Chapter 29: Accepting the Military Order

“In the sixth year of Tianbao, the empire has enjoyed peace for a long time. However, some small border tribes still harbor rebellious intentions. There is a nation called Xiaobolü, which has colluded with Tubo and shown disrespect toward the imperial court. This has lasted for thirty-five years. Our imperial army has launched numerous campaigns, but due to the difficult terrain, we have not achieved victory yet. The Anxi army is well-equipped and fully supplied, with brave soldiers ready to fight. Now is the perfect time to launch a campaign against Xiaobolü. I hereby appoint Gao Xianzhi, the deputy governor of Anxi and commander of the four military districts, as the military governor of the Anxi campaign force, with Bian Lingcheng serving as military supervisor. Together, they shall lead the troops to attack Xiaobolü. I hope for good news soon to ease my concerns. So be it!”
Gao Xianzhi was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. This day he had been waiting for finally arrived. He suppressed his excitement, bowed deeply, and said with a trembling voice, “Your servant Gao Xianzhi obeys the order!”
Fumeng Lingcha, kneeling nearby, turned pale. Gao Xianzhi had been appointed military governor, even if temporarily. This meant he was now on par with him. Did the emperor intend to discard him?
Cheng Qianli’s face turned ashen. The good news he had just received had burst like a bubble. Meanwhile, hundreds of officers cheered—this was their chance to earn rewards by attacking Xiaobolü.
The eunuch delivering the imperial edict handed it to Gao Xianzhi and said with a laugh, “The emperor hopes General Gao will prepare thoroughly but set out as soon as possible, so that good news can be sent back early.”
Gao Xianzhi nodded resolutely and said, “Please inform the emperor that on the first day of the fourth month, the Anxi army will officially set out.”
……
“Congratulations, General Gao! No—I should call you Supreme General.”
Feng Changqing was genuinely happy. Although the position of military governor was temporary, the emperor’s intentions were clear: once Gao Xianzhi conquered Xiaobolü, he would surely become the military governor of Anxi.
Gao Xianzhi had calmed down. While it was pleasing that the emperor accepted his advice, conquering Xiaobolü was the real challenge. Xiaobolü was not easy to take. The Tubo people had controlled it for decades. Not only was the terrain extremely difficult, but even Qianyun Fort, the forward outpost, was a formidable mountain barrier. Three previous military governors had failed to overcome it—this posed a huge challenge for him!
“Changqing, don’t be too happy too soon. Conquering Xiaobolü is the key. Before sending troops, we must ensure adequate supplies. Go to Shule first and prepare all the logistics for me.”
“Your subordinate will obey! I’ll set out tomorrow.”
Gao Xianzhi nodded. At that moment, a bodyguard reported from outside, “Supreme General, Li Qing’an has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
Li Qing’an entered and bowed, saying, “Your subordinate pays respects to Supreme General Gao!”
“Hmph! You fool! It was your idea to blackmail Bian Lingcheng, right?”

