The rain poured down in torrents, the cries of "Kill!" mingling with it, seeming to merge with the rainwater, coming from all directions at once.
Khan Cheli's face paled with terror. "How dare Khan Junchen?"
Not only had he returned, but he was also taking the initiative to declare war. Had that coward lost his mind?
His lieutenant beside him also wore a look of shock. "My Khan, what now? Should we return to the royal court?"
Khan Cheli stared fixedly ahead. In the heavy rain, the shifting mass of dark shadows in the distance was not clear, making it difficult to estimate the enemy's numbers.
It appeared to be far greater than their own, a force they could hardly withstand. Logically, in such a situation, an immediate retreat to the city was called for.
After all, the sheer number seemed unbeatable.
But, this was only how it "appeared."
What if the enemy had learned from those cunning Han people and was using a feint to deceive him? If he withdrew his troops now, wouldn't that bastard Khan Tuqi also think him a coward?
And if Khan Junchen jumped out then to fan the flames, what if Khan Tuqi changed his mind and chose Khan Junchen as his ally instead? Then he would be the one left isolated and without support.
He could not retreat.
"We are not going back!" Khan Cheli gritted his teeth. "There are only a few capable forces in the northern lands. Xing Qiansheng just recently suffered a setback, losing three fierce generals in a row. He wouldn't dare come back so soon."
Xing Qiansheng was the name of Khan Wuji.
Khan Cheli was convinced the indistinct shadows ahead were a bluff.
"Charge with me!" Khan Cheli shouted, raising his voice.
In the downpour, horses galloped, and raindrops slid off the blades of scimitars like broken strings of pearls.
The distance closed.
The horses raced past one li, two li...
When they drew near enough for the rain's curtain to no longer obscure their vision, Khan Cheli suddenly realized something was wrong.
It was not a bluff.
The enemy truly had that many troops.
With both sides charging head-on, for one side to turn and flee now was a grave mistake, and practically impossible. He wasn't leading a mere dozen men; turning around wasn't something that could be done instantly.
After the clash of steel, both sides fought with bloodshot eyes. Khan Cheli noticed that the enemy soldiers all had a strip of hemp-yellow cloth tied around their arms.
With a sweeping glance, he saw every single one was marked this way, as if for some purpose.
What was this for?
His question was soon answered.
This long, wave-like line of Xiongnu soldiers intentionally or unintentionally created gaps between comrades, and from these gaps, another force surged forth.
Han soldiers in black armor, on black horses, wielding ring-pommeled swords, broke through like a sharp blade thrusting into Khan Cheli's ranks.
Khan Cheli's face changed drastically. "He actually colluded with the Han?"
No one answered him. The two forces were locked in fierce combat. The rain continued to fall, washing away the blood until the ground seemed to flow with a pale, bloody river.
"Return to the royal court at once. Tell Khan Tuqi that Khan Junchen has conspired with the Han," Khan Cheli ordered his lieutenant.
The lieutenant acknowledged the command, bellowing to gather his squad, intending to lead them back swiftly. But as he pulled back to the rear, ready to make his escape, he was shocked to discover there were already men behind them.
At some point, a force had deliberately avoided the main battle area, taking a long detour to circle around to their rear.
The northern lands were different from the Central Plains. The Central Plains were mountainous; even where small plains formed, the mountains behind served as a natural barrier, preventing troops from easily circling around to cut off retreat.
But not here in the north. Here, there were only slightly rolling low hills. These small hills were nowhere near as high as mountains, and with sparse vegetation, they offered no such barrier to troops.
Huo Tingshan watched the Xiongnu turning back, a smile curling his lips. "Since you've come, why be in such a hurry to leave?"
The thunderous roar of hooves mingled with the sound of rain hammering the earth, composing a dirge for the dead across the wilderness. Men fell continuously in the open field; the dirge was punctuated by screams. Soldiers who tumbled from their horses landed with a "squelch," the yellow earth squeezing out a puddle of bloody water.
Huo Tingshan swung his ring-pommeled sword backhanded with a fierce pull, and a Xiongnu soldier behind him fell.
With both forces combining against Khan Cheli, his men soon began to falter.
