and aristocrats of the empire rubbed their eyes in disbelief, unable to accept the reality before them.
Eight years ago, no one would have believed that those two destitute, humble children would one day possess such courage and strength.
Eight years later, no one would ever doubt it again. The young tigers of the past had grown up, baring their sharp claws and fangs, tearing through the capital’s walls, ready to break free from this murky world.
“A Chu, wait for me!”
“Mm,” Chu Qiao released her hands, her smile blooming like a flower. “Gallop across Yanbei, tread the snow on your return. Yan Xun, I’ll be waiting for you!”
The fierce wind roared as the girl let out a soft cry. Under the protection of her guards, she spurred her horse toward the northwest gate!
Mounted on his steed, Yan Xun watched Chu Qiao’s figure gradually disappear into the night. Beneath the starry sky, his silhouette stood as straight and unyielding as a tree on the high plains. “History does not remember the details; it only remembers the outcome. And that outcome is written by the victors.”
“Crown Prince! The Twelfth Division is growing restless, and the Thirty-Sixth Division shows signs of troop movements!”
A scout galloped over with the report. Yan Xun nodded and murmured softly, “It’s time.”
A brilliant light flashed across the night sky—a dazzling firework, its azure radiance blinding to the eyes.
On the desolate plains, a troop of soldiers halted abruptly upon seeing the signal.
“The full-scale counterattack has begun,” Chu Qiao murmured with unwavering determination. “Yan Xun, take care.”
“Hyah!”
The biting wind swept across the grassy plains as the girl led the charge toward the banks of the Chishui River. High atop the city walls, the man stood resolute, raising a cup of farewell wine. “Warriors! The honor of Yanbei rests upon your shoulders. The lives and survival of countless elders on the Yanbei plateau depend on our battle today. I, Yan Xun, await your triumphant return!”
Tens of thousands of soldiers raised their arms and roared in unison, “Long live Your Highness! Yanbei will not fall!”
“Yanbei will not fall!”Deafening roars echoed across the empire, shaking even the tightly besieged Holy Gold Palace. Yan Xun drew his war blade and shouted from the high tower in the cold night: "Yanbei's War Eagles shall soar over mountains and rivers, unshackled by golden armor! Warriors of Yanbei, let your blades show these capital cowards what the Yanbei military spirit truly is!"
"Yanbei military spirit!"
The soldiers' blood boiled with fervor. They mounted their steeds and charged toward enemies that outnumbered them multiple times, engaging in brutal street battles across the capital's avenues and alleys. The Southwest Garrison Commander troops, long notorious for their cowardice, now fought with unleashed ferocity like raging lions, roaring through the capital's streets and plunging sharp blades into enemy hearts.
"Young master," Xi Rui and Bian Cang of the Great Alliance Society approached the city tower in full armor, reporting solemnly, "The Southwest Garrison Commander has cleared a path. The 12th, 19th, and 36th Divisions have suffered heavy losses. Should we evacuate the city now?"
"No," Yan Xun shook his head, "It's not enough yet."
Xi Rui and Bian Cang exchanged glances, both seeing concern in each other's eyes. According to the plan, they should retreat now. Was the young master's stubbornness clouded by vengeance?
"The empire's elites remain. We cannot withdraw."
"Elites?" Bian Cang questioned, "I don't understand. The officers of the Elite Cavalry Camp and Green Camp Army are gone, the Southwest Garrison Commander has defected to our side, and the 12th, 19th, and 36th Divisions are severely wounded. We've already achieved great victory."
"What does it matter if the officers are gone? Daxia can dispatch a whole regiment of officer replacements at any time."
"Your Highness means?"
Yan Xun raised an eyebrow, his gaze turning icy. Standing atop the high tower surrounded by dozens of torches, he wore black robes covered by a white cloak that fluttered in the dawn wind, embroidered with a soaring War Eagle.
"Pluck the grass without removing the roots, and it regrows with the spring breeze. Order all Great Alliance Society warriors to follow me to the capital's Shangwu Academy. I want the Great Xia Dynasty to have no usable generals for three years, and no commanding marshals for ten!"
