The Road to Glory

Chapter 76: The Choice (Revisions)

Upon returning to the government office, subordinates reported that Li Yao had left word for Wen Yu to visit him after her return.

Assuming it was to discuss the return of the Southern Chen envoy, Wen Yu went directly to Li Yao’s private residence with Zhao Bai without stopping by her own quarters. “You asked for me, sir?”

During this transitional season between spring and summer, the vegetable seedlings in Li Yao’s garden were thriving. He straightened up from weeding, washed his hands in a nearby bucket, and asked, “How are the disaster victims faring?”

Wen Yu replied, “Lord Chen has handled everything meticulously and systematically. The breach of the Shao River did not cause a flood. Once the weather clears completely, we can dispatch troops to help the affected villages repair their houses.”

Li Yao nodded, his aged and withered hand picking up a memorial from a stone stool and handing it to Wen Yu. “Take a look at this, Princess.”

After reading it, Wen Yu showed little surprise. “Xinzhou has successfully annexed Yizhou. This is both advantageous and disadvantageous for us.”

Li Yao prompted, “Explain.”

Seeing Li Yao seated on the steps of the vegetable patch, calmly weaving straw shoes with dried rice stalks, Wen Yu handed him the tools and said, “Pei Song has temporarily gained the upper hand on the northern front. Wei Qishan’s capture of Yizhou clearly aims to compensate for this setback on the southern front. However, as the saying goes, ‘two tigers cannot share one mountain.’ With Pei Song eliminated from the southern theater, the conflict between us and Wei Qishan will inevitably intensify. This is the disadvantage.”

Li Yao twisted the dried straw in his hands and asked, “And the advantage?”

Watching the half-finished straw shoes in his hands, Wen Yu said, “Wei Qishan must contend with Pei Song’s main forces in the north, while in the south, he faces us, a formidable enemy poised to ally with Southern Chen. In such a scenario, he would suffer heavy losses on both fronts. Given Wei Qishan’s strategic acumen, he would never allow himself to fall into such a predicament. Thus, it is unlikely that Pingzhou will go to war with Yi and Xin Prefectures in the short term. Moreover, Wei Qishan may even seek to form an alliance with us.”

Li Yao nodded in approval and advised, “Your reasoning is sound, but that old fox Wei Qishan is cunning and far-sighted. When Pei Song was assassinated, he already had Xinzhou positioned as a strategic move in the south. The trap set with your cargo ships made him swallow a bitter pill in silence. He refrains from immediate retaliation only because the current situation constrains him. Do not let your guard down. Previously, Pei Song could hold his own against him for two reasons. First, north of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, the harsh winter left the Outer Pass Barbarians starving, and they fixated on Youzhou, forcing Wei Qishan to guard against them and preventing him from deploying his full strength against Pei Song. Second, Wei Qishan is indeed a devoted father. After the battle at Dingzhou, the subsequent engagements seemed intended to use Pei Song as a training ground for his son.”

Wen Yu listened quietly, her hands unconsciously tightening around her sleeves.

She had pushed herself to grow rapidly, but her adversaries were far more formidable than she had imagined.

No wonder Wei Qishan remained unshaken despite losing several cities in the north. With the arrival of spring, the Outer Pass Barbarians now had ample water and pasture, alleviating their survival pressures. No longer fixated on Youzhou, the deadly noose around Wei Qishan’s neck had loosened. If he sought to reclaim lost territories, Pei Song might struggle to withstand the crushing advance of Northern Wei’s main cavalry forces.Li Yao saw Wen Yu deep in thought, clearly having taken his words to heart, and continued, "Before settling the score with Pei Song, Wei Qishan doesn’t want to engage us in battle and risk losing the newly captured Xin and Yi Provinces in the south. However, he won’t be pleased to see us form an alliance with Southern Chen and grow stronger. The news of the Southern Chen envoy’s disrespect and the Princess’s angry annulment of the marriage is now widely known. Wei Qishan is unlikely to miss this opportunity to sow discord."

Wen Yu’s eyes flickered slightly. "Are you saying Wei Qishan might also come to persuade me to cooperate?"

