Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty, Chapter 033: The Good and the Bad
by Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
A moment of throwback from the relentless wind blows across the entire main street, coming from the chilly hills as spring draws near. It sweeps up the boys and their drifting clothes, fanning their black, long hair as if they had wings to fly, fluttering like dead moths. A layer of clouds stacks upon the sky. A black giant bird flies over with its wings fluttering. Moving across are cotton flowers, flaking like snow, spreading a long, clear anguish on the ground. The breath of the horses and people of Jiuwei on the main street is grim, as bloodthirsty beasts lurk and search for a feast. A long sword flashes in the bright light, like a broken moon star, reflecting the torch's red glow, resembling the ancient assassin's creed.
The soldiers of Yanbei, who left their homeland to protect their descendants, fought fiercely against the Wei forces. They gradually fell from the sky like bees, relying mainly on arrows. Yan Shiqi's shoulder was bloodstained as he struggled to shift the tide of battle. Even with his wounded back, he shouted: "To protect the world, break through the siege!"
Several fierce Wei soldiers broke their promises, their swords dancing like a full moon. In the midst of the clash, the crown prince Yan Xun shouted harshly: "Seventeen (Yan Shiqi), meet me at the bridge!"
With a bang, a loud noise resounded as three small blowers moved to the front where ice boulders smashed down the Yan-Wei road. The bodies surrounding the prince formed a protective circle. Suddenly, Yan's soldiers were overthrown in a bloodbath, their bodies flying and falling like catkin flowers, raising a fog of snow.
"Are you escaping again?" Yan Xun pulled a child from the crowd and led them out of the deadly rush. The child, holding a crossbow, seemed thin in her tight-fitting clothes, deceiving everyone into thinking she had no defense. The young prince, troubled for a moment, grabbed her arm to secure her and asked, "Do you want to live or die?"
"Let go of my arm!" The child struggled to break free from Yan Xun, her eyes anxiously scanning the crowd. She tried to escape his dominance.
Yan Xun became furious. A sword split through the air as a sharp arrow shot toward them. A strong, healthy figure appeared and coldly declared: "You won't escape. You will meet your end at the hands of the world."
"There's a chance to rush out," Chu Qiao snapped, her face full of madness. "Do you expect me to stand by here, live or die with you?"
The young prince, surprised for a moment even in the midst of the urgency, couldn't help but flicker a smile. He nodded, his eyes ablaze yet somewhat cheerless, his voice low with a trace of a wounded ego: "Don't worry. Whatever the outcome, whether I live or die, it won't hurt you."
Chu Qiao raised her brow in frustration. She knew the prince misunderstood her, but she chose not to explain. She turned around, grumbling.
"Yan Shisan (13th Yan), Shiqi (17th Yan)!" Yan Xun shouted. "Take the cavaliers, get the child to the fortress of Yan, and watch over her. You know what I mean!"
"The world!" Yan Shisan frowned and objected: "My duty is to protect the world!"
"Your duty is to obey the world's order!" Yan Shi Zi shouted angrily.
Chu Qiao pouted, glanced at the group, and noticed Yan Xun was not paying attention. Shisan dragged her with his men, attempting to help her escape. Tall and thin, riding on horseback, Chu Qiao proved herself flexible and skillful. In a swift move, she escaped her would-be rescuers.
"Hey, you!" Yan Xun shouted in shock as he watched the little tigress skillfully maneuver through the chaos, keeping herself and the child safe.
Chu Qiao, an exceptional horse rider, darted back down the long street. On a turn, she drew two sharp daggers, and with precise control of the reins, evaded arrows flying at her from all directions. Due to the darkness, the arrows failed to find their target.
"Move! Armor her!" Yan Xun, holding white-feathered arrows, let them loose with expert precision. His archery and martial arts skills were unmatched.
The sound of hooves grew louder as the troops neared the front. Though the child was small, her strength was formidable. She let loose an arrow from her crossbow, hitting her mark in an unconventional yet bold fashion. The crowd erupted in cheers. The child, dagger in hand, attacked swiftly, piercing a Wei Jun's throat.
Both the Yan and Wei soldiers were awestruck by the child's fearless and precise actions. Inspired, Yan Shiqi saw the tide turning and shouted: "For Yan, fire!"
