Deep winter, heavy snow fell, the world was vast and white. Qing Yao, clad in a purple cloak, stood quietly on the long corridor. Outside the corridor, a branch of winter plum reached out, defiantly blooming, its vibrant flowers captivating.
In the vast white snow, bones stood tall and proud.
Someone approached from behind. Yin Xuan walked over silently, wearing a greatcoat, and stood beside her, looking at the red plum blossoms outside the corridor.
"Snow storms and howling winds make one more resolute, the highest integrity among flowers. When the time comes, they will naturally wither and fall, ashamed to beg for pity from the Eastern Lord."
Qing Yao recited spontaneously. By her side, Yin Xuan's lips curved. His voice of admiration rose, "A fine line, 'ashamed to beg for pity from the Eastern Lord,' it fully reveals the plum blossom's unyielding spirit. A good poem, a good talent."
Qing Yao had recited it casually, but hearing the sincere praise from the person beside her, she felt a pang of guilt. These were not her poems; she had simply recited them on impulse. She turned and walked indoors, "The snow this year has come quite early. The plums are also blooming early. Spring next year will also arrive early, a good year, a good season."
"Indeed." Yin Xuan followed her into the room. Xiao Yu'er, wearing a padded cotton jacket with embroidered flowers, rolled over like a little ball. After the new year, she would be three years old and growing up.
"Mother, Mother."
Her bond with Qing Yao was truly strong, even closer than a typical mother and child. Not only did they share blood, but they were also kindred spirits. Sometimes, speaking as kindred spirits, her heart felt less lonely.
"What is it?"
Qing Yao watched the approaching shadow and reached out to catch her. She sat down on a nearby chair. At this moment, the Great General An Dingfeng walked in from outside, snow still clinging to him. Upon entering, he cupped his fist respectfully, "Marshal, it seems we can only celebrate the New Year here. We can only head north after the new year."
For five months, they had captured six cities of the Dan Feng Kingdom, advancing northwards, unstoppable. Furthermore, upon hearing of their arrival, many cities surrendered automatically. To fight them meant only death.
The Xian Yue court had dispatched an additional fifty thousand troops. Their forces grew, and everyone's confidence soared.
Unexpectedly, they were now trapped in Dai Cheng because behind Dai Cheng lay a mountain pass. Heavy snow had blocked the road, with steep and perilous valleys on either side. The road was slippery and steep, and she could not risk the lives of her soldiers. Therefore, everyone was stationed in Dai Cheng, resting and recuperating. They would wait until next year when the snow melted, pass through the mountain road, and head north. Not far beyond that lay Feng Lian City, the capital of the Dan Feng Kingdom.
A blue light flickered in Qing Yao's eyes. Hua Wenbo, I want to see where you are hiding. No matter where you are, I will find you.
And Ji Xue, that sister-murdering woman, had finally extended her hand to the Empress. This was entirely the Empress's own doing. She should have considered that a woman daring enough to kill her sister would certainly dare to kill her. It was a pity that she probably only realized this truth when she was dying, and regret was useless.
"Sit down. Since we cannot go north, let everyone settle in Dai Cheng for the New Year. Being far from home is already bleak enough," Qing Yao said slowly. She seemed to have no such regret. Xiao Yu'er was here, and Yin Xuan was also here. In a sense, they were a family.
"Alright, I will issue the order to send dedicated personnel to handle the New Year goods, slaughter chickens and sheep to have a good new year, and depart after the new year?"
An Dingfeng requested instructions. Qing Yao nodded, and An Dingfeng took his leave.
In the hall, Qing Yao remembered Xiao Yu'er anxiously looking for her and quickly asked, "What were you looking for me for earlier?"
"I couldn't find you when I came. I originally wanted to invite Mother to admire the plum blossoms, but you've already admired them."
Xiao Yu'er pouted. She had grown a bit taller, and her face increasingly resembled the Emperor's, as if cast from the same mold. Qing Yao sighed, then turned to look at Yin Xuan beside her. His deep, dark eyes met hers, like a calm sea, revealing nothing.
That year, the winter in Dai Cheng was very cold. Qing Yao and Xiao Yu'er dared not go out easily. Humans were strange; they feared the cold so much, despite not fearing such a large-scale war, preferring to stay indoors rather than venturing out.
In the army, the soldiers recuperated, and their spirits recovered considerably.
On New Year's Day, in the wide plaza, several large iron pots were set up, cooking meat and serving wine. Everyone ate and drank to their heart's content. Of course, a portion of the troops were prohibited from drinking. Qing Yao also joined everyone for the feasting before returning in the evening.
Although they were not at home, they had an unforgettable new year. For those who had fought major battles, there was no concept of "new year" anyway. Therefore, this new year left a deep impression on everyone's hearts.
After the new year, they began to reorganize the troops and prepare to march north to attack Feng Lian City. Meanwhile, news continued to reach Qing Yao's ears.
Shangguan Hao had indeed borrowed troops from the Yue Rang Kingdom to attack their borders while they were attacking Dan Feng. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful.
A cold smile appeared on Qing Yao's face. Shangguan Hao's ambition was obvious. He knew attacking Xian Yue head-on was extremely difficult, yet he feigned an attack. In reality, he was merely executing a feint, his true intention being to conquer the Yue Rang Kingdom.
It was a pity that the people of Yue Rang were oblivious and had indeed granted them passage. According to her prediction, it would be by next spring.
Shangguan Hao would inevitably turn his spearhead and conquer Yue Rang.
On the other side, the Qing Luo Kingdom and Yun Cang Kingdom had joined forces and captured another city from the Dan Feng Kingdom.
The Dan Feng Kingdom had a total of fifteen cities. Qing Yao had now captured six, while the Qing Luo and Yun Cang Kingdoms had seized three cities. Shangguan Hao had also captured one. Currently, only the cities surrounding the capital, Feng Lian City, remained under Dan Feng's control. Once the outer cities were breached, they could attack Feng Lian.
The current situation was spiraling out of control. All the nations were restless because if the Xian Yue Kingdom could conquer Dan Feng, they could conquer other nations. While concerned, all nations were devising countermeasures.
Shangguan Hao of Wan He Kingdom's original objective was to conquer Yue Rang Kingdom. This would significantly expand Wan He Kingdom's territory, making the land north of Xian Yue theirs.
Although the Qing Luo and Yun Cang Kingdoms harbored ambitions, they dared not act rashly. Thus, the two nations formed a treaty to jointly defend against foreign invaders.
The Xian Yue Kingdom had now risen to prominence among the seven nations.
They possessed the Huang Yuan Kingdom and had captured the Dan Feng Kingdom. Since Dan Feng was located in the northwest, Xian Yue's passage through Huang Yuan meant directly piercing into their heartland. This maneuver effectively separated their eastern and western regions, preventing them from joining forces with Wan He Kingdom. This strategy of dividing and conquering was indeed brilliant.
Spring arrived, and the snow melted.
The mountain pass was revealed. Qing Yao issued an order for the entire army to prepare for departure. Everything in Dai Cheng had been handed over, and all arrangements were made.
From here, it was only a two-day journey to Feng Lian, the capital of the Dan Feng Kingdom. There were two cities in between. Once these two cities were conquered, they could directly breach the gates of Dan Feng.