90 Eternal Forest Defense

ebellion togetherThe Nanzhao Kingdom wasn't founded by betraying the previous dynasty How could they allow descendants of that dynasty to be their holy maidenMosius Yao said, "The trinket you sent bac...90. The Eternal Forest Defense

The hall, set up hastily and therefore looking rather makeshift, was where Xiashu, with a serious expression on his face, stared at the black-clad youth sitting casually in front of him while observing the hall leisurely, as well as the four black-clad knights standing beside him forming his guards. "Young Master, do you have anything to say now I haven’t asked about your origins and those of everyone here." Ye Li looked at both of them and smiled calmly, saying, "No wonder General Murong sent two of you to garrison Eternal Forest City. Lieutenant Yun is valiant while Lieutenant Xiashu is cautious – a rare combination indeed." Xiashu gave a faint bitter smile, "Today, if not for Young Master and everyone else’s timely arrival, I’m afraid that Lieutenant Yun and myself will only be able to offer our lives in atonement." His gaze remained fixed on Ye Li; he wouldn’t forget that the youth before his eyes hadn’t yet revealed his identity.

Ye Li was helpless. She raised her hand to let down the bun on her head, letting her dark tresses slip over her shoulders as she said coolly, "I am the Queen Consort of King Ding."

The Queen Consort of King Ding Yun Ting and Xiashu exchanged glances at each other. Despite being unexpected, this situation seemed to make sense too. Besides King Ding, only the Queen Consort of King Ding could mobilize so many Black Cloud Riders. But why would a supposedly missing Queen Consort suddenly appear in Snowflake Pass with Black Cloud Riders even coming for the rescue of Eternal Forest City Moreover… According to rumors, the Queen Consort of King Ding was the daughter of the current Chancellor and Grand Scholar Qingyun’s granddaughter; how could such a delicate high-born lady be capable of commanding a formidable army… Yun Ting felt even more dizzy. He stood by without saying anything, handing everything over to Xiashu who appeared far calmer than himself. Xiashu had been terrified too, but after a long time he finally came back to his senses and said, "Lady Queen… How did you end up here"

Ye Li smiled, "I wasn’t originally here; I rushed over upon hearing the news that Snowflake Pass was under siege. Thankfully, I made it in time. If both of you don’t believe in my identity… Is Miss Murong, General Murong’s daughter, still at Snowflake Pass" Xiashu’s expression changed slightly as he said awkwardly, "I do not doubt Lady Queen’s identity – the Black Cloud Riders are proof enough after all. It’s just…" Ye Li nodded and said, "I understand Lieutenant Xiashu’s point; there is no need to be nervous. Please take a seat."

Xiashu and Yun Ting exchanged glances before thanking her and sitting down. They were originally delighted when the Black Cloud Riders came for their rescue but now that they found out that the one leading them was actually the Queen Consort of King Ding, they didn’t know what expression or mood to have anymore. The fact that King Ding could no longer walk properly was known by everyone; indeed, mobilizing the Black Cloud Riders would be impossible without the Queen Consort of King Ding. But to say that a delicate and slender lady like her was capable of commanding such an army and leading them against over ten thousand rebels of Prince Li… They were not confident about it at all in their hearts.

"I have come to see Lady Queen." Dark Two and Dark Three’s voices came from outside the door. Xiashu and Yun Ting were startled; they looked cautiously towards the entrance. A few men dressed as ordinary soldiers walked into the hall, although most of Chu soldiers’ attire was similar but Xiashu could clearly tell that the insignia on their clothes were those under Prince Li of Lingzhou’s command. These people clearly weren’t let in by any of the city guards.

"You’ve done well; how is everything going"

Dark Two stepped forward and said, "As per Lady Queen’s orders, we have already executed Governor Yong Prefecture lawfully. Unfortunately, there were too many people around Prince Li so my subordinates couldn’t bring back the governor’s head. Please forgive us, Lady Queen." Ye Li raised her hand and said, “It's fine; you’ve done well. Go rest now.” Everyone took their leave upon receiving orders to do so. Yun Ting was shocked as he exclaimed, "You… You killed Governor Yong Prefecture!"

