After Liu Hong approved the plan to attack the Xianbei, she needed to quickly mobilize the army to march beyond the borders.

This wasn’t something she could leave entirely to her subordinates—if she did, she might find herself without a valid reason for not receiving updates next year.

Therefore, she had to personally oversee the first battle against the Xianbei, sending a clear signal to the outside world that Qiao Ye Shu was ready for war!

As she led her people to the military camp of Yanmen County, Qiao Yan found that Zhang Liao had already organized the troops into formation early in December when she had initially conveyed her plans for a springtime campaign.

Upon ascending the command platform, Qiao Yan saw Zhang Liao, Zhang Yang, and Lu Bu leading their respective divisions, with over six thousand troops neatly arranged in battle formation behind them, presenting a formidable and majestic sight.

Why were there only six thousand troops instead of the ten thousand she and Xi Zhicai had reported?

For a sortie beyond the frontier, to ensure smooth logistics and a swift cavalry assault, this number was deemed appropriate.

When reporting the Xianbei numbers, she had inflated the figures slightly—why not round up her own numbers as well?

Nevertheless, these over six thousand troops were undoubtedly the most elite she could muster at this moment!

From the command platform, Qiao Yan looked down and saw glinting armor under the sunlight, forming an imposing formation in the front lines.

The three leaders at the forefront had undergone rigorous training and preparation throughout the winter, showing a spirited and vigorous state.

These three were renowned commanders dispatched from the Thirteen Provinces, lending an exceptionally sharp edge to the troops below.

As they looked up at her, they saw the same determination mirrored in her eyes!

The signs of spring’s awakening were also evident in this young governor of Bingzhou.

Approaching her fourteenth birthday, by ancient reckoning standards, she was already considered fifteen.

Given her emphasis on diet and nourishment in Le Ping and now in Jinyang, coupled with the enhancements from her strategist system, it was hard for Dian Wei to recall her as the pale and frail ten-year-old she once was.

Now standing nearly Six feet three inches tall, with the added height from her boots, she cut an impressive figure of youthful vigor—a remarkable young general!

Upon ascending the command platform, she even brought with her a halberd.

Weapons with spearheads at both ends were not unfamiliar to her soldiers under her command, but bearing arms on the platform at this moment exuded an indescribable aura.

It was a clear signal of nothing but aggression!

As she stood at the forefront of the platform, she seemed enveloped in a dazzling glow of silver from the spearheads, gold from the imperial seal and purple ribbon, and the crimson cloak behind her.

Yet even these vibrant and striking colors couldn’t overshadow the radiance in her eyes.

“Soldiers—”

Even without the stirring effect of her skill conveying the message, Qiao Yan knew exactly what she should say at this moment.

Should she speak of earning merit through beheading?

No, the merit system was well-known throughout the camp, reiterating it now would serve no purpose.

Should she speak of national enmity?

Certainly not.

For most soldiers from Bingzhou, border skirmishes with the Hu people were a well-known fact that required no further elaboration.

When Zhang Liao and others recruited the last batch of soldiers, they were mostly chosen from those deeply affected by border troubles.

Should she talk about plundered cattle and sheep being used for their own agriculture and fertilizer supply?

These words had already been subtly communicated to everyone present, so repeating them now would only diminish her stature as a commander who needed to intimidate the enemy.

Therefore, as Qiao Yan continued to speak, she chose to use a brief yet powerful tone: “Today, as we swear our allegiance, there’s no need for more words. I have only one statement. Whoever brings me the head of Kuitou, Fuluohan, or Budegen—”

“I, as the Governor of Bingzhou, will appoint them as a commandant of a county!”

In the border counties, the position of Commandant holds a significance far different from ordinary prefects!

This means the military authority held by the governor will largely be transferred to the commandant, almost making them equal to the governor.

Following the tradition started by Emperor Xiaowu, several counties near the frontier in Binzhou should have commandants appointed.

