Chapter 5: Li Xuanlong

    In the morning, as usual, Yan Wang was reviewing documents in the Literary Hall. In his hand was a report from the first prince, freshly delivered for his perusal. He read through the military dispatches until a name, Deputy General Yang Gao, caught his eye and provoked a burst of laughter. This was a name unfamiliar to him, suddenly proposed and endorsed by three great generals. It seemed this person was no ordinary soldier.

    “Whose protege is this? Or perhaps a common soldier who has risen through the ranks?”

    “Uh…, one can say so, Your Majesty.”

    “Clarify that for me.”

    “This deputy general, uh… he is the son of a skilled soldier, and volunteered to serve the region, uh…”

    The Chancellor of Defense, responsible for military forces, supplies, and weapon management, bowed deeply before wiping sweat from his brow. Yan Wang awaited an answer while reviewing and annotating the report, his handwriting firm and authoritative. He then stamped his personal seal to formally appoint the position for Deputy General Yang Gao, granting him his official title of…

    “Hmm… I've never met this man. I still can't think of a suitable name for him. What does he look like? To be able to get into the devilish troops is quite intriguing.”

    “Uh…”

    “Sigh! Enough of your stammering. It's time for my son to lead the troops to the border. Come with me to send them off from the city wall. I want to see him for myself.”

    “With utmost respect, Your Majesty.”

    Today was the inspection day, and the troops were to move to the border amidst cold winds and light snowfall, signaling the harsh season ahead. Yan Wang went to the city wall of Jianyang to rally the troops, as was traditional.

    The three princes, dressed in full armor, sat on horseback at the front of their troops, hands clasped in salute, while soldiers kneeled in silence, heads bowed until given permission to look up. The war drums stirred the spirits, heating up the atmosphere progressively.

    Citizens and soldiers' families crowded the city gates to offer their support. Yan Shen, as the chief general, loudly declared the military laws in the vast assembly area that went silent at his commanding presence.

    “Declare the Yan military orders! Steal from another… execute! Cause disputes, show cowardice, desert the troops… execute! Report late or fall asleep on duty… execute! Neglect duties or disobey orders… execute! Rob or harm civilians… execute!”

    The word ‘execute’ echoed louder than the war drums. The hundred thousand of soldiers stood as still as statues. Yan Wang found it odd and tilted his head to question the Chancellor of Defense.

    “The first prince missed one rule… where was the prohibition against bringing women into the troop?”

    “Uh… The prince might have inadvertently missed it. I… It’s time for the inspection now, Your Majesty. Please this way.” Just hearing it, he knew the man replied evasively. Yan Wang pointed at the Chancellor of Defense as a reprimand before moving towards the raised platform.

    “I am Yan Wang.” The voice of the region’s ruler was resonant, eyes fierce. “Look up at your families. Your ultimate goal is not just to fight for me, but you are risking your lives to protect the ones you love.”

    Some soldiers were new fathers, others the children of aging parents, some recently married. The law of war dictates that the vanquished become slaves, branded and stripped of their rights to be human. As they saw their families, their grip on their sword hilts burned with fervor, until all eyes were fixated on their master with utmost loyalty and dedication.

    “This battle will be tougher than any before. The forces of Li Wang and the Lian Region have reached the Zhiguang plains. There shall be the place of judgment! If you let them cross these plains, Yan Region will meet its end!”

    The strategic location of Yan Region’s capital lies in the vast plains, a landscape filled with natural barriers like cliffs, dense forests, and ponds, serving as the capital's defenses. The hills divide the path to the plains into four directions, clearly delineating the battlefield. Each troop's duty is to hold back the enemy and push them out. This task is daunting as our forces are clearly outnumbered. The new soldiers, therefore, displayed their anxiety.

    However, when they looked up and met the gaze of their master, combined with the fierce courage of the three princes, everyone's blood boiled as hot as iron in fire.

    Yan Wang drew his sword from its sheath, reflected the sunlight, gleaming brightly above the towering walls, “Protect your homes, your families, your land! Drive them all out!”

    The roar of hundreds of thousands of soldiers shook the city walls, and the blowing of the cow horns from the Horns Unit resounded, signaling the flags of various troops to bring victory back.

