Chapter 157 “Princess, Please.”

Chapter 157 "Princess, please proceed..."

"General Zhao, you summoned me?"

Zhang Yan arrived at Zhao Bian's tent, where no one else was present except Zhao Bian himself, who was bent over a map on the table.

Hearing this, Zhao Bian looked up and smiled. "Boyan, you're here." He then waved his hand, signaling his attendants to withdraw, leaving only the two of them in the tent.

Zhang Yan found it odd. He had assumed Zhao Bian called him to discuss the upcoming battles, but now it didn’t seem so.

"What are your orders, General?" Zhang Yan asked solemnly.

"No urgent matters," Zhao Bian replied casually as he approached, his tone amiable. He studied the young man before him—taller and more robust than himself—and a glint of shrewdness flickered briefly in his eyes. "Wudati Hou's forces have been defeated. I believe the war will soon come to an end."

Zhang Yan remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

Zhao Bian went on, "You’ve performed meritoriously—slaughtering four thousand enemy soldiers and reclaiming two cities from the Xiongnu. I will submit a report to the court to commend your achievements."

Zhang Yan showed no excitement upon hearing this. Instead, he said, "As a Liang general, defending our homeland is my duty."

Zhao Bian chuckled and patted his shoulder. "That’s the spirit and sense of duty—truly worthy of being the grandson of the Marquis of Liangzhou. I’ve taken a liking to your command skills and intend to recommend you for a position in Chang'an. What do you think?"

Zhang Yan looked up in surprise. Was Zhao Bian trying to win him over?

"I’m grateful for your favor, General, but my only wish is to hold the northwest frontier and protect our homeland," he replied, lowering his head.

He’d turned down Zhao Bian’s offer, expecting anger in return. Yet Zhao Bian merely smiled and offered a few words of encouragement, as if the suggestion had been casual and not worth dwelling on.

Zhang Yan let his guard down a notch.

Zhao Bian added, "With the war winding down, there’s no need for you to lead troops in the short term. I plan to give you a short furlough."

Noticing Zhang Yan’s confusion, Zhao Bian explained, "I heard Princess You'an has accompanied the Prince of Mobei to Tongyin. As I recall, Princess You'an spent her childhood in Liangzhou. You two must be close. It’s rare for her, after her distant marriage into Xianbei, to have the chance to return to her homeland. Now that you’re nearby, why not seize the chance to see her?"

When Zhao Bian mentioned "Princess You'an," Zhang Yan didn’t immediately react—until Tuo Baxiao was brought up, and he realized he was referring to Ah Yan.

Zhao Bian continued, "When Liang sought aid from Xianbei, the envoys said the Prince of Mobei initially refused. It was thanks to Princess You'an’s mediation that he eventually extended assistance. The court deeply respects her. I thought you could pass along our thanks."

Zhang Yan began to understand Zhao Bian’s intentions.

He likely believed Ah Yan had some influence over Tuo Baxiao and wanted Zhang Yan to persuade her to advocate for Liang’s interests.

This tactic felt sneaky, but Zhao Bian’s calm demeanor made it difficult to react with anger. Besides, he did want to see Ah Yan—both to check on her well-being after years apart and to reassure their grandmother, and also to thank her, as Tuo Baxiao had helped break the siege against Liangzhou’s forces.

Sneaking into the Xianbei camp privately without permission could invite trouble, and if discovered, it would be hard to explain. Since Zhao Bian had raised the matter, he might as well agree. What he said to Ah Yan later was his business.

"Thank you for your consideration, General," Zhang Yan said, cupping his hands.

With nothing else to discuss, Zhang Yan requested to take his leave. Zhao Bian nodded, watching his retreating figure disappear beyond the tent entrance. His crow’s feet tightened like a predator’s gaze.

On his way back, Zhang Yan reviewed the conversation once more, convinced it wasn’t a setup.

He retrieved brush and ink, spread out paper, and wrote a letter himself to Jiang Congyan, stating his wish to visit her in Tongyin two days later.

