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Yang Shaoyou received the imperial decree with gratitude, and immediately began to mobilize his troops, marching straight towards Wei Bridge to engage in fierce combat with the enemy forces. The vanguard led by Yang Shaoyou advanced like a hot knife through butter, capturing Tubo's Left Wise King in one fell swoop. The Tubo army suffered heavy losses, their morale shattered, forcing them to abandon their armor and flee in panic. Seizing the opportunity, Yang Shaoyou pursued relentlessly, achieving three consecutive victories, killing over thirty thousand enemy soldiers and capturing more than eight thousand warhorses. When the news of these victories reached the capital, Emperor Dragon Countenance was greatly pleased and promptly issued an edict commanding Yang Shaoyou to return to court. After the triumphant army returned, the emperor rewarded all those who had contributed to the victory. Although Yang Shaoyou was in the military, his mind was focused on the ongoing battle. He submitted a memorial to the emperor stating:
"I have heard that in warfare, it is crucial to leave no room for error in strategy. If we miss a good opportunity, it will be difficult to establish merit later. I have also learned that victorious armies are most prone to underestimating their enemies; if we do not strike hard while the enemy is weary, it will be challenging to completely eliminate them. Currently, Tubo's forces are still strong, and their weapons are quite sophisticated; however, they are ultimately an unprovoked army on a long expedition. We are in a position of advantage, having the benefit of time and place on our side. This is why I have achieved some insignificant victories while the enemy has been retreating steadily and their strength is waning. Military strategy dictates that we must pursue victory relentlessly and strike hard at those who are down. If we fail to expand our gains, it can only be due to insufficient supplies or unfavorable terrain. Now that Tubo's army is demoralized, it is the best time for us to pursue them vigorously. There is a large stockpile of provisions in Xiongzhou City, so we need not worry about supply issues; furthermore, the vast plains are most conducive for our forces to deploy without fear of ambush from the enemy. If we can continue our advance and closely pursue the enemy, we will surely be able to annihilate them completely and achieve total victory. It perplexes me that our army has halted its pursuit after achieving temporary success and has rashly returned home instead of continuing our campaign against them. Therefore, I earnestly request Your Majesty to widely consult with the court officials to formulate a detailed battle plan and allow me to lead our forces in continuing the pursuit of the enemy straight into their stronghold. Although I cannot burn down Longcheng like Dou Xian or capture Yanzhi like Huo Qubing, I swear that I will completely eliminate the enemy without giving them any chance to regroup and relieve Your Majesty's concerns regarding Tubo!"
After reading Yang Shaoyou's memorial, the emperor greatly admired his loyalty and ambition and immediately promoted him to Grand Inspector as well as Minister of War and Grand Marshal of the Western Expedition. He also bestowed upon him the Imperial Sword, Crimson Bow and Scarlet Arrow, Celestial Jade Belt, along with the White Banner and Yellow Axe symbolizing supreme power and honor. The emperor further decreed that troops would be gathered from Hedong, Shuofang, and Longxi to reinforce Yang Shaoyou. Yang Shaoyou expressed his gratitude for the imperial decree and took his leave from the emperor. Choosing an auspicious day for a flag-raising ceremony, he then set out with his army.
In warfare, he possessed divine strategies akin to those found in Six Strategies and Three Tactics; in formations, he exhibited marvelous changes reminiscent of Eight Trigrams mysteries. The army marched in an orderly fashion with strict military discipline; they were truly formidable and unstoppable. Within a few months' time, he recaptured over fifty lost territories and advanced directly towards the snowy mountains.
One day while advancing, a strange wind suddenly swept past before him followed by a Magpie cawing as it flew across their ranks. Yang Shaoyou interpreted this as an omen: an enemy ambush was imminent but ultimately his forces would prevail. Thus he ordered his troops to camp at the foot of the mountain, surrounding themselves with deer antlers and thorns while preparing for battle.
That night, Yang Shaoyou sat in his tent reading military texts by candlelight when a patrolling soldier reported that it was already past midnight. Suddenly a chilling wind extinguished his candlelight; then a cold breeze swept through as a woman floated down from mid-air into his tent. She held a short sword over a foot long with a pale complexion resembling frost or snow. Yang Shaoyou recognized her intent was assassination but remained unfazed; he asked calmly: "Who are you? Why have you intruded upon my camp at night?" The woman replied: "I am sent by Tubo's national master Zanfu specifically to take your head!" Upon hearing this, Yang Shaoyou laughed heartily: "What fear is there in death for a man? If you wish to kill me, do so quickly!" Unexpectedly, upon hearing this she hurriedly threw her short sword onto the ground and bowed her head in thanks: "You misunderstand me! How could I dare harm you?" Yang Shaoyou stepped forward to help her up and asked: "Since you entered my camp with a weapon drawn, why do you not kill me? What is your reason?" The woman replied: "I intended to explain my background but this matter is significant; it may not be something that can be clarified quickly."
