The news from the River Bai had brought a fleeting sense of relief, but Yan Jiangri knew better than to let her guard down. Days passed, and whispers from the court suggested that Han's forces were regrouping. They were waiting for something—reinforcements, supplies, or perhaps a new strategy.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock at the door of the council chamber. A scout, his face pale with exhaustion, stumbled in, bowing hastily.
"Princess Yan Jiangri," he said, breathless. "Urgent news from the front. Han's forces have feigned retreat near the western hills. They've left the River Bai undefended, but General Yan suspects a trap. He requests additional troops to secure the region."
The court erupted in debate. Some ministers called for immediate reinforcements, while others argued it was a diversion meant to weaken the capital's defenses.
Yan Jiangri raised her hand, silencing the room. "If Han is baiting us, it means they're desperate. We cannot afford to overlook this opportunity. Dispatch a small, agile unit to scout the western hills. If it's a trap, we'll expose it. If it's genuine, we'll strike decisively."
"Who will lead this mission, Princess?" one minister asked.
Without hesitation, she replied, "I will."
The chamber fell into stunned silence. Her father, seated at the head of the table, frowned deeply. "Jiangri, this is not your role. You belong here, strategizing, not on the battlefield."
She met his gaze firmly. "Father, this war requires more than plans. It requires action. If I don't lead by example, how can I expect others to risk their lives for our kingdom?"
After a long pause, he nodded reluctantly. "Very well. But take only the best. You must return safely."
---
The March to the Western Hills
The journey to the western hills was arduous, the snow-covered terrain slowing their progress. Yan Jiangri rode at the head of the small unit, her presence commanding respect from the soldiers who accompanied her. Among them was Captain Ru Jin, a seasoned warrior loyal to the House of Yan.
As they approached the hills, the forest grew denser, the air heavy with an eerie stillness. The distant howl of the wind was their only companion.
"Princess," Captain Ru Jin said, pulling his horse alongside hers. "This land feels wrong. If Han has set a trap, it will be here."
Yan Jiangri nodded. "We proceed with caution. Spread out, but stay within sight of each other. If you see anything suspicious, signal immediately."
The soldiers dismounted, moving silently through the trees. Yan Jiangri followed closely, her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger. The weight of her responsibility pressed against her chest, but she forced herself to focus.
Suddenly, a faint glimmer caught her eye—a reflection of light off metal. She raised her hand, signaling the unit to stop.
"An ambush," she whispered. "Prepare yourselves."
The enemy struck moments later. Arrows rained down from the trees, and Han soldiers emerged from the shadows, their swords gleaming in the pale light. Yan Jiangri's unit fought back fiercely, their training and discipline giving them an edge despite being outnumbered.
Yan Jiangri herself was a whirlwind of precision, her movements sharp and deliberate. She parried an enemy blade, her dagger finding its mark in the soldier's chest. But as the battle raged on, it became clear that they couldn't hold their ground for long.
"Retreat!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Fall back to the ridge!"
The soldiers obeyed, covering each other as they withdrew. Yan Jiangri stayed at the rear, ensuring no one was left behind. When they finally reached the ridge, she turned to face the enemy, her dagger raised.
To her surprise, the Han soldiers stopped their advance. Their leader, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, a twisted smile on his face.
"Princess Yan Jiangri," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "So the rumors are true. The jewel of the House of Yan fights like a common soldier."
Yan Jiangri's eyes narrowed. "And yet I stand while your men lie broken behind me. Perhaps you should reconsider your insults."
The man laughed. "Bold words. But this battle is far from over. Surrender now, and I may show mercy."
She took a step forward, her gaze unwavering. "Mercy is not yours to give. Retreat, or face the consequences."
The man hesitated, his confidence faltering. Before he could respond, a horn sounded in the distance. Reinforcements. Yan Jiangri's unit cheered as General Yan and Lin Shaungwei appeared on the horizon, leading a column of soldiers.
The Han commander cursed under his breath. "This isn't over, Princess," he spat before retreating into the forest with his men.
---
The Aftermath
As the battlefield quieted, Yan Jiangri turned to greet her brother and Lin Shaungwei. General Yan dismounted, his expression a mix of relief and anger.
"What were you thinking, Jiangri?" he demanded. "You could have been killed!"
"I was thinking of the kingdom," she replied calmly. "If we hadn't acted, Han's forces would have pushed deeper into our territory."
Lin Shaungwei stepped forward, his jade-like eyes studying her intently. "She made the right call," he said, his tone measured. "Though risky, her actions forced Han's hand and exposed their strategy. It's a victory, even if a narrow one."
General Yan sighed, his anger softening. "Next time, wait for us. The kingdom needs you alive."
Yan Jiangri nodded, her resolve unshaken. "The kingdom needs all of us. This war is far from over."
---
The Brewing Alliance
Back at the palace, news of Yan Jiangri's bravery spread quickly. Her actions earned her both admiration and resentment within the court. Ministers who once doubted her capabilities now spoke of her with reverence, while others viewed her growing influence as a threat.
Amid the political intrigue, Yan Jiangri worked tirelessly to solidify alliances. She dispatched envoys to neighboring kingdoms, offering trade agreements and military support in exchange for aid against Han.
One evening, as she reviewed correspondence in her chambers, Lin Shaungwei entered unannounced. He carried a small scroll, its seal unbroken.
"A message from the western allies," he said, placing it on her desk. "It seems your efforts are bearing fruit."
She looked up at him, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "And what of your efforts, Commander? You've been unusually quiet since the battle."
He leaned against the desk, his expression thoughtful. "Quiet doesn't mean idle. I've been watching, Princess. The court, the ministers, even the servants. Not everyone supports you as openly as they should."
Her smile faded. "I'm aware. But their loyalty will come in time. Actions speak louder than words."
"True," he agreed. "But be careful. Even the strongest walls can be breached from within."
Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. The war outside the palace was brutal, but the one within its walls might prove even more dangerous.
And Yan Jiangri knew she couldn't afford to lose either battle.