Chapter 260 Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

　　“Look at that flag! The Eastern Hu Forces!” A wave of cheers resounded. At that moment, everyone was taken aback. They stared as they were so excited; their faces were flushed red.

　　“The Eastern Hu Forces! It’s them!”

　　“They are armies of the Seventh Prince! Our allies!”

　　“Long live the Seventh Highness! Long Live the Xia Empire!”

　　….

　　Wei Shuye sat atop his horse. Never in his life did he ever expect that at this very critical juncture, Zhao Che, who was supposed to be seizing Zhen Huang City, would appear here. After he had abandoned this friendship in accordance with his family’s instructions to support Zhao Yang, it was ironic that at this very moment when his family had abandoned him, when Zhao Yang had abandoned him, when the Empire had abandoned him, it was this man whom he had abandoned that turned back to save him. Biting his teeth, Wei Shuye slashed into another enemy’s skull.

　　“Kill the enemies!” The bugle call to charge was sounded off once again. Along with the hot blood of passion, the burning will to fight was ignited once again. In the completely devastated battlefield, dusk set in as the sounds of killing finally reduced to silence. The evening breeze brought along with it the musky smell of iron.

　　In his battle dress, Zhao Che stood atop a dam as he overlooked this battlefield that was soaked in blood. Wei Shuye stood not far behind him as he looked at Zhao Che’s figure. At that moment, it was as though they had gone back in time, as Wei Shuye recalled that time when this defeated prince had just returned to the capital. As Zhao Che knelt in Zi Wei Square pleading guilty, Wei Shuye had stood just like that, watching his back which was always straight, and his fists which seemed to always be clenched.

　　After so many years, after having gone through life and death, ups and downs, dangers and risks, loyalty and betrayal, everyone’s eyes seemed to have aged.

　　Zhao Yang had turned into an ambitious man, Zhao Song gave up any form of ambitions, Zhao Qi died in Yan Bei, Yan Xun turned ruthless and decisive, Zhuge Yue finally awoke to his own stubbornness. Yet, amidst all these changes, only Zhao Che had stayed the same as he had always been. He had always been firm and decisive. He had never seemed to be weak, never even once showing any signs of weakness. This man was a born soldier, a born defender.

　　Walking over slowly, standing behind Zhao Che, Wei Shuye opened his mouth, and said, “Thank you for rescuing me.”

　　Zhao Che did not turn around, as though he had long known that this man was standing behind him. A low voice could be heard, “I just did not want to let down my family name.” Indeed, he was the descendent of Emperor Peiluo, with the purest of blue blood running through his veins. He was merely defending his territory and people. This had nothing to do with their respective factions, or even to save anyone.

　　“Look, how beautiful.” Zhao Che suddenly stretched out his hands, and using his sheath, he pointed to the grass plains that were below him. Under the setting sun, the crimson rays illuminated the barren plains that waved with the wind. It was like blood was running through a sea of gold. Truly a sight to behold.

　　“The worldly people had not seen the true vastness of the world, because such a world had not yet been created. There will be a day, from the Shangshen Highlands of Yan Bei to the East Coast of the Song Empire, from the Ahdu Wastelands of the Western Deserts to the Jiuwai Mountain Ranges of the Southern Borders, everyone will bow to the feet of the Empire. And that story will have its opening act written by my blade.” Turning around, with eyes glimmering in resolution, he stared into Wei Shuye as he smiled confidently before holding his fist out and firmly saying, “The Xia Empire will not cease to exist.”

　　Wei Shuye looked back at him. Staying silent for a long while, Wei Shuye finally revealed a trace of a smile. The smile spread on his face, showing his eyes that were full of life. “The Xia Empire will not cease to exist!” He stretched out his fist too, bumping Zhao Che’s fist.

　　Under the skies of the Northwestern Region, the beautiful sun gradually set below the horizon. The army that had been rushing for the entire day finally got to rest as the entire force started to cook dinner and catch some sleep. They merely had four hours of rest. Once the time was up, they would need to continue to rush to the Southwest.

