The Warlord’s Beloved Strategist

The era was one of warlords and military upheaval, a dangerous time where the shadows of conflict stretched across the land. It was within this tumultuous setting that the widowed mother of Dư Uyển Uyển, her voice laced with the grief of recent loss, pleaded with her daughter. “Uyển Uyển, your father fell in the warlord’s war. I cannot lose you, too. I have made it clear to the Warlord’s headquarters: we renounce all military merit. I only wish for you to stay far from the battlefield, find a good husband, and live a peaceful life.”

Uyển Uyển, the young woman at the heart of this tragedy, carried the heavy burden of her mother’s anxiety and the legacy of her military father, an officer (Phó Quan Dư) who died honorably in battle. She had been promised to Tạ Thiên Chi, a young man who aspired to great things. As he prepared to leave for his studies abroad, Uyển Uyển provided him with the funds, sacrificing her family dowry to fuel his ambition.

“Uyển Uyển, I am deeply grateful that you used your dowry to support my studies overseas. But the situation is tense right now. I have booked the train ticket for tonight, and I must leave immediately,” Tạ Thiên Chi stated hastily, his eyes fixed on the future, not her.

“Tonight?” she asked, a knot tightening in her chest.

“Yes. But I will return soon. Wait for me until I come back having achieved my education.”

Uyển Uyển, though deeply hurt by his sudden departure and lack of affection, gave him her promise. “I will wait for you.”

Three years passed. The day Tạ Thiên Chi was expected to return, it was Uyển Uyển’s maid, Như Ý, who nervously announced his arrival. But the returning scholar was not alone.

“Who is she?” Uyển Uyển demanded as Tạ Thiên Chi introduced a poised, confident woman.

“Allow me to introduce you,” Tạ Thiên Chi announced, his tone cold and formal. “This is Miss Hà Tuệ Châu, the first female professor at Yanjing University. I share a deep affinity with Tuệ Châu and we plan to marry next month. As for you, Uyển Uyển, tell me, what should we do with her?”

Tuệ Châu, radiating arrogance, cut in smoothly. “Mr. Hà Văn, my father, is the Principal of Yanjing University. In terms of social standing, you, Miss Dư, are only suitable to be a concubine. You would not suffer any hardship.”

The insult, delivered with such calm certainty, ignited Uyển Uyển’s pride. “What if he is Principal Hà Văn? My young lady here…”

Before the confrontation could escalate, Tạ Thiên Chi’s mother, Tạ Phu Nhân, rushed in, ecstatic. “My son is home! Hurry, prepare dinner! My son, let me look at you! Mother missed you so much! My son is so talented now. This marriage is excellent! A university principal as a relative? His annual salary must be at least 100,000 yuan! It will help my son ascend the social ranks and grow wealthy! This is perfect!”

Ignoring the blatant greed, Uyển Uyển made her stand. “I do not agree to this marriage.”

Tạ Thiên Chi’s mask of civility dropped. “Dư Uyển Uyển, this marriage was arranged by my mother. Furthermore, you are merely the daughter of a deceased merchant. What gives you the right to compare yourself to Tuệ Châu? Your father was only a small adjutant, and his yearly salary wasn’t even enough for my father’s entertainment expenses. I only tolerate you like a pet cat or dog. Now, accept the gracious offer of Miss Hà and stay in the Tạ family as a concubine.”

The fury in Uyển Uyển was palpable. “You dare insult me? You and Miss Hà Tuệ Châu are mutually fond of each other, so why didn’t you write a letter to inform me earlier? I, Dư Uyển Uyển, am not some shameless woman to cling to you! You dare to double-cross me like this? You seek her power while still coveting my dowry and assets? I… the tuition for your three years of study abroad all came from my maternal family’s dowry!”

Tạ Thiên Chi sneered. “Dư Uyển Uyển, your father died in battle, and your maternal family is in decline. What if I used your money? Do you think you are still part of the Tạ family?”

“Then just be a concubine,” Tuệ Châu added with cold finality.

