A month and more later, Ning Chen reached the western frontier at the head of the Ning'an Army.

The western frontier was a desolate stretch of country, with sand blowing across the whole sky.

The Fourth Prince came five li out of camp with his men to meet him.

Seeing Ning Chen, the Fourth Prince swung down from his horse and came toward him at a fast walk.

The moment they met he gave Ning Chen a bear hug and said excitedly, "You've come at last. I told you long ago to come to the western frontier and fight with me."

Ning Chen smiled. "The Fourth Prince's news travels quickly."

The Fourth Prince laughed out loud. "Quickly, nothing. Father Emperor's edict came by eight-hundred-li express and got here long before you."

Ning Chen stopped short.

The Fourth Prince went on. "Father Emperor's edict says I am to give you my full cooperation... Come on, come on, into the city first. We have to drink until we drop."

"Truly, in the capital I never had the chance for a proper drink with you. Today nobody goes home sober."

Ning Chen mounted and led the army after the Fourth Prince toward Xiguan City.

On the way Ning Chen glanced at the Fourth Prince. "Does the Fourth Prince know what this prince has come to the western frontier for?"

The Fourth Prince looked at him with astonishment all over his face. "What did you just call yourself?"

Ning Chen stopped short. "His Majesty made me Prince Who Holds the Realm. The Fourth Prince didn't know?"

The Fourth Prince's mouth opened, and his whole face was shocked. "You've been made a prince?"

Ning Chen nodded.

Envy came over the Fourth Prince's face. "Apart from a few princes of another surname at the founding of the country, there has never been one since."

"Ning Chen, the speed of your rise is enough to make a man envious."

"Father Emperor really does dote on you. No wonder everyone in the capital says you and Father Emperor are more like father and son."

The Fourth Prince suddenly…