Chapter 24: Descending from the Heavens

r cup on the table, causing splashes everywhere. He said angrily, "Today I have to see who exactly it is that’s stirring up a murky atmosphere in my Yun王府 (Cloudy Royal Manor). If I don’t put an end t...Chapter 24 Descending from the Heavens

Yun Qianyue watched as, due to her command, all the venomous creatures attacking Cang Ting and Lan Yi retreated. She once again marvelled at how incredible Spiritual Arts were; it seemed that with a mere thought, she could control every single venomous creature on this mountain.

"These toxic creatures have all withdrawn!" Lan Yi's voice sounded once more.

“Mm!” Cang Ting responded to her in pain.

Lan Yi seemed angered and propped him up with a sword, "Cang Ting, how are you First, take a look at the area where you were bitten."

Cang Ting responded again, it sounded like they had sat down on the ground to check their wounds.

"Not good, this venom is too powerful; the spot where he was bitten has already turned black," Lan Yi cried out in alarm.

“Never thought that a tiny centipede could be so formidable... Lan Yi, take out the antidote pills from my package,” Cang Ting pointed at his bag to Lan Yi.

Lan Yi hurriedly untied her package and took out an antidote pill, worriedly saying, "This poison seems rather ferocious; will these antidote pills be effective"

"Let's try it first," Cang Ting took the antidote pill from Lan Yi and put it in his mouth.

Lan Yi said no more.

After a while, she said, "No good. I don't think this antidote pill is very effective; this centipede's poison is too strong for the pills to contain. What should we do"

"The venom is too powerful for me to suppress with my cultivation arts. Moreover, it has rendered me powerless," Cang Ting knew from his voice how bad his condition was.

“I’ll use my cultivation arts to help you expel the poison now!” Lan Yi seemed to have sat behind Cang Ting as she spoke.

A short while later, Cang Ting said, "Still no good. Lan Yi, stop!"

"What should we do We can't just let you die from this," Lan Yi sounded anxious. “Even if the poison doesn’t kill you, your leg will be crippled.”

“We’ve crossed three mountains; it’s not too far. Chancellor Qin surely has a way to detoxify us. Let's head back now,” Cang Ting seemed to have sealed the acupoint where his leg was bitten.

"Alright, let’s go back right away," Lan Yi immediately agreed and helped him up.

The two of them made no further delay and headed back down their original path.

Yun Qianyue stood in place for a while, listening as the sound of their footsteps grew distant. She waved her hand; the centipede automatically leapt into its box, which she closed before continuing on her way.

The venomous creatures still scattered from her path.

Yun Qianyue looked at these small things and thought that they used to seem evil and vicious. But now, seeing them, she found them quite acceptable. With Cang Ting and Lan Yi returning due to the poison, if they were detoxified by Chancellor Qin and then made their way back up to Nanyang City, it would take a lot of time. She had enough time to arrive in the city before them and meet Ye Qian.

"Miss Yun Qianyue, you've used your Spiritual Arts again!" Mu Ju's voice came from behind her.

“Yes, I couldn’t resist using my Spiritual Arts. What should we do Should you tell your master to get angry at me and stop talking to me” Yun Qianyue looked back; she naturally knew that Mu Ju was following behind her.

Mu Ju seemed hesitant for a moment before saying, "I will never hide anything from Young Master."

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes.

"But your Spiritual Arts are just too amazing; you can actually control every venomous creature on the mountain. It’s unbelievable; it looks like your Spiritual Arts may even be more powerful than Nanyang's curse arts," Mu Ju continued.

“It is indeed incredible!” Yun Qianyue nodded in agreement.

"Since you can manipulate poisons, could you also manipulate other things for your own use" Black Chrysanthemum questioned doubtfully.

Yun Qianyue turned her gaze around uncertainly and replied, "I think so."

"If one could indeed manipulate other things to their advantage, it would be rather frightening," said Black Chrysanthemum.

Yun Qianyue agreed with this sentiment and made a sound of agreement.