Finally, Khan Junchen confronted Khan Cheli.
Both were on horseback, one laughing with arrogant triumph, the other wide-eyed with fury.
Khan Cheli gnashed his teeth, shouting the other's name: "Teng Gaoyao! You dare collude with the Han? You are a traitor, a disgrace to the northern lands!"
Khan Junchen sneered coldly. "You forced me into this. I told you I had no interest in that position, but you wouldn't believe me. You joined forces to hunt me down. So, don't blame me for seeking allies elsewhere."
Huo Tingshan waited not far off, letting them settle their own grudge.
But after several clashes on horseback, Khan Junchen was surprisingly at a disadvantage.
"What a waste. To be overpowered by Khan Cheli even now. When he becomes the Huhanxie Chanyu, he really ought to kneel and kowtow to me a few times," Huo Tingshan mocked.
Beside him, Sha Ying's eyebrow twitched, and he immediately looked around. Seeing only their own men, he finally relaxed.
Huo Tingshan shot Sha Ying a sidelong glance. "Afraid of what? Even if someone were nearby, they'd have to understand the language. Your courage seems to be shrinking lately, even less than my lady's."
Sha Ying: "..."
Seeing the situation ahead turning sour, Huo Tingshan said gravely, "Bring me my bow."
Xiong Mao hurriedly fetched it.
The longbow was heavy, but Huo Tingshan lifted it with one hand, nocked an arrow, and drew the ox-tendon string into a full moon with ease.
After a pause of a few breaths, the man's calloused fingers suddenly released.
The long arrow split the wind, piercing through the curtain of rain, aimed straight at the bald, burly man fighting not far away.
Over there, having seized the moment to slash Khan Junchen's shoulder, the bald giant grinned. "Teng Gaoyao, so what if you allied with the Han army? You're still no match for..."
The long arrow shot forth, cutting through the air with a fierce whistle, but the rain masked its sound. By the time Khan Cheli sensed it, it was too late.
The sharp arrowhead plunged deep into his back and swiftly burst out from his chest, running the eight-foot-tall giant clean through. It missed continuing its flight by a hair's breadth.
Khan Cheli's eyes flew wide open. He stiffened like a rusted machine, looking down jerkily.
Across from him, Khan Junchen was momentarily stunned, then burst into loud laughter. "Khan Cheli, you are the one who is no match!"
With Khan Cheli's death, the already disorganized royal court troops panicked completely. The two allied forces pressed their advantage, joining to annihilate the royal army.
Yes, this time it was annihilation. No prisoners were to be taken.
Huo Tingshan urged his horse forward. "Let's go. To the royal court."
The royal army wasn't completely wiped out yet, but neither man could wait any longer. This heavy rain had come at a perfect time. The downpour blurred vision, and the guards on the walls would not see as clearly as before.
The attire of the Xiongnu differed greatly from that of the Han people, but among themselves, it was quite similar. Huo Tingshan ordered his Black Armored Cavalry to strip the uniforms from the Royal Court soldiers and put them on. He himself also changed into a set.
Once properly outfitted, his Black Armored Cavalry merged with the forces of Khan Cheli, advancing together towards the Royal Court.
Heavy rain does not last too long, and the downpour began to ease. As the rain from the sky diminished to a drizzle, this allied force arrived at the Royal Court.
A soldier on the city wall wiped his face. "That rain earlier was truly heavy."
Another soldier, watching the dark mass gradually approaching in the distance, said, "Khan Cheli has returned. Prepare to open the gates."
Someone remarked, "See clearly first. Make sure it's your Khan before opening them."
The speaker was one of Khan Tuqi's men, stationed to guard the city alongside the soldiers left behind by Khan Cheli.
This comment displeased many of Khan Cheli's followers. "How could it not be our Khan? We drove him out once; naturally, we can do it a second time."
"Exactly."
"You only have a few more men than we do. With equal numbers, we might well be stronger."
"Stop arguing, don't spoil the harmony," someone changed the subject. "They're here, look."
The soldiers ceased their dispute and turned their gazes outside the city.
