All is well.

After the great battle in the clouds, the management of Cloud Central in Xinghan City was invigorated by the surge in demand for material exchanges. Merchant caravans, long active in Bing, You, Ji, and beyond the frontier, poured in, importing grain, salt, iron, and textiles essential to Xinghan, while distributing Xinghan City's fine wine and surplus warhorses to distant lands. In just two years, this once barren wilderness, devoid of life, had transformed into a bustling metropolis, rivaling the administrative centers of the Han.

Far away in Ji Province, the Zhen clan acted with remarkable generosity. Upon hearing that the Xinghan Army had reclaimed Cloud Central, they immediately sent word, offering millions of measures of grain and countless other supplies to reward the Xinghan soldiers, and even provided a substantial deposit for the future sales of Xinghan wine in Ji Province, requesting Wang Bo to send an escort.

Overjoyed by the news, Wang Bo, having informed Fu Rui, the acting governor of Dai Commandery in You Province, sent Yang Feng as Xinghan City's envoy to Ji Province. He also dispatched Du Yuan’s Third Wolf Owl Guard to set up camp south of Pingcheng, intimidating the nearby nomadic tribes to guarantee the safe arrival of the supplies.

The celebrations following the victory were exuberant: gratitude and solace for the wounded and the families of the fallen, burial and rituals for the dead—all these need not be recounted in detail.

While the people rejoiced in the triumph and the rebirth of Xinghan, Wang Bo found himself busier than ever. Though Cloud Central Commandery had been retaken, the urgent tasks ahead—pacifying the Xianbei tribes, encouraging farming over herding, and restoring daily life and production—were more crucial than conquest itself. If handled well, Cloud Central would become the grain storehouse and horse breeding ground for the Xinghan Army; but a single misstep could sow discord, provoke Xianbei resistance, and render all previous efforts futile.

Wang Bo first convened a discussion to outline general policies towards the Xianbei tribes. Since they had submitted to Xinghan’s rule, attitudes of extreme hostility were to be gradually abandoned. He assigned and selected officials for each county; where manpower was lacking, he boldly appointed Xianbei people who had served long and well in labor camps, setting an example for newly affiliated tribes to help them quickly accept Xinghan's governance.

Next, he planned the division of pastures and farmland for each county and tribe, adapting Han administrative structures to the size of Xianbei groups—establishing pavilions, villages, counties, and organizing regions, beginning with Cloud Central City and expanding as officials were appointed.

Fortunately, Wang Bo had previously instructed Tian Chou and Chen Rong to train many literate disciples, who were now ready to serve, and after several nights of intensive training, could just about manage.

As for the shortage of capable officials in Xinghan City, Wang Bo was not overly concerned. After all, Xinghan was like a blank slate, untainted by the decadent habits of other Han provinces dominated by aristocratic clans. The people, having only recently tasted stability and full meals, were as innocent as youths, devoted to Wang Bo and loyal to the Xinghan Army. The Xianbei, accustomed to the hardships of the frontier, would support any policy that genuinely improved their lives. So long as officials diligently enforced the law, their abilities mattered little; sometimes, too much talent brought disorder.

...

The myriad of affairs, both great and small, left Wang Bo exhausted and overwhelmed. After days of nonstop work, he dozed off during a meeting while listening to Tian Chou's report on constructing the official road to Cloud Central, his head resting unconsciously against the chair.

Seeing this, everyone exchanged wry smiles and quietly withdrew. Zhang Ning, absent for days, entered, hesitated briefly, and waved off the clumsy intervention of Xu Chu, who was about to move Wang Bo to the couch. Stiff from fatigue, she approached and gently adjusted Wang Bo’s posture for a more comfortable sleep. Xu Chu, a bit bewildered, grinned silently and left the tent.

Gazing at the face before her—not handsome, but striking and full of character—and listening to Wang Bo’s steady breathing, a gentle blush spread across Zhang Ning’s wheat-colored cheeks, extending to her now warm, translucent earlobes.

What kind of man was he, really? Any young general nearby could easily overpower him, yet these once unruly Yellow Turban warriors revered him as their leader, respected him, and willingly served. In late Han times, civil and military officials were sharply divided, each disdaining the other, and a leader proficient in both was rare.