No longer did Black Chrysanthemum speak; the two continued on their journey forward.

After crossing over four large mountains, they arrived at the border of Nanjiang's capital city.

Nanjiang’s capital city was surrounded by mountains on three sides and water on one. A wide and long moat protected it. The mountainous areas were heavily guarded with soldiers stationed everywhere, while patrols from both inside and outside the moat made the entire city appear impregnable.

The Nanjiang capital city wasn’t particularly large; about a third of Tiansheng’s capital city.

Nanjiang was not overly prosperous but seemed to have a very honest folk culture.

Yun Qianyue avoided the heavily guarded areas and made her way to the city walls. She found a secret passage into the city, entering through it. After entering the city, she did not immediately head for the imperial palace; instead, she first walked around the city looking for any unusual atmosphere. People continued with their normal activities without showing signs of tension. Feeling no abnormalities, she headed towards the imperial palace.

The Nanjiang Imperial Palace was different from Tiansheng’s; it appeared in accordance with Nanjiang’s mysterious nature and spells. Apart from its sternness, there was also an air of mystery, made entirely out of black jade that rendered the darkness heavy and enigmatic.

By the time Yun Qianyue arrived at the Imperial Palace, the sun had begun to set in the west. She quietly scaled the palace walls and upon landing, saw Ye Qian standing there in red attire looking at her; she was taken aback by this sight.

"Madam Chu, you are too late!" said Ye Qian slowly as she looked at the veil on Yun Qianyue’s head.

Yun Qianyue’s gaze flickered and she replied with a smile, "Princess Ye was waiting for me"

"The Feng Clan Master sent word that you should have arrived around noon. I’ve been waiting here since then without success. Did Madam Chu encounter delays on the way" asked Ye Qian as she raised her eyebrows.

So Feng Jin had actually sent a message to her, Yun Qianyue nodded and said, "I encountered two people who wanted to cause trouble for Princess Ye in the mountains and dispatched them. That caused some delay."

"Cangting and Lan Yi" asked Ye Qian as she looked at Yun Qianyue.

"Princess Ye is clever!" Yun Qianyue smiled slightly.

"It’s not that I’m clever, but rather it was due to the message from Feng Clan Master informing me that Cangting and Lan Yi had already arrived in the city. With Madam Chu taking care of them, this has also alleviated one of my concerns." Ye Qian shook her head as she stared into Yun Qianyue's eyes, "Why is Madam Chu wearing a veil I see that your figure resembles someone I know."

Yun Qianyue pulled off the veil and gave a slight smile. Although smiling, her gaze remained clear and composed, “The mountains were filled with poison and dense foliage, fearing it might scratch my face. Also, as a married woman, I naturally need to be cautious when outside to avoid worrying my husband.” She paused, seeing Ye Qian examining her face closely, she added, "Not only Princess Ye thinks that I resemble someone you know; I look quite like an ordinary person."

Seeing no signs of disguise on Yun Qianyue's face, the doubts in Ye Qian’s eyes disappeared. She smiled and said, “Madam Chu is joking. It isn’t that you appear to be an ordinary person; it’s because someone as special as Madam Chu would stand out in any crowd. Rather, your figure resembles her greatly, so people who know her will naturally think you are her due to the actions she takes and her identity being unsurprising.”

Yun Qianyue smiled and raised an eyebrow, “Is Princess Ye referring to the Miss Yun of Cloud Manor”

"Does Madam Chu know her" asked Ye Qian.

Without answering, Yun Qianyue changed the subject saying, "Princess Ye won't stand here chatting with me, right I’ve had a tiring journey."

"Madam Chu please!" Seeing that Yun Qianyue wouldn’t respond to her question, Ye Qian stopped pursuing and turned around leading the way.

Yun Qianyue followed behind her; dressed in formal attire, Princess Ye appeared regal.

The Nanjiang Imperial Palace was quiet. Occasionally, maidservants or eunuchs passed by respectfully paying their respects to Ye Qian.