Xi Rui and Bian Cang froze momentarily, watching the black-cloaked man billow in the wind. Endless killing intent surged from this typically calm and composed man, intense bloodlust and murderous aura flooding the entire imperial capital like raging torrents.
The true carnage began at this moment. Zhenhuang Capital's destructive hour commenced in this man's hands, the annihilating blade edge sharply slicing through the dark night, unleashing mad howls over the ancient city. Years later, people might forget Zhao Zhengde, might forget Xia Tang and Huai Song, but history would undoubtedly record this man's heavy stroke: On the twentieth of May, Yan Xun rebelled, ordering the massacre of three thousand Shangwu Academy students—the majority of the empire's elites perished in this battle!
Under the crimson firelight, the entire Shangwu Academy remained eerily silent due to unclear circumstances and absent leadership. These empire elites wisely chose to retreat from the forefront, unlike the garrison soldiers who went out to restore order. Thus, they maintained their full military formation intact.However, at the third watch of the night, a sudden blaze erupted outside. As the gates remained shut, the young officers missed the critical moment to extinguish the fire. Flames swept through the entire Martial Academy like a storm, spreading recklessly in all directions. Countless pillars of fire shot skyward as the roaring inferno devoured this bastion of the empire's staunchest hopes!
A cacophony of agonized screams suddenly erupted as students attempted to burst through the academy gates, only to be met by the stern ranks of Yanbei's Datong warriors. Under wave after wave of dense arrow fire, not a single person escaped the Martial Hall. Through the dark mass of bodies, people caught terrified glimpses of the Heir of Yanbei who had always lingered in the capital's obscure corners. Yet now, his upright posture seemed to carry the smile of death itself. Officers shrieked in horror, "It's Yan Xun! Yan Xun is here!"
"Yan Xun has come! The Yanbei traitor is here!"
Everyone was shouting in panic. Three thousand elite troops, without even engaging in battle, immediately broke ranks and scattered. Xi Rui requested to lead the attack three times, but finally, Yan Xun spoke in a calm, measured tone: "The enemy's fighting spirit is broken. There's no need for close combat. Burn it all. Guard this place—don't let the swine inside escape."
"Young brat Yan Xun! If you have any courage, face me in an honorable duel!"
Wei Shuhan, the young general of the new generation of the Wei Clan, shouted fiercely. But before he could take even a step forward, a sharp arrow pierced his throat. His eyes wide with shock, he collapsed into the raging inferno amid the chaos.
Yan Xun didn't even glance his way as he mounted his horse, assembled the majority of his troops, and declared solemnly, "Follow me to the Elite Cavalry Camp."
That night, the Southwest Garrison Commander was turned, the guards perished at the hands of rioters and rebels, and the Tenth, Twenty-Ninth, and Thirty-Sixth Divisions clashed with the Southwest Garrison Commander, suffering heavy casualties. Then, using the same tactics, Yan Xun eliminated all forces of the Imperial Academy's Martial Hall—who had remained passive after their superiors were assassinated—along with the Southern Camp of the Elite Cavalry, the Seventh Army, and the Ninth Army. With the numbers too vast, Yan Xun ordered the opening of the Southern City Drill Grounds, using arrows and flames to drive the remaining sixteen camps—two thousand troops—into the narrow square. He then charged on horseback, trampling over them with thousands of hooves, crushing more than 1,800 to death. The remaining two thousand were left maimed, groaning and wailing among the corpses strewn across the square.
Bian Cang urged complete annihilation, but Yan Xun coldly shook his head and said indifferently, "Leave these cripples for Zhao Zhengde to deal with."
By the fourth watch, the sky grew even darker, and the entire capital lay in ruins, with few survivors in the military camps. The last squad returned from the Office of the Capital Prefect, reporting that the officials had already fled. They had killed over a hundred guards and then withdrew.
Thus, in the entire city of Zhenhuang, aside from the three thousand defenders under Song Que's command in the imperial city and the three division guards still battling the Southwest Garrison Commander, there were no armed forces left.
