The following day, when Jiang Bilan returned to the palace from the Jiang estate, Mu Rongyan did not go to receive her. Instead, he summoned Daxi Qin to the imperial study to draft a battle strategy alongside Zuo Canglang. This time, failure was not an option. It mattered little that Di Lianzhong had been defeated; after all, the soldiers believed Zuo Canglang could bring them back from the brink of death.
As long as she reached the army, morale would recover. But if she fell, it would be a true defeat for the Yan army.
"Currently, we do not know how many troops West Jing has sent to support Guzhu, nor do we know if Wuzhong is involved," Mu Rongyan said. "A frontal assault is disadvantageous for us. Do either of you have a plan?"
Zuo Canglang was about to speak when Wang Yunzhao suddenly entered. He glanced at Mu Rongyan, hesitating. "Speak," Mu Rongyan commanded.
Wang Yunzhao stepped forward with a deep bow. "Your Majesty, the Queen has returned to the palace. Her phoenix carriage has reached the palace gates. Should Your Majesty..."
"Does her return to the palace require my personal welcome?" Mu Rongyan countered. Wang Yunzhao was stunned. In the past, whenever Jiang Bilan returned from her family home, Mu Rongyan almost always accompanied her or went to meet her. His current attitude was exceptionally cold. Zuo Canglang was also surprised; Mu Rongyan had always been indulgent toward Jiang Bilan.
His words now sounded incredibly callous.
Her gaze faltered for a moment, and Mu Rongyan noticed immediately. He pivoted, saying, "The military situation at the border is dire. As a sovereign, I must prioritize matters of urgency. Attend to the Queen carefully; I shall visit her at noon."
Wang Yunzhao bowed and slowly withdrew. Mu Rongyan tilted his chin. "Continue."
Zuo Canglang resumed, "Even if West Jing, Guzhu, and Wuzhong have joined forces, their alliance will not be stable. I am so bold as to suggest that if we surrender a city, they will surely fight amongst themselves. West Jing has always been overbearing. Once Guzhu and Wuzhong realize there is no profit in cooperating with them, they will withdraw immediately—or even turn against them."
Daxi Qin had remained silent until then, casting a glance at Zuo Canglang. Mu Rongyan asked, "General Zuo, do you mean for our men to withdraw from Mayi City?"
Zuo Canglang shook her head. "Not Mayi City." This time, even Daxi Qin was shocked. "General, are you suggesting... we withdraw from Suye City?"
Suye City was more than four times the size of Mayi; its value compared to a small border town was like heaven and earth. To recklessly surrender Suye was incredibly daring!
Daxi Qin looked at Mu Rongyan. Even if Daxi Cheng were still in court, as the Imperial Uncle, he would never have proposed such a strategy. Yet, Mu Rongyan showed no anger. He simply said, "Go on."
Zuo Canglang explained, "Mayi City is sparsely populated with poor soil, and it originally belonged to West Jing. Using only that city as bait might not be enough to shake their alliance. Suye City is different. Only a city of its stature will cause the three dogs to fight over the bone. Once their alliance shatters and West Jing finds itself with no gains after several battles, they will surely find Guzhu and Wuzhong unworthy of partnership. At that point, it will be much easier for us to defeat them one by one."
Mu Rongyan hardly hesitated. He stood up and said, "The Queen should have reached Qifeng Palace by now. I will go see her. You two may decide on the relocation of Suye’s citizens and other matters yourselves."
With that, he departed. Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin knelt to see him off. Afterward, as they left the palace, Daxi Qin remarked, "General, you dared to propose such a bold strategy directly to your sovereign. Are you not afraid of his suspicion?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Marquis Jinyu, there is no need for concern. Outsiders may have their criticisms of His Majesty, but he is indeed a wise ruler."
"I didn't believe it before," Daxi Qin said, "but seeing him today, the current Emperor does indeed possess great courage." Before Zuo Canglang could respond, he added, "And he trusts the General implicitly."
