Tracing the Valley
Thousands of miles away, in the capital of the Great Yin Dynasty, in the East Warm Pavilion of the Zichen Palace.
The young Emperor Wei Chenji slammed an urgent military report heavily onto his desk.
It made a crisp "snap" sound.
The eunuchs and palace maids standing in the hall trembled in fright and lowered their heads even further.
The emperor's face was ashen, his eyes sharp as knives, and his chest heaved slightly with rage.
"Snow Hawks! It's those Di wolves again!"
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling coldness; every word seemed to be frozen solid.
"Captain Wang is seriously injured? Shen Xiao... his fate is unknown?"
The last few words seemed to be painstakingly ground out from deep within his throat.
It carried a tremor that was suppressed to the extreme.
The northern frontier was the heaviest weight on his heart, and he absolutely could not afford to lose it!
He harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Di people and an uncompromising toughness towards them.
Huo Mingguang, the Minister of War who was standing to the side and dressed in a dark scarlet official robe, stepped forward.
He bowed and said, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. General Huo has already ordered strict discipline and dispatched more elite scouts to search the Broken Soul Gorge. Although Captain Wang is seriously injured, his life is not in danger, which is already a great blessing. Captain Shen... is a lucky man, and there may be a chance of survival.”
His tone was calm and composed, reflecting the Huo family's consistent sense of composure.
"A stroke of luck? A glimmer of hope?"
A cold smile curled at the corners of Emperor Wei Chenji's lips.
There was not a trace of a smile in his eyes.
Only a chilling, bone-chilling light.
"Minister Huo, the stability of the northern frontier cannot be achieved through 'luck' or 'chance'! The reconnaissance of Bison Valley was thwarted, the elite team was ambushed, and there was even a traitor in the armory! All of these incidents are slapping me in the face! They are slapping the face of the Great Yin Dynasty!"
He suddenly stood up, the hem of his bright yellow dragon robe stirring up a gust of wind.
The tremor caused the vermilion brush in the brush holder on the imperial desk to tremble slightly.
"Tell General Huo! I don't care what methods he uses, Wild Buffalo Valley must be taken! These Di people must pay the price! Not an inch of the northern grasslands can be allowed to be set foot on again! What I want is to wipe out the enemy completely and eliminate future troubles, not to drag on and on year after year!"
The emperor's voice was resolute.
It was filled with an unquestionable imperial will and a zero-tolerance attitude towards the Northern Barbarians.
It's true that he used the Jiang family to counterbalance the Huo family.
But on the point of expelling the Di people and stabilizing the border.
His stance is completely aligned with the Huo family's, and even more radical.
Huo Mingguang felt a chill run down his spine and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty's might is obeyed! I will convey His Majesty's divine authority to General Huo word for word!"
The emperor took a deep breath and suppressed his anger.
His gaze shifted to the somewhat thin civil official, Jiang Wenhuan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, who had been standing quietly by his side.
His tone softened slightly, but it still carried a sense of pressure.
"Minister Jiang, the Ministry of Revenue must double-check the grain, fodder, and winter clothing supplies for the northern frontier! Every grain of rice and every thread of cotton must be used wisely! We absolutely cannot allow any more of those corrupt officials like those in the Jiangnan branch of the Ministry of Works! I will not allow the rear to hold back the front!"
Jiang Wenhuan quickly stepped forward and answered respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I obey! The entire Ministry of Revenue will do its utmost to ensure the absolute safety of military supplies in the northern frontier!"
He sensed the emperor's words were a warning to the Jiang family, but also a hint of seeking their favor.
The Jiang family is now in a weak position and can only maintain its foothold in the court with the emperor's support.
This job is both an opportunity and a test, and there is no room for error.
The emperor waved his hand wearily: "Dismissed. If there are any new reports from the northern frontier, bring them to me immediately!"
"We take our leave." Huo Mingguang and Jiang Wenhuan bowed and left the warm pavilion.
The palace doors closed, cutting off the outside light.
The young emperor stood alone in the empty, warm pavilion, his back to the door, and slowly raised his hand.
His fingertips unconsciously traced the cold jade paperweight on the imperial desk, his gaze falling on the huge map of the northern frontier hanging there.
The East Warm Pavilion of Cining Palace at this time.
The wisps of sandalwood incense rose from the gilded incense burner, yet they could not dispel the subtle tension in the air.
Outside the window was a bleak winter scene, with bare branches swaying in the cold wind.
Consort Huo was leaning against a soft couch, her eyes closed in meditation, slowly turning a string of warm, smooth sandalwood prayer beads in her hand, seemingly immersed in the tranquility of Buddhist scriptures. An ordinary-looking, silent old eunuch stood by her side, as inconspicuous as a pillar in the hall.
"The one on the west side."
The Empress Dowager didn't open her eyes, and her voice was as soft as a sigh, yet it carried a peculiar penetrating power.
"Her appetite seems to have been poor these past few days? And her expenses in the palace have also been reduced considerably?"
The old eunuch lowered his head even further, and his voice was equally faint.
