Chapter 6, Summoning the Wolf

"Find her!" Mr. Li said, stroking his mustache, "Bring her back immediately!"

Yuan Hao walked with his hands clasped behind his back and cast a deep glance at Wei Sang: "There is no need to hide it from the princess—I know he is hastening to the capital overnight, forcing me to withdraw my troops to relieve the siege. But I refuse to do so."

Even when surrounded on three sides, he remains untroubled

General Jing, why did you not intercept and attack the enemy while they were crossing the river

The officer stationed under the suspension bridge looked up towards the city above and suddenly saw bright arrows appearing like the sharp teeth of a beast, unable to contain his astonishment: "Did you not receive General Jing's orders?"

At this moment, neither Jiang Zaichu nor Yuan Hao was aware of this matter at all

"The payment must be made, but not at this moment," he said in a calm tone. "Prince Ning has left the city; I did not see him."

No wonder he remains so composed, not discussing any terms with me. Yuan Hao sighed softly, his palm rubbing the piece of broken jade, "He has already found the Emperor"

Weisang slightly lowered his head, a faint smile at the corners of his lips: "How could a wise man not understand a principle? Wealth and honor are sought through risks. If Prince Ning does not take risks, how can he achieve a decisive victory?"

Do you, my lord, know who I am?" Han Weisang suddenly chuckled, but the smile was extremely bleak

"General, do you really trust Song An? What if this is a trap? He deceives us into the city, and then catches us like fish in a barrel..."

Indeed, Yuan Hao Xing raised the already shattered Hetian jade pendant in his hand and said softly: "Princess, I am sorry, but I must send you back to his side"

But the glory and honor he once promised them, now, let them carry it forward and fulfill it one by one

In order to expel the foreign invaders from the Central Plains, they may have to join forces with the current "enemy." For the only power in the world that can rival the Xiongnu is none other than the "Black Rakshasa" Jiang Zaichu from back in the day

In the third year of Yongjia, in June

"Do you not want this Longfeng City anymore?" Weisang asked with a frown, "I had thought you would seize it by force and strike directly at his rear."

The so-called "the Son of Heaven guards the national gate, and the monarch dies for the state." In this time of national crisis, the emperor has already fled south, and now, the only one fighting bravely is Jiang Zaichu. Yet, you only use cunning and scheming to speculate on his actions at this moment, which is rather petty-minded.

Do adults want to exchange me for Prince Ning?

She buried her face between her knees and fell silent once more

Was it not before the princess entered the Central Plains that she became acquainted with King Ning in Sichuan?

Is that all there is to it

Yuan Hao smiled faintly: "It is not difficult to gather troops and horses; what is difficult is that I cannot find the emperor now"

Song An took a deep breath, his temples further graying, and sighed: "A tragedy beyond human comprehension"

Jiang Zaichu sat down beside her pillow, slowly reaching out his hand, but the moment he touched her cheek, she woke up

Han Weisang took a deep breath, yet could not withstand the chill in his chest at this moment: "What leverage does he hold in his hand?"

Han Weisang unconsciously glanced at Yuan Haoxing's expression; his lips were slightly pursed, making it difficult to discern any joy or anger. His brows and eyes were calm, resembling a fine landscape painting, yet the depths of his eyes concealed unknown thoughts, evoking a sense of profundity.

It is Yuan Hao Xing

Then perhaps it is as the adult said, perhaps Prince Ning has feelings for me, but since I am to marry another, he is momentarily displeased in his heart

"Grandmother Empress." The young emperor paid his respects and then said to Zhou Jinghua, "Lord Zhou, please be exempt from formalities."

An hour later, the vanguard had arrived at the foot of the city of Chenliu, gazing up at the towering fortress.

General Xiao Jing?" Wei Sang's brows furrowed even deeper

Now, it is merely that he has confined her by his side, while she feigns compliance.

Oh?

For the Guan Ning Army, which advances at the speed of cavalry and is accustomed to swiftly eliminating opponents, the prolonged concealment of themselves and avoidance of confrontation with the enemy has evidently been endured for too long. Upon hearing this, Lian Xiu felt a surge of blood rush to his head, dismounted, and knelt on one knee, declaring: "The Guan Ning Army will not fail in its mission"

Perhaps due to the continuous journey over the past few days, she appeared even more emaciated and said softly, "It is of no consequence"

Before the words had left his mouth, the city walls were already changed, and the carved character for "scenery" fluttered in the wind. Suddenly, a figure clad in black armor and holding an arrow appeared, his youthful brows and eyes resolute and composed, as he looked down slightly and said: "Go back and tell your commander that the governor of Chenliu has already surrendered to our army. If you wish to fight, then come and fight!"

The young man before her, despite his weary appearance, had eyes that shone as brightly as the stars in the sky. He never made promises lightly, nor did he deceive her, from that time until now

Furthermore, I managed to locate that jade sword. Naturally, the sword bears the blood of the late emperor, as well as the blood that Prince Ning spat out in the Hall of Hanyuan

The central army besieged the city, with the left and right flanks facing off against the enemy cavalry. Jing Guandao said, "Since he wants to fight us, I will accompany him in wasting time."

In an instant, the old general made a decision in his heart: "Build a floating bridge, requisition civilian boats, and have the entire army cross the river"

The pain in my jaw is still excruciating, but compared to my heart, which is riddled with wounds, it is nothing significant

Jing Guan looked at the flag on the city wall that was changing with the wind, and in an instant, he realized that he had fallen into his nephew's trap

At this time, within the imperial city of the capital, there was also a scene of chaos

Jiang Zaichu's gaze swept towards the distant city, stopping Lian Xiu, who was about to become angry, in her tracks. His expression turned unusually serious

Did she think that Yuan Hao Xing could protect her? Under heaven, wherever there is a benefit or power, there is nothing that cannot be exchanged for a person or object. She is no different.

Jiang Zaichu had already made up his mind, feeling a sense of ease in his heart, and his voice was low and pleasant: "I say, regarding the past, I will not bring it up again"

It has been said that the Empress Dowager has been captured by the Xiongnu, and that the capital has been completely consumed by a great fire. Others claim that the army has gone to defend the throne and has managed to block some of the Xiongnu, allowing them to escape to this place. Most of this information is merely hearsay and should not be trusted; however, one thing is undoubtedly confirmed—the Grand Empress Dowager, along with the young Emperor, has indeed abandoned the capital.

Han Weisang silently observed the cavalry. Just from their silent demeanor and unspoken killing intent, she knew that they must be the most elite guard around Yuan Haoxing. But where were they to escort Yuan Haoxing and herself to

She has been with Yuan Hao Xing for half a month, accustomed to his gentle demeanor and effortless manner. However, in the main hall, this young man with a pale face and deep eyes filled with anger surprised her

The princess should rest well; tomorrow I will have the military doctor examine you. He finally stood up and said directly, The army will set out soon, and the princess is of great use to me, so you must take care of your health

Song An lowered his head and pondered for a moment, giving a bitter smile. Nowadays, he found himself without any room for choice. Jiang Zaichu's forces had begun to enter the city, and it was only a matter of time before this news reached the court.

Yes

I said, if one day I do something that betrays you, please... do not like me like this anymore. She exerted all her strength to repeat that sentence, "I am not worthy."

Jiang Zaichu fixed his gaze upon the man, whose demeanor was as captivating as it had been three years ago, so beautiful that it was difficult to look away. Yet beneath such charm, this person possessed a depth of wisdom and a steadfastness of mind that was enough to instill a sense of caution within him

Yuan Hao timely extended a hand to support her, being as perceptive as he was, he immediately guessed her thoughts and said in a deep voice: "Jiang Zaichu is living well." After a pause, he added, "Right now, his life is more important than anyone else's."

The chaos of the empire has reached its peak

The Empress Dowager, though merely in her twenties, with hair like clouds and rosy lips, was dressed in a remarkably simple manner as usual. She gazed at the Empress Dowager with a hint of timidity in her eyes and softly said, "Mother, I have brought the Emperor to pay his respects to you"

A dispute arose at the city gate, likely due to the soldiers' insistence on closing the gate, while the crowd behind continued to push forward, unwilling to relent for a moment, almost on the verge of causing a commotion

At this moment in Chenliu Commandery, the battle flags fluttered in the wind, and the two armies faced each other across the river

Looking back, amidst the neighing of horses and the clashing of arms, that path we once traveled has finally been completely severed

In the night, the cavalry of Guan Ning mounted their horses, their movements synchronized, the sound of hooves crisp like falling rain

Jiang Zaichu's eyes brightened slightly, and a heavy weight in his heart gradually lifted.

Weisang remained silent, her expression calm, with only her long eyelashes lowered, concealing the thoughts of the moment

You do not know? The Empress's anger surged as she exclaimed, "You do not know yet you still dared to use the Emperor's imperial seal to send your brother to the south? If it were not for him and Jing Guan leading tens of thousands of troops to Changfeng City, how could we have fallen into such a dire predicament?"

Do you know that he once proposed to me, yet in the end, it was I who was unwilling to marry him

Han Weisang was taken aback and stared intently at Yuan Haoxing

Jiang Zaichu's expression was remarkably calm, and from his thin lips, he uttered only four words: "It is the will of heaven"

Yuan Hao Xing has been gone for a full half day. In such chaotic times, he was able to find a very well-concealed courtyard outside the city, allowing Han Wei Sang to settle in and rest first

He wants to take the initiative, so I let him do so. A confident smile spilled from the corners of his lips, handsome beyond that of an ordinary person. As for me, all I need to do is to hold back General Xiao Jing.