Li Yao nodded. "Wei Qishan wouldn’t have extended an olive branch to you before because he had yet to achieve anything in the south. Though Ping Province was guarded by Chen Wei, it was infiltrated by various factions and not yet solidified. Even if you offered Ping Province as a bargaining chip, aside from gaining the support of the officials and people of Liang who backed you, he would gain little tangible benefit. Moreover, Ping Province might soon be seized by Southern Chen, and if Southern Chen then allied with Pei Song, he would find himself in a dilemma."

With Li Yao’s guidance, Wen Yu instantly grasped the stakes and added, "But the situation is different now. Ping Province and Tao County are under my control, and Wei Qishan has taken Xin and Yi Provinces. I intend to use these territories as a bolt, and clearly, Wei Qishan has the same idea. With sufficient troops and supplies, relying on the natural barrier of Hundred Blades Pass beyond Ping Province, we can completely block Southern Chen outside the pass. The three territories of Yi Province, Xin Province, and Tao County, connected in a line, can also serve as a shield against Pei Song’s southern advance."

She slowly raised her eyes. "Compared to the risk of us joining forces with Southern Chen and swallowing his newly acquired Xin and Yi Provinces, it’s far more advantageous for Wei Qishan to cooperate with us under the guise of an alliance, using our strength to keep Southern Chen at bay. Once he defeats Pei Song, he can then turn his forces against Southern Chen."

Li Yao stroked his beard. "Exactly."

His aged gaze drifted beyond the gray-white courtyard walls, looking north toward the unseen Luodu and Fengyang, as he said softly, "Princess, you now have one more option."

Wen Yu followed his gaze toward her unreachable homeland and remained silent for a long time before asking, "What do you think will happen to Ping Province if Pei Song is defeated and Wei Qishan leads his army south?"

Li Yao replied, "On the day you came to this garden and asked me to strategize for you, I asked you what your goal was."

Wen Yu’s gaze remained as resolute as ever. "My answer then is still my choice today."

A sudden gust of wind rustled her clothes and hair as she declared, "But I will never entrust my life to anyone else’s hands."

With Southern Chen entering the fray, she could strengthen herself amid the balance of power among the three forces.

If she chose to cooperate with Wei Qishan, she would be helping him block Southern Chen, allowing the main Wei forces to settle the score with Pei Song before turning to deal with her and Southern Chen.

Without absolute checks and balances of interest, no one could predict how Wei Qishan would treat her and Ping Province then.

This was not just about her own life but also the lives of the many officials loyal to her.

She had to keep the power of choice firmly in her own hands, rather than pin her hopes on the mercy of those in power.

If Wei Qishan were a benevolent ruler, governing the land wisely and winning the people’s hearts, she would willingly retreat to a corner and refrain from igniting war.

But if Wei Qishan sought to eliminate her entirely to prevent future troubles, then even if the so-called Northern Wei iron cavalry came charging, she would make sure they stepped squarely onto sharp blades.Li Yao stroked his sparse, graying beard, seeming to nod with a faint smile as he said, "Wei Qishan doesn't know your father left you contacts in Southern Chen. The terms he offers likely can't match what Southern Chen provides. But using this to intimidate Southern Chen is certainly feasible."

Wen Yu bowed to Li Yao. "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I understand."

Two days later, the envoy sent by Southern Chen to apologize entered the pass, but Wen Yu left him waiting at the posthouse for several days without granting an audience.

As summer deepened, the weather grew increasingly hot. The portly envoy paced anxiously in the courtyard of the posthouse, beads of sweat dripping down his face, muttering to himself: "...That old fool Minister of Works has doomed me. Why did he have to flaunt his authority on someone else's turf? What should have been a wedding procession has turned into a feud. If we had just brought her back to Southern Chen first, we wouldn't be in this mess..."

A subordinate sent to gather information hurried back into the courtyard, calling out: "Your Excellency! The situation has taken a turn for the worse!"

Already irritated from being ignored for days, the portly envoy grew even more impatient upon hearing this and snapped: "The Hanyang Princess hasn't even agreed to see me yet. What could possibly be worse?"

The subordinate reported: "Our people saw Northern Wei's carriages enter the city today! The Hanyang Princess received them!"

The envoy, who had been fanning himself vigorously with a folding fan, abruptly closed it and demanded: "How many came?"

"Not many entered the city," the subordinate replied, "but they brought several cartloads of goods, apparently tribute for the Hanyang Princess."

The envoy tapped the folded fan against his palm, his expression turning grave. "Trouble. This is genuine trouble!"

