[Wuxia] The Duan Family Women Generals (Complete) - 30

Chapter 155 – Guan Yuqing Returns in Triumph at Nanyang Pass, Wang Ke's Army Seizes Zhizi Ridge.

It is said that Cao Fengxi voluntarily surrendered, making two wishes: first, to see her bedmate Liu Yuge one last time; second, that Guan Yuqing personally carry out her execution, so that no one else could touch her. Guan Yuqing
did not speak, but simply nodded in agreement.
Cao Fengxi then put her hands behind her back and said, "Please, Marshal, bind me."
Guan Yuqing only shook her head, without speaking, tears welling in her eyes.
Xu Xiaoyang, seeing this clearly, quickly said, "The Marshal's intention is that since you are willing to accept punishment, why bind yourself? Please stay in my camp temporarily."
Guan Yuqing nodded gratefully upon hearing Xu Xiaoyang's words and then hurriedly left the tent.
Meanwhile, when Huang Yukun and the other five generals arrived at Xiaolong Pass, the battle at Dafang Mountain had already ended. Kan De, Zou Bin, and Wang Fangyu had all died in battle, and more than 30,000 soldiers had fled back. If it weren't for Guan Yuqing's gentlemanly battle with Kan De, it's likely that none of Zou Bin's 50,000 troops would have escaped.
Huang Yukun hurriedly led his army to attack Dafang Mountain. When they reached the first pass, Dongshan Pass, they encountered Guan Yuqing and the four Xu sisters waiting there. This time, the two sides were evenly matched, and the battle ended in a draw with no losses on either side.
Guan Yuqing had never liked fighting, so he ordered his entire army to retreat into the pass and use the terrain to solidify their defenses.
Huang Yukun's army fought for over a month but failed to capture Dongshan Pass. Supplies couldn't be delivered quickly, and fearing Shi Wenlong of Qinglong Pass might interfere, they retreated to Xiaolong Pass, sending a message to Hua Rong.
Hua Rong originally intended to personally take Dafang Mountain, but unrest outside the pass forced him to use troops to suppress it. He had to recall Huang Yukun, leaving only Shan Biao and Wang Dapeng to guard Xiaolong Pass.
Although Hua Rong had gained control of the counties outside the pass, the officials and wealthy young men whose lands had been seized were unwilling to give up. They secretly formed an uprising, causing widespread chaos. Although their numbers were small, these men were educated and resourceful, making things very difficult for Hua Rong, forcing him to withdraw all his troops to quell the rebellion.
Dafang Mountain thus returned to Cao Yunlong's hands.
Xu Youliang, however, had other plans. Hearing that Dafang Mountain... He hastily issued an order, claiming that Feng Qing was attacking from the west, leaving Xu Xiaoyang and Xu Xiaoyao to guard Dafang Mountain, and Xu Xiaoyue and Xu Xiaojing to garrison Qinglong Pass. He ordered Cao Yunlong, Guan Yuqing, and Shi Wenlong to return to Nanyang Pass for further orders.
Cao Yunlong understood, as Dafang Mountain was originally his territory, and Xu Youliang feared he would become too powerful there and cultivate his own influence—in short, he wasn't entirely at ease with him. But now he was under someone else's roof, what could he do? He could only accept the order, handing over the seals of Dafang Mountain to the Xu sisters, and then, along with Guan Yuqing, each led their own troops back to Nanyang in triumph.
Although Xu Youliang was using Feng Qing's name to summon everyone back, it wasn't entirely baseless, as Feng Qing had already taken advantage of Hua Rong's success at Qinglong to prepare an attack on Xu Youliang.
This time, Feng Qing divided his forces into four routes: the northern route... Led by Pang Qi, an army broke out from Xuanwu Pass, capturing Feng County and Ye City. At this time, Huang Yunxiang occupied the territory from Hexi to the east of Xuanwu, becoming a local tyrant. Following Tao Xiuying's advice, Feng Qing first sent Pang Qi to Huang Yunxiang to persuade him to join forces in attacking Ye City, at least to prevent Huang from attacking from the flanks. The second route, led by Shi Yunqing, attacked Huangshi from Baihu Pass and Panshan Pass respectively. The third route, led by Wang Ke and his sister from Xihua Pass northward, and by Wang Ziyi and Deng Xiufu from Panshan Pass southward, would attack Zhizi Ridge from both sides.
The fourth route, led by three Xirong princesses, advanced eastward from the plains west of Pingling, attacking Dingnan Pass and Pingling Pass to tie down Xu Youliang's forces.
Xu Youliang had many spies at Daxiong Pass, which came in handy.
Xu Youliang recalled three generals and sent Cao Yunlong to Zhennan Pass to assist Feng Ling in defending Dingnan Pass and... At Pingling Pass, Guan Yuqing and Zhang Ping were dispatched north from Nanyang Pass to meet Liu Yuge at Zhizi Ridge. Shi Wenlong and Hua Feng were sent to Huangshi, while Feng County remained under the defense of Zheng Mingde and his wife.
A major battle first broke out at Dingnan Pass. The three princesses of the Western Rong were indeed formidable. At this time, Cao Yunlong had not yet arrived, and Feng Ling, alone, could not fight against so many. She could only defend the city and hold out, using various defensive weapons to keep the three princesses outside the pass.
Immediately afterward, the battle at Zhizi Ridge broke out almost simultaneously.
Information obtained through inside espionage was not 100% accurate. Xu Youliang's intelligence indicated that Pang Qi's side would start the battle first, but because Pang Qi had wasted a lot of time negotiating with Huang Yunxiang, the battle at Zhizi Ridge broke out first.
As soon as the three princesses started fighting, they knew that Xu Youliang could not attack Xihua Pass from the south, so Wang Ke and his sister immediately went north. While Xu Youliang's reinforcements were still en route, Wang Ziyi and Deng Xiufu launched an attack on Zhiziling.
At this time, Zhiziling was defended by Liu Yuge, who, with only a few thousand soldiers, could not simultaneously defend against attacks from tens of thousands on two fronts. Zhiziling was in imminent danger and urgently sent someone to request help from Xu Youliang.
Xu Youliang had no choice but to order Zhang Ping, who was waiting for Guan Yuqing at Zhuque Pass, to go north from Nanyang to relieve the crisis at Zhiziling.
Zhang Ping had just arrived at the entrance to Zhiziling when she saw that the city walls had been breached and Feng's army was swarming in. Liu Yuge had been forced to retreat eastward from the mountain pass. Upon seeing Zhang Ping, she was overjoyed and, together with Zhang Ping, charged back into Zhiziling, engaging in street fighting with Feng's army that had already poured in through the breach in the city walls.
Zhang Ping, skilled in martial arts, fought desperately, and she and Liu Yuge fought two against four. After a day and a night of fierce fighting, they were finally outnumbered and forced to retreat from Zhizi Ridge.
Seeing that they had escaped Zhizi Ridge, Wang Ke left his two female generals, Wang Ziyi and Deng Xiufu, behind to reinforce the walls in case of a counterattack by Zhang Ping. He then returned south with Wang Yinping to assist the three princesses in attacking Dingnan Pass.
Two days later, Guan Yuqing arrived with his troops and joined forces with Zhang Ping and Liu Yuge, who had retreated from Zhizi Ridge, to retake it.
Cao Fengxi also returned to Nanyang Pass with the camp, knowing she was doomed. Although Guan Yuqing made no demands, she had her female servants bind her every day and follow him with her head bowed.
Upon arriving at Nanyang Pass, they met Xu Youliang. Stealing the army's provisions was an unforgivable crime, but someone had already reported the details of Xu Youliang's actions, so she was not sentenced but handed over to Guan Yuqing for disposal.
In fact, this... This put Guan Yuqing in a difficult position. He didn't want to kill her, but if she didn't leave, he had no reason to forgive this woman who was guilty both personally and professionally. He could only use the pre-arranged agreement as an excuse to bring Cao Fengxi to see Liu Yuge.
