Chapter 179 “This Battle is Between Me and Wudati…”

Chapter 179: "This battle is between me and Wudati..."

"Do you truly wish to live forever under the Huns' tyranny? Everyone dreams of a better life, but is this even living? How much grain and livestock have the Huns plundered from you these past years? Countless of your people have starved or frozen to death."

"You are no longer an independent nation—you are just livestock to the Huns, to be slaughtered whenever they hunger..."

In the royal court of the Cheshi Kingdom in the Western Regions, Wen Yu stood before King Fu Zhuzhen and his ministers, his speech growing fiercer. The longer he spoke, the darker their expressions became, especially when he called them "livestock to the Huns." Fu Zhuzhen’s face darkened with rage, as though he might kill Wen Yu on the spot.

Under the glare of dozens of enraged eyes, Wen Yu remained unshaken, unafraid of death, his tone still fervent. "In the past, the Huns were strong, and your kingdom small and weak—you dared not resist. But now, Wudati Hou has withdrawn all his elite forces. The Xianbei and Liangzhou have mobilized tens of thousands of troops. The Huns are bound to lose! Why hesitate now? This is your chance to break free from their oppression!"

Wen Yu meticulously laid out the pros and cons, and finally, Fu Zhuzhen's expression softened.

"But... that is Wudati Hou we're talking about," the king said hesitantly.

The mere fact that he voiced this concern meant he was considering it. Wen Yu's eyes gleamed as he pressed on, "Wudati Hou is strong, but someone stronger exists. Have you heard of the Xianbei King, Tuo Baxiao? Time after time, Wudati Hou has sought his life, yet each time, he has been defeated. Does this not prove Wudati Hou has met his match? Tuo Baxiao has already led his army south to face Wudati Hou in a decisive battle. The Huns will never dominate the Western Regions again!"

Tuo Baxiao?

Of course, they had heard of him—the young, ruthless Xianbei King who had ascended to the throne at a young age.

Under Hun control, the Western Regions had been cut off from news of the Central Plains, leaving them starved for information. Yet over the past few years, rumors about Xianbei and the Central Plains had reached them.

If what this Han man said was true, this could be their chance to break free.

Who doesn’t want full bellies and warm clothes? Who would choose to live under oppression forever?

After careful consideration, Fu Zhuzhen finally agreed, teeth clenched.

He then asked about the other kingdoms—would they join? Cheshi’s army alone was too small.

Wen Yu replied, "I have already spoken with Kucha and Wusun. They, too, are willing to march against the Huns."

"When will they set out?"

"Within half a month, without fail," Wen Yu lied smoothly, without a hint of guilt. In truth, he hadn’t even approached the others yet. He had chosen Cheshi first because, compared to Qiemo, Jiemi, Khotan, and others, Cheshi had a larger population, was closer to Hun territory, and suffered the worst oppression—making them the easiest target.

Four years ago, after returning to Chang’an from Xianbei, Wen Yu had schemed his way to Liangzhou with the letter the princess had given him. There, he met the Marquis of Liangzhou in person before disguising himself as a merchant and slipping into the Western Regions.

Fluent in Hunnic and gifted with languages, he could master even obscure dialects within months, speaking like a native. Disguised as a merchant, his Han face barely raised eyebrows.

Though the Western Regions were no longer under Han rule, memories of the Han’s Protectorate remained. Once, the Silk Road had thrived, and Han people were common, many intermarrying and leaving descendants. Even now, some kept speaking Chinese and holding onto Han traditions.

Over the past three to four years, Wen Yu had traveled tirelessly between the small kingdoms, uncovering their weaknesses. He had even discovered that some families of Han descent still yearned for the Han dynasty’s return, especially under Hun oppression.

Having successfully goaded Cheshi into joining, Wen Yu left a token with Fu Zhuzhen. He had already revealed his identity as a Han envoy, and now, handing over the keepsake, he declared, "The Central Plains will never forget its allies."

Fu Zhuzhen thought—if they could truly destroy the Huns, trade with the Central Plains would flourish again, restoring their former prosperity. He was more than willing.

