Under the moonless sky of the martial world, it was a night ripe for bloodshed. On the battlefield, autumn’s crisp air and well-fed steeds marked the season for war.
Fortunately, it was not yet autumn but the height of summer. Within the grand hall of the Northern Wilderness’ Southern Court, the air was chilled by numerous basins of ice.
An elderly woman, clad in a golden dragon robe of the old Southern Tang style, sat leisurely on the steps before the throne rather than occupying the seat itself.
The spacious hall held over forty individuals without crowding. The assembly was not divided by civil or military ranks. To the right stood officials in yellow and purple court robes, indistinguishable from those of the Liyang court. To the left, most wore casual attire, yet nearly all bore the jade belts of the Northern Court’s elite families.
Among them were Huang Songpu, the former Southern Court’s foremost figure, now reinstated to command the military; Dong Zhuo, still bearing the title of Southern Court’s Great King; Helian Wuwei, the Jiedushi of Hexi Province; Wang Yong, the Jiedushi of Baoping Province; Murong Baoding, the Jiedushi of Juzhou Province; General Zhong Shentong; Liu Gui, who had suffered defeat in the Northern Liang’s Liuzhou campaign; Wanyan Jinliang, the representative of the Longguan nobility; and the Northern Wilderness’ last surviving elder statesman, Yelü Hongcai.
Also present were Hong Jingyan, the leader of the Rouran cavalry; Crown Prince Yelü Hongcai; and the younger generation, including the Spring Nabatu Tuoba Qiyun, the Summer Nabatu Zhong Tan, who had risen to fame in the first Liang-Mang war; the Autumn Nabatu Duanboer Huihui; the Winter Nabatu Wang Jingchong; Yelü Dongchuang; and Princess Yelü Meiyu, once known as Fan Bainu and famed as the Northern Wilderness’ finest horseback drummer.
These were the foremost figures of both the Southern and Northern Courts, all silently watching the elderly woman who rarely appeared in the Southern Court’s halls. Her dragon robe, said to be crafted by the old Southern Tang’s weaving families, had been chosen by the emperor for its grandeur and remained unchanged to this day.
After gathering them in the grand hall, the old woman did not rush to speak but sat comfortably on the steps adorned with a golden dragon tapestry. Beside her lay a delicate porcelain basin filled with ice, into which she plunged a fine dagger.
“I heard the Northern Liang’s Li Gongde has a son who recently earned military honors as a White Horse Scout, even reaching the Junzi Hall area?” she mused.
Li Mibi, founder of the Northern Wilderness’ Spider Web, replied solemnly, “Indeed, Your Majesty. His name is Li Hanlin. In three years with the Northern Liang border army, he fought in over twenty battles, always leading the charge. He now holds the rank of Scout Captain.”
The old woman chuckled. “Only three years, and already a Scout Captain? Isn’t the Northern Liang’s army notorious for its slow promotions, especially the White Horse Scouts? Either his father has immense influence, or our Northern Wilderness soldiers’ heads are too easy to claim.”
Her words visibly unsettled Dong Zhuo and Liu Gui, while others like Zhong Shentong and Murong Baoding remained composed, even amused.
Glancing at Li Mibi, who stood apart, she recalled something and smiled. “Our Northern Wilderness’ five great sects—aside from Huyan Daguang, who is a sect unto himself—include the Daode Sect, the Chess Sword Music Manor, the Tipping Mountain, and the Princess Tomb. Their masters—Huang Qing, the Bronze Ancestor, Thirsty Child, and Little Thought—were all renowned experts, yet they fell in the Northern Liang. Even I’ve heard the Liyang martial world scorns ours, claiming our top ten couldn’t hold a candle to theirs. Back then, everyone told me such talk was nonsense, that the Liyang folk were frogs in a well.”
She laughed without anger, then turned to Hong Jingyan, the controversial leader of the Rouran cavalry. “Hong Jingyan, you once ranked among the top ten in the old martial rankings, even above the demon Luo Yang. Tell me, could you kill the Northern Liang King, one of the four great martial masters?”
Hong Jingyan bowed impassively. “No.”
“What if you joined forces with Murong Baoding and Zhong Liang?”
“Still no.”
She sighed. “Then only Tuoba Pusa could match him. What a pity. If not for that Jiang girl from Western Chu interfering, Li Mibi could have succeeded in the Western Regions.”
Hong Jingyan remained silent. The Battle of Hulu Pass had decimated the army, including its commander, Yang Yuanzan. Only his Rouran cavalry had escaped, though at great cost. His reputation had suffered, and only the Northern Court’s nobles had spared him further disgrace.