What magical charm or remarkable abilities did he possess? He had reversed the fate of the Yellow Turbans, which her father had built for years only to see destroyed, and made the Han people’s former enemies, the nomads, bow before him.

“Smack, smack”—lost in her musings, Zhang Ning was startled by the unconscious smacking of Wang Bo’s lips in sleep, prompting a soft laugh. Seeing his untended, messy beard, she felt a wave of tender affection.

Instinctively, she moved behind Wang Bo, placed her delicate hands on his temples, and began to massage gently, humming an unfamiliar tune through her lovely nose. Before long, Wang Bo’s snoring thundered, prompting Xu Chu to peek in with a grin.

A brief, restful sleep was interrupted when Wang Bo, stretching unconsciously, nearly rolled off the chair. Zhang Ning, again lost in thought, quickly caught him, preventing a fall.

Wang Bo, bleary-eyed, opened them to see a smiling, slightly embarrassed face. He hastily rubbed his eyes, confirmed he wasn’t dreaming, and tried to stand, only for his numb legs to betray him, causing him to topple sideways once more.

---

Fortunately, Zhang Ning, hardened by years in the military, was not as delicate as most women. Quick and agile, she caught Wang Bo before he could embarrass himself in front of her. Once steady, he scratched his head, embarrassed: “Ah... Thank you, Sa... Ning’er. Please, have a seat!” He pulled over a chair.

“Pfft! No need for ceremony, Brother Qingyi!” Zhang Ning laughed, then sat opposite Wang Bo, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. As his gaze met hers, she bit her lip and lowered her head slightly.

“Ning’er, wait a moment, I'll prepare some tea!” Wang Bo, seeing her hesitant to speak, offered a polite excuse to mask his awkwardness.

“No need, Brother Qingyi! I have something to discuss!” Zhang Ning stopped him as he tried to rise, and Wang Bo obediently sat to listen.

“Qingyi!”

“Yes?”

“Ning’er... wishes to marry you!” With her cheeks suddenly flushed, Zhang Ning bit her lip and finally uttered the words that caught Wang Bo entirely off guard.

Her declaration stunned Wang Bo into silence, mumbling incoherently, unsure how to respond.

Though Wang Bo had long admired the beautiful, forthright, and heroic Zhang Ning, viewing her as his destined companion—and his soldiers saw their lord and the “Saint Maiden” as a perfect match—the notions from his previous life made him hesitant. He always felt Zhang Ning was too young, unable to overcome the mental hurdle. Though his self-doubt had diminished with victories and adulation, he still lacked the confidence to act boldly; his heart was mischievous, but his courage lagged behind.

Zhang Ning’s confession, though after a moment’s hesitation, was clearly well considered. Wang Bo admired her direct and unpretentious nature; such a character resonated with someone carrying memories of another life. Still, he had not expected her to be so straightforward about such an important matter—something rare even in his more liberal former world, let alone in a society where women were subordinate.

Perhaps only a woman like Zhang Ning, raised in rebellion and hardened by the camp, could love and hate so boldly. Wang Bo, still dumbfounded, his mouth agape, thoughts whirling, finally steadied himself. Looking at her delicate, blushing face, recalling those stunning words from her enticing lips, he felt a surge of laughter, though he knew it would embarrass her. If she turned away as Zhang Yan had, things would be hard to mend.

“Cough!” He touched his nose, suppressed a smile, and feigned a cough. “Ning’er? That... Actually...”—but as he spoke, he heard the odd tone in his own voice.

“Pfft!” Already embarrassed, Zhang Ning saw the usually confident Wang Bo more nervous than herself, and a pair of charming dimples appeared on her face. Wang Bo chuckled, which to Zhang Ning seemed a silly laugh.

Zhang Ning raised her lovely brows: “Could it be Brother Qingyi does not...?”

“No, not at all... How could you think so?” Wang Bo stepped forward, quickly interrupting her, then composed himself: “I was just sleepy and didn’t fully grasp your words!”

“Do you think my request is too abrupt?” Zhang Ning teased.

“Indeed, indeed. Even if two hearts are in harmony, marriage is a serious matter; I thought to wait until you were older...” Wang Bo replied, a little embarrassed by her praise.

“Brother Qingyi, you were tutored from a young age, then went from war to war, migration after migration, with little time for such matters. In Han custom, a man your age would already have several wives and children! I have long passed my coming-of-age. Rare is your dedication to building a cause, not indulging in women—a virtue I deeply admire!”

