Chapter 3: Offering Oneself

    Years later.

    The flames of war between the regions continued to burn unabated. Smoke and ash covered everywhere, spreading to various cities. Regions that adapted quickly reaped the benefits, while the weaker ones were swallowed whole. Now, only Li, Yan, and Lian remained—three great regions vying for dominance.

    "Prince... the Wang has arrived."

    "Um, I know."

    The pine trees along the beachfront, just awakening from slumber, stretched their branches to welcome the dawn and embraced the gentle breeze. Above the dew-glittering branches, a large hawk circled, its piercing cry echoing crisply, its gaze sharp on its prey and claws sweeping through the air with precision.

    This breed of hawk, proud and fierce, abandoned its hunt at the sound of a whistle and obediently swooped down to perch on the arm of a young man.

    "Good boy, you fly beautifully."

    Behind him, a hundred royal guards stood in formation, watching over. Li Wang, regal and composed, reclined in his seat, his gaze sweeping across the pristine beach and his younger brother's hawk.

    "I heard its mate has just hatched some chicks, and yesterday it won a beautiful female hawk as a prize," he commented over the sound of the waves, knowing his younger brother preferred solitude but Li Wang also enjoyed sharing this tranquil beachside moment.

    Li Xuanlong, the prince of Li Region, paid no heed to his elder brother's words. His robust figure continued to gaze out at the sea waves, flicking his arm to release his beloved hawk back into the sky.

    "Don't waste time baiting, Your Majesty."

    The waves crested, kissing the morning light atop the white sands, driving green-blue surf up the shore. The wind billowed the deep blue robes against the young man's sturdy frame, his dark hair tied back, fluttering with the breeze, his presence as majestic as a dragon of the sea.

    Turning back, Li Xuanlong walked heavily through the sand, taking a step before bowing formally as a nobleman. The look in Li Wang's eyes dimmed slightly; he always remembered him as a hot-tempered young boy, now matured into a deep and composed man. Li Wang always sighed at how time had passed.

    "Rise and sit with me. It's been a long time since we've had a chance to talk like this."

    "Yes, Your Majesty." The tall figure clasped his hand to bow before joining his brother on the seat. As a servant brought tea, Li Wang dismissed him with a wave.

    "Bring some liquor! In relaxing times like these, I prefer to drink."

    "Understood, Your Majesty."

    The atmosphere by the beach was relaxing. Li Wang, still indulging in his mood, picked up a guzheng and started to play, the music mingling lively with the sea and sun. Li Xuanlong laughed and joined in singing with a powerful voice, improvising the lyrics. If any concubine, court lady, or maiden were present, they would blush and scold the handsome men for their indecent songs, for the lyrics sung by Li Xuanlong were filled with dirty tales from the wine table.

    "Once you were nearly a hand shorter than me, and in the blink of eyes... you've grown taller than me,"

    Li Wang commented with a chuckle, his handsome features a mirror of their late father. Li Xuanlong too, with his sharp facial features, thick eyebrows, sparkling eyes, a high bridge nose like a mountain ridge, and towering stature, commanded respect with just a cross of his arms.

    "Your Majesty traveled by carriage from far away. Surely you didn't come just to admire my height?"

    "I want you to marry," Li Xuanyue, the Wang of Li, stated bluntly.

    "Marry?"

    The demeanor of Li Xuanlong was cold and reserved, difficult to penetrate. Everyone feared him, feeling as though his piercing dark eyes could spew venom like a snake. Just a glance from Li Xuanlong made people feel as if a deadly serpent was coiling around their necks, freezing them in terror every time.

    "I want to have your affairs in order before the next battle begins."

    Li Wang smiled. His next target with his sword would be the rival region of Yan, but for now, he had a more immediate task to handle. He gazed at his brother, who was impeccable. Few knew that this formidable young man was still a virgin, a fact that always made Li Wang suspicious.

    "You are twenty-five this year... It has been ten years since I sent you to the battlefield, and you have never mentioned marriage since then."

    "I already have what I need," Li Xuanlong indicated the books on his table that fluttered in the wind, their pages filled with vivid and erotic illustrations. Even his brother, Li Xuanyue, sighed deeply at this.

    "The pleasure manuals you read are no different from learning the art of slaying dragons.[1] You should already know the taste of a woman. I mean real experience, not just pictures. It's forbidden to lose your seed in the way you are doing. You simply cannot continue like this."

