Li Linfu framed them, and rumors spread.

The news of the two consecutive victories on the border flew back to the capital as if it had grown wings, reaching the imperial palace. The emperor was delighted after reading the report and immediately issued an edict to reward the soldiers of the Zhenbei Army, awarding them a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk. He also praised Shen Qingci for his "literary and military prowess and maturity beyond his years," intending to recall him to the capital for important positions after the war subsided.

Upon hearing the news, Li Linfu smashed the jade cup in his hand to the ground, shards flying everywhere. He sat in his armchair, his face ashen, his knuckles white from gripping the armrests tightly: "A mere brat dares to ruin my grand plan!" His trusted aide bowed immediately: "Prime Minister, please calm down. Shen Qingci's prestige on the border is growing daily. If we don't eliminate him soon, he will surely become a major threat in the future."

A ruthless glint flashed in Li Linfu's eyes as he slowly said, "He wants to achieve fame and success? I'll make sure he's utterly disgraced and dies without a proper burial place!"

Three days later, a "secret letter" quietly appeared on the emperor's desk. Written in the voice of the Xiongnu Great Khan, it affectionately addressed Shen Qingci as a "close friend," stating that the two countries had already secretly formed an alliance. Shen Qingci had helped the Xiongnu capture Yanmen Pass, and in return, the Xiongnu had helped him ascend the throne. The letter was stamped with a forged Xiongnu royal seal. Also presented were several "witness testimonies," all from exiled criminals secretly bribed by Li Linfu, who claimed to have witnessed Shen Qingci's secret meeting with the Xiongnu envoy.

Li Linfu, with tears streaming down his face, cried out in the palace: "Your Majesty, Shen Qingci is a wolf in sheep's clothing, daring to collude with the enemy and betray the country! He feigned victory on the border, but in reality, he was clearing obstacles for the Xiongnu. If he is not recalled and punished immediately, I fear the border will be lost and the country will be in danger!"

Officials in the court who were loyal to Li Linfu echoed his sentiments, and impeachments against Shen Qingci poured in like snowflakes. Looking at the "evidence" before him, and recalling Shen Qingci's fierce conflict with Li Linfu in the capital, the emperor gradually became suspicious. Although he admired Shen Qingci's talent, he was also wary of a general holding significant military power plotting a rebellion. He immediately ordered the suspension of Shen Qingci's rewards and commanded a secret investigation into the matter.

Rumors spread like wildfire through the capital, from the imperial court to the common people, with everyone discussing the scandal of the "top scholar's treason." The Shen family mansion was under tight surveillance by soldiers, and Shen Yanzhi and his wife were filled with anxiety, burning incense and praying day and night, yet they were unable to convey the truth to their son on the border. Su Mingyuan repeatedly submitted memorials to defend Shen Qingci, but they were all intercepted by Li Linfu, and he was even ostracized and suppressed. Even the Su family was labeled "suspected of treason."

Shen Qingci, far away on the border, was completely unaware of this. He was busy reforming military discipline, replenishing supplies, and planning how to completely defeat the main force of the Xiongnu. That day, he had just finished discussing tactics with his generals when a trusted soldier rushed into the tent in a panic: "Supervisor, someone from the capital has arrived, saying... saying they've come to investigate your treasonous dealings!"

Shen Qingci stood up abruptly, the map in her hand slipping to the ground: "What did you say? Treason? That's utter nonsense!"

Su Yunqing rushed over upon hearing the news, her face pale but still composed: "Brother Qingci, it must be Li Linfu who framed us in secret. Now that things have come to this, we need to calm down, cooperate with the investigation, and at the same time collect evidence as soon as possible to prove our innocence."

No sooner had the words been spoken than two eunuchs entered the tent with the emperor's decree, their expressions solemn: "Supervisor Shen, His Majesty has ordered that you be suspended from your military duties and return to the capital with us for investigation. Do not fail to comply!"

Upon hearing the news, the soldiers outside the tent crowded around, their faces filled with anger and confusion: "Our supervisor is devoted to the country, how could he possibly be a traitor? Someone must have framed him!" "We are willing to accompany our supervisor back to the capital and testify for him!"

Shen Qingci raised his hand to signal the soldiers to be quiet. His gaze swept over the crowd, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that if he disobeyed the imperial decree now, he would only confirm the charge of treason. He took a deep breath and said to the two eunuchs, "Your Majesty, I obey the decree. However, the border war is raging. I humbly request that I return to the capital to accept my punishment after we have defeated the main force of the Xiongnu."

"Hmph, it seems that Supervisor Shen is trying to stall for time and collude with the Xiongnu, isn't he?" a eunuch sneered. "His Majesty has ordered that we depart immediately without delay!"

Shen Qingci gazed at the distant beacon tower, then at the worried Su Yunqing beside him, his heart turning cold. He knew that this conspiracy, meticulously planned by Li Linfu, had driven him into a corner. And he, Yunqing, the Zhenbei Army, and this land would all face an unprecedented crisis.