Qingyao and Yin Xuan settled into the encampment.
Training began in June and continued until September, a full three months that transformed many, making them completely different from before. These hundred thousand soldiers moved as if flying, their strides light, enduring the midday sun and sleeping outdoors at night as if in an uninhabited realm. Their bodies were strong and they never fell ill.
This caused those in the camp who had not been selected to undergo a complete transformation, from initial relief to eventual envy.
The commotion at Crescent Pass had already spread to all the neighboring kingdoms.
Each kingdom began taking precautions. However, Crescent Pass faced the Huangyuan Kingdom, and it was widely known that the new emperor of Huangyuan was on good terms with the Empress of Xian Yue. The ascension of the new emperor was, in fact, the result of behind-the-scenes manipulation by a woman named Mu Qingyao, who had helped him achieve his goal.
Therefore, their current expedition would undoubtedly pass through Huangyuan. The borders of Huangyuan were guarded by the Qingluo Kingdom and the Danfeng Kingdom, both of which were on high alert, closely watching every move of Crescent Pass.
September had arrived, marking the golden autumn.
The autumn wind was cool, blanketing the entire Crescent Pass. The thousand soldiers who had been assigned water duties had already been dispatched to the north of Xian Yue. Meanwhile, these hundred thousand troops were fully prepared and ready to depart for Chen Tang Pass, located on the border between Huangyuan and Danfeng.
Among them, Qingyao had sent a detailed letter to Shen Yu, requesting him to deploy fifty thousand troops. Shen Yu had promised that all the soldiers stationed in Stone City on the border would be under her command. The commander of Stone City had already received the imperial decree and was ordered to cooperate with all of Xian Yue's actions.
Of these hundred thousand troops, five thousand were assigned to transport supplies, and another five thousand were responsible for escorting weapons. These weapons had arrived earlier, and Qingyao had demonstrated their use to everyone. All hundred thousand soldiers knew how to operate them, making these weapons like adding wings to a tiger for them, imbuing them with immense power and boosting the confidence of the entire army.
On this particular day, the weather was clear and pleasant.
The hundred thousand troops assembled, forming a neat formation on the ancient road before the encampment gates.
A street stretched long and winding, disappearing from sight, a vast sea of black figures.
Qingyao gave a sharp command: "Depart."
Lu Zhan Yun led the charge, and with the thunder of hooves, everyone set off for the front lines, heading north towards Danfeng.
Within the encampment, many soldiers and generals saw them off, their eyes misty. Although they knew victory was not guaranteed, a sense of tragic heroism filled their hearts. In the silence, everyone felt both admiration and apprehension. Only after the long procession had disappeared from view did a collective sigh of relief escape them.
An Ding Feng, Qingyao, and Yin Xuan walked at the rear, watching the departing troops. An Ding Feng turned his head to look at the Empress, who was positioned high on her horse. She seemed to radiate a brilliant aura, captivating to behold. Their interactions over the past few days had deepened his conviction in her abilities.
This woman surpassed men in every way.
"General An, rest assured, this commander will not let these men die in vain. We will surely achieve victory."
"Yes, Marshal."
An Ding Feng lowered his head. From this moment on, the Empress was no longer just the Empress, but the Marshal leading the northern campaign.
An Ding Feng spurred his horse forward. Behind him, Qingyao followed the troops at a steady pace. Xiao Yu Er sat perched in front of Bing Xiao, exclaiming excitedly, "Mother, we're finally going to war, how wonderful!"
The little white wolf and the little fox poked their heads out from the cloth bags on either side of the horses, echoing her excitement with their yips and yaps.
Qingyao ignored her and turned to Yin Xuan beside her. For days, he had quietly accompanied her, appearing as if he were not there, yet always offering help and comfort when she needed it.
"Yin Xuan, let's go."
"Mm," the two horses galloped away, taking the lead. Behind them, Xiao Yu Er cried out, "Mother, wait for me!"
At this moment, she dared not call him Father Emperor, or her mother would surely send her back immediately.
As the hundred thousand troops passed through the Huangyuan Kingdom, the border gates were opened, and they were allowed passage. To avoid alarming the populace, Qingyao directed the army to travel along the outer official roads, heading towards Stone City.
Huangyuan Kingdom was a small country with a limited territory. Therefore, after fifteen days of travel, the army reached Stone City, which faced Danfeng Kingdom.
The commander of Stone City was still a burly, tall man in his fifties, clearly a military man. His name was Liu Yun Feng. He, along with the deputy commander and adjutants of Stone City, came out to greet them. Before the city gates, the commander of Stone City cupped his fists respectfully and said, "Liu Yun Feng, on the Emperor's decree, has come to welcome the Marshal of Xian Yue."
"You are too kind."
From her horse, Qingyao returned the salute. Liu Yun Feng paused for a moment. The Emperor's decree had not specified that the leader of Xian Yue's troops was a female general, causing Liu Yun Feng a fleeting moment of confusion. His gaze involuntarily shifted to Yin Xuan, who stood beside Qingyao, assuming he was the main commander.
"Please, enter."
Liu Yun Feng regained his composure. This was their internal affair and had nothing to do with him. They were merely cooperating with their actions, so all their movements were dictated by orders.
The hundred thousand troops entered the city.
The border of Stone City differed from that of Crescent Pass. The city was bustling with people, who lined the streets like onlookers, observing the events with curiosity. Moreover, these citizens harbored dissatisfaction towards these incoming troops. Since ancient times, it was the common people who suffered the most from war. They did not wish for war, especially when it was occurring between Stone City and Chen Tang Pass. For years, they had coexisted peacefully. If these troops were to suffer a defeat, the Danfeng Kingdom would surely not spare the people of Stone City, and they would consequently suffer greatly.
Qingyao sensed the deep hostility from the citizens but could not offer much explanation.
These people were only concerned with their immediate comfort and were unaware that such a conflict was inevitable. Should a cruel and ruthless ruler come to power, everyone would live a life of misery.
Liu Yun Feng escorted Qingyao and the others towards the government offices. However, Qingyao politely declined, cupping her fists and saying softly,
"Commander Liu, you are most kind. We will camp outside the city and will not be staying in Stone City."
"And why is that?" Liu Yun Feng seemed a little taken aback. However, since the commander had issued the order, he did not press the matter.
"We do not wish to disturb the citizens here," Qingyao stated calmly, her eyes dark and deep, without further elaboration.
However, after her words, Liu Yun Feng felt a sense of disbelief. After all, their arrival in Stone City had already disrupted the peace and disturbed the local populace. How could she claim they didn't wish to disturb anyone? Still, he didn't say anything further and respectfully bowed, saying,
"Very well, then Yun Feng will escort the Marshal out of the city."
The vast army departed Stone City and set up camp fifty li outside the city. Another thirty li would bring them to the border of Danfeng Kingdom. Under the clear moonlight, they could see the city towers of Chen Tang Pass in the distance, with their proudly erected banners fluttering in the night breeze.
Qingyao gave the order: "Set up camp and rest here."
"Yes, Marshal," Lu Zhan Yun and the others received the command and directed the men to set up camp. Dozens of tents were quickly erected, and defensive perimeters were established, guarded by layers of soldiers. On the tall flagpoles, the banner of Xian Yue was raised, depicting a phoenix in flight.
Inside the main tent, Qingyao sat in the seat of honor. Liu Yun Feng entered and respectfully said, "Marshal, Yun Feng will return to Stone City first and will lead troops out tomorrow to assist the Marshal."
"Mm, I appreciate your efforts."
Qingyao nodded and called out, "Someone, escort Commander Liu out."