The Grand Secretary’s Pampered Wife

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S T E L L A R C L O U D

[Galetron]

O R A N G E S T A R

[Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [K.Rom]

[Lily J.] [Suong D.] [Tessy Ivy O.] [Victoria] [Ziana K.-P.]

Y E L L O W S T A R

[Anasi G.] [Passerby] [Xena]

G O L D S T A R

[Anne C.] [Nevy] [Roxanne C.]

R A I N B O W S T A R

[Debra W] [Smurfinbatik] [Scorpion Princess]

C E L E S T I A L C O N Q U E R O R

[Ava C.] [Kiiayame] [kuroneko_chan] [Manon] [Sophia W.] [Val Nes]

Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*≧∀≦*)

At the western city gate, the Emperor himself, along with the civil and military officials, had come to send off the soldiers.

Previously, rumors had spread among the common folk that, upon hearing of the invasion by Jin and Liang, the Emperor had been so terrified that he suffered a stroke on the spot.

The leak of such news had been disastrous, striking a severe blow to both morale and public confidence.

This was already a battle with little hope of victory. If even the ruler of the nation was paralyzed with fear, then surely the fall of Great Yan was imminent.

But today, all the citizens of Shengdu saw with their own eyes a vigorous and resolute Emperor.

By appearing in person, the Emperor shattered the rumors and proved to the world that not only had he not succumbed to terror, but he was brimming with an indomitable fighting spirit!

The aging warhorse of an Emperor once again raised the soaring eagle banner of Great Yan, rekindling the dying embers of hope in the peopleʼs hearts.

Perhaps... perhaps this war could still be won?

No—it must be won!

As they watched the Crown Princess and Gu Jiao lead the grand army through the western city gate, Xiao Heng, standing at the back of the crowd, turned to Long Yi and said, ”Itʼs time for us to depart as well.”

Long Yi, holding a box of half-used charcoal pencils, stared blankly at the scene for a long time, watching until Gu Jiaoʼs figure had completely disappeared from sight.

……

Xiao Heng and Grandaunt’s group were traveling eastward. After passing Liao Prefecture, they split into two separate routes.

Xiao Heng, Long Yi, and Wang Xuʼs forces headed northeast to Cangxue Pass.

Duke An, Grandaunt, and the others, along with Feng Wuxiu and his army, marched southeast toward Chishui Pass.

Taoist Qingfeng also traveled with them.

After leaving Shengdu, the first piece of news Shangguan Yan and Gu Jiao’s group received from the border came when they were a hundred miles away, in Yuzhou.

At that time, they had just set up camp outside a village.

Some kind-hearted villagers invited them to stay in the village, but Shangguan Yan declined the offer.

Inside Shangguan Yan’s tent, seated to her left, was Wang Man, the General of Infantry. He was Wang Xu’s biological uncle and an experienced veteran.

The Wang Family was not a hereditary military family. In Wang Man’s generation, he was the only one who pursued the path of martial service, and in Wang Xu’s generation, he was the only one to inherit Wang Man’s martial skills.

However, back in the day, Wang Man had fought alongside Xuanyuan Li in several campaigns, accumulating valuable experience in resisting the armies of Jin and Liang.

For this reason, the Emperor had recommended bringing him along and had granted him the title of Grand General of Established Might.

He was the highest-ranking officer in the tent.

Having earned numerous military achievements, Wang Man had developed a certain pride and arrogance.

Aside from the Crown Princess, he barely acknowledged anyone else in the room, and he especially disregarded the youngest among them—Gu Jiao.

To his other side sat General Wei Junting of the Archery Battalion, a man of thirty-eight years.

On Shangguan Yan’s right sat Gu Jiao and Mu Qingchen.

Mu Qingchen was traveling in the capacity of the Crown Princess’s personal bodyguard. His primary duty was ensuring her safety, and he held no official rank within the army.

Gu Chengfeng had not yet joined them.

Until the Emperor fully recovered, he had to continue impersonating him, remaining in Shengdu to stabilize both the morale of the troops and the hearts of the people.

Shangguan Yan spoke, “The eight-hundred-mile urgent missive that was just delivered; everyone here has read it. I would like to hear your thoughts.”

Wang Man, furious, slammed his hand on the table. “Humph! The Nangong Family has gone too far! They actually had the audacity to deceive the borderland civilians under the pretense of acting on heaven’s will! Their shamelessness knows no bounds!”

Shengdu rarely saw war, so most people there only heard stories about the Xuanyuan Family.

But the borderlands had endured countless battles, and everyone had witnessed firsthand how the Xuanyuan Family had fought to their last breath to protect them.

When the Xuanyuan Family was annihilated, the borderlands were filled with mourning.

The Nangong Family had seized upon this sentiment. After arriving at the border, they first announced that the Emperor had exterminated the Xuanyuan Family because of an ancient prophecy.

Then, they falsely claimed that they had only just discovered this truth—that all these years, they too had been deceived by the Emperor.

They vowed to avenge the Xuanyuan Family!