Zuo Canglang asked, "Does the Marquis intend to keep talking to me here at the palace gates?"
Daxi Qin blinked, then smiled. "I know of a good tavern. If the General has time, would you grace me with your company for a drink?"
Zuo Canglang said quite seriously, "I am currently penniless and empty-handed."
Daxi Qin burst into laughter.
***
At Qifeng Palace, Jiang Bilan slowly entered the cold, magnificent halls supported by her maids. Mu Rongyan had not come. This was the first time she had left the palace alone and returned alone.
Since Zuo Canglang’s release from prison, he had become stingy even with the appearance of tenderness and favor. Any observant servant could see his coldness toward Qifeng Palace. Her maid, Cailing, said, "Your Grace barely ate on the journey. I shall call for a meal immediately."
Jiang Bilan sighed softly. "I have no appetite. We can discuss it later."
Before Cailing could reply, Mu Rongyan’s voice suddenly came from outside. "What? I have come, and the Queen is not prepared to host me?"
Jiang Bilan froze, then turned. Seeing him lift the curtain and enter, her eyes instantly regained their spark. She moved to step forward but ultimately settled for a deep bow. "Your Majesty."
Mu Rongyan hummed in acknowledgement, took her hands, and helped her up. Tears welled in Jiang Bilan’s eyes. "I thought Your Majesty was angry with me and would not come again."
"The Queen has always been sensible and composed," Mu Rongyan said. "Why would I be angry?"
Jiang Bilan pursed her lips. Mu Rongyan pulled her close, letting her lean against his chest. "You have been troubled lately. I thought seeing your family would cheer you up, but it seems it was of no use."
Jiang Bilan shook her head. "In truth, as long as I see Your Majesty, I am content."
Mu Rongyan nodded, then released her. "Serve the meal. I am hungry as well."
As she ordered the maids to serve the food, Jiang Bilan remarked, "I heard Your Majesty was discussing matters with Marquis Jinyu in the study. Did you not have lunch?"
Mu Rongyan gave a brief affirmative but did not elaborate, simply eating with her.
***
Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin spent half the day drinking. Afterward, she did not return to Nanqing Palace but went straight to the Wen estate. Old Madam Wen came out first, quickly taking her hand. "Why did you only return after so many days? The Old Master was running to Minister Xia every day, terrified that something had happened to you!"
Zuo Canglang brushed it off. "What could happen to me? Where is the old man?"
"In the back garden," Old Madam Wen said. "I don't know what's come over him lately, but he's been quiet, hardly speaking at all."
Zuo Canglang nodded. She didn't go to see Wen Xingye immediately, instead asking the servants for hot water to bathe and change. By nightfall, her stomach felt uneasy, so she skipped dinner. She wasn't the type to call a doctor for every little thing; if it wasn't a major ailment, she would just endure it.
Thus, she stayed in her room and collapsed onto the bed to sleep. Late into the night, someone suddenly approached her bedside. Startled, Zuo Canglang sat up abruptly. Mu Rongyan’s low voice sounded beside her. "How bold. Did I give you permission to leave the palace? You actually dared to leave and not return!"
Zuo Canglang exhaled in relief. "Your Majesty."
Mu Rongyan sat by her bed. "What did you talk about with Daxi Qin that took an entire day?"
"Just the local customs of the Yu lands and some of the former officials we can still contact," Zuo Canglang replied. "I intended to report to Your Majesty tomorrow morning."
Mu Rongyan reached out to stroke her cheek. "You are leaving for the Northwest in a few days. Can you not stay in the palace for a few more days?"
His voice was low, possessing a hazy quality that made one's heart race. She could only whisper, "I will accompany Your Majesty again when I return."
Mu Rongyan pulled her into his arms. In the darkness, they could only hear each other’s breathing. He said, "When you see Di Lianzhong, leave him some dignity. You will have to work together in the future; do not humiliate him. Your temperament is far too unforgiving."