    "I’m doing this, so, whenever I share a bed with someone, she gets pregnant immediately[2].

    "I'm tired of your excuses."

    "Why is Your Majesty so troubled by my carnal experiences? I don't want the burdens or distractions of attachments when I am at war. If you insist on my marriage, it will have to wait until Li is at peace."

    Li Wang nodded, listening thoughtfully. "Stop making excuses and tell me straight: who are you saving your virginity for?"

    The young prince did not respond. Li Wang then tilted his head, observing the dagger in an ornately carved sheath fastened at his brother's waist, a possession more significant to Li Xuanlong than a title jade pendant. A smile appeared on Li Wang's face.

    "Do you already have someone in your heart? Are you in love with anyone? Even if she is just a worthless beggar, I would gladly make the arrangements for you."

    "Love?"

    The young man repeated the question with a blank expression. Throughout his life, he had fought as a general serving the land, battled to find brief moments of peace before donning his armor to kill again, sometimes feeling as though all, he had left were his bow and blood. He had no time to contemplate love.

    "The feeling that makes you want to compose poetry, fight over, or wish to kiss her every time you meet?"

    Li Xuanlong shook his head immediately in response. "I'm afraid not, Your Majesty. And I don't plan on it anytime soon."

    "Good, because as royals, we should not indulge in love. It's far too dangerous."

    Li Wang's gaze turned cold, his expression hardened. Despite having numerous wives and concubines, no woman truly possessed his heart, guarding the inner palace power. Li Xuanlong's lips curved up slightly in a laugh at his brother's words, knowing well it was because of Yu Fei, the concubine whom Li Wang had loved deeply, who betrayed him so bitterly. His heart had since grown cold, never opening to anyone again.

    "The land can have only one owner. My Li Region still needs more troops and financial support for the war.”

    Li Xuanyue commanded coldly, ignoring his brother's feelings. "You will have to marry the princess of the Lian Region to unite our lands through marriage."

    "I've only heard of sending princesses as tributes, but I never thought I'd become one myself," he said with a smile. "It seems I'm being sold out."

    "Indeed, your virginity is a proposal that Lian Wang finds very appealing. The envoy I sent brought back a painting of the princess with her lips as red as ripe fruit, her eyes small, and her cheeks clear and beautiful. She's about the same age as our younger sister, Fangning. Lian Region occupies more than half of the land compared to ours. I want it."

    "What if I refuse?"

    "Then I will have to take the princess into my palace and send someone else in exchange." The two brothers stared at each other for a long moment before Li Xuanlong spoke first.

    "So, Fangning will have to marry into Lian in my place?"

    "Correct."

    "Lian Wang has no sons, no grandsons to inherit power. How can you agree to Fangning marrying an old man old enough to be her father? That man is vile, drowned in liquor and women, and bold enough to kill his wife to please his concubines. Sending her there is like sending her to suffer. I also heard that Lian Wang just sent his daughter to marry the first prince of the Yan Region. Are you going to snatch his bride? Whoever marries her will inevitably create friction with the Yan Region."

    "It's necessary. I want Lian Region’s military forces. If Fangning gives birth to a son, Lian Region will completely belong to us without losing a single soldier... And you can keep your virginity as you wish... Isn't that good?"

    Silence fell over the area, broken only by the moaning of the waves at the shore.

    "To think about it, I do feel sorry for Fangning."

    Li Wang smiled coldly He pointed at the dagger sheath strapped to his younger brother's waist. Being with the Wang is like being with a tiger. Li Xuanlong couldn't tell if that slight smile meant his brother was pleased or resentful.

    "I've seen the Yan region’s seal on the dagger by your side for ten years. I don't mind, and I know you don't like it when I command you to fight against Yan Region. But state affairs can't always consider personal feelings."

    "What are you really planning?"

    "I've been clear from the start... This involves you significantly. I know you care for Princess Yong’an, so for your sake, I spared her and chose the Lian princess as the trigger for a major war signal."

    "You shouldn't use women for such things. It's not the way of a gentleman."

    Li Wang smiled, not taking the criticism to heart. "Or do you think I should lure Princess Yong’an here to marry me instead and send Fangning in exchange? That's not a bad idea... If Princess Yong’an is a hostage here, her three brothers would be utterly powerless."