In return, the king gifted Wen Yu a token of his own.

Clutching it, Wen Yu allowed himself the faintest smile.

He did not linger. Taking his leave, he set off for Kucha and Wusun, using similar tactics to sway their kings.

"King Fu Zhuzhen of Cheshi has already mobilized his forces. Here is the token he gave me..."

At last, the divided kingdoms of the Western Regions, united by their hatred for the Huns, stood together for the first time.

Wudati Hou recalled all troops dispersed throughout Liang State and dispatched 40,000 soldiers to Xiaoguan to secure the western front, while he prepared to personally lead 130,000 troops across the Yellow River to confront Tuo Baxiao's Xianbei forces.

However, just then, he received news that the Xianbei, Liangzhou Army, and Western Region allies had launched a surprise attack on the Xiongnu royal court.

Blind with rage, he kicked over a table and then drew his sword, hacking it in half with a furious slash.

Tuo Baxiao—a name he had gritted his teeth and cursed countless times—still filled him with near-maddening hatred.

He had expected Tuo Baxiao to seize the opportunity for a sneak attack, but he never imagined the small states of the Western Regions would dare betray him. A rage too vast to vent consumed him.

And the Liangzhou Army—another mortal enemy.

Why must even heaven favor Tuo Baxiao?

The Xiongnu royal court might withstand an assault from any one of these three forces, but it could never hold against their combined might. Now, he had to choose: either abandon the Central Plains and rush back to defend the royal court before it fell, or forsake the steppe homeland entirely.

He would never concede! He had already conquered Liang State and tasted the wealth of the Central Plains—how could he give it up?

Why should Tuo Baxiao reap the rewards?

Wudati Hou ordered his generals to reorganize their forces and rode to the front lines. His sharp, hawk-like gaze swept over the assembled men. "Warriors of the Xiongnu, those Xianbei dogs have taken advantage of our southern campaign to strike at our royal court. I know your property, your women, and your children are all on the steppe. But look—how warm the southern lands are, how towering their cities, how sweet their harvests! The steppe brings nothing but endless wind and snow. Have you forgotten the bitter winters of past years? How many did they kill? The steppe can no longer sustain us. Don’t you want a better life?"

"We do! We do!"

"Then we must march south! With this fertile land, we will have endless grain, women, slaves, and wealth. The steppe means nothing!"

"Our goal now is to crush the Xianbei and become the rulers of this land. I demand your fiercest spirit—join me in battle against them!"

"Battle the Xianbei!" the men bellowed.

Satisfied, Wudati Hou kicked his steed forward, leading the Xiongnu army eastward.

...

As Tuo Baxiao advanced south, Jiang Congyan voluntarily joined the campaign.

She had no choice but to come.

This was different from his campaigns against the Jie or quelling the Murong Tribe revolts. Now, the Xianbei Army was truly entering Han territory.

The people of Liang State despised the Xiongnu and viewed the Xianbei with equal distrust.

To them, the Xianbei were just more barbarians. This belated southern march couldn’t be out of altruism; they feared the Xianbei would simply replace the Xiongnu as their oppressors.

After twenty-plus days of marching, the Xianbei Army finally reached Jinyang.

Jinyang had long been incorporated into Xianbei territory and had flourished under years of stable governance. Rich in mineral deposits, its people lived far better than they had under Jie occupation.

By now, it was already the fourth lunar month. After a brief rest, Tuo Baxiao led the vanguard further south.

Beyond Jinyang lay Pingyang, originally Liang State’s territory.

The Xiongnu had only recently taken Chang’an, and their forces had yet to reach here. Pingyang remained unbroken, but with Liang State fallen, the city was left in a precarious standstill.

Its garrison had been depleted the year before, leaving only a handful of yamen runners. The soldiers on the walls were likely just retainers of local gentry.

Confronted by Tuo Baxiao’s 100,000-strong elite cavalry, they were terrified—yet unsure what to do beyond holding the walls. That was until Jiang Congyan personally wrote a letter calling for their surrender and sent an envoy to deliver it.

Pingyang's Inspector, Xue Zhao, personally received the envoy, Zhang Shu.

