She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

Inside the grand tent of the Turkic Ashina Khan, the charcoal in the brazier blazed with fierce intensity, warming the entire tent.

A roasted leg of lamb lay on the table, and Ashina Khan was embracing a woman dressed in animal skin bustier, both drinking horse milk wine that exuded a creamy fragrance. Suddenly, a scout brought a report.

”What did you say?” The voice of the Turkic Ashina Khan carried a trace of disbelief and astonishment.

Ashina abruptly released the woman in his arms, sitting upright. His eyes shone brightly, staring directly at the scout kneeling below with the report.

The woman seemed startled by the sudden change, her body quivering slightly before obediently sliding down onto the soft woolen blanket.

”Reporting to Khan,” the scout’s voice had a barely noticeable tremor, clearly intimidated by Ashina Khan’s imposing presence, and had to repeat, ”The Marshal of Da Jing Dynasty’s Beiguan, that fierce general who once made our army fear him on the battlefield, has recently been stripped of his military power by the Da Jing court.”

”Is the information accurate?” Ashina’s eagle-like eyes narrowed slightly, and his clenched fists made a creaking sound.

”This matter is absolutely true, and it’s already spread across every corner of Beiguan. The one who replaced him to guard Beiguan is someone named Cao Xiong. It’s said that although he is young, he has quite the background in the court and seems to have brought an Imperial Army with him upon taking office.”

Upon hearing this, Ashina furrowed his brows, a flash of contemplation in his eyes. He slowly shifted in his throne, as if digesting the sudden news.

After a moment, he asked, ”Cao Xiong, does this person have any military achievements? Or, does he have any special traits in the army?”

The scout quickly replied, ”Replying to Khan, this person indeed has some fame in the court, but mostly due to his family background. As for military achievements, to my knowledge, he hasn’t gained any notable merits. However, this time as he assumed the position at Beiguan, the Da Jing Emperor seems to place high expectations on him.”

Hearing this, Ashina’s lips curled into a cold smile. He naturally understood that since Emperor Jing ascended, there has been significant reshuffling in the court. This change in Beiguan’s Marshal might just be a handiwork of Emperor Jing’s suspicious nature.

Thinking of this, a sense of grandeur rose in his heart, as if he could see the Turkic army once again galloping south, drinking from the Yin Mountain River with splendid majesty.

”Good,” he said slowly, ”continue to investigate this matter, and report immediately any new developments.”

With these words, Ashina waved his large hand, signaling the scout to retreat. And the woman, swayed by this commanding presence, slowly rose again and nestled back beside him.

Ashina’s gaze had already pierced through the curtain of the tent, looking towards the far and mysterious Da Jing Beiguan.

A moment later, Ashina’s thick, weathered hands gently but firmly pushed aside the woman beside him.

His eyes were stern, seeming to penetrate hearts, yet also concealed endless flames and smoke of war. ”You, go immediately to invite Princess Yujia. Remember, be highly respectful and do not show any negligence.”

”Yes.”

The woman quivered slightly upon hearing, nodding humbly before walking out of the tent.

Shortly after, Princess Yujia gracefully approached.

She was of seventeen or eighteen years old, her skin a healthy wheat color, wearing a glimmering ensemble typical of prairie women. Her hair was skillfully braided into intricate plaits, adorned with wildflowers and jewels, sparkling enchantingly.

Behind her followed two burly, powerful prairie warriors. They wore heavy animal skin armor, gripping sharp scimitars, guarding Princess Yujia closely.

”Father Khan, you appear troubled, is there something urgent? Is there anything your daughter can help with?” Yujia approached gracefully, her voice filled with concern.

”Yujia, come, do not hurry. Sit beside Father Khan.” Ashina beckoned warmly to Yujia, his eyes full of affection and care.

Yujia obediently sat beside Ashina, radiating bravery yet retaining gentleness.

”Yujia, are you aware of that Beiguan Marshal you have always admired, Zhao Zun?”

Ashina’s voice was deep and powerful, as if narrating tales of past glories.

”Hmm! What about him?” Princess Yujia nodded slightly, a shy blush crossing her face.

”He has been stripped of his military power by the Da Jing Emperor. Now, Beiguan’s situation is volatile, and the person in charge has changed to a general named Cao Xiong. Father Khan believes our opportunity has come, wanting to take this chance to gather troops and attack Beiguan. What are your thoughts on this matter?”

”What? Stripped of military power?”

Upon hearing, Yujia’s heart tightened, a flash of astonishment and confusion in her bright eyes. She remained silent for a moment, seemingly striving to process this sudden news.

”Father Khan, though your daughter has always respected the Beiguan Marshal, Zhao Zun, national affairs are paramount, and personal feelings should be set aside. Your daughter is willing to relieve Father Khan’s burdens, doing her utmost for the tribe. But this Cao Xiong, your daughter has not heard of, requiring Father Khan’s guidance for future dealings.”

”It’s said that this person has some reputation in the Da Jing court, but hasn’t achieved any notable military merits. However, upon taking office at Beiguan, the Da Jing Emperor seems to place high expectations on him.” Ashina repeated the scout’s report, quietly waiting for his daughter’s insight.

Outsiders only know Ashina Khan has a daughter as gentle as a lamb, as beautiful as a flower, yet unaware this princess is both insightful and possesses unique expertise in military strategy, often serving as a Think Tank beside Ashina Khan.

Princess Yujia not only mastered military tactics but also excelled at softening the hard approach, integrating wisdom into gentleness, devising strategies for every tribal conquest, earning vast admiration and love on the prairie.

”Hmm!” Princess Yujia nodded slightly. ”Father Khan, with Zhao Zun, once formidable and renowned, leaving Beiguan, this is undoubtedly a rare opportunity for us.”

”Father Khan also agrees this opportunity should not be missed.”

”But Father Khan, it’s the harsh winter now, the prairie is blanketed with snow, the wind is fierce, our tribe lacks clothing and food, and the horses of our warriors are weakened by the cold. Deploying under such conditions will surely increase our difficulties and casualties. Father Khan, please consider, to launch this plan once spring arrives, with plentiful supplies, wouldn’t that be more prudent?”

”Yujia, such an opportunity will not present itself again. I think not only us, but also the neighboring Ala Country and Meng Country, upon hearing of the change at Beiguan, will certainly not overlook this opportunity.”

”Ala and Meng Country border Ling’an City; we border Yong’an City. Father Khan, have you forgotten? Albu’s news was that Yong’an City had reinforcements; could they be sent by this Cao Xiong?”

”Hiss...” Mentioning Yong’an City’s reinforcements, Ashina inhaled sharply, his freshly aroused intense battle spirit showing some hesitation.

”Yong’an City’s reinforcements are indeed powerful, rescuing Zhao Zun single-handedly and capable of killing with peanuts, this...”