    The sea breeze and the shrill cry of hawks intensified. The Wang's closest guards shuffled uneasily. It was a while before the two noblemen moved again. Li Xuanlong slowly stood up to his full height, his eyes clearly showing his refusal to obey.

    "Your command is absurd. If you want Lian Region, I will conquer it for you... There will be no wedding for you… me… or Fangning… with anyone."

    "The wedding date has already been set. Lian Wang is sending someone to retrieve his daughter from Yan Region. And if you refuse the wedding, Fangning will have to leave at the beginning of next month," Li Wang sipped his strong liquor coolly, hiding his pleasure under an impassive face, slowly casting a fishing line. "But if you disagree, I am willing to lose face and cancel it for you."

    Prince Li Xuanlong's piercing black eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "What's the condition?"

    "Conquer the Yan Region for me."

    ............

    Jianyang, the capital of Yan Region.

    The Yan Region was entering winter. Feng trees turned vibrant orange and red. Once the wind struck, Feng leaves falling, carpeted the ground in a natural tapestry. Small red fruits blossomed on the Pingguo trees lining the clear lake, falling, and accumulating on the ground, delighting the swans and yuanyangs[3] that came to feast. Birds with various colors and little squirrels hurriedly gathered supplies for the winter. Anyone visiting the Royal Park of Yan Wang's palace was struck by the serene beauty of the scene.

    Above, on the third-floor balcony of the Pearl Tower, a figure hung over the edge. The silver earrings she wore sparkled brilliantly, challenging the sun.

    Her pale hands clung to the balcony rail; her light pink silk dress and waist-length hair fluttered in the cold breeze. Yet, the young woman did not slow down. With firm steps, she climbed down and landed softly on the ground, wiping sweat from her brow perfunctorily.

    Now seventeen, the once scruffy and dirty-faced girl, Chen Taohua, had blossomed into an incomparably beautiful woman with flawless, fragrant skin that made even the flowers turn their heads. Every man who met her gaze felt a burning desire stir within them.

    Despite her renowned beauty, the palace insiders knew Chen Taohua to be a rebellious and stubborn girl. Her adoptive father, Yan Wang, often had a hard time keeping a strict eye on her every move. But she was discreet about her mischief; sweet and well-behaved in the presence of adults, yet creating chaos when she was with her older brothers. Even Yan Shen, known for his sternness, could not control her.

    "Let's go, Su Jian. I'm in a hurry."

    The slender woman twisted her waist to relieve some stiffness. Her beautiful eyes carefully scanned the area to ensure no one was watching before she began to sneak away. However, before she could take a step, a heavy fist thumped down where her head had been moments before. She dodged just in time.

    Thump!

    Though she dodged the first punch, a second one followed swiftly, striking her squarely on the princess’ head. Chen Taohua almost screamed, turning to find Su Jian, her confidant, kneeling solemnly nearby. Su Jian's face was completely sad, but her lips curled into a wave, releasing a suppressed giggle.

    "Hua’er, you are skipping class again."

    "Third Brother, I was wrong," she said, clutching her head. Su Jian should have signaled a warning that a trap was set, since she was the first to climb down. Instead, she stayed silent as if she was on her brother’s side, waiting for the princess to descend before bursting into laughter. Eventually, Su Jian could no longer suppress it, she fell to the ground and laughed heartily.

    "Su Jian!"

    "I must beg your pardon, Princess. I cannot disobey the orders of the Third Prince."

    Yan Shijin, the Third Prince of Yan, was skilled with a halberd, having beheaded countless foes. His piercing black eyes chilled men but oddly attracted women. Known for his brutal and wild nature, he remained fierce to this day. Rumor had it he could kill surrendered soldiers without a flicker of emotion. But, in Chen Taohua’s opinion, this adoptive brother of hers was the cruelest with his words.

    The towering figure stood regally, preparing to flick his sister's forehead. "A narrow-eyed girl like you looks dumb enough already, yet you dare skip lessons."

    "Go to the warfare meeting with Third Brother," Chen Taohua said with a deadpan expression, but he wasn't fooled and flicked her forehead sharply!

    "Get back up there now. Are you going up yourself or should I kick you up?"

    "Oh, Third Brother, I've been embroidering since morning. I completed a full peony today. My eyes are nearly bursting from focusing so much. I can manage playing the zither and reciting poems, but I give up on embroidery. Please, let me go."