Yuge had heard about Cao Fengxi's situation and felt both hatred and pity for her. She hated her for doing something that pleased both her family and enemies, and she pitied this once powerful and charismatic woman who had ended up like this.
The two sisters met and embraced, weeping bitterly.
After they finished crying, they each shared their grievances. Then Liu Yuge said, "Sister, although I've thought of you day and night, why did you walk into this trap today? You should know that what you did is unforgivable. Although Xu Qiansui didn't kill you, he only pushed you to our master. But think about it, if our master spares you, how will he face people in the future?!"
"Sister had already considered this," Liu Yuge replied, "but since you've already made a mistake, you can't make another one." "Sister, you were just confused for a moment. If that jealous woman hadn't been so cruel, how could you have run away on your own? And if you hadn't run away, how could Kan Deqiang have abducted you and ruined your reputation? It's all because of Zheng Mingzhen. That's why you harbored resentment and made such a terrible mistake. However, although you are in Wuhua Ridge, your heart is with Master. You haven't forgotten him for a moment. Now, you are all alone. Besides Master and your sister, what do you have? I know Master wants to spare my life, and I know he can't, but I would rather suffer a thousand cuts than leave his side again. As long as he is here, I can die in peace."
"But sister, do you know how difficult this is for him? How can he bring himself to kill you?"
"Sister has already made up her mind, but she needs your help."
"How can I help you?"
"Sister heard from General Zhang Ping that they're going to seize Zhizi Ridge in the next few days. The country is in grave danger, and Master will surely have no time to kill me. Please, sister, beg Master tomorrow to let me atone for my crime by leading a suicide squad to capture Zhizi Ridge. If I fail, I will die on the battlefield. If I succeed by chance, it will atone for the crime of robbing grain, and my actions will not be subject to national law. Master will not make things difficult for me before His Highness. Then, it won't be too late to face family punishment."
"But you'll die whether you succeed or
fail?" "Living is worse than death for me!"
"Do you know how strict the family rules are?"
"Master said I should be imprisoned before being executed."
"What is imprisonment? It must be unbearable."
"Sister doesn't know either, but I heard it involves removing the uterus from the vulva."
"Oh dear, that won't do. I beg Master, if this battle is successful, please spare my sister."
Cao Fengxi gently shook her head: "If you can spare my sister from imprisonment, I'll be content to die with my woman body intact."
"..." The two embraced and wept.
The next day, after the roll call and announcement of names, Guan Yuqing discussed the recapture of Zhizi Ridge with his generals. Liu Yuge then stepped forward to plead for Cao Fengxi's life.
Zhang Ping, being a woman, had heard of the feud between Zheng Mingzhen and Cao Fengxi, and thus sympathized with Cao Fengxi, so she also stepped forward to plead for her.
In truth, Guan Yuqing did not want to kill Cao Fengxi, which was why he had been hoping she would escape. Unexpectedly, Cao Fengxi had already made up her mind to die and was determined to return with him. Xu Youliang handed Cao Fengxi over to him for disposal, ostensibly to do him a favor, but in reality, because of the grain robbery, there was no reason for Guan Yuqing to spare Fengxi, so he was in a difficult position.
Now that Liu Yuge and Zhang Ping had both pleaded for her, Guan Yuqing had a way out. He said, "Since the two generals are pleading for her, I will give her a chance to atone for her crime. If she is fortunate enough to win, she will be pardoned for robbing the grain."
Guan Yuqing didn't say he would forgive her for the murder of the first wife, because his brother-in-law, Zheng Mingde, was still in Feng County. He could spare Fengxi, but what would happen to Zheng Mingde who had lost his sister? Therefore, Guan Yuqing only temporarily pardoned her for robbing the grain, letting her live first. As for what to do with his brother-in-law, that could be dealt with later—a delaying tactic.
Getting such an opportunity was already difficult enough, so Liu Yuge and Zhang Ping couldn't ask for anything more. Only Liu Yuge didn't fully understand Guan Yuqing's true intentions, and asked, "If Sister Cao wins, could you spare her from confinement, sir?"
Guan Yuqing replied, "That was just something I used to provoke Kan De. There's no such punishment in my Guan family's rules."
"Then I'm relieved."
Yuqing then ordered Cao Fengxi to be brought into the tent. Fengxi, still bound, knelt down upon entering and said, "This sinful woman, Cao Fengxi, greets the Marshal." "
Cao Fengxi, you have committed a heinous crime, deserving of death by a thousand cuts. However, considering your voluntary surrender and the pleas of all the generals, I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself through merit. Are you willing?"
"This sinful woman is willing."
"Tomorrow, we will attack Zhizi Ridge. You are ordered to lead a suicide squad to seize the stronghold. Your life is in the hands of fate."
"This sinful woman thanks the Marshal and all the generals for their great kindness."
"Rise."
"Thank you, Marshal."
Guan Yuqing ordered Cao Fengxi to select her own suicide squad while he discussed the plan to attack Zhizi Ridge with the other generals.
Whether Zhizi Ridge can be captured remains to be seen; we shall find out in the next chapter.

Chapter 156 – Cao Fengxi Sacrifices His Life to Atone for His Sins, Guan Yuqing Recaptures Zhizi Ridge

for the Second Time. The following afternoon, after dinner, Guan Yuqing issued orders, appointing Liu Yuge as the vanguard, leading 5,000 men, with Cao Fengxi as the commander of a suicide squad of 200 men.
He himself, along with Zhang Ping, would lead the central army of over 20,000 men to follow.
The entire army, with their mouths gagged and horses' hooves wrapped in cloth, quietly arrived at the foot of Zhizi Ridge.
Before leaving, Guan Yuqing had secretly constructed several projects for Zhizi Ridge, including a secret tunnel in the back mountain and numerous hiding pits near the ridge. It was by using the hidden observation posts in these pits that Guan Yuqing was able to thoroughly investigate the scouts and sentries that Wang Ziyi had dispatched in the Nanyang Pass and Hulang Valley directions before the operation. Therefore, when Liu Yuge moved first, he sent out small groups of highly skilled vanguards to thoroughly investigate the sentries and scouts, ensuring that the army's movements were not discovered by Wang Ziyi.
When the army arrived at Zhiziling, Wang Ziyi was overseeing the construction of the stone wall on the eastern slope of Zhiziling.
It turned out that after Guan Yuqing first captured Zhiziling, he had built a stone wall west of the central construction project overseen by Wang Ziyi, extending all the way to the western slope, blocking the passage from Panshan Pass to Xihua Pass. Therefore, after regaining control of Zhiziling, Wang Ziyi used the same tactic against Guan Yuqing, building a wall on the east side, employing Guan Yuqing's method: first building a wooden wall, then constructing a stone wall under its protection.
This method had been very effective against Guan Yuqing, but it was ineffective against him, as the clever and studious Guan Yuqing had acquired a new secret weapon.
Liu Yuge's vanguard, after eliminating the sentries, secretly entered the foot of the mountain directly east of Zhiziling and lay in ambush. They saw the hillside brightly lit, and inside the wooden wall, the stone wall was being constructed with great enthusiasm.
At the fourth watch of the night, the soldiers repairing the wall were exhausted. Suddenly, a cannon boomed from the southeast, and countless red fireflies flew from the sky into the darkness, landing with
a clattering sound inside and outside the wooden wall. The soldiers looked and saw that they were all three-inch-long round balls wrapped in paper, emitting bluish smoke. Just as they were wondering what was going on, suddenly, a series of loud explosions followed, and the paper balls exploded one after another. Nearby soldiers were instantly blown to pieces,
many dead and wounded. It turned out that the paper balls were filled with gunpowder, mixed with iron shot and gravel used for hunting birds. This was a method of making fireworks that Guan Yuqing had learned from the masters in the village workshops, only he replaced the powder with explosives and added iron shot and gravel to increase the lethality.