    Yan Wang scanned his three princes, who bowed and issued orders to advance. He noticed a tall, impressive officer in shining silver armor from head to toe, curiously wearing an old man mask, riding on a horse, following Yan Sanqi as a deputy general.

    “Is that Deputy General Yang Gao? He is as big as Second Prince.”

    “Uh… Yes, Your Majesty. I thought the same.” the chancellor replied with a nervous smile, His heart almost dropped. Yan Wang admired the demeanor of the new deputy general, surely a protege of the second prince. If he returns with achievements, he will be handsomely rewarded.

    “Yang Gao! Step forward.”

    He called out loudly, startling the three princes who turned to see their sister jumping down from her horse. It was on Chen Taohua, whether they would be reprimanded by their father in front of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

    “I, Yang Gao, accept the command, Your Majesty.”

    “I’ve never heard of you before. What’s the reason for hiding your face?”

    “I wish to prove myself, Your Majesty.”

    “To prove yourself?”

    “Many who know me do not believe I can go to war. I have three brothers also fighting in this battle, all well-known for their achievements. This time, I want to earn honor for my father. If I succeed, I shall return for rewards; if I fail, I’m content to be known as the foolish lamb for the rest of my life. Please support me, Your Majesty.”

    Deputy General Yang Gao knelt, clasping his hands in a brave gesture. Yan Wang, watching from a distance, felt admiration.

    “Good! As brave as any, fighting to honor your father is the mark of a filial child. I will wait for you to bring back victory. If your deeds catch my eye, I will grant you land and a plaque to honor your family.”

    “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will not disappoint you.”

    The old armor given by Yan Sanqi was not light, but Chen Taohua endured it, her steps firm. Those unaware might think this Deputy General was a formidable, massive figure, even the old man’s mask adding a terrifying aspect to her appearance, even considered intimidating to her own people. After receiving her official commission seal from Yan Wang, including permission to go to war, Chen Taohua swiftly mounted her horse and set off immediately with Yan Sanqi.

    “So mischievous! When you return, I shall ask father to tie you to the loom.”

    Chen Taohua did not respond but raised her hand to cover her mouth, pretending to laugh heartily. Yan Sanqi shook his head because, indeed, the armor and the old man's mask were intimidating, but her playful gestures made it even more chilling.

    "Where has the princess gone? I haven't seen her at all today. She usually never misses the troop inspection ceremony."

    Yan Wang, went on the battlements to send brave soldiers to the battlefield, felt uneasy and inquired about his adopted daughter. All the ministers and officials scurried away from the area, leaving him to frown as if sensing something was amiss.

    "Where is Su Jian?"

    Normally, Su Jian would be constantly chatting by the princess's side, but now there was complete silence. The more time passed, the more anxious he became, compelling him to rush to the edge of the city wall to get a clear view of the new deputy general. And it became clear...

    Su Jian, dressed like a soldier, rode a horse closely behind Deputy General Yang Gao like a shadow. The person she followed could be none other than Princess Yong'an, the beauty of Yan Region.

    "That stubborn child!" Yan Wang erupted like a volcano, shouting angrily to have Chen Taohua brought back.

    "Did the princess hear something?" Su Jian glanced back towards the Jianyang City, dressed like a man and cautious of her surroundings. Hearing a thunderous shout from behind, she felt an unending chill.

    "It’s nothing. Let’s go, Su Jian. From now on, you must call me Deputy General."

    Her slight figure spurred the horse, hurrying before she could be dragged back to the palace. Now surrounded by troops in marching dust, the common soldiers, unfamiliar with Deputy General Yang Gao, recoiled at her imposing figure and terrifying smile of an old man mask, they all looked fearful.  Meanwhile, General Yan Sanqi, as usual, rode confidently with his arms crossed but kept glaring at his sister intermittently.

    Do not remove the mask! Do not take off the armor!

    Yan Sanqi intended for his younger sister to only stay in the camp and had no plans to call her to the battlefield. However, he then received an urgent order from their father, summoning Princess Yong'an back. The tall figure looked as if he was about to die as he read the lengthy reprimand Yan Wang had sent with a brush stroke. After handing the command scroll to Chen Taohua, the bright eyes that shone like stars hidden beneath the old man's mask showed no emotion as she continued to ride boldly forward.

