bronze goblet

Learning that Yang Qiong already had someone in mind depressed Zhong Lüping for several days. However, it was somewhat comforting to know early on. She couldn't help but be curious about the woman he liked.

Yang Qiong, from a famous general's family, was handsome and skilled in the Yang family spear technique, even impressing her, a sheltered lady unfamiliar with martial arts. He was also gentle, spoke little, and took initiative, earning respect from the people. Perhaps even Cui Yi couldn't compare.

What kind of woman would such a man like?

"Miss Cheng, the woman Yang Qiong likes...," Chi Ying paused her spinning wheel, her expression tinged with sadness, "She is a wonderful girl, a year older than me. Her father was a high-ranking official during the previous emperor's reign, known for his literary talents and reputation. Her mother was a disciple of a renowned physician, saving lives. Sister Cheng possesses her father's literary talent and generosity and her mother's kindness and medical skills. She saved both Yang Qiong's and Lord Wang's lives and helped the two thousand Yan Prefecture troops survive an epidemic."

Zhong Lüping listened with wide eyes, "So impressive! Where is this Sister Cheng now? Could it be...?"

Chi Ying smiled bitterly, whispering, "Despite our sisterhood, I don't know if she's alive or dead."

Zhong Lüping fell silent, her face filled with sympathy, "Beautiful women often suffer misfortune. Such an extraordinary woman in this world is bound to endure various hardships. Without someone to cherish her, it's a great tragedy."

"Yes, but..." Even if someone cherished her, it was Zhai Rang, not Yang Qiong. Chi Ying slowly turned the spinning wheel, lost in thought.

Yang Qiong was too late. Who knows if they had a chance in the previous life or if they were like her brother Changsun Pei with Rong Shi and her sister Changsun Lingfang with Zhong Wei, enjoying love in the past life but unable to be together in this one.

Her rebirth had changed too many people and events. Emperor Jianwen died prematurely, Cui Jie ascended the throne, Cui Yi was demoted, and Yang Qiong, originally part of the Crown Prince's faction, became Yan Prefecture's commander. Guo Mao, intending to join the Wu King, replaced Shan Jian as Cui Jie's chief strategist. Families like Xie, Zhong, Ye, Rong, Tang, and Cheng were drawn into the conflict. Starting with the idea to change sides, more and more people were involved. Now, Cui Yi and Zhong Yuanshan were attacking Xu Prefecture, and the situation was spiraling out of control, every step fraught with danger.

Chi Ying looked up at the falling paulownia flowers, reminiscing about her three-year marriage to Cui Yi and their two-year-old daughter. In two years, it would be the White Dragon Ridge battle where Cui Yi died, followed by her own death in the cold palace, and the annihilation of the Changsun family.

Could the tragic end of the previous life be changed?

Could the people around her live safely and peacefully?

Step by step, she had come this far, trusting Cui Yi was her only option.

At this moment, on the battlefield of Xu Prefecture, Zhong Yuanshan led the Jiangzhou naval forces westward along the river, overwhelming the enemy. Governor Xie Xiao of Xu Prefecture was terrified, sending multiple letters accusing the Zhong family of betrayal. Zhong Yuanshan ignored them, capturing four or five cities and advancing to Xu Prefecture's gates.

Simultaneously, Cui Yi personally led ten thousand Yan Prefecture troops southward, gradually occupying territories. Every city captured received reinforcements, and within two months, Baili Zan dispatched seven thousand additional troops southward. Yan Prefecture and Jiangzhou Prefecture continuously recruited soldiers, and Zhong Yuanshan and Cui Yi incorporated nearly twenty thousand Xu Prefecture troops. According to Zhong Yuanshan's plan, Yang Qiong led five thousand troops south to replace the deputy commander. Ten thousand Xu Prefecture troops were sent to Yan Prefecture's borders, and Baili Zan reorganized the surrendered troops, dispersing them among small units and replacing their commanders with Cui Yi's trusted officers, all managed by Cao Qian.

Xu Prefecture, long free from warfare, had undisciplined soldiers who were easily defeated. Within two months, Yan Prefecture and Jiangzhou troops occupied most coastal counties, ensuring secure supply lines for logistics and food.

On June 27th of the second year of Qisheng, Emperor Cui Jie dispatched twenty thousand anti-rebellion troops to Xu Prefecture.

The court claimed to suppress rebellion and quell unrest, while the Yan-Jiang coalition accused Cui Jie of usurping the throne, killing his father, and committing regicide. Shan Jian, an early confidant of Cui Jie, exposed his crimes, including nepotism, embezzlement, fratricide, and murdering the emperor. After ascending the throne, he was accused of poisoning princes, forcing the death of consorts, colluding with the Northern Di, and disgracing the nation. These accusations, printed overnight, stirred significant controversy.

Guo Mao retorted, accusing Cui Yi of "self-aggrandizement, deceiving the emperor, breaking treaties, and causing chaos." Both sides' generals fought fiercely, while strategists debated fiercely.

The anti-rebellion troops consisted mainly of Gan Prefecture soldiers, imperial guards, and some Wan Prefecture and Liang Prefecture troops, led by Cui Jie's loyalists, Shi Bangze and his maternal uncle Rong Hai.

Cui Yi's side, excluding casualties and reinforcements, had thirteen thousand Jiangzhou troops, nine thousand Yan Prefecture troops, and eleven thousand surrendered Xu Prefecture troops, totaling less than one-fifth of the anti-rebellion forces.

