The front-line reports were rushed back to the capital. Empress Dowager Chiying felt relieved her prediction about the plague was correct but worried about how to counter the formidable camel cavalry.
As the battle approached the White Dragon Ridge, the amount of useful information she could provide diminished. Six years ago, Bai Lian died of illness in Ganzhou, forcing Cui Yi to retreat northwest, only to be trapped and defeated at White Dragon Ridge by Cui Jie's forces.
Six years later, the decisive moment was approaching. Though roles had reversed, Cui Jie remained a formidable adversary with support from countries like the Humonto and Guo Mao. The camel cavalry alone posed a significant challenge to the Anti-Rebellion Army. Chiying had to admit he seemed to be blessed by fate.
But so what? Even if he was the chosen one, she would defy destiny and make him taste revenge.
Chiying summoned all generals who had fought in the Western Regions, regardless of age, to inquire about camels' strengths and weaknesses. However, the generals knew little more than she did. Dai Zhinan, who had served in Liangzhou, spoke mainly about camels' transportation advantages, unable to identify any weaknesses.
Dai Zhinan's younger son, Dai Jing, proposed: "If we can't defeat the camels, why not acquire some ourselves to replace horses? While this won't guarantee victory, it gives us a fighting chance. Even just to tie down the enemy would be helpful."
Zhong Yuanshan frowned: "This idea must have occurred to His Majesty, but acquiring enough camels quickly is difficult. Most are used for cargo transport and lack combat training. They might panic and harm our own soldiers. Moreover, we lack experienced camel riders, and falling off such tall animals isn't trivial."
Dai Jing, young and eager, showed no fear and volunteered: "With Your Majesty's permission, I will take responsibility for this task."
The Dai family had been loyal to Cui Yi for over a decade. Impressed by Dai Jing's courage, Chiying agreed: "If you're willing, it's a blessing for our troops, His Majesty, and the nation. I entrust you with this task. Inform me of any needs or difficulties."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Dai Jing knelt in gratitude. "Training camels takes time. Please write to His Majesty, asking him to delay the allied forces' attacks temporarily. I will do my utmost to train a camel cavalry for the Great Chu."
Chiying entrusted the task to Dai Jing but still monitored progress. Dai Jing, barely over twenty, exhibited leadership qualities. Armed with Chiying's token, he selected five hundred sturdy cavalrymen and purchased nearly a hundred camels from Western merchants. Training progressed well, showing promising results within a month.
During a visit with Princess Cheng, they discussed camel training. Cheng mentioned that in Beidi, someone once considered training antelopes for combat due to their sharp horns. However, it was impractical as antelope horns couldn't compete with swords and spears, ultimately providing meat for enemies.
Inspired by Cheng's words, Chiying ordered the Weiwei Temple to manufacture new bridles with sharp spikes resembling rhino horns, intended to damage camels during clashes.
However, reality proved otherwise. Horses weren't accustomed to having spikes between their eyes, leading them to deviate from paths and accidentally injuring allies. Some fell off, impaled by the spikes, wasting precious time.
Mid-battle, Bai Lian hastily reverted to old bridles. Chiying's efforts were futile, resulting in wasted resources and disappointment. Fortunately, Dai Jing's camel cavalry showed initial success, albeit far from matching the allied forces. Nevertheless, Chiying remained hopeful.
By December, the battle at Liangzhou remained deadlocked, with reinforcements arriving from both sides. Camel cavalry posed the greatest obstacle, and various strategies failed to overcome these formidable desert creatures.
Winter solstice arrived, and Chiying realized Cui Yi wouldn't return for the New Year. She reminisced about spending winter with Bo Muer and Sang Duo, enduring harsh northern cold. Without her daughter Xiao Cui Han, surviving would have been unimaginable.
Xiao Cui Han, now four, was lively and caring for her brother. Each morning, she brought a pot of minced meat porridge to feed her brother while Chiying reviewed memorials. Witnessing the children's affectionate interactions warmed her heart, making her sacrifices worthwhile.
One morning, after court, Chiying received a report about a military dispatch. Assuming it was another routine letter from Cui Yi, she casually opened it while holding her children. Upon reading, her face turned deathly pale, trembling violently.
"Call the princess, prince consort, and General-in-Chief immediately! Tell them His Majesty is in trouble!"
Xiao Cui Han burst into tears. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Chiying regained composure, instructing her attendants to keep the news secret.
The letter wasn't from Cui Yi but from Bai Lian, written weeks prior. The allied forces had ceased operations for several days, prompting Cui Yi to insist on attacking despite Bai Lian's reservations. Cui Yi believed hesitation had cost them a golden opportunity when the allied forces retreated amid internal conflicts.
When informed of the withdrawal, Cui Yi ordered pursuit, ignoring Bai Lian's warnings. Splitting the army into four groups, he pursued each faction separately.
Yang Qiong sighed: "That's truly walking into a trap... With similar troop numbers and the allied forces' familiarity with the desert, dividing our forces made us vulnerable to encirclement."
Chiying sobbed, recounting the events. Cui Yi ignored advice, leading only Cao Qian and a few others into the stormy night, disappearing without a trace.