Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 88. Suddenly, War Breaks Out

88. Sudden Warfare

"Young Master Han... have you finished reminiscing? If we don’t act soon, it’ll be too late when the people from the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion arrive." The ailing scholar’s voice echoed ominously from behind them.

Han Mingyue snorted lightly, casually plucking the dagger from his shoulder and tossing it aside. The wound made him frown involuntarily as he looked indifferently at Han Mingxi. "Mingxi, step aside. Don’t force me to act."

Han Mingxi clenched his teeth, managing to stand and shield Ye Li. "If you want to harm her, you’ll have to get through me first."

Han Mingyue wasted no words, lunging for Han Mingxi’s shoulder. Han Mingxi had just taken a palm strike. Though Han Mingyue had withdrawn his inner power at the last moment, Han Mingxi was still seriously injured. He could hardly lift his left arm, let alone be a match for Han Mingyue. Ye Li, standing behind Han Mingxi, pulled him aside and parried Han Mingyue’s move. Although Ye Li lacked substantial internal strength, she was exceptionally proficient in close combat. Her every move was direct, without a hint of flourish. The silver dagger in her hand left shallow bloody lines with each flash. This relentless, deadly fighting style made Han Mingyue frown. He launched several palm strikes to create distance. "Nearly a year apart, and sister-in-law’s skills have improved so dramatically." If her subduing him a year ago was due to surprise, this time, they were both relying on genuine skill.

Ye Li frowned slightly. "I daren’t accept the title ’sister-in-law.’ Young Master Han, I did business with your Tianyi Pavilion openly and at marked prices. Yet you turn around and sell me to others. Is this your way of doing business? Or has Tianyi Pavilion built its fortune by swindling its clients?"

Han Mingyue’s expression remained sincere and helpless. "Princess Consort, you are as witty as ever. In this world... there are many things that make one feel helpless, forcing actions against one’s wishes. Isn’t that so?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. "If Mo Xiuyao were here now, would you claim it was all a misunderstanding again?"

Han Mingyue merely smiled. The ailing scholar, however, sneered coldly, "If Mo Xiuyao were here, he’d just die with you!"

Ye Li glanced back at the eager ailing scholar, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Third Pavilion Master, I advise you not to act rashly. If anything were to happen, I’d have a hard time explaining it to Pavilion Master Ling."

The ailing scholar sneered in annoyance and stepped forward as if to speak. SWISH. Two feathered arrows, one from the left and one from the right, grazed past him, thudding into the ground less than a foot away. His face turned shades of green and white as he heard Ye Li laugh. "I already warned you, Third Pavilion Master. I’m not fond of taking risks."

Seeing the ailing scholar’s grimace, Han Mingyue chuckled softly. "Sister-in-law, no need to try and scare us. I had your secret guards lured away long ago. Given how hastily you arrived, you can have at most two or three people with you."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Even so, that makes three of us. And you, Young Master Mingyue?"

Han Mingxi, still on the ground, declared loudly, "Not three, but four!" Clearly, he had firmly decided to oppose his elder brother.

Han Mingyue ignored his younger brother, his gaze fixed on Ye Li as he smiled. "The last time in the Capital City, Princess Consort, you greatly impressed me. This time, I am even more astonished. The esteemed Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom, disguised as a man, venturing alone into the Southern Border. The commotion at the palace yesterday must have been your handiwork, correct?"

Ye Li replied calmly, "Young Master Mingyue, for you to have laid such an elaborate trap here today, you must have been in Nanzhao for some time. Why feign ignorance?"

Han Mingyue raised an eyebrow. "A mere coincidence. Had I known you were here, Princess Consort, I would have prepared more thoroughly and not resorted to such a risky move."

Ye Li smiled teasingly. "So, Young Master Mingyue, do you think you can kill me today?"

Han Mingyue shook his head and laughed heartily. "Princess Consort, you misunderstand. With the Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom in my hands, so much can be accomplished. To kill you now would be far too wasteful, wouldn’t it?"

"Han Mingyue!" the ailing scholar cried out, displeased. He had cooperated with Han Mingyue’s plan solely to kill Mo Xiuyao’s wife. What was Han Mingyue implying now? His sinister eyes stared coldly at the handsome man before him. If Han Mingyue dared to use him and then break his promise, he would learn why no one in the worldly society dared to provoke the ailing scholar!