Zuo Canglang said, "I do not understand, nor do I care, whom Your Majesty chooses as Grand Marshal. But I still hope this person possesses true talent and can handle the responsibilities of the office."
Mu Rongyan tapped her head lightly. "Ah-Zuo, life in the army is hard. I do not wish for you to be away all year round. There must be someone who can walk the ranks in your stead." He took her hand and pressed it to his chest. "Even if the palace lacks freedom, at least I can know where you are, what you are doing, and that you are safe at all times."
Zuo Canglang remained silent. Perhaps this truly was what he thought? After all, he had expressed more than once that he did not want her lingering in the military.
In the silence of the night, they spoke no more. After holding each other for a while, though reluctant, she pushed him away. "It is late. Your Majesty should return to the palace."
"Not once," Mu Rongyan said, "have you ever asked me to stay."
Zuo Canglang was silent for a moment. "What is my status? What right do I have to ask Your Majesty to stay?"
Mu Rongyan also fell silent. After a long while, he stood up. "Tomorrow, I shall go to the West Flower Gate to see you off personally."
Zuo Canglang hummed in response as she watched him leap out the window. The moonlight was faint, and sleep would not return. She pushed open her door and stepped out, only to see Wen Xingye standing in the courtyard amidst the shadows of the trees, leaning on his staff.
She jolted—had he seen Mu Rongyan leave just now?
Hearing the door, Wen Xingye turned his head, his gaze meeting hers. He did not speak. After a long silence, he slowly walked back toward his room. Zuo Canglang wanted to call out to him, but she didn't know what to say.
Inside the room, Old Madam Wen was also awake. Seeing Wen Xingye enter, she asked, "Old man, where did you go in the middle of the night?"
Wen Xingye didn't answer. He walked slowly to the bedside, then suddenly stumbled and collapsed. He spat out a mouthful of blood. Old Madam Wen was horrified and moved to call the servants, but Wen Xingye stopped her. "Keep your voice down."
Tears streamed down her face instantly. "Old man, what is happening to you!"
Wen Xingye shook his head. "Ah-Zuo sets out for war tomorrow. Just find a servant to quietly fetch a doctor. Do not disturb her."
Wiping her tears, Old Madam Wen nodded and sent a servant out secretly to find a physician.
***
The next morning, Zuo Canglang rose early. Keqing had packed her things, preparing to leave with her. Zuo Canglang frowned. "You aren't going."
"General!" Keqing cried. "You promised to let me take care of you! How can you break your word?"
"I am going to war, not on a pleasure trip," Zuo Canglang said. "You are not allowed to go."
Keqing’s eyes turned red instantly. "You broke your promise! You... you said I could serve by your side..." Her lip trembled, and tears pooled in her eyes.
Zuo Canglang was at a loss. When had she ever dealt with a woman acting like this? She sighed. "Fine, fine. If you want to come, then follow. But you aren't allowed to complain later."
Keqing brightened immediately, picking up her bags and following her out. Wen Xingye did not come out to see her off; only Old Madam Wen stood at the gate with Yirong and Yixuan. Dressed in red robes and silver armor, Zuo Canglang tapped Yixuan’s head with her riding crop and patted Yirong’s cheek. "Your teacher is going to the border with me. While you are at home, listen to your grandfather. Do not slack on your studies or martial arts. When your teacher returns, he will test you."
Yixuan said respectfully, "I will remember the teachings of my teacher and mother, and I will supervise my younger brother." Yirong was still reluctant to let her go. He sniffled and said, "Mhm. Mother must come back early. You promised to take me to the Thousand Emerald Forest."
Zuo Canglang nodded, then scanned the area. She asked Old Madam Wen, "Where is the old man?"
Old Madam Wen forced a smile. "He caught a bit of a chill this morning and was afraid of passing it to you, so he didn't come to see you off."
Zuo Canglang assumed Wen Xingye was simply sulking. She nodded slightly, took Keqing, and galloped away.