Ordinary ironclad cavalry could fire iron sand, but the wooden walls blocked it, preventing harm to those inside. Moreover, these ironclad cavalry weighed over a thousand pounds, making them difficult to transport. These firework bombs, however, didn't require cannons. A lit fuse allowed them to be fired from a powerful crossbow or launched from a stone cannon, exploding inside the wall.
The soldiers, never having seen such a weapon, were blasted away, crying and screaming, scattering in all directions.
Seeing this, Cao Fengxi, without waiting for Liu Yuge's orders, mounted her horse, hooked her double hooks, grabbed two sharp axes, and shouted, "Follow me!" She charged up the hillside first.
The two hundred daredevils, each wielding a rattan shield and sharp blade, followed closely behind.
Cao Fengxi, knowing she was doomed, didn't bother to parry the arrows shooting from behind the wall, instead charging upwards. Strangely enough, not a single one of the wolf-tooth arrows hit her; it seemed that when people wanted to die, even Heaven wouldn't easily grant their wish.
Reaching the wall, the flaming shells continued to rain down, landing both inside and outside the wall, near Cao Fengxi. Ignoring the hail, Cao Fengxi braved the barrage and cleaved the wooden wall in a few blows with his axe. The archers inside, dazed from the bombardment, turned and fled in terror at the sight of a female demon.
Cao Fengxi then smashed a breach in the half-built stone wall, charged in, switched to his double hooks, and slaughtered Wang Ziyi's soldiers.
Seeing Cao Fengxi inside, Liu Yuge hurriedly ordered the vanguard to rush up the mountain, while simultaneously signaling Guan Yuqing with lanterns to cease fire.
Guan Yuqing, surprised by the power of his flaming shells, quickly ordered a halt, mounted his horse, and charged up the mountain with Zhang Ping, shouting loudly.
As for Cao Fengxi, once inside the stone wall, he hacked and slashed left and right, indiscriminately killing the Feng family soldiers who rushed forward, while protecting his suicide squad as they dismantled the stone wall.
Just then, a beautiful female general, no more than twenty years old and wielding a gleaming silver spear, charged straight at them. Recognizing it was Wang Ziyi, she quickly felled seven or eight soldiers with a few hooks, then spurred her horse forward to engage Wang Ziyi in battle.
Wang Ziyi, who was resting in his tent, heard the cannon fire and, without even bothering to put on his armor, mounted his horse and rode off in only his shawl. He encountered Cao Fengxi protecting his men as they dismantled the wall. He quickly shouted and rushed forward. The soldiers who had been scattered and fleeing after the explosions, seeing that the cannon fire had stopped, also came to their senses and turned back to plug the breach.
Although the suicide squad was small in number, each one was brave and fearless, fighting like ten, holding their ground and refusing to retreat an inch.
Cao Fengxi's martial arts skills were far inferior to Wang Ziyi's, but she was now determined to die, so she neither dodged nor evaded, fighting back with a tit-for-tat approach, using a style of mutual destruction that left Wang Ziyi helpless for the time being.
After fighting for more than ten rounds, Cao Fengxi glanced and saw Liu Yuge riding up on horseback. She also saw a spotted leopard galloping past from the central building complex of Zhizi Ridge, followed by a female general wielding an axe and leading over a thousand men. She recognized Deng Xiufu as such.
Deng Xiufu's martial arts skills were comparable to Wang Ziyi's; if she caught up, Liu Yuge would likely be no match, and the city wall they had so painstakingly captured would probably be retaken.
Thinking of this, Cao Fengxi had a sudden inspiration. When she saw Liu Yuge arrive, she steeled her heart and let Wang Ziyi thrust at her with her spear. She simply stood up from her horse, letting the spear pierce her through her navel and back. She dropped the hook, grabbed Wang Ziyi's spear shaft with both hands, and shouted, "Sister Yuge, capture her quickly!"
Cao Fengxi fought desperately. Wang Ziyi couldn't pull her spear out, but seeing Liu Yuge's spear approaching, she hurriedly let go and dropped the spear. She went to draw her sword at her waist, but it was too late.
Liu Yuge caught up with her and slashed down at her head with his sword. Wang Ziyi dodged, trying to draw her sword, but another sword swept down at her head. She could only bend over, but she couldn't draw her sword. A daredevil on the ground, quick-witted and agile, rushed forward, grabbed one of her delicate feet, and lifted her up. Wang Ziyi was almost thrown off her horse. She swayed and before she could regain her balance, Liu Yuge had already taken the opportunity to hang his sword from her right hand, grabbed the silk sash at her waist, dragged her off the horse, and threw her to the ground.
Wang Ziyi tried to get up, but several daredevil members held her down firmly, tied her up with the four horses' hooves, threaded a spear shaft through the ropes, and carried her over the wall.
Deng Xiufu had initially seen Wang Ziyi fighting with Cao Fengxi and was in a better position, but somehow she had fallen from her horse and been captured. He hurriedly spurred his horse to rush over to rescue Wang Ziyi, but Liu Yuge had already taken off his sword and blocked his way.
Cao Fengxi knew that anyone struck by an arrow wouldn't die immediately unless the arrow was removed and blood flowed. So, enduring the pain, he ordered his soldiers to retrieve his double hooks. With one hook, he severed Wang Ziyi's spear shaft, leaving the spearhead embedded in his abdomen. He then rushed to help Liu Yuge fight Deng Xiufu.
How did Deng Xiufu arrive?
It turns out that Zhizi Ridge was a narrow area, difficult for large-scale military operations, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Wang Ke captured Zhizi Ridge, believing that Wang Ziyi alone could hold it, so he hurriedly headed south to assist the three princesses of the Western Rong.
However, en route, he heard from scouts that Guan Yuqing and Shi Wenlong had returned from Dafang Mountain. Knowing that Guan Yuqing and Shi Wenlong were both experienced generals, he feared leaving Wang Ziyi alone might lead to trouble. Therefore, he sent Deng Xiufu back to Zhizi Ridge midway. Unexpectedly, Cao Fengxi risked his life and captured Wang Ziyi before Deng Xiufu could.
Deng Xiufu wielded two powerful and heavy axes, which Liu Yuge alone would have been powerless to resist. With Cao Fengxi's assistance, however, she managed to fight Deng Xiufu to a standstill.
Meanwhile, Liu Yuge's vanguard had already charged forward, engaging in a fierce battle with those inside the wall. Soldiers from both sides screamed and died, and the breach in the wall widened.
However, Cao Fengxi was fatally wounded and was barely holding on, unable to sustain the fight for long. After more than ten rounds, Cao Fengxi finally collapsed, her face pale. She swayed on her horse, nearly falling, but gritted her teeth, leaned against the horse to rest, and then charged again. After
a few more rounds, Cao Fengxi finally gave up, feeling dizzy and her vision blurred. She cried out, "Sister, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself!" and fell from her horse.
Liu Yuge's heart ached. She cried out "Sister!" and wiped away her tears, continuing her desperate struggle against Deng Xiufu. Without Cao Fengxi, Liu Yuge found himself struggling, his attacks finding it increasingly difficult to penetrate. Just as he was about to give up, a voice shouted from behind, "Yuge, don't be afraid! I'm here!"
It was Guan Yuqing and Zhang Ping arriving with a large force.
Hearing that Guan Yuqing was coming, Liu Yuge's spirits lifted, and his swordsmanship became much more agile.
Deng Xiufu, seeing Guan Yuqing arrive, knew this man was not to be trifled with, so he hastily tried to subdue Liu Yuge, but the more he rushed, the more chaotic things became, and Guan Yuqing arrived. Deng Xiufu abandoned Liu Yuge and turned to fight Guan Yuqing. After only two or three exchanges, he knew he was outmatched and had no choice but to retreat towards the central fortress, hoping to hold out there and then seek reinforcements from Wang Ke or Panshan Pass. He hadn't gone far when a female general blocked his path, shouting, "Deng Xiufu, don't come any closer! Zhang Ping is here!"