Han Mingyue, however, just smiled faintly at him. "Third Pavilion Master, we truly cannot kill the Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom yet. Although you are from Xiling, you must have heard something of the upheavals in the capital of Great Chu over the past six months. If we kill the Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom now, I fear neither you nor I could escape the retaliation from the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion."

The ailing scholar sneered. "You’re afraid? I’m not." When it came to killing, who was more proficient than the King of Hell Pavilion?

Han Mingyue sighed with a wry smile. "I confess, I am a little afraid. Third Pavilion Master, I shall take the Princess Consort today. In the future, whatever assistance you may require, I, Han Mingyue, will not refuse. Besides... your feud is with Mo Xiuyao, not his wife. Killing her would, at most, cause Mo Xiuyao to lose face; it wouldn’t truly harm him."

Ye Li stared displeasedly at Young Master Mingyue and scoffed, "When discussing the ownership of others, Young Master Mingyue, shouldn’t you first ascertain if you actually possess that right? Third Pavilion Master, perhaps it’s best not to deal with businessmen. Look at me now—not only did I lose money, but I was also sold out."

Han Mingyue smiled. "My apologies, Princess Consort. It was Han Mingxi who took your money. He hasn’t returned a single coin to Tianyi Pavilion. So, this can, at most, be considered him using Tianyi Pavilion’s influence for a private job. As for whether I possess ownership..." Han Mingyue raised his hand. A crisp sound cut through the air as a flare bloomed in the daytime sky. Ye Li’s keen ears distinctly heard the sound of a large contingent of men approaching from all directions. "Does the Princess Consort have anything further to say now?"

Ye Li smiled, raising her hand to make a couple of gestures in the air. "It seems I have no choice but to surrender?"

"The Princess Consort is a smart woman." Han Mingyue watched Ye Li’s strange hand signals, though he didn’t understand their meaning. However, he clearly sensed that the two intense, predatory gazes previously fixed on him had vanished. He surmised it was a signal for retreat. "Every time we meet, Princess Consort, your courage and insight leave me astounded."

Ye Li chuckled. "Actually, you should be more astounded by my good luck."

Han Mingyue’s handsome eyes narrowed, and he watched her warily. Men from Tianyi Pavilion gradually closed in, forming a circle. Han Mingyue stared at Ye Li for a long moment before slowly relaxing. Surrounded by so many, Ye Li couldn’t escape even if she sprouted wings. Moreover, with his keen eyesight and the information from the ailing scholar, Han Mingyue was well aware of her capabilities. Ye Li’s lightness skill and internal energy were not considered particularly good.

Ye Li glanced around, her expression calm, betraying no hint of panic. "Sister-in-law, Xiuyao and I are friends. You wouldn’t want me to be discourteous, would you? Will you come on your own, or..." Han Mingyue said, watching Ye Li with a gentle smile.

Ye Li’s brow furrowed slightly, and she shook her head. "Actually, you can completely forget that you and Mo Xiuyao are friends. The more you mention it, the more I dislike you."

Han Mingyue chuckled. "No matter how much you dislike me, it cannot change the fact that Xiuyao and I were once friends, brothers even."

"You yourself said ’were once.’" Ye Li couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him. Is there something wrong with this Han Mingyue? One moment he’s reminiscing about their past friendship, the next he’s doing everything in his power to destroy what little remains of it. He constantly brings up his friendship with Mo Xiuyao, but when it comes to taking action, he never shows mercy. "Well... he did show mercy last time, but Mo Xiuyao also showed mercy, didn’t he?" Ye Li then asked, "Young Master Han, surely you’re not going to trouble me over someone again this time?"

Han Mingyue’s expression flickered. "He told you?!"

"Did he need to? I was there, wasn’t I? But... Mo Xiuyao did promise me something afterwards. Care to hear it?"

A trace of stiffness touched Han Mingyue’s elegant features. He smiled faintly. "I’m all ears."

"I’m not accustomed to repaying malice with kindness, and I suspect Mo Xiuyao isn’t either. So, last time was the only time."