Dong Zhuo, who blamed Hong Jingyan for the defeat, glared at him.
The old woman mused, “That cripple Xu Xiao was only a minor master, yet his son achieved greatness. No wonder he once told me his father warned him not to grow too ambitious, that his grandson would surpass him.”
The veterans Huang Songpu and Liu Gui exchanged uneasy glances, while the younger generals like Tuoba Qiyun and Zhong Tan listened intently.
She continued, “Cao Changqing died outside Tai’an City, but besides Xu Fengnian, there’s still the Peach Blossom Sword God Deng Tai’a. If they gathered a few more masters like Sui Xiegu, could they take my head as easily as Xu Fengnian took Xu Huainan’s at Ruoshui? Let me tell you, not only have Liyang’s court astrologers been decimated, but our Northern Wilderness is no better. Those celestial beings are now beyond our grasp. If Xu Fengnian appeared outside this hall today, how would you stop him?”
Silence filled the hall.
She tapped the dagger against the ice. “They say martial artists can only kill a hundred, while generals can slay thousands. Yet I never understood why Xu Fengnian abandoned his princely title to wander the martial world. At first, I thought it was to compete with Chen Zhibao for the Northern Liang’s army. But now, had he not become a grandmaster, Chen Zhibao wouldn’t have left for Shu…”
Her voice trailed off.
Dong Zhuo sighed inwardly, glancing at Princess Yelü Yuhu. Had Xu Fengnian been unfit, and Chen Zhibao taken over, the Liang-Mang war might never have happened. The Northern Wilderness would have invaded through Liaodong or Ji Province, as Chen Zhibao had hinted he would not interfere—until Tai’an City fell.
Now, the Northern Wilderness was in too deep to retreat.
The old woman roused herself. “The Grand Preceptor will arrive shortly. With all our key figures here, I want your candid opinions. But first, a small task.”
She pointed the dagger at Dong Zhuo and Liu Gui. “The White Horse Scouts roam freely near Tiger Head City and Liuzhou’s northern border. I refuse to believe they’re the world’s finest scouts. Your Raven Fences and Black Fox Fences are our elite. Before autumn, I want no trace of Northern Liang scouts left, no matter the cost.”
Dong Zhuo winced; Liu Gui hesitated.
She sneered. “We’ve lost 300,000 men outside the Northern Liang. What’s a thousand more? Deploy all your scouts!”
Her voice turned icy. “We intercept reports from Liyang’s governors and even their border commanders, yet we know nothing of the Northern Liang’s military deployments. Not a single useful report! A disgrace!”
Liu Gui bowed. “My Black Fox Fences will die before the battle if necessary.”
Dong Zhuo echoed, “As will the Raven Fences.”
The Grand Preceptor entered, unrolling a massive map of the Liang-Mang front. The old woman rose, tossing the dagger into the basin.
“I’ve never meddled in military affairs since my reign. Today, I break that rule.”
She studied the map as the Grand Preceptor announced, “The second southern campaign begins this autumn. There will be no supreme commander. To avoid conflicts, Tuoba Pusa has resigned as Northern Court’s Great King, leading only his personal army.”
He fixed his gaze on Dong Zhuo, who feigned ignorance until Yelü Hongcai scoffed, “Playing dumb won’t work this time, Dong.”
Finally, Dong Zhuo grinned. “If even our God of War stepped down, how could I, Dong Zhuo, dare to outrank everyone? I resign as Southern Court’s Great King.”
The Grand Preceptor continued, “Four frontline armies: Dong Zhuo, Huang Songpu, Murong Baoding, and Liu Gui. Each with a deputy: Hong Jingyan, Zhong Tan, Yelü Dongchuang, and Tuoba Qiyun.”
Deploying four armies is not unusual, but the selection of deputy commanders is certainly worth pondering. Dong Zhuo and Hong Jingyan, once rivals for the title of Southern Court King, now lead a combined force of Dong’s private troops and Rouran cavalry—each a top-tier elite unit of the Northern Wilderness. Truly, foes are destined to meet.
The pairing of Huang Songpu and Zhong Tan, one old and one young, is highly anticipated. The veteran Huang Songpu, once the nominal leader of the Southern Court officials and one of the thirteen powerful generals of the Northern Wilderness, needs no introduction. Zhong Tan, meanwhile, has already proven himself in the first Liang-Mang war—a tiger father begets no dog son. Though the battle at Hulu Pass ended in defeat for the Northern Wilderness, Zhong Tan’s brilliance in the three preceding sieges cannot be denied. As the eldest son of General Zhong Shentong, the prospect of father and son both becoming generals—an unprecedented feat in Northern Wilderness history—is all but assured.
