38 Gentle as a Lamb

Inside the great tent of the Turkic Khan, Ashina, charcoal crackled fiercely in the brazier, bathing the entire space in a cozy, stifling heat.

On the table lay a roasted leg of lamb. Khan Ashina was embracing a woman clad in a fur bodice, the two of them sharing a drink of fragrant mare’s milk wine. Suddenly, a scout arrived with a report.

"What did you say?" The Khan’s voice held a note of disbelief and shock.

Ashina abruptly released the woman, sitting bolt upright. His eyes, burning like torches, locked onto the scout kneeling before him. The woman, startled by the sudden shift in atmosphere, trembled slightly before obediently slipping down onto the soft sheepskin rug.

"Reporting to the Khan," the scout’s voice carried an imperceptible tremor, clearly rattled by the Khan’s imposing presence, forcing him to repeat himself. "The Great Jing Dynasty’s Northern Frontier Marshal, that fierce general who once struck terror into our ranks, has had his military authority revoked by the imperial court."

"Is the information accurate?" Ashina’s eagle eyes narrowed, his clenched fist cracking as the knuckles ground together.

"It is absolute truth, and the news has now spread to every corner of the northern frontier. The man replacing him to guard the border is named Cao Xiong. It is said that despite his youth, he has significant backing at court, and he seems to have brought a contingent of the Imperial Guard with him to assume his post."

Upon hearing this, Ashina knit his brows, a glimmer of deep contemplation flickering in his eyes. He shifted slowly on his throne, as if digesting this sudden turn of events.

A moment later, he asked, "Cao Xiong—has this man achieved any military feats? Or is there anything particularly notable about him in the army?"

The scout replied hastily, "Returning to the Khan, this man does indeed have a reputation in the capital, but it stems largely from his family background. As for military achievements, to my knowledge, he has none of note. However, the Emperor of Great Jing seems to place high hopes in him for this assignment."

Ashina’s lips curled into a cold sneer. He was well aware that since the Jing Emperor ascended the throne, the imperial court had undergone a massive purge. This change of command at the Northern Frontier was likely a maneuver born of the Emperor’s suspicious nature. Thinking this, a surge of ambition rose within him, as if he could already see the Turkic army sweeping south once more, their horses drinking from the waters of the Yin Mountains.

"Good," he said slowly. "Continue to gather intelligence. Report any movement immediately."

With a wave of his hand, Ashina dismissed the scout. The woman, sensing the return of his commanding air, rose gracefully and nestled back beside him. Yet, Ashina’s gaze had already pierced through the tent flaps, fixed upon the distant and mysterious Northern Frontier of Great Jing.

After a while, Ashina’s calloused, weather-beaten hand pushed the woman aside with a firm, resolute motion. His eyes were cold and sharp, as if they could peer into the depths of the soul or glimpse the smoke of distant battlefields. "You, go and invite Princess Yujia at once. Remember, show her the utmost respect; do not be negligent in the slightest."

"Yes." The woman trembled slightly, bowed her head in submission, and hurried out of the tent.

Before long, Princess Yujia arrived with a light, graceful step. She was seventeen or eighteen, with healthy, wheat-colored skin. She wore the colorful attire of a steppe woman, her hair intricately braided and adorned with wildflowers and gemstones that shimmered with an enchanting light. Behind her followed two muscular, powerful warriors of the steppe, clad in heavy fur armor and gripping sharp scimitars as they guarded her flanks.

"Father, you look grave. Is there an emergency? Is there anything your daughter can do to share your burden?" Yujia approached with gentle steps, her voice filled with concern.

"Yujia, come, do not fret. Sit by your father's side." Ashina beckoned to her with a tenderness that filled his eyes.

Yujia sat down beside him, looking both spirited and refined.

"Yujia, do you remember that Northern Frontier Marshal you have always admired, Zhao Zun?" Ashina’s voice was low and resonant, as if recounting a tale of past glory.

"Yes! What has happened to him?" Princess Yujia nodded slightly, a faint blush of shyness crossing her face.

"He has had his military authority revoked by the Jing Emperor. The frontier is in turmoil, and the command has been handed to a man named Cao Xiong. I believe our opportunity has arrived, and I intend to muster our forces to strike the Northern Frontier. What is your view on this?"

Yujia’s heart tightened, and a flicker of astonishment and confusion crossed her bright eyes. She was silent for a moment, struggling to process the sudden news.

"Father, although I have always held the Marshal in high regard, state affairs must take precedence, and personal feelings must be set aside. I am willing to share your worries and do my utmost for our tribe. However, I have never heard of this Cao Xiong. I will need your guidance so that I may prepare for the future."

"It is said he has some reputation in the capital, but lacks any illustrious military record. Nevertheless, the Jing Emperor seems to have great expectations for his tenure." Ashina repeated the report, waiting for his daughter’s insight.

Outsiders only knew that Khan Ashina had a daughter as gentle as a lamb and as beautiful as a flower, but they did not know that this princess possessed a brilliant mind and a unique grasp of military strategy, often serving as the Khan’s secret advisor. Not only was she well-versed in the art of war, but she excelled at overcoming strength with softness, weaving wisdom into grace to plan the tribe’s campaigns. This had earned her countless admiration and respect across the steppes.

"I see," Yujia nodded slightly. "Father, if the man who once shook the world has truly left the frontier, this is indeed a rare opportunity for us."

"I, too, feel this is an opportunity we cannot miss."

"But Father, it is the dead of winter. The steppes are blanketed in snow and swept by biting winds. Our tribe lacks food and clothing, and the horses are weak from the cold. To launch a campaign under such conditions would inevitably increase our difficulties and casualties. I implore you to reconsider. Would it not be wiser to wait until spring, when the flowers bloom and our supplies are replenished?"

"Yujia, such an opportunity will not come twice. I suspect that we are not the only ones; the Ala and Meng kingdoms, having heard of the change in command, will surely not let this chance slip by."

"The Ala and Meng kingdoms border Ling'an City, while we neighbor Yong'an City. Father, have you forgotten? The news brought back by Albu suggested that there are reinforcements in Yong'an. Could those be the men brought by Cao Xiong?"

"Hiss..." At the mention of the reinforcements in Yong'an, Ashina drew a sharp breath, and the fierce battle lust that had just risen in his heart began to recede.

"The reinforcements in Yong'an are indeed formidable. To save Zhao Zun single-handedly, and to kill a man with nothing more than a peanut... this is..."