Han Mingyue forced a smile. "It seems Xiuyao truly values you, sister-in-law. In that case... with you in our hands, I trust he will still show us some leniency."

Ye Li smiled. "One would hope. Since Young Master Mingyue has laid his cards on the table, why not take a look at my chips?"

Han Mingyue was momentarily stunned. "What do you mean?"

Ye Li’s eyebrows arched. She raised her hand and blew a sharp whistle. Not far off, on the periphery of Tianyi Pavilion’s grounds, an ink-black flower of flame burst in the sky. Then, from even farther away, similar ink-black flares ascended. Following that, the thundering sound of hooves approached from the distance. Han Mingyue listened intently, his expression shifting to one of shock. "Black Cloud Cavalry... How can the Black Cloud Cavalry be in the Southern Border?!"

At the mention of "Black Cloud Cavalry," not only Han Mingyue but also the ailing scholar and the members of Tianyi Pavilion showed expressions of horror. It was common knowledge that the Black Cloud Cavalry was the most elite force of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. The Mo Family Army was invincible on the battlefield, and the Black Cloud Cavalry was its vanguard, the spearhead of this formidable army. They excelled at breaking formations, slaying enemies, and charging through enemy lines with unstoppable momentum. If they were truly surrounded by such a force, even with the combined strength of the entire Tianyi Pavilion and the King of Hell Pavilion, let alone his hastily assembled Tianyi Pavilion subordinates in the Southern Border, they wouldn’t stand a chance. Ye Li was equally surprised. She had only mobilized the secret guards stationed in the Southern Border; the Black Cloud Cavalry was not among them. In fact, she hadn’t known of any Black Cloud Cavalry presence in the Southern Border.

Han Mingyue gritted his teeth and lunged at Ye Li. Once enveloped by the Black Cloud Cavalry, escape would be impossible. The only option now was to capture Ye Li first and then attempt to break free. However, Ye Li was not so easily caught. The moment they engaged, a tear appeared on the front of Han Mingyue’s robes, though he dodged quickly enough to avoid a flesh wound. If this were a regular duel, Ye Li’s inferior internal energy would eventually lead to her defeat. But in a fight to the death, Ye Li’s battlefield-honed combat awareness and her lethally efficient, battle-tested techniques were far more advantageous. Moreover, Ye Li had no intention of fighting him to a decisive conclusion; it would all be over in a dozen moves or so. The black-clad riders, galloping on their steeds, had already arrived and engaged Tianyi Pavilion’s men.

Tianyi Pavilion was an intelligence organization, not an assassination group, nor was it a security escort agency or martial arts hall. While its members knew some martial arts, they were not top-tier experts. True masters existed but were few. Compared to these Black Cloud Cavalrymen, who exuded a chilling killing intent forged in the crucible of life-and-death battles, Tianyi Pavilion’s men were already at a disadvantage in terms of sheer presence. Furthermore, the Black Cloud Cavalry was renowned for its discipline. Even while mounted, they had already locked onto their targets, harvesting enemy lives with flawless coordination.

Two Black Cloud Cavalrymen leaped from their horses, attacking Han Mingyue from the left and right. Seeing this, Ye Li’s dagger flashed, a brilliant light deflecting Han Mingyue’s attack as she swiftly retreated. Han Mingyue tried to press forward but was immediately entangled by the two cavalrymen, completely unable to break free. The ailing scholar, watching from the side, was not spared. The Black Cloud Cavalry clearly knew his identity and gave him no opportunity to approach, assailing him with whips and spears. Darky Two and Darky Three landed beside Ye Li. Somewhat curious, Ye Li asked, "Why is the Black Cloud Cavalry here?"

Darky Two replied gravely, "Princess Consort, something has happened. The original secret guards were reassigned by Young Master Qingchen. This contingent of Black Cloud Cavalry was training near Yongzhou and came specifically to rendezvous with you."

"What happened?" For the Black Cloud Cavalry to travel hundreds of miles from Yongzhou to meet her, something serious must have occurred. Mo Jingli?! Ye Li’s heart sank.

Darky Two nodded. "Three days ago, the Lingzhou garrison suddenly attacked Yongzhou. Simultaneously, Broken Snow Pass was attacked by the Army of Nanzhao. The Black Cloud Cavalry knew you were in the Southern Border, Princess Consort, so they rode through the night to escort you and Young Master Qingchen to safety."

