As Zhao Changhe finished writing his reply, the newlywed couple shed their ceremonial wedding attire for sturdy riding gear. Mounting their steeds, they joined Cui Yuanyong and his elite soldiers on a direct march toward Puyang.0

Puyang had long been a frontline stronghold for the Cui Clan. Although the major battle there had concluded, Huangfu Shaozong’s imperial forces had withdrawn to the capital, and other regional troops had returned to their posts, Puyang remained heavily fortified. The Cui Clan’s main forces were still stationed there, supported by the Blood God Cult, leaving a solid contingent ready to be mobilized for the campaign.0

However, with troops needing to be diverted southward to guard against potential interference from the Yang Clan, the forces available for the campaign were limited. Cui Yuanyong would lead 10,000 elite soldiers, while the remaining main force would likely fall under the command of the Blood God Cult. Against the Wang Clan’s resources, this was far from sufficient. Thankfully, with the Cao Gang pressuring the Wang...0