At 100 years old, he joined the army in place of his granddaughter, and became a national war god.

The capital of the Great Qian Dynasty, the residence of the Third Prince.

Since the emperor was captured and the court was without a ruler, the Third Prince Xiao Jingyu was appointed to act as regent, and the entire burden of the imperial city has fallen on his shoulders.

He was busy with countless affairs of state, working tirelessly day and night, reviewing memorials and maintaining control of the court, never having a moment of leisure.

In the study deep within the Prince's mansion, Xiao Jingyu, dressed in casual clothes, still stood tall and straight, but his brows were furrowed with the weariness of days of toil, and deep in his eyes lay a scar that had not healed for fifteen years.

In the center of the desk lay a yellowed, old topographical map of southern Xinjiang.

The edges of the drawings are worn and curled, and the paper surface is mottled and old.

Most shockingly, at the location where the map breaks through Yun Pass, there are several dark red bloodstains that have long since dried and turned black. Despite fifteen years of erosion, they have not faded and are firmly imprinted on this land.

This is an old picture that has witnessed battles and life and death, and it is also Xiao Jingyu's biggest regret in half his life.

His fingertips gently landed on the location of Duanyun Pass, his fingertips slowly caressing the cold paper. His gaze was fixed on that pass, his eyes glazed over, his thoughts already drifting back to the bloody battle fifteen years ago along with the mottled bloodstains.

That year, he was young and impetuous, full of vigor and ambition. He guarded the southern border, his heart filled with passion, knowing only how to kill enemies for his country. He never knew what fear or retreat was.

At that time, the Yan army invaded the border, and their iron cavalry knocked on the pass. The two armies fought a bloody battle outside Duanyun Pass for several days. The Yan army suffered repeated defeats and fled in a sorry state.

In his youthful arrogance, he was greedy for merit and ignored the advice of his soldiers. He insisted on personally leading a light cavalry to pursue the remaining enemy overnight, hoping to eliminate the border threat in one fell swoop and prevent future troubles.

Unbeknownst to anyone, the fleeing Yan army was feigning defeat, secretly setting a deadly trap to lure him deep into their encirclement.

In the darkness of the forest, ambushes sprang up, arrows rained down, and murderous intent filled the air.

At the critical moment, just as the arrow pierced the air and aimed directly at his heart, a slender figure rushed forward without hesitation, shielding him from the deadly arrow coated with poison.

That was his wife, the love of his life, and the gentle and virtuous mother of his children.

The deadly poison pierced her body and attacked her heart. In no time, the beauty perished, falling into his arms, her blood staining the battlefield, and she rests forever in the land outside Duanyun Pass.

That arrow took away the love of his life and shattered all his youthful arrogance and extravagance.

If he hadn't been greedy for credit and reckless back then, if he had calmly guarded the pass and hadn't pursued the remaining enemy, his wife wouldn't have died tragically, his children wouldn't have lost their mother at a young age, and he wouldn't have carried this endless regret and guilt throughout his life.

But life is unpredictable, and there are no "what ifs" in this mortal world.

Fifteen years have passed in a flash. Mountains and rivers have changed, and time has passed. The border has been peaceful for a while, but the bloody memory still haunts my dreams every night and has never faded away.

That blood-stained figure, that final tender gaze, became a pain that Xiao Jingyu could never let go of in his heart.

In an instant, warm tears welled up in Xiao Jingyu's eyes, blurring the old map in front of him.

The regent, who held supreme power and controlled the world, had witnessed countless deaths and survived the turmoil of a chaotic era. Yet, in his deserted study, his eyes were red with tears, and his heart was filled with bitterness and sorrow.

Just then, a soft, light footstep sound came from outside the door, breaking the silence of the study.

The door was gently pushed open a crack, and a slender woman with light steps carefully entered, carrying a white porcelain soup bowl.

The person who came was Xiao Jingyu's daughter, Xiao Zhixia.

She is gentle and considerate, and especially loving towards her father.

These days, my father has been acting as regent, working tirelessly day and night, neglecting sleep and meals, busy from dawn till dusk every day, without even having a proper meal.

Today, he has been busy with meetings and military intelligence since the morning court session, and has not eaten a single bite even after the sun has passed its zenith.

