Chapter 1, The Transformation

Cheng Duo couldn't help but laugh at the rather gloomy expression he recalled.

This woman is greatly favored by him; two years ago, after acquiring her, he often kept her by his side. She ... ... she is ... ...

Chengduo brushed off his clothes and sat down, nodding as he said: "Let him in"

She was once the Hanafin of King Xiu Tu.

On the night two days later, Yang Youlin led his troops to bypass the front lines of King Xiu Tu, making a round trip of two hundred miles in one night with light cavalry, directly attacking King Xiu Tu's main camp. Zhao Sun's troops emerged from the left flank of King Xiu Tu, forcefully cutting off the left wing of King Xiu Tu's army from the main force, driving them east of Yanzhou. Caught off guard, King Xiu Tu was completely unable to engage in battle and hurriedly fled north.

As the sun sets in the west, a cloud of yellow sand rises from the roadside, and a person on a horse rushes forward.

Uh, we fought against the Hu people, do you know? Are you afraid? " Chengduo's voice was soothing and pleasant

In an instant, the drums of Yuyang resounded, and sounds of conflict arose from all directions. Along the thousand-mile borders of Yan and Yun provinces, the armies from the north and south responded in kind. It seems that this year cannot be passed in peace. Amidst this chaotic weather, heavy snowflakes began to fall like goose feathers, continuing for ten days and nights, greatly altering the old appearance of the landscape.

Zhe Ren could not help but smile and said: "General Zhao was quite surprised, stating that the court had not issued any orders for war, and that the Grand General should not act recklessly. My subordinate informed him that the Grand General had already taken troops to launch a surprise attack on the camp of King Xiu. Upon hearing this, General Zhao felt quite frustrated and remarked: 'This Fifth Prince has stirred up trouble again.' He then set out with his troops to provide support."

How is the arrangement on the side of Princess Thirteen?

Cheng Duo nodded in satisfaction: "What was the reaction of Zhao and Li when they saw my order last night?"

The young man, seeing his friendly demeanor, scratched his headscarf and said, "Oh, I know. I didn't come out yesterday because I knew the soldiers were coming, so I stayed home to stock up on rice and flour. There are quite a few people who rushed to their relatives' homes in the south overnight."

The man at the iron tower seems a bit hesitant: "Are we really going to do this?"

Indeed, Princess Thirteen is about to arrive. General Zhao issued an order yesterday, stating that starting tomorrow, the city will be under martial law, and no one is to wander the streets aimlessly, as the princess will be passing through here.

Cheng Duo gently asked, "Then why don't you leave?"

Then the hunter was taken aback, his face contorted in distress as he whispered, "What, is there still a need to fight?"

Zhao Sun stood up and said: "I have summoned everyone the prince requested, and they are currently waiting in the central military tent for orders. Additionally, Zheren has returned."

It was said by Mr. Dong.

Cheng Duo grasped her hair, forcing her to tilt her head back. With one hand, he brushed aside the disheveled strands from her face, only to discover that the girl was not very old, appearing to be around seventeen or eighteen, with a remarkably ethereal quality. The color at the tips of her brows was a faint shade of green, yet there was no fear in her expression, leaving one to wonder whether it was confusion or depth. Following Cheng Duo's gaze, she looked back, and in an instant, her eyes flickered, her eyelashes lowered, concealing her gaze.

This is better; do not let them know we have arrived. Cheng Duo smiled, lightly tapping the table with one hand, and after a moment of silence, suddenly called out: "Yang Youlin."

Brother!" The girl in the red dress called out, her bright eyes and white teeth reflecting her displeasure at this gentleman's absent-mindedness.

Did you hear the sounds of arms and armor last night

The man in plain clothes stood up and walked to the entrance of the tavern, looking up at the leaden gray clouds in the sky, a meaningful smile appearing on his face. He said ambiguously, "It's nothing, just add a bit more clothing, the weather is about to change."

The iron tower shook its head and said: "I am not afraid! However, the Emperor has not issued a decree..."

My father has difficulty walking. He has been carrying firewood for two days today and hasn't gone out in the last two days. Sir, how long will this war last

Cheng Duo released her hair and shouted loudly: "Asihai!" A valiant Hu man, dressed as a southern soldier, galloped over. This Asihai was originally a Hu man who had been subdued by Cheng Duo four years ago and usually served as a scout in the northern region. He was well aware of the enemy's defensive arrangements and the daily practices of the nobility. Although Cheng Duo had not been in the northern frontier for the past two years, the foundation he had laid down remained, allowing for such ease in this battle.

