After all, achieving combat proficiency wasn’t something that could be accomplished through theory alone.

Considering her courage to venture deep into enemy territory, it was likely that her personality had a strong aversion to failure, and she would take his advice to heart and train secretly.

But seeing Qiao Yan pause her practice to massage her tired legs, he couldn’t help but say, “Training in the horse stance must be done gradually. If you overdo it today, you’ll have difficulty traveling tomorrow.”

She turned her head towards him, a thin layer of sweat on her forehead, showing some surprise at his presence.

This reaction was somewhat different from her usual mature and strategic demeanor, bringing a rare smile to Huangfu Song’s usually stern face.

“We still have a journey ahead of us tomorrow. It’s best to get some rest early,” he advised.

But the next moment, Qiao Yan replied, “By that logic, General, you shouldn’t be here either.”

Huangfu Song hesitated for a moment before responding, “I am different.”

This statement was clearly a double standard.

Qiao Yan could guess what Huangfu Song was thinking.

The greatest fear for a general might not be the lack of opportunities to make a name for oneself but failing at the final stage of a prolonged, multi-front campaign after achieving considerable early successes.

Whether the previous achievements can still be considered accomplishments would depend on the extent of the failure and the judgment of the current emperor.

Both possibilities are filled with uncertainties.

Compared to Zhu Jun, a commander from a humble background, Huangfu Song undoubtedly had more to worry about.

After all, he carried the expectations and responsibilities of a family of military nobility.

“General, you’re wrong,” Qiao Yan stood up straight and looked at Huangfu Song. “You don’t have an extra pair of hands, legs, or eyes compared to others.

The difference between us might lie in the many battles you’ve experienced, far more than I have.

If we both had to capture a city gate, even if there were clever tactics, the outcome for someone with accumulated experience and someone facing the battlefield for the first time would be vastly different. But as for staying up late…”

Qiao Yan smiled, “I’m probably better at that than you.”

Huangfu Song couldn’t help but cough.

Whether her point lay in the first or the second half of her statement, whether it was self-praise or a way to reassure him, was not lost on Huangfu Song.

He wasn’t sure whether to laugh at her comparison of their abilities to stay up late or to feel more confident about his upcoming task of capturing the city gate due to her mention of accumulated experience.

Before he could come to any conclusion, he heard Qiao Yan say, “But you are right, General. To avoid falling off my horse tomorrow, I should get some rest early.”

She, who remembered to bring a bodyguard even for nighttime training, didn’t intend to say more.

It seemed she thought his presence was disrupting her late-night training.

She waved at him and made a gesture to Dian Wei, then jogged back towards the camp.

She didn’t even give Huangfu Song a chance to say, “Maintain the family’s honor.”

But the words that reached his lips were swallowed back down.

In the previous battle of Changshe, the Yellow Turbans ravaged Yingchuan.

If they had lost that battle, considering the disorderly looting by the Yellow Turbans, how much of the noble family demeanor of the families in Ruying would remain amidst the chaos of war was not a question that needed answering.

In contrast, Qiao Yan’s way of survival seemed to exhibit a direct, visible vitality.

Which was also quite good.

---

System: 【What made you think of advising Huangfu Song?】

---

After Qiao Yan entered the rest tent, she heard the system ask.

Huangfu Song might not understand, but the system felt that Qiao Yan had intentionally appeared there.

Although she indeed had an urgent need to train her leg strength, or rather her leg endurance, such activities could be done anywhere and didn’t need to be outside.

This last-minute effort wasn’t going to be particularly useful for the upcoming battle at Guangzong.

Unless an absurd situation arose, where the Yellow Turbans not only saw through their plan to use Zhang Bao as a ruse to capture the gate but also counterattacked so fiercely that she had to escape on horseback.

The system wasn’t wrong; she was there for Huangfu Song.

This operation had only been underway for two days.

Fortunately, her judgment was correct, and this waiting strategy did catch the intended target.

“A commander’s mental state can be seen in the tone of their orders. Managing to fool the Yellow Turban defenders at Ningjin did relieve some of Huangfu Song’s pressure, but his anxiety has been increasing daily.

Even if it’s not just me, Cao Cao must have noticed as well. I thought I’d try my luck.”

The system then heard Qiao Yan say, “Although Huangfu Song isn’t my lord, he’s the commander-in-chief for this siege, so let’s consider him a half-lord for now.

They say that the best strategists are adept at understanding their lord’s thoughts and can offer counsel and comfort at the right moments. I wonder if my actions—”

“Could earn me some strategist points?”

【Though you’re very dedicated, it seems you haven’t.】 The system mercilessly shattered Qiao Yan’s illusion.

It further informed her that there wasn’t an achievement like 【Successfully counsel your lord】 to unlock.

“Alright, I understand, but at least influencing the smooth progression of the battle is good enough.”

Qiao Yan wasn’t too disappointed about not gaining extra points.

After all, her intentions towards improving relations with Huangfu Song weren’t solely for the system’s strategist points.