After a bloody battle all the way to the south, Jing Yun received the news that his uncle had removed himself from the ancestral hall, and the elder had resigned from all official positions in the court, submitting a letter stating, "The descendants of the Jing family are ashamed and will no longer serve as generals in the court"

"Did they really just hand over the capital like that?" Han Weisang exclaimed in astonishment

He did not rush to enter the city, but instead went to inspect the construction outside the north gate, returning to the city only late at night with Lian Xiu

The torches on the city wall illuminated half of the night sky, and the immovable city gate gradually opened a crack. Three riders galloped in from the city gate. In the makeshift main tent, Jiang Zaichu heard the guard report: "General, the envoy we sent has returned!"

His breathing became heavy, having endured and restrained himself for a long time, he finally raised his head and laughed heartily, yet his laughter was filled with a sense of weariness and chill.

Go take a rest. In the coming days, there will be a continuous influx of troops, and you must hold on. Jiang Zaichu seemed to ponder for a moment, saying, "Song An generally fights, but in the later stages, he is indeed meticulous and cautious."

Lian Xiu noticed the few civilians behind the barracks. Before Song An's arrival, it is likely that the general had already personally interrogated them. As her gaze returned to the serene young man, a hint of admiration appeared on Lian Xiu's face. The general's thoughts are so meticulous and comprehensive, which shows that his ability to rise to a high position in adversity is indeed beyond the reach of others

"Did I make a mistake?" Jiang Zaichu slightly pursed his lips, and a hint of worry flickered in the depths of his narrow, bright eyes. "The entire army will rest in place, waiting for accurate intelligence from the front lines."

He turned over and dismounted, kneeling down and saying, "As Your Highness wishes!" After speaking, he took out a seal from his bosom, drew a blade across his fingertip, and directly smeared his blood on the seal, imprinting the official stamp before handing it to Jiang Zaichu

Yuan Hao Xing raised his head slightly and, as if nothing had happened, continued to focus his gaze on the table, coolly saying: "Princess, be careful not to catch a chill, otherwise I will have difficulty explaining to Prince Ning"

Weisang quickly got up, checked his attire, and said: "My lord, please come in"

Weisang slowly sat down, "What is the point of Lord Yuan pursuing this matter after such a long time?"

"Once upon a time, I had a fleeting encounter at the Hanyuan Hall." He paused, "Princess Jiahui."

Originally, it was thought that crossing the Yu River would encounter resistance from the guarding troops, but unexpectedly, tens of thousands of soldiers silently crossed the river without encountering a single enemy. The riverbank was a low-lying area, and to prevent ambushes from the enemy, Lian Xiu had already dispersed cavalry for reconnaissance, who at this moment reported back that it was safe. This journey proceeded secretly and swiftly; apart from quickly eliminating a few groups of horsemen they inadvertently ran into, they had not engaged in a single real battle, which left Lian Xiu feeling somewhat uneasy. He urged his horse to Jiang Zaichu's side and asked, "General, shall we rest for a moment?"

When there were still more than 10 li to Yongning City, a strange smell began to permeate the air, reminiscent of blood and tinged with a sense of murderous intent, so intense that even the horses beneath were unsettled

The Xiongnu entered the pass... How did they enter the pass? How could they enter the pass? For a moment, even after racking their brains, this straightforward and honest general and the military strategist could not fathom the underlying reasons. However, he had already understood the command of Yuan Hao.

Yuan Hao's thoughts turned rapidly, "Does the princess wish to seek death? It is unlikely to be that easy."

General Song, seeing Jiang Zaichu hesitating, smiled faintly and said, "If you are unwilling, I will not force you. However, I cannot afford to delay in resisting the Xiongnu, as it is too dangerous to stand shoulder to shoulder with someone whose stance is unclear"

Yes, it is!

She intended to approach him and said in a lowered voice: "You may not know, but soon, I will hold no value for you whatsoever."

The old man searched through ancient texts and finally found a clue, but he cannot be certain yet. "Hurry and take me to see her!" he exclaimed, wiping the sweat from his face. "If we delay, it will be too late!"

At this moment, setting aside all the conflicts in the court, they all have more important matters to attend to

General Song?" Jiang Zaichu stood up abruptly, "You—"

Jing Guan once accompanied the late emperor in battle, fighting alongside the heir of the Tao Marquis, and only then was able to ensure the emperor's safe passage into the pass, thus he is well aware of the ferocity of the enemy. Not to mention that the military strength of the troops within the pass is inherently inferior to that of the valiant and combative Xiongnu, and with the current state of the world being fragmented, it remains uncertain whether they can cope with this sudden outbreak of war

Yes

If the person who was poisoned by the Gu did not die, then what would happen to the Gu master

Han Weisang was stunned for a moment, unable to believe that they were now so close to each other

Jiang Zaichu fell silent for a moment: "I sent her elsewhere"

Among the various incidents that occurred in the third year of Yongjia, the most far-reaching was this particular event

Yuan Hao Xing suddenly felt that it would not be a bad idea to have a conversation with the woman before him

He opened it and was filled with astonishment, immediately stopping his colleague: "The entire army, transmit my order, cease fire!"

In the quiet of the room, when there is nothing to do, that faint shadow can no longer be evaded, slowly rising from the depths of the mind's abyss.

Jiang Zaichu nodded slightly: "Today, Yongning is the first stronghold defense line against the Xiongnu moving from north to south. I wonder how many troops you can gather for me within ten days, Brother Yuan?"

He knows ... ... are you going to see him

He felt a lingering disbelief in his heart, wondering how the Jingyun he had personally nurtured could so simply and brutally resolve the current issue

Jingyun said calmly: "Let's go, we shouldn't keep them waiting for too long."

If Yuan knows that there is no mistake, then Ning Wang must have long been infatuated with the princess? Yuan Hao's deep and profound gaze fell heavily on Wei Sang's face as he smiled and said, "To this day, he must not have forgotten, right?"

Yet, despite this reasoning, she, as wise as she is, still does not understand

Han Weisang must have felt a sense of calm in his heart as he quietly gazed at him, the panic in his eyes dissipating instantly, revealing a clarity that was starkly defined in black and white.

Jiang Zaichu had just returned from inspecting the battlefield, still clad in his armor, and hurried to this place

Han Weisang raised his head with some difficulty, a thin sheen of tears glistening in his eyes, only to feel a buzzing sound in his ears

Yes

To ensure internal stability, one must first eliminate external threats

Yuan Hao and Jing Guan led the Jin army stealthily from the capital to the foot of Changfeng City, intending to seize the stronghold while Jiang Zaichu was completely unprepared; however, Jiang Zaichu divided his forces into two routes and personally led his elite cavalry straight towards the capital. Unexpectedly, they encountered unforeseen circumstances a hundred miles away from the capital.

Jiang Zaichu turned around and was about to leave when his gaze inadvertently fell on the antique shelf on the left wall. After a brief glance, he spoke: "Brother Yuan, during your time in Changfeng City, have you happened to see one of my family members?"

"Aren't you going to ask me where I'm going?" As he galloped forward, this person's demeanor remained utterly unruffled; with a jade hairpin securing his hair, a light robe, and a flowing belt, he exuded an indescribable air of elegance and nobility

Zhou Jinghua moved forward on his knees, picked up the memorial, and read it through. Beads of sweat rolled down from his cheeks to his chin: "This, this?"

I would rather go out and fight the Huns than endure these tasks any longer. Lian Xiu showed signs of fatigue and mumbled her excuses to take her leave

Han Weisang immediately understood, swiftly dodging inside as the antique shelf was just being reset, and the door had already been pushed open

Yuan Hao still wore a white robe, with a light cloak and belt. Although he was busy until late at night, he appeared energetic and showed no signs of fatigue

Weisang only felt a slight itch in his throat, and he couldn't help but cough heavily. This bout of coughing was much more severe than the previous ones, causing Yuan Haoxing to frown slightly: "Have you caught a cold?"

"It is nothing." Jing Yun waved his hand and said softly, "My uncle employs the most righteous strategies in warfare. If one wishes to defeat him, it is necessary to devise a proper method."

Feeling alternately cold and hot, Han Weisang covered her mouth and began to cough, while her body seemed to have opened a huge void, producing a sound that was almost withered. She slowly crawled back to bed, wrapped herself tightly in a brocade quilt, and closed her eyes

At this moment, he finally saw the young woman surrounded by the guards. It was clearly July, and the weather was as hot as a furnace, yet she covered her face with a hood, standing with her head bowed, silent and devoid of life.

Han Weisang spoke in an extremely humble tone: "When I disguised myself as a musician to enter the residence, I had already made contact with him. At that time, I did not have confidence that the general would assist me, nor did I dare to place all my bets on the general."

While pondering the meaning of her words, Yuan Hao slightly furrowed his brow when suddenly someone outside said: "My lord, Prince Ning has arrived"

"When did you and Yuanhao start contacting each other in secret?" Jiang Zaichu also sat down at the table and asked calmly

The Xiongnu cavalry is continuously entering through the passes such as Pingcheng. If we do not cut off the source and merely adopt a passive encirclement, we will never be able to eliminate the external enemies. Jiang Zaichu let out a light sigh, "If Brother Yuan has no objections, it would be better to invite Generals Jingyun and Jingguan to join forces and reclaim the Pingcheng pass."

