Feng Wuzhe's expression changed immediately.

The Donghu were actually just a small tribe.

Probably only about 30,000 to 50,000 people.

It started in the direction north of Liaodong.

It is also the overlord of the grassland.

However, the rise of the Liao Dynasty gradually squeezed the Donghu's living space. Ultimately, the Donghu were forced to surrender to the Liao, nominally becoming a Liao vassal and paying annual tribute. Among those stationed in the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun were Donghu. They had always coveted Buyeo, given its fertile land. However, their power was insufficient, and they were unable to defeat even Goguryeo.

"Yes." Choi Keun-suk nodded seriously and whispered, "This matter was negotiated personally by Gao Suwen, and the King of Donghu has already agreed. Gao Suwen has already promised that if the Donghu can capture Buyeo City by then, he will hand over all of Buyeo to the Donghu. You defeated the main force of the Liao Kingdom and captured Shuofang County last year, so the Liao Kingdom also agreed and is even willing to send some troops to assist the Donghu in taking the city. They should have a total of 30,000 elite troops. As long as your main force leaves the city to attack the royal city, they will ride south at any time. If you capture Buyeo City, you will cut off your retreat."

"This is really cruel!"

Feng Jie walked forward.

Looking at the sand table, his eyes were cold.

This is the heroic act of Goguryeo: cutting off one’s arm!

They chose to abandon the large territory of Buyeo.

Allowing the Donghu people to settle in meant getting help from the Liao Kingdom.

First, the retreat of Feng Wuze's main force was cut off, making it difficult to transport military equipment to the rear. If something happened, the news could not be quickly transmitted to Liaodong.

As for taking the sea route?

The sea route can currently only protect Ning Que's army.

Because of the existence of Wangcheng and the Han River, Feng Wuze and Ningque were divided into two battlefields. If their retreat was cut off and they were unable to quickly break through Wangcheng and reunite with Ningque, they would likely be defeated due to lack of food and supplies!

"I've delivered the message." Choi Keun-suk raised his hand and continued, "I'm taking the risk of leaving the city. I can't stay outside for too long. Roughly speaking, the prince will take action soon. As for how to respond later, it depends on Duke Feng."

"I'll take my leave."

"Okay! Feng Jie, go see him off."

Feng Wuzhe raised his hand to signal.

Looking at the letter in his hand, he seemed to be thinking about something.

Ning Que did not tell Cui Genshuo about this, but handed it to him in this way, which means that this matter is very important and the news cannot be leaked.

He opened the sealed mud seal, and found a toothpick-thin clip inside that had been broken. Feng Wuze took out the toothpick and examined it against the light. There was a mark left by Ning Que on it.

Ning Que had told him this was his unique little trick. The clip was sealed with mud, so if the letter was opened, the clip would break. Even if the mud was resealed later, it would be known that someone had read the letter.

The more Feng Wuzhe looked at it, the more strange it seemed.

Why are you so cautious for no reason?

What kind of news is it that requires avoiding Choi Keun Suk?

He took out the letter, which was written in Ning Que's handwriting. As he read it, Feng Wuze's expression changed completely. His breathing became rapid, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

After watching all of them, I was petrified.

Trembling, he placed the letter on the candle flame.

Watching the letter being burned and turned into ashes.

Only then did I breathe a sigh of relief.

If it weren't Ning Que's handwritten letter, he would have thought it was a ulterior motive, meant to sow discord. Though the letter contained less than a thousand words, every single one was a gem, enough to overturn the entire Dafeng. It was no wonder Ning Que took it so seriously, even asking Cui Genshuo to deliver it to him.

"Dad, what did Xiao Ning say in the letter?"

"Why do you look like that?"

"Could it be that something happened to Xiao Ning?"

When Feng Jie came back, he was stunned when he saw Feng Wuze's expression. He hurried forward, but Feng Wuze remained indifferent. He just stared at the ashes on the table, trembling all over.

"Dad? What happened?!"

"Ahem, you're back?"

"I've already sent him away." Feng Jie frowned and whispered, "Dad, you don't have to worry too much. Even if the Donghu attack us from the rear, I can lead the troops to defend it. The Donghu are powerful on the grasslands, but they are also known for their cavalry. If they want to launch a siege, I can hold out for a few months without any problem."

"call……"

Only then did Feng Wuzhe come to his senses.

He let out a long sigh and glanced at Feng Jie.

"Come with me for a walk."

"Dad, what's going on?"

"Shut up."

Feng Wuzhe said nothing.

He looked around to his left and right, and only breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that no one was around. He refused to allow his personal guards to follow him and walked out of the central army camp.

Now, he finally understood why Ning Que had gone through so much trouble, ultimately having Choi Keun-suk secretly deliver the letter to him. After all, with so many people in the army, many of them were the emperor's spies.

Feng Jie had many doubts in his mind.

But he still followed closely behind.

When they reached a secluded and quiet place, Feng Wuze looked at the busy Goguryeo people in the distance and finally breathed a sigh of relief. He turned around, stared at Feng Jie, and whispered, "Listen to what I say later. Remember, you must not tell anyone about this. Not even your wife and children!"

"ah?"

"Shut up and just listen!"

“…”

Feng Wuze lowered his voice, "Xiao Ning's letter contains a lot of content, so I will make it short. Fengdi is not the son of the previous emperor, but is most likely from the Gu family."

"What?!"

Feng Jie's eyes almost popped out.

But facing Feng Wuzhe's cold eyes, he quickly swallowed back what he was about to say.

"This is all written in Xiao Ning's letter, so you don't have to be surprised. The Emperor deliberately framed the former Crown Prince to recapture Yanyun, and later executed his entire family. He has been deliberately approaching Xiao Ning since he was young, hoping to cling to the support of the Ning Prince's Mansion. With the full support of the old Ning Prince, he finally ascended the throne. According to Xiao Ning's speculation, the sudden death of the late Emperor was likely related to him."

"However, truth will eventually come to light." Feng Wuzhe looked into the distance and whispered, "The person who was originally replaced with Emperor Feng was Gu Shuang, the Empress Dowager's aunt. For some reason, she was eventually expelled from the palace and exiled to the western frontier. The old Prince Ning probably knew this news, so he went to Xiliang to investigate under the pretext of a western expedition. Emperor Feng also knew this news, so he used some trickery to pass the news to Tian Zhongxun. Tian Zhongxun asked Gu Yuan to find an opportunity to notify Xiliang, and finally killed them and their 30,000 troops in Hulu Valley!"

“Gulp…”

Feng Jie swallowed.

At this moment, I just felt a chill down my spine.

"Are these all letters from Xiao Ning?"

"Is it absolutely true?"

"Um."

Feng Wuze nodded.

To be honest, he also couldn't believe it.

But all this can only be true!