Chapter Sixty-Four: The Alliance (XVIII)

Yuan Junzhang, too, had summoned every ounce of strength in him to arrive at this moment!

On this day, he, as the chief steward, held his post in Yunzhong City, intent only on ensuring the day passed safely. Since he had tacitly offered convenience to the northern faction, he naturally expected a favor in return. Yuan Junzhang was confident that Heng'an Prefecture was what the northern side truly needed—no other reason than the strength of Heng'an's forces.

His carefully laid schemes for the day were crackling along smoothly, plans for many steps ahead being weighed and arranged in his mind—when suddenly, the alarm horns blared, jolting the entire city of Yunzhong!

For Yunzhong City and the Eagle Command of Heng'an, both hardened by war, a mere outbreak of hostilities was nothing to fear. At the alarm, the townsfolk sealed their doors, soldiers manned their posts, commanders took up their positions, and Liu Wuzhou himself emerged from his office to assume command.

Outside the city, the grassland settlements were similarly monitored by troops—any sign of disturbance would be met with ruthless force.

But what Yuan Junzhang truly feared was a mishap at the alliance of the Nine Clans!

Immediately, he led his personal guard, reported to Liu Wuzhou—who remained grim but said little—and hurried out of Yunzhong City. Heng'an's efficient intelligence network relayed the situation ahead in real time, and as Yuan Junzhang advanced, all he heard were ill tidings.

Once again it was that Xu Le, who had charged at the main camp of the Qianyue Division, drawing their full force into pursuit and alarming both the inner and outer garrisons of Yunzhong City. Then Yuchi Gong, on watch atop the walls, had rashly ordered a sortie in support, and now his men were locked in combat with the Qianyue.

He knew it—this Xu Le was nothing but trouble!

By the time Yuan Junzhang arrived, arrows were already flying between the two sides, the Qianyue suffering heavy losses, and the armored cavalry of Heng'an preparing another volley before launching a charge. Given their prowess, such a charge would only deepen the enmity between Heng'an and the Nine Clans, not to mention the Turks standing behind the clans.

In haste, Yuan Junzhang ordered the signal for retreat.

At the sound of the gong, the Heng'an armored cavalry, who had been reveling in the fight, abruptly ceased their actions, slinging bows and sheathing blades, awaiting Yuan Junzhang's next command. Yuchi Gong, veins bulging in fury, was just waiting for an explanation from Yuan Junzhang.

Meanwhile, in the Qianyue Division, Heiguo finally came to his senses. He had not expected that an alliance so meticulously prepared would end in such chaos—he himself had nearly brushed death.

Yuan Junzhang’s party arrived at last. Yuchi Gong, simmering with rage, spurred his horse forward and demanded loudly, “Chief Secretary, what is the meaning of this? If they attack our camp and try to kill our men, are we not to fight back? The Heng'an armored cavalry have never retreated from battle—now you sound the retreat; who will dare to charge next time?”

Yuan Junzhang glanced at Yuchi Gong, not deigning to argue with him. This brute thrived on battle and was hard to restrain, but at least the others obeyed orders—without Yuan Junzhang’s command, Yuchi Gong would have to charge alone.

Ignoring him, Yuan Junzhang rode forward, his gaze sweeping over to Xu Le and his companions. In that instant, his eyes were so cold it seemed they could freeze Xu Le on the spot—where had such a troublemaker come from? He almost wished he’d paid out of his own pocket to compensate this man’s losses and sent him packing back to Shenwu.

One day, when you fall into my hands, I’ll be sure to pay you back in kind.

Xu Le felt the hatred in Yuan Junzhang’s eyes keenly. Even Song Bao, beside him, who had been eager for the Heng'an cavalry to slaughter the Qianyue after his own wound, now fell silent under Yuan Junzhang’s gaze, not daring to mutter another word.

Xu Le couldn’t help rubbing his chin—had his antics truly driven Yuan Junzhang to such exasperation? There was something odd about all this...

Yuan Junzhang’s eyes finally settled on the battered, scattered ranks of the Qianyue Division. He raised his voice, “Who leads this force? Yuan is here—step forward and speak.”

All eyes of the Qianyue Division turned to Gaida Heiguo.

These were the division’s bravest, but after Xu Le’s charge and flight, and a faceful of arrows from the Heng'an armored cavalry, all their pride was gone. Now, as the Heng'an commander called for parley, they looked to Gaida Heiguo to turn hostility into peace.

After all, this was Heng'an territory—even if they were destined to clash, this was not the place.

Gaida Heiguo was even more terrified than his men. In the past, all storms had been weathered by Gaida Wutou; he had never faced such peril. With his men’s eyes on him, he had no choice but to raise his voice from within their midst, not daring to ride forward: “I am Gaida Heiguo, prince of the Qianyue Division. What does Heng'an intend? Are you determined to sever ties with the Nine Clans? Know that we do not fear Heng'an!”

Yuan Junzhang had dealt with Gaida Wutou before—the proud old prince earned respect even from men such as he. But rumor had it the elder was now aged and frail, with most affairs delegated to his son, Gaida Heiguo. Today was the first time he saw Heiguo in person.

With just this brief exchange, Yuan Junzhang had taken the measure of the man and saw no reason to waste words. He waved his hand slightly.

“Today’s events were a misunderstanding. Let us both withdraw. At the autumn fair, Commander Liu will host a banquet for your prince—do honor us with your presence.”

Looking back, his own hundred-odd warriors had lost nearly half, many at Xu Le’s own hand—could such a day be dismissed as a mere misunderstanding?

Gaida Heiguo, prince though he was, could not easily swallow his pride. The Qianyue Division straddled the southern and northern slopes of Yinshan, even the Turks gave them their due. How could he endure this?

But faced with the Heng'an armored cavalry, every man fierce and itching for more blood, with the infamous Yuchi Gong’s eyes fixed hungrily on his throat, Gaida Heiguo finally swallowed his anger and called out, “We have learned our lesson for today—so be it. Farewell!”

The Qianyue warriors turned and left, tending their dead and wounded, leaving only riderless horses and bloodstains on the withered grass of the steppe.

Such was reality on the frontier—whoever bore the sharper blade held the advantage, and the vanquished could not claim justice.

In the autumn wind, the Heng'an armored cavalry watched the Qianyue retreat in disarray. Yuchi Gong muttered under his breath, doubtless none of it respectful toward Yuan Junzhang.

Yuan Junzhang’s gaze finally settled on Xu Le and his companions.

His expression was icy, but Xu Le met it with an easy smile, even cupping his hands in salute.

Yuan Junzhang gave a cold order: “Seize them!”