Xin Qiji Reincarnates as Huo Qubing

Ancient-to-ancient transmigration. Xin Qiji becomes Huo Qubing. He spent half his life in frustration, his heart burning with passion, wishing only to reclaim lost territory and save the people from the trampling hooves of foreign invaders. But though he was a heroic young man, after half a lifetime of political ups and downs, all he could do in the end was write poetry and songs, keeping company with books and wine in the countryside. His regret never went away. His grandfather named him Xin Qiji to honor that dazzling young warrior, splendid in fine clothes and astride a spirited horse. At eighteen, he won fame in battle, and after his next campaign, he was made a marquis. In his brief twenty-four years, he fought five campaigns in four years, conquered six states in five days, raced a thousand miles to strike, pioneered lightning warfare, and reached Mount Langjuxu to perform the victory rite. He watered his horses in the vast northern sea. His achievements were Xin Qiji’s lifelong aspiration, a height beyond the reach of countless Chinese generals. Heaven gave him a chance: Xin Qiji could become Huo Qubing and continue the great work of expanding the empire’s borders that Huo Qubing had left unfinished. With the absolute trust of Emperor Wu of Han above him and the wholehearted support of his subordinates below, he had the fiery passion of youth and the wisdom accumulated in old age. This time, he would take up arms and fight until the skies turned dark, until rivers of blood flowed. I, Huo Qubing (Xin Qiji), have come by order of the Great Han Emperor to slay the enemy. No, I have come to proclaim an imperial edict: Wherever the sun and moon reach is Han territory; everyone with two legs is a Han subject. Does anyone object? The Xiongnu? Aren’t they gone? What? They fled? To the Western Regions? Then we’ll fight the Western Regions. The “Disaster of the Witchcraft Curse”? Don’t worry, I killed Jiang Chong, and I married Consort Gouyi. Emperor Zhao of Han? Sorry, you won’t appear this time. Huo Guang, if your elder brother were alive, and you could only choose one of these two things, serving as Grand Marshal alongside him or holding power over the entire court, which would you choose? Big brother, do you even have to ask? Of course I’d choose to have you alive. Good! Then, Minister Huo, please resign.