The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 173

An Acquaintance

Aunt Jin listened to the steward’s words, glanced back at her son in the inner chamber, thought for a moment, and said to the steward, “Invite them in.”

Aunt Jin received the visitor from the Xie family. The head of the Xie family had not come in person; he had sent his heir, his eldest legitimate son¹, Xie Huai.

            

The steward ushered Xie Huai into the reception hall and announced that the mistress would see him.

“I wonder what brings Young Master Xie here today?” Aunt Jin asked, sipping her tea.

Xie Huai set down his teacup with refined grace, clasped his hands in greeting toward Aunt Jin, and smiled. “I have come at my father’s instruction to discuss a matter of business with Lord Shizi.”

            

“Oh? And what business might that be?” Aunt Jin held her teacup, determined to get to the bottom of it.

Xie Huai smiled and said, “A small matter, but if Lord Shizi agrees, it will become a great business indeed.”

The Xie family had been renowned across dynasties, and in Tiansheng their wealth rivaled nations². Yet the Xie family had always kept a low profile, following the principle of playing it safe³. When Qu Sheng led the northern campaign, the Xie family had contributed substantial funds and supplies. Even Kuang Pengtian, the salt merchant whose influence once blanketed the Capital, had to defer to the Xie family.

            

But Kuang Pengtian had been uprooted entirely when Qu Sheng consolidated power in the Capital. Though he was not from a noble house, he was a powerful local magnate—and Qu Sheng had needed only a few threads to seize evidence of his bribery of officials, his disregard for human life⁴, and his illegal land seizures.

Aunt Jin gave a dry laugh. She could not fathom why the Xie family had come. For years, they had never deigned to associate with the Jin family. Now they had sent Xie Huai, speaking of some great business—it was baffling.

“My son Mingjun has been entertaining guests today and has had too much to drink. He is already resting. Perhaps Young Master Xie could return tomorrow?” Aunt Jin’s manner was courteous. Even though they now had the Qu family’s power behind them, she would not presume to show any disrespect to the Xie family.

            

Xie Huai nodded with a look of understanding. “Very well. It is late, and I have disturbed you. Please inform Lord Shizi, Lady Jin, that I will return at this same hour tomorrow.”

Aunt Jin nodded and rose with Xie Huai.

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An inn in Lingyi territory.

            

Morning came. Jin Mingyi woke in the inn, yawning as she searched for Zhu Ming’an—but after looking everywhere, she found no trace of her.

Since disappearing after the New Year, Zhu Ming’an and Jin Mingyi had traveled to Shoulin, where Zhu Ming’an had gradually helped her mother accept Jin Mingyi.

Zhu Ming’an’s mother, Lu-shi, had initially thought Jin Mingyi resembled Qu Sheng. Learning that she was Qu Sheng’s cousin, Lu-shi treated her like her own daughter. This time, she doted on her endlessly.

            

Jin Mingyi had a clever tongue and never stayed still, keeping Lu-shi smiling all day.

When Zhu Ming’an saw the time was right, she began deliberately and brazenly touching Jin Mingyi in front of her mother. Jin Mingyi naturally could not say anything in front of her mother, but when they were alone, she would scold her furiously. Yet Zhu Ming’an remained incorrigible.

Another day, the two were helping Lu-shi prepare food in the kitchen. When Lu-shi turned away, Zhu Ming’an cupped Jin Mingyi’s face and kissed her. Jin Mingyi was startled at first, but realizing Zhu Ming’an was kissing her, she instinctively kissed back for a moment. In that instant, Zhu Ming’an grew bolder, using her tongue to part Jin Mingyi’s lips. Jin Mingyi panicked and pushed her away.

            

When Jin Mingyi looked back in alarm, Lu-shi seemed to have just turned her gaze away.

Zhu Ming’an panted slightly, looking into Jin Mingyi’s eyes, then glanced sideways at her mother.

In that moment, Jin Mingyi did not know whether she was embarrassed or truly furious. She grabbed Zhu Ming’an and returned to Zhu Ming’an’s courtyard.

            

“Do you know that Auntie was glaring at you just now?” Jin Mingyi was about to lose her mind with Zhu Ming’an. At night, she could tolerate whatever she did, but in front of her mother—first putting her arm around her waist, then secretly kissing her ear—now she could never clear her name. And to kiss her on the lips while her mother’s back was turned!