　　After having checked on the entire army, Zhuge Yue had just returned to his main camp when he saw that Chu Qiao had gotten ready to leave, as though she was waiting for him to come back before she set off on her journey.

　　Zhuge Yue stood at the door and observed her in silence without saying a single word. The spring wind was a little stronger than usual, as it lifted the veils of the entrance, letting rays of light from outside into the tent, covering them with a thin glow.

　　“You have made up your mind?” a low voice finally resounded. One could not tell the emotion of the voice as the tone was exceedingly calm.

　　Chu Qiao nodded, and she replied seriously, “Yes, I have made up my mind.”

　　Hearing that, Zhuge Yue turned around and headed off, saying, “I will prepare a war horse for you.”

　　“Zhuge Yue!” Chu Qiao stepped up, grabbing Zhuge Yue’s hand, seeming to be in a dilemma. The atmosphere in the tent was rather heavy. Chu Qiao lowered her head, frowning. Her palms were cold like a block of ice. Finally, the man before her turned around and looked at her seriously. Pausing for a long while, he heaved a helpless sigh of relief, as he removed her sword and put his own sword by her waist. He then turned around and tied a concealed dagger to her calves. After which, he stepped out of the tent and brought in a set of soft armor which he slowly put on her. He removed his own cape and put it over her. Without speaking, he continued to help her prepare her equipment, sharpening her blade, checking her luggage, packing medicine. Chu Qiao’s eyes watered up as she bit her lips, watching how he continued to buzz around.

　　“Alright.” After settling everything, the man stood before her and said, “Prepare to eat. After two more hours, we will be separated. I can only see you off to here.”

　　Chu Qiao nodded, feeling a tinge of sadness and helplessness, along with guilt and even with a bit of fear. It had been so long since she had been so scared. As expected, one must not have too much. Once one feels too much happiness, one will fear loss.

　　“Xing’er, promise me, you must return in perfect shape to see me.”

　　Chu Qiao quickly nodded and lifted her head to look at him, asking, “Are you not angry at me?”

　　Zhuge Yue smiled bitterly. “If I were angry, would you not go?”

　　Chu Qiao lowered her head. Over this matter, they had already argued a few times, yet at this moment right before their departure, she did not wish to continue this dangerous topic.

　　“Since there is no way for me to stop you from leaving, I want to send you off properly.” Zhuge Yue suddenly opened his arms to hold her in his embrace. His chin sat on her forehead as he quietly said, “Xing’er, Zhao Che brought his forces into the Southwestern Regions. Considering the urgency of the situation, I must rush to his assistance. Due to the Yan Bei’s occupation of the Southwestern Region, the pathways to the Tang Empire from the Xia Empire will be cut off. No matter what happens, I will not be able to come to your assistance. The situation in the Tang Empire was something we could guess without knowing the details, and you must be careful. Once you realize that things are heading south, you must retreat. ”

　　Chu Qiao cowered in his embrace, nodding, but not making any sounds.

　　Zhuge Yue sighed as he continued to speak, “If the situation in the Tang Empire gets worse, and defeat becomes inevitable, you should bring the people to head to Qinghai. I already ordered Yue Qi to head back to Cuiwei Pass. He will be there waiting for your return.”

　　Chu Qiao’s eyes turned moist as she sobbed and nodded.

　　“Alright. Since you have already made up your mind to go, do not appear so indecisive. Leading forces into battle, the most important thing is to stay firm. If you are going to leave like this, how can I be at ease?”

　　Chu Qiao lifted her head up and smiled at him, still sobbing very slightly as she replied, “Be at ease, nothing will happen to me.”

　　Holding her face, Zhuge Yue lightly kissed her lips before smiling. “This is the confidence that my woman should have.”

　　Chu Qiao was amused by his words as she looked up at him and said, “You must be careful too. This time the situation is rather grave. Not only must you be on guard of the forces of Yan Bei, you must also take care against Zhao Yang and the various nobles. The Xia Empire has been split, and the enemies are invading us. In this unstable world, you must be extra cautious.”

　　“I understand.” Zhuge Yue nodded. “I have led forces into combat for so long, it is rare for me to be disadvantaged. You ought to trust your husband more.”