"Yun Ting, don’t be rude," Xiashu said in a solemn voice. Since they had already confirmed that the woman before them was indeed the Queen Consort of King Ding, it didn’t matter whether she truly had the ability to command Black Cloud Riders and the Eternal Forest garrison or not; they could not treat her rudely anymore. Although he too was extremely shocked by what he heard earlier.

Ye Li nodded faintly as she said, "Governor Yong Prefecture thought only of himself rather than his country when he surrendered to Prince Li’s army. If we do not execute him lawfully, I fear that other officials will be swayed and follow suit." Xiashu nodded in agreement and said, “Lady Queen is right; if it wasn’t for Governor Yong Prefecture turning against the crown at such a time of peril, Eternal Forest City wouldn’t have been trapped within this crisis.”

Yun Ting looked at Xiashu before looking back at Ye Li and suddenly asked, "Lady Queen, when will reinforcements arrive"

Ye Li thought for a moment before shaking her head and saying, “I don’t know. I was originally in Nanzhao but rushed back upon hearing the news of Snowflake Pass being under siege. However… General Wu at Yong Prefecture had encountered an ambush on Yunlan River; it’s unlikely that we’ll receive reinforcements anytime soon.” South of Yunlan River, they would be lucky to defend themselves let alone expect any help. North of the river, only Yong Prefecture was closest to Eternal Forest City but since its troops were ambushed, other regions’ troops wouldn’t likely mobilize without an imperial order. Yun Ting and Xiashu weren’t just ordinary soldiers but leaders of Eternal Forest City’s garrison so Ye Li had no intention of deceiving them. If the leader couldn’t see clearly through what was happening in front of him, there was no point in talking about other matters.

"Damn it!" Yun Ting muttered under his breath. Even with two thousand Black Cloud Riders added to their forces, they were already under two ten thousand men total – even if they didn’t fear death and could hold Eternal Forest City against an attack for now, he would rather die on the battlefield.

Xiashu slowly inhaled, calming his breathing before asking, “If that’s so, we kindly request Lady Queen to leave Eternal Forest City as soon as possible and return to the capital.”

"Leave" Ye Li raised an eyebrow.

Xiashu gave a bitter smile as he said, "I’ll be frank with you; my two subordinates may have pledged allegiance to General Murong but Eternal Forest City… We can only do our utmost and hold it for as long as we are capable. As for Lady Queen’s conflict with Prince Li, I’ve heard some of the stories before too. If anything were to happen… It would be best if you leave as soon as possible." Ye Li smiled brightly, “Lieutenant Xiashu, do you think that I came here merely intending to circle around and leave Besides… if I were to leave now even though I left the Black Cloud Riders with you, could you command them” Xiashu looked at her somewhat embarrassedly; he did indeed hope for King Ding’s Consort to leave the Black Cloud Riders behind to assist in defending the city. But what she said was true – how could someone like him possibly control an army that even past emperors couldn’t touch Ye Li raised her eyebrows as she watched his conflicted expression and laughed, "What is it Is my presence here making you lose face

"This..." Xia Shu was speechless. Yun Ting, being straightforward, said, "Your Excellency the Princess Consort, it's too dangerous on the battlefield. You're an important figure and a lady; how can I let you join us in defending the city Why don't you talk to the brothers of the Black Cloud Cavalry, stay here, and help us defend the city" This way,

you'll be safe, and we will have more confidence in our defense." Ye Li couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a laugh and said, "Captain Yun, I just rode my horse into the city myself. I didn't come here sitting in a sedan chair carried by others, right" Yun Ting was taken aback and suddenly remembered that amidst such chaos on the battlefield, he hadn't seen anyone guarding someone specially like this.