On this day, they had arrived at the banks of the Yu River, where a chaotic floating bridge was crowded with refugees, and from time to time, someone would scream as they fell into the water. Yuan Hao had been resting by the river for more than an hour, while Han Weisang sat under a tree, hugging his knees, looking listless and lost in thought.

At this moment, it is still unknown how the situation is on that side. Yuan Hao was gripping the reins tightly, and the veins on the back of his hand were visibly bulging.

Meng Liang lamented, "Are we just going to let them come over like this?"

Ancient texts record that in the Tao region, there exists a type of sorcery known as "Heart Confusion." Those afflicted by this sorcery cannot disobey any commands from the sorcerer, and upon completing the sorcerer's orders, the afflicted will bleed from all seven orifices and perish

"Ha, what is this?" The Empress Dowager threw the memorial in her hand onto the ground, "Look for yourself!"

Ultimately, I still walked step by step towards that room, where the oil lamp had already been extinguished, and my gaze fixed on the frail figure on the bed in the darkness

It seems that Prince Ning has already fought a battle against the Xiongnu, which presents a good opportunity to win the hearts of the people. Yuan Hao said lightly, though it was unclear whether he was speaking for Han Weisang to hear.

The young general's expression was calm: "If you have been there, you would know that wherever the Xiongnu sweep through, wives and daughters are violated, men are beheaded, wild graves are numerous, and the stench of blood lingers for a year. Such fear cannot be feigned."

Lian Xiuyang waved over a soldier and quietly instructed him with a few words. The soldier then changed into his casual clothes and blended into the crowd, moving forward. Jiang Zaichu watched the scout's figure gradually fade away, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease in his heart. He bent down and gently stroked the mane of the black horse, while his mind meticulously sorted through the current situation.

It is said that the Xiongnu people are coming

Han Weisang was somewhat taken aback, but he saw that the maid had already begun to tidy up with great efficiency, leaving him to proceed to the main hall with a heart full of questions

His opponent is his uncle, who raised him and personally taught him military strategy and martial arts

General, I believe that

Yuan Hao smiled and said, "At that time, the power of the court was in a state of ebb and flow, with undercurrents surging. The late emperor and Prince Ning naturally had their respective supporters. If Prince Ning were to seek victory in danger, he would certainly lay his plans well and would never allow the Imperial Guards to take him into the dungeons—one must know that even spending half a day in the dungeons carries the risk of being killed." He paused and said meaningfully, "My Yuan family has served in the Jin Dynasty for generations, and we have some connections and hidden lines. A few days before the princess's wedding, we received no intelligence regarding any misconduct from Prince Ning. If one were to plot such a significant matter without leaving any trace, I find that hard to believe."

"It's just a little, nothing to worry about." Her cheeks were slightly flushed.

The old general let out a long sigh and issued the final military order

"Your Highness, please go over immediately," the maid said as she lifted the curtain and entered. "I will tidy up the things here and send them over shortly."

Han Weisang raised his gaze towards the distance, his voice calm, as if discussing trivial matters: "He has always been the most understanding person; I believe he will think as Lord Yuan does."

Mr. Li suddenly jumped up: "Is it better not to look?! Do you think it's just a cold?!"

Back then, your father was too soft-hearted, treating that rebel as a brother! Remembering the past, the hatred in the Empress Dowager's heart is hard to quell

Chancellor Zhou Jinghua felt beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He wanted to explain, but he heard a heavy grunt from above: "Wasn't it said that paying the commission would suffice?! These barbaric people are burning, killing, and plundering everywhere. How can this possibly end?"

Weisang Horan stood up and said coldly: "Since you have made a decision in your heart, why do you need to ask me again?"

Weisang reached out to smooth her hair, her smile gentle: "I shall certainly accompany you."

In times of chaos, with troops in the hands of Prince Ning, what is there to fear? Yuan Hao remarked, "As for who will rise or fall in the aftermath of this turmoil, I dare not make any conclusions."

Three years ago, did she already set up this counterattack by placing a curse on herself?

Do you think he hasn't considered this?" Jing Yun stood on the high ground in the shadows and said lightly, "My uncle is renowned for his ability to strike back after being provoked in battle. Those warships must be equipped with his most prized artillery. Although their numbers are few, their lethality is astonishing. It is precisely because he knows we lack this that he dares to cross the river so boldly.

Jiang Zaichu's hand still hovered in mid-air, leaving a cool and moist sensation on the skin. At the moment of opening his mouth, he only felt an emptiness: "You speak."

The soldier lowered his head even further, not daring to argue, and merely mumbled, "They are all saying that."

Yes

"General?" Lian Xiu looked at him somewhat puzzled, "They must have made a mistake."

I have long since lost everything. She instead calmly lifted her head, her gaze falling far away, losing focus. Staying outside, perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope. But returning to your side is merely a deadlock.

Have you seen Song An?" Jiang Zaichu gazed at the messenger standing below. Perhaps due to the urgency of delivering the news, his hood had not yet been removed, and his face was shrouded in shadow, making it difficult to discern his features. "What is the situation of the refugees who escaped from the front lines?"

If we continue to think along this line, with Ning Wang having killed his brother, everyone will focus their attention on them, and indeed no one will think of the incident of the princess entering the palace. Naturally, the court's anger will no longer be directed towards Sichuan.

The elite forces from the north have been dispatched here, and now... the only remaining troops capable of resistance over there are likely the reorganized Guan-Ning army led by Prince Ning. As he contemplated this, he felt a deep sense of anxiety, though his expression remained calm, "I still do not know what Prince Ning is planning at this moment"

Yes

"Rise up." Jiang Zaichu's expression softened considerably, "You should discuss the construction work in the city with General Lian. If the refugees cannot be accommodated within the city, then open the southern gate and allow them to seek refuge in the rear."

As usual, when he entered the general's mansion, Song An still refused to let him go, waiting for him to finish reporting on the grain and grass brought from various places before leaving. Song An's personality is extremely resolute. Even after winning a battle a few days ago, there was hardly any joy to be seen. Instead, he went about his usual business of leaving early and returning late, reorganizing the army. These days, he was almost worn out from exhaustion. Even Lian Xiu felt a headache when she saw him. After finally waiting for him to leave, she yawned and said, "He is the most serious person I have ever met."

Those sweet memories came rushing in, and for a moment, he couldn't bring himself to push her away. He also forgot the reason for coming here, just sitting in the darkness like this. The past slowly passed by, and the woman in his arms opened her eyes for the second time. This time, she was truly awake, almost without hesitation, she left his embrace and knelt down beside him, sincerely fearful and silent.

This young woman is terrifyingly sharp, her thoughts flash like lightning. Yuan Haohang has already concealed his previous anger, his handsome face only showing composure: "Not bad, there have been some changes."

Jiang Zaichu quietly looked at the city gate, "If they knew we were coming, they would flee to the north, rather than at the south gate"

Visang's body trembled slightly.

Jiang Zaichu approached the desk and said softly: "The general's righteousness."

During this occasion, Jiang Zaichu sent someone to negotiate with him, and initially, there was not much hope. Unexpectedly, late at night, he had the audacity to personally visit the enemy camp

Without a covenant, without secret letters, without any evidence, it was merely a verbal agreement that brought an end to the prolonged internal strife lasting three years. Amidst the chaos of Yongjia, the most formidable alliance in the Central Plains against the foreign enemies was formed through the casual remarks of these two men. Later generations, when referring to the turmoil caused by this farce of the Central Plains dynasty, can only lament that the Yongjia Alliance stands as a pillar among the masses, an invisible Great Wall

Yuan Hao paused with the pen in his hand, naturally setting it down. He walked to the desk, personally helped her up, and smiled, saying: "Since you say so, you must have good reasons to persuade me."

Prince Ning is not someone who would plunge the world into chaos for personal gain. The only possibility for him to do so would be if he were compelled against his will

Jiang Zaichu had already turned to leave, but upon hearing those words, his footsteps paused momentarily

On that day in the south, it was already late autumn, yet the days were cold as if it were midwinter. He received that letter, remained silent, and simply went to the storeroom to polish the set of armor that had already been damaged

"The Xiongnu?" Lian Xiu was momentarily taken aback, but instead of getting angry, she smiled and said, "What news are you trying to uncover?"

In his youth, it was his uncle who took him to the palace every day to serve as the prince's companion, accompanying Prince Ning in practicing martial arts and military formations. After reaching adulthood, he served as the deputy general to Prince Ning, training together on the battlefield, truly becoming as close as brothers. When the new emperor ascended the throne, fully aware of Prince Ning's awkward and delicate position, he insisted on accompanying the sovereign to Chuan Tao.

The seal was torn open, and on the plain sheet of paper, there was only a brief line of text: The Xiongnu have entered the pass, ceasefire.

He let out a gentle breath, "Lian Xiu, before this expedition, the Shen Ce Army was divided into two, with approximately 8,000 men remaining in the Guan Ning Army. Bring them to the front lines and prepare for battle."

The Empress Dowager knelt on the ground, the scene of the Hall of Preserving Harmony still vivid in her mind, and she became increasingly hesitant to speak, lowering her head even further.

Jiang Zaichu found him late at night and said softly: "Do you regret it?"

The Huns appeared unexpectedly within the empire, advancing southward while burning, killing, and plundering along the way

Song An's expression was somewhat uncertain and suspicious: "How to repel the enemy and defend Yongning, I ask the general to make a decision."

Amidst the laughter, he agreed, saying: "Alright, Han Weisang, I consent to your request"

She struggled to sit up, her ears still ringing with a buzzing sound: "Where to?"