"Chu Clan Master is mysterious and so too is Madam Chu; for years they have kept their appearances from the world. Truly, this world is full of hidden talents," said Ye Qian as she looked back at Yun Qianyue who walked with a composed demeanor, her clear gaze exuding calmness, unlike Yun Qianyue's casual and indifferent manner. She then turned away to say with a smile, "Yesterday the groom sent word by carrier pigeon that Shen Zhao is a descendant of my great-grandfather and also obstructed Chancellor Qin’s curse in Fen River Bay. Unexpectedly!"

Yun Qianyue didn't respond, knowing that she wasn't finished speaking.

"I heard that Shen Zhao is someone of Madam Chu's" Ye Qian asked again.

"That can be said!" Yun Qianyue nodded calmly.

"What kind of answer is this from Madam Chu Is Shen Zhao yours or not" Ye Qian stopped and turned to look at Yun Qianyue. "Are you concerned about Shen Zhao, or are you worried about his identity as the heir of the Southern Frontier's former king" Yun Qianyue looked back at Ye Qian.

Ye Qian suddenly laughed, "Madam Chu is very cautious! Don't worry, if I ask for your help, I won't poach your people."

Yun Qianyue remained silent.

"It seems Madam Chu doesn't like to talk much Your words are quite bland," Ye Qian continued walking forward.

"Your Highness, Princess, seems in good spirits. It doesn’t seem like the Southern Frontier’s king has reached his end." Yun Qianyue walked alongside Ye Qian.

"My father's time is over was a long settled matter; I fulfilled my filial duties while he was still alive. Would Madam Chu want to see me bawling when you first arrived" Ye Qian shook her head with a smile, "What good would crying do I have to shoulder the burden of the Southern Frontier, and my father's spirit will be at ease."

"The news about King of Southern Frontier reaching his end hasn't been made public yet," Yun Qianyue said.

"As long as Ye Xiao is not removed from power, the news of Father’s death cannot be announced to everyone." Ye Qian affirmed, "The people of the Southern Frontier cannot panic or fall into chaos!"

Yun Qianyue didn't comment.

The two arrived at a grand hall where the plaque above read 'Princess Hall' in large characters.

Ye Qian said "Please," and led the way inside. The people there all kneeled, calling out, "Greetings to Your Highness Princess!" Ye Qian waved her hand and instructed them to rise; they followed her instructions orderly and arranged the meals neatly.

Hungry after not eating for a day, Yun Qianyue indeed needed food. She secretly praised how composed and calm Ye Qian remained even in such circumstances.

After washing up briefly, the two sat down at the table.

This meal was clearly prepared according to royal treatment for distinguished guests: a variety of dishes spread across the middle with the two seated opposite each other.

Ye Qian picked up her wine glass and said, "Madam Chu, please!"

Yun Qianyue looked at the wine in front of her, raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness Princess isn't planning to leave tonight Why would you still want to drink"

"Madam Chu is very shrewd! You guessed that I will be leaving tonight. Yes, since you stopped Cang Ting and Lan Yi, Shen Zhao restrained the Grand Minister of Qin, and Qin Yuceng got injured. Of course, I can't stay in the capital, I must seize this opportunity." Ye Qian laughed and raised her glass saying, "Tonight is cold; drinking a few cups will keep us warm. Originally, I wanted to tell Madam Chu that you might be rather hard-pressed being pulled back to Fen Shui City without resting after your arrival, but since you guessed it already, there's no need for me to say so!"

"There’s indeed no need for such words! Helping Your Highness Princess once won’t go unpaid, when matters are settled, just give something valuable to the Chu family as a gesture of appreciation!" Yun Qianyue also picked up her glass.

Ye Qian was greatly amused. "Madam Chu is very astute in business!"

Yun Qianyue tilted back and drank down her glass of wine in one go.

"Chu Family Head could expand the Chu family to be the top among the Ten Great Families, how can Madam Chu not know how to make money Indeed, it seems true that blood is thicker than water," Ye Qian also drank down her glass with a single gulp.

"Did Princess Ye previously guess you and Yun Imperial Son-in-law are related" Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.