He ordered his subordinates: "Quickly, keep submitting petitions to the Hanyang Princess! We can't discuss apologies and reconciliation without meeting her face-to-face!"

The subordinate acknowledged the order and departed.

The envoy himself hurried his portly frame back to his room, summoning his attendant: "Prepare the inkstone! I must draft a letter immediately to inform the King and Empress Dowager. Northern Wei's arrival at this juncture is clearly an attempt to snatch victory from our grasp!"

In the reception hall of Pingzhou's government office, several opened treasure chests sat on the floor, filled with gold, silver, and jewels that glittered brilliantly.

The Northern Wei envoy stood before the chests, bowing respectfully toward Wen Yu seated in the host's position: "We have long heard of the Princess's city-toppling beauty, virtuous elegance, gentle wisdom, and refined grace. Our young master has long admired you, but previously restrained himself due to your existing engagement, upholding gentlemanly conduct by not presuming to declare his feelings. Now learning of Southern Chen's discourtesy and your righteous termination of the engagement, our young master shares your indignation. Tormented by both outrage and unfulfilled admiration, he has taken ill, confined to his bed. The Marquis, angered by his son's lovesick state and further enraged that our Great Liang's pearl should be so insulted by Southern Chen's barbarians, has commanded your humble servant to bring these gifts. If the Princess finds our young master agreeable, the Marquis's household will select an auspicious date to formally propose."

Marriage matters had always followed parental arrangements and matchmaker's words.

Wen Yu's previous engagement with the King of Chen, even if merely a delaying tactic, had been negotiated between Southern Chen and her father.

Now the Northern Wei envoy seeking marriage could only directly inquire about Wen Yu's own intentions.

The envoy, evidently unaccustomed to such matchmaking duties, appeared somewhat uncomfortable.

Seated above, Wen Yu remained composed to the point of aloofness, showing no trace of bashfulness as she went straight to the point: "Since this concerns a political marriage alliance, it must involve mutual benefit. What advantages does Pingzhou gain from this?"The envoy hadn't expected Wen Yu to be so direct in exposing the truth. After a momentary pause, he replied with a confident smile, "Whatever Southern Chen can offer you, Princess, Northern Wei can as well."

Wen Yu lightly tapped the armrest of her official's chair, her tone casual: "Is that so? If I want Yi and Xin provinces, will Marquis Shuobian give them to me?"

The Northern Wei envoy's expression shifted slightly, but he maintained a strained smile: "If the Princess is sincere about forming an alliance with Northern Wei, why make such jokes?"

Wen Yu lifted her thin eyelids slightly: "Jokes?"

She seemed to smile: "You may leave now, envoy."

Her smile was like sunlight shattering on a frozen lake—appearing gentle but devoid of any warmth.

Stunned by the beauty of that smile and her innate aura of authority, the envoy quickly collected himself and said: "Princess, our Marquis is sincere in seeking cooperation with you. I beg you to reconsider."

Wen Yu looked at him with unruffled calm: "I've stated my terms. If Northern Wei is sincere, they should carefully consider their response."

As the envoy tried to speak further, the attendant at the door already gestured for him to leave. He could only depart with a grim expression.

Zhao Bai entered with tea and reported to Wen Yu: "As you instructed, Southern Chen has been informed of Northern Wei's envoy. The embassy has submitted another request for an audience."

Wen Yu took a sip of tea and said: "Let them wait another day. Keep Northern Wei's subsequent movements tightly concealed—don't let Southern Chen catch wind of anything."

Zhao Bai nodded: "Understood."

Wen Yu then asked Li Xun, who stood below: "How are the Southern Chen officials imprisoned doing?"

Li Xun stepped forward and bowed: "That Southern Chen Senior Counselor frequently complains of headaches and fevers. Physicians have been summoned several times, and his guards clamor for a change of quarters."

Wen Yu asked: "Has the new envoy contacted them?"

Li Xun replied: "He requested to see them, but since you've been ignoring the new envoy, our subordinates didn't dare permit the visit."

Wen Yu rested her chin on her hand in thought: "Prepare a courtyard and move the Southern Chen Senior Counselor there. Keep him under surveillance."

Li Xun bowed in acknowledgment, understanding that if an alliance with Southern Chen became necessary later, treating the Senior Counselor too harshly now would be counterproductive. Moreover, by relocating him, any suspicious movements could provide valuable intelligence.