At the West Flower Gate, Mu Rongyan led the civil and military officials to see her off. At the moment of departure, he personally poured her a cup of wine. Zuo Canglang took it with both hands and drained it in one gulp. She then smashed the cup on the ground, her cloak fluttering as she flipped onto her horse. The three armies roared, "Victory! Victory!"
She led the way, riding into the distance amidst the earth-shaking cheers.
***
In Mayi City, Di Lianzhong knew Zuo Canglang was marching toward them. He toured the camp with Jiang Qi; though they said nothing, they were secretly shaken. Upon hearing that Zuo Canglang was coming, the soldiers’ previous gloom vanished. Their morale, which had hit rock bottom, was actually beginning to recover.
Di Lianzhong couldn't understand it. She was just a woman in her twenties. What magic did she possess to make these soldiers so reverent and obedient?
Jiang Qi whispered, "Grand Marshal, are we just going to wait for her like this? Once she arrives..." He didn't dare finish the sentence, but everyone understood. Once Zuo Canglang arrived, military power would likely return to her hands.
Di Lianzhong said, "We cannot act rashly now. The Emperor has not punished us for two defeats because he still needs us to balance Wen Qi’s old subordinates. But once we cross his bottom line, forget military merit—our very lives will be in danger."
"But this is truly frustrating," Jiang Qi said.
"War cannot be fought on temporary bloodlust," Di Lianzhong replied. "Knowing when to yield and when to stand is the mark of a great general."
Just then, a letter arrived. Jiang Qi opened it; it was an urgent message from Jiang Sanyi, telling him to immediately feign illness and return to Jinyang. Di Lianzhong glanced at it as well. Jiang Qi was confused. "Why does my father want me to feign illness and return?"
"Prime Minister Jiang wants you to gain military merit, but he wants you to return safely even more," Di Lianzhong said. "Clearly, he knows Zuo Canglang’s arrival will be detrimental to you."
"Why?" Jiang Qi asked. "Isn't she our reinforcement? Besides, you are still the Grand Marshal. The Emperor hasn't stripped you of your rank. No matter how arrogant Zuo Canglang is, she is only a General of the Flying Cavalry. Does she actually dare to kill me?"
"With me here, I will naturally keep you safe," Di Lianzhong said. "Though I haven't been in the field for years, I still have that much capability."
Jiang Qi tore up the letter. "Father is being too cautious. Since I have joined Grand Marshal Di’s command, I am no coward who fears death."
Two days later, Zuo Canglang arrived at Mayi City. Zhuge Jin opened the gates to let her in, and the three armies welcomed her.
Di Lianzhong stood before the camp, watching her approach. He still held the rank of Grand Marshal, which was superior to Zuo Canglang’s. Thus, despite his defeats, Zuo Canglang dismounted and saluted him. "Zuo Canglang greets the Grand Marshal."
Di Lianzhong looked her up and down. She was very thin, and though it was already May, she was dressed heavily, as if she were sensitive to the cold.
He had heard of the relationship between Zuo Canglang and Mu Rongyan from Jiang Sanyi. He had previously thought she was merely a seductive woman relying on the sovereign’s favor, but seeing her today, she lacked the expected coquetry. She was a soldier through and through, with a resolute silhouette and movements like the wind.
"Rise," he said.
Zuo Canglang stood. Di Lianzhong continued, "Since His Majesty sent you here, you must have a plan in mind. Let us hear your strategy."
Zuo Canglang pulled her cloak tighter. The border winds carried sand and dust, and for the first time, she felt the cold deep in her bones. Beside her, Daxi Qin was unsure of how to speak; as a surrendered official, he was naturally cautious. Zuo Canglang, however, spoke directly: "Since ancient times, there has never been a reason for an army to have two commanders. Since His Majesty sent me to take Xiaquan Mountain, I am so bold as to ask the Grand Marshal to hand over the command tally. I will reorganize the troops and make new arrangements."
Her words rang out with authority. Di Lianzhong could hardly believe his ears. Beside him, Jiang Qi shouted, "Zuo Canglang! How dare you!"