Song An suddenly felt that the impression this man had just left on her was nothing but an illusion, with all his talk of national righteousness and the welfare of the world; she feared that the moment she left the city, he had already planned every step that would follow.

What is going on? Meng Liang was overjoyed, "The ceasefire is off? Then we can catch them off guard!"

Because the Luo army does not need to defeat the enemy decisively; as long as they can hold them back and cut off their supplies, they will be in an invulnerable position

Yuan Hao smiled calmly and said: "Princess Jiahui? Ha, we have indeed met once at the city gates. However, this trip is truly urgent. As a noble lady, I cannot dare to bring her to the front lines, so naturally, she will be left in the rear with proper arrangements made for her care."

Yu Zhong, he can never betray the general.

Are those past events to be considered as concluded just like that

The words she spoke still linger in my ears, deeply etched and painful. In this night of clashing swords and iron steeds, they are clearer than ever—love and hate intertwined. The general, capable of making decisive judgments on a battlefield shrouded in fog, now finds himself somewhat bewildered.

Bringing the wolf into the house ... ... Jiang's initial speculation became a reality, after a long while, he said, "Send an envoy to Yongning City to meet with the garrison commander"

Zhou Jinghua was about to rise when he suddenly said, "Your Majesty, if it were not for Yuan Hao leading a large part of the army to the south, we would not have fallen into such a difficult situation, unable to continue in either direction"

Yes

Jiang Zaichu had spent a day and a night in the dungeon until he was rescued by his subordinates. When he was abducted, he had already endured severe torture, and even such a strong-willed person fainted several times. This was the first time Weisang heard Yuan Haoxing mention it; she was momentarily taken aback, a trace of compassion flickering across her brow, but it was captured in his gaze.

Zhou Jinghua felt a slight joy and quickly said: "Yes"

"Although Yuan Hao is your uncle, he is also your subject." She summoned Sun Zi to her side and calmly said, "Remember this from now on."

"Did Luo Jun not resist at all while coming this way?"

Even when Jiang Zaichu was a prince in the court, there was little interaction between the two, let alone after their subsequent fallout, as they became arch-enemies. However, at this moment, without the need for many words, they both understood each other's intentions.

Has the illness of the princess not improved?" He pondered for a moment and asked, "Is she unwell again now?

To external enemies, he is an unparalleled sword, and no one can withstand its brilliance, is that not so

"Is it too late?" Jiang Zaichu repeated, "Why is it too late?"

Song An thus became renowned throughout the world, and although he was defeated in defending the city, he remained honorable in defeat

Within the Purple Palace, the Empress Dowager Zhou received letters from various regions, her expression turning ashen.

Han family is proficient in Gu techniques. It is not easy for her to survive these three years... The old man stroked his beard and pondered, "The last time I saw her, her inch pulse was already suppressed. If the Gu poison also suppresses the foot pulse, then it would be impossible to save her."

Han Weisang just came to ask, "Is the adult prepared to return me to his hands?" Han Weisang's eyebrows lifted slightly, and when he bowed, he felt the chill penetrating through his chest, making it even harder to control.

Yuanhao also changed his clothes, sitting behind the desk with a clear mind and a refreshing spirit, looking down at the map in contemplation.

No more words.

After overcoming numerous obstacles, he arrived at this day fearlessly facing any tough battle. However, he did not expect that Yuan Haohang would invite his uncle back and become his enemy on the battlefield.

Yuan Haohang's face slightly darkened, and he said in a low voice, "I didn't expect the princess to be the confidante of the Prince Ning."

At the time of borrowing troops, an agreement was made for a reward of 50,000 gold. When we were suppressing the rebel Jiang Zaichu, they came out of the pass as agreed. I must have misunderstood something somewhere.

The Xiongnu cavalry has already entered the pass. He uttered these words from his thin lips, and between his raised eyebrows, there was a faint aura of solemn killing intent.

Visang leaned on the couch, closed his eyes slightly. At this moment, Jiang Zaichu should have received Bo Ji. Then, he should also know that he has fallen into the hands of Yuan Haohang.

If you want to defeat the Xiongnu, there is only one way. Jiang Zaichu looked into the distance to the north with a solemn expression and said word by word, "Confront them head-on."

If I find it for Yuanxiong? Including the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and several important officials in the court. Jiang Zaichu remained calm and said, "By then, they may not be as easy to deal with as Yuanxiong."

Han Weisang has already gotten out of bed, standing with his hands tied in a corner of the room, still bowing his head, even his breath is suppressed even lower.

Her pulse is strange. That day, I said her cun pulse was suppressed. Now, thinking back, it wasn't due to being cursed. The old man looked at him and sighed, "She is a witch, she has cast spells on people before."

Princess, Lord Yuan has returned from the city.

Thus, Jiang Zaichu nodded slightly and said, "Then I will trouble Brother Yuan for the time being."

At this time, outside Yongning City, after it was officially confirmed that there were indeed Xiongnu cavalry, Jiang Zaichu simply no longer concealed his whereabouts, arranging his troops at the foot of the city, waiting for the messenger to return from within the city

As if to add a footnote to this statement, two cavalry units on both sides of the city wall are approaching, and astonishingly, they are the troops that were mentioned earlier as "going around the hills".

The main camp is brightly lit, and the soldiers come and go incessantly. It seems that the Jin army is about to make a major move.

Han Weisang emerged from the dark room and saw Yuan Hao Xing slowly turn around, his gaze resembling a bottomless deep pool, causing Han's heart to sink immediately

Tears rolled down uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes, moistening his fingertips with their rich and gentle touch. She looked at him through her tear-filled eyes, and in a moment of bewilderment, it seemed she could also see those joyful memories of the past. Yet now, she was no longer worthy of bearing them

Yuan Haoxing had never seen such a self-abandoned expression on her face. His heart stirred slightly, but he did not continue to inquire.

A trace of unease subtly arose in Jiang Zai's heart; it was the height of summer, the sun blazing at noon, yet he inexplicably began to feel a chill creeping down his spine

In terms of filial piety, how could he possibly raise the sword against his elders

"That is the general in question," someone suddenly said, "Previously, the court labeled him a traitor, but now I do not believe it!"

Why did they send a cavalry straight to the capital? The Empress Dowager exclaimed in anger, "What are the intentions of these Xiongnu people?"

Do you know that he is willing to give up his life to save me

"Whether the princess is worth it or not, I fear it is not for you to decide." Yuan Hao leisurely raised his chin, "Do you know why Yang Lin has been able to dominate the Tao region single-handedly for the past three years?"

During the incident of the Hanyuan Palace sword, when Emperor Luoming passed away, Jiang Zaichu was kidnapped out of the capital by his old subordinates. After this turmoil, the entire court experienced a major purge. Most of the young generals followed Prince Ning and rebelled against the court. Those who remained were naturally loyal to the emperor, including General Song An.

You have not yet been to the border between my dynasty and the Xiongnu, have you

The shadow without a trace was still in sight, when Song An arrived on horseback, panting and said: "Prince Ning, the northern refugees are still pouring in continuously. What fortifications in the city still need to be strengthened? Would you like to accompany me to the city wall to take a look?"

He released her with force, leaving her with a cold and unyielding silhouette. He summoned the maid to light the candles, and only then did he feel his emotions begin to settle slightly

Get up. He waved his hand and looked north, as if standing here could see the long-lost imperial city.

Outside Changfeng City, it is already late at night.

"The adults wish to join forces with him to drive out the Xiongnu, correct?" Han Weisang gazed at him with burning eyes

A weather-beaten face with hair on both temples already turning white, yet with bright and piercing eyes, gazing at Jiang Zaichu with a complex expression.

Han Weisang furrowed his brows slightly, the changes in the north...? Could it be that Jiang Zaichu has already captured the capital, forcing Yuan Haohang to lead the army to defend the king...? But he did not bring the main army with him... Or perhaps, Jiang Zaichu died in battle, and Yuan Haohang no longer needs to stay behind to hold the fort? This thought surged in Han Weisang's mind, and he felt a chill running through his body. The strength in his hands was slowly fading, and he almost slipped off his horse.

Jiang Zaichu interrupted him and said in a calm tone, "Lian Xiu, you hadn't followed me when I went to fight against the Xiongnu, had you?"

What is the general's plan? Jiang Zaichu looked at him quietly and asked.

The vanguard of the Xiongnu, numbering only over ten thousand, winning is not a big deal. Jiang Zaichu said in a low voice, "It will be a real tough battle when the two armies meet."

He kept calling him "Prince Ning", but Jiang Zaichu didn't get angry and only asked, "How is the situation in the north now?"

I, Luochao, have stood for a hundred years. Countless people have died under the blades of the barbarians. Year after year, the Huns have demanded Central Plains women, jade, silk, and silver as tribute, only to exchange for a moment of peace. Luochao has suffered this humiliation for decades, and we know well the cunning and disrespectful nature of the Huns. After entering the pass, how can they be expected to keep their promises? How can the Empress Dowager and Prime Minister be so foolish? "Song An gritted his teeth and said, "My father and brothers were all generals guarding the frontier and died at the hands of the Huns. In this life, I serve my country, my family, and my people. I cannot allow the Huns to enter Yongning Pass!"

Prince Ning is facing off against the Xiongnu across the river in Yongning City. If the journey goes smoothly, we will be able to see him in a few days. Yuan Haoxing carefully observed her expression and said, "Once we arrive in Yongning, the princess can rest assured."

Yuan Haohang pondered for a moment and said, "They are only a few hundred miles away from Pingcheng, so they can be entrusted with the task. In that case, let both of us give the order."