"Young Master, order the Southwest Garrison Commander to withdraw. It's time for us to leave the city."
"Mm," Yan Xun nodded slowly, gazing at the scorched earth of ancient Zhenhuang. "It is time to go."
"Then this subordinate will go to the Southwest Garrison Commander's combat zone to relay the order."
"Halt." Yan Xun cast a calm glance at Xi Rui and said sternly, "When did I say we would take the Southwest Garrison Commander with us?"
Xi Rui was stunned. "Young Master?"
Yan Xun turned away, his tone detached. "The Southwest Garrison Commander, in their valor, sacrificed themselves to hold off the fierce enemy, willingly remaining to withstand the blades of the empire's three division guards, preserving Yanbei's strength. Their loyalty and courage make them a model for soldiers of this era."Xi Rui frowned deeply and stepped forward urgently, saying, "But Young Master..."
Before he could finish speaking, Bian Cang grabbed him and tightly covered his mouth.
"General Xi Rui, please do not doubt the loyalty of the Southwest Garrison Commander. They have been hidden in the capital for many years, waiting for this life-and-death battle. We have no right to deprive these warriors of their loyal and righteous act of bravely serving their country."
Yan Xun's gaze was calm, his tone gentle as he spoke slowly, yet the blade hidden within his words pierced everyone's hearts like sharp arrows. Bian Cang quickly added, "The Young Master is right. The Southwest Garrison Commander's determination to serve the country sets an example for all contemporary soldiers. We should all take them as our model."
His hand tightly gripped the hem of Xi Rui's robe, fearing that his colleague might utter another word. Having witnessed Yan Xun's ruthless methods earlier, he had no doubt that this seemingly composed man could execute both him and Xi Rui with a mere wave of his hand.
"In that case, the entire army shall retreat through the northern city gate. Once the main force has exited the city, seal the gates shut."
Warhorses galloped forth, and the moment the heavy city gates closed, the world seemed to transform. The Southwest Garrison Commander, locked in fierce combat with the 12th, 19th, and 36th Divisions, fell into stunned silence, standing frozen on the vast earth. After a long pause, countless desperate voices cried out in unison: "Your Highness! There are still us! There are still us!"
"We've been abandoned! We've been betrayed!"
The fear of a defeated army instantly spread through the ranks like a tidal wave. Soldiers rushed out of their trenches, running in all directions, shouting in panicked, desperate cries: "What do we do? What do we do? We've been abandoned!"
"Brothers! Follow me and fight!"
Fang Baiyu, the division guard captain, felt his spirits surge. With a fierce roar, he wiped the blood from his face and charged forward.
"Troops are charging out from the imperial city! Reinforcements from the imperial city have arrived!"
Soldiers of the 19th Division shouted in unison. At the forefront stood a man with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, clad in snow-white armor, gripping a blue-faced war blade. He looked majestic, like a god of war from a golden age, cutting through all obstacles as he advanced.
"It's the Seventh Prince! Reinforcements from the Seventh Prince have arrived!"
Following Zhao Che's imperial city guards, Zhao Xiang tightly grasped Zhao Yang's horse reins and said urgently, "Fourteenth Brother, it's chaos out there. Father hasn't ordered you to join the battle—why wade into these troubled waters?"
Zhao Yang's eyebrows furrowed sharply. Gripping his sword, he looked at his younger brother and said solemnly, "Seventeenth Brother, do you want to spend your life kneeling on the ground, looking up at others, or do you want to stand on your own two feet? If you wish to stand tall as a man, come with me now."
Zhao Xiang's face flushed red. With a thud, he leaped onto his horse, drew his war blade, and declared loudly, "Fourteenth Brother, wherever you go, I will follow you to the death."
Zhao Yang nodded, gazing at the towering city gates. The fierce sounds of battle echoed from outside. The young prince raised his war blade, his eyes fixed firmly on the carnage and flames ahead, and murmured under his breath: I swear, in this lifetime, I will never again follow in someone else's wake!