Ye Qian slowly put down the wine cup, her smile fading. "Madam Chu is very sharp!"

Yun Qianyue glanced at her, picked up chopsticks, and kept silent appropriately.

"When I was born, it was known that I would marry the Crown Prince of Southern Liang; with our small kingdom, we must rely on Southern Liang. The relationship between the two countries has always been a marriage alliance since ancient times. My father's generation got along well with Southern Liang King and became sworn brothers as well as co-brothers-in-law by marrying into one family. But this kind of relationship is private to our families," Ye Qian said calmly, "From childhood, I met the Crown Prince of Southern Liang; at that time, I was too young to feel anything romantic towards him, merely knowing it was my fate to marry him. Later on, ten years ago, after a series of complicated events, I developed feelings for him and thought marrying this person would be alright, only to find out later that the Crown Prince had changed Then, an old emperor from Heavenly Saint sent Ye Qingran to take away the King of Ten Thousand Curses, in order to save the Southern Frontier, I didn’t chase after him for five years. Later on, I discovered that this Southern Liang’s Crown Prince was not the same as before; but whether it's the current or previous Crown Prince of Southern Liang, my feelings have already faded when compared to the江山of the Southern Frontier.

Yun Qianyue didn't speak and quietly listened to them while eating.

Ye Qian filled her own cup and Yun Qianyue's with wine again, swaying the glass calmly. "Everyone thinks I gave up on Nan Lingrui, but actually, it was him who abandoned me. He chose Yun Muhan for me."

Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.

Ye Qian smiled and looked at Yun Qianyue, "Madam Chu doesn't believe"

Yun Qianyue picked up the glass, saying coolly, "I don’t really believe it. The whole world says that Princess Ye is infatuated with Young Prince Xiao Wang after her former lover, and then fell in love again with the Crown Prince of Cloud Manor before returning to Southern Frontier."

"Is Madam Chu just another person who listens to rumors" Ye Qian raised her eyebrows.

"I'm an outsider anyway. It doesn't matter whether I believe it or not," Yun Qianyue said indifferently.

"Right, Madam Chu is indeed different from others. If I talk about his two elder brothers, she would definitely listen carefully," Ye Qian smiled on her own, "Yun Qianyue must hate me so much because she treats his two elder brothers well and considers me a disaster that sacrifices my love for the sake of Southern Frontier."

Yun Qianyue didn't speak. She showed no special emotion on her face.

"Actually, it wasn't I who sacrificed my love but Nan Lingrui, the current Crown Prince," Ye Qian finished off her cup, "Ten years ago, the real Nan Lingrui left for Yun Manor to please his father and the imperial tutor. He knew that by doing so, he would give up his position as a successor to Southern Frontier. Ten years later, when Nan Lingrui went to Heavenly Capital with the intent of swapping places with him again, only to find it impossible because of Qingwan Princess's death. Although Yun Muhan didn't love her, she died that way, leaving him feeling guilty all the time. Because he liked Yun Qianyue and couldn’t get her, he once felt utterly disheartened. Nan Lingrui considered their kinship as cousins and his status as the true Crown Prince of Southern Liang, so he handed over me to me. Since Nan Lingrui has already given up our relationship, what reason do I have to insist Marrying him as my husband is most beneficial from any perspective. Yun Muhan doesn’t want to be heartbroken anymore and is willing to leave Yun Manor with me, while Nan Lingrui wants Yun Muhan to rise again and is willing for him to come to Southern Frontier to showcase his talents. As for myself, I need to protect the Southern Frontier throne and also require Yun Muhuan's assistance. It’s a win-win situation on three fronts. Why wouldn’t I be happy"

Yun Qianyue took a sip of wine and said coolly, "Princess Ye shouldn't say these things to me."

"I don't want to talk about irrelevant matters with Madam Chu either," Ye Qian smiled. "But upon seeing Madam Chu, I can’t help but speak out. These words seem suitable for Madam Chu to hear!"