"Yes, Your Highness. I heard that the newly prepared 'Golden Jade Abundance Soup' sent to the Imperial Kitchen yesterday was only touched twice. The Imperial Physician took her pulse and said it was just 'qi stagnation in the middle.' As for the expenses... perhaps it's out of consideration for the national treasury's difficulties?"
His tone was flat, but he pointed out the key point—Consort Jiang was using "frugality" to gain fame.
"Stagnation of qi?"
The Empress Dowager paused slightly as she twirled the prayer beads, a cold glint flashing across her lips.
"Indeed, her precious nephew is in charge of such a large number of 'important' matters in the Jiangnan branch of the Ministry of Works. I heard that the wind has been blowing hard lately, and he's a bit unsteady on his feet? The Ministry of Justice has been keeping that memorial from Censor Lu very tightly under wraps."
She was implying something.
The old eunuch understood immediately.
"Your Majesty is wise. The Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review was promoted by that Empress from the West. According to custom, such a 'baseless' report should be suppressed first and thoroughly investigated. However... since the wind has risen, it will eventually blow to its rightful place. His Majesty was in the Zichen Palace today because of the ambush in the Northern Frontier, and he was furious."
He subtly conveyed the emperor's tough stance towards the Northern Barbarians.
The speed at which the prayer beads were turned returned to normal.
The Empress Dowager slowly opened her eyes, her gaze as deep and unfathomable as an ancient well, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
"Thunderous wrath? The Northern Frontier is His Majesty's Achilles' heel, and the Di people... are His Majesty's mortal enemies. If the mess made by the Ministry of Works' Jiangnan branch truly involves the military supplies of the Northern Frontier..."
She didn't say anything more.
Unconsciously, her fingertips brushed over a small, almost invisible engraving on the prayer beads.
That was a variant of an ancient "霍" (Huo) emblem.
"The wind and snow in the northern frontier can freeze people to death. Some things, if kept hidden for too long, may cause even greater trouble and offend His Majesty's ears."
Her voice was soft, yet it carried a cold, undeniable power.
The old eunuch bowed deeply.
“This old servant understands. This wind will surely blow into the Zichen Palace, leaving no stone unturned. Especially… it concerns the safety of the Northern Frontier, the place His Majesty is most concerned about.”
He emphasized the "safety of the northern frontier" and "His Majesty's concerns."
The Empress Dowager fell silent and closed her eyes again.
It was as if I had once again sunk into that Buddhist realm, devoid of sorrow or joy.
It was just that string of sandalwood prayer beads that was being twisted.
In the dim light filtering through the window, a dark and hard luster flowed.
She was fully aware that the emperor was using the Jiang family to counterbalance the Huo family.
But if the corruption of the Jiangnan branch of the Ministry of Works truly endangers the northern frontier.
They crossed a line that the emperor could not tolerate, and the Jiang family, this pawn...
It might not work so well then.
At this moment, the warmth in the Blackrock Fortress camp was completely frozen by the bad news brought by the scouts.
The color drained completely from Shen Yan's face!
Those peach blossom eyes always sparkled with shrewdness or playfulness.
At this moment, only a huge emptiness and unbelievable shock remain.
His tiger cub...was swallowed by an avalanche?!
"Tiger—!"
A heart-wrenching roar burst from his throat, carrying his father's most primal fear and despair.
He tried to rush out, but Ling Zhan grabbed his wrist tightly.
That force was like an iron clamp!
"calm!"
Ling Zhan's voice was as cold as a stone beneath a glacier.
It was absolute rationality and an almost ruthless decision.
"Charging in now is suicide!"
"Let me go! That's my son!"
Shen Yan was like a cornered beast, its eyes bloodshot, struggling...
But Ling Zhan's hand remained completely still.
"It's mine too!"
Ling Zhan's tone suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable pressure that instantly overwhelmed Shen Yan's frenzy.
"Wang Ji'an! Immediately muster three hundred elite troops! Prepare sufficient ropes, ice axes, sleds, medicine, kerosene, and long-handled probes! They must be assembled within half an incense stick's time!"
Ling Zhan's orders were like icicles striking the ground, each word carrying immense weight.
"Hong'er! Calm down! Sensing your elder brother's location!"
Wang Ji'an was instantly jolted out of his shock and rushed off to carry out the order.
Shen Hongqing's handsome face was now filled with solemnity and worry.
He closed his eyes and gently pressed his hands on the cold ground.
An invisible, gentle yet resilient thought spread quietly like ripples on water, attempting to penetrate the wind and snow.
Capture that faint breath that connects with your own soul.
The wolf king with the wide ears let out a low, warlike howl.
His golden vertical pupils were sharp as knives, indicating he was already in a state of combat readiness.
"Lan Ying!"
Ling Zhan let out another low shout.
The Snow Wolf King Lan Ying, who had been guarding him like a shadow, suddenly looked up, a sharp light flashing in his dark green wolf eyes.
It let out a low growl, its massive body radiating a chilling fighting spirit.