General Li has already led his troops to the right wing of the Xiu Tu King as per the prince's orders

The man in black let out a soft grunt, lowered the curtain, and turned to say: "When this matter was first discussed, I strongly opposed it. However, with the war in the south intensifying, the officials in the capital debated back and forth and came up with this solution. I rushed back to the capital, but the person had already been sent away. The Emperor's intention is to stabilize these old Russians for a couple of days, waiting for the court to free up before dealing with them. The Emperor is the Emperor; for the sake of the country, anything can be sacrificed. I, however, cannot allow that."

The young man respectfully replied: "As instructed by my lord, I have patrolled nine checkpoints along the border town of Yanzhou, and there has been no unusual activity. The nearest Hu troops are five li away from the border defense. Due to the recent imperial approval for a marriage alliance, they estimate that we will not engage in battle and have become lax in their defenses. In towns a bit farther from Yanzhou, the common people are still busy with the market and preparing for the New Year."

Yang Youlin snorted softly, just about to speak, when he was stopped by Cheng Duo's wave of the hand. He lowered his head to scrutinize the woman, whose hair was very long but not jet black; under the snow's light, it appeared to be a deep brown, falling messily across her face. The color of her clothing was very plain, yet the fabric was extremely luxurious snow satin

Once upon a time, Chengduo and the books retorted

It was thrown down by the Resting King.

The man in plain clothes finally raised his head, glared at her, yet spoke in a calm tone: "Don't be ridiculous!" He reached down to pick up the money, his brows furrowing.

On the distant hill, Cheng Duo rode at the forefront, his bright armor shining brilliantly against the snowy landscape. Behind him followed a group of cavalry led by General Zhao Sun. After a night of fierce battle, Zhao Sun had only just returned to the central army at dawn, his body and horse weary, yet his eyes remained bright and spirited, now accompanying Cheng Duo on patrol.

Cheng Duo lightly tapped the large table and said, "Good."

A young man dressed in a green silk robe swiftly entered, knelt on one knee to pay his respects, and then stood at attention with his sword drawn

Ah, my lord, to be honest with you, I have never seen a county magistrate in my life, let alone the emperor's sister. It is said in the capital that this princess is the most beautiful woman in the world

Well

The man in black raised his eyebrows and said: "What? Are you scared?"

The old wooden table in the corner was stained with splotches of tea, contrasting with the brightly colored attire of the girl sitting beside it. She slightly lowered her head and quietly listened to the idle chatter for a while, then turned to glance in the direction where the young man in splendid clothing had gone for a moment. Turning back, she said to a man in a coarse blue shirt sitting at the same table: "Brother, I have heard that the princess coming to marry is said to be the most beautiful woman in the world"

The man in black smiled slightly and raised his hand, saying: "No blame." It was indeed Prince Jingyuan, Chengduo.

What?

"Here." The iron tower responded.

Zhao Sun chuckled and said: "There are only 60,000 people here in the Resting King’s camp. His main force has been attacked, and the garrisons on all sides have gathered. Even if the prince orders you to pursue them from afar, you won't be able to catch up. Now you bring a woman to take the blame."

The man did not answer, silently watching the gradually settling dust by the roadside. He gazed outside the eaves, where the townspeople walked and sat as usual; though they lived on, they transformed this land into a stagnant scene. It resembled the autumn sounds of the desert in an ink wash painting, beautiful indeed, yet unchanged for a thousand years

General Zhao Sun's military camp is located fifteen miles outside of Yanzhou City, where thirty thousand troops, known for their prowess in defeating enemies and pacifying bandits over the years, are stationed. At this moment, however, two other individuals, weary from travel, are standing inside Zhao Sun's tent. One of them, a tall and robust man with a strong jawline and a physique reminiscent of an iron tower, makes the tent appear small in comparison. He bows towards the camp bed and says, "I have just returned from the army, and our direct commanders have all been informed; the two old generals Zhao and Li did not dare to disturb them."

"It won't be long. How do you know the army is coming?" Chengduo smiled faintly

Today is the market day in this remote town. As the year draws to a close, the market is livelier than usual, bustling with various goods such as saddles, surplus grain, fabrics, and hairpins, all available in abundance. The sound of galloping hooves approaches swiftly, drawing the attention of the crowd. The horse is exceptionally strong, and on it rides a young man dressed in a blue brocade robe. With his left hand resting on his sword and his right hand holding the reins, he appears contemplative. The crowd instinctively steps aside, and in the blink of an eye, he has galloped past the narrow path lined with New Year goods, disappearing into the distance.