After sealing the letter in a bamboo tube, he handed it to an Imperial Guard, commanding him to ride hard with it.

Then he rounded up his officers to delegate duties for his absence, ready to ride out at first light the next morning.

With the advance of Tuo Baxiao's army, most of the Northern Commandery is now under the control of the Xianbei Army, and Jiang Congyan has also moved with the troops from Lingwu to Tongyin.

Though this region’s cities had also been ravaged by the Huns, the situation here is much better than in Zhongwei. The occupation was relatively short-lived, and the Huns had no time to plunder every corner. Many civilians who fled upon hearing the news managed to survive.

Even though the Huns were defeated, the people still dared not return to the city. After all, weren’t the Xianbei just another group of outsiders? They feared the Xianbei would be just as cruel—killing for fun, raping women, or even eating them. They preferred to stay far away, scraping by in the wilderness.

Upon learning of this, Jiang Congyan personally sheltered several families, promising to restrain the army and ensure the Xianbei troops would not oppress the people. She assured them that those who wished to return home could do so safely.

Seeing that she had Han features, was dressed in fine silks, and radiated authority, with the Xianbei soldiers treating her with deference, the people found her gentle and approachable. When she revealed her identity as a princess of Liang State, their guard lowered, and they began to trust her.

A few days later, those who had initially sought refuge saw that the Xianbei in the city were indeed not as brutal as the Huns. Though the two sides could not communicate, they coexisted peacefully, and stability was restored. Reassured, they finally relaxed.

Jiang Congyan then put up notices, urging the locals to spread the word to others.

Those who had firsthand experience vouched for the Liang princess’s protection, and word spread fast. With the sudden onset of winter’s cold, surviving in the wild grew impossible, and gradually, the displaced people returned to their homes.

As more Han civilians returned, misunderstandings flared between the two sides, unable to communicate. Jiang Congyan busied herself mediating these conflicts.

Ordinary disputes were resolved fairly, but if the Xianbei Army deliberately oppressed the people, she came down hard on them.

Fortunately, Tuo Baxiao was a disciplined leader with ironclad control over his troops. Over the past two years, she had persuaded him to reinforce discipline, and the results were evident. The once-unrestrained warriors now obeyed orders, their wild instincts leashed.

Since these captured cities would become Xianbei territory, Jiang Congyan was already planning for reconstruction and governance.

She met with local gentry and lowborn scholars, selecting survivors to temporarily oversee various administrative roles. These individuals held influence among the people and their families, making management easier. However, Jiang Congyan did not formally appoint them—they were still on probation. If they proved disobedient, she would replace them with more compliant candidates.

The current state of ruin provided an opportunity to break the grip of entrenched aristocratic clans and cultivate her own loyalists.

One evening, as Jiang Congyan finished handling the day’s affairs in the front hall, a rider arrived from outside the city.

"My lady, a messenger brings word for you—sent under the name of Zhang Yan of Liangzhou."

Jiang Congyan was overjoyed. "Bring him in at once!"

Moments later, after being disarmed, the messenger was ushered in. Kneeling on one knee, he presented the letter respectfully. "The young general ordered me to deliver this to the princess."

He Zhou took it, inspected it for safety, and then handed it to Jiang Congyan.

Unfolding it, she recognized the rough script—her brother’s hand.

"My lady, what does the letter say?" Si Zi asked beside her.

"Elder brother says he’s currently near Guyuan and will visit me the day after tomorrow. He suggests meeting at Wuyue Pavilion," Jiang Congyan replied with a smile, pausing briefly as her eyes lingered on the page.

Si Zi perked up. "That’s wonderful! You haven’t seen the young master in years. Wuyue Pavilion is only half a day’s journey from here."

"It truly is. I’ve been wanting to see him but worried it might be inconvenient for him. This works out perfectly." Jiang Congyan folded the letter and addressed the messenger. "You’ve ridden far. Get some rest."