Could it be that this woman, who barely reached his shoulder height, had also fought her way through thousands of soldiers just as the Black Cloud Cavalry did

Xia Shu coughed lightly and bowed to Ye Li, "I was impolite. Commander Murong is on Fuxue Pass; why don't we let Your Excellency meet with him first" After a moment of deep thought, Ye Li nodded and said, "That's also fine. The rebels have suffered setbacks these two days and now they are more than twenty miles away from here. Before Mo Jingli figures things out, he won’t rashly advance either. Since I've come this far, it wouldn't make sense not to meet with Commander Murong. I'll go to Fuxue Pass first." Yun Ting volunteered, "I’ll escort Your Excellency there!" Xia Shu looked at him with a half-smile and seemed to understand the little schemes in his heart as he kindly said, "I will stay behind to defend Yonglin." Ye Li nodded, "Then I'll leave it to Captain Xia. I’ll keep the Black Cloud Cavalry here to assist you and strengthen the city walls’ defenses."

Xia Shu was delighted. Everyone knew that the Black Cloud Cavalry was good at breaking through enemy lines, but those who were skilled in attack also understood where a defense’s weaknesses lay. Observing the Black Cloud Cavalry up close would be an honor for every soldier. Hearing this, Yun Ting hesitated again—was it better to escort Princess Consort Ding or stay behind and observe the Black Cloud Cavalry Looking at Ye Li, who had already risen from her seat, Captain Yun clenched his fist in his heart. He absolutely needed to please Princess Consort Ding first; if he could join the Black Cloud Cavalry after this battle, even as a small soldier, that would be worth it!

Fuxue Pass

Murong Shen walked into the tent covered in blood and sweat. Knowing that Li Wang's rebel troops were approaching, the attacks from Nan Zhao people below the city had become increasingly fierce today. In the end, Murong Shen personally led his men out of the city to battle for a long time before driving them back. Now he could finally catch his breath. Without even changing clothes, Murong Shen hurriedly returned to the tent and listened to the report from Yonglin City: "Commander, this morning Prince Li personally led 150,000 troops to reach Yonglin City."

Murong Shen waved his hand and said, "Nonsense! There's not much space outside Yonglin City. Where would he put 150,000 troops"

A general stood up and said, "That 150,000 might be prepared for our Fuxue Pass. Yesterday, Yun Ting and Xia Shu killed the vanguard of Li Wang's forces; they even cut down those who cleared the way ahead. Today, these two won't have an easy time." Murong Shen nodded and said, "Yun Ting and Xia Shu did well this time."

"Commander, shouldn’t I take some men to Yonglin Those two probably can’t hold out today," a middle-aged deputy general worriedly suggested. Murong Shen shook his head heavily; Nan Zhao troops could attack at any moment, plus they couldn't spare more troops to support them.

The generals were silent; sending troops from Fuxue Pass would be like letting the Nan Zhao forces enter it themselves. If no one was sent, Yonglin City's two thousand soldiers would eventually be wiped out by Li Wang’s 100,000 troops. Even then, they couldn’t hold onto Fuxue Pass either when surrounded on both sides. More tragically… They didn't even have the chance to break through themselves; as guardians of Fuxue Pass and protectors of Chu's national gate, unless all the soldiers guarding Fuxue Pass were dead, no foreigner could step in.

This was a belief that generations of defenders at Fuxue Pass had written with their lives and blood over hundreds of years.

"Damn it! Prince Li actually colluded with Nan Zhao!" The irritable generals couldn’t help but curse. Was there anything worse than fighting hard on the front lines only to be betrayed by one's own people from behind A royal prince of the imperial family and Emperor’s brother colluding with foreigners; what kind of thing was this

"Reporting, Commander! Battle report from Yonglin City!"

"Quickly transmit it!" The curses in the tent abruptly stopped. Everyone solemnly looked at the soldier entering to deliver news, fearing they would hear something terrible.

"Your Excellency, this morning the rebel forces under Prince Li attacked our city. The battle lasted for about an hour. By noon, the rebels were repelled. Lieutenant Xia asks your Excellency to rest assured; as long as there is a single soldier left in Yonglin City, they will not let the rebels advance beyond it," the messenger reported loudly.