As for Murong Baoding and Yelü Dongchuang, their surnames alone spark endless speculation. General Liu Gui and Tuoba Qiyun, the foremost of the Four Nabo, jointly leading another force, also inspire great confidence.
The Grand Preceptor spoke gravely: “Dong Zhuo and Murong Baoding’s forces, after crossing Hutou City, will handle the battles outside Liangzhou’s borders. Huang Songpu will attack Qingcang City in Liuzhou, severing the connection between Liuzhou’s Longxiang Army and Liangzhou’s Jubei City, while also keeping Qi Dangguo’s Iron Pagoda and Yuan Nanting’s White Feather Light Cavalry tied down near Qingyuan Garrison. Liu Gui will station troops outside Hulu Pass in Youzhou to prevent the Youzhou cavalry from using it as a launching point. Meanwhile, Zhong Tan must remain vigilant against the movements of Cao Wei’s Liangzhou cavalry, lest they strike deep into our Southern Court’s heartland. Dong Zhuo’s infantry must capture Huaiyang Pass, the seat of Liangzhou’s Protectorate, before winter. As for Murong Baoding, your task is to annihilate the Liangzhou cavalry stationed in Liuyaling and Fuling Garrisons.”
The Grand Preceptor surveyed the eight generals, their expressions varied. “Perhaps you wonder how we’ll respond if He Zhonghu and Zhou Kang’s main Liangzhou cavalry forces push north. The answer is simple. Beyond the first line, we have a second line of four armies—Zhong Shentong, Wanyan Jinliang, Helian Wuwei, and Wang Yong—stationed on Longyan Plain north of Hutou City, ready to act. When He Zhonghu’s Left Cavalry moves north, Zhong Shentong and Wanyan Jinliang will advance south. Similarly, Helian Wuwei and Wang Yong will counter Zhou Kang’s Right Cavalry.”
Without waiting for objections, he continued, “The Crown Prince and Tuoba Pusa will each lead an army as the third line of reinforcements, following the second line south. Should any crisis arise outside Liangzhou, they will reach the battlefield within a day.”
Such troop deployments left many speechless.
Not because they were overly cunning or grand, but because they were too straightforward—like children brawling, relying solely on brute force, devoid of any finesse, making them seem utterly mundane.
This hardly resembled the grand strategy expected of the Northern Wilderness’ Imperial Tutor. Any mediocre battalion commander could have devised such a plan.
Worse still, this approach reeked of cold-blooded ruthlessness, forcing the first-line armies—especially the middle two—into a desperate, no-holds-barred clash with Liangzhou’s border forces. No tricks, no room for retreat—just a brutal exchange of lives, ending in either pyrrhic victory or annihilation.
Dong Zhuo’s eyes darkened, while Murong Baoding’s face twisted in fury.
Yelü Dongchuang, now tacitly bound to Murong Baoding, looked no better. He glanced at his grandfather, Yelü Hongcai, who merely shook his head, signaling patience.
Helian Wuwei of Hexi Province and Wang Yong of Baoping Province, though not on the front lines, wore heavy expressions.
Zhong Tan remained impassive, while Tuoba Qiyun exhaled in relief and smiled knowingly.
The rarely seen Crown Prince Yelü Hongcai appeared utterly detached, exuding an air of leisure.
Ignoring the tense atmosphere, the Grand Preceptor turned his gaze to the northern regions of Liyang, Hezhou, and Jizhou. “This war will be fought not just north of Liangzhou’s Jubei City, but beyond Liangzhou itself. I have questions for you, the pillars of our Northern Wilderness. First, what are the attitudes of Cai Nan, the military governor of Lianghuai, and Han Lin, its administrator? If Liangzhou falters, will Cai Nan’s Lianghuai border troops stand idle or risk marching west?”
The usually reticent Helian Wuwei spoke first: “They will not act. Cai Nan was recently ennobled by Liyang. Regardless of his personal feelings toward Liangzhou, he wouldn’t dare move without orders. As a former subordinate of Gu Jianye, his actions could ripple through the court, implicating allies like Tang Tieshuang.”
The Grand Preceptor nodded. “Second, with Yuan Tingshan taking the Li Family’s Yanbao cavalry to Guangling and Liyang likely sending either Lu Shengxiang or Xu Gong to Jizhou, will their arrival sway Lianghuai’s course?”
Tuoba Qiyun smiled. “Both Lu Shengxiang and Xu Gong will likely come, but their purpose isn’t to aid Liangzhou. Like Gu Jianye’s earlier offensive, they’re here to ensure our resolve against Liangzhou and guard against our potential march on Tai’an City should Liangzhou fall. With Cai Nan’s forces, these two, and Gu Jianye’s Liao armies, the Liyang emperor can rest easy. Their presence won’t alter Liangzhou’s fate.”