Zuo Canglang glanced at him. "For Young Master Jiang to speak to me in such a manner—is that not also a form of daring?"
Jiang Qi fell silent; Zuo Canglang’s military rank was indeed much higher than his.
Di Lianzhong was so angry he laughed. This woman was... too arrogant! He said, "Since General Zuo has said so, and you carry the imperial decree, very well." He took out the command tally and placed it in her hand. "Since the tally is in your hands, the success or failure of this battle rests entirely on you. I hope the General treats this with the gravity it deserves."
Zuo Canglang took the tally. "I thank the Grand Marshal for his reminder. I shall keep it in mind."
Jiang Qi wanted to say more, but Di Lianzhong waved him off and turned to leave. Once they were a hundred paces away, Jiang Qi whispered, "Grand Marshal, why did you hand over the tally so easily? The Emperor sent her, but he never explicitly stated who would command!"
"We have already lost twice," Di Lianzhong said. "The enemy’s momentum is at its peak, and the three nations have joined forces, far outnumbering us. Do you think this battle will be easy? Now that the tally is in her hands, I have made the stakes clear. If she loses, the fault is hers alone and has nothing to do with us."
Jiang Qi finally understood. Though he was still indignant, he had to admit this was a safe approach.
***
After arriving at Mayi City, Zuo Canglang indeed reorganized the troops and led them to attack Xiaquan Mountain. However, Xiaquan Mountain was currently like an iron fortress, difficult to breach. The defending general was Ren Xuan. Seeing an old acquaintance, Ren Xuan stood atop the wall and shouted, "General Zuo, I trust you have been well. You have been imprisoned several times now; it seems your sovereign is a fickle man. Why not surrender to us and return to West Jing with me?"
Zuo Canglang cupped her hands. "So it is General Ren. You have already visited the Yan capital of Jinyang once; this time, the road should be familiar to you."
As the two traded barbs, Ren Xuan turned to his lieutenant, Ji Guang. "I heard that as soon as she arrived, she seized Di Lianzhong’s command tally. Send spies to scout the current troop situation in Mayi City."
Ji Guang hesitated. "General, surely not? She is only a second-rank officer. Could she really seize the tally of a Grand Marshal like Di Lianzhong?"
"It is possible," Ren Xuan said. "Her relationship with the King of Yan is unusual; you cannot judge her by rank alone. Go, quickly."
Ji Guang obeyed and sent spies to Mayi City.
Zuo Canglang’s assault on Xiaquan Mountain was, as expected, a stalemate. She was in no hurry, fighting a steady war of attrition. After two days, they had suffered over four thousand casualties. On the third day, Ren Xuan suddenly emerged from the west gate of Xiaquan Mountain and launched a night raid on Mayi City. He knew Zuo Canglang was cunning and unpredictable, so he was extremely careful, monitoring her movements closely.
Seeing that she seemed unaware, he launched the attack on the city with confidence. Di Lianzhong and Jiang Qi were inside the city; when the enemy attacked, both panicked. They had only a few thousand troops left—how could they possibly hold the city?
Just then, Wang Nan arrived and knelt. "Greetings, Grand Marshal! General Zuo has ordered me to deliver a command: please lead the troops to defend the city. When it can no longer be held, retreat to Suye City."
Di Lianzhong was furious. "What does she mean? She didn't consult me on the battle plan at all! I have only a few thousand men; how can I defend the city? If Mayi falls, who will take responsibility?"
Wang Nan seemed to have expected his anger. "Time is of the essence. Please follow military orders, Grand Marshal. The General will take full responsibility for all consequences."
Di Lianzhong sneered, but he had no choice. He put up a token defense and then led his troops in a retreat toward Suye City. Before dawn, Mayi City fell.
Jiang Qi was worried. "Grand Marshal, do you think she will pin the crime of losing the city on us while taking the credit for capturing Xiaquan Mountain herself?"