"Excellent! These two youngsters really are outstanding." Mu Sheng was delighted. He had been somewhat anxious before sending Yun霆 and Xia殊 to Yonglin since both were so young, but there was no one else he could send as the Snowflake Pass was in dire straits. Unexpectedly, these two youths managed consecutive victories for two days straight. After some thought, Mu Sheng asked with a puzzled look, "With Prince Li’s forces numbering over ten thousand troops already at full strength, how did Yun霆 and Xia殊 manage to repel them"

The messenger soldier didn’t hold back the truth, “Our defenses were initially strained. But then suddenly, many black-armored cavalrymen appeared out of nowhere and drove off the enemy. Also, the governor of Yongzhou in Prince Li’s army was killed.”

Mu Sheng was stunned; he couldn’t quite figure out who these black-clad riders were, but it was a good thing that the governor of Yongzhou had been killed. "Well done! Go back and investigate those cavalrymen’s background as quickly as possible," Mu Sheng ordered.

"Yes!"

"Your Excellency, Lieutenant Yun霆 requests an audience."

"Yun霆 Why is he here Bring him in!" Mu Sheng frowned and waved his hand to instruct.

Not long after, Yun霆 came bustling in. As soon as the door opened, he called out to Mu Sheng: "General, look who’s here!" Mu Sheng was about to scold Yun霆 for being too hasty when he looked up and found himself speechless. Although Mu Sheng didn’t often socialize while in the capital city, neither did Ye Li. However, as close friends of each other, he had met Princess Consort Ding a few times. Although she now wore black clothes and male attire, her unchanged delicate face and calm smile left a deep impression on him. "Princess Consort…" Mu Sheng swallowed the word, only to hear Ye Li bowing with a smile: "General Mu, it’s been well since our parting in the capital." As a seasoned general, Mu Sheng quickly regained his composure and bowed back smilingly: "Your concern is appreciated. I must thank you for helping Yonglin out of its crisis." Seeing the black-armored cavalrymen and realizing who Princess Consort Ding was, there was no way that Mu Sheng wouldn’t figure it out if he didn’t know who had helped resolve Yonglin’s crisis.

Although the Snowflake Pass’ commanders were unaware of Ye Li’s identity as the one who relieved Yonglin’s danger, they could sense General Mu recognized her and thus relaxed their guard to watch curiously. Mu Sheng glanced at everyone before signaling them to leave. Only then did he invite Ye Li to sit down. Without being rude, Ye Li thanked him and walked over to sit beside him. "General, do you think the Snowflake Pass can hold" Knowing Mu Sheng’s straightforward personality, Ye Li cut straight to the point without beating around the bush.

Mu Sheng looked deeply at Ye Li for a moment before sighing, “I will be honest with Your Highness Consort. Without Prince Li's forces numbering over ten thousand troops, I would guarantee that no one from Southern Frontier could cross the Snowflake Pass. But… once Yonglin falls… heh heh, the Snowflake Pass might not hold up half a day.” The Snowflake Pass and Yonglin City had no barriers between them; once the rebels took Yonglin, it would expose the defenders’ backs to enemy attacks from both sides simultaneously, forcing the garrison to suffer heavy losses without any effort from Nanzhao.

Ye Li understood Mu Sheng was telling the truth and frowned: "Then, according to your estimate, how many days until reinforcements arrive"

Mu Sheng smiled bitterly. “If… it would take at most two days for reinforcements to arrive. But now… we won’t see any reinforcements within ten days.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow: "Then does General believe the Snowflake Pass will fall"

Mu Sheng gritted his teeth and said, “Even if it’s doomed to fall, I’ll still defend until my last breath. As long as Mu Sheng is alive, Southern Frontier soldiers won’t step beyond the Snowflake Pass.” Ye Li fell silent for a moment before looking up: "General, how many more days do you think you can hold" Mu Sheng replied solemnly, “That depends on how much longer Yonglin holds. By any chance, how many Black Cloud Cavalry did Princess Consort bring this time”

Ye Li sighed and said, “It’s a coincidence; there are only 2,000 Black Cloud Cavalry soldiers here. General, if the Snowflake Pass can’t hold much longer… could we retreat to Yunlan River” Mu Sheng waved his hand firmly: "Others may retreat, but not me! Since the Emperor appointed Mu Sheng as commander of the Snowflake Pass, I will share its fate!" Ye Li frowned and asked, “General, have you thought about what happens if Nanzhao soldiers advance north after taking the Snowflake Pass The two ten thousand-strong garrisons in Yongzhou and Yuzhou were wiped out at Yunlan River. Besides Yongzhou’s peril, Yuzhou is also defenseless.”

