merchant caravan

Despite his dissatisfaction, Zhong Yuanshan acknowledged that Chiyung's decision wasn't impulsive. Her preparations showed careful planning.

After finalizing with Rong Shi, Chiyung pretended to faint in the Ming Hall, successfully faking illness with the imperial physicians' help. When ministers sent representatives to inquire about her health, she insisted on prioritizing state affairs.

This strategic retreat worked beautifully. Ministers, already uneasy with her governance, were pleased when she agreed to rest and let Rong Shi temporarily oversee the prince's care.

To make her illness seem real, Chiyung arranged for Cheng Fengyi and Nian Jiaojiao to visit periodically.

Daiping escorted her to Liangzhou, disguised as a merchant caravan for easier movement.

Everything was ready.

Receiving the letter on the fifth night, Chiying changed into men's clothing and sneaked out of the palace under the cover of darkness. Dai Ping waited with a group of disguised soldiers not far from the palace gate, while Cheng Fengyi stood at the city gate with little Cuiyan to see her off.

Little Cuiyan's face lacked its usual cheerfulness but she didn't cry or sob; she just silently watched her mother talk with Cheng Fengyi about trivial matters, clutching the cloth rabbit that Cui Jie had bought for her in Yan Prefecture, twisting it in her hands.

"Wang's side also needs your attention," Chiying whispered. "Her current condition is unusual, and she absolutely cannot be frightened. This matter must be kept secret from her. I'm not worried about others, but Jiaojiao has always been outspoken. You need to constantly remind her, or perhaps don't let them meet to avoid any mishaps."

Cheng Fengyi nodded and affectionately stroked her cheek, "I'll handle these small matters. Don't worry anymore. Be careful on your journey. Write to me immediately if you find the Emperor. If you encounter danger, don't be reckless. Remember, your child is waiting for you in the capital. You have to come back."

Chiying smiled, an indescribable sorrow in her expression.

This trip to Liangzhou was one where she had resigned herself to death. Even Rong knew this clearly, which was why she agreed so easily to help. Though it might seem selfish—perhaps even more so than Rong or Fan—it was impossible for her to allow Cui Jie to die alone beyond the border. Their fates were now intertwined; without each other, neither could survive.

Chiying kissed her daughter's cheek, and little Cuiyan pleaded softly, "Mother, please come back soon."

"Listen to Aunt Cheng and Aunt Nian, Mother will return soon." Chiying reluctantly touched her daughter's braid again before steeling herself and climbing into the carriage.

The city gates opened slowly, and Dai Ping led the disguised soldiers escorting Chiying away from Purple Chapter City.

In Liangzhou, Tawurkand Desert.

After sunset, the temperature in the desert dropped sharply. During the day, the sun blinded people, while at night, fierce winds and snowstorms raged, and it seemed they would continue for several days. Cao Qian patrolled nearby and returned when the wind was too strong to ride, forcing him to lead his horse through deep snow.

More than twenty days ago, Cui Jie led over ten thousand troops, chasing the desert cavalry of the Humontor tribe through the snowstorm, inadvertently being lured into Liangzhou's largest desert. The Humontor had planned this trap well, knowing the terrain and weather better, leading the troops into a deadly ambush. They then dispersed, using the storm as cover, leaving no traces behind. The anti-rebellion army lost their way in the snowy wilderness.

People lost in the desert often died of thirst, but they weren't short of water yet. Intermittent snow provided some drinking water, though unclean. Soldiers collected snow during the day and melted it by the campfire at night.

Water wasn't the problem, but food was running low. Despite orders to ration supplies from the moment they realized they were lost, the provisions brought along were insufficient for such a large troop. The cold required more calories, and the limited food was being consumed faster than expected.

Some horses unable to walk due to poor health were slaughtered for temporary relief, but if they couldn't escape the Tawurkand Desert, they would eventually starve to death.

Back at the camp, Cao Qian's beard and hair were covered in ice. He rubbed his cold cheeks and entered the command tent: "Your Majesty."

Cui Jie sat cross-legged on the general's couch and looked up upon hearing his voice.

"The wind and snow outside are getting worse. We probably can't move tomorrow. The tents may be buried tonight. I found an old village site nearby. Although most buildings have collapsed, there are still walls to block the wind and snow. Should we move the camp there now?"

There was no fire in the tent, so Cao Qian rubbed his cheeks warm and shook off the snow.

Cui Jie simply said, "Mm-hmm," but didn't get up.

Cao Qian looked at him in confusion.

Cui Jie's expression was unusually grave. "Zhonghang," he began.

Cao Qian responded, unsure of what he meant, "What does Your Majesty command?"

"If it weren't for my stubbornness, ignoring the advice to chase the Humontor cavalry, we wouldn't be trapped in this blizzard. Many lives would still be safe if I hadn't decided to wage war personally."

"Don't say that!" Cao Qian quickly replied, "A soldier dies for his commander. You've shown me great favor, and I've long been prepared to die for you…"

Cui Jie interrupted him: "But you have a wife and unborn child. Not just you, but all these soldiers have families. Because of my decision, they left home and risked their lives. A king should love his people like his own children, but I've failed miserably."

Cao Qian struggled to find words to console him. Before he could speak, Cui Jie got up: "Order everyone to pack and move."

Cao Qian wondered if it was fortunate or unfortunate that the war hero had begun to understand the cruelty of war. Empathy towards subjects was good, but if it made him hesitate in battle, it was disastrous.

Outside the tent, soldiers busily packed, preparing to leave. Over a thousand had already perished or gotten lost among the original ten thousand. How many more would die?

Cui Jie wrapped himself in his cloak, took the reins of Jinwu, and patted his beloved horse's mane. Jinwu snorted and nuzzled him.

"Old friend, if I make it back, I'll give you the entire hunting ground for retirement."

The blizzard lasted three full days, turning day and night almost indistinguishable. Without fires, they could only eat cold, hard bread and drink snow. Many developed frostbite, swelling like pickled radishes, while others fell ill from the cold.

If the Humontor attacked now, less than one-tenth of the troops could fight back. Cui Jie thought despairingly.

Fortunately, no attack came. After three days, the sky cleared, and everyone sighed in relief, hanging wet clothes and bedding to dry.

Cao Qian suggested, "Old horses know the way. Why not let some loose and follow them? Maybe we can find our way out."

Cui Jie agreed. Had the weather been better earlier, they might have figured it out themselves.

They hoped the old horses would guide them out quickly, but after wandering aimlessly for days, they gave up.

Neither the coalition nor the enemy attacked, perhaps confident they wouldn't escape the Tawurkand Desert.

Cui Jie gazed at the identical surroundings and sighed, returning to his tent to write a will.

Just as he turned, a commotion broke out in the camp. Soldiers shouted wildly, waving whatever they could.

"What's going on?" Cui Jie rushed forward.

Ignoring him, everyone stared at something in the sky. A tiny black dot approached in the clear blue sky.

He stared in disbelief, almost unable to breathe.

It was an eagle circling!

Simultaneously, a black line appeared on the horizon, voices faintly calling—reinforcements!

Despair turned to tears of joy. Injured soldiers forgot their pain, shouting with all their might.

Less than half an hour later, Xu Cheng and Baili Zan arrived with two thousand troops.

"Forgive my tardiness, Your Majesty!" Baili Zan cried, kneeling down.

Cui Jie was overwhelmed with emotions, unable to speak for a moment.

Then came an even greater surprise.

"Yingrong!"

Someone dismounted, supported by Xu Cheng, running toward him, embracing him.