This terrified Jin Mingyi.

Zhu Ming’an sat to the side, looked up at Jin Mingyi, her expression gentle but silent. Seeing Zhu Ming’an say nothing, Jin Mingyi’s accumulated anger slowly faded.

            

“Tell me, what are you trying to do?” Jin Mingyi adopted Lin Xizhao’s approach, speaking softly to draw out Zhu Ming’an’s thoughts.

Zhu Ming’an was caught off guard by Jin Mingyi’s sudden tenderness. She fixed her gaze on Jin Mingyi as she drew closer, then stammered, “You, just, wait, and you’ll, know.”

Jin Mingyi’s brow furrowed slightly. They had come here so Zhu Ming’an’s family would accept her, but halfway through the journey, Jin Mingyi had wanted to turn back.

            

Jin Mingyi wanted to return to the Capital. Zhu Ming’an refused, but unable to sway Jin Mingyi, she could only promise not to bring up their relationship—she was simply returning to see her father and mother.

After several days back, Zhu Ming’an had not told her parents about their relationship, but her every action was a tacit confession to Lu-shi.

“You just want your mother to know about us.” Jin Mingyi stated it directly.

            

Zhu Ming’an smiled openly when exposed. Jin Mingyi could do nothing with her—she could not stay truly angry. She only said, “I’ll pack my things and leave in a while.”

“You—where are you going?” Now it was Zhu Ming’an’s turn to panic.

Jin Mingyi turned and walked toward the inner chamber. “None of your business.”

            

Zhu Ming’an hurried to follow her inside. “No. You’re not allowed to leave.”

“I’m leaving anyway.” Jin Mingyi pushed Zhu Ming’an away in a fit of pique.

Zhu Ming’an could only feign a pitiful, heartbroken expression. “I, I have, have, confi-confidence, that, that…”

            

“Slow down.” Jin Mingyi’s brow furrowed again.

Seeing Jin Mingyi’s displeased expression, Zhu Ming’an swallowed, opened her mouth to breathe, and composed herself. She spoke slowly: “I have confidence that my mother will accept us.”

Zhu Ming’an spoke earnestly, but Jin Mingyi did not believe her. What father and mother could accept their daughter loving a woman? At this thought, she thought of her own parents—she would probably be beaten to death.

            

“I don’t believe you.”

“Believe me.” Zhu Ming’an looked confident.

Jin Mingyi blinked. Actually, when Zhu Ming’an had first deliberately touched her, she had sensed it. But she too wanted the Zhu family to accept her, so she had not tried to leave immediately.

            

As they looked at each other, Zhu Ming’an’s mother’s voice came from outside.

“Ming’an, Yi’er.”

Jin Mingyi turned to look through the room. Zhu Ming’an said, “She’s probably calling us to eat.”

            

Jin Mingyi did not turn back. Instead, she walked and called out sweetly, “Yes, Auntie, I’m coming.”

Zhu Ming’an stared, stunned by Jin Mingyi’s rapid transformation.

After lunch, Jin Mingyi returned to her room for a nap. Zhu Ming’an wanted to accompany her, but Lu-shi called her away.

            

Before leaving, Zhu Ming’an shot Jin Mingyi a meaningful glance.

Lu-shi led Zhu Ming’an to the courtyard and scrutinized her for a long time. Zhu Ming’an stood in the room, completely unashamed, meeting her mother’s gaze.

“Tell this mother, what exactly is going on between you and Yi’er?” Lu-shi had been turning a blind eye these past days, hoping against hope that things were not as she suspected.

            

“Mother, didn’t you, see?” Zhu Ming’an looked steadily at her mother.

Lu-shi frowned. She had seen the two girls kissing—what other relationship could it be? Her daughter liked women. She was her mother; of course she knew.

“How long?” Lu-shi asked, suppressing her anger.

            

Zhu Ming’an’s lips moved. “New Year’s Eve.” She and Jin Mingyi had confirmed their relationship later, but that night they had already done what should not have been done.

“End it immediately.”

“I won’t. Mingyi and I have already been intimate.” Zhu Ming’an spoke with passion, but her stutter had vanished.

            

Lu-shi looked up sharply at her daughter. When her daughter did not stutter, she was preparing to negotiate. And what she had just said was something Lu-shi had never expected.

“I will not abandon her. Whether Mother agrees or not, no one can separate me from Mingyi.” Zhu Ming’an’s eyes were resolute, her dark gaze holding a trace of distance from her mother.