The young girl, seeing him fiddling with the copper coins, said: "Are you consulting divination?"

Zhexiu has already been arranged to escort back to the capital, and the prince's letter has also been handed over to the princess for submission to the emperor

Asihai nodded, "Yes, in recent years, although she has been in the royal court, it seems she has not been favored by King Xiutu. If one were to say she has fallen out of favor, it does not appear that she has been given to the leaders below; she has always been kept close by King Xiutu."

He asked calmly, "Who are you?" She did not resemble the Hu people; the Hu people's jaws are broad, lacking the pleasing curve that she possesses; their nostrils are thick, unlike her delicate and exquisite features. Her long eyelashes resembled the pointed tip of a lotus, remaining still as if she had not heard his question.

Upon hearing his remarks, everyone couldn't help but sigh in response

The man in the blue robe, though dressed in coarse cloth, appeared handsome and refined, seemingly around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. His eyes were incongruously subdued compared to his face. While his attire resembled that of a farmer, his features suggested that of an educated person. He paid no attention to the young girl, instead playing with three copper coins in his hand, which he tossed onto the table, producing a scattered "clink" sound. He silently collected them again and tossed them once more

The crowd shook their heads as they watched the shadow wrapped in dust, and the market soon returned to its slow and mundane chaos. In a small tea house by the street, five or six people were scattered about, taking a break. A man dressed as a hunter tapped his pipe and borrowed a light from an old man leisurely sipping tea nearby, pointing with his eyes at the young man's back, saying: "He looks like someone who has come from the capital."

Yang Youlin yanked the woman off the horse with one hand, pulling her by the collar and bringing her before Cheng Duo, and said irritably: "That old Russian is too cunning, using this woman as a cover to escape. I chased for fifty miles, but thinking that the prince does not allow for long pursuits, I returned. Where exactly has Xiu Tu Wang hidden? It would be worth asking her!"

The man in black shook his head slightly, "That also depends on how to fight! Are we to sell our sister if we cannot afford to fight? What was the purpose of the late emperor having a son? To use a girl as a shield? I would have no face to continue as the Grand General, commanding the three armies."

Ha, old man, you are definitely envious, absolutely envious, hahahaha. As they spoke, both of them chuckled mischievously.

Upon returning to the main tent, Zheren was already waiting. As soon as he saw Chengduo, he hurried to report: "General Zhao, General Tushuguan, and General Yang's subordinates have encircled and annihilated over ten thousand of the enemy's vanguard, the Xiu Tu Wang, who crossed over last night."

Chengduo understands some Hu language. The customs of the Hu people regard humans as slaves, and those who are enslaved are akin to chickens, pigs, and dogs, with their lives and deaths dictated by their masters. The term 'Hanafen' refers to female slaves used for pleasure. King Xiu Tu has always had some private inclinations, and it is not uncommon for the Hu people to indulge in debauchery. It is said that some Hu Di nobles host banquets for their guests, often gathering together for promiscuity, indeed, it is better to enjoy together than to enjoy alone. Looking at Asihaina's expression now, one can tell what kind of slave she is.

*

As soon as Ah Si Hai saw the woman, he was greatly astonished and asked, "How did the prince come to possess her?"

It is hard to say, as three hundred thousand soldiers from the Mozi are waiting at the northern border of Yanzhou. The commander, King Xiu Tu, is the foremost general under the Great Khan of the Huns. In those years, he advanced to the southern town of Yanzhou and killed countless people, the old man said while patting his chest

As he was speaking, the tent curtain stirred, and Zhao Sun, clad in full black armor, entered. In the tightly sealed tent, under the flickering firelight, his dark face resembled hardened bronze, and although his brows and eyes were slightly arched, they appeared particularly lively. He glanced around the tent and then bowed deeply to the man in the fitted black attire, saying: "This subordinate has arrived late, please do not blame me, Your Highness"

Chengduo asked: "How?"

Hmph! The old man shook his head dismissively, "So what? The world's most beautiful woman is also given to a fifty-three-year-old man as a concubine."