    "You dare to call that sloppy embroidery a peony? You've been working on a silk robe for your trousseau for five years and have only done half. In this lifetime, you're sure to end up an old maid in the palace."

    "I have no desire to get married or have a husband. It's time for me to meet with the Second Brother. Let's go, let’s go."

    "Don't be ridiculous. It's only me who has to go, not you."

    Yan Shijin tapped on his sister's skull and pushed her, so she fell backward, then walked away, but Chen Taohua followed closely. Whenever Third Brother stopped, she stopped; when he walked, she walked, causing the Third Prince to growl in annoyance as she smiled slightly, hands clasped behind her back.

    "Why are you following me? Su Jian! Take your mistress back to continue her embroidery."

    "Which is more important, embroidery or state affairs? I heard our father mention that the border conflicts are currently quite worrying. Wouldn’t it be better for me to join and perhaps contribute some good ideas, Third Brother? A little scolding is worth it if I can help the people, Father will agree with that. So, following you is the right thing to do."

    Yan Shijin laughed.

    "You're getting better at being shamelessly persuasive every day. Fine, if a monkey like you can manage a needle all day, that’s good enough." Yan Shijin tossed his heavy iron halberd to his sister. Even though Chen Taohua was strong, the halberd’s dozens jin of weight made her delicate knees buckle slightly. "Carry this halberd and escort me to the military camp. Remember, this is serious. There are several parties involved, so mind your manner."

    She passed the first test. Chen Taohua bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, Third Brother."

    "May I also accompany you?"

    Su Jian, the daughter of Deputy General Su, only fifteen, had been raised in the palace alongside Chen Taohua and served as her confidante. Naturally inclined towards excitement and adventure, hence she always followed Princess Yong’an wherever she went. Today, seeing the prince, her pretty face brightened as she secretly harbored a feeling for the Third Prince, merely admiring from afar.

    "Third Brother... I heard that the Li troops approached from four directions. Is that true?"

    "Yes, and today we’re figuring out how to deal with them."

    "And what do you think, Brother?" Chen Taohua took short steps, graceful as a willow in the wind, her movements fluid as a boat on the water. A mere glance revealed her extraordinary skills. A gifted child, she memorized every book, poem, and song she read without a miss, but she favored military strategies the most.

    The slender figure carried the halberd behind her brother, jumped onto the horse, and they galloped out of the palace. The sight was contradictory: a tiny woman bearing a heavy weapon with regal dignity, as good as a man, her beautiful eyes focused straight ahead with a clear goal. Yan Shijin, who could read people like an open book, smiled and kept silent.

    "The thing you are thinking, try asking your big brother. If he agrees, I have no objections."

    "That’s the difficult part."

    At the command camp outside the city, civilians were being recruited and trained to prepare for war. They practiced with swords and spears, selecting those who would join the combat units. Many were merely boys, and some were elderly. Chen Taohua looked around silently. Yan Shijin glanced at his sister's expression and immediately understood.

    "Do you think to oppose the war again? Unfortunately, the situation now is not such that if we want to stop fighting, the other side will agree to stop too."

    "I understand."

    "But your expression doesn’t match your words. I accept your intelligence, but if you can’t let go of a woman’s sensitivities, the advisor role you desire will be difficult to fulfill."

    "I don’t want to be an advisor at all."

    "Then what do you want to be? Tell me. You reject the matchmaking and refuse to marry as our father commands. What is your goal? Tell me, or I won’t let you in."

    The slender figure didn’t intend to hide anything, so she replied with a stoic face, "I want to go to the Li Region."

    The young woman's answer made the Third Prince choke. "You intend to marry Li Wang?"

    "Not at all. I want to kick someone’s bottom. Since that time... it’s been nearly ten years till I was allowed into a military camp again. I think now is the right time."

    "Kick someone’s bottom... Who are you going to kick?"

    Chen Taohua threw the halberd back to her brother. Yan Shijin raised his eyebrows questioningly as Chen Taohua and Su Jian rode away. He scratched his neck in confusion because ever since she was little, Chen Taohua never touched womanly arts, learning just enough for appearances, her mind always focused on military strategies.

    "Sigh, she gets more peculiar every year."

    The tall figure spurred his horse to follow. The little peach blossom wanted to kick someone in Li Region so badly she put in much effort—it must be that old nemesis from ten years ago. Yan Shijin guessed easily that it had to be that man.

    "Hua'er..."

