On the desolate northern plains, the sound of horse hooves shattered the remnants of frost as withered grass gave way to tender new shoots.
A spring breeze swept through, and the red lanterns hanging high on either side of Mingxiang County’s gates were carefully taken down by the guards, stored away to await their return the following year.
Suddenly, in the distance, a cloud of dust rose abruptly, revealing a dark mass of figures moving in unison, their armor glinting coldly under the sun—a vast army was surging forward.
The guards at the gate paled at the sight, and their leader immediately shouted,
"Someone! Go alert the magistrate! Now, now! Close the gates!"
The guards sprang into action, working together to push the heavy gates shut. With a series of deep, groaning creaks, the gates sealed tightly within moments.
Armed with crossbows, they watched nervously as the army drew closer.
Only when the banners bearing the bold character "Yuan" fluttered through the dust did the guards finally exhale in relief.
Spotting the familiar gates, Lu Chao turned to Xiao Youcheng beside him and said,
"This place is called Mingxiang County. Back when we passed through with five thousand soldiers, the magistrate and the locals helped transport our provisions to Shuozhou. Our very first battle sent the Rakshasas fleeing in defeat!"
Xiao Youcheng nodded approvingly. "Teacher Shang mentioned that battle to me once. He praised you endlessly, saying you had the bearing of a great commander—though he lamented your delicate health."
"Enough of that! Other commanders meet heroic ends on the battlefield, wrapped in horsehide. Me? I’d probably kick the bucket before even getting there."
Zhou Qingyuan burst into laughter, only to yelp as Lu Chao grabbed him by the neck in mock retaliation.
"Once we pass Mingxiang County, Shuozhou City is just ahead!"
"Mingxiang County—I’ve heard of this place. They say the wine brewed here is exceptional, especially the fermented mare’s milk wine. Its rich, unique aroma has been praised by travelers far and wide, and over time, the county earned its name. If this mission goes smoothly, we’ll return and drink our fill!"
"Agreed!"
Shuozhou City.
Xiao Zheng set down the book in her hands and frowned at Zhang Hu.
"What did you say?"
Zhang Hu picked up a teacup with his left hand, but his grip slipped. With a sharp clang, the lid rolled off the table and shattered on the floor. Instinctively, he reached to catch it, only for the tea to spill across the ground, leaving a dark stain. The sudden noise was like thunder, shattering the room’s quiet.
"Are you alright? Did you burn yourself?!"
Xiao Zheng rushed forward, her heart sinking at the sight of his empty sleeve.
"I’m fine. The tea was lukewarm. Zhang Hu isn’t that fragile."
"Zheng-jie—even though you’re a woman, I’m used to calling you that—look at me. I can’t even handle something this simple. What use am I in the army now?"
Xiao Zheng immediately countered, "There’s plenty you can do! You can oversee the provisions for me! And with so much to manage in Shuozhou, who’ll help me if you leave?"
Zhang Hu pressed his lips together.
"I’m a brute who can’t even read. All I know is fighting. How can I handle these tasks? If you give me this position, every soldier missing an arm or leg will come knocking. Will General Xiao grant them all favors?"
From his chest, Zhang Hu pulled out a yellowed pouch and smiled.
"Before Lao Shu died, he told me where he hid his savings. Asked me to take the silver and check on his little sister. Don’t let his small frame fool you—he was the oldest among us. Years ago, his family fell into ruin, and his sister was sent to their grandparents in the countryside. He ended up begging on the streets until he met you. You know why we called him Lao Shu? Because the man was a master at hiding money. Took me days to dig up all this silver."
Xiao Zheng stared stubbornly at him.
"Then bring his sister to Shuozhou!"
Zhang Hu rarely saw her so insistent, and his heart ached.
"Zhang Hu, I don’t know if someone in the army said something to you, but ignore the gossip. You and the others are my brothers. In my eyes, you’ll always come first. If you want comfort, go to the Xiao residence. If you can’t stand idleness, help me manage affairs in the camp. Or I’ll open a shop—you can run it for me. If I can’t even do this much, what’s the point of being a general?"
"If all of you leave me, who will I share roasted rabbit with?"
Her eyes dimmed. Their original squad of fifteen had dwindled to four after these battles.
"When the smoke clears and the war ends, we’ll visit each of our brothers’ families. I know you’re restless, but trust me—that day isn’t far off."
Her gaze was firm, her voice weary but resolute, as if carving this promise into Zhang Hu’s heart to give him the strongest reassurance.
Thinking of the Xiao family’s tragic fate, Zhang Hu faltered. The usually ruthless, decisive general had suddenly shown vulnerability, making it impossible to refuse.
Tch! Especially after learning she was a woman, he couldn’t even argue like before.
"We’ll see. We’ll see."
Just as they reached an understanding, a young soldier hurried in.
"General! Prince Kang’s army of thirty thousand has passed Mingxiang County! They’ll reach Shuozhou by mid-afternoon! And, uh—"
"And what?"
The messenger hesitated.
"Scouts at the front say they spotted Young Master Lu in the ranks."
Lu Chao had once delivered provisions across treacherous distances and aided them in battle. His unpredictable tactics and androgynous looks left a lasting impression on many soldiers.
Zhang Hu’s eyes widened as if he’d seen a ghost, while Xiao Zheng remained calm, her expression unreadable—clearly, she had anticipated this.
Damn. He’s here for the general.
A beauty trap!
Zhang Hu untied the pack on his back and tossed it to the soldier at the door.
"Throw this back to my barracks!"
Lao Shu, forgive me. I need to keep an eye on the general—can’t let her fall for that trap.
News of the Yuan army’s approach left the soldiers tense, gripping their weapons tightly.
Yet, to their surprise, the vast, empty land beyond the gates remained eerily still. The anticipated siege never came, and the tension dissolved into uneasy silence.
Just as confusion set in, a scout galloped through the gates at breakneck speed, kneeling urgently.
"General! The Yuan army has halted ten miles from the city and begun setting up camp. They show no signs of advancing further!"
Xiao Zheng’s lips curved slightly. Prince Kang is clever—but then again, Lu Chao wouldn’t follow a fool.
Meanwhile, Xiao Youcheng unfurled a map, studying it with Zhou Qingyuan.
When Lu Chao leaned in to look, Xiao Youcheng nudged him back.
"I just need to discuss the terrain. Qingyuan’s here for that. Go have Liu Yao heat some water for you to relax. Eat early and rest—you need it."
The handsome young man had traveled a long way, his exhaustion evident in the dark circles under his eyes, making him look even more haggard. Tomorrow, he would rely on Lu Chao's influence to negotiate with Xiao Zheng—there was no room for carelessness.
Lu Chao simply shrugged.
It was a welcome relief for him.
"How high is this mountain?" Xiao Youcheng pointed at the map and continued asking.
Not only was Shuo Zhou watching them closely, but the Tatars beyond Yanmen Pass were also keeping a vigilant eye.
Some time ago, the Fourth Prince Chi Na had secretly sent letters to Xiao Zheng. The evidence all pointed unmistakably to the intentions of the man sitting on the dragon throne.
If the Great Yuan failed to persuade them to surrender and resorted to military force to reclaim Shuo Zhou, then those Tatars would be like wild dogs catching the scent of blood—no matter what, they would try to tear a vicious chunk out of Great Yuan's flesh.