*

Cheng Duo glanced at Zhao Sun, who immediately reported: "This man has the double surname Dongfang, resides in the nameless valley west of Pingyao Town, and is a rural farmer. He often comes here to the market to sell some of his homegrown grains. He frequently shares insights about the weather and seasons as guidance for the farmers' cultivation, and he has never been wrong, so everyone trusts him and refers to him as Mr. Dongfang"

The weather here is truly unpredictable; it changes in an instant. Last night, we rolled around in the snow, and the horses' hooves slipped, making it quite a challenge to make our way forward. However, those Hu people did not expect a surprise attack on such a snowy day; they were all huddled in their tents drinking and eating meat. We were less than 100 meters from the main camp when the sentry finally noticed us... Zhao Sun was originally a scion of a prominent family, and since he had played with Cheng Duo in his youth, he was much more casual in front of him. We were less than 100 meters from the main camp when the sentry finally noticed us... Zhao Sun was originally a scion of a prominent family, and since he had played with Cheng Duo in his youth, he was much more casual in front of him

Cheng Duo nodded and said, "Hmm, Cheng Jin is clever; he will surely convey my intentions well to the Emperor Brother." As he spoke, he looked up and noticed that both Yang and Zhao had worried expressions. Understanding their concerns, he smiled knowingly and said in a softer tone, "Before the conflict, there was endless debate in the court; now that it has begun, everything will be decided by me. Therefore, let’s just fight and see what happens!"

Chengduo's fingers pinched the fabric on her shoulder and rubbed it a couple of times, confirming that it was snow satin, priced at ten taels per foot at the Jingyan Clothing Pavilion; yet the skin at her collarbone, subtly revealing her delicate bones, surpassed the fineness of that snow satin. He raised his eyes to fixate on the woman, finding her too thin and cold, resembling the ice and snow that never melts in the northern regions, unable to connect with the indulgence of pleasure and vice. Just as he was about to speak again, he heard Asihai say: "She is a mute and cannot speak. However, because she is beautiful, the King of the Butchers cannot bear to discard her." He raised his eyes to fixate on the woman, finding her too thin and cold, resembling the ice and snow that never melts in the northern regions, unable to connect with the indulgence of pleasure and vice. Just as he was about to speak again, he heard Asihai say: "She is a mute and cannot speak. However, because she is beautiful, the King of the Butchers cannot bear to discard her."

The person sitting on the couch raised his leg and stood up, the dim light behind him faintly highlighting his handsome features. Dressed in a black fitted outfit, he appeared even taller and more slender. With a graceful flick of his garment, he walked to the entrance of the tent, slightly lifted the curtain, and looked outside to observe the situation, a half-smile playing on his lips as he said: "These elders have deep experience and a steady demeanor, so I cannot impose too strongly. Moreover, this time it is on behalf of the court."

Cheng Duo listened to Zhao Sun's impassioned speech, but his eyes wandered to several border residents meandering along the road. He sensed that something was amiss, and with a sudden thought, he stopped and called out to a young man who was leisurely walking while carrying a load of firewood.

Upon hearing this, Yang Youlin was about to let go. However, Cheng Duo淡淡 said, "Is it beautiful? I think it's just average." Upon hearing his tone, everyone exchanged glances, their expressions becoming somewhat ambiguous. Zhao Sun was familiar with Cheng Duo and scoffed, casually saying, "There are quite a few women in the Xiu Tu Wang's camp; this time, they were all captured to serve as camp prostitutes. If the prince finds this one pleasing, he can take her."

Cheng Duo no longer glanced at the woman, but turned and said: "I want this woman. Zhe Yi, take her down first and clean her up." His attendant Zhe Yi responded and came forward to carry the woman down.

The Iron Tower pondered for a moment and said, "The Emperor's thoughts are not without reason. The country has been at war for many years, and its strength is insufficient. If we were to engage in a major conflict with the North again, it is feared that we would not withstand such consumption"

"Brother, I want to see what the first beauty looks like," the girl in the red dress said with a playful laugh.

What is the question

The old man coughed a bit and said, "That old man Hu Di is much more difficult to deal with than I am. I see this as more than just a marriage alliance; with so many soldiers, even if they send someone over, it may not necessarily make things easier, cough cough."

Upon seeing Zhao Sun, he first smiled and said, "Aren't you supposed to be pursuing the remnants of the Xiu Tu Wang? How did you end up with this?"

What? The young man, seeing him in his armor, striking and extraordinary, asked somewhat flustered.

Cheng Duo's expression was calm, devoid of any emotion, as he said nonchalantly: "The farmer merely speaks of the seasons; to discuss military affairs and national politics is to overstep the bounds of propriety." Having said this, he turned and walked away, making his way up the high slope, directly facing the foot of the mountain where the fierce battle had taken place the previous night. The enemy's camp, nestled against the mountain, had been reduced to a pile of ashes. Coming towards him was Yang Youlin, riding up the mountain, with something draped over his horse's back. As he drew closer, it became apparent that the long hair cascading down was that of a woman dressed in white.