Leading his palace guard out of the imperial city, this force of less than a hundred men struck like a dagger into the heart of the Southwest Garrison Commander. Bloodshed erupted across the sky, and a new star of the empire began to rise amidst the slaughter.When Chu Qiao arrived at the Chishui River, A Jing was already standing guard in full battle array awaiting Yan Xun's army. Thousands of warhorses were prepared on the opposite bank, and seeing Chu Qiao arrive alone didn't surprise him as he immediately prepared to escort her across the river. Chu Qiao dismounted and greeted A Jing and the others, but when her gaze swept across the scene, her brows suddenly furrowed. She said in a deep voice, "A Jing, with only this single pontoon bridge and the Southwest Garrison Commander having over ten thousand troops, can they all cross before dawn?"
A Jing smiled faintly and nodded: "This was the Crown Prince's order, so it shouldn't be wrong. Let this subordinate escort you across first, miss."
Chu Qiao remained standing where she was, when a terrifying thought suddenly surfaced in her mind. Her face instantly turned deathly pale, and a trace of panic flashed in her eyes. A Jing asked, "Miss, what's wrong?"
Chu Qiao immediately composed her expression and smiled slowly: "It's nothing. Take them across first, I still need to wait for Yan Xun."
A Jing frowned: "But His Highness ordered..."
"No need to say more. Hurry and cross the river."
A Jing naturally understood that the relationship between Chu Qiao and Yan Xun was far beyond what he could compare to. He nodded and didn't insist further.
Half an hour later, fierce fighting sounds suddenly came from the southeast direction, even more intense than before. Chu Qiao's heart jolted, and she immediately mounted her horse, galloping toward the southeast.
"Miss!" A Jing exclaimed in alarm, shouting: "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to reinforce Yan Xun!"
Halfway there, she saw from a distance a troop of soldiers charging forward rapidly—about five thousand in number, all clad in black armor with black banners whipping fiercely in the air. Chu Qiao's heart leaped with joy as she approached and saw Yan Xun riding toward her, his robes spreading like eagle wings, his brows sharp as swords.
"A Chu!"
"Yan Xun," Chu Qiao approached him with a smile, "Are you alright?"
"Everything's fine. Let's go."
Chu Qiao nodded, seemingly casually glancing behind him: "What about the Southwest Garrison Commander's troops? Why haven't they followed?"
Yan Xun naturally couldn't deceive her with lies about the garrison troops voluntarily staying behind to fight the enemy. He smiled and said, "Don't worry, they'll follow shortly. Let's go ahead first."
"Alright." Without hesitation, Chu Qiao followed Yan Xun toward the Chishui River.
The main force began crossing the river rapidly. Though there was only one pontoon bridge, most of the troops had crossed within half an hour. Standing beside Yan Xun, Chu Qiao watched the soldiers successively crossing the pontoon bridge and gazed at the blazing red Zhenhuang City in the distance. She suddenly said with emotion, "Eight years. We've finally left."
Yan Xun sighed deeply, reaching out to pull Chu Qiao into his embrace. He said emotionally, "A Chu, you've suffered."
Chu Qiao shook her head, her eyes shining like stars: "No, it was you who gave me purpose in life, who gave me the will to keep living. Yan Xun, during these past eight years, we've been each other's support. We've helped each other, cared for each other, perfected each other's strategies, and corrected each other's mistakes. It's precisely because of this that we managed to survive day by day in that imperial city. We owe each other nothing."
"Yes, we owe each other nothing." Yan Xun smiled gently: "We've long become one, sharing fortunes and misfortunes, following each other in life and death."
"Right," Chu Qiao nodded slowly: "We share fortunes and misfortunes, and follow each other in life and death.""Your Highness, the troops have all crossed the river. We can depart now," A Jing ran forward and reported in a low voice.
"Good," Yan Xun nodded. "Give the order for the entire army to march."
"Yan Xun!" Chu Qiao suddenly called out. "Aren't we waiting for the Southwest Garrison Commander's troops?"
Yan Xun shook his head and smiled. "Don't worry, they'll catch up with us."
"But if we dismantle the pontoon bridge, how will they cross the river?"
Yan Xun had already prepared his explanation and said slowly, "The imperial pursuers are no longer a threat. They can follow the main road to Ximaliang to rendezvous with us."