“You dare humiliate me?” Uyển Uyển’s hand flashed, producing a pistol aimed directly at Hà Tuệ Châu’s head.

“Uyển Uyển, drop the gun,” Tạ Thiên Chi yelled in alarm.

Tuệ Châu, convinced Uyển Uyển was a mere merchant’s daughter who had never seen a gun, scoffed. “I don’t believe you know how to use that thing. Go on, shoot! You can’t even hold a steady aim!”

“You’re right, I don’t know how to use a gun,” Uyển Uyển said, her voice dangerously calm. “That makes it very easy to accidentally pull the trigger. If I accidentally shoot someone in the head, it would truly be unintentional, wouldn’t it, Miss Hà?”

Tuệ Châu was stunned into silence. Uyển Uyển, with a look of cold determination, fired a warning shot that shattered a nearby vase, forcing Tuệ Châu to flinch and stumble.

“Tuệ Châu! Are you alright?” Tạ Thiên Chi rushed to the professor.

Uyển Uyển lowered the gun, her voice cutting through the panic. “Dư Uyển Uyển, I will only say this once: I will never be a concubine in this life.”

After she left, Như Ý, her loyal maid, expressed her admiration. “They have no idea that you disguised yourself as a boy and followed the adjutant to the front lines since childhood. You handle a gun better than a pair of chopsticks! They dare ridicule you! My lady, should we leave? Will the Tạ family truly chase us out?”

“No,” Uyển Uyển replied, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “They still need my assets to live. We must not be cast aside, but we cannot divorce easily either.” Uyển Uyển knew that while the Warlord had recently decreed a divorce law, no woman had yet taken the shame of being the first to divorce her husband.

“Others may or may not divorce, but I, Dư Uyển Uyển, will not only divorce, but I will also reclaim every piece of dowry they have swallowed, and I will divorce with honor and dignity!”

Uyển Uyển revealed her secret: her maternal grandfather, the former customs bureau chief, had quietly handed over all business affairs to her control years ago. The Dư family, outwardly perceived as having declined, was, in reality, a sprawling enterprise spanning multiple industries. She instructed Như Ý to quickly transfer all shops and real estate under her name to her mother’s name before the Tạ family could plot to seize them.

She then made her way to the city’s most luxurious Western restaurant, run by her business partner, Trần Phong, the rumored “Richest Merchant of the Southwest.”

The next day, Tạ Thiên Chi and Hà Tuệ Châu arrived at the same restaurant, only to find Uyển Uyển already dining there.

“Dư Uyển Uyển, I explained everything yesterday. I’m meeting Tuệ Châu today. You don’t need to stalk me,” Tạ Thiên Chi snapped.

“I’m here to eat,” Uyển Uyển calmly corrected him.

Tuệ Châu sneered. “This restaurant is owned by Trần Phong, the Richest Merchant of the Southwest. He specifically invited distinguished guests to enjoy rare wine today. You are here to eat? How ridiculous! Go home! Instead of taking care of your mother, you’re squandering money outside. Truly ill-mannered!”

“The Tạ family uses my Dư family dowry for everything. I am spending my own money. How is that your business?” Uyển Uyển retorted.

Unbeknownst to them, Warlord Cố Tử Ngang, along with his adjutant, was entering the restaurant. He had planned to shake down the “Richest Merchant” Trần Phong for protection money to buy new imported rifles.

Spotting Uyển Uyển, Tuệ Châu continued her public attack. “Dư Uyển Uyển, are you following me? Trying to imitate my fashion? I studied abroad at 13, received a modern education, and am now the first female professor in Yanjing—a role model for all women here. It’s only natural for you to idolize me!”

Uyển Uyển chuckled, a sound full of disdain. “Miss Hà, your self-confidence is truly boundless. The smell of decay on you is too strong. No matter how hard you try, you are just a clumsy imitation, a joke. Go back to your boudoir and stop making a fool of yourself in public.”

When Tạ Thiên Chi tried to have Uyển Uyển removed, Trần Phong, playing his role as the manager, stepped in. “These are all my restaurant’s esteemed guests. Do not be rude!”