“Then what about your engagement?” Lu-shi pressed. Zhu Ming’an’s betrothal was still in place, merely delayed.

            

“Call it off.” Zhu Ming’an did not hesitate.

“The two families have already agreed. The entire clan has been informed. How can you treat it so lightly?” Lu-shi’s temper flared.

“Then does Mother want this child to run away?”

            

“You wouldn’t dare.”

Zhu Ming’an would not run away, but today she had to persuade her mother to accept her and Jin Mingyi.

“Mother knows this child’s temperament. You have known since this child was small that this child likes girls, yet you insisted on marrying this child to a man. Watching this child marry someone this child doesn’t love—does Mother’s heart not ache?”

            

“Since ancient times, men marry and women wed. If you don’t marry, who will accompany you in your later years? Who will protect you for the rest of your life?”

“Mingyi can.” Zhu Ming’an shot back.

Lu-shi sighed. “She is the daughter of Marquis Jin. How can she stay with you forever? If the Jin family learns of this, will they tolerate you?”

            

“Mingyi likes me, and I like her. That is enough.” Zhu Ming’an did not answer directly.

“And if the Jin family refuses?” Lu-shi pressed.

“They will agree.” Zhu Ming’an spoke with conviction. “This child came back this time to tell Mother about Mingyi and this child, and to annul that engagement. In a few days, this child will take Mingyi to Lingyi to seek her mother’s approval. If Mother supports us today, you will still have a daughter. If not, this child will not return.”

            

Zhu Ming’an paused, gathering her courage. “This child will not be an eyesore to you. This child will never appear before you again.”

“You—” Lu-shi was speechless at her daughter’s words.

Though Zhu Ming’an had a stutter, her mind was deeply calculating. She knew her mother cared for her. This was somewhat unfilial, but she had no choice.

            

But Zhu Ming’an was certain her mother would compromise. If she said something, she meant it. She had dared to run from her wedding—what wouldn’t she dare?

“Does Yi’er truly like you?” Lu-shi questioned.

Zhu Ming’an’s eyes brightened. “Mother saw for herself. There is no falsehood between this child and Mingyi.” If she didn’t like her, would she tolerate such behavior in front of her?

            

Kissing was not something one could fake.

Lu-shi had grown fond of Jin Mingyi these past days. The girl was clever and lovely, with a gentle manner. Her daughter always had a calculating mind—she worried the girl would be bullied.

Lu-shi lowered her gaze, still finding her daughter’s situation absurd.

            

After a moment, she looked up. “The engagement will not be annulled for now. If you can persuade the Jin family to agree, I will speak with your father and let you be together.”

Zhu Ming’an’s face lit up with joy. “Mother’s word is her bond.”

“When has Mother ever broken her word?” Lu-shi raised her eyes. A businessperson valued integrity—how could she lie?

            

But merchants also gambled. Both mother and daughter were gambling. Zhu Ming’an gambled with threats; Lu-shi gambled by yielding.

Lu-shi had always known her daughter liked women. Forcing her to marry a man was indeed difficult. Putting herself in her daughter’s place—if she liked men and her parents forced her to marry a woman she didn’t love, how could she accept it? She had worried about Zhu Ming’an for a long time. But in this world, not everything goes as one wishes. Following the crowd’s path might not be right, but standing apart would certainly invite criticism.

She was certain the Jin family would not agree.

            

“Fine. But the engagement must be annulled.” Zhu Ming’an would not go to the Jin family while still bound by an engagement. That would be a fatal shackle in negotiations.

Lu-shi thought for a long time. “This matter must be discussed with your father.”

“Can Mother not handle it herself?” Zhu Ming’an asked, feigning confusion.

            

Lu-shi looked up and met her daughter’s knowing gaze. Zhu Ming’an’s engagement had dragged on too long. The other family knew Zhu Ming’an had fled the wedding, not fallen ill. They had long been displeased with Zhu Ming’an’s stutter—if not for their family’s connection to the Qu family, they would have come to annul the engagement long ago.

“It will be annulled.” Lu-shi gave a definitive answer. She could manage this household.

The Zhu family was not one where only men handled external affairs. Lu-shi was a brilliant businesswoman—her word carried more weight than Zhu Baibing’s.