With a broad heart, she returned to the tent, quickly washed her face, and lay down on her military cot.

The temporary camp was tightly packed, with tents set up closely together. Considering herself not particularly delicate, she didn’t ask Huangfu Song for any special arrangements separate from the other tents.

The night was deep, and the surrounding chorus of snoring was quite loud.

Qiao Yan rolled over and wrapped herself tightly in her blanket.

Regardless, having come to this chaotic late Han period, she couldn’t expect the luxury of soft beds and high pillows.

Survival or death, that’s the simple reality she faced.

After spending the past few days squatting to observe Huangfu Song, her legs were quite sore, fully utilizing her increased physical attribute of 50.

She quickly fell asleep, sleeping soundly until morning.

She hadn’t expected that when she saw Huangfu Song again the next day, although his spirit seemed a bit less tense compared to what she had seen last night, she heard quite an unexpected piece of news from him.

He directly assigned a part of his personal guards to prepare to send her packaged to Lu Zhi.

“In a siege, blades and arrows know no target, and with arrows flying around, accidents are inevitable. Lu Zhi’s place is safer,” Huangfu Song said.

“Moreover, with us deceiving the opening of the city gates and lacking the cooperation of the five northern military academies, we are short of manpower.

Originally, I intended to let Mengde handle the coordination with Lu Gong since he has met him before, but upon reflection last night, it’s better to let you go.”

Huangfu Song had weighed the options in his mind.

When they reached the outskirts of Guangzong City, they needed Zhang Jiao to believe that it was indeed the gravely ill Zhang Bao who had come under the escort of his retinue, something that Cao Cao’s eloquence could handle adequately.

As for Qiao Yan, in his heart, he still hoped she could become acquainted with Lu Zhi.

When it came time for rewards and promotions after this battle, having another commander speak up for her would be advantageous.

This partiality, almost blatantly evident on Qiao Yan’s face, left her momentarily stunned.

But before she could speak, Cao Cao interjected, “That’s right. Originally, I was the most conspicuous figure among this military expedition. Now, that position should go to you. It’s better for the niece to go to Lu Zhi’s place.”

“…”

Cao Cao seemed oblivious to Qiao Yan’s silent protest, continuing, “People who practice archery mostly focus on the concentration needed to aim at the target.

In this situation, anyone particularly conspicuous passing by would instinctively draw their bow and arrow. General Huangfu’s concern is not without reason.”

Qiao Yan pressed her temple and replied, “Uncle, if it comes to that, I’ll definitely hide under Zhang Bao’s bed at the first opportunity. I don’t need to enter the city now; I’ll leave this barrier to you.”

Cao Cao burst into laughter, “A good place indeed, truly a good place. I shouldn’t have underestimated your quick wit.”

This banter effectively blurred Huangfu Song’s blatant favoritism.

Qiao Yan couldn’t help but admire Cao Cao’s magnanimity.

However, after some thought, she turned to Huangfu Song and said, “General, thank you for your kindness. Since you’ve entrusted me with the task of contacting the General of the North, I will depart for Quzhou today. But before I leave, I have two things I want to say to you.”

Huangfu Song nodded, indicating for her to proceed.

Qiao Yan continued, “The first thing is that Zhang Jiao’s command over his troops under the guise of religion is not clear in the regions of Yanzhou and Yuzhou, but it might be different in Jizhou.”

Whether the Yellow Turban soldiers who drowned in the river were casualties of chaotic warfare or, as some rumors suggested, martyrs of Zhang Jiao’s Way of Peace who willingly went to their deaths in the river, was uncertain, with scant historical records to consult.

However, as the first person to rally three hundred thousand people in rebellion, Qiao Yan dared not entertain any thoughts of luck regarding the smooth execution of the plan.

The actions of various religious extremists in later records often proved to be unpredictable. Suicide attacks were often the most unexpected.

They might not even follow the ancient rule of warfare, where losing ten percent of your forces meant defeat.

In this regard, Huangfu Song’s past experiences might lead him to make erroneous judgments.

She bowed slightly to Huangfu Song. “General, please do not underestimate any of Zhang Jiao’s confidants, and do not celebrate prematurely.”

Qiao Yan’s words were cautious.

Although Huangfu Song felt he probably wouldn’t make such a mistake, he earnestly agreed, with Cao Cao also chiming in to remind him, lest he indeed mess things up.

“As for the other thing,” Qiao Yan continued, “if you have the chance to capture Zhang Jiao alive, please spare his life. Because—”

“A dead Zhang Jiao would undoubtedly live on as a spiritual beacon in the hearts of the remaining Yellow Turbans, but a living Zhang Jiao still has a chance to step down from his pedestal.”

After Qiao Yan finished speaking, there was a brief moment of eye contact between her and Huangfu Song.

Cao Cao felt there was a hint of mystery in their exchange, likely related to the incident where Qiao Yan had sent someone out through Huangfu Song.

However, they both remained silent on the matter, with Huangfu Song simply replying, “I understand. If the opportunity arises, I’ll try to capture him alive. You may go now.”