Tuệ Châu, trying to assert dominance, declared the restaurant required invitations. “Do you have an invitation?”

“I am afraid I do not,” Uyển Uyển conceded, fully aware she had established that rule herself.

Suddenly, a waiter announced: “Welcome, please come in!” and ushered Uyển Uyển past the arrogant couple.

Inside, Tuệ Châu, regaining her composure, insisted on sitting at the main seat (the position of highest honor). Uyển Uyển, however, made a move for the same chair.

“This is the honored guest’s seat!” Tuệ Châu cried, accidentally knocking over a glass and soaking her dress as she scrambled to claim the chair. “Who are you to compete with me? You have no sense of decorum! Get out of the way! This is my territory. I’ll sit wherever I please!”

“Your territory?” Uyển Uyển scoffed. “I kindly brought you in. Allowing you to sit at the same table is already a great honor. If you cause trouble again, don’t blame me for being impolite.”

As the onlookers whispered about the scandal, Warlord Cố observed the chaotic scene. Uyển Uyển, determined, finally pushed Tuệ Châu back and claimed the seat. “This is my seat!”

Tạ Thiên Chi, trying to save face, pleaded with Uyển Uyển, only to be met with derision. “Tạ Thiên Chi, you are truly a great actor. I never realized your major abroad was actually acting!”

The commotion brought out Trần Phong. Tạ Thiên Chi demanded he throw Uyển Uyển out. But Trần Phong, bowing slightly to Uyển Uyển, simply said, “Miss Dư, I understand you have something to discuss with me.” He then apologized to the surrounding guests and announced that Tạ Thiên Chi and Hà Tuệ Châu were no longer welcome.

“We will not serve you anymore,” Trần Phong declared, tearing Tạ Thiên Chi’s invitation.

“This is not fair! She is the troublemaker!” Tạ Thiên Chi protested.

Trần Phong smiled. “The most deserving person to be expelled is still here. I almost forgot. You, Miss Hà, are also banned from dining here. I invite you and your fiancé to leave.”

“You must be mistaken! This esteemed customer is always treasured. We offer her free, permanent dining and every possible privilege. How could you ban her?” Tuệ Châu shrieked.

“Because I am the owner of this restaurant. This is my territory,” Uyển Uyển announced, the revelation silencing the room.

Tuệ Châu and Tạ Thiên Chi were dumbfounded. Uyển Uyển watched their humiliation with satisfaction. “Tạ Thiên Chi, when I gave you respect, you were my husband. Now you bring your concubine to insult me and expect me to be polite? Never.”

Threatening the Warlord’s authority, Tuệ Châu claimed her fiancé was about to become the Warlord’s new interpreter, a coveted post. “At that point, confiscating this restaurant will be easy.”

As Warlord Cố and his adjutant Thanh Vân watched, the common guests (bribed by Tuệ Châu) began to call for Uyển Uyển’s punishment. A thug, hired by Tuệ Châu, attempted to physically harm Uyển Uyển. Warlord Cố intervened, stopping the assault and protecting Uyển Uyển.

Afterward, the Warlord offered Uyển Uyển a deal: her grandfather’s pharmacy possessed the only source of Sulfanilamide (an essential medicine for wartime injuries) the Warlord needed. He asked her to secure the supply line.

Uyển Uyển refused, citing her family’s motto of non-involvement in military affairs. “Warlord, you should look elsewhere.”

Cố Tử Ngang smiled, looking at her with an intensity that seemed familiar. “Dư Uyển Uyển, this is the first time I have seen someone dare to refuse a Warlord to his face.”

“You will get used to it,” she replied.

“Does that mean we will be meeting often?”

“I did not mean that.”

The Warlord’s smile faded, replaced by a deep melancholy. “Uyển Uyển, after all these years, you are still as intelligent and charming as ever. Do you truly not remember me? A-Uyển, my little sister…” He recalled a childhood memory: a young Cố Tử Ngang teaching her to shoot, making a naive, childish vow. “If I teach you to shoot, you must grow up to be my wife. That way, neither of us loses out.”