Knowing Li Xun would handle the rest, Wen Yu didn't elaborate further. She massaged her temples wearily: "These past days—managing flood control, disaster relief, and alliance negotiations—have been exhausting for everyone. If there's nothing else to report, you may all retire."

After the advisors gradually withdrew, Li Xun remained alone.

Wen Yu asked: "Is there something else, Minister Li?"

With only Zhao Bai present in the hall, Li Xun said: "Regarding your previous order to investigate any connection between Pei Song and the traitor Qin Yi's family, after some time, I've only found that Pei Song's father, Pei Jing, was sworn brothers with Qin Yi's wife's elder brother. However, due to the crown prince succession dispute back then, Qin Yi's wife's family was implicated. Qin Yi's brother-in-law retired and went into seclusion early on.Wen Yu's fingers, which had been massaging her temples, paused at her temples: "Continue investigating. Find Qin Yi's wife's family."After Li Xun withdrew, Zhao Bai looked at Wen Yu's pale yet indifferent expression and asked, "Is your headache acting up again? Shall I massage it for you?"

Wen Yu closed her eyes in acquiescence.

Only after Zhao Bai had massaged for quite some time did she ask, "Has there been any further correspondence from my sister-in-law?"

Zhao Bai shook his head. "Perhaps because Pei Song has been conquering multiple cities in the campaign, and the Crown Princess lacks loyal servants by her side, sending letters has become more difficult than before."

Wen Yu remained silent with closed eyes. Her sister-in-law and A Yin were her only remaining family in this world. Each additional day they remained in Pei Song's hands was another day of anxiety for her.

When her influence was weak, it was manageable, but as her power grew, Pei Song would inevitably use them as leverage against her—such was his way.

Once this thought surfaced, Wen Yu's eyes turned utterly cold when she reopened them. "How is the training of those Shadow Guards progressing?"

Zhao Bai replied, "They still cannot confront Pei Song's Hawk Hounds directly, but they are sufficient for covert operations."

Wen Yu gestured for Zhao Bai to stop the massage and instructed, "Select the most capable ones and find a way to assign them to my sister-in-law's side."She needed to have her own people around Jiang Yichu, so that when changes occurred, Jiang Yichu wouldn't be left isolated and helpless."

That evening, Wen Yu didn't read anymore, nor did she have Zhao Bai read memorials to her. She sat alone under the candlelight, as if the flame had melted her steely exterior, leaving all her deeply buried uncertainties to dry in the silent night.

The wedding dress hanging in the corner of the room shimmered with golden highlights in the candlelight.

She glanced sideways at the wedding gown tailored for her in the style of a princess's ceremonial robes. Its long train draped to the floor, with golden threads embroidering phoenixes floating atop crimson fabric, as if truly born from flames.

This had been sent over by Chen Wei's wife during the day.

To avoid a rushed wedding, Madam Chen had already arranged for embroiderers to sew the wedding dress when Wen Yu first arrived in Pingzhou.

Being so busy these days, Wen Yu had forgotten about this matter herself. Today, Madam Chen said the wedding dress was finished and sent it for her to try on for fit, but burdened with numerous affairs, she had no time for fittings and simply left it here for now.

Now, Wen Yu only gazed at the exquisite wedding dress with a detached, almost cold expression, without the slightest intention of trying it on.

Whether marrying King Chen or the eldest son of Wei Qishan made no difference to her.

It was merely an alliance of interests.

What she wanted was only Yizhou and Xinzhou.

Whichever party could accept these terms would become her ally.

Yet for some reason, the image of Xiao Li sleeping covered in mud in the military tent suddenly resurfaced in her mind.

The candle flame was extinguished by a cold breeze from the window, and the momentary turbulence in her eyes vanished into the darkness.

Xiao Li had been promoted to deputy general for his merits in flood control.

With envoys arriving from both Southern Chen and Northern Wei, Chen Wei had to return to the government office to help manage the situation, so Xiao Li took charge of rebuilding houses for villagers whose homes were destroyed by landslides.

Returning quite late to the military camp that day, when he went to Fan Yuan's tent to report, he overheard several martial generals discussing the Northern Wei envoy's meeting with Wen Yu earlier.