"If she doesn't return to save us," Di Lianzhong said, "even Suye will be at risk. What use is capturing Xiaquan Mountain then?"
But no one answered him. After his victory, Ren Xuan ignored Xiaquan Mountain and launched a full-scale assault on Suye City. Two days later, Suye City fell, and Zuo Canglang captured Xiaquan Mountain. However, compared to Suye City, the tiny Xiaquan Mountain was a pittance.
The court officials were unanimous in their impeachments, but Mu Rongyan remained silent. After entering Xiaquan Mountain, Zuo Canglang left the task of pacifying the people entirely to Daxi Qin. Soon, all the people of the former Yu lands knew—the Daxi royalty of Northern Yu had returned!
Since the fall of Northern Yu, the land had been partitioned by Guzhu, Wuzhong, Tuhe, and West Jing. The wars between these factions for land and cities had never ceased. The people suffered unspeakably and missed their former masters all the more.
Hearing of Daxi Qin’s return, those who still hoped for the restoration of their country sent grain and supplies. Countless people came to enlist.
Within days, like a prairie fire, the hearts of the people in the Yu lands shifted.
Guzhu, Wuzhong, and Tuhe all noticed, but the more they suppressed the people, the more violent the resistance became. Civil uprisings grew more frequent. And how many troops could small nations like Guzhu have? They still had to fight Yan alongside West Jing!
West Jing entered Suye City but remained cautious. They had not forgotten how Northern Yu had been destroyed.
But even if they didn't act immediately, Guzhu and Wuzhong could not wait. The three parties began to argue over how to divide Suye and Mayi. Once internal strife began, it was difficult for the army to plan further. West Jing had crossed the White Wolf River at great cost to attack Yan; they were naturally unwilling to share Suye with Guzhu and Wuzhong.
But how could Guzhu and Wuzhong allow West Jing to keep Suye for itself?
While they were fighting over the spoils, Zuo Canglang followed the marching strategy drafted by Daxi Qin and launched an offensive into the former Yu lands. Daxi Qin knew these places like the back of his hand. By seizing three key towns, he easily cut off the supply lines of Guzhu and Wuzhong. For a time, the armies of Guzhu and Wuzhong couldn't even retreat.
By the time everyone realized something was wrong, Zuo Canglang had already returned to Xiaquan Mountain and launched an attack on Mayi City. By now, her army included many people from the Yu lands; her strength had increased rather than diminished. Furthermore, the people inside Mayi City were all Yan citizens. West Jing, Wuzhong, and Guzhu had been so busy attacking that they hadn't had time to massacre the city.
The people rose up, and Zuo Canglang quickly took Mayi City. She then ordered Di Lianzhong to lead the four thousand original defenders of Suye and Mayi to join her in a pincer attack on Suye City.
When the north and west gates were attacked simultaneously, Ren Xuan broke into a cold sweat. This woman was too daring—no matter how important a military stronghold was, she would discard it without blinking an eye.
And Mu Rongyan truly trusted her; even as he watched her lose city after city, he hadn't said a word.
The trust between this sovereign and his general was enough to strike fear into any enemy.
Ji Guang was also frantic. "General, if this continues, we won't be able to hold Suye! Our retreat is cut off; we'll have to detour through the Gray Leaf Plain from the White Wolf River to return. That path is full of marshes; it will be nearly impossible for an army to pass! General, you must think of a way out!"
Ren Xuan thought for a moment. "Send someone out. I want to meet the Yan Grand Marshal, Di Lianzhong."
***
Di Lianzhong never expected Ren Xuan to seek a meeting at such a time. Ren Xuan smiled. "In the Yan army, though you hold the rank of Grand Marshal, it must be difficult to make your own decisions, isn't it?"
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Di Lianzhong snapped. "I don't have time for idle chatter!"
"Even if this battle is won," Ren Xuan said, "the credit will go to Zuo Canglang. It will have nothing to do with you, Grand Marshal. You will still be a defeated general."