    "Yang Gao, with such a command, I fear I must send you back now. Go... just go."

    "Wait, General, the order states that we have to bring Princess Yong’an back, but there is no Princess Yong’an here at all, Your Highness."

    the deputy general with the old man mask responded coldly. Yan Sanqi held his forehead. Well…, she was right. There is no Yong’an here, only Yang Gao. An unreasonable response, but it will do. Yan Sanqi then exhaled loudly through his nose, pretended to look left and right, and called out for Princess Yong’an three times before waving to dismiss the noble who had run to deliver the orders.

    "Head back and report to His Majesty that the Princess is not in my troop."

    "Understood, Your Highness," the nobleman nearly fainted but dared not question further, managing only a bow before departing disheartened.

    ...................

    The first snow of the season fell silently, like fine rice powder, gradually becoming heavier like the feathers of the gooses swirling in the air, covering the battlefield and the mountains in glistening silver, reflecting sunlight, awaiting to be stained with blood.

    The main command center of Li was located on Mount Matang, divided into four troops. The main troop had Li Xuanyue as a commander of the east, General Sang Gu in charge of attacking the north, General Yuan Shi of Lian Region managing the south, and Li Xuanlong controlling the most treacherous western terrain. The deadly dense forest and the hardest route to the attack.

    Above the sky, a spy hawk spread its wings, circling around the battlefield, reading directions and informing its master of enemy movements. The young general's formidable figure stood on the cliff edge, the same spot from ten years ago, though his mind was now clouded with various thoughts.

    The tree where he once hung that young girl still stood unchanged. As he gazed at it, memories of that day overlaid before him as if happening right now. His spy embedded in Yan Region periodically assured that she was well, unharmed, and importantly, not yet wed.

    Not yet wed...

    His strong hand often subconsciously gripped the dagger at his waist when deep in thought, and now, he pondered its owner.

    The mischievous princess probably forgot about this little dagger... Or maybe she hadn't, but couldn't leave the palace. So incapable. The young man smirked, imagining what the scruffy little princess might look like now—perhaps wild and robust like Yan Sanqi or transformed into a demure lady. And why hasn’t she married yet? No... It’s probably for the best. Who would want someone with such a sharp tongue and stoic face? The handsome man with sharp facial features thought to this point and couldn't help but smile, admitting Chen Taohua was a significant reason he had avoided conflict with Yan Region.

    "Prince... General Yuan Shi has reported that everything is ready. There was a minor skirmish at the southern pass, but no issues arose."

    "Hmm."

    His camp was on high alert, guards armed and in formation, standing motionless. The high-status man shifted his gaze back to the large tree in front, to the branches he once used to hang her. It was ridiculous, enduring a decade on the battlefield just to be forced into marrying some princess from the Lian Region. How would that little girl look, if she knew he returned to demolish her Yan Region just to keep his younger sister from marrying an old man? The narrow-eyed girl would probably glance at him with the demeanor of a queen and call him ‘a selfish fool’.

    "Prince... About the order from the Wang that you are to marry the princess from Lian... She was already wed to Prince Yan Shen, but Lian Wang changed his mind and wants to retrieve her and give her to you. Yan Wang was furious, killed the Lian envoys, and thus Lian Wang used this as an excuse to join us in attacking Yan Region. Uh, so, I think..."

    “If I can seize Yan Region as agreed; everything will resolve itself. I only hope to be able to help Fangning and to ensure that that foolish girl doesn’t get dragged into this power struggle.”

    If Yan Region becomes conquered, Yan Wang and his three sons will have to die. How heartbroken would the little peach blossom be...

    The young man whistled, calling the hawk back down with a sense of boredom. He was tired of warfare; it was a deep, bone-weary tiredness, yet he didn’t know what he would do after laying down his arms. All he could think of was to fight until his death. That was his life. A deceitful existence like that of Lian Wang. It wouldn’t be long before he would surely behead him.

    “I know you do not care for Princess Lian, but I would like to suggest that since Your Highness has brought your troops to attack Yan Region, consider it like returning a dagger directly to its owner, perhaps?”

    Meet with the dagger’s owner?