"Speaking of Northern Wei, they're not stingy with their offerings! I heard from several advisors about their gift list—it's only missing one jade screen compared to Southern Chen's betrothal gifts for our Princess back then!"

Xiao Li had just sat down when he heard this. He glanced at the martial general and asked, "Wasn't Northern Wei here for a temporary peace negotiation? What gift list and betrothal gifts?"The martial general was in high spirits when Xiao Li interrupted with a question. He laughed and said, "Brother Xiao, you weren't there today, so you missed it. The Northern Wei envoy also came to propose a marriage alliance for the Princess!"

Xiao Li's brows furrowed so deeply they could crush a fly. Anyone could hear the chill in his voice: "Marriage alliance? How old is that old fool Wei Qishan?"

Others assumed his change in expression was due to his loyalty to Wen Yu, angered by the Wei family's disrespect, and thought nothing more of it.

Knowing he had misunderstood, the general explained with a laugh: "Wei Qishan naturally doesn't have the gall to propose marriage to the Princess himself—it's his son! Hah, he even claimed he's admired the Princess for a long time but didn't dare speak up because she was already betrothed. Now that Southern Chen has openly insulted Liang, he wants to marry her and stand up for her... Ugh, all those flowery words made my teeth ache!"

Xiao Li had only known that Northern Wei came to sue for peace, but not in this manner.

His shoulders unconsciously tensed, his voice deepening: "What did the Princess say?"

The first general replied: "The Princess demanded Xin and Yi provinces as betrothal gifts, but Northern Wei refused."

Tan Yi, sitting beside Xiao Li, added: "We hold Pingzhou and already have Tao Commandery. If we gain Xin and Yi provinces, we can advance to attack and retreat to defend. The Princess is farsighted, but whether dealing with Northern Wei or Southern Chen, negotiating for those two provinces won't be easy."

Xiao Li listened in silence, offering no further comment.

Soon, Fan Yuan returned, and the generals fell quiet.

After assigning their tasks for the next day, Fan Yuan specifically detained Xiao Li. Clapping him on the shoulder, he said: "With Northern Wei's arrival, Southern Chen will grow even more restless. Tomorrow is the best time to press them and negotiate terms. But to make them agree to cede Xin and Yi provinces to us after they're captured, we need a strong dose of medicine. At the welcoming banquet, the Princess will arrange a war game. Make sure you thoroughly crush their arrogance then."

Xiao Li said: "This general will not fail the mission."

Back in his military tent, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Xiao Li lay fully clothed on his army cot in the darkness, one arm pillowing his head as he stared silently at the tent ceiling.

The unwillingness and hidden resentment in his heart gnawed at him bit by bit.

He had once indulged his dark thoughts on countless nights, seething with jealousy toward King Chen, whom he had never met.

But after Wei Qishan's son also proposed to marry Wen Yu, his hatred suddenly turned inward—toward his own utter destitution.

Born into the mud, he grew up despised and loathed.

Even survival depended on scavenging like a stray dog on the streets.

Even after clawing his way out of the filth, he carried the stench of it deep in his bones.

He could never become the kind of radiant, noble man people said was worthy of her.

Xiao Li closed his eyes heavily, his chest tight and stifled, as if something inside wanted to scream.

He pushed himself up, intending to step outside for air, but his hand inadvertently pressed against the cloak folded by his pillow. Its extraordinary softness conformed to his palm, seeming to seep through the lines of his hand, merge into his blood, and wrap around his entire heart.

All the pain and restlessness were soothed away in that instant. Xiao Li stared at the cloak for a long time.

She wanted Xin and Yi provinces as betrothal gifts.

In the Southern Chen Senior Counselor's office, black cloth covered the windows and doors from the inside, and candles had just been lit.The newly appointed envoy, Fang Mingda, the Vice Minister of Rites, disguised himself as a servant and slipped in unnoticed. His portly frame settled into the armchair like a Maitreya Buddha. Suffering from the heat, beads of sweat had already gathered around his neck, which he dabbed with a handkerchief as he asked, "According to Lord Sikong and Commander Jiang, what should we do now?"

Jiang Yu, dressed in guard attire, stood with crossed arms without speaking. Senior Counselor Sikong Wei, who had deliberately given himself a chill to facilitate contact with the outside world under the guise of medical treatment, coughed and said, "Neither I nor Commander Jiang anticipated that Wei Qishan would succeed in annexing Yizhou at this moment. We had assumed that Pei Song would keep him entangled on the southern front. Human calculations are ultimately no match for the heavens."