            

From that day on, the Zhu family annulled the engagement. They returned the betrothal gifts in full and compensated the other family for half their expenses, ensuring not a single unkind word was spoken.

Though Lu-shi now knew about Zhu Ming’an and Jin Mingyi, her attitude toward Jin Mingyi remained unchanged. She genuinely liked Jin Mingyi’s clever spirit.

The two stayed at the Zhu residence for several more days before setting out for Lingyi. Jin Mingyi had thought Zhu Ming’an foolish, but remembering Zhu Ming’an’s mother—how she had learned of their relationship yet shown nothing, treating her as usual without revealing a single flaw—she realized something.

            

This reminded her of how Zhu Ming’an had behaved when dealing with the rebel King Chao. At the time, facing the danger of execution, Zhu Ming’an had shown no fear. Now that she thought about it, she took after her mother.

A family of schemers. If this worked out, how would she ever manage?

When they arrived at a city in Lingyi territory, it was already afternoon. To continue their journey, they would have to spend the night in the wilderness. Jin Mingyi was not one to suffer—she would not give up a comfortable bed to sleep outdoors. She immediately dragged Zhu Ming’an into an inn in the city.

            

When she woke in the morning and could not find Zhu Ming’an, she got out of bed to wash.

A server brought food at the right time. Jin Mingyi did not wait for Zhu Ming’an and began eating alone. She had heard the Zhu family had shops in Lingyi—Zhu Ming’an was probably using this time to inspect them.

When Jin Mingyi finished, Zhu Ming’an returned. Jin Mingyi glanced at Zhu Ming’an’s empty hands and rolled her eyes. She had expected her to bring something good.

            

“Have you eaten?” Zhu Ming’an asked gently.

Jin Mingyi nodded lazily. “Mm.”

“Let’s go.” Zhu Ming’an went to the bed to pack.

            

“Did you eat?” Jin Mingyi followed her with her eyes.

Zhu Ming’an looked back as she packed. “On the road.”

Jin Mingyi found her strange. Why eat on the road when food had been brought to the room? “You can eat before we leave. There’s no rush.”

            

Zhu Ming’an simply bundled her things and walked to Jin Mingyi’s side. “I noticed someone in the city is buying large quantities of provisions⁵. We need to tell your brother quickly—before anything else goes wrong.”

Jin Mingyi blinked and stood up, suddenly alert. “Then we should hurry.”

When she returned to Shoulin, a rebellion had broken out. If another rebellion occurred, it could affect the Northern Frontier campaign. She had to warn her brother to investigate and prepare.

            

The two sat in their carriage and reached the city by noon. When they returned to the Jin residence, the family was just seeing off guests.

Aunt Jin heard they were from the Zhu family of Shoulin and welcomed them with a smile, inviting them inside.

Jin Mingjun had also come to receive them after seeing off the guests.

            

But Zhu Ming’an found the person who had just left strangely familiar, as if she had seen him somewhere.

“Young Miss Zhu has brought my sister back. I am very grateful.” Jin Mingjun spoke courteously.

Zhu Ming’an came to her senses and nodded with a smile. “Of course.” She spoke slowly to make her words flow smoothly.

            

Jin Mingjun smiled. “My sister has been spoiled by my father. She didn’t cause you any trouble on the journey, I hope?”

“No. She was wonderful.” Zhu Ming’an looked at Jin Mingyi.

Jin Mingyi’s expression was clearly uncomfortable when she looked at Zhu Ming’an. Zhu Ming’an had said she could persuade her brother and mother, but Jin Mingyi had her doubts.

            

The awkward conversation ended quickly. Aunt Jin had tea served, and everyone drank in silence. Before long, Jin Mingyi said, “Brother, we’re exhausted from the journey. We want to go rest.”

Jin Mingjun looked at his sister and nodded. “You should. Please entertain Young Miss Zhu well for me.”

“I know.” Jin Mingyi found him long-winded and couldn’t wait to leave.

            

Jin Mingyi led Zhu Ming’an to her courtyard. Along the way, Zhu Ming’an seemed distracted, unlike when she first entered the Zhu residence, when she had looked around at everything. Jin Mingyi asked, “Is our house not as nice as yours?”

Zhu Ming’an came to her senses, saw Jin Mingyi’s slight irritation, and smiled quickly. “No.”

“Then what are you thinking about?” Jin Mingyi had noticed Zhu Ming’an’s preoccupation since arriving.