The Grand Preceptor acknowledged him before posing the third question: “Earlier, Cao Wei’s 10,000 cavalry hid in the Western Regions, aiming to strike our Southern Court. Only the crisis at Qingcang forced them to reveal themselves. Now, with Liuzhou’s youth and the Nantuo Mountain monks swelling Liangzhou’s ranks, and Kou Jianghuai as Liuzhou’s general, how do we counter this three-legged alliance with the Longxiang Army?”
Zhong Tan replied coolly, “We can’t sway Liuzhou’s populace, but Nantuo Mountain isn’t beyond persuasion. Their alignment with Liangzhou stems from Xu Fengnian’s favor toward Buddhism and the influence of the female Bodhisattva. We can target both—attempt to assassinate the Six Pearl Master while courting other factions. Though we suppress Buddhism, we can appoint a Nantuo monk as our state preceptor—with the Emperor’s decree.”
“The decree is ready,” the Grand Preceptor said.
Zhong Tan clasped his fists. “I’ll personally go to Nantuo Mountain.”
After agreeing, the Grand Preceptor continued, “Fourth, with Lianghuai and the Western Regions addressed, can we stoke flames in Shu and Zhao?”
Li Mibi smiled. “The despised Zhao prince of Southern Zhao is already our agent, as is a high-ranking official in Western Shu. While they can’t attack Liangzhou, they can sabotage Liyang—more than enough to brand Xu Fengnian a traitor. With the Snow Dragon Cavalry leaving their borders and these two rebelling under Liangzhou’s banner, the people will believe it, even if the court sees through it. Only when Liangzhou’s army is annihilated and Xu Fengnian dead will they realize the truth.”
Wanyan Jinliang scoffed, while Helian Wuwei frowned. Such underhanded tactics, regardless of their efficacy, were beneath dignity.
The Grand Preceptor clarified, “The true aim isn’t swaying public sentiment but giving Liyang justification to halt grain shipments to Liangzhou. From Zhao Xun to Wen Taiyi and Ma Zhongxian, many in Liyang bear grudges against Xu Fengnian. Even if the court eventually relents, delaying shipments could cost Liangzhou thousands—perhaps tens of thousands—of lives.”
Suddenly, the Northern Wilderness Empress, who had been studying the map, lifted her head. “I have a fifth question. Liangzhou boasts 300,000 elite cavalry and generals who shame both our Northern Wilderness and Liyang—Chu Lushan, Yan Wenluan, Yuan Zuozong, Chen Yunhui, Gu Dazu, He Zhonghu, Zhou Kang, and more. With so many renowned commanders and prized heads, why hasn’t our million-strong army claimed them?!”
She strode forward, stomping on the map. “I don’t need an answer. Instead, I ask: Who among you wishes to carve out lands, earn titles, and become kings and chancellors?!”
The hall trembled.
“Listen well!” she roared. “Liyang has thirty provinces. In this war, killing Liangzhou’s third-rank generals—like Shi Fu, Han Laoshan, Huangfu Ping, Yu Luandao, or Kou Jianghuai—earns you a marquisate!”
“Kill third-rank or higher Liangzhou officials—Li Gongde, Song Dongming, Yang Guangdou, Chang Sui, Xu Beizhi, Chen Xiliang—and you’ll be ennobled!”
“Kill Chen Yunhui, Gu Dazu, He Zhonghu, or Zhou Kang, and you’ll be granted a two-character king title, with a province in Liyang as your fief!”
“Kill Chu Lushan, Yan Wenluan, Xu Longxiang, or Yuan Zuozong, and you’ll be a one-character king, ruling two provinces!”
Her face twisted ferociously. “Kill Xu Fengnian, and you’ll be a coequal king, Southern Court King of the entire Central Plains, specially enfeoffed as the King of Liang—with Liangzhou’s four provinces and any other fertile land of your choice!”
Silence.
Then Dong Zhuo laughed wildly, eyes blazing. “Your Majesty, Chu Lushan’s head will be mine!”
Murong Baoding scanned the map. “Then Zhou Kang’s skull is mine.”
Huang Songpu grinned. “Fortunately, Liuzhou still has Xu Longxiang, Kou Jianghuai, Yang Guangdou, and Chen Xiliang—their heads are valuable.”
The Empress stepped onto the map, crushing Qingliang Mountain beneath her foot.
“Before winter, I’ll drench every inch of Liangzhou in blood!”
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