Knowing the situation was hopeless, Deng Xiufu had no choice but to turn and run down the mountain.
Upon seeing their commander defeated and fleeing down the mountain, the Feng family's soldiers lost all will to fight and fled in disarray.
Guan Yuqing sent his deputy with the central army in pursuit for three miles before returning.
Looking back, he saw Liu Yuge there, holding Cao Fengxi and weeping bitterly.
Guan Yuqing approached and saw that Cao Fengxi was already dead, the spearhead still embedded in her abdomen.
Even a great man like Yuqing could not help but feel sorrow. He went over and personally picked up Cao Fengxi, carrying her towards the central hall of the castle.
Guan Yuqing placed Cao Fengxi in the hall and asked Zhang Ping to go ahead and arrange for the cleanup of the battlefield, the reconstruction of the stone walls, and the deployment of defenses. He and Liu Yuge stayed by Cao Fengxi's side.
Liu Yuge was already weeping uncontrollably, and although Guan Yuqing tried to hold back his tears, his own eyes welled up with tears.
Looking down at Cao Fengxi, she lay stiffly on the ground, her short clothes covered in mud and blood, the spearhead, more than a foot long, still embedded in her abdomen. Looking at that handsome face, a slight smile played on her lips. In this situation, to die on the battlefield was already incredibly fortunate.
Liu Yuge ordered the female soldiers to fetch several buckets of clean water, and together with Guan Yuqing, they helped Cao Fengxi remove her soiled clothes, revealing a beautiful naked body.
Yuqing recognized this body; her skin was dark and lustrous, her curves exquisite. Yuqing couldn't resist lifting her upper body and holding her close, gently washing her blood-stained body.
The spearhead was removed, revealing a two-inch-long wound on her abdomen, from which soft intestines immediately spilled out.
Liu Yuge, tears welling in her eyes, used needle and thread to sew up the wound on Fengxi's abdomen. She helped Yuqing wash Fengxi's body, then changed into her own clean new clothes and stood on a door panel.
Looking at Fengxi's corpse, Yuqing was consumed by rage and shouted, "Men, bring that slut here!"
The female soldiers outside immediately ordered the capture of Wang Ziyi.
What happens next remains to be seen; please stay tuned for the next chapter. Chapter 157 of the second part
of the Empire : Cao Fengxi's Life for a Female General, Guan Yuqing's Resentment and Humiliation of Ziyi. As mentioned in the previous chapter, Cao Fengxi redeemed himself by leading a suicide squad to attack Zhizi Ridge. He risked his life to seize Wang Ziyi's weapon, allowing Guan Yuqing to recapture the Zhizi Ridge fortress, but he himself bled to death. Guan Yuqing and Liu Yuge personally bathed and prepared Cao Fengxi's body, placing it in the main hall. Having lost two women within a few months, Guan Yuqing, looking at Fengxi's corpse, was filled with grief and anger. He couldn't help but vent his rage on the enemy prisoners, ordering Wang Ziyi to be brought before him.

Wang Ziyi was furious. Her martial arts skills far surpassed those of Cao Cao and Liu Bei, yet she had been captured alive at the cost of one of their lives. How humiliating! But her anger was useless; she was now a lamb to the slaughter. Although less than half an hour had passed since her capture, Wang Ziyi hadn't had a moment of peace.
First, the feeling of being ridden on four horses was unpleasant; second, the soldiers guarding her took advantage of the situation. Although the soldiers hadn't dared to overstep their bounds before Guan Yuqing's order, fearing that a captured general's surrender might be detrimental to them, they couldn't even take a look.
They turned Wang Ziyi over and over, their eyes fixed on her full breasts and rounded hips. With each turn, her upper garment slowly wrinkled, falling below her chest to reveal a wide, snow-white belly.
Thinking of the wicked thoughts in the soldiers' hearts, Wang Ziyi felt deeply humiliated. But the thought of what Guan Yuqing was about to do to him sent shivers down his spine.
Guan Yuqing was a famous figure, especially among female generals. In his debut, he single-handedly faced the four Yun siblings, killing three of their female generals and skinning them to use as flags. Wang Ziyi didn't know how Guan Yuqing would treat her, but knowing she had killed one of his officers, he would never let her off easily—that much was certain. Another possibility was that she would be sent to Xu Youliang at Nanyang Pass to report her achievements, which wouldn't be any better, and she would be used as a live prop in a prisoner-of-war ceremony in front of the soldiers and civilians of Nanyang Pass.
Wang Ziyi thought and thought, growing increasingly fearful, and forced herself to close her eyes, trying to stop thinking about these things.
But things happened faster than expected. Guan Yuqing ordered her to be brought in, and Wang Ziyi immediately felt her anus twitching again.
Since he was going to die anyway, he might as well die a valiant death. Once outside the hall, Wang Ziyi was surprisingly calm.
They carried him inside, removed the gun barrel, and Wang Ziyi lay on the ground, unable to move. Guan Yuqing ordered Wang Ziyi's feet to be untied so she could kneel and answer. Wang Ziyi knelt on the ground, turning her face away, appearing fearless and resolute, but when she saw Cao Fengxi's corpse on the door panel beside her, her heart began to pound wildly.
"Are you Wang Ziyi?"
"Indeed, it is I, the general!"
"You dispatched troops without authorization, seized my Zhizi Ridge camp, and killed my officers. Now that you have been captured, what do you have to say?"
"A general should risk his life on the battlefield, to die on the battlefield. Since I have been captured, death is death, what is there to say? But this female general, to capture me, was willing to risk her life, I admire her greatly. As for the matter, kill or torture me, do as you please!"
Yu Qing nodded: "Quite a hero. Very well, men, tie this wretch up and take her to the front gate, and distribute her to the soldiers."
"Yes, sir!" The male soldiers cheered in unison.
Although Liu Yuge and the female soldiers were disgusted, they had no choice; after all, the army was a man's world.
Because Cao Fengxi had just died, and Liu Yuge was by his side, and they hadn't seen each other for a long time, Guan Yu Qing didn't take matters into her own hands with Wang Ziyi, even though Wang Ziyi was as beautiful as a flower, her beauty surpassing Liu Yuge's. This was also a sign of Guan Yu Qing's tact.
Wang Ziyi knew that since she had been captured, her body was beyond saving. However, she had initially thought that with her beauty, Guan Yuqing would surely take matters into his own hands. Looking at Guan Yuqing, handsome and elegant, she thought that if she were to lose her virginity to such a man, it would be a worthwhile experience as a woman. But instead, Guan Yuqing had given her to his men. The thought of a great general like herself being sacrificed to a group of nameless soldiers filled her with resentment. Moreover, those soldiers were filthy, and the thought of them roughly handling and groping her exquisite body was truly disgusting. Thinking of this, when the soldiers came to drag her away, she struggled violently, shouting, "Guan, I am a great general! How can I allow those vulgar men to humiliate me?"
Women are very good at communicating. Liu Yuge, who was just about to walk away with Guan Yuqing, immediately understood upon hearing Wang Ziyi's words. Thinking that Wang Ziyi wouldn't live more than a few days, and that her virginity had fallen into the hands of a group of filthy soldiers, she felt truly sorry for her. Women are soft-hearted after all, so she said to Guan Yuqing, "Marshal, you see, Wang Ziyi's status is different. If you personally deflower her, it wouldn't be a disgrace to your status."
Yuqing said, "I have you alone, what need do I have for her? Besides, Mingzhen and Fengxi have just passed away, this is not the right time."
"Everything should be done according to circumstances. Since you want to take her virginity, you must kill her. She won't live more than a few days, so how can she have time to deflower her? If you care about the recent passing of your two sisters, you can deflower her with your own hands."
Hearing Liu Yuge's words, Wang Ziyi was moved and almost shed tears.
