The sun rose slowly from behind the mountain, beginning to illuminate this land.
The sounds of swords and screams had already faded away.
What was left was a battlefield like hell on earth.
Discarded armors, tilted spears, tattered flags, crows pecking at the blood-soaked flesh as they leisurely swallowed it down. Suddenly they flapped their wings in panic and took to the sky.
Corpses covered the plains, blood flowing everywhere. Bodies were hacked into pieces, ruptured organs and bone marrow fluids were scattered all over the ground.
Such was the cruelty of war.
In the distance, the mournful sound of the bugle calling back the troops carried over slowly. It reflected the longing for their return in the hearts of their families.
Among the soldiers, an old one stood amidst the sea of corpses, tears streaming down his cheeks as he cried out, “We won!”
Soon, a group of men followed, crying, “We won!”
Finally, all the Daye soldiers who survived on the battlefield shouted in unison, “We won!”
“Commander, we won! We won!” Guo Commander ran to Gong Xiaohua excitedly.
“Mm, order the cleanup of the battlefield and preparations to return to the city.”
“Yes, Commander!”
After the battlefield was cleared, it was reported that Dawei suffered over thirty-five thousand casualties, nearly five thousand captured, along with the two Dawei princes taken alive.
The Daye army lost close to twenty thousand soldiers. It was a great victory.
This battle was the first time in Daye’s history that they had defeated the militarily superior Dawei with equal troops.
Of course, the key to victory still lied in strategy.
If not for the low morale and being surrounded by the Daye troops, it would have been difficult to defeat the enemy relying solely on their improved battle prowess over a short period of time.
To match Dawei’s military prowess, Daye still had a long way to go.
When Gong Xiaohua led the troops back to Xu Mountain Pass with nearly five thousand prisoners, the citizens of Xu Mountain City welcomed them along the streets.
After the army returned to camp, orders were given to imprison the two Dawei princes under heavy guard, and letters were sent to report to the Capital Royal City.
A few days later, in the royal palace of Daye.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, I bear good news from Xu Mountain Pass.” The scout knelt in the great hall, holding the letter of victory over his head as he reported.
Upon hearing the good news, the King of Ye promptly stood up from his throne, excitedly calling out, “Bring it here quickly!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Soon, Eunuch Huang presented the letter of victory to the King of Ye.
The King eagerly tore it open and read carefully until he let out a loud cry, jubilantly announcing, “Good! Ministers, Xu Mountain Pass has achieved a great victory, capturing over five thousand Dawei troops and the two Dawei princes alive.”
Stunned disbelief turned into deep admiration among the ministers in the hall.
Over the past few centuries, Dawei had constantly breached their borders and extracted uncountable tributes of gold, silver and precious jewels from them. And now, with just one battle, victory was achieved and Dawei’s arrogance was dealt a heavy blow.
“Summon the heralds and announce this nationwide triumph! Also, order the returning of the troops and send the two Dawei princes back to the capital under custody.”
“The officers and soldiers at Xu Mountain Pass have performed outstandingly in this battle. When they return, I shall reward them for their merits. Especially Commander Gong Xiaohua - my country will have its first female general in history.”
“Your Majesty is wise.”
After the court session, the ministers congratulated Prime Minister Qin and Minister Qin in the palace.
Although Minister Qin still had his usual stern poker face, the slight uptick at the corners of his mouth showed how pleased he was.
Beside him, the Crown Prince also looked on enviously, “Your son sure has an eye for people. He made the first move.”
“You flatter me. His insight is just slightly better than Yours.” Qin Chuyuan cheekily replied.
“Just you wait, he’ll get his due when my sister returns.”
Lord Li walked alongside Minister Qin. He knew that Minister Qin greatly disapproved his granddaughter-in-law, Gong Xiaohua, due to her lowly status.
Having worked together in court for over a decade since their youth, although one had risen to the highest ministerial position while the other only held the appointment of Minister of Justice, their decades-long friendship remained unchanged.
After leaving court, their conversation carried on as old friends without too much reservation.
“Minister Qin, no offense, but you’ve clearly become more and more conservative in your old age. Gong Xiaohua may be of humble origins, but her character and abilities are truly outstanding. Your Qin clan has found a treasure, yet you’re still complaining.”
“Ah, if only you knew how envious I was of her when we were back in Nanlong Commandery.”
“If you really can’t accept it, why not just annul the engagement and marry her to my Li family instead? Although my boy isn’t as cunning as your Qin boy, his looks and character aren’t bad either.”
Overhearing the last bit, Qin Chuyuan, who just happened to be passing by, replied in a cold voice, “Lord Li, you can’t make decisions regarding my family affairs.”
“Ehem, so it’s young master Qin. Haven’t you broken that bad habit of eavesdropping?” Lord Li said guiltily after being caught red-handed.
“No, I was listening fair and square.”
“Insolence! You will show respect.” Minister Qin scolded.
Qin Chuyuan did not respond. He simply bowed at the two men before leaving alone.
Watching his retreating figure, Lord Li said to Minister Qin, “I heard that after he pledged military orders to protect Xiaohua last time, you gave him a severe beating when you returned and stripped him of his position as future patriarch. Look, he doesn’t even bother with you now. Regretting it now, aren’t you?”
“Humph! What do I have to regret? To disregard family interests over a mere woman, such a daughter-in-law will only drag my grandson and the Qins down.”
“Ah, you stubborn old fool. It’ll be too late for regrets.” Lord Li shook his head and straightened his sleeves before taking his leave.
Left standing there alone, Minister Qin’s brows furrowed tightly. Could he really be mistaken?
At this thought, distant memories suddenly flooded his mind. History must not repeat itself. He was right. Since ancient times, matching status has always been pivotal for marriages and expanding family interests.
On the other hand, after leaving the palace, Qin Chuyuan did not return to work. Instead, he went to the Gong residence to inform them of the great victory.
“Really? My Xiaohua won the battle?” Lady Gong finally relaxed upon hearing the news as tears of joy streamed down her face.
“Yes, Auntie.”
“That’s wonderful! Brother-in-law, so when is my sister coming back?”
“Unconfirmed yet. Everything depends on settling border affairs first. If it goes smoothly, it’s likely she’ll return by mid-autumn festival next month.”
“I must go spread the news to everyone!” Lady Gong said excitedly, unable to keep still.
“Young Master, please take a seat here with Xiaonan. I’ll be right back.”
“Auntie, besides bringing good news today, I have one other inappropriate request.”
“Why be so courteous? Just speak your mind.”
“I was hoping to move Xiaohua’s personal belongings to my residence before she returns. May I seek your approval, Auntie?” Qin Chuyuan shamelessly requested.
“Of course, of course! She’s married now so it’s not proper for her to keep returning here to stay. I’ll go pack her things.”
When Gong Xiaohua returned home after leading the troops back triumphantly, she twitched seeing her empty room. That Qin Chuyuan had schemed with her mother yet again.
