The joy of the Double Ninth Festival banquet had barely faded when urgent military reports from the northern border flooded into the capital like snowflakes. Kumor's army was pressing in, having captured three cities in succession, and the border was in dire need of attention.

The atmosphere inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation was heavy. Xiao Xun, despite his illness, held an urgent meeting with his senior officials.

“Kumor came prepared this time, with far more troops than expected.” The Minister of War said gravely, “Although the Second Prince is brave and valiant, the disparity in troop strength is too great, and he can only defend the city to the death.”

Xiao Chengji frowned deeply: "Your subject requests an imperial decree to reinforce the northern frontier."

“No.” The wise and prudent Duke of Anguo shook his head. “The defenses of the capital must not be relaxed. Although the remnants of the Gu family have been eliminated, it is hard to guarantee that there are no accomplices.”

The ministers argued endlessly. Xiao Xun rubbed his temples and looked at Qi Mingxuan, who had remained silent: "Mingxuan, what are your thoughts?"

Qi Mingxuan stepped forward and bowed: "Your Majesty, I believe we should take a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, we should mobilize troops stationed in the surrounding areas to provide assistance, and on the other hand..." He paused, "...we should dismantle Kumor's power from within."

"Oh?" Xiao Xun raised an eyebrow. "Explain in detail."

"According to my investigation, the Kumor army is not a monolithic entity." Qi Mingxuan unfolded a map of the Northern Di forces. "These tribal leaders were all forced to submit, but they are not convinced. If we offer them great benefits and explain the advantages and disadvantages, we may be able to win them over."

Xiao Chengji added, "Princess Yun has contacted several veteran officials of the Northern Di, and they are secretly gathering resistance forces."

Xiao Xun pondered for a moment: "This matter will be entirely handled by Mingxuan. Just let me know if you need anything."

"I only need one person to assist me." Qi Mingxuan looked at Xiao Chengyu. "The Third Princess is fluent in the Northern Di language and familiar with the customs of the Northern Di, making her the best candidate."

The courtiers were in uproar. It was unprecedented to involve a princess in such a confidential matter.

Xiao Chengyu immediately stepped forward and said, "Your subject is willing to go!"

Seeing the determination in his daughter's eyes, Xiao Xun finally nodded: "Granted. But you must be careful and not take any risks."

After the meeting, Xiao Chengyu and Qi Mingxuan immediately began intensive preparations. They needed to analyze intelligence from all sides, formulate a defection plan, and maintain close contact with Ashina Yun.

In the secret room, candlelight burned all night. Xiao Chengyu translated a secret letter, while Qi Mingxuan analyzed the situation; the two worked together seamlessly.

"The leader of the Crimson Flame Tribe is greedy and lustful; he can be seduced with treasures and beautiful women." "The Blackwater Tribe has a long-standing feud with Kumor; a chance for revenge can be offered." "The Azure Wolf Tribe values ​​its promises above all else; they must be treated with sincerity..."

Qi Mingxuan analyzed everything point by point, and Xiao Chengyu took careful notes. Occasionally, he would look up and see the weariness between Qi Mingxuan's brows, and he would say softly, "Take a rest, your wound hasn't healed yet."

The wounds I sustained that day while protecting her were so deep that the bone was visible.

Qi Mingxuan smiled slightly: "It's alright. But Your Highness, you've lost a lot of weight from all the hard work these past few days." As he spoke, he naturally pushed the ginseng tea in front of her.

Xiao Chengyu felt a warmth in his heart and lowered his head to sip his tea. In the rising steam, their eyes met briefly before quickly looking away. The secret room was silent, save for the crackling of the candlelight.

After several days of preparation, the plan was finally finalized. Qi Mingxuan would personally infiltrate the Northern Barbarians to contact various factions.

On the eve of his departure, Xiao Chengyu came to his residence to see him off.

“These are medicinal herbs to keep warm, the north is bitterly cold…” “These are valuables, for keeping things simple…” “These…” She took out a talisman, “I got them from the Great Compassion Temple…”

Qi Mingxuan accepted them one by one, and finally grasped the hand that she handed him the amulet: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will definitely return safely."

His palms were warm, with thin calluses. Xiao Chengyu's fingertips trembled slightly, but he did not pull them away: "Mingxuan...be careful."

This was the first time she had addressed him by his given name. Qi Mingxuan's eyes darkened, and he gently pulled her into his arms: "When I return, I will request His Majesty's decree to complete our marriage."

Xiao Chengyu nestled in his arms, listening to his strong heartbeat, and nodded gently.

However, plans often go awry. The following morning, just as Qi Mingxuan was preparing to depart, another urgent report arrived from the border: Kumor's army was besieging Shuofang City, a key town in the northern frontier, and Xiao Chengrui had led the charge, sustaining an arrow wound!

The news shocked the entire court. Ashina Yun fainted on the spot, and Xiao Chengyu supported her, his heart filled with anxiety.

"Father! Your son requests permission to proceed to the Northern Frontier immediately!" Xiao Chengyu knelt and pleaded, "My second brother is seriously injured, and the morale of the army is bound to be in turmoil. Your son is willing to take command of military affairs and stabilize the situation!"

Before Xiao Xun could answer, Xin Jiuwei said urgently, "No! The northern frontier is dangerous, and you're just a young woman..."

“Mother!” Xiao Chengyu looked up, her gaze firm. “Although I cannot fight on the front lines, I can comfort the soldiers and coordinate logistics. Besides…” She looked at Qi Mingxuan, “With Mingxuan by my side, we will surely be able to stabilize the situation.”

Qi Mingxuan immediately knelt down: "Your subject swears to protect the princess with his life!"

Looking at his daughter's resolute expression, Xiao Xun finally sighed, "Granted. But remember, safety is of utmost importance in all things."

Given the urgency of the situation, the two immediately packed light and rode at full speed to the northern frontier.

They traveled at breakneck speed, enduring wind and rain, sleeping outdoors. Qi Mingxuan remained by Xiao Chengyu's side the entire time, providing meticulous care.

"Your Highness, please rest for a while." "Have some water." "The road ahead is dangerous, please be careful."

His care and concern warmed Xiao Chengyu's heart, but also made him more worried about the war on the border.

Five days later, they finally arrived at Shuofang City. The city walls were in ruins, and the smoke of battle had not yet dissipated, indicating the ferocity of the fighting.

Xiao Chengrui was indeed seriously injured and bedridden. His arrow wound was infected, and he had a persistent high fever. Ashina Yun stayed by his bedside, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

"Yu'er! Why are you here!" Upon seeing his younger sister, Xiao Chengrui struggled to get up, but was held down.

Looking at his pale face, Xiao Chengyu felt heartbroken: "Second brother, please rest well. I'll take care of things here."

She immediately took over military affairs, inspected defenses with Qi Mingxuan, comforted the soldiers, and reorganized logistics.

The soldiers in the city were greatly encouraged by the princess's arrival. However, the situation remained dire—Kumor's army was besieging the city, and their provisions could only last for half a month.

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