The night breeze blows, causing the candlelight to flicker. Jiang Zaichu looked at Song An's determined eyes from top to bottom, reached out to help him up, and immediately gave the order: "Where is the Guanning Army?"

"Wasn't the gentleman in Changfeng City? How did he suddenly come over?" Jiang Zaichu was a little surprised. "Doctors are not lacking in the army."

Does the princess know how many hidden lines the Prince Ning has arranged in Tao territory to control Yang Lin?

Mount! Depart! He tightened the reins

Jiang Zai always remembers the time when Song An was still the prefect of the small Jiangling County. At that time, both he and his subordinates were seasoned soldiers who had been tempered on the battlefield. They originally thought that capturing Jiangling would be a simple task, but they did not expect to be trapped by this small city for five days. It was not until Meng Liang led troops from the northwest that the city was finally breached.

"Use the most elite cavalry for siege warfare?" Lian Xiu asked in confusion.

She raised her hand to tidy her temples, feeling an infinite chill in her heart: "The world belongs to the Jiang family, why is the adult so persistent..."

"It is rare to have a clear moon and sparse stars. I have also heard that the princess has not yet fallen asleep, so I came to chat a little. " Yuan Hao said very politely, "Would the princess be willing to keep me company?"

Jing Yun looked at the handsome flag on the opposite side, with the exact same Chinese character "Jing" on it, feeling slightly distracted.

If there is an opportunity, naturally one would ask. However, Yuan thought about it later; with the new emperor ascending the throne and Prince Ning rebelling, the chaos in the Jin Dynasty has already formed... In such a situation, the only beneficiary is the region of Shu. Yuan Hao said leisurely, "In these three years, the court has been rather preoccupied with its own affairs. If I remember correctly, I fear that the taxes in Shu have not been collected for three years, right?"

She only begged him to hate her, disregarding his desperate attempts to keep her, all because of this.

Han Weisang paused in her steps, turned to the man beside her who looked calm and composed, and said slowly, "Although I am a woman, I think the adult's words are incorrect."

Amidst the morning light, the county magistrate did not open the city gate. A military officer rode out from the Luò army on a fast horse, holding a military order high in his hand, and went to negotiate.

Yes! The court no longer cares about us, only the general still looks after us!

The cavalry silently lurked in the small jungle to the south of the city, but the scene before them made them feel somewhat eerie.

These words, Wei Sang has been thinking about all the way, and now, she has to say them. She still bowed her body, not letting him see her expression at this moment, but her voice was very solemn, "Please, sir, don't send me back to him."

"How is the situation in the north now?" Han Weisang asked solemnly.

Then came the shocking incident in the Hanyuan Hall. Jingyun stole the fish key to the city gate and fled with Jiang Zaichu to Luochao. That night, Uncle chased them outside the city, and they were actually within range of the bow and arrow. Uncle was known for his exceptional archery skills and could draw a strong bow capable of shooting a hundred stones. However, in the end, the arrow missed and landed beside him. He knew that Uncle had finally let him go.

The Empress Dowager Zhou of the Jin Dynasty was in power, and all major and minor affairs in the court were managed by her nephew Zhou Jinghua. Taking advantage of the absence of the Grand Secretary Yuan Hao and the Minister of War Jing Guannan, Zhou Jinghua proposed to hire the army of nearly 100,000 soldiers under the command of the Xiongnu Left Butcher Qijun King Maoman as mercenaries, and rewarded them with gold, silver, jade, and silk to enter the Central Plains, intending to suppress the chaos caused by Jiang Zaichu. The Empress Dowager agreed and allowed the Xiongnu people to enter the pass. However, after the Xiongnu people entered the pass, they tore up the agreement with the Jin Dynasty and looted and committed all kinds of atrocities. For a time, the refugees in the northern Central Plains were displaced, and the beacons were lit continuously, which was known as the "Yongjia Hu Luan" in history.

It was clearly a very sunny day, but Jiang Zai Chu felt as if a sudden storm with strong winds had arisen, making it difficult to breathe.

Lord Zhou, in the name of His Majesty, urgently issue an edict to Yuan Hao, ordering him to immediately return to the capital and assist in defending the throne! The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment, "Send the edict along with a golden token. If he does not return, he shall be punished for deceiving the emperor."

No need. Han Weisang looked back at Changfeng City, knowing in his heart that he was heading north.

Under the city of Changfeng, Han Weisang spent several days in captivity in the Luojun. The days passed leisurely, but the cold wind became heavier day by day. Yuanhao also sent a doctor to see him, but in the end, only some medicine for clearing the lungs and relieving phlegm was prescribed.

Yuan Haoxing also slowly wiped away his smile: "Didn't we just win a battle?"

I did not expect Lord Yuan to hold such a high opinion of King Ning" Wei Sang said softly, "However, regarding the assassination of the monarch three years ago, if Lord Yuan wishes to know the details, I fear you must ask him yourself

Within the tent, Wesang listened to the distant sound of war drums and couldn't help but turn over and gently lift the curtain.

After a long while, the young man stepped forward to her, gently caressing her cheek, his voice hoarse: "What more do you want me to do?"

The Empress Dowager placed the child, who was not yet four years old, on her lap and gently raised her gaze to the young Empress. When the young Empress inquired about her well-being, she replied, "There is no need for excessive formalities"

It must be that Lord Yuan is not in the capital, which is why someone is so eager to seek power for themselves? Han Weisang sighed and said, "But the Xiongnu... ha, truly inviting wolves into the house, bringing fire upon oneself"

The old man brought this whole family with him, fleeing from Zhuo County. When we left the city, both Shanggu County and Yuyang County had already been destroyed... Ah, the Xiongnu people are truly worse than animals. They burned and killed for two days and two nights, not to mention the rape and plunder. They even impaled children on spears for their amusement. Perhaps recalling those cruel scenes, the old man shuddered and shook his head, saying, "Ah, luckily we managed to escape. I heard that Zhuo County was also destroyed."

"Follow me." He strode towards the entrance of the tent, where the guard team was already lined up neatly, leading two horses.

The Empress Dowager was originally of a gentle disposition and had always harbored some fear of the Grand Empress Dowager. At this moment, she was so frightened that she knelt on the ground, speechless.

Mr. Li stared at him and said, "I didn't come to find you. Where is that girl?"

Jingyun slowly furrowed his brow. The guards behind him rushed over and handed him the secret order from the general.

The Empress Dowager sat still, watching the young emperor approaching briskly, with a gentle smile on her lips.

I have asked several groups of refugees. They originally came from nine counties, including Zhuo County, Shanggu County, and Yuyang County. According to them, wherever the Xiongnu cavalry went, cities were slaughtered and looted... Now the army is heading straight to Yongning, and I'm afraid they will arrive tomorrow afternoon. Song An slightly closed his eyes. Most of those who can escape are wealthy households who keep horses. As for ordinary families, I'm afraid they have already been wiped out.

Han Weisang's body trembled slightly, forced to meet his gaze, yet remained silent.

"This old thief..." Meng Liang blurted out, and in an instant recalled the relationship between Jing Yun and him, stammering, "Well, I didn't mean it that way"

Three years later, she returned to his side, making him feel that she had changed, no longer full of vitality, only left with lifelessness and forced smiles.

It is no wonder that he has been moving neither too fast nor too slow these past few days; it turns out he had long been secretly colluding with the governor of Chenliu Commandery. When he thought he could launch a pincer attack alongside the Chenliu garrison, he was instead outmaneuvered.

Ultimately, what dispelled that loneliness was the clamor of soldiers and horses in his ears, the battle flags flying high, and the faces of young and unfamiliar soldiers rushing forward. Jiang Zaichu looked at these young soldiers; it was he who had led them onto this battlefield, and many of them would never return to their homeland.

She lay there, not daring to move at all, as if she were a small animal caught by a hunter

The general ordered that the young lady be sent to the Qingliang nunnery in Dingzhou today.

Seeing that this only grandson resembled her son in every way, the Empress Dowager, listening to her grandson's childish words, ultimately softened her heart

He finally stood up and said coldly, "You need not worry about these things." After a pause, he added, "Are you afraid that I will torment you as I did before?"

The messenger hurried away. The command gradually spread across the camp: "The entire army mounts up and immediately advances into the city"

Yuan Hao glanced at her, noncommittal.

"Are you all heading north?" the old man asked in surprise, "You cannot go that way!"

At this moment, at the southern gate of Yongning City, Jiang Zaichu, clad in black armor, was quietly discussing with Lian Xiu the dispatch of a vanguard to proceed to the capital to investigate the situation, when suddenly an elderly man jumped down from a carriage, panting heavily

So many counties did not have a single one willing to take us in, only Yongning City opened its gates. The general said, We can make it to his fief until the Xiongnu are driven away

Yes

Jiang Zaichu's long fingertips tapped on the table, producing a dull and irregular sound. He curled his lips into a faint smile, which appeared so gentle under the light, yet each sound drew closer: "So, what do you have to exchange with him?"

She held her breath, peering through a small gap in the wall, her gaze colliding with a face that was both familiar and strange, as if her heart had momentarily stopped beating

I initially thought that a single word "like" would invite a hundredfold humiliation, yet she waited quietly, and he remained silent.

At this moment, looking from the south bank to the north bank, one could see that the lights of the Chu army's tents were brightly lit, and the sounds of soldiers and horses moving were noisy. In the commander's tent, scouts kept coming to report: "General, the enemy troops on the opposite bank are moving and dismantling their camp, heading westward."