Seeing that Liu Yuge was pleading for her, Yuqing couldn't refuse her, so she said, "Since Yuge says so, then so be it."
After saying that, she walked back, put her arm around Wang Ziyi, tucked her under her arm, and looked back.
Upon arriving at the inner quarters, he tossed Wang Ziyi onto the bed like a dead dog. Looking closely, he saw that Wang Ziyi was indeed a beautiful young female general, with skin like jade and a face like a spring peach. Lying there, panting softly, she resembled a frightened little rabbit, a sight to behold.
Guan Yuqing, being a man, could not remain unmoved by such a beauty. He reached out and removed her boots and stockings, revealing her delicate, tender lotus feet. He fondled them for a moment before loosening her robe.
At this time, Wang Ziyi's hands were bound behind her back, making removal difficult. Guan Yuqing then untied the ropes to remove her sleeves.
Upon seeing the ropes, Wang Ziyi suddenly felt a surge of desire. She struggled free and threw a punch at Guan Yuqing's head. Wang Ziyi's martial arts skills were top-notch; Cao Fengxi and Liu Yuge paid the ultimate price to capture her. Though her fist was small, its force was immense; an ordinary person would have been killed with a single blow.
Guan Yuqing, however, was no ordinary person. Despite the sudden attack, she remained calm, leaping backward to dodge the blow.
Wang Ziyi, just as she was about to do this, saw Guan Yuxin retreat, creating an opening for her. She quickly jumped off the bed and grabbed the sword from the wall.
But Guan Yuxin was no ordinary person; she wouldn't let her succeed. Having just dodged the punch, she pounced again, blocking Wang Ziyi's path.
A fierce battle ensued between the two women inside the room.
Meanwhile, outside, soldiers were still patrolling. Hearing the shouts from inside, they hurriedly pushed open the door and saw Guan Yuqing and Wang Ziyi fighting fiercely, exchanging blows with murderous intent. They were startled but powerless to help, so they could only rush to inform Zhang Ping and Liu Yuge.
Hearing of the commotion, the two female warriors rushed over.
Who will win between Guan Yuqing and Wang Ziyi? Find out in the next chapter.

Chapter 158 – Wang Ziyi Finds an Opportunity to Escape, Male and Female Warriors Engage in Fist and Footwork.

Guan Yuqing and Wang Ziyi were locked in a fierce battle in the room, exchanging blows and kicks, smashing utensils to the ground. For a time, neither could gain the upper hand.
After a while, they couldn't help but secretly admire each other. Wang Ziyi had long heard of Guan Yuqing's reputation, knowing him to be handsome and possessing extraordinary martial arts skills; now, having fought him, she realized the truth of his words.
Speaking of his own martial arts, he had received the true teachings of a renowned master, and ordinary officers would find it difficult to withstand even ten rounds of combat. Yet, in his fight against Guan Yuqing, he felt constantly restrained, demonstrating that the art of martial arts cannot tolerate even the slightest error.
As the saying goes, women love heroes, and Wang Ziyi was no saint; he too had emotions and desires. Now, having fought Guan Yuqing, he couldn't help but feel a stirring of worldly desires.
Guan Yuqing had never seen a woman with such skill, and she was astonished. She couldn't help but feel a sense of tenderness towards her. Although she had several opportunities to defeat him, she wanted to test his skills further, so she withdrew her attacks at opportune moments, fighting slowly and deliberately, without the previous ferocity.
In truth, Guan Yuqing was also a woman of strong emotions. Although Wang Ziyi had killed Cao Fengxi, that was a battle fought on the battlefield, each serving their own master. At that time, it was a matter of life and death, and she couldn't blame Wang Ziyi. Therefore, her hatred was set aside, and instead, much affection arose within her.
The two grew increasingly fond of each other as they fought, turning a life-or-death battle into something resembling a theatrical performance.
However, despite their mutual affection, their respective moral principles remained unchanged; otherwise, Guan Yuqing wouldn't be Guan Yuxin, and Wang Ziyi wouldn't be Wang Ziyi.
Wang Ziyi, after all, was Wang Ziyi. Though she loved Guan Yuqing, she couldn't let personal feelings interfere with public duty. As the saying goes, a loyal minister doesn't serve two masters; how could she forget national affairs for personal desires? It was a cruel twist of fate that such a perfect husband was destined to be with someone else, each serving a different master. As she fought, Wang Ziyi pondered whether there was a way to achieve both.
Just then, Zhang Ping and Liu Yuge, having received reports from the soldiers, rushed over. Wang Ziyi, anxious, devised a plan: "Guan Yuqing clearly has feelings for me, hence his hesitation. If those two women arrive, he'll lose his composure and have to act ruthlessly, leaving him with no other options. It would be better to strike first while he's blinded by lust, taking his life. Then I can commit suicide, fulfilling both my loyalty and my love for him."
Thinking this, she suddenly cried out, as if losing her grip, and fell backward. Yuqing, feeling pity, stepped forward and reached out to embrace her slender waist.
Just as Wang Ziyi was about to do this, seeing her about to enter her arms, she suddenly twisted her waist, avoiding a fall, and instead thrust forward, throwing a punch at Guan Yuqing's face. If this punch had hit anyone else, they would likely have been fatally injured.
"Well done, Guan Yuqing!" she thought. The fist came flying, but she remained calm and unhurried. Instead of retreating, she lunged forward, meeting the punch head-on. She slightly tilted her head, letting the fist glide past her ear, while grabbing Wang Ziyi's ribs with both hands and pulling her into her embrace. Wang Ziyi was held tightly in his arms, as if bound by iron chains, unable to struggle. When she tried to fight back, his head was only at her shoulder, making it impossible to hit her.
Guan Yuqing laughed, "Well done, Wang Ziyi! Do you think I'm ignorant of martial arts? Do you really want to take your master's life? Now I'll show you what kind of person I am!"
With that, Guan Yuqing slammed Wang Ziyi onto the bed, grabbed one of her arms, twisted it behind her back, climbed onto the bed, knelt on her waist with one leg, pinning her down, and swung his fist, as big as a garlic pot, aiming a punch at the cleft of Wang Ziyi's buttocks.
This punch was so insidious, striking Ziyi squarely in the rear, almost causing her to defecate. This acupoint is notoriously painful, causing Wang Ziyi to cry out in agony, collapsing there trembling, unable to struggle any longer, thinking to herself how ruthless Yuqing was.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ping and Liu Yuge, having heard the soldiers' message, rushed over, only to find the two locked in a fierce battle of fists and kicks. Martial artists, always eager to watch a fight, were so captivated by the spectacle of Guan Yuqing and her companion's fight that they forgot their purpose in coming, becoming engrossed in watching. It wasn't until Wang Ziyi cleverly attempted to kill Guan Yuqing that they cried out in alarm, but it was too late to save her. Only when they saw Guan Yuqing narrowly escape and capture Wang Ziyi did the two finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Zhang Ping, still a virgin, felt embarrassed by Guan Yuqing's weak punch and turned to leave. Liu Yuge, however, discerned something from their fight and thought to himself, "This Wang Ziyi is skilled in martial arts and is young and beautiful. It wouldn't be good if I could keep her in the army to guard Zhizi Ridge with me. And this man clearly loves her beauty. If I could have her as my husband, I would have another sister to share a bed with, and he would be happy too. I should lend him a hand." Thinking
this, he saw Guan Yuqing press Wang Ziyi down on the bed, one hand touching her buttocks, reaching for her crotch. Ziyi was both ashamed and anxious, screaming like a pig being slaughtered and struggling desperately. Liu Yuge then called out, "Wait!" and slowly entered the room.
Guan Yuqing already knew the two women were outside. Seeing Zhang Ping leave, she guessed Liu Yuge was about to leave too, but Liu Yuge stopped her, turning back to ask, "Yuge, you haven't left yet?"
