The steed raced beneath the stars and moon, gradually reaching Dongming Mountain. Once they crossed it, they would enter the Sunset Peaks, though the Northern Wasteland was still thousands of li away.
Xue Baijin had traveled day and night with Luo Ning. They could still hold out, but the fine horse beneath them had reached its limit and slowed to a short-strided trot through the snow.
Although Xue Baijin was riding the Empress's horse, she did not dare run it to death. Seeing this, she dismounted and led it on foot, while Luo Ning followed behind, wrapped in a Fur Cloak.
Although Ye Jingtang had disappeared, he had indeed shattered the Northern Liang army's morale. On their way over, the two had heard of Northern Liang soldiers surrendering in entire units. The Western Sea allied army had encountered almost no resistance, entering the pass with help from collaborators and already occupying Anxi Prefecture. A direct advance on Yanjing was only a matter of time.
After their nations fell, the Western Sea Tribes had been enslaved by Northern Liang for a generation. Now that their great vengeance had been exacted, they were naturally overjoyed. Before the year was even out, the tribes were beating gongs and drums and setting off firecrackers, vying to begin their celebrations.
When Xue Baijin reached the vicinity of Dongming Mountain, she could see fires everywhere among the mountains from where she stood on the snowy plain. Laughter and the aroma of meat and wine drifted down the slopes on the wind.
Luo Ning looked up the mountain, considered briefly, and asked:
"Could that little rogue be up there playing local emperor and bullying the girls from Qinghe's tribe?"
This was plainly wishful thinking. After all, even if Ye Jingtang were indulging in debauchery amid pools of