But now they are different from us in the fight," Meng Liang was filled with anger, "Every time we move forward, they catch up and we can't shake them off."

Jingyun is right, she can no longer stay by his side. As for Azhuang, he no longer seeks anything else, he only hopes for his safety. Weisang hugged his knees, tightly wrapped in the brocade quilt, a chill rose in his heart, eventually surging to his throat, turning into an uncontrollable cough... She quickly took out a small porcelain bottle from her pocket and swallowed a pill. Suddenly, a clear and moist male voice came from outside the curtain, "Has the princess not slept?"

Jiang Zai initially grasped the reins, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth: "General Song, now that the Xiongnu have been defeated, how will you handle yourself?"

Jiang Zai walked to the door, and just as Wu Ying was about to lead the black-gold steed out, he did not rush to mount it, but waited for a moment.

General Song immediately stamped the seal, and sent it back to the capital on a fast horse, just to give the court an explanation. Jiang Zaichu leisurely handed over a piece of paper, and said with a smile, "In this way, both you and I can be at ease."

The misunderstanding that there is no distinction between the South and the North! The Empress Dowager was furious and said, "Immediately send someone to stop them from advancing any further! If they enter the important area of the capital, execute them without mercy!"

How much longer? he inquired.

Why did the adult come here late at night, not knowing what to do?

Upon receiving the secret order, Jing Guanfu's heart trembled. The seal on the paper, made of gold dust the size of a fingernail, was likely imprinted by the ring that Yuan Haoxing always wore. This indicated the urgency of the matter, as Yuan Haoxing did not have time to issue a formal military order.

General, it appears that this city is currently unguarded, making it the best time for an attack...

On the river in the beginning, do you still remember the sentence I said back then?

The general, in my opinion, Jingyun is deliberately taking the mountain road to bypass the city of Chenliu, in order to prevent us from being attacked from both the front and the back. Strategist said slowly, "They are eager to meet Jiang Zaichu, fearing that they can't delay any longer."

He saw her and simply asked, "Can you ride a horse?"

Yuan Hao stepped forward and picked it up, only to find that it was a small piece of high-quality Hetian white jade.

He can still recall the hidden sharpness and dominance beneath Jiang Zaichu's plain words, as if he were an emperor, making him a promise. Regarding this, Jingyun has no doubt at all; he is capable of fulfilling it

What do you plan to do

"Will the adults really say anything if I ask?" Han Weisang smiled faintly, "I just find it strange that the adults sent General Jing to intercept Jing Yun, yet they gave up halfway. Isn't that a pity? Or is it that something unexpected has happened in the north?"

Still unaware of her surroundings and having forgotten the passage of time, she, with a sleepy and innocent demeanor, complained: "Jiang Zai Chu, you are so late again, and you have woken me up..." Habitually, she rested her head on his lap, changed her position, and fell back asleep.

If you want to exchange something, Mr. Yuan must first understand the value of the chips in my hand...

Prince Ning inquired about the safety of the displaced people as soon as he opened his mouth, which made Song An feel admiration in his heart. Song An did not bow to him, but coldly said, "The Xiongnu have entered the pass, and this matter is of great importance. Under such circumstances, I, Song An, have no choice but to come here in person to discuss this matter with Prince Ning."

The furrows of his brows, which slanted into his temples, deepened further, and he had already begun to faintly discern the trajectory of the situation.

Finally, several horses returned from the front. The men in black dismounted swiftly, still catching their breath, and half-kneeled before Jiang Zaichu, saying: "General, we have confirmed that there is indeed a cavalry unit approaching rapidly. The refugees are coming this way, claiming that they are Huns, who have killed many people along the way and looted a great deal of goods. We have left half of our men to continue scouting ahead." The refugees are coming this way, claiming that they are Huns, who have killed many people along the way and looted a great deal of goods. We have left half of our men to continue scouting ahead.

She was taken aback for a moment, but then shook her head and said, "I am not afraid"

"Where does your father-in-law come from?" Yuan Hao actively engaged in conversation with one of the older men, who had a dignified appearance, asking, "What is the situation like over there?"

The boats on the river came and went incessantly. By the time dawn broke, the soldiers had finally been transported completely. General Jingguan summoned his personal guards and sent them to the city of Chenliu, twenty miles away, to deliver an urgent message, ordering the county governor to open the city gates. The troops then proceeded to break camp.

It indeed cannot be delayed any longer. Jing Yun had made up his mind and said, "Please have the generals come to my tent; our army will immediately break camp."

I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that three years ago, he rebelled recklessly. Han Weisang's lips curved slightly, a faint smile appeared, but his eyes were cold as he said softly, "But that was not his true intention"

The night breeze causes the candlelight to flicker, casting the shadows of the two figures on the wall, sometimes distorted, sometimes intertwined

If we can capture Yongning within two days, and the news reaches the court, the Empress Dowager and Zhou Jinghua will know that I am only a hundred miles away from them, and they will surely urgently summon Yuan Hao to return and defend the kingdom. " Jiang Zaichu shifted the topic, "But I do not know if the Guanning army can take Yongning within two days?"

The guards sent to scout ahead have not yet returned, but a few households that have just crossed over from the opposite bank have found a place to sit down, not far from Han Weisang, and have begun to share their provisions and water

Although only a day has passed under the Longwind City, Weisang has already discerned that the Jin army does not intend to make a full-scale assault on this city; rather, it seems to be adjusting its strategy and taking a brief rest

Yes

But now this matter has truly occurred

"General, do they know that a war is about to break out?" Lian Xiu asked in confusion

Jiang Zaichu truly felt that this matter was like a joke; had someone informed him the day before that the court would invite the Xiongnu to enter the borders to exterminate him, he would have undoubtedly found it too absurd

Before the deployment of troops, I had been contemplating that if all went well, I would raid your assets beneath the walls of Changfeng City, forcing you to retreat for your own salvation, ultimately submitting at the feet of the Emperor, and the three years of turmoil could be concluded. Yuan Hao seemed to read his thoughts and smiled with a sigh, "I never expected the changes in the world to occur so swiftly, that I would actually have to join forces with you, truly lamentable."

Han Weisang withdrew his hand, taking a half step back, and gracefully knelt down: "General, if you still remember the past, Weisang... still has a trace of affection for you, please... promise me one thing."

The horse is also a rare Dawan steed, galloping for several dozen miles. Yuan Hao slowed his pace, walked to her side, and asked, "Do you need to rest for a while?"

The little emperor saw his mother kneeling and quickly climbed down from his grandmother's lap to kneel on the ground alongside her, saying, "Great-grandmother, please do not be angry. Uncle went to the south with the grandson's consent"

Yuan Hao was slightly taken aback: "Oh? Who is it?"

Song An made eye contact with him, neither flinching nor avoiding, and boldly declared: "Prince Ning, given the current situation, I, Song An, for the sake of the common people, vow to eradicate the Xiongnu bandits and restore peace to the Central Plains. You must understand, it is not that I fear you and dare not engage in battle with you!"

She is going to die. These four words jumped into Jiang Zaichu's mind, leaving him with a chilling sense of dread: "Sir, how much longer can she... live?"

Weisang listened quietly, yet remained noncommittal

This young man has indeed become more perceptive over the past few years. Jing Guanyao gazed at his nephew's figure on the city wall, feeling a complex mix of emotions, unsure whether it was pride or anger. Holding the reins in his hand, he pondered for a moment, then called over his deputy and casually said: "Then let us proceed to besiege the city."

"Which General Jing?" Someone on the city wall laughed loudly, "We only recognize this General Jing."

"Have you seen the general, sir?" Han Weisang did not wish to beat around the bush any longer and asked directly

Both individuals sat down at the table, and Yuan Hao Xing lightly tapped the surface with his fingertips, "I am truly troubled by a past event that has been weighing on my mind. I have pondered it extensively, yet I have been unable to find a resolution."

The messenger sighed, did not respond, but slowly removed the hood.

Han Weisang's heart skipped a beat, and he raised his eyebrows to look at Yuan Hao Xing, frowning as he said: "My nephew is still young, with no one to look after him, and being under the control of powerful ministers is indeed an unavoidable situation"

As he entered, a faint smell of blood wafted in. Yuan Hao had already sensed it, his brow slightly furrowing as he stood up to greet, "Prince Ning, it has been three years since we last met"

"If a sharp sword does not have a suitable sheath, and is entangled in mud and oil cloth all day long, it will eventually rust one day." Han Weisang retracted his smile, his long eyelashes casting shadows over his deep eyes, revealing an unmistakable sorrow. "Lord Yuan, if you wish to reclaim your homeland, you cannot send me back to his side. To him, I... have always been an ominous person."

The scout returned while speaking, and quietly whispered a few words in Yuan Haoxing's ear. Yuan Haoxing then stood up and cupped his hands towards the crowd, saying: "Old master, we shall take our leave and continue on our journey."

He gazed at her vacantly; her words were clearly heard, yet they seemed to be nothing more than meaningless syllables

"In order for you to reach this point of desperation, Prince Ning has been planning for three years." Yuan Hao said leisurely, "Tell me, do you think you are worth it?"

In the state of half-sleep and half-wakefulness, someone pushed open the door: "Miss Han, the carriage is ready."

I am not worth the effort of the adults to take me north. " Han Weisang hesitated for a moment, " He certainly would not exchange the world for just me.

The court is incompetent and tyrannical, and Song An is willing..." He paused, gritted his teeth, and knelt down, saying, "Song An requests the general to enter Yongning City and eradicate the Xiongnu!