The dark mass drew closer as the rain lightened further. Through the gradually thinning curtain of drizzle, the soldiers on the wall saw Khan Cheli.
Everyone knew Khan Cheli was easy to recognize because he was bald. Now, having removed his hat, his smooth, hairless head, washed by the rain, gleamed as if it could reflect light.
"Why is the Khan still wearing a cloak? I don't remember him wearing one when he left."
"Perhaps to return more majestically after a victory. Open the gates now; don't keep them waiting."
"Open the gates!"
The gates of the Royal Court slowly swung open.
Khan Junchen watched the gradually opening gates, clearly hearing his own heartbeat accelerate, even the wound on his shoulder no longer felt painful.
The gates were open.
Khan Junchen's Adam's apple bobbed violently as he used all his strength to suppress a burst of loud laughter.
But he couldn't hold it for long.
As the vanguard entered the city, Khan Junchen raised his voice, "The bravest warriors, follow me and charge!"
Half the army roared in response.
The gate guards were shocked. "It's Khan Junchen!"
"Quick, go inform Khan Tuqi!"
"How can it be Khan Junchen? I clearly saw our Khan just a moment ago."
...
Chaos erupted on the walls.
And in the very first instant of the outbreak of panic, the "Khan Cheli" who had been riding on horseback—his smooth, bald head suddenly tumbled down, and the cloak was flung open. Beneath it was revealed a slightly shorter Xiongnu man.
He had been holding up Khan Cheli's severed head all along.
A small puddle was trampled underfoot, its calm surface instantly wrinkling into layers. A winding crimson "little snake" beside it quietly slipped into the puddle, spreading a faint layer of red.
The red bloomed.
The gates were open, and Huo Tingshan also entered the Royal Court. However, compared to the blood-rushing-to-the-head Khan Junchen, who led his men straight for the center of the Royal Court, he was leisurely.
Perhaps it should be said that all the Youzhou troops were quite relaxed.
Once inside the city, they began to slack off.
Khan Junchen was extremely excited. Leading from the front, he charged directly into the Royal Court hall, running straight into Khan Tuqi, who was just coming out.
The two sides inevitably clashed.
Both Khans were powerfully built. Khan Junchen was wounded, but the surge of adrenaline made him intensely exhilarated, his combat prowess far exceeding his usual level, gradually forcing Khan Tuqi onto the defensive.
Huo Tingshan walked unhurriedly into the central hall, occasionally casually dispatching two foolhardy Xiongnu along the way.
By the time he arrived, the battle had reached a fever pitch. Both Khan Tuqi and Khan Junchen bore wounds, but their mental states were vastly different.
The former was as tense as a drawn bowstring, panting like an ox, his hands gripping the broadsword trembling slightly; the latter was radiant, seemingly impervious to pain, single-mindedly intent on killing Khan Tuqi.
Khan Tuqi had seen Huo Tingshan before. The shadow cast by the battle seven years ago lingered on more than just Khan Wuji.
His gaze swept over Khan Junchen and Huo Tingshan not far away, and he mocked, "Teng Gaoyao, you fool, actually cooperating with the Han people. They are the most cunning of all. Don't be schemed against until your very bones are picked clean by others without you even knowing what happened."
Khan Junchen snorted coldly. "I won't be schemed against. Besides, all of this was forced upon me by you."
"Don't talk to him too much. Be careful of a trick," Huo Tingshan suddenly interjected.
Khan Tuqi was so enraged his blood churned, nearly vomiting a mouthful of old blood.
A trick?
In terms of cunning, who could match the Han people?
But all his fury and resentment ultimately dissipated like smoke as his throat was slit.
Khan Tuqi's robust body thudded heavily to the ground, like a defeated lion with its neck pierced, striking the earth with a dull thud, and then...
An era had ended.
Khan Junchen became Huhanye Chanyu.
"Huhanye," in the Xiongnu language, means "wise and enlightened." Clearly, this term particularly refers to a ruler or leader.
Khan Junchen had not forgotten that Huo Tingshan still had nearly fifty thousand infantry following behind. He truly could not afford any sly thoughts now.
