The disgruntled imperial troops, who had been grumbling about being sent south to fight in Langya during a snowstorm, found their spirits remarkably lifted when they arrived at the Cui Clan’s territory. For two days, they were treated to warm hospitality and plenty of good food and drink before being discreetly redirected westward.0

As long as it was not a suicidal siege in the dead of winter, the soldiers had no complaints. They were well-trained and had fought in winter before. Besides, this was not a desperate slugfest, it was an ambush, and that made it even more palatable.0

The mutinous scenario imagined by Lu Jianzhang and his ilk never took place.0

By the time Huangfu Shaozong and his forces reached their ambush point, they had been there for less than half a day. Most of the troops were still resting when Yeletu’s vanguard cavalry appeared on the mountain path below.0

Huangfu Shaozong held up a hand, signaling his men to stay quiet. “They’re not our target. Let them pass. Get some more rest while you can.”0

The soldiers exchanged strange glances as they watched Yeletu’s cavalry race by, but they held their positions, conserving their strength.0

Yeletu’s nighttime raid on the capital was not meant to take control of it; they were nothing more than a single cavalry unit, after all. The main force, composed of the Li Clan’s troops, was following behind. The vanguard had pushed ahead because...0