Feeling sorry for her father's deteriorating health, Xiao Zhixia specially instructed the kitchen to slowly simmer a nourishing chicken soup. Once it was warm enough, she personally brought it to the study so that her father could have a little nourishment to replenish his body and mind.

As soon as Xiao Zhixia stepped into the study, she looked up and saw her father staring blankly at the map of southern Xinjiang, his figure lonely and forlorn.

She instantly understood.

Every time my father saw the words "Broken Cloud Pass," he would become lost in thought and feel dejected, surely missing my mother who had passed away at a young age.

Xiao Zhixia felt a pang of sadness. She tiptoed to the desk, spoke softly and gently:

"Dad, take a rest first, have some chicken soup to fill your stomach."

"You've been working day and night these past few days, neglecting sleep and meals. Your body can't take it anymore. Please don't treat yourself like this."

The sound of his daughter's voice instantly pulled Xiao Jingyu back to reality from his wandering thoughts.

He was startled, quickly concealing the tears welling in his eyes. He subtly wiped away the remaining traces of tears, masking all his desolation and sorrow. In an instant, he regained the composed and dignified demeanor of a regent, turned to his obedient and sensible daughter, and said with feigned calmness and a gentle smile:

"So it's Zhixia."

"Why didn't you go practice your sword with Qingxue today? The key to martial arts is perseverance. You can't just practice for two days and then slack off for three, wasting your skills."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhixia pursed her lips slightly, a faint sadness flashing in her eyes, and hesitated to speak.

She paused slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then said softly, "Father, your daughter... cannot practice swordsmanship today."

Xiao Jingyu raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "Oh? Why not?"

Xiao Zhixia looked up at her father, whose face was tired, and said softly, "Father, you are too busy. Perhaps you have forgotten that today is Mother's death anniversary."

These few words, like a thunderclap, instantly stunned Xiao Jingyu, leaving him completely frozen in place.

He suddenly raised his hand and gently patted his forehead, filled with self-reproach and a dazed feeling.

Yes, today is the anniversary of my wife's death.

For fifteen years, every year on this day, he would stop working, fast, and take his children to pay respects to his deceased wife, never forgetting her in the slightest.

But today, news came of a sudden disturbance on the border of Yan State. Urgent reports from the border were sent to the capital. Court affairs piled up like mountains. He was busy day and night coordinating and managing, and was so flustered that he completely forgot about the most important day of his life!

Overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow, he composed himself, immediately stood up, and gently instructed Xiao Zhixia:

"It's my fault for being confused. I've been so busy with official duties lately that I've forgotten such an important matter."

"Zhixia, quickly prepare the offerings for the sacrifice, and summon your elder brother, younger brother, and Zhiqiu. Today, our whole family will go to pay respects to your mother."

"Okay!" Xiao Zhixia nodded obediently, then playfully took the opportunity to persuade, "Then Dad should finish this bowl of chicken soup first. You are the one my mother has been most concerned about all her life. If she sees you getting thinner and more haggard, she will definitely feel sorry for you and blame herself. She will also blame us siblings for not taking good care of Dad's health."

Xiao Jingyu was filled with bittersweet emotions at his daughter's thoughtful and understanding words.

A gentle smile appeared in his eyes, and he nodded repeatedly: "Alright, alright, I'll listen to my daughter. I'll finish my drink now, and you can go and prepare the arrangements."

After saying that, he picked up the warm chicken soup on the table and slowly drank it down, sip by sip.

The warm soup went down my throat, and the warmth spread throughout my body, soothing my tired body and mind.

Seeing that her father was willing to eat, Xiao Zhixia felt relieved and quietly left the study, turning to prepare offerings for the memorial service.

Just as I stepped out of the study corridor, two tall, handsome young men walked towards me.

These were the brothers Xiao Yichun and Xiao Yidong, who had just returned from the Zhenguo War God's Mansion.

The two had just participated in the entire meeting between Su Mu and the generals. Upon hearing the news of the Yan Kingdom's major disturbances, the perilous border, and the imminent dispatch of troops to aid the southern frontier, they returned to their residence with grave expressions.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Zhixia immediately stepped forward and carefully told the two that today was the anniversary of her mother's death and that her father wanted the whole family to go to the back mountain to pay their respects.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yichun and Xiao Yidong nodded emphatically and immediately turned around to go with him to prepare for the worship ceremony.

Before long, everything was ready.

……

Behind the Third Prince's residence, in the depths of a quiet and secluded garden.