Both armies faced off outside Xu Prefecture.

Cui Yi ate in his tent, receiving a report from the front lines, his brows furrowed but his expression unchanged, "Understood."

Yang Qiong said, "The court has two hundred thousand troops, and we have less than forty thousand. This battle will be tough."

Cui Yi casually refilled his wine cup, "Tough, but not impossible. The anti-rebellion army claims two hundred thousand, but it's just for show. Even if all Gan Prefecture and imperial guard troops mobilize, there are only one hundred fifty thousand. Though arrogant, Emperor Cui isn't stupid. If he withdraws all Gan Prefecture troops, the Northern Di will invade, benefiting Huerhana. So, the anti-rebellion force has at most one hundred fifty thousand."

Yang Qiong sighed, massaging his temples, "Even one hundred fifty thousand is formidable. We need fifty thousand troops for a fifty percent chance of victory, but..."

"We don't need that many," Cui Yi drained his cup confidently, "You haven't been in the capital long enough to know Shi Bangze. No matter what, he can't defeat me."

Yang Qiong sincerely requested, "Please enlighten me, Your Highness."

Cui Yi toyed with his bronze goblet, a mocking smile on his lips, "Shi Bangze's father, Shi Heng, was a valiant general under the previous emperor. Shi Bangze, though from a military family, is a playboy who has never been to war, only capable of theoretical tactics. When I was in the capital, he commanded the eastern camp alongside me, leading a bunch of ruffians. On the battlefield, they might not even draw their swords. Not a threat."

Thus, amidst the intricate web of strategies and battles, the true test of loyalty, courage, and wisdom unfolded, shaping the future of the kingdom.

Yang Qiong lowered her head in thought for a moment, then asked, "What about Rong Hai? I once saw him at the Western Camp, and every soldier there spoke highly of him."

Cui Yi replied, "Rong Hai does have some skills, but there's no need to worry. Since His Majesty and the Empress Dowager are at odds, Shi Bangze and Rong Hai will surely not be united. If we can create discord between them, making them fight separately, we can defeat them one by one."

"Let's eat first. After lunch, call Shan Fu over, and we'll discuss how to deal with them."

Yang Qiong was amused and puzzled; Cui Yi seemed utterly unconcerned about the arrival of the 150,000-strong army, eating and drinking as usual, showing no signs of pressure. She wondered if it was confidence or arrogance.

After lunch, Shan Jian arrived. After listening to Yang Qiong's account of the enemy forces and their leaders, he echoed Cui Yi's sentiment: "Shi Bangze is just a showy figure, nothing to fear. Although Rong Hai is brave, he always craves for glory. If we can sow discord between them, this battle will surely be won."

With his chin resting on one hand, Cui Yi lazily said, "Since His Majesty and the Empress Dowager are estranged, Shi Bangze and Rong Hai represent both sides' interests. The suppression army must already be divided internally. Mr. Shan, do you have any good ideas? Best if we can get rid of both of them."

Shan Jian sternly responded, "No, if we eliminate both, the court will send even more formidable opponents. These two must stay alive. I have a plan that can make them fight each other endlessly. If everything goes smoothly, we can take Xuanzhou without firing a single shot." He then lowered his voice and explained his strategy to them.

"Great idea!" Cui Yi exclaimed after hearing it, slapping the table in excitement. "Let's do it!"

Yang Qiong hesitated and asked, "What if they don't fall for it? Do you have a backup plan?"

Shan Jian smiled coldly and confidently said, "They will definitely fall for it."

Shan Jian's ability to read people was unmatched. Whether it was directing Xie Yong to scheme against Chi Ying or burning Northern Di General Lubatu in Tiger Pass, every plan had anticipated the opponent's reactions meticulously. Even if one part failed, it wouldn't affect the continuation of the plan until its goal was achieved.

Satisfied, Cui Yi got up from the couch to prepare. "Fight well, and when it's done, let's go home for the Mid-Autumn Festival." With a flourish of his cloak, he left the command tent.

A month later, news of victory reached Yanzhou. Chi Ying was discussing winter preparations with Bai Lianzan and Zhong Luiping when a messenger rushed into the courtyard, holding the report and kneeling down. "Madam! We have great news! General Yang has captured Xuanzhou!"

"What? That's wonderful!" Chi Ying had been prepared for a prolonged war, worried about the troops' food supply, but now she learned that Xuanzhou had been taken much faster than expected. With Xuanzhou's grain reserves, there would be no worries about the winter.

Zhong Luiping also congratulated her, "Congratulations, Sister! Now that the Prince has won and solved the winter food shortage, it's truly double happiness!"

Chi Ying quickly opened the report, scanning through it and feeling relieved. "General Yang took Xuanzhou effortlessly, and the suppression army was caught off guard, fleeing like stray dogs. The Prince mentioned he would return to Yanzhou in another month, bringing back mooncakes from Xuanzhou for everyone."

Bai Lianzan chuckled, "Without losing a single soldier, this is a significant achievement. General Yang will surely become famous after this. We must celebrate when he returns."

Chi Ying handed him the letter, saying, "Mr. Shan's plan worked perfectly—luring the tiger away from the mountain and trapping it in a pot. It couldn't have been easier."

In the letter, Cui Yi mentioned that he hadn't been able to celebrate his daughter's second birthday and promised to make it up to them upon his return. Bai Lianzan laughed after reading, "The Prince values family affairs over national ones, which is rare. What plans do you have for him?"

Chi Ying smiled mysteriously, "You'll see when he gets back."