What was even more outrageous was their next claim—that someone from the Xuanyuan Family had survived, and they were secretly protecting them.

They declared their willingness to fight for the Xuanyuan Family’s last heir, swearing that even if they had to sacrifice everything, they would ensure the State of Yan was ruled by a true and worthy sovereign!

The people, moved by their words, opened the city gates, lined the streets in welcome, and ushered the Nangong Family’s army straight into the city.

Many of the city’s garrisoned troops had once served under the Xuanyuan Family. Since this was an act of vengeance for the Xuanyuan Family, they saw themselves as part of the same cause.

With almost no effort, the Nangong Family took control of Quyang City at Yanmen Pass.

The Nangong Family was using the Imperial Advisorʼs Hall’s prophecy to clear obstacles in their path. Though their tactic seemed unoriginal at first glance, it was undeniably effective.

In ancient times, any uprising required the backing of divine will—it was the most secure and foolproof strategy.

A ruler is like a boat, and the people are like water. Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.

Never underestimate the power of the peopleʼs will.

Shangguan Yan’s gaze shifted past the veteran Wang Man and landed on Wei Junting’s face. “General Wei, what do you think?”

Wei Juntingʼs expression was grim as he spoke. “The Nangong Family has seized the initiative. If this continues, we will lose even more cities. Taking them was easy for them, but reclaiming them will be much harder for us.”

The cities at the border were strategically built to prevent foreign invasions. They were naturally easy to defend but difficult to attack.

Moreover, the Nangong Family’s forces were well-rested and waiting for battle, giving them a clear advantage in combat strength.

Shangguan Yan then turned to Gu Jiao. “Commander Xiao, what is your assessment?”

Gu Jiao looked at the map spread out on the table and pointed to the west of Yanmen Pass. “The State of Liang’s forces have already advanced a hundred feet past the border, openly crossing into our territory. The only reason they havenʼt yet broken through Yanmen Pass is that their current forces are insufficient. Just like us, their imperial reinforcements are still en route. We must seize the initiative and reclaim Quyang before the State of Liang’s main army reaches the border.”

Shangguan Yan nodded in agreement.

Wang Man scoffed disdainfully. “A child is a child. Who wouldn’t think of such a simple plan? Do you think I didn’t say it because I didn’t think of it?”

Gu Jiao seriously considered the question. “Because you’re scared?”

“You insolent brat!” Wang Man slammed his palm onto the table and sprang to his feet.

Wei Junting quickly stood up to intervene. “Great General Wang! Great General Wang! Please, calm your anger!”

Shangguan Yan’s gaze turned sharp as she looked at Wang Man, exuding an unspoken authority. “Great General Wang, are you planning to use force in my presence?”

How dare he try to intimidate my dear daughter-in-law—he must have a death wish!

Wei Junting continued his role as the peacemaker. “Commander Xiao was merely joking with you, Great General Wang. You are magnanimous; don’t take offense at the younger generation.”

“Humph!” Wang Man, reluctant but mindful of the Crown Princess’s presence, seized the opportunity to back down, though he did so grudgingly.

Both men returned to their seats.

Shangguan Yan understood Gu Jiao well. Gu Jiao never spoke thoughtlessly—if she proposed something, it meant she already had a plan in mind.

However, Wang Man was not wrong either. There were indeed challenges to this strategy.

Shangguan Yan pointed at the map. “We are currently here. To reach Quyang City, a forced march would take over twenty days, and even an all-out rapid march would take at least a month. The State of Liang’s army, on the other hand, is much closer to the border and can reach it in under twenty days.”

Gu Jiao responded, “With the full army’s marching speed, we wouldn’t make it in time. But the Black Wind Cavalry can. They can reach Quyang in just half a month.”

Shangguan Yan was slightly taken aback. “You plan to force a march?”

It was true that cavalry could travel faster than infantry, but in order to maintain the horses’ combat readiness, they couldn’t be pushed too hard. Even with a rapid march, it would still take twenty days. To reach in half a month would mean pushing the horses to their limits.

“No, it would still be a rapid march.” Gu Jiao pointed to the map. “If we cut through the mountains of Liuzhou, we can take a direct route straight to Feng County, which leads directly to Quyang.”

Wang Man voiced his disapproval. “That mountain range is extremely dangerous! No army has ever crossed it!”

But I have.

Gu Jiao said this in her heart.

Raz P.ʼs Thoughts

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Description:

In the suspenseful supernatural novel “Records of Mortals,” Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang’an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to succumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he becomes a harbinger of chaos.

When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family’s young lady, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.

The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.

From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.

***

Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.

After he had slaughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, ”Scared?”

Shi Dai responded, “You’re really amazing! I applaud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also——you have dimples when you smile!”

Jiang Baiyan: ...?

—

After seeing her at a lantern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, ”The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?”

Shi Dai replied, ”Does it come with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!”

Jiang Baiyan: ...?

—

Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, ”Donʼt abandon me, alri—”

Shi Dai responded, ”Alright, alright, I’ll only have you. Mwah.”

Jiang Baiyan: ...?

He hasnʼt finished his lines yet though…