    Yan Shijin rode after his sister to see her reaction. "I heard Li Wang’s younger brother is very handsome, but less so than me. I’ve faced him on the battlefield several times. His skills are adequate but still far below mine."

    "My third brother is the best," she clapped coldly.

    "As the saying goes, ‘Revenge is a dish best-served cold.’ If I meet him in this war, I’ll kick his butt for you."

    The slender figure dismounted and was about to walk away, but when she heard her brother’s words, her tiny legs halted, and her skirt fluttered. Yan Shijin was inwardly pleased, thinking finally his sister had grown into a \woman, but Chen Taohua turned around with a serious face.

    "His butt is off-limits to you, Third Brother. The only one who can kick that man's butt is me."

    With that, the slender figure walked on, leaving Third Brother standing puzzled. Usually, teasing a young woman about a handsome man would make her blush or smile shyly, but Chen Taohua wanted to kick that man’s butt. Her temperament was so fierce it hardly seemed feminine at all. He shook his head, unable to understand women, but after a few steps, the young man paused…

    Or could this be the peach blossom’s way of courting a man?

    ...................

    Princess Yong’an's second challenge is her second brother... Yan Sanqi.

    Yan Sanqi was practicing martial arts, grabbing half a brick and easily crushing it to dust in his hands. The soldiers training with him cheered. Although this stepbrother had an ordinary face, Yan Sanqi was the largest, strongest, and most fearsomely radiant of the generals. Anyone facing him felt as if he was confronting a mountain. The dragon spear he wielded weighed eighty jin, his prowess evident since he was only eighteen. If Chen Taohua had to choose an opponent, she would face this brother last.

    In truth, there is only one person who can subdue the second brother, and that is Zhen Mei Furen. Though she is so small, she can take down giants with ease. No matter how thunderous Yan Sanqi likes to be. When Zhen Mei is in front of him, the Dragon Spear of Yan speaks softly and tenderly instantly.

    "Second Brother, I'm here," Chen Taohua approached, picking up a brick and trying to squeeze it, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't break it. "I'm still no match for Second Brother's strength."

    "Sneaking around here again. Father will scold us again. Go, go back, this is not a place for women."

    "I didn’t sneak here, and I'm not here to play either. Third Brother allowed me to come."

    The person Chen Taohua was talking about had already walked away, leaving the responsibility to the Second Brother to handle what comes next. The soldiers who saw the princess all stood straighter, the young ones taking off their helmets to reveal their faces, and the older ones stroking their beards to appear composed, forgetting their duties momentarily as they gazed at Chen Taohua like a butterfly drawn to moonlight. Yan Sanqi thought that it could disgrace the Princess of Yan, he then glared and shooed the soldiers away before moving his large frame like a giant, blocking his sister's path.

    "Go back to the palace, Hua'er. Father strictly forbids you from meddling in matters of war. Don't make it difficult for your brothers."

    "Here is the permit from Father," Chen Taohua quickly pulled out a jade seal from her sleeve to show him, then swiftly tucked it away again. "I am also a sibling of yours, a citizen of Yan as well. Our home is currently in peril, why should we separate duties by gender now?"

    Her words sounded reasonable, but Yan Sanqi still blocked the way, spreading his hands in front of her. "Show me Father's jade seal again."

    "Second Brother, don’t you trust me?"

    "If I trusted, would I ask to see it? Hand it over quickly." Yan Sanqi gestured. She hesitated but ultimately had to comply and hand over the jade seal. Before Yan Sanqi could take it, he knocked on his sister's head with a flick.

    "Lying with such a straight face, how could I not know? I know all your tricks. You’ve been falsely claiming Father’s name since you were little."

    The so-called jade seal was just a piece of green-painted stone—a shallow trick of a stupid child. He had seen this trick many times before, but this peach blossom kept using it; even Yan Wang had to secretly order a change to a red jade seal to prevent the Princess from using such tricks a long time ago.

    "I won't allow you to interfere with military affairs anymore. Ever since that baby turtle caught you as a hostage, Father kept bringing it up and scolding me almost every month. Now you're grown up, ready to be married. If you get caught like last time..."

    "What will happen if I get caught again, Second Brother?" Chen Taohua pretended to ask innocently, making Yan Sanqi flustered. He couldn't raise his voice, fearing disgracing his sister, so he leaned down and whispered softly.

    "Have you forgotten, pig brain? You were only seven then, and he dared to take liberties with you."