"So now Does Princess Ye and Crown Prince Yun enjoy a happy relationship under this win-win situation" Yun Qianyue put down her cup.

Ye Qian thought about it, a hint of warmth in her eyes. "I think so! In one's lifetime, one will encounter many crossroads. At each fork, the choice is entirely up to oneself. Some people walk together but get lost at the forks and find it hard to reunite. Like five years ago, I chased after Lord of a Thousand Curses and parted ways with Nan Lingrui. Although he seemed frivolous and unrestrained as a playboy prince, that wasn't true. He was a pure person who cared more about my heart being lost than me taking different paths from him. When I took full responsibility for losing the Lord of a Thousand Curses by using wrong methods to drive him away instead of seeking his help, he became disillusioned with me despite knowing later on. The road had been too far gone then to return to where we originally were. He was decisive about giving up on me as a result. So now, Yun Muhuan has become the most suitable person for me."

Thinking of Ye Qian saying she drove him away with wrong methods, Yun Qianyue knew it referred to when Ye Qian and Night Qingran lay in bed together without clothes, although nothing happened but letting Nan Lingrui see them. It gave rise to the rumor that they parted ways.

"Actually, Yun Muhuan is a good person! Some love is at first sight with vows, while others are subtle streams of affection that grow over time," Ye Qian affirmed with a smile. "I no longer have thoughts for other people now and am clear about what I need. My husband and I will be the latter type. Otherwise, it would be too tragic if two people without love lived together their entire lives. No matter how hard I try, I must fall in love with him."

Yun Qianyue smiled, "Princess Ye is a clever person who always knows what she wants!"

Ye Qian raised her eyebrows. "After listening to my story all day, Madam Chu doesn't want to talk about you and Master Chu I’m sure not only am I curious but everyone in the world wonders about you two as well. The head of the Chu family from one of the Ten Great Families has always been mysterious, with no one seeing his face even today, not to mention he was already married when he got involved with a member of Red Pavilion, an enigmatic organization. This is truly astonishing."

Yun Qianyue put down her chopsticks and didn’t answer but instead warned, "Princess Ye, if you don't call for your troops soon, the sun will set!"

"Madam Chu really is difficult to handle. I can’t get any information from her," Ye Qian laughed and refilled her cup again. She raised it towards Yun Qianyue, "Let's drink to this glass of wine as we start our journey. Let’s name it 'Seize Everything'—the lives of Ye Xiao and Ye Lingge, the two armies."

"It's good that Princess Ye has such confidence!" Yun Qianyue raised her cup with a smile.

Ye Qian pushed forward her hand to clink cups with Yun Qianyue. A clear sound rang out as she firmly said, "I won't let them enter the Southern Frontier capital. I won’t let their tainted blood stain the ground of my city and defile its land or enter this palace. A hundred years ago, when they rebelled, it was a disgrace to our royal family. Today, with them daring to return and vie for the throne again, naturally, I must exterminate them on behalf of my ancestors."

After Ye Qian finished speaking, she downed her glass.

Yun Qianyue didn't speak, raised her cup as well and drank it all in one go.

The agreement between the two was sealed with this glass of wine.

Ye Qian called the Chancellor and General of Southern Frontier along with several ministers to give orders. They bowed down together, "We will die defending the capital as commanded by Princess! Please rest assured that we will eliminate these rebels and protect Southern Frontier."

Ye Qian nodded and helped each of the kneeling ministers up one after another. Then she went into her ancestral shrine to burn incense before coming out again to say, "Let’s go!" She then led the way out of the palace gate.

Yun Qianyue followed behind Ye Qian.

The two of them left the palace. Instead of riding a horse, Ye Qian led the way on foot and avoided the soldiers guarding the city gates. She used her agility skills to scale over the city walls and then headed towards North Mountain.

Yun Shangyue followed behind her with ease.

They walked for a while until they reached the base of a mountain, when Ye Qian suddenly turned back, "Madam Chu, have you ever ridden a kite"

Yun Shangyue raised an eyebrow and shook her head, "Never!"