Chu Qiao nodded. "Oh, I see. Then let's go."
After taking just two steps, the girl suddenly raised her eyebrows and patted her waist, exclaiming in alarm, "The Datong token you gave me? It's gone?"
Yan Xun frowned. The token was extremely important, so he grew anxious too. "How could it be lost? Didn't you keep it close to you? Don't panic, think carefully."
Chu Qiao spun around twice, searching her entire body but finding nothing. Suddenly, she slapped her forehead and said, "How foolish of me! The token is in the saddlebag on my horse. I'll go get it."
Yan Xun grabbed the girl's arm. For some unknown reason, a sudden fear rose in his heart. "Let someone else fetch it. You wait here."
"With so many horses, how would they know which one is mine? Don't worry, I'll be right back."
Before he could stop her, the girl dashed onto the pontoon bridge. Her petite frame barely made the bridge sink.
In the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, the girl reached the opposite bank. Yan Xun ordered torches lit and looked across the river. He saw Chu Qiao find her horse, then lead it to the edge of the pontoon bridge, seemingly deep in thought.
Yan Xun was taken aback and shouted, "A Chu, did you find it? Come back quickly!"
The girl suddenly looked up, her face as pale as paper but her eyes sharp as swords, staring fixedly at Yan Xun on this side of the river.
In that instant, it was as if lightning had struck his heart. Yan Xun shoved A Jing aside and madly rushed toward the pontoon bridge.
Almost simultaneously, Chu Qiao drew the sword at her waist. A silver flash gleamed as she fiercely brought it down, and the pontoon bridge immediately snapped, drifting away with the churning river current!
"A Chu!" Yan Xun roared, his eyes blazing with fury. "What are you doing?"
The girl stood by the raging Chishui River, her hair flowing like a waterfall and her gaze piercing as a sword. She cried out loudly, "Yan Xun! You just said that we are one, sharing fortune and misfortune, following each other in life and death. That's why I can't stand by and watch you commit this grave sin!"
Yan Xun moved to jump into the Chishui River, but A Jing and others held him back from behind. The man shouted furiously, "A Chu, don't be foolish! Come back at once!"
"Yan Xun, the reason you're so widely supported, why the people of Yanbei eagerly await your return, is all because of Prince Yan's benevolent governance in Yanbei back then! Even the seven factions of imperial officials couldn't take over Yanbei, all thanks to the prestige the Yan family has built over generations! Yan Xun, I cannot watch you destroy your own foundation and tear down your Great Wall!"
Yan Xun was enraged, completely losing his usual calm and composure. He shouted angrily, "A Chu, come back immediately! We'll throw a rope across. You catch it on your side and come back at once! I command you!"Chu Qiao shook her head, silently turned around, climbed onto her warhorse, then looked back: "You've made a mistake, and I must correct you! Yan Xun, let's meet at Ximaliang. If I don't arrive within two days, lead the troops back to Yanbei first. I will bring the Southwest Garrison Commander's forces to reunite with you on the Yanbei plateau."
With that, the young woman shouted sharply, raised her whip, and galloped across the dark wilderness. Five thousand riderless warhorses followed behind her, thundering toward that towering city wall.
"A Chu..."
The turbulent river crashed against the banks, waves surging and rolling. In the endless void, only the man's heart-wrenching cry remained. The sound pierced through the heavens, echoing under the dark night sky!
This world is not a playground—there is never a "do-over." All we can do is turn the tide before disaster fully strikes! Yan Xun, what I'm doing today might take you many years to understand. This isn't feminine weakness—I just don't want you to be blinded by hatred. Wait for me. I will return with mighty forces from thousands of miles away to reunite with you.
"Hyah!"
"Commander, we've been abandoned!"
Throughout the Southwest Garrison, panicked people ran about in chaos. Many shouted wildly, their voices so sharp and piercing they scarcely seemed human. Shattered despair spread through the crowd. Enemies surrounded them on all sides—no path forward, pursuers behind. These soldiers, so far from home, had finally become wanderers with nowhere to return. Though the world was vast, there was no longer any place for them to settle!