“I don’t remember,” Uyển Uyển lied, her composure carefully maintained. “I am still married to Tạ, and I have not divorced. Warlord, please respect yourself.”

Back at the Tạ mansion, Tạ Thiên Chi and Hà Tuệ Châu plotted. Convinced that Uyển Uyển was destitute and a criminal suspect (due to the false accusations of smuggling), they decided to seize the initiative. “Mother, Uyển Uyển has no assets under her name, and she is involved in a smuggling case. We should divorce her immediately. We still have the Hà family’s dowry to look forward to.”

Meanwhile, Uyển Uyển, informed of their intentions, set a trap. She orchestrated a fake confrontation with a “loan shark” (who was actually one of her men). As Tạ Thiên Chi and his mother watched, the “loan shark” aggressively demanded payment, threatening to take Uyển Uyển’s life.

When Tạ Thiên Chi’s mother refused to pay, screaming at Uyển Uyển for bringing trouble to the family, Uyển Uyển, in a fit of staged desperation, pulled her gun and ‘shot’ the loan shark dead in the street, collapsing in hysterics.

The arrival of Warlord Cố Tử Ngang was meticulously planned. He was the only one who could handle this “murder.”

“Warlord, it was her! Dư Uyển Uyển! She borrowed money and shot a man! Execute her immediately and seal off the premises!” Tạ Phu Nhân demanded, convinced she would get rid of Uyển Uyển and keep the dowry.

Warlord Cố feigned sternness. “Dư Uyển Uyển, I previously pardoned you from the smuggling charge because your father was a martyr. But now, murder is a capital crime! I cannot protect you!”

Uyển Uyển, maintaining the ruse, played the distraught wife. “Warlord, a married daughter follows her husband. This crime will implicate the entire Tạ family! Tạ Thiên Chi will follow me to the grave, and my mother will follow him!”

Tạ Phu Nhân was terrified of this outcome. “Nonsense! She is lying! The Tạ family had nothing to do with her!”

Warlord Cố intervened with a solution that benefited him and Uyển Uyển. “The only way to resolve this is to prove she is no longer a member of the Tạ family. If the Tạ family can prove they have no marital relationship with this criminal, they will be cleared of all charges!”

Tạ Phu Nhân eagerly offered to write a divorce letter, but the Warlord stopped her. “Too late. Unless… I hear Tạ Thiên Chi ran off to study abroad on his wedding night, and the marriage was never consummated. Without consummation, the marriage contract is void! Destroy the marriage documents and find a lawyer to prove the annulment. The Tạ family will be free from this killer!”

Tạ Phu Nhân, desperate to save her son, confessed the hidden family assets that she had earlier denied, offering property deeds and bank notes to compensate Uyển Uyển for her dowry—an amount totaling 210,000 silver taels. Uyển Uyển, holding the marriage contract she had kept, secured the transfer of the assets and the annulment document, officially severing ties with the Tạ family.

“And with this,” Uyển Uyển declared, signing the annulment, “the Tạ family and I are officially and irrevocably finished.”

Tạ Phu Nhân, now safe, immediately changed her tone, demanding the Warlord execute Uyển Uyển to secure the property once she was dead. It was then that the ‘murdered’ loan shark, under a cloak, slowly stood up, revealing the entire plot to have been a charade.

“Warlord, you jest! I have never killed anyone!” Uyển Uyển smiled triumphantly. She then exposed the full extent of her wealth, revealing that the textile factory, the shops, and the bank notes had all been transferred to her in the settlement. “The property you thought would return to you will now finance the Dư family’s enterprises! All of this belonged to the Dư family!”

The Tạ family was ruined. Warlord Cố, taking Uyển Uyển’s side, made the humiliation absolute. He summoned the workers from the Tạ textile factory, who had been illegally exploited and injured by the Tạ family. Uyển Uyển, now the legal owner, used the transfer to right the wrongs, promising to pay the workers and hire legal counsel. She publicly demonstrated that her power was not just for personal revenge but for social justice, earning the respect of the Warlord and the people.