“I am hardly as good as you say. Our brothers have only just found footing, and I dare not slacken. When...” Wang Bo replied, humbled by her praise.

---

“Brother Qingyi, you are mistaken! Marriage is the natural order for men and women, and no hero or gentleman is exempt. You are not an ordinary man; your every deed is watched. To marry and have children, to continue your line, is paramount—our comrades eagerly await it! This must not be delayed, and should be settled soon!”

Zhang Ning spoke eloquently, then took a breath and continued: “I lost my mother young, followed my father through hardships, and thus lack the typical girlish airs. To fulfill my father’s unfinished wishes is only right. Moreover, you are truly a remarkable man. Since coming to Xinghan City, everything I’ve seen and heard has shown your extraordinary talent and sincere character; my admiration knows no bounds, and I have no regrets in entrusting my life to you!”

Seeing Wang Bo still smiling, she explained further: “Though my father has passed, his followers are numerous, spread across several provinces. During my travels in Qing and Chong, I felt their devotion firsthand. Sadly, leaderless now, they act independently, sometimes misled by vile men. If a true leader arises, all would rally to him! You are that leader, Brother Qingyi. Our union would be just and proper, helping gather the scattered believers.”

Hearing her words, Wang Bo looked steadily at Zhang Ning with great emotion: what an extraordinary woman! Despite her youth, she saw things clearly and had strong opinions. Meeting Zhang Ning was truly a blessing earned from a previous life! Thinking of his own awkward sixteen-year-old self...

“What are you thinking, Brother Qingyi?”

“Hehe, nothing!” Wang Bo replied, then asked, a bit nervously, “Ning’er, your courage matches any man's, and I deeply admire you! I wish for nothing more than your heart, but would you not feel wronged? Should we wait a few more years?”

“You are mistaken! To establish a family and career is a man’s duty; an early marriage and heir would reassure our soldiers. Now that Cloud Central is settled, Xinghan Army has a foundation; soon, people will seek stability, but the winds of change will not cease. The Han court is dim, and in a few years, chaos will engulf the land! Would you be content to remain in this small corner of Cloud Central and Dingxiang, without ambition?”

As she spoke, Zhang Ning watched Wang Bo’s expression grow serious, and continued: “I believe Brother Qingyi should gather the frontier refugees, spread the news of Xinghan’s stability, unite the people and soldiers, and marry soon to achieve this. Once Cloud Central is secure, we can expand to Wuyuan, Shuofang, Pingcheng...”

“Excellent! Ning’er, you truly have the talent of a king’s aide! Meeting you is my great fortune—surely you will be my wise partner! Haha…” Excited, Wang Bo inadvertently revealed his feelings.

“Brother Qingyi, you flatter me! Well... think it over yourself. I’ll excuse myself now!” As a woman, she was embarrassed by his “wise partner” remark, gave him a shy, reproachful look, and fled the tent.

The sight of Zhang Ning’s charming, bashful glance left Wang Bo dazed, oblivious even to her departure.

The next day dawned bright and clear. Wang Bo, freshly groomed, found even the oppressive summer heat pleasant. Humming a tune, he arrived in the conference room and had Niu Er summon Tian Chou, Chen Rong, and others, declaring he had important matters to discuss.

Once gathered, Wang Bo, beaming, was about to share his good news from last night’s discussion with Zhang Ning when Yang Feng, dusty from travel, strode in, clasped his fists, and said, “My lord, all is well. The Zhen clan’s supply convoy has entered the valley outside Yuhu Pass. I returned ahead to report the news.”

“No need for ceremony, Brother! Come, come, Qingyi has good news to announce, and your timely return is perfect for us to discuss plans.” Wang Bo, joy evident in his voice, gestured for Yang Feng to sit.

He then shared his decision from his conversation with Zhang Ning, and the room erupted in congratulations. Xu Chu, Niu Meng, and the other simple-minded men grinned ear to ear, louder than if they’d married themselves; even Tian Chou and Chen Rong, both over fifty, abandoned their usual decorum, applauding and laughing heartily. Fortunately, Wang Bo hadn’t invited Zhou Cang, Pei Yuan Shao, and the Wolf Owl Guard to join, or they would have turned the conference room upside down.