Han Weisang quickly stood up, his long hair hastily tied back: "Take me to see him."

Did you not expect this? Yuan Hao Xing reached out to rub his brow, concealing his expression at that moment, and said softly, "I did not expect it either"

He brushed off his sleeves and left, without a trace of lingering attachment. However, Han Weisang gazed at his back without blinking, until his sight could no longer capture even the slightest detail. Finally, he softly knelt down on the ground, as if the last bit of strength had been drawn away.

"Song An has already handed the military token to me; the troops he has within the city are now under your command." Jiang Zaichu gazed at the seemingly tranquil city in the dark of night and extended his hand to summon Wuying, "Take your men and wait at the north gate."

He is in the city not far from him, and at this moment, Yuan Haoxing must have already seen him... However, Han Weisang feels somewhat assured that Yuan Haoxing will not hand him over for the time being, after all, he does not have many cards to play.

Yuan Hao slightly moved his body, silently looking towards Han Weisang, his eyes flickering

After a long and arduous journey, day and night, she could finally bathe and rest at this moment. The maid gently dried her hair and then served a bowl of silver fungus soup, quietly retreating after placing it down.

General, you won't fall into a trap, will you

In this lifetime, his thoughts were merely this simple, yet in her heart, there was originally not a trace of love, which is why she was so cruel and so dismissive of herself

Two hours later, the vanguard of the Guan Ning army had already arrived at the gates of Yongning City

At this moment, he clearly did not meet his gaze, yet was intimidated by the imposing aura that arose. Song An considered himself not to be a timid person, yet a cold sweat broke out on his back. He realized where he had gone wrong and hurriedly said: "Yes, General."

The Empress narrowed her eyes and asked, "Where is your elder brother now?"

Just a casual glance, yet Xiu's heart skipped a beat. After not receiving that Korean girl last night, he felt that the general had changed somewhat, as if indifferent to everything.

The moonlight outside spills in, casting a soft, pale glow that wipes away the rosy hue on her cheeks. Her long eyelashes flutter gently with each breath. When she sleeps, she is always so peaceful and beautiful.

The further north one travels, the more refugees one encounters. Yuan Hao personally inquired with the refugees, yet he could not obtain any precise information

"General Jing, we have been in a standoff for half a day, why is there no movement from the opposite shore?" Meng Liang said impatiently as he ran his fingers through his hair, "What are they planning?"

After nearly a year, it was surprisingly easy to distinguish the blood that Prince Ning had spat out—bright red, just as it was on the day it was expelled. After consulting the shaman, it was learned that Prince Ning had been afflicted by a particularly rare type of poison.

Jing Guan thought he had read it wrong, and after reading it twice more, he finally confirmed the content of the letter

The envoy from King Zuo Tujing Wang Maoman has conveyed the message that they have already proceeded to Yongning City

Jiang Zaichu paused his actions and glanced at him

What did you say? Lian Xiu asked impatiently.

Song An remained silent for a long time, and finally could not restrain himself any longer. He threw his head back and laughed heartily, yet within that laughter lay an unresolved resentment.

He instead relaxed his brows and eyes, concealing his thoughts, and looked at Han Weisang once more. With a flick of his right hand, the antique shelf standing against the left wall of the room slowly opened, revealing a dark, pitch-black secret chamber

If a sharp sword does not have a suitable sheath, and is entangled in mud and oil cloth all day long, it will eventually rust one day. I... have always been an ominous person.

Yongning is the last stronghold of the capital's defense. Although they could bypass the towering mountains nearby and directly penetrate the capital, this would inevitably take several more days. ... Now, if the General decides to openly conquer Yongning, it signifies ... . ... They will no longer be hastily marching in secrecy, but will formally reveal their movements before the court.

There exists an ancient method that can prevent a person afflicted by a curse from dying. However, the backlash of the curse will inevitably lead to the death of the curse master. The old man sighed and added, "It is certain death, only a matter of time."

Yuan Hao quietly listened, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth: "Which general?"

Furthermore, I have also received an urgent order from the court. "Song An's lips suddenly curled into a cold smile, "commanding me to open the city gates and welcome the Xiongnu cavalry into the city to jointly eliminate the rebels.

"General, are you saying that we need to conquer Yongning?" Lian Xiu's eyes brightened.

At that time, the assassination of the sovereign with a single sword in the Hall of Hanyuan was something that Yuan could not help but reflect upon later, finding it too unexpected. Prince Ning was known for his deep strategies and was both reserved and steady. If he intended to kill the late emperor and take his place, he would never do so in front of the public, striking with a jade sword. Such a method was too reckless and unexpected; if it failed, Prince Ning would be captured with no way to retreat.

Since their reunion, it was the first time she called his name, and it came out naturally and effortlessly

Jiang Zaichu received it and casually handed it to the guard, merely glancing at him without speaking to instruct him to rise

It is all the world of the Jiang family ... Yuan Hao felt a slight tremor in his heart, yet he did not reveal any signs on his face, only saying: "The General has been waiting in Yongning. Princess, let us be on our way."

Those are the words in her heart, never confessed to him, yet each one is true

A group of people departed from the city of Chenliu County on light vehicles, their figures fading into the darkness

"Are you mute?" He reached out, gripping her chin and lifting it forcefully. "Han Weisang, weren't you quite eloquent? What did you say to Bo Ji?"

Yuan Hao looked at her with great interest and said, "If my deductions are correct, after three years, the Prince of Ning has not killed you, which shows the weight you hold in his heart."

"Is the adult taking me to exchange conditions with Jiang Zai Chu to ask him to save the emperor?" Han Weisang had already understood the cause and effect, and could not help but smile wryly

General

Jiang Zaichu's expression darkened, and he silently clenched his fists: "General, please elaborate."

Yes

Han Weisang stared at him intently, his voice so faint it hardly sounded like his own: "How could you forget the past? I deceived you, exploited you, and caused the Jiang family's realm to be torn apart, leading to endless turmoil... How could you not mention it?"

Jing Guan stroked his grizzled beard, his gaze fixed on the northwest of Chenliu Commandery, an area characterized by hilly terrain that is extremely difficult for military movement. Remarkably, he was leading his troops in that direction

After half a cup of tea, on the city wall of Chenliu County, Meng Liang questioned, "Aren't they supposed to attack the city? Why are they dragging their feet like this?"

Indeed, there were chaotic footsteps coming from within, and the guard shouted: "Please, General, hold on, Lord Yuan said that the General has overlooked someone."

What are you saying

Before the words had left his mouth, an announcement was heard at the door: "His Majesty has arrived, and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has arrived!"

Han Weisang, I am truly tired. Jiang Zaichu quietly looked at her, a trace of undeniable fatigue passing over his handsome and indifferent face, and softly said, "From now on, you will stay by my side, and I will not mention the past again"

The letter is issued in the name of the governor of Yongning, accusing the Zhou clan of colluding with foreign enemies by manipulating the emperor, with language that is extremely disrespectful. It is easy to imagine that once it is delivered to the capital, the sender will be labeled as a traitor, leaving no room for further discussion

She hails from the Han family, skilled in the art of sorcery; could it be that she has fallen under a spell of infatuation? He heard his own voice hoarse.

"The Xiongnu?" Lian Xiu's expression stiffened, "How could they have crossed the pass to come here?"

His anger surged once again, growing increasingly intense in an invisible manner. Yet, under such provocation, his tone became even more subdued as he softly said, "Do you know when you will return?"

The chaos of the empire has reached its peak

"If you and I can think of it, how could Jiang Zaichu not have thought of it?" Yuan Hao said leisurely, without any intention of hiding it from her. "I suspect that Prince Ning has set up several defensive lines behind me. I fear that once I cross Changfeng City, I will be mired in deep trouble and unable to extricate myself.

Song Anyi was taken aback; the Xiongnu cavalry was about to besiege the city. In the face of national peril, he gritted his teeth and went to see Jiang Zaichu. However, what would happen after defeating the Xiongnu? Zhou Xiang and the Empress Dowager would surely not let the matter rest upon learning of his actions

I am not his confidant, and he hates me to the core; however, I fear I understand him better than you do. Han Weisang smiled faintly and gazed into the distant, vast crowd, taking in the unease, fear, and sorrow before him. "I have long heard of the Yuan family's loyalty to the monarch, yet I believe that loyalty to the monarch should also extend to loyalty to the world."

Han Weisang suspected that he had misheard, reined in the horse, and blurted out: "What?"

The emperor has fled, how can he still care about us

Jiang Zaichu quietly gazed at her for a moment, yet said nothing, merely turned and mounted his horse, galloping away towards Yongning City.

Wei Sang has never loved anyone in this life. During the time spent with you, gratitude outweighed affection. " Han Wei Sang gently raised her head to meet his gaze, "Afterwards, I acted out of selfishness, plunging the world into injustice. The mistakes have been made, irretrievable; I can only wish to serve the Buddha for a lifetime, hoping that one day the general will be able to restore peace to the Central Plains and reign over the world.

Jiang Zai-chu raised his hand slightly in front of the subordinates. He would never show any emotion, but at this moment, the thought in his heart was about to burst forth. He had to suppress the anxiety within him and asked, "How many more of the rear troops of the Guan Ning Army have not yet arrived?"

An hour later, the entire army arrived at the foot of Yongning City. Jiang Zaichu looked back and saw the densely packed soldiers resting on the ground, yet they remained silent, not making a sound. This was his elite force, which usually did not show its strength, but on the battlefield, it was fierce and relentless. At this moment, he was waiting for another piece of news, a piece of news that would determine whether his army would confront another formidable enemy.