"Thank you, Princess, but the young general awaits my return."

Seeing his insistence, she did not press further.

She spent the next day tying up loose ends.

On the third morning, as a haze clung to the morning, a squad of Imperial Guards rode alongside a carriage out of Tongyin County.

Through the carriage window, the frozen land lay patchy with snow, dotted with dead grass and skeletal trees. The road was nearly deserted, save for the occasional bird gliding across the sky—a flicker of life in the stillness.

The carriage traveled for half a day, and just as they were about to reach Wuyue Pavilion, the lead Imperial Guard noticed movement in the distance—a group of riders. He Zhou ordered the procession to halt and heightened their vigilance, then rode forward with a few men to investigate.

After riding a short distance, He Zhou recognized the approaching figures and broke into a smile.

"Big Brother!" he called out, raising his hand in greeting.

Zhang Yan also quickened his pace upon seeing He Zhou. "Did Ah Yan send you to meet me?"

He Zhou looked puzzled. "Ah Yan is here too."

Zhang Yan didn’t dwell on it, chatting with He Zhou as they rode side by side.

He Zhou, an old Liangzhou Army comrade, was quite familiar with Zhang Yan. After so long apart, they had plenty to catch up on.

Zhang Yan grinned. "It’s been two or three years, and you’ve already become a commander. Not bad."

He Zhou scratched his head. "All thanks to Ah Yan’s backing."

After a few more words, Zhang Yan’s horse reached Jiang Congyan’s carriage.

Upon hearing her elder brother had arrived, Jiang Congyan let Si Zi steady her as she stepped down from the carriage.

When Zhang Yan saw her, the typically tough man’s eyes grew moist.

The fragile little sister he remembered—the one who needed careful protection—had now become someone else’s wife. Her demeanor had also changed from her youthful days, appearing more mature.

Standing silently among the Imperial Guards, she commanded respect.

If their grandparents could see her now, they wouldn’t know whether to feel heartbroken or proud.

"Big Brother," Jiang Congyan greeted warmly, her tone as affectionate as ever.

That single word—"Big Brother"—dissipated the awkwardness between them. No matter how much she had changed, Zhang Yan thought, she was still his little sister.

"Ah Yan, you’ve suffered these years with the Xianbei."

Jiang Congyan shook her head. "I went willingly."

Afraid he might dwell on the pain of her marriage alliance, she changed the subject. "Big Brother, how is Uncle? Was he injured?"

Zhang Yan replied, "Father is well. He suffered only light injuries, and they’ve already healed. He wanted me to thank you for the timely rescue. Besides visiting you, I also came to express his gratitude."

Jiang Congyan shook her head again. "There’s no need for thanks, Big Brother. Grandfather and Uncles have always treated me so well—how could I stand by when they were in danger? But such things may not happen a second time. The Liangzhou Army must forge its own path."

Zhang Yan understood her implication but couldn’t respond—this wasn’t a decision he could make.

Once and again, it was impossible not to lose faith in Liang. But what other path did Liangzhou have?

Had they known things would come to this, perhaps their grandfather should have gambled everything to put the King of Chu on the throne. But now, at this stage, it was no longer possible. If civil war broke out, both Liang State and Liangzhou would become nothing more than food for the wolves.

Zhang Yan gave a wry grin and instinctively avoided the topic. Noticing her wind-bitten face, he said, "Why brave the cold to meet me?"

Jiang Congyan’s eyes widened, her eyes narrowing.

"Big Brother, what did you say?"

"I said, it’s too cold—you didn’t have to come out personally to greet me..." Zhang Yan backtracked, unnerved by her intensity.

She froze. She suddenly shouted at He Zhou, "Move out, now! Return immediately!"

"What's wrong?" Zhang Yan was hit by a wave of dread.

"It's a trap! The letter I received said you asked to meet me at Wuyue Pavilion."

"But I clearly said—"

No use arguing now. The facts were clear—someone had swapped his letter and forged his handwriting to send a fake one to Jiang Congyan.

