She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

”The ’whistling arrow’ is not only Bo Lu’s symbol but also his signal for commanding the children to act.”

Whenever that sharp and long whistle sounds, the children respond swiftly and accurately to his call, like a pack of wolves on the prairie.

”Yes!”

Aibal and his companions echoed in unison. Bo Lu’s praise made them feel like they were already qualified warriors on the prairie.

They held the bows and arrows tightly, their eyes shining as if ready to embrace the next challenge.

”Great! Let’s do it again.”

Bo Lu smiled with satisfaction at the sight. He deftly mounted his horse, quickly and gracefully, his body seemingly one with the steed.

He raised his bow and arrow once more, this time aiming directly at the eagle soaring in the sky.

It was a majestic gray eagle, its wings like iron, its gaze sharp.

The eagle is one of the prairie overlords. But at this moment, in Bo Lu’s eyes, it was merely a target waiting to be conquered.

”Whiz—swish—”

Another sharp whistle rang out, and Bo Lu’s whistling arrow sliced through the sky like lightning, heading straight for the eagle.

The children followed closely behind, their arrows like a dense shower of rain, whistling as they pursued the eagle.

At this moment, time seemed to freeze, the air saturated with the children’s tension and anticipation.

Finally, the eagle fell from the sky, its body pierced by countless arrows, like a giant porcupine.

Bo Lu smirked lightly, a subtle hint of predatorliness flashing in his eyes.

He leaped down from his horse, walked slowly forward, and picked up the lifeless eagle, without a trace of pity in his eyes.

”Very good, you’ve once again demonstrated your courage and archery skills. You’ve also shown that you’re sensitive enough to my whistling arrow. This eagle is your reward!”

Bo Lu’s voice rang out again as he tossed the shot eagle among the children, instantly causing a cheer.

The children immediately set up a fire on the spot and began to roast their trophy.

At this moment, Princess Yujia, accompanied by several warrior guards, walked by.

”Bo Lu. Are you roasting lamb again? If Father Khan finds out, you’ll get scolded again.”

Princess Yujia frowned secretly at the sheepskins scattered on the grass.

After a winter, the prairie was already short of clothes and food, with resources scarce, cattle and sheep being the lifeline of the people.

Moreover, with the people recuperating and preparing for battle, cattle and sheep were the primary resources for the army’s expedition. Yet, Bo Lu often sneaked off with these kids to roast lamb.

Bo Lu rolled his eyes indifferently.

He grabbed a piece of half-cooked lamb from the wooden rack and stuffed it into his mouth, the fresh lamb blood dripping down his chin, looking wild and untamed.

Princess Yujia sighed inwardly but did not reprimand him further; instead, she said while walking, ”Father Khan sent someone to call us. It is said that a scout has returned with news from Da Jing’s Beiguan. We should all go quickly to discuss.”

”Are you serious?”

Bo Lu’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Father Khan finally agreed to let him participate in discussions?

Does this mean, in Father Khan’s eyes, he has grown up and is considered a warrior?

”Brother Bo Lu, go quickly! Father Khan finally allowed you to join the discussions.”

”Congratulations, Brother Bo Lu, you can do it.”

”Go quickly! We await your good news.”

A group of adolescents nearby was also extremely delighted at this news.

Usually, Father Khan never let Bo Lu participate in matters related to warfare, always saying he was not mature enough. But now, Father Khan finally remembered Bo Lu.

Bo Lu threw down the lamb, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and, amid the children’s send-off, grabbed his bow and arrow and followed Princess Yujia to Ashina Khan’s main tent...

The prairie night’s curtain slowly fell, stars adorned the sky. The wind gently brushed through the grass, bringing the night’s coolness. The sheep returned to their pens, the pastoral songs ceased, leaving only the crickets softly singing.

Inside Ashina Khan’s main tent, candle flames flickered, illuminating the faces of the people, each with different expressions.

Seated in the main seat was Ashina Khan, beautiful and gentle Princess Yujia on his left, his youngest son Bo Lu on his right, followed by the brave General Albu and the leaders of various tribes.

”The scout reports two pieces of news regarding Beiguan that need to be discussed by us.”

Ashina Khan’s voice was steady and powerful, breaking the silence within the room.

Princess Yujia, upon hearing this, immediately sat upright, her eyes fixed on her father, silently praying that the news brought back by the scout might be related to Zhao Zun.

”The first piece of news is that Zhao Zun, the former Marshal of Beiguan Garrison, has been conferred the title of Vassal King by the Da Jing Dynasty’s Emperor and has returned to Canzhou to take up his fief.”

Ashina Khan spoke slowly, his gaze scanning the faces of the people, observing their reactions.

”Oh? Zhao Zun?”

Bo Lu raised an eyebrow; this name was not unfamiliar to him. Zhao Zun had been the Turkic people’s nightmare, repeatedly defeating their armies and striking fear into the hearts of Turkic warriors. But now, he had returned to Canzhou?

Albu also showed a look of surprise and asked in a low voice, ”What about Zhao Zun now?”

Ashina Khan spoke with a hint of schadenfreude: ”Hehe, the once god of war of Beiguan has declined. According to the scout, after being stripped of command, he lost faith in the Da Jing Dynasty, became lethargic, and only focused on pleasure. Upon arriving in Qingshui County, he ordered the Zhizhou of Canzhou to select a site to build a hunting ground for sport and leisure.”

Princess Yujia, upon hearing this, rekindled the thoughts she had decided to conceal.

She had countless encounters with Zhao Zun in her dreams—the brave and fearless, wise and courageous Marshal—only to realize he had now become someone only interested in pleasure? But upon reflection, this might be her chance to approach and persuade him.

”Father Khan, daughter believes this is an opportunity.” Princess Yujia gathered her courage and said, ”Zhao Zun has lost faith in the Da Jing Dynasty. We might seize this opportunity to convert and recruit him, making him a fierce general of the Turkic. The Emperor of Da Jing does not value Zhao Zun, but we Turkic do.”

Ashina Khan’s face darkened as he looked sternly at Princess Yujia.

”Yujia. Do you know what you are saying? Zhao Zun was once a major threat to the Turkic. If he truly joins us, the Turkic may gain a fierce general; but if he feigns submission, the Turkic will fall into a disaster!”

Princess Yujia lowered her head under her father’s scolding but felt unconvinced.

She believed that with her beauty and talent, Zhao Zun would be captivated; this was her leverage. If she could get close to him, she was sure to persuade him.

”Father Khan, daughter is willing to personally go to Canzhou and persuade Zhao Zun.”

Princess Yujia raised her head, looking firmly at Ashina Khan.

”Ridiculous!” Ashina Khan shouted angrily, ”You are a Turkic princess; how can you easily risk yourself? Mention this no more!”