    The delicate figure waved dismissively, "I don't hold a grudge."

    "But I do! I’ve been hunting to chop off his hands for ten years, avenging you!"

    Chen Taohua rolled her eyes, not understanding why her brother was so angry when she was merely injured, "Let's do this, Second Brother. If you can crush that pile of bricks, I'll go back to the palace."

    "Haha, very easy. You challenged the wrong person, Hua'er." Yan Sanqi immediately went and crushed the pile of bricks, creating a path for Chen Taohua to walk. She gracefully walked past another barrier.

    "Greetings to my big brother," the delicate figure stepped inside the general's tent, bowing gracefully, but before she could straighten up, a furious voice exploded.

    "Who allowed you to come here and play? Go back now."

    The third barrier... The first prince, Yan Shen, stepped out of the meeting to push his sister to return. However, Chen Taohua not only refused to go back but also resisted her brother's forceful arm, striding casually to sit behind, away from the soldier meeting table but close enough to hear the conversation. Yan Shen found it irritating, but the little peach blossom gave him a bright smile, leaving a brother like him unable to do anything. Yan Shen then turned to glare at his third brother instead, but he simply shrugged, unbothered, and took his place among the three generals.

    "Big Brother, you won’t win an argument with her. Soon you’ll be pampering her as usual."

    Yan Yan Shijin stretched his legs across the table and lifted his chair legs. Being a bachelor, he was relaxed, and although Yan Shen might feel annoyed, his tone softened when he turned to his sister.

    "Hua'er, have you eaten yet? Take my cloak before you catch a cold. Oh, and did Su Jian bring the hand warmer?"

    The tall figure eagerly poured some hot tea and wrapped his sister in a fox fur cloak. Chen Taohua tried to pull the cloak off as her brother wrapped her up. "It's starting to get cold, I told you to wear something warm, but you didn’t. Su Jian, once you get back to the palace, hurry and bring the clothes I ordered for her."

    "Yes, First Prince."

    "Big brother, it’s just the start of winter. I get hot easily and still feel quite comfortable. You go back to your meeting. I just want to sit here and listen. I won’t disturb you."

    "Have you finished your embroidery work yet?"

    "You ask without thinking. You’ve been asking for five years, and her answer has always been that she’s finished one peony flower," Yan Sanqi chuckled as he stepped inside. "Hua'er, I’ve crushed the entire pile of bricks, you can go back now. Don't make me have to tie you up and send you back to the palace."

    "No need to worry, Second Brother, I’ll return for sure," Chen Taohua sipped her tea calmly, her expression unreadable. "I'll go back with Big Brother then. Second Brother don’t waste time talking. Finish the meeting quickly so Big Brother can take me back, alright?"

    "The slickness of her words definitely comes from Third Brother."

    He pointed an accusing finger at his sister before stomping heavily to his seat among the three generals. Yan Shijin, caught in the crossfire, exclaimed in surprise. Chen Taohua ignored her brothers' grumbling. She sat quietly, reading military reports, with Su Jian fanning beside her.

    The meeting commenced with a serious atmosphere, the mood suddenly heavy and tense. No more playful banter was heard. Although Chen Taohua wasn’t part of the meeting, she followed every word closely. Ever since a plan for an invasion by the Li Region was revealed, the great Yan Region had mobilized troops to the borders to prepare.

    "The northern and western borders adjoin Li Region. Our scouts report that Li’s troops have crossed the mountains into our borders and will likely arrive within the next week."

    "There are two more troops on the eastern front."

    "Those Lian people are treacherous." Lately, Yan Shen was in a bad mood, since the Yan Region wanted an alliance to confront the increasing strength of the Li Region. Therefore, the first prince had to accept a political marriage with Princess Wencheng of Lian.

    Less than three months after the wedding, Lian Region abandoned Princess Wencheng, switching allegiance to Li Region by pretending to send diplomats to demand her return. Certainly, Yan Wang would never let them dishonor him, he killed the diplomats, which gave Lian Wang a pretext to openly join Li Region after that. This left Princess Wencheng to face a grim fate alone. Chen Taohua had seen Princess Wencheng once during the wedding ceremony last year. She was unfriendly and had a deeply malicious personality, making Chen Taohua reluctant to involve herself with her.

    "Our problem now is who will handle the fourth troop."