Ye Li’s expression darkened. "Nonsense! If the Army of Nanzhao is attacking Broken Snow Pass, why isn’t the Black Cloud Cavalry helping General Murong defend the border?"

Darky Two gave a bitter smile. "The Black Cloud Cavalry’s southward training was conducted in secret. His Majesty was not informed. If the Black Cloud Cavalry were to appear at Broken Snow Pass, I’m afraid an imperial decree of punishment would swiftly arrive at the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion." In truth, the Emperor had no desire for the Black Cloud Cavalry or the Mo Family Army to engage in any training. He would rather see them confined and idle, or better yet, crippled and useless.

"Understood. Make it quick!" Ye Li’s clear gaze swept over Han Mingyue, still embroiled in the fight. A cold glint flashed in her eyes. Darky Four hasn’t sent word, which means Han Mingyue never returned to the capital; he came directly from Xiling to the Southern Border. Back in the Capital City, Han Mingyue seemed genuinely intent on reconciling with Mo Xiuyao. I believed his intentions were sincere then. But now, having just arrived in Nanzhao, he immediately tries to kidnap me to threaten Mo Xiuyao... What exactly is his purpose in Nanzhao?

A well-trained army is entirely different from disorganized martial artists. Thus, the Black Cloud Cavalry swept through the battlefield in little more than a quarter of an hour. The ailing scholar, disheveled, was attempting to flee when a Black Cloud Cavalryman nimbly drew an arrow, nocked it, aimed, and loosed—

A long arrow, crackling with the force of a thunderbolt, shot towards the ailing scholar’s back. Suddenly, a dark figure darted out, swinging a sword to deflect the feathered arrow. CLANG! CLANG! Sparks flew at the impact. A tall, imposing man in dark blue robes stood with his sword, his aura formidable. He laughed heartily. "The Black Cloud Cavalry’s unparalleled skill with the arrow truly lives up to its reputation." Behind him, the ailing scholar collapsed, his face as pale as paper, and weakly cried, "Eldest brother..."

The Black Cloud Cavalrymen all drew their bows in unison, dozens of arrowheads aimed at the man in blue.

Ye Li raised her hand. "Hold your fire! Let Pavilion Master Ling leave."

The man in blue was indeed Ling Tiehan, Pavilion Master of the King of Hell Pavilion. Ling Tiehan raised an eyebrow, appraising Ye Li for a moment before clasping his hands. "Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom, my third brother acted rashly and offended you. I hope you can forgive him."

Ye Li nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "My eldest brother considers Pavilion Master Ling a close friend. There’s no need for such formality. It’s just that the Third Pavilion Master’s temper..."

Ling Tiehan sighed, glancing back at the ailing scholar on the ground. "My third brother has had a difficult life, which has made his temperament somewhat perverse. I will discipline him more strictly. This is the King of Hell’s Order. If the Princess Consort requires anything in the future, simply send someone with this token to the King of Hell Pavilion to find me. As long as this King of Hell’s Order is in your possession, my third brother will absolutely not move against you again."

Ye Li caught the black iron token Ling Tiehan tossed to her and carefully put it away. "Thank you, Pavilion Master."

Ling Tiehan bent down, picked up the ailing scholar, and said, "In that case, we shall take our leave."

"Safe travels."

Watching Ling Tiehan depart, Ye Li turned back to find Han Mingyue, besieged by several Black Cloud Cavalrymen, clearly at the end of his strength, struggling desperately. The Black Cloud Cavalry had no qualms about using superior numbers; they felt no shame in a hundred-to-one fight if it meant subduing the enemy. They were soldiers, not chivalrous heroes of the worldly society.

"Miss... Miss Junwei." Han Mingxi, who had been silently watching, dragged his heavily injured body towards Ye Li. Looking at Han Mingyue, still fighting, Ye Li sighed inwardly.

"Please, spare my elder brother," Han Mingxi implored, his eyes filled with bitterness. Though Ye Li knew his true identity, he genuinely wanted to be her friend. Yet he also knew that once he uttered this plea, their friendship would likely be over.