Mu Sheng chuckled arrogantly: "Princess Consort, you can rest assured. Upon receiving news of General Wu’s death, I had already considered this possibility and ordered constant surveillance on Henghui Bridge on Yunlan River. If reinforcements arrive first, that would be fine. But if the Snowflake Pass falls before reinforcements come, the remaining personnel will destroy the bridge regardless of cost to prevent enemy crossing via it. Whether Nanzhao soldiers want to rebuild the bridge or cross by boat, they’ll have their itinerary delayed for at least half a month. Then… the imperial reinforcements should arrive. As for Princess Consort, I thank you for your timely aid and urge you to leave Yongzhou as soon as possible for safety.”

Ye Li stood up and bowed respectfully toward Mu Sheng: "Since General has made up his mind, how about letting me take over Yonglin"

"Princess Consort" Mu Sheng was surprised. Ye Li smiled: “Being Princess Consort Ding Wang’s wife, I cannot leave when Yongzhou is in danger. I am willing to share the fate of Yonglin City like a true Princess Consort of Ding王府, don’t you think”

Mu Sheng fell silent for a long time before finally saying, "No wonder…" No wonder the Black Cloud Cavalry would obey Princess Consort’s command—she was far from an ordinary lady. Everyone believed only Ding Wang and his wife could direct the Black Cloud Cavalry; however, few knew that only two or three in history truly controlled it. Previous Princess Consorts were out of question for control over it, even including Ding Wang’s mother who had a deep affectionate relationship with Regent Duke Mo Liufang.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and waited for Mu Sheng to continue. Instead, Mu Sheng only shook his head without further explanation, merely looking up at Ye Li: “In that case, I’ll entrust Yonglin City to you then. Since I can’t offer much help, I will allocate another ten thousand troops for your disposal.” These 10,000 soldiers were originally meant as reinforcements if Yun霆 and Xia殊 couldn’t hold on any longer; this was all he could spare.

Ye Li nodded: "Thank you for your trust, General."

After receiving General Mu Song's military token, Ye Li also made preparations to return to Yonglin City. As a seasoned veteran of the battlefield, Mu Song would not have been so pressed for resources and men if it were not for this sudden turn of events and the overwhelming disparity in strength between his forces and their enemies. The defensive arrangements at Suixue Pass did not need Ye Li's involvement either. When she left the military camp, she saw Mu Ting coming towards her with a sword in hand. "Ting"

“Huh!" Mu Ting was originally rushing to look for her father and heard a familiar voice. She quickly stopped and stared at the person who looked both familiar yet unfamiliar before pointing an accusing finger at Ye Li, “You… you…”

"How dare you be so impolite to Mr. Xu" Mu Song followed behind and glared at his daughter.

“Mr. Xu!” Mu Ting shrieked in surprise. Ye Li smiled as she raised her eyebrows, “Xu Qingliu greets Miss Mu.”

Mu Ting's cheeks flushed red as she hurriedly hid behind Mu Song and glared at Ye Li with resentment. She really couldn’t blame herself for suddenly feeling bashful; it was all due to the fact that Ye Li’s male appearance was simply too good-looking, so much so that even without any makeup or disguise, he still looked like a handsome young man who seemed slightly immature and boyish – devoid of any feminine delicacy. Mu Ting had always prided herself on being bold and spirited, but she could not help but admit that even in men's clothing, she would never look as much like a boy as the person before her did. Even though she knew Ye Li was truly a woman, looking at a handsome young man with a touch of innocence still made Mu Ting feel somewhat embarrassed.

Seeing Mu Ting’s rare blush, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile at her. The young man under the sunlight looked clean and elegant, his black clothes not concealing the freshness and transparency of youth. Mu Ting could only stare even harder with a silent curse in mind: "Monster!"