"The princess says she has no wish to fight against the people of Liang. If Pingyang surrenders, she promises not to harm a single person in the city. Now that Liang has fallen and the Huns are oppressing the people, leaving them in desperate circumstances, the Prince of Mobei and the princess have led their troops south specifically to save those suffering under the Huns' cruelty..."

Zhang Shu then asked, "Has my Lord noticed the situation in Jinyang? Jinyang has been under Xianbei rule for five years now, and there are still Han people living there. Over these years, has the Lord heard of any widespread killings by the Xianbei?"

Xue Zhao shook his head.

The two cities were close, so if any major incidents occurred, he would have surely heard of it.

"Let alone the incident in Guyuan seventeen years ago, when Zhao Bian used trickery to capture the city. After the Prince of Mobei recaptured it, he didn't take revenge by killing Liang's people. Isn’t this enough to prove the benevolence of the Prince of Mobei and the princess?"

It was often said that barbarians were cruel, but as Xue Zhao pondered, he realized the Xianbei had indeed committed no acts that would anger the gods in recent years.

Xue Zhao was starting to be convinced.

"May I personally meet the princess?" he ventured.

"Of course."

Zhang Shu returned to relay the message.

Jiang Congyan could not enter the city at this time, so it was Xue Zhao who went out to meet her.

The next day, Jiang Congyan rode out from the army, with Tuo Baxiao at her side and his Imperial Guards protecting her. After scanning the surroundings to ensure no arrows could reach them from the open terrain, he allowed Xue Zhao to approach—but kept him three yards away.

No one knew what they discussed, but soon enough, Xue Zhao was seen bowing to Jiang Congyan before ordering the city gates opened.

The Xianbei Army marched into Pingyang unopposed.

The people shut their doors tightly, leaving the streets completely deserted.

They hid in their homes, trembling as the pounding hooves of the Xianbei troops echoed through the streets.

Xue Zhao and his officials waited in front of the government office.

Other than occupying the administrative buildings and granaries, the Xianbei did not engage in any looting or violence, and the full army didn't even enter the city.

Jiang Congyan had notices posted to reassure the people and recruit talented people, regardless of their background—talent alone would earn them important positions.

She had plenty of followers, having trained and promoted many over the years, sufficient for Xianbei but far from enough for Liang.

She had already recruited a group in Jinyang, and now these individuals could speak from experience about the discipline and harmlessness of the Xianbei Army.

After the announcements, a few courageous people finally dared to step outside.

Jiang Congyan and her entourage did not stay in the governor’s residence, so Xue Zhao offered a local aristocratic clan’s villa for their lodging.

A Fei had it cleaned in advance. By the time Jiang Congyan finished her duties and prepared for bed, it was nearly midnight, yet she did not sleep immediately—she was waiting for Tuo Baxiao.

Leading an army was no empty boast. Managing the food, shelter, and logistics for over a hundred thousand soldiers was exhausting, not to mention military strategy and deployments. The workload could wear anyone down.

After marching relentlessly for over half a month, she was tired, but her improved stamina allowed her to endure it.

Close to midnight, Tuo Baxiao finally returned.

He quickly ate two large bowls of noodles, washed up hastily, and climbed into bed, pulling Jiang Congyan into his arms. "Tomorrow, we march south for real."

"This battle will be my final showdown with Wudati Hou," he declared, filled with fighting spirit and an intimidating presence, radiating confidence.

He was certain of his victory.

Jiang Congyan also believed, wrapped her arms around him and pressed closer.

Tuo Baxiao wasted no time, immediately cupping the back of her head and pressing his hot lips against hers.

Jiang Congyan was to stay behind in Pingyang after accompanying the army this far. The frontlines were too dangerous—he couldn’t bear to let her take such risks with him, and she refused to be a liability his enemies could use against him.

This meant they’d be apart for months.

Tuo Baxiao kissed her without pause, his strong fingers baring her skin as pale as fresh snow.

She had been well-nourished these past two years, finally filling out slightly—soft, warm, and sweetly scented. Tuo Baxiao couldn’t get enough of her.