    The prince’s dark, cold eyes sparkled suddenly. Last time she had come to him, so this time he would go to her. The high-status man thought of Chen Taohua’s face; he could imagine her plump cheeks flaming with anger. Just thinking about it made him laugh with satisfaction.

    “Move the troops faster. We must reach our campsite before sundown.”

    “Everything will be ready as planned, Your Highness.”

    Zhu Zi, now a deputy general, clasped his hand to salute. Li Xuanlong looked towards a hill concealed in the mountain folds to the left of the Yan Region military camp. That was the critical point of this battle. His stern expression lost all boredom.

    “Take advantage of this moment and seize that hill. Make sure Yan Sanqi’s scouts don't catch us. I will give him a surprise.”

    “Yes, Your Highness,” Zhu Zi moved to execute the order, deploying five thousand troops in staggered waves to avoid detection. Both sides had already laid out extensive intelligence networks across the battlefield, and Li Xuanlong wanted to gain the upper hand.

    The young man rolled his favorite book, tapping it in his palm a few times. His sharp eyes scanned the troop formations; hundreds of thousands of soldiers were ready and waiting for a command to fight. As the battlefield extended deep into the mountain ranges, Li soldiers had to use giant gongs to communicate sequentially, spreading messages. Curiously, the troops of Yan Region were unusually quiet.

    ...............

    Meanwhile, the battle flags of Yan Region fluttered, challenging the wind. The cold air smacked each face, sending shivers through them. Chen Taohua arrived with the forces of Yan Sanqi. The soldiers organized into regiments and battalions, forming a large square formation. Several hundred patrol commanders stepped forward, kneeling sternly to await orders.

    The slender figure surveyed the terrain before her, she was silent for a long while. The beautiful face under the ugly mask and armor stared specifically at the hill she had once climbed alone. There, Li’s flags fluttered, and further south, Lian’s flags rose, marking a two-front battle that Yan Sanqi had to face.

    "Look... Li Xuanlong and that pup Yuan Shi are throwing their full force at us. They think they can storm in and finish it all at once! Such underestimation. Alright, you thick-skulled, don't just stand there dumbly. Get moving and welcome them."

    Yan Sanqi slammed his Dragon Spear on the ground, his eyes fiercely spirited. A man like him never asked how many enemy soldiers there were, just where they were, and then he would charge. But Chen Taohua held back for a moment.

    "They arrived before us. Those who enter the battlefield first and wait tend to be fresh, while those who rush into a hasty battle wear out. We've just traveled far and should also hurry to prepare. Please consider this."

    "That's true indeed."

    The soldiers in this troop were all conscripts, including quite many young rookies and old men. Human nature tends to be energetic in the morning, weary by midday, and exhausted by evening. Thus, an expert avoids entering a fight when tired. Knowing this, Li Xuanlong seized the moment to speedily fortify the camp, ordering the troops to rest as much as possible.

    "Allocate three thousand soldiers; the rest should prepare to set up camp and rest," Chen Taohua gestured while ordering, but Yan Sanqi disagreed.

    "Allocate soldiers where? You should ask for my permission before you plan anything."

    "Of course, you are the hero of this battle," the old man mask grinned, the fake white beard dangling comically from the chin of the mask seemed amusing. However, anyone who locked eyes with the fierce and beautiful eyes hidden beneath the mask would feel a shiver down their spine. Chen Taohua glanced towards the command camp on that hill with a fierce murderous intent; Li Xuanlong, who was there, suddenly sneezed heavily three times without reason.

    "You, General, are a man, but I am not. Since that side is already encourage their forces, we should block them, shouldn't we? Three thousand soldiers will be more than enough."

    "No, no, I won't let you go. I will go myself."

    Chen Taohua clasped her hand and bowed in respect, "Good luck, General. Take care."

    Yan Sanqi paused briefly before laughing, he was pleased. "Hua... Yang Gao, you are bold. All this talk, and you dare command a general? Well, well, this time I'll agree because I appreciate your good idea."

    Yan Sanqi commanded three thousand soldiers to assemble massively, which misled Li's forces into thinking Yan Sanqi was preparing for an immediate attack. This prompted them to hastily mobilize their resting troops into a defensive chaos.

    It was Chen Taohua's first full-scale battle. Seeing the movements of the opposing forces, her heart couldn't help but burn.