However, perhaps due to turmoil in all directions, the court has been too busy to attend to this.

Since the previous commandant, Yutan Shihuai, was killed during his reign over the Xianbei, no new commandant has been appointed, and only the governors have been managing military affairs.

If Qiao Yan can obtain permission from the emperor for this military expedition, then the governor’s authority to recommend someone as commandant could certainly be exercised.

As soon as the word ‘commandant’ was mentioned and spread by the soldiers responsible for relaying orders, ensuring everyone present heard the news, the already sharp and intimidating atmosphere in the camp escalated even further.

The heads of the three Xianbei leaders correspond to the responsibilities of three commandants within Binzhou?

This can be considered an extension of the merit system, or a clearer signal!

Who wouldn’t want to become a commandant?

Even Lu Bu, currently serving as the military officer of Yanmen County, wants to become a commandant.

That’s a position higher than his current rank of ‘2000 shi’! It offers greater autonomy than his current role.

As long as he can take down one of these three leaders in the upcoming battle against the Xianbei, he can achieve this goal.

In the surge of such ambitions, he couldn’t help but feel that the governor of Binzhou had a dazzling charm.

Considering his strong desire for even the position of commandant, this role is undoubtedly an incentive for inspiring his subordinates to fight bravely.”

What determination this is!

As he looked up towards the platform, her face, still with a hint of youthful innocence, was blurred by the sunlight.

Yet, the faint curve of her lips and the ice-cold calmness in her eyes revealed her unstoppable resolve.

The concluding words of her inspiring speech were just one word.

“Kill!”

Kill what? Kill the Xianbei!

Qiao Yan had indeed considered using these Xianbei as laborers in the upcoming open-pit coal mines, but this was the first time her soldiers officially ventured into someone else’s territory to attack.

Without certainty of capturing them alive, their objective was to inflict maximum damage.

Why would she offer the title of commandant as a reward for killing the leaders Kui Tou, Fu Luo Han, or Bu Du Gen?

Because the Xianbei today were not just a small faction like the remnants of the Xiongnu.

Their raids stretched from the western reaches of Jiuquan to the eastern lands of Liaodong, indicating a vast population.

Although the Xianbei under their leader may not number in the tens of thousands, if gathered together from the grasslands after the northern Xiongnu migration, they would far exceed that figure.

Only by causing enough casualties could they have a chance to subdue them.

Therefore—

“Kill!”

This single word did not just come from Qiao Yan’s mouth, but from the nearly six thousand soldiers below, almost merging into a unified shout!

For their own sake and for the sake of Binzhou, this military campaign was now inevitable, and they were expressing their determination with this cry!

Qiao Yan pointed her spear forward, towards the north.

“Follow me—into battle!”

Under the guidance of seasoned border soldiers, the process of receiving horses, checking weapons, and loading supplies proceeded with remarkable orderliness.

After the formation dispersed, they quickly reassembled at the camp gate.

During this time, Qiao Yan managed to brief Cheng Yu thoroughly on everything that needed to be handled.

In her personal attack against the Xianbei, she needed to have a good reason for a specific time next year.

After achieving her goal, she planned to delay a little longer.

While she was away from Binzhou, Cheng Yu, as the deputy governor of Binzhou, would have to take on significant responsibilities.

However, his workload hadn’t increased much because Qiao Yan typically handled the strategic tasks.

The expansion of the Le Ping Academy, collaboration with influential families in Binzhou, preparations for spring farming tools, and the development of new fertilizers were mostly completed during the winter.

Now, Cheng Yu’s role was mainly to wrap up loose ends and maintain control.

With Cheng Yu, an experienced elder, overseeing things, just as Qiao Yan had dared to plan her governorship ambitions in Luoyang, where she spent two months away, now she felt confident leaving Binzhou for a month due to military operations.

With Qiao Yan’s trust in him, Cheng Yu could only repay her by working diligently.