"General," Liu Yuqing replied, "I see General Wang is highly skilled in martial arts and has a handsome appearance. He must be a clever man. Wouldn't it be good if he were willing to submit to us?"
Guan Yuqing then said, "What do you think?"
"May I speak a few words with General Wang?"
"But Madam," Guan Yuqing said, "this Wang Ziyi is fierce and might cause trouble again. Let me tie her up before handing her over to you."
Upon hearing that she was to be tied up, Wang Ziyi struggled, but Guan Yuqing was like a mountain, holding her firmly down, unable to move an inch. Yuqing casually took the old rope and bound Ziyi's hands and feet before getting up and leaving.
After Yuqing left, Liu Yuge went to the bedside, helped Ziyi up, and sat her on the edge of the bed. He embraced her and said, "General Ziyi, we are both women, and we know best that a woman cannot live alone forever. Although you are a high-ranking general, fighting on the battlefield is ultimately unavoidable. Sooner or later, you will need to find a man you love to settle down with. General, you are a beautiful woman, with a face that could make fish sink
and geese fall from the sky, a beauty that could shame the moon and flowers. Don't you want to have someone to rely on for the rest of your life?" Ziyi knew that her thoughts had been guessed, and denying it would be futile, only making things worse. Yet, she was
determined to remain loyal, so she could only remain silent. Liu Yuge then used her silver tongue to praise Guan Yuqing to the skies, hoping to persuade Ziyi, but Ziyi's mind was made up, and she said no more.
Yu Ge, finally helpless, stepped out of the room and said to Yu Qing, who was waiting there, "General, I am clumsy with words and have exhausted all my ideas."
"Is there really no other way?"
"I think that although Zi Yi has kept silent, he has long harbored feelings for you, General, but he just refuses to admit it. Do you remember the story of Tu Xingsun and Deng Chanyu in the Investiture of the Gods?" "
Of course I remember. Tu Xingsun captured Deng Chanyu on the battlefield, took her back to his tent, and forced himself on her. Deng Chanyu had no choice but to accept it."
"Indeed. Such things have happened since ancient times. The generals under Yue Lei of the Yue Family Army, Niu Tong, Han Qilong, and Han Qifeng, all captured female generals on the battlefield, first forcibly taking their virginity, and then finally obtaining beautiful wives. Didn't the General and that Zheng family matriarch have a similar story back then? As the saying goes, a woman should never serve two husbands. Why don't you, General, just get Ziyi under your wing? If she loses her virginity to you, it'll be a done deal, and she'll have no choice but to comply."
It turned out that Guan Yuqing had also captured Mingzhen on the battlefield, and without distinguishing right from wrong, he had pinned her down, removed her lower garments, and forced himself on her, thus obtaining a beautiful wife. Now, thinking about it, this method might work: "Now we have no choice but to try anything." As
Yuqing spoke, he re-entered the room and went to the bedside.
Wang Ziyi, inside the room, heard everything clearly, her heart pounding with both hope and fear. What she longed for was, no matter what, to be able to share a night with her beloved, thus fulfilling her lifelong wish. What she feared was that she would not be able to become his wife in this life, and that losing her virginity would tarnish her reputation. Seeing Yu Qing approaching, she turned even more frightened, crying out, "No!" and hurriedly tried to dodge, but with her hands and feet bound, she could only roll onto the bed, ending up in a position where her jade-like body lay exposed, making her even more alluring.
Upon seeing this, Yu Qing felt a surge of heat rush to his head, saying, "Ziyi, my goodness, Yu Qing has no choice but to do this, I apologize." Without regard for right or wrong, he grabbed Ziyi, who was rolling on the bed, pulled her to his side, untied the ropes, grabbed her two jade-like wrists with one hand, and used the other to undress her.
Wang Ziyi refused, twisting and turning, but Yu Qing was strong; his large hand was like an iron clamp, and she couldn't break free. Yu Qing easily unbuttoned her clothes, pulled them down from her shoulders and arms, and ripped off the white silk binding her chest, revealing her exquisitely sculpted back.
Yu Qing flipped her over, holding her wrists above her head with one hand, while using the other to undo her lower garment.
Ziyi screamed, panting, her hips twisting, but he pulled down her belt, revealing her dark, shy pubic area.
What will become of Wang Ziyi? Find out in the next chapter.
(Empire Part II, Chapters 159 and

160) Chapter 159 – Guan Yu Qing Forces Herself, Wang Ziyi Commits Suicide to Uphold Loyalty

Guan Yuqing stripped Wang Ziyi of her clothes. Seeing her beautiful lower body, he was consumed by lust. Forgetting everything else, he pounced on her, pinning her naked body beneath him. His hands caressed her buttocks, licking her nipples. The
licks made Ziyi weak and powerless. Though her hands were free, she lacked the strength to struggle. Guan Yuqing easily pried open her legs, and his massive member plunged in with a "plop," disappearing completely. Ziyi cried out in shame, losing her virginity.
Guan Yuqing, having succeeded, unleashed his power, pounding into Wang Ziyi's beautiful vulva with vigor, thrusting five or seven hundred times before finally ejaculating deep within her.
When he finished, Wang Ziyi was drenched in sweat, panting heavily, her almond eyes filled with tears, silently weeping like a pear blossom in the rain.
Guan Yuqing, however, felt a pang of pity and said, "General Ziyi, please don't cry. I had no choice in doing this. If you are willing to surrender, I will guarantee with my life that I will recommend you to my master, Lord Xu. Wouldn't that be better?"
Ziyi listened, but only silently shed tears, lost in thought.
Yuqing tried to persuade him for a long time, but to no avail. Helpless, he heard that Liu Yuge was to persuade him, and he also went to invite Zhang Ping.
The three men took turns speaking until their throats were dry. Ziyi knew that if this continued, there would be no end in sight, so he said, "As a general under Feng Qiansui, Ziyi should be loyal and righteous. Now that I have been captured, I have no choice but to die. Stop talking!"
Yuge said, "General, don't say such things. You and I are both women. How could we not know your heart? You only know blind loyalty. Have you not heard that a good minister chooses his lord to serve? Now that you have lost your virginity to my general, you are my general's wife or concubine. As the saying goes, a woman follows her husband after marriage. Otherwise, how can you live in peace?"
"Nonsense. I, Ziyi, eat the emperor's food and should repay the emperor's kindness. I was forced to lose my virginity. What do you mean by following one's husband after marriage?"
Yuqing said, "General, you are loyal to your former lord. I admire you. If you are willing to surrender, I will definitely not let you fight against Feng Qing, so as to fulfill the duty between lord and subject."
The three men tried their best to persuade him, but they could not change Ziyi's mind. Instead, Guan Yuqing and the other two were in a difficult position. According to military law, Wang Ziyi was defeated and captured. If he refused to surrender, he would face certain death. But Guan Yuqing was unwilling to do so.
After much persuasion yielded no results, Yuqing became ruthless and said, "Since General Ziyi is like this, Yuqing dares not force you. You may leave."
"Leave? Where to?" Ziyi asked.
"I'll let you go back to Feng Qing to serve him loyally."
"General, you mustn't!" Zhang Ping and Liu Yuge were terrified. "Since General Ziyi has been captured, if he doesn't surrender, he can't be released so easily. Otherwise, if His Majesty finds out, the General might face execution!"
"What's there to be afraid of? For someone like General Ziyi, it would be worth it for Yuqing to die for her. What's there to fear about execution?"
Ziyi thought to himself with amusement, "This Guan Yuqing is quite the actor." He then asked, "General Guan, is this true?"
"Truly true!"
"You really dare to release me?" "
Release him! Someone, pass on my order to release General Ziyi from the camp. Do not harass him, or he will be punished according to military law!"
"Yes, sir!" A voice responded from outside. Yuqing waved his
hand and said, "General Ziyi, please go ahead!" Ziyi was half-believing and half-doubting. He got up, pulled on his clothes, and slowly walked out of the house.
"Wait," Guan Yuqing called out.