Jiang Congyan met his passion eagerly.

Suddenly, she was flipped onto her back.

Tuo Baxiao guided her to straddle him, his hands gripping her waist.

"Yan Yan."

Jiang Congyan knew exactly what he wanted. Biting her lip, she moved with his guidance.

It was like riding a horse—only far rougher.

Soon, she was too spent to move, relying entirely on him to guide her movements.

After an hour lost in each other, they finally fell into a deep slumber.

...

They had only slept for an hour when the low blast of a war horn echoed outside.

Tuo Baxiao woke first, and Jiang Congyan dragged her eyes open.

By now, the courtyard blazed with torchlight.

General Modolou, Su Li, and others, leading Imperial Guards in polished armor, were riding toward the villa to escort him out of the city.

Tuo Baxiao pulled on his inner robe, carefully securing the Chinese knot she had given him beneath the fabric. When she stirred, he quickly said, "You're still tired—go back to sleep."

Jiang Congyan shook her head. "There will be time to sleep later. Right now, I want to send you off to war."

She threw off the covers, draped a robe over herself, and—just as she had done before—buckled his heavy armor onto him.

Once the final buckle was fastened, she gazed at the man before her, his warrior’s frame made even more striking by the armor. At that moment, it felt like there were countless things she wanted to say, but in the end, they condensed into just one sentence:

"You must come back safely. I'll be waiting for you."

Tuo Baxiao pulled her tight against him. "I promise you—I will return to you unharmed."

The armor’s unforgiving edges bit into her, but Jiang Congyan paid it no mind, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist in return.

"Mm. You’d better."

"My King, A Long has come with word—General Modolou and the others are ready to march on your order."

A Fei's voice sounded from beyond the door.

Tuo Baxiao held her for another moment before lowering his head to give her one last searing kiss. Only then did he reluctantly release her and turn to leave.

A Long and his squad of Imperial Guards followed closely behind, the clatter of hooves and armor fading into the distance.

Jiang Congyan wasted no time, having A Fei help her get ready, change her clothes, and climb the city wall.

Tuo Baxiao was already outside the city, on horseback at the head of the formation, preparing to march the army south. Just as he turned his horse, as if sensing something, he suddenly glanced back.

In the faint, hazy light of dawn, he saw a familiar slender figure, standing like a pale crescent moon against the gray city wall.

He paused.

"Be safe," Jiang Congyan mouthed.

Her voice didn’t carry that far, but Tuo Baxiao clearly read her lips. He gave a solemn nod before turning decisively away.

Jiang Congyan stood atop the wall, gazing southward. The wilds stretched endlessly, flags blotted out the sky as the Xianbei Army marched south.

Only once that stalwart figure completely vanished from sight did she descend from the wall.

After resting for another hour, she turned to her own tasks.

With hundreds of Imperial Guards by her side and the five thousand troops Tuo Baxiao had left behind, Pingyang was firmly in her grasp.

It was time to do what she needed to do.

Jiang Congyan first ordered Xue Zhao to bring over the official records and documents from the prefecture, particularly those concerning land and household registries. She then instructed her subordinates to verify the information in the records.

Once everything was sorted, she personally sent out invitations, summoning Pingyang’s officials and local clans to a banquet at the governor’s residence.

As the saying goes, bandits comb through a place, but soldiers sweep it clean. Calling them over at this time was undoubtedly meant to skim a layer of wealth.

If parting with some gold, silver, or grain could buy them safety, that would be fine—but what if...

Reluctant but powerless to refuse, the guests arrived at the front courtyard, gathering in the yard and whispering their worries among themselves until a servant loudly announced, "Princess You’an arrives—"

Everyone hastily bowed in greeting.

"Dispense with formalities. Please, take your seats."

At the sound of this clear, melodious voice, they instinctively looked up—and froze.

Inappropriately, they recalled the legend of Princess You’an’s otherworldly beauty, how the Prince of Mobei had chosen her over his throne. Now, seeing her in person, they realized such transcendent grace truly existed in the world.

Her features were gentle, her eyes warm with a smile, like a mountain spring that instantly put people at ease. Much of their earlier anxiety melted away.