Ling Zhan quickly grabbed a tattered lining stained with Shen Xiao's blood.
He grabbed Shen Yan and forcefully pressed her against Lan Ying's nose.
"Remember Tiger's scent! Lead us there! Find him!"
Lan Ying's nostrils flared violently as she inhaled the familiar, bone-deep stench of blood and its scent.
The low growl in his throat suddenly turned from a mournful cry into a wailing sound that locked onto its target, filled with violent power!
It turned abruptly and burst out of the tent like a silver lightning bolt tearing through the wind and snow.
A long howl, piercing the clouds and proclaiming royal authority, was sent towards Buffalo Valley!
The wolf king with the wide ears followed closely behind, roaring in response!
"Keep up!"
Ling Zhan released his grip on Shen Yan's wrist and shot towards the tent entrance like an arrow.
He casually picked up the long-handled broadsword leaning against the door.
The black figure instantly disappeared into the swirling curtain of snow.
Shen Yan was startled by that cold decisiveness and speed.
Reason forcefully suppressed it!
He wiped his face hard.
All that remained in his eyes was a reckless madness and a faint, forcibly ignited flame.
He took off chasing after her.
Shen Hong suddenly opened his eyes, a flicker of emotion passing through them.
"Father! I sense something! It's very faint, but my eldest brother is still alive! Deep in the valley!"
"Dad! Ride a horse!"
Deep in Buffalo Valley, at the edge of Broken Soul Gorge.
The massive avalanche deposits, like solidified white mountains, have completely altered the terrain.
The cold wind howled, whipping up snowflakes that stung my face like knives.
The dozen or so surviving soldiers used their frozen hands to light a small campfire under a huge, sheltered ice rock.
Lieutenant Wang lay on a makeshift stretcher, his face as pale as paper, his breathing weak.
The medic was urgently treating the horrific wounds on his back and legs, each touch triggering involuntary spasms in him.
Despair and grief enveloped everyone.
They watched helplessly as Shen Xiao was swallowed up by the snow waves.
Suddenly, a loud, penetrating wolf howl, carrying the majesty of a king, came from the depths of the wind and snow!
Immediately following was another powerful growl!
From afar, the sound grew clearer and clearer! Accompanying this was the rapid sound of horses' hooves and footsteps!
"It's...it's Lan Ying! And Huo Er!"
An old soldier with exceptionally sharp hearing suddenly looked up.
An incredulous light flashed in his eyes.
"There are also sounds of many people and horses!"
All the survivors struggled and helped each other to the edge of the ice cliff.
I desperately tried to open my eyes, which were covered by the wind and snow.
Look towards the source of that life-giving sound!
The curtain of wind and snow was violently torn open by an invisible force!
First, there was that noble, powerful, silver-white figure, like the embodiment of a snow mountain spirit—Lan Ying!
Its steps were steady and powerful, each one crushing despair.
Following closely behind was the imposing yet submissive Wolf King with wide ears.
Immediately afterwards.
A powerful gust of wind, a mixture of the smells of sweat, leather, and cold metal.
The deathly silence at the mouth of the gorge was suddenly shattered!
Ling Zhan's figure appeared in the wind and snow.
His black cloak billowed, and his figure stood tall and straight like a javelin.
His sharp gaze swept across the entire area in an instant, locking onto the stretcher!
Shen Yan's face was ashen and his eyes were bloodshot!
Wang Ji'an led three hundred elite soldiers, pushing sleds loaded with supplies, like divine warriors descending upon the land!
Shen Hong followed closely beside him, his gaze calm and focused.
"General! Madam Ling! Patriarch Shen! Young Master Shen Hong!"
His excited shouts were tinged with tears.
Ling Zhan had no time to respond; his figure swept like the wind to the side of Captain Wang's stretcher.
She crouched down, quickly examining the wound and spine with her fingers, and feeling for the pulse; her movements were precise and efficient.
"The spine was injured and the nerves were damaged. He survived, but... sensation in his lower limbs may be difficult to regain."
Her diagnosis was as cold as a knife, and she immediately looked up and gave a stern order.
"Immobilize the spine with a splint! Move gently! Double the amount of hemostatic powder applied externally! Lay three layers of felt on the sled! Keep the charcoal braziers for warmth on the road without interruption! Send them back to camp immediately! Quickly!"
Aversion is like a hungry wolf that has locked onto its target.
He grabbed the wounded soldier closest to him.
His voice was as hoarse as sandpaper.
"Tiger...my son...where did he go?!"
The wounded soldier was terrified by his gaze.
He raised his bloodstained hand with trembling hands.
Pointing to the avalanche pile that stood several meters high, like a huge white tomb, lifelessly standing in the wind and snow.
"Boss... he... charged that way to draw the pursuers away... and got completely buried in the snow..."
His disgusted gaze followed the trembling fingers.
Thrown towards that giant white grave that devours life.
An overwhelming despair, like a cold iron hand, instantly gripped his heart!
Suddenly everything went black, and my body swayed...
------
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com