"It's Zhao Bian! It's him!" Zhang Yan finally realized. No wonder he'd pushed for this meeting—he'd been playing him from the start.

But blaming himself wouldn’t help now. If the enemy had gone to such lengths to swap the letters, they surely had more traps waiting.

Jiang Congyan boarded the carriage, and the escort wheeled around fast. But they hadn’t gone half a mile when they were ambushed in a narrow mountain pass.

They spun around to retreat, only to find another ambush lying in wait.

The ambush was flawlessly set up. The enemy had chosen this steep, constricted pass to leave them cornered.

The ambushers closed in from both sides, leaving them trapped.

Oddly, no arrows flew. Instead, a voice called out, "Is that Princess You'an in the carriage?"

She moved to step forward, but Zhang Yan blocked her path with his body. "Ah Yan, stay hidden. This is my fault, and even if I die, I’ll fight my way out with you."

He tried to push her back into the carriage, but Jiang Congyan gripped his arm. "Brother, no. You have more combat experience than I do. You know we’re not getting out of here alive."

The Xiongnu troops were long gone. Jiang Congyan had brought only fifty Imperial Guards. Zhang Yan, traveling solo on personal business, had no more than a dozen. Together, they numbered fewer than a hundred, while the ambush force exceeded a thousand—over ten times their size. Trapped in this treacherous pass with escape routes cut off, they were dead meat.

Zhang Yan knew this too, but he had no choice.

Ah Yan couldn’t come to harm because of him. How could he ever face his family, let alone Tuoba Xiao...

"Brother, they’re after me as leverage. Since they haven’t attacked yet, perhaps they don’t intend to kill me." Jiang Congyan had regained her composure after the initial shock, especially after hearing the enemy’s question. She was starting to piece it together.

She murmured orders to He Zhou, who rode forward and demanded, "Who the hell stops a royal carriage? We are the Imperial Guards of Princess You'an!"

So Princess You'an was indeed inside. Zhao Cuo smirked triumphantly but remained hidden behind his troops, shouting back, "I am General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhao Cuo, sent by the Left Wing General to invite the princess as our guest."

He Zhou scoffed, "A guest? More like a hostage! Call it whatever you like, aren't you afraid of the Prince of Mobei’s wrath?"

Unfazed, Zhao Cuo laughed loudly. "Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Smart girl, the princess must come with me today. If you refuse, don’t blame me for being impolite."

Their voices echoed through the valley, reaching Jiang Congyan clearly.

She surveyed the terrain—steep cliffs on either side, ambushers packed tightly ahead and behind. Short of a miracle, escape was impossible.

Though their exact motives remained unclear, she knew they were after her as leverage.

Jiang Congyan stepped out of the carriage and stood before the crowd, her gaze fixed on Zhao Cuo.

"I’ll go with you."

Her voice, cool and ringing, cut through the tension.

Zhao Cuo, seeing Princess You'an for the first time, was momentarily stunned by her breathtaking beauty. He felt a twinge of regret.

"How wise of the princess to recognize the situation," Zhao Cuo said, looking down at her from his horse.

Jiang Congyan: "I will go with you, but you must release my elder brother."

Zhao Cuo sneered, "Release him so he can alert others? That would render all my efforts futile. Save your tricks, Princess."

Jiang Congyan bit her lip, her face flashing with anger at having her ploy seen through. She then said, "Then here's another deal—you must not harm my people. If even one of them dies, I'll starve myself."

Before he could respond, she immediately added, "If you refuse, we will fight to the death. If that's how it ends, then fine. I won't let you have your way."

With that, she fixed her pale, delicate face in a stubborn yet pitiable expression.

Zhao Cuo saw she was naive yet fiery, as if she truly feared no death. Worried she might indeed fight him to mutual destruction, wrecking his whole plan, he did the math and finally agreed.

"Fine. As long as you come with me willingly, I will spare their lives. But they're getting tied up."