Jiang Congyan made her position clear regarding Pingyang. "The Xianbei Army led by the Prince of Mobei is tightly disciplined and will never harass the common people. I also hope those present here will cooperate fully, restraining your subordinates and clansmen to avoid any misunderstandings that might suggest resistance..."

At this, the crowd hurriedly chorused, "We’d never dare."

With their paltry forces, how could they possibly oppose the fierce Xianbei Army?

Jiang Congyan then promised equal treatment for Han civilians, assuring them that Han culture would continue to be promoted among the Xianbei, so they need not worry.

Hearing this, the crowd’s spirits lifted.

But then, her tone shifted.

"Since Pingyang now belongs to the Xianbei, its land, people, and taxes must naturally comply with the new Xianbei regulations."

"What’s this about new rules?"

Jiang Congyan raised her hand, and A Chun stepped forward from behind her, holding a silk scroll and reading aloud.

The contents were extensive, covering the household registration system, clan system, equal-field system, three-chiefs system, and selection system.

As they listened, the crowd’s faces darkened, especially those of the local aristocratic clans.

"Princess, these regulations..."

"You got a problem with that?" Jiang Congyan looked over. Though her face showed no anger, her dark eyes were piercing and commanding—nothing like her earlier gentleness.

Indeed, this was the princess who had personally shot and killed a Liang State general—no way was she some soft, harmless lady. They’d all fallen for her act.

The man was startled, and upon noticing the Xianbei Imperial Guards armed to the teeth around the courtyard, his neck prickled, and he hastily waved his hands. "N-no, not at all."

Jiang Congyan nodded. "Good."

Easygoing, but she didn’t back down when it mattered.

Why had Liang struggled with reform and failed? Because tug one thread, and the whole tapestry unravels—when power was monopolized by the nobility, they naturally refused to relinquish their interests.

Now, with Liang in ruins, the Xiongnu on the warpath, Pingyang isolated and helpless, and the Xianbei holding absolute dominance, this was her shot at reform. She’d take them apart piece by piece.

In any case, no matter how resentful these people were, no one had the guts to cross her outright under the absolute threat of military force.

From then on, Jiang Congyan busied herself with pushing it all through.

At first, the aristocratic clans thought they could pay lip service. They didn’t believe a woman like Jiang Congyan truly had such capability—only to realize later how wrong they were.

She didn’t even need their cooperation, directly dispatching hundreds of clerks who could read and count to personally survey and verify land and population records.

Where’d she dig up all these scholars?

After all, the aristocratic clans' advantage lay in controlling education—for commoners, barely standing a chance at learning to read.

At the same time, Jiang Congyan scouted talent from the lower classes.

Despite encountering all kinds of conflicts, she managed to push it all through in the end.

Sometimes, after a long day’s work, lying alone in bed at night, she would think of Tuo Baxiao.

He would send letters letting her know he was safe every time he arrived at a new location.

By now, he should have reached Hedong. Had he run into Wudati Hou yet?

—

Wudati Hou did not choose to defend the city but instead struck first, leading the Xiongnu army across the Yellow River and engaging Tuo Baxiao in a major battle in Hedong.

He had hoped to catch Tuo Baxiao off guard while his army was still weary from the long march and not yet firmly entrenched. To his surprise, however, the Xianbei Army showed no signs of fatigue, fighting like demons.

The Xiongnu army gained no advantage, nor did the Xianbei achieve a decisive victory.

The cavalry of both peoples were the most formidable forces on this land, with neither holding an overwhelming edge over the other.

They deadlocked, punctuated by several minor skirmishes, but the main forces remained unmoved. Both leaders waited for a chance to finish it.

By late May, the weather had grown unbearably hot and stifling. The Xianbei, accustomed to the dry cold of the grasslands, struggled to endure the humidity and heat of the south. Many soldiers began showing signs of heatstroke.

The problem plaguing Tuo Baxiao naturally troubled Wudati Hou as well.

After days of frustration, he was still searching for a solution.

Someone suddenly suggested, "Why not set up camp in the trees?"