Fang Mingda harbored considerable resentment, but these two men—one the Empress Dowager's nephew and the other a high-ranking court official—were beyond his reproach. He could only echo vaguely, "Such is heaven's will. All we can do is fulfill our human duties..."

Jiang Yu spoke coldly, "This isn't about heaven outwitting humans—it's clearly Pei Song playing us all! If he had kept Wei Qishan entangled in the south while we smoothly allied with Hanyang, it would have been greatly disadvantageous for him. This move of his appears to abandon the southern battlefield, but in reality, he's shifting all conflict onto us and Northern Wei while freeing his own hands to fully confront Wei Qishan in the north!"

He spoke through gritted teeth, "How hateful that we only saw through his scheme at this late hour!"

Senior Counselor Sikong Wei was startled by this analysis and finally sighed, "That man's cunning is truly remarkable. It seems Wei Qishan has also been outmaneuvered by him."

Jiang Yu reflected self-critically, "We underestimated Pei Song. We all thought he was locked in mortal struggle with the Wen Clan of Liang and would never let Hanyang gain any advantage. Yet for the bigger picture, he indirectly assisted Hanyang."

His expression grew colder, "We sought to absorb the old Liang forces in Hanyang's hands, while Princess Hanyang herself covets Southern Chen's military power. Just as we enjoyed watching Pei Song and Wei Qishan fight like clam and snipe, Pei Song would rather see us and Hanyang locked in internal conflict than allow Hanyang to gain nothing while Southern Chen smoothly advances into the central plains."

Fang Mingda slammed the table, "Deceitful! That man is utterly deceitful and full of tricks!"

Sikong Wei sighed, "What's done is done. Rather than dwell on it, we should consider how to persuade Hanyang to maintain our alliance now that Northern Wei has intervened."

Fang Mingda promptly shifted the problem to the others, "When we meet Princess Hanyang tomorrow, we'll have to humble ourselves completely. But what if the Liang remnants make exorbitant demands?"

Jiang Yu lowered his eyelids, making quick calculations before responding, "Despite Northern Wei's interference, their terms likely aren't much better than ours. Moreover, Wei Qishan's main forces remain distant in the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, separated by Pei Song's troops. Even if something happens in Xin and Yi prefectures, Northern Wei can't effectively intervene. If Hanyang shortsightedly allies with Northern Wei, our tens of thousands of Southern Chen troops can certainly break through their defensive line."

After brief contemplation, Sikong Wei nodded, "Commander Jiang makes a valid point. When Minister Fang meets Princess Hanyang tomorrow, Commander Jiang should accompany him disguised as an attendant. If necessary, use war games to demonstrate the consequences of choosing Wei Qishan and confronting Southern Chen."

Fang Mingda's eyes narrowed into smiling slits, "Excellent! This method is excellent!"

He told Sikong Wei, "Senior Counselor Sikong has considered everything most thoroughly."He clasped his hands toward Jiang Yu once more, his smile as amiable as a soft dough ball: "Commander Jiang is truly resourceful and astute, fully deserving of his title as the Hundred-Victory General of our Southern Chen. Tomorrow, we shall rely on your expertise."

Jiang Yu merely replied, "That Hanyang Princess is likely no simple figure. When you meet her tomorrow, Vice Minister Fang, it would be wise to stay vigilant."

Fang Mingda repeatedly assured him, "Naturally," then asked, "As the saying goes, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you shall win a hundred battles.' Since we are conducting military exercises, should this official gather intelligence about the generals of Pingzhou?"

Jiang Yu lightly rubbed his fingertips, the profile of his face sharply defined in the candlelight. In Southern Chen, he was the dream husband of countless noble ladies—not only due to his imperial lineage as the Empress Dowager's nephew but also because of his strikingly handsome features.

Hearing Fang Mingda's words, he seemed to smile, yet his candlelit pupils retained only a profound chill: "Since I was fifteen, I have studied and simulated every battle fought by Pingzhou's renowned generals. Their tactics and formations are all too familiar to me. If tomorrow's confrontation were not a mere drill, I would be curious to experience what it feels like to annihilate all of Liang's famed frontier commanders."