"Then I'll let you see! This is the same as what Prince Mingzhu of Southern Liang said about his sister's invention back in the day. Oh right, that was Yun Shangyue at that time; I didn't know he was referring to her then and thought it must be a princess from the Southern Liang royal family." Ye Qian came to an entrance of a cave, pushed aside some large stones, took out two cloth bags, and handed one over to Yun Shangyue.

Yun Shangyue reached out to take it, then looked at Ye Qian.

Ye Qian untied the bag while saying, "I have 20 thousand troops hiding deep in the mountains and they are very close to Fen Water City. Using these kites, we can get there within an hour."

Yun Shangyue nodded her head and also untied her own cloth bag.

Ye Qian had already taken out a large kite from the bag by then. She spread it open for Yun Shangyue to see, then continued saying, "This needs wind power; we'll go up to that highest peak where there's plenty of wind at night and it can carry us up."

Yun Shangyue had also taken out her own kite by then and nodded, "That is indeed a good thing."

"Let's go!" Ye Qian took the kite with her as she climbed the mountain.

Yun Shangyue adjusted her kite and followed behind. She thought back to how Prince Ningle must have liked Ye Qian very much, which was why he had taught her what he knew of kites before letting her play around with them. Today, holding onto that kite given by Prince Ningle, she seemed truly at ease, as if she had indeed let go completely. What she said made sense; maybe Yun Muhuan was the one truly suited for her. Both Ningle and Ye Qian's parents were extremely pure at heart: they wouldn't tolerate any impurities in what they wanted or needed. Hence it wasn't surprising that Ye Qian prioritized the Southern Frontier Kingdom over everything else, which made her unsuitable as Prince Ningle’s partner.

The two of them climbed up the mountain without a word.

This was the highest peak; from here they could see a full view of the entire Southern Frontier Kingdom capital city.

The wind at night on this mountain top was indeed very strong, almost knocking people off their feet as it blew past.

"Madam Chu, dare you If we fall down, there's no telling if we'll survive," Ye Qian positioned herself and held onto the kite frame with both hands and legs, turning her head to look at Yun Shangyue.

"If Princess Ye isn't afraid, why should I be" Yun Shangyue arched an eyebrow.

"Alright then! Let's go!" As Ye Qian spoke, she let loose the rope binding.

Yun Shangyue was naturally very skilled with flying on kites; she also let loose her own rope at once.

The two kites were set free by the wind and immediately flew up into the air. They headed toward Fen Water City one after another.

High in the sky, the wind was even stronger, making the kite sails rustle and lifting their clothing to flutter about. In total darkness, they could only rely on feeling to control their directions.

It wasn't until Yun Shangyue had walked a good distance that she remembered she had left Moju behind without protection. Looking back, she was already in the air while the mountain she'd just been standing on now looked like a tiny dot from this height. She secretly thought Moju would probably be pacing and fretting.

Indeed as Yun Shangyue suspected, at this moment Moju had even considered jumping off the cliff. He hadn't expected Ye Qian to take Miss Shallow away in such an unconventional manner using just two kites; he himself couldn’t possibly make a kite that could carry people up into the air. If it was made poorly and didn't fly well, they might very well fall to their deaths. He clenched his teeth inwardly and quickly sent letters via carrier pigeons to Feng Jin and Qing Ying before sending one to Rong Jing as well; after which he had no choice but to climb over the mountains himself on foot all night long.

As Ye Qian had said, less than an hour later the two of them were above Fen Water City in the air.

"Let go of the rope and ease off!" Ye Qian called out softly.

Yun Shangyue responded accordingly.

An incense stick later, they landed safely on a peak. Ye Qian put away her kite, turned to Yun Shangyue with a smile, and asked, "Madam Chu, how about it Wasn't this fun"

Yun Shangyue smiled back, “This thing is indeed very useful.”

"Since it's a favorable wind from the southern capital to Fenwater City, if we were against the wind, this wouldn't be of any use." Ye Qian put away both kites under a large rock and began walking down the mountain.