"I need some information from Young Master Mingyue," Ye Li said, her brow furrowed. She didn’t actually want to let Han Mingyue live. He gave her a very bad feeling. If she hadn’t been wary of him from the start and made secret arrangements upon sensing something amiss, she might have truly fallen into his hands this time. But... looking at Han Mingxi’s deathly pale face from his severe injuries, she found it impossible to refuse.

"He won’t say anything. Whatever you want to know, if I know it, I can tell you." Having grown up together, Han Mingxi knew his elder brother very well. If Han Mingyue didn’t want to speak, nothing could force a single word from him.

"Han Mingxi! You shut up!" Han Mingyue, distracted in the fight, yelled, instantly earning another wound on his shoulder.

Seeing the growing number of wounds on Han Mingyue and being rebuked by his brother again, Han Mingxi finally erupted in fury. "You shut up! If you want to die, don’t drag Tianyi Pavilion’s subordinates down with you! Look around! These people are dead because of you! Tianyi Pavilion’s foundation is in Great Chu, the Han Family is in Great Chu! Did you lose your mind picking a fight with Mo Xiuyao? Is that woman more important than your parents and ancestors? Fine! You want to die, is that it? I don’t want to live anymore either! I’ll die with you!"

Stunned by his younger brother’s sudden outburst, Han Mingyue faltered. A Black Cloud Cavalryman seized the opportunity, kicking him behind the knee. Instantly, three blades were at his throat. Han Mingyue glanced down at the cold, gleaming steel, then looked up at Ye Li with a helpless smile. "It seems I’ve lost again. Kill me or beat me, as you please. And... Han Mingxi, are you crazy? Don’t make it sound like a lovers’ suicide pact."

Remembering his furious tirade and noticing the subtle glances from the idle Black Cloud Cavalrymen, Han Mingxi’s handsome face flushed black. He had thoroughly disgraced himself today.

Ye Li looked at the dark-faced Han Mingxi, her eyes shifting. "Brother Han, you can take Young Master Mingyue away."

Han Mingxi’s face lit up with joy and gratitude. Even Han Mingyue looked astonished. Ye Li glanced at Han Mingyue with a half-smile. "However, there are conditions."

Not expecting Ye Li to be so accommodating, Han Mingxi didn’t care about any conditions. He wasn’t money-grubbing like Han Mingyue; getting his brother back alive was an immense relief. Ye Li leisurely took out a small porcelain bottle from her robes and handed it to Han Mingxi. "Drink this."

Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow but unhesitatingly took the bottle and downed its contents. Han Mingyue tried to stop him but was too late. He only saw Han Mingxi smack his lips and say with disgust, "That’s vile."

Ye Li smiled. "That is a poison personally concocted by the Divine Doctor, Mr. Shen Yang. Its ingredients are secret. As for its effects... if the antidote isn’t taken once a month, the victim’s meridians will rupture, leading to full-body paralysis and death. It’s because the taste is so foul that it’s hard to make someone ingest it accidentally, so it’s not very practical. However... there are always those willing to take it, aren’t there?"

Han Mingxi grinned. "I know Junwei wouldn’t kill me."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Keep a close watch on your brother. I will send someone with the antidote once a month. If I ever discover he has left your sight or done anything he shouldn’t, I will make him personally witness you bleeding all over, suffering so much you’ll wish for death."

Han Mingxi nodded with a smile. "Understood. Elder brother... for the sake of your only little brother’s life, you’ll behave. Right?" He blinked his captivating eyes, looking pitifully at Han Mingyue.

Han Mingyue stared grimly at Ye Li. "How do I know you’re not deceiving me? That you’ll send the antidote on time?"

Ye Li stated calmly, "Han Mingxi is my friend."

Han Mingyue sneered. "Friend? Is this how you treat your friends?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "If you can treat your brother that way, why can’t I treat my friend this way? If you don’t misbehave, then I naturally won’t need to act, and Han Mingxi will be perfectly fine. In that case, wouldn’t it be as if... I’ve done nothing at all?"

Han Mingyue narrowed his eyes. "And what if I find someone to replicate the antidote?"

