Ten days later, the northwest war situation entered a stalemate. The imperial court ordered Weiyuan Hou, a first-class military marquis, to serve as deputy general of the Northwest Army, and promoted him to third-class Tiger Guard General. He led 500 Imperial Guards to Tongguan immediately, gathering two million Yuzhang army and one million Qingfeng army to rush to the northwest to support the Western Protectorate Army.

  "What did you say?!"

  It was already the third watch of the night, yet there were still people moving about inside the Rain Fragrance Pavilion. Qin Xiang looked at the newcomer with a bewildered expression and couldn't help but let out a low growl.

  "The one from Choroin is probably gone for good and won't be back." The newcomer wore a black night-traveling outfit, seemingly not planning to stay overnight. But with parting imminent, they felt reluctant to let go, holding the person tightly in their own arms.

  Qin Xiang heard this and indeed saw golden light flashing before her eyes: "I haven't even made a move, yet she's already gotten herself killed. Hmph, I thought she was some kind of formidable opponent..."

  The man in black saw her face reveal a smile that was hard to conceal due to the recent news, and her eyes sparkled with an added hint of charm.

  "This time going forward, there is much danger. Will you think of me?" The man in black spoke softly, but with an unmistakable hint of expectation.

  The beauty smiled and twisted her body, poking the newcomer's head and said: "This is natural. When going out, pay attention to your body." It seems that it was not enough, fearing that men would be worried, so she added: "Knives and guns are blind, spare my life and let me come back."

  To be able to get someone who is on one's mind like this, the man in black is deeply moved. Even if the sea of emotions is vast and boundless, it would still be worth dying for.

  The next day, before the east had yet to dawn, the city gate had just opened, a group of armored cavalry rushed out on horseback, breaking through the stillness of the morning. At the same time, a white horse leapt out from the side gate and galloped swiftly towards the southern official road.

  One year later, the Qiang people were defeated, their leader was killed, and the remaining soldiers scattered. They were chased by the Northwest Guard Army to the north of Helan Mountain. The next spring, Wei Yuangong returned to the capital to report on his duties, promoted to the third rank of Wuding General, chose a day to take the Yuzhang army to Jiangxi Road, and served as the military and political commander-in-chief of Jiangxi Road and Jingzhou Road.

  In a boudoir of the Baifang Building in Yangcheng, a stunning beauty was just out of her bath, reclining lazily on the warm couch beside the bathtub, looking languid and alluring. The maid waiting by her side came forward to apply fragrant cream meticulously, not even neglecting the gaps between her toes.

  "Qin Niangzi, today I'm relying on you." The stunning woman calmly got up with the help of her maid and walked to the dresser.

  Before long, two more women emerged from behind the screen, carrying a stack of clothes. One of them saw the stunning woman admiring herself in the mirror and couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, looking away with a red face.

  "Qin Niangzi is indeed a wonderful person, all of whom have been married before, how can they still be so shy." The stunning woman couldn't help but smile at herself in the mirror.

  "Jin Se girl, with a charming and seductive demeanor, even the ladies of the house couldn't help but feel envious." This Jin Se, only 28 years old, had a slender waist like a water snake, truly a great figure. Plus her face was fresh and tender, like a peony about to bloom, beautiful and pure. Even someone as discerning as Qin Miao couldn't help but sigh in admiration at the ingenuity of heaven's creation.

  Qin Miao put the crimson little garment in her hand on Jin Se for her to wear. The little garment was made of the softest Su silk.

  Next is a pure white moon-colored long skirt. The long skirt trails on the ground, with embroidery of butterflies playing among flowers at the hem. Under the dim candlelight, if viewed from afar, it seems as if a fairy from among the flowers has descended to the world, lively and captivating.

  Jin Se stood in front of the large copper mirror, repeatedly praising: "Three sisters recommended it, and it's really a good thing. This time I dressed up, I almost didn't recognize myself. Is this still me... how can I be so beautiful..."

  This year's annual Huakui War, she spent a lot of money to invite Qin Niangzi, who had just emerged in Jiangdu City. At first, Jin Se was somewhat disdainful, looking at the naive Qin Miao, thinking that she was probably a fame-seeker. But after really getting in touch with her a few times and seeing her skills, she realized that this person had extraordinary ideas, making her eyes light up. Indeed, today's outfit truly made her look refreshed.

  Qin Miao wore a veil, her eyebrows and eyes slightly raised, smiling calmly: "Then let's congratulate Jin Se in advance for winning the championship!"

  In the Baifang Pavilion, a hundred flowers are in full bloom. The annual Huakui War attracts the attention of wealthy young masters who come to admire its fame. Before long, the front of the pavilion is filled with carriages and horses, and people flow like a brocade.

  Qin Miao took Yu Lu from the side room and exited safely, seeing that the large hall downstairs was already bustling with people. She quietly went down the stairs at the corner of the second floor. Today, the two masters and servants were dressed in light colors, shuttling through the crowd, and didn't attract attention.

  Before long, they arrived at the entrance of Baifang Building. Yulü rushed to call a horse carriage first, while Qinyin waited aside.

  Suddenly, it seemed like someone had collided with her from the side, and Qin Miao's foot slipped out from under her, causing her to tumble sideways. In her panic, she flailed about wildly, managing to lean against a man in brocade robes at an awkward angle.

  The man in brocade was apparently displeased with this sudden hug, but still supported the person steadily.

  In an instant, the man's eyes, which had been looking at Qin Miao's face outside the veil, had already planned to let go of her hand, but instead pulled Qin Miao tightly again.

  The man's grip was so strong that it made her feel a bit sore. Just as Qin Miao was about to get angry, she raised her head and saw a familiar face. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat, but only for an instant. When she found the man's increasingly inquiring eyes, she directly brushed past him, hastily bowed her head, then forcefully shook off his hand and slipped into the even more crowded crowd outside.

  An Na, is that you?

  This was not the first time Xie Yun had encountered a woman who looked like An Nuan, and each time it was like this, unable to control his emotions. Seeing the masked woman take advantage of his inattention, she disappeared into the crowd in an instant. By the time he went to chase after her again, there was no longer any trace of her.

  Could it be that I've mistaken myself again...

  "Thank you, Master Xie. You're making us search for you everywhere. The play is about to start, let's hurry in." At this moment, a middle-aged man squeezed out of the crowd and pulled Xie towards the main hall.

  "Not today, I suddenly feel unwell. Let's drink together another day." Today was his first time inspecting the defenses of Xunyang, coincidentally on the same day that the famous Baifang Tower was hosting a Huakui competition. Therefore, the officials of Xunyang took the opportunity to invite Xie Zhen to relax and have some fun, while also trying to win him over.

  The scene at the door just now made Xie Xian, who was already not interested in socializing, completely lose his mind. He only wanted to take a look around and see if he could still meet that masked woman from just now.

  "Ah, Master Hou!" The middle-aged man repeatedly called out to him, but couldn't dissuade Xie Yan from his decision. "Alas, this beauty is not even looked at, what a waste of heaven's gift! Hmph!"

  The man swung his sleeve and turned to walk towards the hall. Inside, there was already a lively atmosphere with music and dance, a night of revelry that would make one forget to leave.