Without hesitation, Qiao Yan left the tent.

Initially, she had been worried that her presence might cause a butterfly effect, so she had considered accompanying Huangfu Song’s troops into Guangzong City.

But Huangfu Song’s protection of her also made sense.

Ultimately, it wasn’t difficult to conclude whether there was a greater risk of her encountering mishaps in the chaos of battle or of danger arising from Huangfu Song and Lu Zhi’s joint operations.

She called upon Lu Yuan, Cheng Li, and Dian Wei, along with the soldiers Huangfu Song had assigned to her.

After setting the date for the assault with Huangfu Song, she immediately set off for Quzhou.

Given the significant differences in tactics from the usual Yellow Turban approach, she opted for a covert journey, traveling during the day and resting at night.

On the third night, they arrived outside the military camp of Lu Zhi’s General of the North, having successfully avoided Yellow Turban soldiers along the way.

And at this moment, there were still two days left until the time set by Huangfu Song to request Lu Zhi’s assistance.

The timing was perfect.

Lu Zhi…

He was also a legendary figure of the late Han Dynasty.

Every commander inevitably has their unique characteristics when organizing their defenses.

Qiao Yan arrived under cover of night.

Although she couldn’t clearly see the situation in Lu Zhi’s camp under the moonlight, she could vaguely discern his character from the outer defenses.

Different from generals like Huangfu Song, who rose from the borderlands, Lu Zhi was firm and unwavering, yet he could still be counted among the ranks of scholar-generals, evident from the meticulous defenses in his camp.

Compared to the aggressive Yellow Turbans, it almost felt like it wasn’t clear who the attackers were.

But defense didn’t necessarily mean passivity.

Lu Zhi clearly understood the impulsive psychology accumulated from the hasty start of the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

He knew that as long as this rock of defense held firm, there would be no possibility for the Yellow Turbans to advance westward in Jizhou.

And when the time was right, it would be his moment to strike back with thunderous force.

After circling the camp from a distance, Qiao Yan gained a sense of Lu Zhi’s prudent arrangements and then led her men toward the main gate of the camp.

However, before reaching the gate, they saw a column of torches approaching on horseback, intercepting them in their path.

Wearing the uniform of Han soldiers like the troops behind her, Qiao Yan couldn’t see clearly in the darkness, but she instinctively knew that these weren’t Yellow Turban bandits.

Therefore, she merely shouted, “Halt!” as they intercepted her.

Perhaps influenced by Lu Zhi’s style of command, Qiao Yan heard the sound of drawn bows in the night, but she also saw the enemy cavalry disperse beyond the shooting range, and they halted their advance.

It was a safe distance for both sides to converse.

Qiao Yan’s fingertips gripped a small shield, ready to raise it above her head, while her other hand held the reins, signaling for her group to stop.

In the next moment, she heard a voice from the other side, “Who goes there? Please state your name. We are on guard duty at night. If we have offended in any way, please forgive us.”

She replied promptly, “Under the command of Left Central Commander, Qiao Yan of Yanzhou, I have come to deliver a message to General Lu.

To prevent spies from knowing of our arrival, we had no choice but to come at night. Please relay the message.”

Her words caused a moment of surprise among the group opposite.

Under the command of Left Central Commander?

Under Huangfu Song?

It was possible that Huangfu Song would send someone, but—

Lu Zhi’s soldiers, engulfed in torchlight, glanced at each other, confirming that they hadn’t misheard—the voice from the other side sounded unusually youthful.

This seemed to differ from their understanding of the situation.

However, the other side confidently mentioned being under Huangfu Song, which didn’t sound like a lie.

This was indeed an unexpected visitor.

“What does Xuande think?” After a moment of hesitation, someone from Lu Zhi’s side asked the leader.

In the flickering light of the torches, the leader revealed a young, kindly face, along with his slightly elongated ears, giving him a rather approachable appearance.

After a moment of contemplation, he replied, “If the Yellow Turbans were attacking, they wouldn’t choose a child as their leader.

After all, Huangfu Jian’s son, Huangfu Jianshou, is already an adult. He doesn’t look like this.

And our teacher has never mentioned any unusually young members in Huangfu Song’s retinue.

So, it’s likely that this is indeed Huangfu General’s retinue. I will go forward and meet them.”

As this person, referred to as Xuande, finished speaking, he dismounted and approached Qiao Yan’s group.

With the torch held high, the motion of his horse no longer affected the light, and the torches were not gathered in one place anymore, allowing Qiao Yan to see his face clearly.

Her brows instinctively twitched.

Apart from his distinctive ears and the characteristic position of his hands, she didn’t miss the name “Xuande” given to him by others earlier.

This was enough to make her think of someone in an instant.

Liu Bei, the Zhonglie Emperor of Shu Han, Liu Xuande!

Sure enough, the next moment, as he bowed to her, facing Dian Wei who had already drawn his long halberd behind her, he calmly said,

“Liu Bei, the commander of the troops under the General of the North, requests that you wait at the gate for a moment. We will immediately report to the General of the North.”