Morning had barely settled over Shen City when urgent news arrived.
A border patrol unit rushed through the city gates, their horses exhausted, armor stained with dust and blood.
Commander Han was summoned immediately.
Within moments, he stood before Qin Wang Shan inside the council hall.
"Your Highness," Han said grimly, "a village near the western border was attacked last night."
The hall fell silent.
"Bandits?" Qin Wang Shan asked calmly.
Han shook his head.
"Not ordinary ones."
He placed a bloodstained cloth bundle on the table and unwrapped it.
Inside lay a broken arrow.
Longer than common arrows.
Its head narrow and sharp.
Qin Wang Shan recognized the design.
Nomadic tribes from beyond the western plains.
They rarely crossed into imperial territory.
Unless something pushed them.
"Casualties?" the prince asked.
Han's voice hardened.
"Several villagers killed. Livestock taken. Survivors fleeing toward the city."
Silence lingered.
This was no random raid.
This was a test.
Not long after, refugees began arriving at Shen City's gates.
Families carrying children.
Wounded men supported by relatives.
Fear spread quickly.
Rumors followed faster.
"War is coming."
"The border is broken."
Panic whispered through the streets.
Inside the command hall, officers argued.
"We must fortify the gates."
"Send soldiers immediately."
"Protect the city first!"
Commander Han looked to Qin Wang Shan.
All voices quieted.
Qin Wang Shan spoke calmly.
"If we only defend," he said, "they will return."
His gaze sharpened.
"Raiders strike where resistance is weak."
He turned toward Han.
"How far from the city?"
"Half a day's ride."
Close.
Too close.
The prince made his decision.
"Prepare cavalry."
Han blinked.
"Your Highness… you intend to pursue them?"
Qin Wang Shan nodded.
"If they believe Shen City is weak, more will come."
His voice hardened.
"So we show them they are wrong."
Outside, soldiers began preparing rapidly.
Armor secured.
Weapons checked.
Horses saddled.
The newly trained elite unit gathered silently.
Their movements calm.
Disciplined.
Ready.
Commander Han approached quietly.
"Your Highness," he said, "this will be your first real battle."
Qin Wangshan mounted his horse.
"In my previous life," he said softly, "I died without protecting anyone."
He looked toward the western horizon.
"This time, I will not watch from behind walls."
The gates opened.
And Shen City's soldiers rode out to meet their first true test.