Later, Cố Tử Ngang revealed the true threat: Sư Trưởng Lâm, a rival military leader, was secretly colluding with the Japanese military, threatening to plunge the Southwest provinces into war. He needed the Sulfanilamide and the location of a hidden weapons depot, known only to the captured former officer, Lưu Phó Quan. Uyển Uyển, realizing the magnitude of the threat, put aside her family’s non-intervention policy.

In a remarkable display of courage and skill, Uyển Uyển visited the imprisoned Lưu Phó Quan. When he proved obstinate, she challenged the decorated hero to a gun duel, winning the contest, and then appealed to his patriotism, convincing him that Cố Tử Ngang was the true patriot. Lưu Phó Quan, moved by her passion, agreed to help.

Just as Cố Tử Ngang and his forces prepared for the counter-coup, Sư Trưởng Lâm launched his attack, publicly accusing Uyển Uyển of treason (based on Tuệ Châu’s and her thug’s false testimony about the prison visit). The Japanese Colonel joined Lâm, demanding Cố Tử Ngang surrender. In the ensuing firefight, Uyển Uyển threw herself in front of Warlord Cố, taking a bullet intended for him.

Uyển Uyển was rushed to the hospital, gravely wounded. The bullet was removed, but she lay unconscious with a high fever. Her mother, devastated, confronted the Warlord. “Cố Tử Ngang, you vowed to protect the six provinces and my daughter, but you only managed to bring ruin to one and injury to the other. I was wrong about you.”

The Warlord, pale and consumed by guilt, could only confess. “She was shot because of me. I am the one who failed to protect her. But I will not let go of her. No one can take her from me.”

The mother challenged him: “If you were forced to choose between A-Uyển and the well-being of the common people (Giang Sơn), what would you choose?”

“There will be no such day,” Cố Tử Ngang insisted.

“I only ask you to choose!”

“I don’t know,” the Warlord admitted, humbled.

At that moment, Uyển Uyển awoke, having heard their conversation. “Cố Tử Ngang, are you afraid of being with me?”

“I am not afraid of anything, except losing the woman I love and regretting it for the rest of my life,” he responded, his voice thick with emotion.

Her mother, seeing the depth of their commitment and the Warlord’s genuine, if flawed, love, finally relented. “I will not oppose you any longer.”

The Warlord then made a solemn vow, not only to Uyển Uyển but to her family: “Though I cannot choose between A-Uyển and the common people, I vow this: I will place A-Uyển’s life above my own. For every day I am by her side, I will protect her completely.”

Upon her recovery, Uyển Uyển, with the confidence of a woman who had fought for and won her freedom, proposed marriage. “Mother, I want to marry Cố Tử Ngang.”

Her mother sputtered, but the Warlord, sensing her hesitation, quickly offered a compromise. “If you do not want her to marry into the Warlord’s Mansion, I can become the Dư family’s in-house son-in-law. After all, my mother died young, and I have no siblings to fight for my inheritance. I can have Thanh Vân move my belongings here. I just need a study room.”

The mother, aghast at the idea of the powerful Warlord turning her home into his headquarters, immediately caved. “No, no, no! The Warlord’s Mansion is far better! No moving! You two should move there, I will live here in peace.”

Uyển Uyển and Cố Tử Ngang secured their future.

In a final act of closure, Hà Tuệ Châu sent a note, offering an apology and revealing that she was leaving Yicheng to help establish schools for girls in the mountains.

Uyển Uyển and Cố Tử Ngang stood together, their partnership sealed by battle and love. “A-Uyển, my little sister,” he whispered, holding her close. “You must know how happy I am. I want to eat with you, ride horses with you, buy you everything, and sleep beside you.”

“Cố Tử Ngang, have you no shame?” she laughed, taking his hand.

“Since you are more learned than I, you can teach me how to be a better lover, my little apprentice.”

“Seeing how eager you are to learn, I will reluctantly take you on as my pupil,” Uyển Uyển agreed, looking forward to a future where she would not just stand beside him, but stand shoulder-to-shoulder, a strategist and an equal, fighting for her love and her country.