The northern lands were his familiar territory, which he knew like the back of his hand. But he couldn't overcome the fact that the other side had reserve troops. Moreover, witnessing them shoot and kill others twice in front of him had already planted fear in his heart.
He didn't want to fight, and neither did Huo Tingshan, actually.
If they fought hard, they could certainly take the northern lands. But afterwards, the north would be left leaderless. Like raising gu, in ten years' time, several major Khans might split off again, recreating the previous situation.
It was better to keep their paramount leader in hand, sign agreements with them, which could also ensure decades of peace in the northern lands.
Besides this, Huo Tingshan had some personal considerations.
The times were different now. If he could preserve his troops, he naturally should preserve them well. If his forces were wiped out, what would he use to contend with the other provinces?
Both sides had no intention of continuing the war. They were in perfect accord, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
As the assisting party, Huo Tingshan wanted more than just agreements and promises. He demanded the majority of the resources left behind by the factions of Khan Tuqi and Khan Cheli.
In this era, women who lost their husbands and tribes were undoubtedly considered resources. Huo Tingshan did not want Xiongnu women; he wanted cattle, sheep, and especially horses.
Thus, when the Youzhou army departed from the Chanyu's Court, every man was laden with large and small bundles, comparable to celebrating the New Year.
They took a different route back. After a day's march, the Black Armored Cavalry rendezvoused with the Youzhou infantry.
...
"Report! The Great General has returned!"
A scout, riding at full speed, arrived first at the rear camp.
Everyone's spirits lifted, and they quickly stepped out of the camp to welcome him.
Pei Ying also received the news. Hearing that Huo Tingshan had returned victorious, and moreover brought back a large amount of spoils, she couldn't help but be taken aback.
So quickly?
Even before their party had reached the royal encampment, the battle there had already concluded.
"Madam," Xin Jin beside her said softly.
Pei Ying snapped out of her thoughts, understanding Xin Jin was reminding her. The beautiful woman rose from her small cushioned chair and followed the others out to welcome the returning army.
The army returned, bringing with them a vast number of horses—enough, by rough estimate, to upgrade all the remaining infantry to cavalry without issue.
A massive dark mass approached in the distance, and Pei Ying spotted Huo Tingshan.
He rode ahead of the main force, still wearing the tiger-head helmet and armor from the day he set out. His crimson cloak churned behind him with the black steed's movement, cutting a fierce and untamed arc through the air.
Behind him, a tide of cavalry drew near with the thunderous drum of hooves—a veritable ten thousand horses galloping across the plains.
Pei Ying heard cheers erupt, and amidst the cheers, that figure in crimson drew closer.
"Hail the Grand General's triumphant return!"
"Hail the Grand General's triumphant return!"
Someone started the cry, and the crowd took it up in loud voices.
As he approached, Huo Tingshan reined in his horse. "Whoa."
"You have all labored and achieved great merit in pacifying the northern territories. Tonight, we feast the army with slaughtered sheep," Huo Tingshan proclaimed.
The soldiers' cheers rose in wave after wave.
Astride his black horse, Huo Tingshan looked down, his gaze settling on the beautiful woman not far away. She stood among the soldiers, a faint smile gracing her lips. The sunlight caught in her clear eyes, making them shimmer like pools of water.
Huo Tingshan dismounted and strode over in a few steps. "My lady, I have returned."
"My congratulations on your triumphant return, General," Pei Ying said with a smile.
"Is that all?" Huo Tingshan raised an eyebrow.
Pei Ying pondered. So, the man wanted to hear more words of praise.
Just then, Huo Zhizhang bounded over. The young man's face was alight with excitement. "Father, you truly must be a celestial general reborn! The northern menace that has troubled our Great Chu's borders for years—you have tamed it into a docile pup in less than two months. Among the countless commanders within Great Chu, none can stand shoulder to shoulder with you."
Pei Ying glanced at Huo Zhizhang, then shifted her gaze back to Huo Tingshan and nodded. "What Zhizhang says is true."
The corner of Huo Tingshan's mouth twitched. He turned to his overexcited second son and said, "You are eighteen this year. Can you not be more steady? What sort of impression do you make, carrying on with such starts and exclamations?"
Huo Zhizhang: "?"