"Ah, I heard this poison was concocted by Mr. Shen from unique herbs found on a small island in the Eastern Sea. There are no similar medicinal herbs in the Central Plains. If Young Master Han is resourceful enough to find the herbs and replicate the antidote within a month, then I suppose it’s just my bad luck. In any case, the Black Cloud Cavalry has tens of thousands of men. Assigning a few hundred to relentlessly pursue someone year-round shouldn’t be too difficult. Coincidentally, I also have a King of Hell’s Order. I wonder if Pavilion Master Ling would be willing to use it to hunt down someone who, despite supposedly being his friend, exploited his brother. And if things get really unfortunate... the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has plenty of money. Wouldn’t you agree, Young Master Han?"

Han Mingyue snorted and said no more. Han Mingxi, unconcerned, pushed away the blades at Han Mingyue’s neck and smiled at Ye Li. "Junwei, rest assured. I guarantee my elder brother won’t cause you any more trouble. I’ll have someone send you the information you want later. So..."

Ye Li smiled. "If you can truly keep your brother in check, I can forget what happened today. However... if there’s a next time... Brother Han, your pleas won’t always work."

"I understand," Han Mingxi said, nodding seriously. He pressed acupoints on Han Mingyue’s body, sealing his internal energy, then waved to Ye Li and led Han Mingyue away.

"Your subordinates pay their respects, Princess Consort!" the Black Cloud Cavalrymen chorused.

Ye Li nodded. "All of you, rise. What is the situation?" Looking at the formidable black-clad knights before her, Ye Li felt a surge of admiration. Truly the most elite troops of Great Chu. Their mere presence is unmatched by ordinary soldiers. Moreover, in the recent battle, despite a long journey, the Black Cloud Cavalry had suffered no casualties, a testament to their formidable combat strength.

The leading man, strong and well-built, stepped forward. "Reporting to the Princess Consort, three days ago, the Lingzhou garrison suddenly attacked Yongzhou. Simultaneously, the Army of Nanzhao began its assault on Broken Snow Pass. General Murong is holding Broken Snow Pass, and the Army of Nanzhao has besieged the city for a day and a night without making any headway. However... the Lingzhou garrison advanced with unstoppable force. We believe they will reach Broken Snow Pass within ten days. At that point, General Murong will be caught between two fronts..."

"Does the Capital City know of this?"

The man nodded. "A message has been sent by fast horse to the Capital City. It should arrive by tomorrow at the latest. However, reinforcements will take at least half a month to arrive. I fear... Broken Snow Pass cannot hold out that long. Just now, Young Master Qingchen also ordered his subordinates to relay a message to you, Princess Consort: the Eldest Princess of Nanzhao has been placed under house arrest by the King of Nanzhao. The King has decreed the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border be enfeoffed as the Protectorate Holy Maiden, to participate in the affairs of Nanzhao. Young Master Xu urges you to leave Nanzhao as soon as possible, Princess Consort. Young Master Xu said... we have all been deceived by the King of Nanzhao."

Ye Li’s expression was grave. She nodded and asked, "Where did my elder brother go?"

The man replied, "Young Master Xu took some secret guards, saying he had some matters to attend to. He will also leave the Southern Border after completing them."

Ye Li frowned, pondering for a moment before ordering, "Dispatch a contingent to find my elder brother and escort him out of Nanzhao as quickly as possible. If he refuses... knock him out and bring him away! The rest of you, follow me to Broken Snow Pass immediately."

"Yes, Princess Consort!"

The Black Cloud Cavalry quickly split into two groups. One, of about twenty men, departed under a leader, while the remaining dozens stayed, awaiting orders. Ye Li asked, "What troops are stationed near Broken Snow Pass?"

The leading man looked at Ye Li with some surprise before respectfully answering, "Several months ago, the Prince did gradually deploy some forces near Yongzhou and Lingzhou. However, His Majesty is extremely wary of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, making large-scale troop mobilization impossible. Moreover, most of the Mo Family Army is tasked with deterring Beirong. Therefore, the only effective forces near Yongzhou are two thousand Black Cloud Cavalry and the twenty thousand garrison troops under Wu Chengliang, the Generalissimo of Yongzhou from Jiangbei. As soon as hostilities began, we immediately sent word to Chief General Wu. If there are no delays, he should arrive at Broken Snow Pass by tomorrow afternoon."