Fury burned in Di Lianzhong’s eyes. He snorted and turned to leave. Ren Xuan suddenly said, "But I have a way to let you take all the credit for the victory, and to make Zuo Canglang lose all face and prestige."
Di Lianzhong stopped. Ren Xuan continued, "I was once her prisoner, and I wish to wash away that shame. We have a common enemy."
Di Lianzhong stood still. That woman was truly terrifying; as long as she was around, his title of Grand Marshal meant nothing. He was silent for a long time, then asked, "What do you want to do?"
***
Late that night, Zuo Canglang was leading the attack on the north gate when it suddenly swung open. A group of Yan soldiers shouted, "Suye is broken! We are Grand Marshal Di’s men! Brothers, do not fire!"
The soldiers all breathed a sigh of relief. Some cheered, and the troops began to enter the city. Zuo Canglang’s brow furrowed slightly. She called out, "Where is Grand Marshal Di? Have him come see me."
From the crowd, Di Lianzhong, dressed in his Grand Marshal’s uniform, waved to her. Beside him stood Jiang Qi in his armor. Zuo Canglang finally relaxed and rode into the city. However, as soon as she stepped inside, she scanned her surroundings. Her expression didn't change, but she suddenly whispered to Daxi Qin, "We’ve walked into a trap. Do not panic. Find a way to stop the soldiers behind us from entering. Minimize the losses."
Daxi Qin was stunned. "How do you know?"
"I recognize most of the men I gave to Di Lianzhong," Zuo Canglang said. "But the officers on both sides are all unfamiliar faces. Go, quickly."
"And you?" Daxi Qin whispered.
"Ren Xuan wants to capture me alive too badly," Zuo Canglang said. "He thinks I’ve fallen for it, so he won't act just yet. Go."
Daxi Qin wanted to argue, but she had already dismounted and was slowly walking toward the crowd lit by torches. The wind caught her pale cloak, and the golden-red light of the torches flickered. In her red robes and silver armor, she walked slowly but with total composure. Daxi Qin relayed the order to the generals behind him; the Yan army prepared themselves.
When the moment was right, Wang Nan suddenly ordered a retreat. The soldiers raised their shields and withdrew rapidly before the enemy could react. Ren Xuan hadn't expected them to move so fast; his attention had been entirely on Zuo Canglang. With the army prepared, the Yan troops quickly retreated outside the city.
By then, however, Zuo Canglang had reached the center of the enemy forces. Ren Xuan and Ji Guang appeared before her. Daxi Qin retreated under the protection of the shield-bearers. Looking back, he saw the vast night blurring her silhouette. In the golden-red light of the torches, she tucked her hands into her sleeves, her posture as upright as a pine tree.
In that moment, even he, a surrendered official of a nation destroyed by Yan, felt moved.
The vast majority of the Yan soldiers did not understand what had just happened. They might never know that her walking forward had saved so many of their lives. Only she knew what awaited her. She knew that she had attacked West Jing several times and twice massacred their cities; once she fell into their hands, how could they possibly let her off easily?
But if she had turned and fled, the forty thousand Yan soldiers behind her would have fallen into immediate chaos. Ren Xuan would have ordered a volley of arrows, or perhaps he had already laid traps of oil and fire. Very few of those forty thousand would have survived. And so, she strolled forward, calm and unruffled, into the trap set by the enemy.
*Where the Way lies, though thousands may oppose me, I shall go.*
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
宿邺城 | Suye City | A strategic city four times larger than Mayi.
马邑城 | Mayi City | A border city.
小泉山 | Xiaquan Mountain | A strategic mountain location.
太尉 | Grand Marshal | High-ranking military official (Di Lianzhong's rank).
兵符 | Command Tally | A token used to verify orders and command troops.
任旋 | Ren Xuan | A general of West Jing.
季广 | Ji Guang | Ren Xuan's lieutenant.
白狼河 | White Wolf River | A river near the border.
灰叶原 | Gray Leaf Plain | A marshy area mentioned as a difficult retreat route.
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