Someone in the crowd let out hysterical screams and wails: "Why! Why abandon us?"
"Kill! Haha, kill! The end is here, let's all go to hell together!"
...
Flames embraced the entire city. No path led to survival, no door to life. Soldiers scattered in mad rout—no formation, no strategy, completely fragmented and fighting individually. The capital defenders, suppressed for so long, finally breathed freely again, employing ruthless methods without restraint.
Wherever one looked, disorderly corpses lay everywhere. Capital soldiers, twenty or thirty at a time, surrounded individual Southwest Garrison troops, hacking at them with wild blades, fully venting their hatred for these traitors!
Zhao Che sat on his horse, watching this younger brother he had always disdained. The young Zhao Yang was covered in blood, his handsome face stained crimson, yet he still gripped his battle blade unyieldingly, surveying the hellish battlefield before him with a gaze cold to the point of cruelty.
"Seventh Brother, the enemy can't hold out."
"Mm," Zhao Che nodded. "It's time."
However, just as he was about to issue the order for a full assault, a tremendous roar suddenly erupted. From the direction of the northwest city gate, it sounded as if countless muffled thunders were shaking simultaneously. The very earth of Zhenhuang trembled. Everyone froze in astonishment, stopping to look up at the northwestern sky.
"Boom!"
"Boom! Boom!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"A violent tremor drilled from everyone's bones into their spines, as if the primordial chaos of the universe was raging before them. All looked up in stunned amazement. The Yanbei warrior's saber remained embedded in a capital guard's shoulder, forgotten to be withdrawn; the capital guard's war blade rested against the Yanbei warrior's neck, forgotten to be swung down!
With a thunderous crash, the western gate was smashed open. Five thousand warhorses charged with earth-shaking hooves, surging like a tidal wave into the chaotic battlefield, instantly tearing a massive breach through the ranks!
The capital guards suddenly recalled Yan Xun's massacre of the sixteen battalions. Their faces turned pale, legs trembling uncontrollably. At that moment, a black eagle battle standard was firmly planted atop the city wall. Beneath it stood a slender yet erect figure of a young woman, who let out a falcon-sharp cry to the entire Zhenhuang capital: "Warriors of Yanbei! You have not been abandoned! Hear my command! Obey me! Follow me! I will lead you home!"
After one, two, three seconds of silence, an overwhelming roar of cheers erupted like crashing waves!
"Back to Yanbei! Back to Yanbei! Back to Yanbei!"
Those in despair grasped at this last straw of survival. Like an unstoppable tide, they surged toward the northwestern sky, howling as they went!
"Seventh Brother, Fourteenth Brother, who is that woman?"
Zhao Yang stared at Chu Qiao for a long time without speaking. Zhao Che, seated on his horse, narrowed his eyes slowly as he gazed at the fierce woman beneath the fluttering war banner. He said gravely, "Remember this: this woman will become the greatest threat to Great Xia. If we wish to reclaim our lost territories and unify the realm, she will be the first insurmountable towering mountain!"
Flames of war erupted across the sky. On that day, at the northwestern gate tower of the capital, the entire Great Xia Dynasty remembered this name together. Eight years earlier, she had entered the Great Xia imperial palace as a slave; eight years later, she led the final Yanbei armed force out of Zhenhuang City, leaving Great Xia's territory and galloping onto the vast fertile lands beyond Zhenhuang.
Chu Qiao did not yet know that her actions this day would avert an imminent catastrophe for Yanbei, saving the nascent Yanbei regime. Simultaneously, she established her first armed force in these turbulent times.
That night, every officer and soldier of the Southwest Garrison Command swore undying loyalty to this delicate-looking young woman in their hearts. From then on, they followed their mistress across countless battlefields, their iron cavalry sweeping across the entire land of Ximeng. They steadfastly upheld their oath, remaining utterly loyal to Chu Qiao through all hardships and circumstances, never wavering for life.
And thus, this delicate young woman took her first step toward the title that would be known across the entire continent many years later: "King Xiuli"...
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