Ye Li frowned in thought for a long moment, then shook her head. "No! Have him lead his troops to reinforce the Yongzhou garrison and intercept Prince Li’s army. Broken Snow Pass has eighty thousand troops. As long as General Murong doesn’t leave the city for a decisive battle, holding out for half a month is definitely not a problem! Once Prince Li’s army reaches Yonglin City and forms an encirclement with Nanzhao, even an additional twenty thousand troops will be useless!"

The leading man was also startled and quickly said, "I will immediately send someone by fast horse to notify Chief General Wu. If they ride without stopping, they can surely reach them before they cross the river tomorrow." With that, he hurriedly turned to dispatch the messenger.

Ye Li rubbed her temples, a persistent sense of unease settling within her. "Give the order: we’re not returning to the city. Head directly to Broken Snow Pass at maximum speed."

"Yes."

It seemed as if, all of a sudden, war had erupted. It left Ye Li with a sense of unreality. She looked up at the sky, which had become overcast at some point, and her heart grew heavier.

「Broken Snow Pass」

On the sturdy, ancient, and mottled city walls, the garrisoned soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, ready for battle. Traces of fatigue were etched on their young faces. Today alone, they had repelled three attacks from the Army of Nanzhao and were prepared to face the next wave at any moment. Murong Shen, forty years old, had a resolute expression on his sharply defined features. Holding his long spear, he walked along the city tower, his thick, blade-like eyebrows tightly knitted. From the day he was assigned to defend Broken Snow Pass, he knew peace would be short-lived. But he hadn’t expected the real danger to come not only from the ever-restless Nanzhao but also from within Great Chu itself—from the Emperor’s own brother, Prince Li. He couldn’t help but recall an anonymous letter he had received before leaving the capital. It contained only four simple words: "Beware of Lingzhou." So, this was what it meant? The sender had known of Prince Li’s treacherous intentions all along. Unfortunately... he hadn’t paid it enough heed. Or perhaps, circumstances hadn’t allowed him to. The Emperor needed him to guard the border but, due to his past service under the former Prince Ding, was unwilling to grant him sufficient military power. Local officials also constrained him at every turn. And now, even knowing that if Prince Li conquered Yongzhou and formed an encirclement, Broken Snow Pass would be attacked from both front and rear, he had no path of retreat. Before Broken Snow Pass lay tens of thousands of Nanzhao foreign tribes. If they breached the pass, they would sweep through the entire south of Great Chu like a flood or a plague. He hoped... that the reinforcements could arrive in time...

"Father." A clear voice came from behind. Murong Shen turned. Murong Ting, dressed in a striking red combat attire and holding a sword, had come up to the city tower. Murong Shen’s face darkened, and he said sternly, "What are you doing here? Get down at once."

"Father!" Murong Ting said firmly. "Daughter will guard the city with you."

"Nonsense! I told you to leave Broken Snow Pass immediately. Why are you still here?" Murong Shen cherished his only daughter dearly. Now that Broken Snow Pass was in peril, he had to stay, but he was determined that his daughter should leave first.

Murong Ting bit her lip stubbornly. "Ting’er is not ignorant of the current situation. If I leave Broken Snow Pass now and fall into Prince Li’s hands, to be used to threaten you, Father, then Daughter would rather die." Seeing Murong Shen about to speak, Murong Ting continued quickly, "And if Father says to send guards to protect me on my way back to the capital, that’s even more out of the question. The Army of Nanzhao is about to attack the city; this is when people are most needed. If Ting’er, as the daughter of the commander of Broken Snow Pass, were to leave with able-bodied men, Ting’er would be unworthy of being a daughter of the Murong family."

Murong Shen was rendered speechless by his daughter’s words. After a long pause, he sighed. "Broken Snow Pass is very dangerous right now."

Murong Ting said proudly, "Father, when you go out to battle, which time isn’t dangerous? Since Father is determined to defend Broken Snow Pass, Ting’er, as a descendant of a military family, certainly cannot retreat."

Murong Shen knew his daughter’s temperament well and understood that the road back to the capital was indeed unsafe now. He could only sigh. "Very well. Be careful in all things."

"Thank you, Father..." Seeing Murong Shen no longer insisting, Murong Ting was overjoyed. "Ting’er will absolutely not disgrace you, Father!"