He turned and left, perhaps in too much of a hurry, and with a sound of "ding-dong," he accidentally dropped an item from his waist

Suddenly, someone from the rear army rode in quickly, shouting from afar: "General Jing, a confidential letter from Lord Yuan!"

Jiang Zaichu gazed faintly ahead, "If you find it strange, then we need not hide and seek as we move forward. Just ahead lies the important town of Yongning, and we will know once we look down into the city."

The once dried-up pond suddenly springs forth with clear spring water

Do you think it is somewhat strange that we have not encountered any enemy obstruction? His calmness is so sharp that it is frightening

As soon as this was mentioned, some people gathered around, chattering: "Yes, yes! We all saw it with our own eyes! That general led the cavalry to confront the Xiongnu, right on that flat land not far from Yongning City, fighting from morning until afternoon, leaving those beasts dazed! Other prefectures either abandoned their posts or closed their gates, but only Yongning City took us in. The general even told us that if we were still worried, we could leave the city and hide further south. One day, he will help us reclaim our homeland."

Her chest felt as if it had been struck heavily, and her complexion suddenly turned pale

The situation along this journey is becoming increasingly concerning

Before his words had finished, Jiang Zaichu had already taken large strides away, directly leading the steed of his personal guard and hastening towards Dingzhou.

There is no longer a Prince Ning in this world

Jiang Zaichu gently pressed her lips together and said: "Mr. Li has traveled a long way, so please rest first. As for her illness, it is better not to look at it."

Lian Xiu watched as the drawbridge of the city began to descend, yet could not conceal her anxiety

Silence fell within the tent

If even a person as wise as Master Yuan cannot comprehend this, it is likely that Weisang will be of little help as well

The surroundings fell silent for a moment, followed by a chorus of agreement.

Song An took it over, and by the light of the torch, his face immediately turned ashen.

It is uncertain... perhaps in a year and a half, or perhaps in the blink of an eye

He shook his head, feeling no regret, yet he could hardly resist the guilt he felt in his heart towards his family at this moment

Yuan Hao looked at her frail figure, which seemed almost breakable, his gaze complex. After a long while, he spoke softly: "Zhou Jinghua borrowed troops from the Xiongnu to enter the Central Plains. Once the Xiongnu crossed the pass, they broke the agreement, splitting into two factions. One faction headed straight for the rich southern lands, while the other advanced directly towards the capital. The Empress Dowager has already fled the city with the Emperor." He articulated each word, his deep amber eyes reflecting an indescribable chill.

"Have they all crossed the river?" Jiang Zaichu's profile was concealed within the helmet, revealing no discernible expression.

At the moment the great flag was raised, the enemy troops dismounted in unison, holding their armor in hand, and took a rest on the spot

Jiang Zaichu's expression was calm: "A Yun, your uncle said that the descendants of the Jing family have no face to enter the court as generals. In the future, when the dynasty changes, you will be the head of the Jing family. Who will remember the matters of the old dynasty?"

They held us back, winning without the need for battle. Jingyun lowered his head to look at the map, rubbing his temples.

In the following days, Yuan Hao rode swiftly towards the north, and when exhausted, he would set up a tent on the spot, sleeping for two hours before continuing his journey

The young man remained calm and composed even as Mount Tai collapsed before him, yet his expression suddenly changed.

She gently squinted her eyes, staring at him in disbelief. Could it be that he was too fatigued from days of battle? Otherwise, how could he utter such words

Amidst the dense enemy forces, a plain white flag suddenly rose, bearing no inscription.

Yuan Hao did not say anything, he just smiled and walked towards the floating bridge

I have eighty thousand troops at my command, currently stationed in Chenliu County. In the name of Your Majesty, I can still summon another one hundred thousand from various regions to support the throne. Yuan Hao understood his meaning and readily replied, "What about you, Prince Ning?"

"Are you saying that Jiang Zaichu supported Yang Lin's rise to power and forced me to seek him out?" Han Weisang murmured these words to himself, feeling a sense of confusion as he gazed into the distance, momentarily unsure of his surroundings. After a long while, he simply closed his eyes and smiled sadly, saying, 'But I am not worth all the effort he has expended.'

Yuan Hao remained seated, calmly stating: "Your Highness's reaction only confirms my thoughts even more."

This statement was also considered by Yuan, but the princess may still not understand Prince Ning. Given his position in the court at that time, having suffered a great defeat against the Xiongnu beyond the pass, his reputation was resounding, and his power was formidable. Although the late emperor was not on good terms with him, it would still be quite difficult to truly make things difficult for him—if Prince Ning genuinely wished to be with you, he could have easily found an excuse to take you away while escorting you to the capital. However, he chose to send you here safely, which indicates that at that time, his intentions were not difficult to discern.

Han Weisang took a deep breath, the dull pain in her heart was being sharpened to a deeper level, yet she merely raised the corners of her mouth and said softly: "Alright"

Luo Chaowen looked at the Yuan family, while Wu looked at the Jing family. At that time, the Yuan family had already sent their daughter into the palace to become a consort, and their position was clear. At that time, the uncle held the position of Minister of War. Although he knew that his nephew's close association with Prince Ning was detrimental to the family, he merely said: "The heart of a warrior lies in loyalty." He ultimately permitted his stubborn request.

While deep in thought, the scout hurriedly returned, "General, General, those people are fleeing the city for refuge. They say... they say..." Perhaps finding this statement too astonishing, he hesitated for a moment.

What troubled Jing Yun was precisely this point; although Luo Jun did not launch an attack, he slowed down his own marching speed, fearing that when the general arrived at the foot of the imperial city, he would be unable to support himself alone

His grip was extremely strong, and lacking in restraint, easily leaving a bruise-like imprint on her snow-white chin

I do not know

In another hour, the cavalry will be able to arrive in full force

Jing Guan has remained silent. Over the past three years, he has frequently heard reports of his nephew's victories on the battlefield and is aware that he has made considerable progress.

"Adults may know that I had the opportunity to escape, yet I willingly allowed myself to be captured?" Wei Sang's brows and eyes relaxed, as she was pleased to see the hint of vigilance in Yuan Hao's gaze.

"General, shall we pursue them?" the deputy general urged, "Half a day's time is sufficient for them to enter the heart of the hills, while our army still needs to arrange for crossing the river. If we do not follow, we may give them an opportunity to take advantage of the situation."

"I am waiting for Prince Ning's reply." Yuan Hao spoke candidly, "Given the current situation, he has no choice but to meet with me."

He pressed his lips together, and his long, sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed

Clearly, they are adversaries at odds with each other, yet at this moment, they find themselves equally at a loss for words

"The Xiongnu cavalry must establish contact with their leader and must not approach the capital's critical areas again," the Empress Dowager instructed. "Once the matter is accomplished, the women will not be shortchanged in terms of silk, gold, and silver; I will ensure they are well compensated."

Jiang Zaichu let out a cold smile, omitting all pleasantries, and said in a deep voice: "Zuo Tujing Wang has just left the capital and is marching south; it will take approximately ten days to reach here."

Inviting a wolf into the house, inviting fire to self-immolate. Ever since he learned of this news, these eight characters have been turning over in his mind. While he certainly felt guilty for being too careless, failing to keep a close watch on Zhou Jinghua, he also lamented that there are indeed such foolish people in this world. Even when trying to seize credit and restore order, one must still consider who the helpers they invite truly are

Jiang Zaichu gazed deeply at her, taking in her current state of disheartenment. Suddenly, a wave of fatigue washed over him, a genuine weariness. She was not wrong; between them lay a deadlock, an insurmountable deadlock.

"I fear there will be no need to besiege the city," Jiang Zaichu said calmly. "Lian Xiu, go and deliver the order."

"It is... it is..." The crowd fell silent for a moment, as if this question posed quite a challenge

She deceived him and harmed him in that way, yet he said, "I will not bring up the past again"

Before her words had finished, she leaned over on the horse and began to cough heavily, unable to control herself

Master Yuan said, "Lord Jing, please prioritize the greater good."

Oh, you may not know yet? In this expedition, the deputy commander is General Jing Guan. He is also the uncle of Jing Yun, and it was he who personally taught Jing Yun the art of war. Now, General Jing has already led his troops to intercept Jing Yun. " He paused, emphasizing each word, "As long as Jing Yun is held up, then on the side of Prince Ning, it will be a case of being isolated and without support.

He let out a long breath, yet within his heart lingered a slight sense of confusion and loss. If there truly were a moment when the world was within his grasp, what then? ... To reign over the realm ...? ... Would that enable him to obtain everything he desired?

The troops slowly parted in the middle, and the young general gazed far at the dark blue city. It was already curfew time, and the soldiers were about to close the city gates, yet there were still people dragging their families out from within. Among the crowd, there were many carts, seemingly carrying all their belongings, resembling a mass exodus from the city to seek refuge.

He looked at her with his dark, mysterious eyes and said: "If you are not afraid of this, why would you be afraid of staying by my side?"

At first, there was none. Upon hearing that the Xiongnu had arrived, several county magistrates, seeing that the garrison in the city was not numerous, all abandoned the city and fled. The old man sighed, saying, "It was only when we reached Yongning City that we achieved a victory."

"In Jingyun's hands, there are one hundred thousand elite soldiers, and I still have sixty thousand here." Jiang Zaichu said, his fingers pressing against the sheath of the Likuang sword, "This is all of them."