Although Gao Xianzhi spoke in a reproachful tone, his eyes showed no anger at all. His tactic of threatening Bian Lingcheng was indeed brilliant.
Li Qingan didn’t expect Gao Xianzhi to be so direct. He smiled awkwardly and said, “I’ve always wanted to report to General Gao, but he refused to see me. The situation is urgent, so I had no choice but to act on my own.”
Gao Xianzhi glared and said, “This is only once. If you dare act without my permission again, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
“I understand fully.”
“That’s good!”
Gao Xianzhi changed the subject and said, “I’ve called you here today because I want your scouting unit to go first. I’ll add five hundred troops to your force, and Shule will provide supplies. Clear the path ahead for me.”
“I’ll follow orders and can set out at any time.”
Gao Xianzhi took out a military map and handed it to him. “This is your map. Go! Rest for a day tomorrow, then set out overnight.”
This was Gao Xianzhi’s style—give you tasks and resources, and let you handle the rest. Success brings rewards, failure brings punishment, fully leveraging the abilities of his subordinates. That’s why he had so many talented people under him, including countless famous generals.
Time didn’t allow Li Qingan to overthink. He left the room and carefully stored the map. At that moment, a tall figure quietly appeared beside him.
“Are… are you going on a campaign?”
It was Wu Niang. Li Qingan nodded and said, “I just received orders. We set out tomorrow night.”
The light coming from inside the room illuminated Gao Wu. She looked different from usual; in the dim light, a hint of sadness could be seen in her eyes.
“Would you accompany me for a walk?” Gao Wu asked, biting her lip gently.
“It’s an honor to walk with you, Wu Niang.”
Li Qingan smiled slightly and walked beside her. Only then did he realize Gao Wu was actually quite tall—only half a head shorter than him.
Gao Wu seemed upset. After walking for a while, she suddenly sighed deeply and said, “I’m really annoyed. Why can’t I be a man?”
“Do you also want to go on a campaign?”
Gao Wu nodded dejectedly. “I’ve loved practicing martial arts since I was young and even studied under a famous master. But what’s the use? I can’t fight on the battlefield and end up being a mere ornament. Ah! If only I had learned embroidery instead—no martial skills, no such troubles.”
Imagineing Gao Wu sewing with a needle in the room, Li Qingan found it somewhat absurd. He couldn’t help but want to laugh, but he dared not make a sound.
“Are you laughing at me?”

Gao Wu keenly noticed the smile in his eyes and immediately became furious. She punched him hard on the back and reached out to twist his ears, scaring Li Qing’an into covering his head and running away.
“Stop! Li Chougong, how dare you laugh at me? Watch how I teach you a lesson.”
Gao Wu chased after him, but Li Qing’an ran too fast and disappeared around a corner. His laughter echoed in the distance: “Our Lady Wu wants to learn needlework? That’s the biggest joke in Anxi!”
“Li Chougong… Qilang!”
Tears welled up in Gao Wu’s eyes. She stomped her foot angrily and burst into tears.
“Why are you crying? I was just joking with you.”
Li Qing’an reappeared silently in front of her, took out a handkerchief, touched her shoulder gently, and said softly, “Wipe your tears. It’s embarrassing if others see you cry.”
Gao Wu turned her shoulder away, ignoring him. A few people passed by, staring at them in surprise. Li Qing’an felt a headache. Gao Wu’s temper was famously quick to flare and just as quick to subside, but this was the first time he had seen her cry.
“Okay, I apologize. I shouldn’t have laughed at you. I’m leaving tomorrow. I don’t know when I’ll return. Please stop crying, okay?”
Gao Wu wiped away her tears and said in a choked voice, “Is it really that funny for me to do needlework?”
“Not really. Because you’ve always given me the impression of being good at fighting with sticks. It seemed strange when you suddenly said you wanted to learn needlework.”
“It’s all my father’s fault. He made me learn martial arts. Otherwise…”
“Otherwise, our Lady Wu would have been married by now, right?”
Gao Wu’s face turned red. She sternly said, “Does it matter to you whether I get married or not? What do you mean ‘our Lady Wu’? What’s your relationship with me?”
“Yes! Yes! It has nothing to do with me,” Li Qing’an said with a laugh, raising his hands. “I’m just curious—when are you getting married?”
“Hmph! Are you saying I can’t find a husband? Fine! I’ll get married tomorrow. Just wait and see.”
With that, she threw something at him, turned around, and ran away. Her voice came from afar in the night mist.
“Li Chougong, take care on your journey!”
Li Qing’an watched her run away and shook his head with a smile. At that moment, a group of soldiers passed by him. An officer shouted, “We’re going on a campaign! Cheer up!”
Li Qing’an perked up. Yes! It was time for the campaign—the Battle of Xiaobolü. He looked up at the endless night sky, his thoughts already far away.