Yun Shanyue kept up with him while trying to send a message to Feng Jin using千裡傳音 (the voice transmission technique).

"You're with Ye Qian You've arrived at Fenwater City so quickly" There was an element of surprise in Feng Jin's voice.

Yun Shanyue replied succinctly, "Yes, we used a special tool. Inform Yun Muhuan and the Southern Capital’s prince regent to prepare; Ye Qian and I will lead our hidden troops from behind to ambush Chancellor Qin."

"Alright!" Feng Jin nodded as he asked, "What about General Cang Ting and Lady Lan Yi Is Ye Qian leaving the capital"

Yun Shanyue said, “Cang Ting and Lan Yi were injured by my centipede bites in the mountains. If our guesses are right, they should have just returned to Fenwater Bay for poison treatment from Chancellor Qin, making them vulnerable. The more they think Ye Qian is guarding the city and won't come out, the better our chances will be."

Feng Jin's voice turned cold all of a sudden, "You're quite skilled; you managed to stop both Cang Ting and Lan Yi on your own You even injured General Cang" He continued, “Did you use spirit techniques”

"This isn’t the time for us to settle accounts. Hurry back and prepare Yun Muhuan," said Yun Shanyue.

Feng Jin snorted, "I won't be settling accounts with you now, but when you return to the capital, someone else will."

Yun Shanyue remained silent.

Suddenly, Ye Qian turned around and asked Yun Shanyue, "Lady Chu, are you well-versed in military strategy"

"I'm merely here to help. Princess Ye commands her own country and soldiers; just arrange them as you see fit," replied Yun Shanyue, “Me and the Feng family will handle the chaos caused by several major noble families that Night Tianyi sent us. Chancellor Qin and Qin Yuning are under your command."

Ye Qian nodded in agreement.

The two fell silent as they reached a mountain ravine where Ye Qian imitated a bird's call, receiving an immediate response from inside. After three rounds of calls, she shouted, "General Chen! General Li!"

"Princess!" Two men emerged from the bushes and out of a cave, both in their forties; they immediately knelt down.

Ye Qian helped them up as she said, "Assemble your troops at Fenwater River."

The two responded with determination, "Yes, Princess!"

A soldier moved the stacked rocks at the entrance of the cave and soldiers filed out one by one. Yun Shanyue saw that this mountain had been hollowed out to house an army. Chancellor Qin had set up a trap for 40 thousand troops in Fenwater City, while Ye Qian was hiding another 20 thousand. With the addition of the city’s two thousand regular soldiers, there were also 40 thousand on hand. Inside and outside coordination, a pincer movement. A force of forty thousand versus another forty thousand; whoever is more decisive, more strategic, and takes the initiative will win the day. Clearly, Ye Qian's twenty thousand troops would be like an unexpected blow to Chancellor Qin.

Half an hour later, all 20 thousand soldiers were assembled without a single missing man.

The soldiers were frightened but their faces showed their determination and willingness to face death. Ye Qian handed Yun Shanyue the reins of a horse. She took them and mounted her steed; she did likewise. She then ordered, “General Chen, lead five thousand troops from the left flank around; General Li, take another five thousand from the right side. Princess Ye and I will move straight ahead.”

The two generals replied with determination, "Yes, Princess!"

Ye Qian issued her command: “Let’s go!” Then she rode off first.

Yun Shanyue followed on her horse alongside Ye Qian.

Ten thousand troops advanced straight ahead toward Fenwater Bay; General Chen and General Li each led five thousand men to flank around left and right, respectively.

The mountain was only a few miles from the bay. Thus, it didn’t take long for all three divisions to reach their destination.

Even though it was night-time, the campfires outside the barracks illuminated Fenwater Bay brightly enough that one could see soldiers patrolling back and forth among the tents.

"Attack!" Ye Qian gave the order. The 20 thousand troops split into three groups to charge at the encampment.re's no need to continue! They have been fighting for such a long time with neither side gaining an upper hand. Let us end this here," said the old emperor as he looked at Ye Qing Ran and Rong Feng be...