　　In her battle dress, Chu Qiao seemed adorable. Hearing that, her face blushed as she scolded, “Whose husband are you? Have I formally married you?”

　　Zhuge Yue brushed off that remark in disdain. “You have long been married to me in your heart, just that you still refuse to admit it.” With that, his gaze suddenly turned gentle as he said, “Xing’er, I still owe you an amazing wedding.”

　　Chu Qiao’s eyes were filled with love as she whispered, “I do not need a grandiose marriage. As long as you are around, that will be enough.”

　　A bright and crisp military bugle sounded from outside, piercing into the vast grass plains. The surroundings suddenly seemed so empty as the echoes resounded. Chu Qiao closed her eyes as she tipped-toed and kissed Zhuge Yue. “Zhuge Yue, both of us must stay safe.”

　　“Alright.” Zhuge Yue hugged her with all his strength.

　　In the barren pathway, Chu Qiao led Xiao He as she sat on the horse. She gazed into the distance at the handsome figure that stood below the Qinghai flag.

　　“Zhuge Yue! I am leaving!” The winds raised a wave of dust along with Chu Qiao’s cape, revealing the pristine white under armor she was wearing.

　　Zhuge Yue’s eyes were sharp and firm, his expression calm and unmoved as he shouted, “May success follow you!”

　　Chu Qiao raised her horse whip as she replied with the same words, “May success follow you!”

　　The rumbling of the war drums resounded as Chu Qiao whipped her horse and turned it around before loudly shouting, “Giddyup!” With the galloping of the horse, the red fluff on the top of her helmet seemed like a bouncing flame, so eye-catching in this world.

　　With their departure, there were no more words of caution or hesitation. They merely called out for each other’s success. They both knew what the other wanted. In this unstable world, life was so easily lost. The only thing that would never die was their firm beliefs.

　　“Master,” Yue Liu frowned as he asked, “why didn’t you stop the lady from leaving? The Tang Empire is so dangerous. Why did Master not stop her?”

　　Zhuge Yue turned around and lightly smiled. “If she did not go, is she really Chu Qiao?”

　　The sounds of the horses galloping vanished into the distance. Looking into the distance, Zhuge Yue’s heart was filled with words that he had not managed to say before their departure.

　　The person I love is precisely this person. How could I imprison her at my side after I had managed to win her heart, and slowly destroy her original personality?

　　Zhuge Yue chuckled as he instructed his subordinates, “Depart!”

　　In the first half of the Year 882, Yan Bei initiated a full-on assault on the Xia Empire. They cooperated with the Lady of Jingan, who opened the gates of Tanghu Pass to allow entry before defeating all the Tang Garrison to the west of Mei Mountain, essentially clearing the path to the capital for the forces of the King of Jingan. Before the Tang Empire fully erupted into civil war, Yan Bei forces removed themselves from the situation and surrounded the Baizhi Pass of the Xia Empire.

　　Due to the climax of the civil war in the Xia Empire, the 14th Prince Zhao Yang had relocated over 80 percent of the Southwestern Garrisons to counter the Qinghai Armies and Eastern Hu forces that Zhuge Yue and Zhao Che respectively commanded. In addition, due to the lack of war in the Baizhi Pass in the past years, the garrison was extremely lax. The entire gate was only guarded by a few hundred old soldiers. Before the elites of the Yan Bei forces, the Baizhi Pass was as good as a paper window.

　　After slaughtering a group of forces who resisted the invasion, Yan Xun opened the pass and allowed entry of the ruthless bandits, bringing upon a disaster for the civilians of the Southwestern regions.

　　Given the vastness of the West Meng Continent, there were huge pockets of regions that were not ruled by anyone. In those places, there were countless organizations of bandits. Some of the bigger groups could even withstand smaller groups of imperial armies. With their inhumane methods and ruthless reputation, the countless noble families of the Southwestern Region all tried to avoid coming into contact with them. With that, a huge refugee crisis emerged, and the armies refused to attack and retreat without contest, giving up huge swathes of territory to the soldiers of Yan Bei. With that, Yan Xun managed to capture the greatest benefits with the smallest price.