Chapter 15: with translation of chapter title

Tell her I am of the Shen family, and let her stop asking about anything else.

Shen Tianxing transmitted these words to Zhao Lingfei in his mind; as long as they were within a hundred zhang of each other, he could convey orders to her via thought.

This One understands!

Zhao Lingfei replied via thought, then looked expressionlessly at Yang Hongyue.

General, what you said is correct; our master is of the Shen family, so stop inquiring about anything else—we are the master's most loyal subordinates, General, you need not worry!

Yang Hongyue nodded, but her brows tightened; as Zhao Lingfei said, Shen Tianxing is of the Hidden World Family Shen clan, his oddness then makes sense.

The Shenzhou Continent has six countries; each nation has some Hidden World Families. They do not engage in party struggles or politics, but they all send some young family members into the imperial court to serve as officials, and each family has its own approach to the career paths of its descendants.

The young scions of these families are either versed in literature and statecraft, or martial arts prodigies, and some are accomplished in both civil and military affairs; in any country they can thrive like fish in water.

But these young scions, unless absolutely necessary, rarely reveal their identities openly; now Shen Tianxing has so directly let her know—what great trust this must be!

General now finally understands why you are so peculiar? But it's no matter; as long as you are of my Great Zhou and willing to serve Great Zhou, I will surely promote you well.

Since they came to follow you, place them under your command; you are already a commander of a thousand, so they will first be under you, and when we return to An City, I will make up the rest of your personnel.

Thank you, General Yang; the sky is about to lighten, let us set out now!

Shen Tianxing never expected to resolve Zhao Lingfei and the others' issue so easily—he hadn't even made any demands—indeed, in ancient times, if you can bluff, you can always get ahead.

That's true; let's go, now we have horses too, so you no longer need to share a mount with me.

When Yang Hongyue said this, she obviously glanced at Zhao Lingfei once more; the latter was truly too beautiful, which made Yang Hongyue's tone extremely displeased, as if she were a bit jealous.

Indeed, a beautiful woman will inevitably feel jealous when facing another beautiful woman who is her equal, regardless of the reason.

Shen Tianxing muttered to himself, then mounted the horse Zhao Lingfei had ridden; Zhao Lingfei mounted one of the light cavalrymen's horses and rode close beside him.

The group marched mightily toward An City, and along the way many troops from the Great Zhou Army that had retreated from Humen Pass gathered; soon the force numbered nearly ten thousand.

Just before reaching the North City Gate of An City, Vice Commander Li Ming also arrived with over a thousand men to meet up.

Having met General Yang, as long as you are safe and sound, that's enough; although this time we suffered heavy losses, it will surely make the Dawu Army let its guard down, and I expect the Marshal's plan will proceed smoothly.

Li Ming stepped forward, having seen Yang Hongyue, and while speaking he glanced at Shen Tianxing, who at that moment had changed into a light cavalryman's attire, wearing Hong Yi silver armor.

As for the Xuanwu armor on his body, after he and Yang Hongyue fought their way out of the encirclement it was taken off, but now it has been worn again underneath; to others, both the Dragon-Slaying Blade and the Xuanwu armor appear as nothing more than an ordinary long sword and a piece of ordinary inner armor!

Only Shen Tianxing could see the difference: the Dragon-Slaying Blade's hilt is a dragon's head, its blade engraved with two lifelike golden dragons, while the Xuanwu armor bears a pattern like a turtle's shell, jet black as ink.

I hope so; the price we paid this time is too great, and I don't know how the others are now—I hope we can rendezvous at An City as soon as possible.

In front of others, Yang Hongyue always appears vigorous and imposing, naturally bearing the dignity of a superior.

Commander Qin must be gathering the scattered brothers; he should be able to assemble at An City soon, General, you need not worry—let's go see the Marshal first; I'm sure the Marshal is also deeply concerned about you.

Yang Hongyue frowned, gave a slight nod without saying a word, and spurring her horse she quickly arrived at the North City Gate of An City; the gate was shut tight, and on the tower a youthful commander in golden helmet and armor became extremely excited upon seeing her.

Hongyue, you've finally returned; quickly open the gate and welcome General Yang into the city.

Open the gate, welcome the general into the city.

Upon receiving the order, the city gate guards also shouted in unison, and the gate swung open; Shen Tianxing couldn't help muttering under his breath.

We just lost a battle, abandoned Humen Pass, yet we're acting so high-profile—it's as if we think we won!

Shen Tianxing, although you performed excellently in this battle, know that misfortune comes from the mouth; you must speak cautiously and act prudently, for the Marshal and General Yang are betrothed—what's improper about your conduct?

If it weren't for you carving a bloody path that let General Yang escape safely, based on what you just said I could report to the Marshal and have you executed; from now on, don't let me hear such remarks again.

Li Ming had somehow come up beside Shen Tianxing; hearing his mutter, he then issued a warning—though his words carried a threat, there was no malice.

This One understands; thank you, Commander Li, for the reminder—This One will certainly speak cautiously and act prudently.

Since the other side meant well in reminding him, Shen Tianxing naturally ought to be polite, yet he wonders why Li Ming, upon hearing his remarks, would immediately pick a fight, blow things up, and then humiliate him?

But upon further reflection, he's overthinking; in his past life, after three shots, his mind was severely affected by short-form dramas, making him now see any official as a domineering villain.

The gate swung wide, and the crowd followed Yang Hongyue into the city; the Mighty Marshal of the Great Zhou, Sun Tiejun, had already descended from the tower, greeting her with a beaming smile inside the city, and he even dismounted first, approaching to help her down from her horse to walk together.

Hongyue, once Humen Pass fell, I was worried sick; if not for the need to carry out the plan, I would have liked to rush straight to Humen Pass to rescue you; now that you've returned safe and sound, my heart is finally at ease.

Besides, Sun Tiejun is actually quite handsome, with a touch of sword-browed starry-eyed looks; unfortunately, Shen Tianxing could see a flicker of disgust flash in Yang Hongyue's eyes, after which she spoke expressionlessly:

Letting the Marshal worry is my dereliction of duty; the Marshal not coming is the right thing, after all we have suffered such heavy losses—if the plan fails, then the brothers' sacrifices would be meaningless.

Yang Hongyue ignored Sun Tiejun's outstretched hand, instead dismounting from the other side, she clasped her hands in a salute toward Sun Tiejun, leaving him embarrassed, though he could only smile and wave his hand.

This plan is flawless; in five days it will be the deadline for all Dawu Army forces inside Humen Pass; Hongyue, come with me back to the manor to rest—you've worked hard on this journey; other matters we can discuss tomorrow.

Sun Tiejun had thought Yang Hongyue would at least give him some face, but she instead shook her head.

Thank you for your kindness, Marshal, but there are still many matters to attend to in the army; I must first return to the camp!