As the spring breeze swept across the earth and lush green returned to the world, the war machine the Han Court had spent three years preparing began to turn.
"Let Great General Wei Qing, Marquis of Changping, lead one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry out through Dai Commandery and Youbeiping to attack the Xiongnu Chanyu Royal Court and Left Xian King Forces. Let General of Agile Cavalry Huo Qubing, Marquis Champion, lead thirty thousand elite cavalry out through Shuofang to attack the Xiongnu King of the Right Wise's forces. Let General of Swift Cavalry Luo Wuji, Marquis of Unshuang, lead thirty thousand elite cavalry out through Longxi to attack the forces of King Xiutu and King Hunxie."
Outside Chang'an City.
Thousands of iron-armored horsemen sat mounted, stretching as far as the eye could see. The neighing of warhorses filled the air. These were the finest cavalry in the entire Han Court.
Other Sons of Good Families would join the ranks along the march and head to war. Countless sons of Guanzhong would accompany the expedition along the road from Chang'an to Longxi.
More than a hundred high-ranking marquises and the sons of various military families would also accompany the expedition. No one knew how many of them would return alive, but this was their fate. The system of mobile enfeoffment did not support idlers.
"Wu Ji, just charge boldly into Hexi and the Western Regions. Leave the King of the Right Wise to me. And make sure you stay safe. Don't make your sister worry."
Huo Qubing spoke with an arm around Luo Wuji's shoulders.
Luo Wuji smiled. "I have my ancestors' protection. Nothing too serious will happen to me. You, on the other hand, must watch your health on the march. Even if you won't think of yourself, think