            

They walked into the room. Jin Mingyi’s quarters had been kept clean. As soon as they entered, she dismissed the servants.

Jin Mingyi poured tea for Zhu Ming’an, who sat at the desk. “You still haven’t answered my question.”

Zhu Ming’an took a sip of tea, looked up in thought, and moved her lips. “The person who just left your residence—do you know him?”

            

Jin Mingyi blinked, trying to remember, then shook her head. “No. Why?”

“He seemed familiar.”

Jin Mingyi did not understand why Zhu Ming’an was focused on someone familiar. “If he’s familiar, he’s familiar. We can ask next time we see him.”

            

Zhu Ming’an listened to Jin Mingyi and looked down at her cup. “Let’s not tell your brother about the provisions for now.”

“I’d almost forgotten about that.” Jin Mingyi stepped closer to Zhu Ming’an.

Zhu Ming’an naturally set down her cup and pulled Jin Mingyi onto her lap.

            

Jin Mingyi leaned in to kiss Zhu Ming’an’s lips—a light touch, like a dragonfly on water. “Why are you so jumpy today? Are you scared?” Had coming to the Jin family frightened her?

Zhu Ming’an smiled. She had proposed coming to the Jin family. She hadn’t feared infiltrating a rebel camp—why would she fear the Jin family?

Zhu Ming’an raised her head and kissed Jin Mingyi’s soft lips—first a gentle touch, then slowly deepening. Jin Mingyi’s eager response always felt exquisite.

            

But the moment was interrupted by children’s voices outside.

“Auntie, Auntie, Auntie.” The two little ones of the Jin family had come looking for Jin Mingyi.

Jin Mingyi hurriedly rose from Zhu Ming’an. She was about to wipe her mouth with her sleeve when she glanced down at Zhu Ming’an, who was smiling calmly. She leaned over and wiped her lips on Zhu Ming’an’s shoulder.

            

Zhu Ming’an was slightly exasperated, but she wore dark clothes—it didn’t matter.

Jin Mingyi went to open the door. Zhu Ming’an wiped the smeared lip rouge from her own lips—it had come from Jin Mingyi.

The two little ones were led into the room by Jin Mingyi. Four round eyes fixed on Zhu Ming’an with curiosity.

            

“Who is she?” The younger one seemed to like this beautiful older sister.

“Where are your manners? Call her Auntie.”

“Auntie.” The younger one complied immediately.

            

Zhu Ming’an looked at the older one. Jin Weifu, the eldest grandson of the Jin family, studied Zhu Ming’an and also called her Auntie.

Zhu Ming’an smiled gently, her expression warm.

Jin Mingyi had snacks served and played with them. Seeing Zhu Ming’an still deep in thought, she asked her two nephews, “Auntie saw your father seeing off a guest when we came back. Do you know who that was?”

            

The younger one ate, thinking, then shook his head. Even if he had seen him, he wouldn’t know who he was.

“Why does Auntie ask?” Jin Weifu looked up.

“Just curious. He looked handsome.”

            

“Oh, is Auntie’s heart stirring with romance⁶?” The younger one had picked this up somewhere, saying it casually while eating.

Jin Mingyi paused, thinking she would need to investigate the servants attending these two.

“Yes, so tell Auntie.”

            

Jin Weifu blinked. “Grandmother said he’s from a family named Xie.”

There were many people named Xie. Jin Mingyi pressed further. “Which Xie family?”

“I don’t know.” Jin Weifu shook his head.

            

Jin Mingyi didn’t get an answer. She looked up at Zhu Ming’an—and in that moment, she saw Zhu Ming’an’s gaze had gone dark as an abyss.

That afternoon, Zhu Ming’an took her leave from the Jin residence. Jin Mingyi wanted to go with her, but Zhu Ming’an repeatedly promised she would not abandon her—she just had something important to verify, and she would return once she finished.

In the end, Jin Mingyi agreed to let Zhu Ming’an leave.

            

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The Northern Frontier campaign was at a stalemate. Qu Sheng had ambushed the mountain passes several times but gained no advantage. The armor was one problem, but the bed crossbows⁷ they carried were truly insufferable.

Qu Sheng’s army was forced into the city. Qu Jiqin, Jin Yunyou, and several other generals each led portions of their forces into different cities, waiting for an opportunity to break through.

