The Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, the birthplace of the Great Yan dynasty.
Chen Ye transmigrated there seventeen years ago and has done only two things: make money and raise an army. The fearsome Northern Rong cavalry is right next door, after all.
Unexpectedly, the emperor is the first to lose his nerve.
An imperial edict accuses Chen Ye of colluding with the enemy, strips him of his title, throws him in prison, and exiles his entire family.
Chen Ye calmly hands over his military authority and disbands the Yanyun Army, which he built with real gold and silver.
The officials at court mock him as “a tiger with its teeth pulled.”
The Northern Rong rejoice. A hundred thousand cavalry ride south, sweeping through everything in their path. The capital is in danger.
The emperor sends twelve urgent orders, commanding Chen Ye to raise another army and redeem himself through service.
Chen Ye tosses the imperial tallies into the fire and tells the messenger, “Tell His Majesty not to worry.”
“My men have already reached the capital.”
“And tell him that the city beneath his feet has my royal banner hanging over its gates.”