Nestled against the mountains and beside the water, with lush vegetation and a tranquil, secluded environment, this place is the final resting place of the Third Princess.

A blue stone tombstone stands quietly amidst the lush flowers and trees. The area in front of the tombstone is clean and tidy, without a speck of weeds or dust, indicating that it has been cleaned and maintained daily for many years without interruption.

Fifteen years have passed, but the children have never forgotten their loving mother's kindness. Year after year, they have always carefully protected the peace of this place.

Xiao Jingyu, accompanied by his four children Xiao Yichun, Xiao Yidong, Xiao Zhixia, and Xiao Zhiqi, slowly approached the tombstone.

A gentle breeze blows, leaves fall silently in the forest, the world is quiet, and only the faint scent of incense lingers in the air.

The family members bowed in turn, placed fruit offerings, lit incense and candles, and stood solemnly to pay homage to their loved ones who were buried here.

After Xiao Jingyu offered incense and left, the brothers Xiao Yichun and Xiao Yidong knelt down first, before the tombstone, and personally lit the yellow paper. Watching the burning paper fluttering in the air, their eyes were filled with sorrow and stubbornness.

The flickering firelight illuminated two young yet incredibly resolute faces.

As the two brothers slowly burned paper money, they murmured softly, each word choked with emotion, each sentence sincere, as they poured out the pent-up feelings of fifteen years to their mother who was now in eternal sleep.

"Mother, your children have come to see you."

"Fifteen years have passed, a full fifteen years. We siblings have thought of you every year and have never dared to forget you."

"Mother, can you see this from heaven? The treacherous Yan Kingdom of the Northern Frontier harbors wolfish ambitions. Fifteen years of peace have not changed their wicked nature. Now they are stirring up trouble again, amassing troops on the border, attempting to invade the territory of our Great Qian!"

"But times have changed. Fifteen years have passed, and our Great Qian Dynasty is now at its peak, with a strong and well-equipped army, numerous renowned generals, and a military might that shakes the four seas!"

"With the legendary War God Su presiding over the army, protecting the nation and ensuring its peace, the Yan Kingdom's overestimation of its own strength and provocation of the Celestial Empire is nothing short of courting death and is destined for a crushing defeat!"

The fire blazed fiercely, and ashes flew everywhere.

Xiao Yichun turned his head to look at his younger brother beside him. The two brothers' eyes met, and they both saw the burning fighting spirit and the suppressed hatred in each other's eyes.

He turned to look again at the cold tombstone, his voice suddenly becoming firm and resolute, filled with an unwavering conviction:

"Mother, my brother and I swear this oath today!"

"With the outbreak of war in the southern border, my brother and I have decided to follow General Su in leading the expedition to Duanyun Pass in Pingzhou!"

"Fifteen years ago, the Yan bandits caused your tragic death on the battlefield, leaving my siblings and me destitute and alone, leaving Father with a lifelong regret!"

"Fifteen years later, my brother and I personally went to war, slaying the Yan invaders and crushing the invading enemy!"

"I will avenge you in this lifetime and bring peace to your soul in heaven!"

Xiao Yidong, standing beside him, nodded heavily, knelt down, and echoed him in a deep voice, his eyes sharp as swords, resolute and determined.

Standing to the side, Xiao Jingyu quietly watched his two sons kneeling and making their vows. Seeing their youthful determination and passionate spirit, a thousand emotions welled up in his eyes, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings.

A gentle breeze ruffled his robes as he gazed at his wife's tender name on the tombstone, whispering it silently in his heart.

"Madam, did you see that?"

"Our children have all grown up."

"The innocent children of yesteryear have now grown into upright young men, with their hearts set on their country and their blood feuds, possessing courage and wisdom, and daring to go to the battlefield."

"Fifteen years ago, you sacrificed your life to protect me and the Great Qian Dynasty, staining the Duanyun Pass with your blood."

"Fifteen years later, our children will voluntarily go to the battlefield where you lie in eternal rest, to carry on your spirit and protect our land."

"This time, I won't stop you."

"War tempers the youth, and the battlefield forges their character. They should also see with their own eyes the land where we stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bloody battles, and see what it means to have a home and country, and what responsibility truly means!"

Young men should have lofty ambitions, fight bloody battles to repay their parents' kindness, and defend their homeland!