"General, I will take my leave first." Ye Li turned to bid farewell to Mu Song without further provoking Mu Ting. Mu Song nodded solemnly and said, “In that case, Yonglin City relies on you.”

“I won’t disappoint the general,” replied Ye Li with a smile.

Mu Ting looked at Ye Li, then her eyes turned mischievously as she asked, "Father, what is Mr. Xu going to do in Yonglin"

"Mr. Xu will assist Yun霆 and Xia Shu in defending the city," replied Mu Song with a frown. Mu Ting hurriedly interjected, “I want to go too.”

“Stop nonsense! Mr. Xu is doing important work. Why do you need to follow along for no reason”

Mu Ting was so furious she stomped her feet in frustration. Previously, her father had said that as a girl she couldn’t go to war, but now wasn't Ye Li going to the battlefield "I don’t care! I want to help defend the city too! I’m your daughter and not just a useless person who eats without doing anything in the military camp. A… Mr. Xu, can you take me with you" In her excitement, Mu Ting forgot that Ye Li was still dressed as a man and hugged him while shaking his sleeve, which drew curious looks from passing soldiers. Ye Li cleared his throat and pulled away with a smile, "Miss Mu, men and women should keep their distance."

Mu Ting only then noticed the strange gazes of the soldiers around her; she quickly let go and made a face at Ye Li before turning to pull on her father’s sleeve in a pout. “Father… please let Ting go. I won’t cause any trouble.”

Mu Song was worn out by his daughter's demands, so he looked towards Ye Li. Ye Li smiled and said humbly, "If the general is at ease with it, then Miss Mu can come along." Mu Song sighed; the situation was urgent anyway, and there wasn’t much difference between staying in Suixue Pass or going to Yonglin City. Even if she remained here, once fighting started he wouldn't be able to protect her either, "Alright, this girl will have to rely on Mr. Xu then. If she disobeys orders recklessly, you may punish her according to military law without any leniency!"

"Thank you father!" Mu Ting was overjoyed and completely disregarded the last statement about punishment under military law. At least this meant that her father considered her a soldier rather than a naive young girl

After saying goodbye to General Mu Song, Ye Li and company left Suixue Pass after less than an hour of staying there. Mu Ting watched enviously as Ye Li rode on a fine steed with several soldiers from the Black Cloud Cavalry following behind her. Just a few people could already command such presence; if the entire Black Cloud Cavalry was present, how magnificent it would be! The very thought made one’s blood boil. "A… ah, Mr. Xu, why did you come to Suixue Pass Father really trusts you, he wouldn’t let me join the battle no matter what I said but he agreed to hand over Yonglin's defenses to you." At this point, Mu Ting couldn't help feeling a pang of bitterness in her heart; was it because she felt useless that her father didn't want her on the battlefield

Ye Li smiled and replied, “I was dealing with something in Southern Nian and happened to meet up.”

"The Prince would actually let you come alone to deal with matters in Southern Nian The Prince is such a good person. My father only nags about how girls who are married should stay at home managing the household, be virtuous… I don’t want that," Mu Ting muttered resentfully, her last words barely audible. However, everyone present had excellent hearing and heard every word clearly. Yun霆 chuckled and said to Mu Ting, "Miss Mu, you shouldn't say such things; it might make Lord Cold cry." Mu Ting bared her teeth and glared at Yun霆 before urging her horse forward. Ye Li followed with a smile and said, “General Mu is worried about your safety.”

“I know that, but father only has me as his daughter, I want him to be proud of me too. Besides, I’m not a child anymore; I won’t act rashly without thinking it through. Father doesn't let me go to war, no matter how anxious I am, I wouldn’t run off secretly behind his back.”

Ye Li nodded; although Mu Ting was occasionally impulsive, she knew her limits well and never made others truly worry about her.n the table. The child stared at him innocently with his large eyes: "Father, why is Mother angry Why doesn’t she kiss me Does that mean Mother no longer loves her son""Don't pretend to be innocent an...