    Everyone was troubled as the decades-long war had claimed the lives of many senior generals. The younger generation that had stepped up, other than the three princes, were not skilled enough to handle the situation. The vulnerability in this battle was that all four troops needed to hold the enemy at bay and push them back. If one troop faltered, no other could detach to assist, opening a path for the enemy to breach Jianyang, the capital of Yan Region, with ease.

    "Who's leading the troops, big brother?"

    "Li Wang commands the main troop. I'll handle him myself," Yan Shen moved pieces on the warboard. "You, Third Brother will deal with General Sang Gu."

    "Old man Sang Gu again?" Yan Shijin scowled instantly. Despite his age, Sang Gu was formidable and stubborn, a tough nut to crack, completely unpleasing to the eye. He wanted to request a change, but his elder brother had already arranged for him to confront the old man’s troop.

    "Stop your grumbling. I will assign two more units to you," Yan Shen assessed that the eastern front was the most concerning. "As for you, Second Brother, you need to handle two troops, approaching from two directions with a total of about sixty thousand. You have only thirty thousand. Can you manage it?"

    "If I must, I must. But first, I need to know who the generals are."

    "Li Xuanlong and Yuan Shi of Lian."

    The Yan Region had three renowned generals, and other regions had excellent generals. Just dealing with Yuan Shi of Lian was difficult enough, and now adding Prince Li Xuanlong, a skilled archer of Li Region, made it doubly challenging.

    "We might need to promote one of the five thousand commanders to a general. Does anyone volunteer?"

    "I volunteer," someone quickly responded. Everyone turned in shock to see that it was Princess Yong’an! The slender figure clasped her hand to pay respect, declaring with an earnest voice, "I will handle Li Xuanlong myself."

    The peach blossom was truly out to kick some backsides. The Third Prince, Yan Shijin, clapped loudly, utterly pleased.

    "What was that you said earlier, Hua'er? I didn’t catch that."

    "I... will... lead... the... troop."

    Chen Taohua spoke slowly and clearly. Yan Shen slammed his hand on the table and stood up, objecting loudly as soon as he recovered from his shock.

    "No! I do not permit this. This is not a joke. I have always disagreed with a woman like you involving herself in war. I will not accept this. Su Jian! Take the princess back." Yan Shen was furiously upset, but the young woman remained composed. She rolled up the military records and tossed them casually into her hand, her eyes sparkling fiercely.

    "Big brother, everything in nature is crafted uniquely. No two pieces of jade are identical, just as Zitan and Huangyang wood is suited for carving Buddha statues but not for making cart shafts. I know well what I am suited for and what I dislike. Won't any of you give me a chance?"

    "No means no. No matter how you persuade me, I will not relent this time."

    Yan Shen's face turned pale with rage, knowing full well that once the peach blossom declared something, she would make it happen! "Real warfare is not like a chess you play. Even seasoned warriors like us struggle against Li Xuanlong. You are just a kid, moreover, you are a woman. I categorically forbid it."

    "Then I am willing to be tested."

    Chen Taohua’s expression remained calm, she smiled faintly. "The martial skills of all three of my brothers are unmatched by others. Let one of you represent. If I lose the duel, I am willing to return to embroider the peonies for the rest of my life and never interfere with military affairs. But if I win, you must cease opposing my decision."

    "I will do it," Yan Sanqi stood up, his expression fierce, his towering frame radiated an intimidating atmosphere at Chen Taohua. "Big brother is always soft on you, and third brother is harsh but kind-hearted. I am the right choice."

    "As you see fit, Second Brother."

    "What form will this duel take?"

    The graceful young woman rose slowly, bowed respectfully, then locked eyes fiercely with her opponent, not showing any sign of surrendering to the opponent.

    "Second Brother is second to none in martial prowess. So, to avoid any accusations, I choose a test of martial skill."

[1] It's a sarcastic remark that one learns many extraordinary skills, sweating blood to study, yet it's all for naught because dragons don't exist.

[2] According to Chinese beliefs, if a man wants healthy descendants, both physically and mentally, he should restrain ejaculation during intercourse to enhance his vital energy (Yangqi). Then, he should save it for the most optimal day, which is the fifth day after a woman's menstrual cycle ends when her vital energy (Yinqi) is at its peak. Li Xuanlong cited this reason, but Li Wang knew it was an excuse since his younger brother wasn't married yet, so he was saving his Yangqi for no one.

[3] Mandarin duck.