"What? Regretting it?" Ziyi turned back and sneered.
"Guan always keeps his word. Men, bring General Ziyi's horse, armor, and weapons to her. How can a general be without horses and weapons?"
In no time, the items were delivered. Ziyi took them, mounted his horse, and rode down the mountain without looking back.
Upon reaching the gate, soldiers opened it wide and let Ziyi out.
Ziyi rode out, traveling more than ten li, when suddenly he reined in his horse, thinking, "Where am I going? Back to Feng's camp? Why would they let me go for no reason? If I go back to camp, who will trust me?! If I don't leave, am I really going to serve Xu Youliang? Prince Ziyi, oh Prince Ziyi, this matter truly puts me in a difficult position."
It is said that in this world, there are all kinds of birds in a large forest, especially women; once they are troubled by love, they lose their wisdom. Wang Ziyi was exceptionally intelligent, but her encounter with Guan Yuqing completely bewildered her. She pondered deeply, unable to find a solution that satisfied both sides, and unwilling to spend her life in seclusion. Having no other choice, she decided to end it all and avoid further trouble. Having made
up her mind, Ziyi spurred her horse back and shouted to the soldiers outside the gate: "Soldiers inside, listen up! Pass a message to your General Guan: I, Ziyi, am deeply favored by him, but alas, we are destined to be apart. Now, I have no choice but to offer him my heart. If he truly reciprocates, he shall personally collect my body; otherwise, leave it to rot in the wilderness, and let no one else touch it."
The soldiers at the gate were greatly alarmed and hurriedly went to inform Guan Yuqing.
Guan Yuqing knew that Wang Ziyi would never return to Feng's camp, because no one there would believe her. At most, she would find a quiet, secluded place to live out her days in solitude. If that were the case, she could find her again when the world was at peace. Who would have thought that Wang Ziyi couldn't bear the loneliness and would come up with such a foolish idea? Guan Yuqing was startled when the soldiers reported this and hurriedly ran towards the gate. Zhang Ping and Liu Yuge rushed after her. As they approached the gate, they heard the soldiers exclaim in alarm.
"Open the gate quickly!" Guan Yuqing shouted as she ran, realizing the danger.
Seeing their commander's order, the soldiers quickly opened the gate.
Guan Yuqing rushed out and saw Wang Ziyi sitting cross-legged under a large tree by the roadside, her hands gripping a sword. The sword was embedded in her abdomen, and blood was already flowing everywhere.
"Ziyi, you fool, how could you do such a stupid thing?" When Yuqing rushed over to see, her intestines were spilling out, and there was no hope of saving her. Tears streamed down her face.
It turned out that the method of death by disembowelment was very long and extremely painful, so although it was impossible to save her, Wang Ziyi would not die immediately. Seeing Yuqing come, she felt a surge of warmth in her heart and said with her strength, "You really came. Ziyi thought she could not have both, so she had to find this place. Now that her body has been taken by the general, if you would give Ziyi a title, I would be content."
"Ziyi, Guan Yuqing owes you in this life, how could I dare to say no? Now you are Yuge's bedmate."
"After I die, send my horse and clothes to Feng's camp, and say that Ziyi has pledged her loyalty with her life."
"Don't worry, Ziyi, Yuqing will definitely do it."
Guan Yuqing said, picked up Wang Ziyi and ran to the camp, straight to her residence, and placed her on the bed. She was already on the verge of death.
Yu Qing helped her undress, stuffed her intestines back into her abdomen, and two female generals, with tears in their eyes, sewed her belly back up before wrapping her in white cloth.
Yu Qing then personally cleaned the bloodstains from her body, dressed her in a bright red auspicious robe, prepared incense and candles, and had Yu Ge and Zhang Ping help her to bow to heaven and earth.
Zi Yi struggled with her last breath and was carried into the bridal chamber. Lying on the bed, she looked at Yu Ge, her lips moved as if she called out "Sister," and then looked longingly at Yu Qing.
Guan Yu Qing rushed over and held Zi Yi in her arms. Zi Yi leaned against her lover and closed her eyes, passing away peacefully.
Yu Qing was in tears, and the entire camp was moved.
Yu Qing held funerals for Zi Yi and Feng Xi together in the camp, burying them on a high place.
Guan Yu Qing had lost three daughters in just a few months; his grief was unimaginable.
After burying the two women, Yu Qing, as promised to Zi Yi, took her horse, weapons, armor, and other belongings and sent them to Feng Qing's camp. Just then, Wang Ke, knowing that Zhizi Ridge had been captured and then lost again, returned with Wang Yinping and Deng Xiufu to attack, only to encounter Guan Yu Qing's messenger.
Upon hearing the messenger's account of Zi Yi's situation, Wang Ke sighed with sorrow, ordered all the items to be accepted, sent someone to inform Feng Qing, and also built a cenotaph for Zi Yi.
Knowing that Guan Yuqing and Zhang Ping were assisting in the defense of Zhizi Ridge, Wang Ke, realizing he could not achieve any merit, withdrew his troops, and Zhizi Ridge was thus secured.
A few days later, Guan Yuqing received an order from Xu Youliang, commanding him to lead Zhang Ping to Pingling Pass to assist in the battle.
What will Guan Yuqing do next? Let's find out in the next chapter.

Chapter 160—Pang Qi to Attack Feng County Again, Huang Yunxiang's Troops Retreat from Xuanwu

. A letter from the emperor stated that Guan Yuqing and Zhang Ping had received an order from Xu Youliang to go to Pingling Pass to assist in the battle.
Seeing that Zhizi Ridge was difficult to defend, Wang Ke ordered Deng Xiufu to return to his original defensive position, while he and his sister Wang Yinping returned to Xihua Pass. He guarded the pass himself and ordered Wang Yinping to go south from Xihua Pass to assist the three Xirong chieftains in attacking Dingnan Pass and Pingling Pass. Meanwhile, Shi Qingyun and Wang Dadao also gathered a large army again, heading out of Baihu Pass to seize Huangshi. To the north, Pang Qi and Hu Haifa also gathered hundreds of thousands of troops to seize Feng County.
Leaving aside the other two routes, let's turn to the northern route.
Feng County in the north was originally defended by Zheng Mingde and his wife. Feng County's geography wasn't mountainous; it relied solely on a few fortified cities, lacking strategic advantage. Pang Qi, with his massive army pressing in, didn't even bother with martial prowess, focusing solely on troop strength. With two against one, Zheng Mingde and his wife suffered a disadvantage. To make matters worse, Shi Yunqing and Wang Dadao joined forces with He Luming to attack Huangshi. Shi Wenlong was preoccupied with his own affairs and couldn't spare any troops for Feng County. Just
when Pang Qi thought victory was within reach, trouble struck from behind.
Hong Wei, defending Yecheng and Beigucheng Pass, knew he and Zheng Mingde couldn't hold out for long and would inevitably fall. Therefore, he sent someone to contact Huang Yunxiang.
At the beginning of the battle between Pang Qi and Zheng Mingde and Hong Wei, both sides were wary of Huang Yunxiang's presence and dared not deploy their troops with confidence. Before launching his campaign, Pang Qi sent an envoy to Huang's camp to secretly convey his intentions, promising a generous reward if Huang Yunxiang would remain neutral and prevent Hong Wei from attacking Beigu City. Pang Qi assured him of a kingship upon success.
Huang Yunxiang immediately agreed, and only then did Pang Qi dare to use his troops. Huang
Yunxiang was originally a subordinate of Cao Yunlong. Seeing Cao Yunlong's downfall, he seized the opportunity to declare himself king and take control of the land west of the Beisha River. Because Xu Youliang, Feng Qing, and Hua Rong were preoccupied, Huang Yunxiang enjoyed a brief period of peace.
Huang Yunxiang was also an opportunist; realizing he had no chance of becoming emperor, he figured it was better to expand his power and eventually choose a true emperor to follow.