The reinforced Bei’an army seemed better equipped than before. After more than ten battles large and small, both sides had suffered losses, but Tiansheng’s forces had taken more damage and retreated.

            

Though Qu Sheng was in the city, she could not sleep. She was anxious—if this continued, when Bei’an’s reinforcements arrived, Tiansheng would be in danger.

Qu Sheng sat at her desk, pinching the bridge of her nose to relieve the headache from days of exhaustion.

“General, reinforcements from the Capital have arrived.”

            

Qu Sheng looked up to see an assistant commander rushing in to report.

“Where are they now?” Qu Sheng stood, asking urgently.

“Thirty li from Zhongsha. The Bei’an army has already moved to intercept. General Dingyuan and the Marquis have already led troops out of the city to meet them.”

            

Qu Sheng immediately grabbed her armor and headed out.

Her location was slightly farther from Zhongsha than Qu Jiqin and Jin Yunyou’s positions, but if they recklessly sent troops out, they might fall into an enemy ambush.

Qu Sheng moved swiftly, mustered her soldiers, opened the city gates, and led her cavalry out.

            

Half an hour later, Qu Sheng sat on horseback, gazing into the distance, waiting for the scouts to report.

“General, the Bei’an army has engaged our forces.”

Qu Sheng’s brow furrowed. She immediately ordered her troops to advance.

            

When Qu Sheng’s army arrived, the two forces were already locked in chaotic combat. Qu Sheng had received word that some of the reinforcements carried heavy weapons. She stood on a hillside and looked down—those soldiers carrying heavy weapons did have an advantage, but they still could not match the enemy’s bed crossbows.

“Flank from the sides. Draw their main force to help them disengage. Do not linger in battle!” Qu Sheng issued her command.

The generals beside her each led their troops to attack the Bei’an army from the flanks. Just as Qu Sheng had said, they quickly drew the Bei’an army’s main force.

            

Qu Sheng led her troops into the fray. When the Bei’an army adjusted their bed crossbows’ position and direction to aim at them, Qu Sheng ordered an immediate retreat.

But the Bei’an army would not let the Tiansheng commander escape. They surged toward Qu Sheng’s forces like madmen.

Qu Jiqin and the others saw their forces dwindling. A messenger from Qu Sheng arrived, ordering them to return to the city immediately and bring the reinforcements to Qu Sheng’s main city.

            

The generals obeyed and led their armies toward the main city.

Night fell. Jin Yunyou stood on the city walls, anxiously waiting for news of Qu Sheng’s return. The longer he waited, the more anxious he became—from noon until now, and still no return. They must have engaged in battle again.

Qu Jiqin was still in a city on the flank. Jin Yunyou wanted to consult with him but dared not leave the city. He could only wait.

            

Only when the moon began to sink did a small group of ragged soldiers arrive beneath the city walls, begging Jin Yunyou to rescue Qu Sheng. Qu Sheng was surrounded at Zheping and could not escape.

Jin Yunyou confirmed the soldiers below were his own, then immediately ordered the entire army out of the city to rescue Qu Sheng.

Word reached the city on the flank. Qu Jiqin could not sit still either. He opened the city gates, lowered the drawbridge, and led his troops toward Zheping.

            

Meanwhile, Qu Sheng, leading her cavalry to shake off the Bei’an pursuit, was racing back to the main city by moonlight.

Qu Sheng brought thirty thousand cavalry to the city walls. She used a signal of five waves of her banner. The soldiers guarding the city counted the waves and immediately ordered the drawbridge lowered and the gates opened.

Qu Sheng’s army entered the city. Before she could remove her armor, the city commander told her that Qu Jiqin and Jin Yunyou had led troops out.

            

In that moment, something seemed to explode in Qu Sheng’s head. Her face went pale.

When Qu Sheng led the entire city’s forces out, the sky was growing light. On the road to Zheping, blood already flowed like a river.

Qu Jiqin and Jin Yunyou had fallen into a Bei’an ambush. The entire army was destroyed.

            

Qu Sheng arrived at the battlefield. She stood there, stepping in blood-soaked ground, her gaze trembling as she surveyed the mountains of corpses and seas of blood around her. A gray helplessness rose in her, a coldness spreading from her feet into her heart.

Three hundred thousand soldiers, including two commanders—almost no survivors.

Qu Sheng’s fingertips trembled. Her eyes turned bloodshot as she searched through the thousands of bodies for her uncle and her maternal uncle.

            

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