Just like that, the tide of fate shifted. The surrounding Yan soldiers scattered their enemies. "I don't see defeat today!" declared Wei Shu, surveying the battlefield. With a calm air, he raised his crossbow and unleashed his troops, sending a shower of specially crafted silver arrows.
The wind howled, but it was too late to dodge. The child shifted her body and fell from her horse.
"Star girl!" Yan Xun shouted, his eyes red with fury. His gaze then turned back to Wei Shu Yuo, burning with rage.
Wei Shu, smiling coldly, said loudly: "Yan Shi Zi, stubbornness won't save you. We are here to fetch you; this doesn't have to be a matter of life and death."
With a shout, Wei Shu's soldiers surged forward. Archery was abandoned as hand-to-hand combat ensued. Yan Xun dealt with his foes with cold precision. He landed a powerful kick, quickly covering distance and grabbing a sword, cutting down two enemies in quick succession.
"Yan Xun, are you defying the empire? Is this rebellion?" Zhuge Huai, who had not yet joined the battle, shouted from the sidelines, leading the Zhuge contingent.
Yan Xun responded icily: "Let them add rebellion to my list of crimes! After this bloodbath, they'll find a scapegoat among Yan North's slaughtered men."
"Arrogant boy," Wei Shu hissed before preparing for an all-out attack. But before he could order the charge, a sharp sound pierced the air. One of Wei Shu's soldiers suddenly fell, a fatal wound to his forehead.
Crisis swept over the battlefield. Wei Shu Yuo quickly turned to his lieutenant, Ma Hao, but before they could advance, his horse suddenly collapsed under a heavy blow. Wei Shu fell to the ground, only to feel a cold, sharp dagger at his neck. The child's voice, cold and mocking, whispered in his ear: "Wei Da Gongzi, still want to provoke the world?"
"Stop!" the child commanded Wei Shu Yuo.
The wind howled, snow swirled, and the child raised her thin face, snapping: "Or else Wei Shu Yuo dies tonight!"
AC Afterthought
In this chapter, the narrative plunges readers into a chaotic and emotionally charged battle, with vivid depictions of violence, loyalty, and survival. The characters, particularly Yan Xun and the young child, face life-and-death stakes while trying to hold on to their honor and the mission that drives them forward.
One of the most striking themes is the duality of strength and vulnerability. Yan Xun, a seasoned warrior and prince, displays not only exceptional combat skills but also emotional depth, particularly in his concern for the child and his resolve to protect his people. His brief interactions with Chu Qiao and the unnamed child reveal how war tests not only physical endurance but also emotional resilience. Despite his calm exterior, his fury over the injustices he faces is palpable, indicating that his role as a leader comes with great personal sacrifice.
The chapter's atmosphere is dark, emphasizing the unforgiving nature of war. Snow, cold winds, and the ominous presence of "bloodthirsty beasts" lurking in the streets underscore the brutality that envelops these characters. The setting mirrors the internal and external struggles they face — isolation, looming danger, and the weight of responsibility. This battle is not only against external enemies but also against the inevitable forces of fate and power.
An important takeaway from this chapter is the idea of defiance. Yan Xun is presented as a character who refuses to bow to a cruel fate, and his decision to fight back against the Wei is a rebellion not just against an enemy but against an unjust world order. His dialogue with Wei Shu Yuo emphasizes this conflict — the Wei forces seek to maintain control, while Yan Xun fights for survival and honor. This tension speaks to a larger conflict about loyalty and the cost of rebellion.
The child, who fights with exceptional skill despite her small stature, symbolizes the potential for greatness and courage, even in the most unlikely figures. Her role in the battle elevates the morale of the Yan soldiers and turns the tide of the fight, showing that even the smallest contributions can have profound effects on the outcome.
As this chapter closes, the tension only builds. With Yan Xun's soldiers scattered, and the stakes raised, the next chapter is sure to deepen the exploration of loyalty, leadership, and the personal costs of war. Yan Xun's fiery resolve and Chu Qiao's bravery will likely continue to shape the story, leading readers to question who will prevail in this bloody conflict and at what cost.