Looking at the current situation, although Feng Qing and Xu Youliang have similar territories, Xu Youliang has the advantage of controlling the central region and possesses the strategic passes of Fengjun and Huangshi, giving him an invincible advantage. Although Hua Rong has obtained Qinglong Pass, Qinglong is not an imperial territory, and Hua Rong is a woman, unlikely to achieve great things. The astrologers around Huang Yunxiang all say that Xu Youliang's imperial aura is stronger than Feng Qing's, and the world will inevitably belong to Xu sooner or later. Little do they know that Xu's imperial aura should appear decades later, while Feng's imperial aura, though weaker, should appear in the present.
Huang Yunxiang, judging from this, will naturally want to join Xu Youliang in the future; all that's needed is the right opportunity. At this time, Pang Qi is launching an attack on Beigucheng Pass and Fengjun, so Huang Yunxiang follows the advice of his strategists, agreeing to Pang Qi's request first and then observing the situation.
At this time, the northern army has an absolute advantage in numbers, and Xu's army cannot hold out for long. Hong Wei sent someone to borrow troops, which is Huang Yunxiang's chance to make a name for himself. So Huang Yunxiang first politely declined Hong Wei's request, stating that he would remain neutral.
It turned out that Hong Wei needed to leave Beigu City to rescue Feng County, which required passing through Huang Yunxiang's defenses. Since Huang Yunxiang was neutral, Hong Wei dared not leave the pass. Even if he went to Feng County to help, he could only
attack Zheng Mingde from behind, so Pang Qi wouldn't be threatened from the flank. However, Hong Wei dared not leave Ye City easily, fearing Huang Yunxiang would attack from behind. Therefore, the situation was actually extremely advantageous to Pang Qi. Huang Yunxiang wanted them to do this; if they surrendered to Xu Youliang while Zheng Mingde was victorious, it would diminish the merit of the Huang family. Meanwhile,
Pang Qi and Hu Haifa, leading hundreds of thousands of troops and over thirty generals, equipped with ample siege weapons, fought a major battle at the walls of Feng County. Zheng Mingde defended Feng County desperately, but outnumbered, he was on the verge of losing.
Seeing this, Hong Wei had no choice but to risk everything, abandoning Ye City and heading to Feng County through Xiting Pass to help.
Even so, the siege of Fengjun was only slightly eased; Pang Qi still held the troop advantage. If this continued, once Fengjun fell, Zheng Mingde and Hong Wei's armies would be completely annihilated.
Just then, Huang Yunxiang saw his opportunity. He sent a messenger to Yecheng to deliver a message, while leading over a thousand men with a large amount of grain towards Xuanwu Pass.
Upon reaching the pass, he called out to the city, saying he had come to aid General Pang with grain.
The deputy general guarding the pass, Guan Zhong, knew of the agreement between Pang Qi and Huang Yunxiang. Now that the battlefield situation was clear, he thought Huang Yunxiang was only showing loyalty because he feared Pang Qi would seize the Hexi region. Therefore, he wasn't too suspicious and sent men to check the city walls. Seeing that it was indeed grain, his suspicions lessened considerably.
That evening, Guan Zhong invited Huang Yunxiang to a banquet at the city tower. Huang Yunxiang only brought two personal captains into the city. Guan Zhong became even more trusting and drank with Huang Yunxiang all night long.
Huang Yunxiang, thoroughly drunk, rested on the city wall. The following evening, as he sobered up slightly, he wanted to return to his camp. Guan Zhong saw him off at the city gate. Just as Huang Yunxiang mounted his horse, a cannon fired outside the city. Over a hundred cavalrymen rushed to the drawbridge, claiming that Guan Zhong had detained their master and demanding his release.
Guan Zhong smiled at Huang Yunxiang, saying, "I didn't expect that a day of drunkenness would lead to such a misunderstanding, General."
Huang Yunxiang suddenly glared at Guan Zhong, drawing his sword and saying, "Where am I drunk?"
Guan Zhong, thinking he was talking nonsense, tried to soothe him, but Huang Yunxiang's attack was swift. The sword, barely drawn, had already sliced Guan Zhong's jaw in two, slicing his face in half.
Guan Zhong fell to the ground, still convulsing. Guan Zhong's soldiers were bewildered and stood frozen in place. Just then, the hundred cavalrymen arrived and, following Huang Yunxiang, turned and charged back into the city.
The entire incident occurred within the city gate, unseen by the generals and officers on the city tower.
As a result, the heavy gate was lowered too late, allowing Huang Yunxiang to rush through the barbican, ascend the city tower, kill the soldiers, secure the winch, and raise the half-lowered iron gate again. Only then did the generals and officers realize what had happened; it was too late. They watched helplessly as tens of thousands of soldiers appeared from nowhere and stormed into the city.
Without Guan Zhong, Xuanwu Pass descended into chaos. Huang Yunxiang's hidden army surged in, forcing the defending soldiers to surrender.
Having captured Xuanwu Pass, Huang Yunxiang personally guarded it and then dispatched his generals, the brothers Hou Zhong and Hou Yi, with 100,000 elite troops towards Feng County.
Meanwhile, Hong Wei of Feng County received a secret letter from Huang Yunxiang's messenger, but remained skeptical. Suddenly, a scout from Beigu City Pass reported that Xuanwu Pass was now under Huang's control.
Hong Wei was overjoyed, and the morale of his troops soared. Hong Wei sent another messenger with an arrow to Feng County to report the news. Zheng Mingde and his wife were overjoyed upon hearing this and ordered their troops to rest and
regroup during lulls in the defense of the city, preparing to pursue and annihilate the fleeing enemy. Pang Qi received the news later than Hong Wei and was puzzled by the sudden surge in morale of Hong Wei's troops. When he heard that Xuanwu had been lost, he turned ashen-faced and dared not return to Xuanwu Pass. He bypassed Feng County overnight and headed towards Huangshi, intending to join forces with Shi Yunqing.
Zheng Mingde and his men hurriedly gave chase, engaging in a fierce battle. When they reached Huangshi, Pang Qi escaped, but Hu Haifa was intercepted by Shi Wenlong. Zheng Mingde and his men arrived and surrounded Hu Haifa. Hu Haifa fought desperately, but was ultimately outnumbered. With a sigh, he committed suicide.
Meanwhile, Huang Yunxiang received the news and sent someone to Pingling Pass to deliver a memorial to Xu Youliang. Youliang was overjoyed and immediately bestowed upon Huang Yunxiang the title of Marquis of Xuanwu.
He then ordered Hong Wei to quickly return to Yecheng to defend it.
At this point, there was no longer any need to station troops in Feng County, so he appointed Shi Wenlong as marshal, Zheng Mingde as deputy marshal, and Hu Yue as the vanguard commander, to seize Baihu Pass when the opportunity arose.
At this time, the three battlefields became two, and Xu Youliang shifted from a defensive to an offensive posture.
Meanwhile, Shi Yunqing and his men, although they had crossed Baihu Pass and reached Huangshi, encountered Pang Qi's defeat. Shi Wenlong then reinforced his forces with two more generals and a considerable number of men, thus Shi Yunqing shifted from an offensive to a stalemate.
A victory in one area meant gains everywhere; with a victory on the northern route, Xu Youliang could freely deploy his troops, seizing the initiative.
Returning to Pingling Pass, Xu Youliang, Cao Yunlong, and Feng Ling guarded it, repelling the attack of the three princesses of Xirong. Soon after, Wang Yinping arrived, and the two sides faced off inside and outside the pass. The three princesses were indeed valiant, and after several battles, they were evenly matched. Xu Youliang, knowing that Guan Yuqing and his men had recaptured Zhizi Ridge, summoned Guan Yuqing to fight the three princesses in a decisive battle.
Unexpectedly, another incident occurred at Zhizi Ridge, forcing Guan Yuqing to return.
What happened at Zhizi Ridge this time? Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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