Jiang Congyan glared at him, as if deeply insulted. "You can't just hogtie them like criminals! They are my Imperial Guards!"

Zhao Cuo's face darkened. "Not up for discussion."

These Xianbei Imperial Guards were all burly and formidable—even unarmed, ordinary men were no match for them. If they escaped en route in open terrain, he'd just be asking for trouble.

Jiang Congyan appeared to swallow her pride, about to argue further, but Zhao Cuo waved his hand. Instantly, all the ambushing soldiers raised their bows, a forest of arrows glinting coldly at them. A single command would turn them into pincushions.

"Princess, after you."

Jiang Congyan looked at the array of arrows and stepped forward voluntarily.

Zhang Yan blocked her path, his face frantic. "Ah Yan!"

Jiang Congyan gave him a meaningful glance, her voice barely a whisper. "Live first. Then we'll..."

She walked to the front of her Imperial Guards and looked up at Zhao Cuo, her expression glacial. "You promised not to harm them. If even one is injured, I mean every word."

"If I die, it will be a great trouble for you too."

More than just trouble—capturing a hostage and having that hostage die in one's hands were entirely different matters. The former could restrain the enemy, while the latter would only invite fierce retaliation.

Zhao Cuo wasn't about to risk it.

The Xianbei Imperial Guards gave themselves up quietly. Zhao Cuo had their armor and weapons confiscated, then bound their hands with ropes, linking them in a chain.

He then motioned to have Jiang Congyan and the two maids behind her frisked, when Jiang Congyan snapped, "Don't you dare!"

Zhao Cuo glanced at Si Zi's waist. "Take off your dagger."

Reluctantly, Si Zi untied it and tossed it to the ground.

With only three maids—all women, hardly a threat—Zhao Cuo had them searched to confirm they carried no hidden weapons. Satisfied, he didn't bind them.

As for Jiang Congyan, given her status and strong will, a public search was beneath her dignity. Zhao Cuo also doubted a delicate noblewoman like her would hide weapons and thus let it slide.

With Jiang Congyan captured, Zhao Cuo searched the carriage and had her return to it. Then, he led the group swiftly back, heading for Guyuan at full speed.

Inside the carriage, Jiang Congyan closed her eyes, her left hand resting on her right arm, her fist clenched tight within her sleeve.

——

After Wudati Hou's army was routed at Guyuan, Tuoba Xiao pursued the main force while ordering General Modolou to chase what was left of them.

Upon hearing the scout's report, Zhao Bian let out a triumphant laugh. "Even the heavens are aiding me!"

He promptly mustered fifty thousand soldiers and launched a surprise attack on Guyuan while the Xianbei Army was pursuing the Huns.

Guyuan stood nearly undefended, guarded only by a small number of Xianbei troops who never expected an assault from the Liang forces. After just half a day of scrambling to hold their ground, the city fell into Zhao Bian’s hands.

Once his army entered the city, he swiftly ordered the gates closed and reinforced the defenses along the walls.

A day later, when General Modolou finished hunting down the remaining Huns and prepared to return to Guyuan, he was enraged to find the city already stolen by the Liang forces.

He exploded in rage.

"Those Liang dogs have no honor!"

"If not for our king sending troops to help them fight the Huns, they’d have long been a slab of meat in Wudati Hou’s stew pot. And now they dare to ambush us!"

Modolou roared at his men to take the city.

But Guyuan’s walls stood strong, and with only ten thousand men against fifty thousand Liang troops holding the advantage of fortifications, his assault lasted half a day without success. Grudgingly, he dispatched a messenger to Tuo Baxiao.

"You’ll regret this treachery when the king arrives!"

The Xianbei Army screamed obscenities at the ramparts, while Zhao Bian stood atop the battlements, surveying them with cold satisfaction.

He had dared to act precisely because he had a backup plan.

After traveling day and night, under the cover of darkness, a side gate on the western side of Guyuan opened, and a mounted escort accompanying a carriage quietly slipped into the city.