Fortunately, Binzhou was not as politically complex as other provinces in the Central Plains, and after a whole winter of organizing, Cheng Yu had a good grasp of its framework.

Qiao Yan had also imparted her true intentions to Cheng Yu, intending to give more tasks to Jia Xu if things got overwhelming.

As Qiao Yan had initially sought out Jia Xu due to their similar ages with Cheng Yu, the two exchanged a knowing glance before Qiao Yan turned towards Guo Jia.

Upon seeing the people following Guo Jia, Qiao Yan couldn’t help but feel amused.

Guo Jia had indeed fulfilled his role well in intimidating the Southern Xiongnu, having specifically invited Zhao Yun to help him gather the aristocrats of the left wing of the Southern Xiongnu and bring them here.

This action did not violate the Han Dynasty’s regulations against harming surrendered Xiongnu, but it could be seen as a friendly display.

However, for these people forced to come here, it was a genuine torment.

They had already felt pressure from Binzhou’s highest official and the commander-in-chief responsible for protecting the Xiongnu because of Qiao Yan’s appointment as governor of Binzhou.

Guo Jia, the magistrate of Xihe County, seemed lazy but often poked at their sore spots.

Now, they were brought here again.

The resolute atmosphere of Binzhou’s troops attacking the Xianbei did not alleviate the anxiety of these aristocrats from the Southern Xiongnu.

Instead, they saw it as a demonstration put on for their benefit.

As Qiao Yan approached them with spear in hand, the Southern XiuTu King couldn’t help but recall the scene when Qiao Yan had pointed a spear at him earlier, causing him to shudder involuntarily.

However, Guo Jia seemed unsurprised by his reaction and even extended a comforting hand.

Under Qiao Yan’s supervision, Guo Jia, though not physically imposing like the other generals in Binzhou.

Standing together, Qiao Yan spoke to the Southern Xiutu King in a calm tone, “Your Highness, I am heading out to battle the Xianbei barbarians. It’s really too polite of you to accompany me.”

“What kind of ‘accompaniment’ is this? It’s practically a threat!” thought the Southern Xiutu King inwardly.

But with Qiao Yan ahead and Zhao Yun behind, he couldn’t outright say he was coerced into coming.

He replied reluctantly, “Governor Qiao is like a parent to this province. Naturally, we must come to see you off.”

“Very well, your understanding is commendable,” Qiao Yan turned her head with a mysterious smile.

“Since you regard me as a parental figure, you should understand the principle of accepting gifts from elders without refusal.

I overlooked the loss of that wine jar earlier, but this time, after my triumph, I hope the wine jar gifted to the Southern Xiongnu won’t go missing again.”

Before this old issue could be brought up again and how the Southern Xiutu King would react, Qiao Yan spurred her horse and swiftly rode after the marching troops ahead.

However, this seemingly casual remark carried a latent threat that left the Xiutu King increasingly unsettled.

Just then, Guo Jia added from the sidelines, “Since the lord intends to offer you a new gift, as surrendered tribes within Binzhou, perhaps you should also consider reciprocating?”

“…Yes, of course,” thought the Southern Xiutu King.

The troops under Governor Qiao’s command displayed a vastly different demeanor compared to those who had recruited troops in Meiji City before.

Under Tan Shihai’s leadership, the Xianbei might have put up some resistance, but under mere chieftains, it was a different story.

Moreover, who would have thought that amidst the natural disasters within the Han Empire, they could spare manpower to mount a targeted campaign against the Xianbei!

He needed to prepare himself.

If Governor Qiao returned victorious and offered him another wine cup, how should he react?

As Qiao Yan rode away, she could anticipate Guo Jia’s next move, but when she looked back upon crossing the Great Wall, she saw no one seeing her off.

There was only a setting sun, sinking onto the land of Binzhou.

She tightened her reins and rode northward without looking back.

Beyond the border! To battle the Hu barbarians!