Yang Shaoyou invited her to sit down and asked: "Miss Qianli traveled far without regard for danger just to see me; surely you have some purpose? Can you tell me?" The woman said: "Though I bear the name of an assassin, I harbor no such intentions; my sincere feelings must be explained." With that she stood up and lit another candle before sitting down before Yang Shaoyou. This woman had her long black hair elegantly styled up with golden hairpins; she wore a sleeved battle robe embroidered with dianthus flowers along with phoenix-tail boots while hanging a Longquan sword at her waist—her beauty was striking like begonia blossoms after rain.
If she were not Hua Mulan disguised as her father’s soldier or Red Thread Woman who stole treasures from clever thieves then who could she be? She continued: "I am originally from Yangzhou; my family has been subjects of Tang for generations. I lost my parents at a young age and followed an extraordinary woman who taught me swordsmanship. This woman was unparalleled in skill and took three disciples: Qin Haiyue, Golden Rainbow, and myself Shen Niao Yan. After three years of training in swordplay my master imparted us techniques allowing us to travel thousands of miles swiftly as if riding on wind or chasing lightning.
Our skills were comparable but whenever my master sought revenge or eliminated evildoers she would only send my senior sister or junior sister but never me. I asked my master: 'We three serve you together learning swordplay—why can my sisters assist you while I cannot? Am I too dull-witted for such responsibilities?' My master replied: 'You are different from them; your path lies ahead where you will achieve great things eventually. If you act like them now shouting about killing enemies wouldn’t that diminish your merits? That’s why I do not send you.' I asked again: 'If so then what use is my hard work learning swordsmanship?' My master said: 'Your fate from your past life lies within Tang; your destined partner will be someone wealthy and noble.
Now you find yourself in foreign lands where meeting him is inconvenient; thus I teach you swordsmanship so that one day you may go back to Tang seeking your fated partner amidst millions of soldiers where you shall find love among war.' This spring my master told me again: 'Now that Tang Emperor has dispatched generals against Tubo while Tubo’s Zanpu seeks assassins intending harm against Tang generals—you must descend from your mountain home traveling into Tubo competing against those swordsmen.
This way you can avert disaster for Tang generals while also fulfilling your past life’s destiny.' Following my master's orders I ventured alone into Tubo revealing myself on their recruitment notice board where Zanpu summoned me for swordplay competitions—I swiftly cut off over ten opponents’ topknots! Zanpu was delighted sending word saying: 'Once you take down Tang’s general’s head I shall make you a favored consort.' Now standing before General here indeed fulfills my master’s words.
I wish henceforth to serve by your side—what say you?" Upon hearing this Yang Shaoyou was overjoyed saying: "You saved my life yet wish to dedicate yourself—how can I repay such kindness? If you do not mind I wish to grow old together with you." That night they shared a bed together—the cold gleam of blades replaced candlelight while sounds of drums replaced melodies played on string instruments.
In Fubo Camp under flowing moonlight outside Yumen Pass spring returned once more—this fervor within military encampments could hardly compare less than splendid palaces adorned with intricate carvings or colorful draperies.
From then on Yang Shaoyou spent every day with Shen Niao Yan neglecting military affairs until three days passed when Shen Niao Yan finally said: "A military camp is no place for women long-term; besides if I remain here it may hinder your authority." After saying this she prepared to leave. Yang Shaoyou grasped Shen Niao Yan's hand saying: "You are unlike ordinary women—I seek your counsel on strategies against enemies! How can you just leave?" Shen Niao Yan smiled sweetly replying: "With your might General it would be easy enough for you to subdue Tubo bandits as if reaching into your pocket—there's no need for concern! My coming here was under orders from my master—not farewell forever.
I will return home reporting back then temporarily reside within mountains awaiting your triumphant return before visiting capital." Hearing this Yang Shaoyou showed hesitation saying: "If you leave now Zanpu will surely send more assassins—how shall I defend myself then?" Shen Niao Yan laughed saying: "Even if there were many assassins they would never match me! Moreover if they knew I've pledged allegiance who would dare come seeking death again?" With that she pulled out a pearl saying: "This pearl named Maio Wanzhu adorns Zanpu’s crown—General may send someone returning this item letting him know I've made up my mind never returning."
Yang Shaoyou took hold of the pearl pondering momentarily asking further: "Is there anything else you'd like me informed about?" Shen Niao Yan thought briefly replying: "As General proceeds ahead you'll pass through Snake Valley—a place devoid of water sources so please exercise caution! It would be best if soldiers could dig wells ensuring provisions remain secure." Yang Shaoyou wished to inquire more but saw Shen Niao Yan leap away vanishing without trace.
Thus he conveyed her warnings among all soldiers present who upon hearing remarked: "General possesses Fortune beyond measure—your might surely intimidates enemies ensuring divine assistance!"
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