    "Watch and learn, Yang Gao. The opponent you desire is right in front of you. We have the advantage of position; they have the advantage of numbers. Assessing each general’s capabilities, there’s no better condition than this. Now the snow is falling harder, they will surely press an attack from day one."

    "You seem to enjoy war greatly."

    Chen Taohua spoke slowly, her voice hoarse through the mask, as the snow continued to fall steadily. Even though the soldiers wore double layers, they still felt the biting cold. Chen Taohua caught a snowflake in her leather-gloved hand, watching it melt. "Generals must feel the same way."

    Yan Sanqi laughed loudly,

    "It depends on why one enters the battlefield—whether it's duty, a love for tactics, or a penchant for slaughter. For me... I enjoy war because it's exciting. The strong are always subdued by someone stronger, and so it goes on. That's what makes war thrilling. Yang Gao... you too have your reasons for being here, don’t you? The Third Brother has already told me. What you plan isn’t something that can be done as simply as playing a game of chess in the palace."

    Chen Taohua did not argue because it was true. War is like a living thing, unpredictable until the battle begins, and no one knows what the outcome will be. But one crucial thing is whether one can ignite the fuel at the right moment. Both troops had their respective advantages, so it depended on who could seize the upper hand first.

    "You stay in the camp and serve as my strategist."

    Yan Sanqi set clear boundaries for his sister. Chen Taohua said nothing, and Su Jian observed her mistress’s demeanor silently, feeling an odd trepidation growing inside.

    As Yan Sanqi's troops arrived, they immediately set up camp, built fires, deployed scouts, secured the perimeter, dug water wells, set up tents, and organized patrolling troops. Chen Taohua and her brother, accompanied by another hundred cavalrymen, surveyed the battlefield surroundings.

    "How many soldiers are under my command?"

    "Deputy General..., five thousand soldiers," replied a battalion commander named Shen Tao who bowed while answering, after which she turned to look at her brother who immediately shook his head.

    "Forget it. I will not allow you to go. If you dare defy the orders, I will consider it a breach of military discipline and execute you!"

    "This servant of your will certainly respects and obeys the orders of the general."

    Chen Taohua pointed towards a hill that was deep within and away from the battlefield, the same location Li Xuanlong intended to seize as well. "That point is Mount Liang. I request for a troop to set up a diversionary camp there to pressure the Li forces... a thousand soldiers should suffice."

    Yan Sanqi considered the location Chen Taohua was pointing to. The point she wanted to go to was indeed not bad; it was to the left of the main camp and far from the battlefield, also usable for misleading the enemy. Her choice to set up camp and handle enemy troops there showed her strategic expertise. The terrain was a small plain surrounded by steep valleys, with only narrow entrances and exits—ideal for ambushing enemies. If the opportunity arose, archers could shoot from high ground, driving the enemy into a panic as they congested in the narrow exits, waiting to be slaughtered.

    "If we can lure that man’s troop here and kill them, we will gain an immediate advantage. Or if he doesn't fall for the deception, at least the diversionary camp will impact his decisions."

    If they could pin Li Xuanlong's forces in place, Yan Sanqi could fully engage with Yuan Shi’s forces. Therefore, Yan Sanqi granted her request. "You hold your position there, use tactics to mislead the opposition into thinking reinforcements are continually entering the camp."

    "Understood, Your Highness,"

    Deputy General Yang Gao acknowledged the order, her eyes gleaming beautifully. The silver armor she wore was heavy, but throughout the march, he had never heard her complain. Yan Sanqi tried to read his sister’s thoughts but was hindered by the old man mask she wore, which seemed to irk him unreasonably.

    "Do you want to increase it to two thousand? I can spare more men for you."

    "Thank you, Your Highness, but it is unnecessary. I only ask for a thousand."

    Since his sister insisted, Yan Sanqi did not push further. Chen Taohua wanted only a thousand soldiers from Deputy General Yang Gao’s division, but it would be a thousand capable enough to make a significant impact on the battlefield. After selecting the finest thousand soldiers from the army to follow Chen Taohua, Yan Sanqi then turned his focus to Li Xuanlong's forces across the battlefield, unaware that he was unleashing a tiger into the woods.