Autumn arrives suddenly and fiercely at the border. Overnight, the tips of the reeds on the Gobi Desert turn yellow, and the wind carries a biting chill. Qi Mingyue put on an extra padded jacket and continued to run to the various military garrisons every day.

After the school was put on hold, she became even busier—either teaching women how to improve spinning wheels or helping veterans write letters and read letters home.

That day, when she returned from Langyan Village, she saw a magnificent carriage parked outside the villa, its style completely out of place with the ruggedness of the frontier. Zhishu came out to greet her and whispered, "Someone from the capital has arrived."

Inside the hall, a eunuch in brocade robes was speaking with Yao Xiuyan. Upon seeing Qi Mingyue enter, the eunuch rose and bowed, saying, "I have come to visit Miss Qi on the orders of Her Majesty the Empress."

Qi Mingyue curtsied in return, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

The eunuch sized her up for a moment, then smiled and said, "Her Majesty was very pleased to hear that Miss is running a school at the border. She specially asked me to bring some books and supplies." He pointed to the boxes in the courtyard, "Her Majesty also said that if you need anything, just ask."

Qi Mingyue was touched: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

The eunuch then recounted some recent developments in the capital, his words carrying a subtle, inquisitive tone. Finally, seemingly casually, he asked, "I heard that Miss and the Heir Apparent... are getting along very well?"

Yao Xiuyan replied calmly, "Life on the frontier is tough, so it's only right that we look out for each other."

The eunuch chuckled and said, "Of course." He sat for a while longer before getting up to take his leave.

After the person left, Qi Mingyue asked softly, "Has Your Highness heard anything?"

Yao Xiuyan toyed with his teacup: "Although the Marquis of Yongchang has fallen, his remaining followers have not been eliminated. Someone sent a message to the capital saying that you and I... have behaved improperly at the border."

Qi Mingyue paused in her needlework.

“No need to worry.” Yao Xiuyan put down his teacup. “Your Majesty is a wise woman.” He suddenly smiled. “Besides, even if something were to happen, so what?”

Qi Mingyue's cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her head to continue mending. It was Yao Xiuyan's battle robe, which had been torn during yesterday's border patrol.

As they sewed, Yao Xiuyan suddenly said, "I'm going to Dunhuang in three days. There are some military matters there, and I'll be back in about ten days."

Qi Mingyue looked up: "Is there anything we need to prepare?"

“No need.” Yao Xiuyan’s gaze softened. “You should stay inside the pass and not wander around.” He paused. “The border has been rather unsettled lately.”

These words were spoken casually, but Qi Mingyue sensed a deeper meaning: "Has something changed?"

Yao Xiuyan looked out the window: "Autumn is deep, and the cattle and sheep are plump and healthy. Some tribes... can't help but have designs on them."

…………

Sure enough, something happened on the third day after Yao Xiuyan left.

That day, Qi Mingyue was teaching the women how to pickle vegetables in preparation for winter when suddenly they heard the rapid sound of horses' hooves from beyond the pass. A scout covered in blood fell from his horse: "Barbarian attack... Black Wind Stronghold..."

Chaos erupted immediately within the pass. General Li promptly mustered troops to reinforce the area, and before departing, he told Qi Mingyue, "Miss Qi, guard the pass well! Especially the granaries!"

Qi Mingyue's heart skipped a beat: "General, rest assured."

No sooner had the group left than Lin Qiuyan arrived with female soldiers: "Miss Qi, I will temporarily take over the defense of the interior."

Qi Mingyue nodded: "Of course."

However, within half a day, the conflict became apparent. Lin Qiuyan was uncompromising, shouting and reprimanding the people; Qi Mingyue, on the other hand, advocated appeasement and stabilizing public sentiment first. The two disagreed and nearly clashed several times.

As evening fell, bad news arrived: General Li had been ambushed and trapped, and the reinforcements had suffered heavy losses.

"I'll go rescue them!" Lin Qiuyan immediately ordered her troops to be called upon.

Qi Mingyue stopped her: "No! The troops inside the pass are already insufficient, if we divide the troops again..."

"Are you just going to stand by and watch someone die?" Lin Qiuyan said angrily.

As they were arguing, they suddenly heard a commotion coming from the direction of the granary. When the two rushed over, they saw several soldiers looting grain: "We're all going to die anyway! Let's have a good meal!"

Lin Qiuyan drew her sword and was about to step forward when Qi Mingyue stopped her. She stepped forward and said gently, "Please don't rush, everyone. There is grain in the granary; everyone will get a share."

A man with red eyes said, "Miss Qi, don't lie to me! Just now Miss Lin said that the grain and fodder were to be used to supply the army!"

Qi Mingyue turned and glared at Lin Qiuyan, then raised her voice, "I swear on my life, we will not let anyone go hungry!" She instructed Zhishu, "Open the granaries! Distribute grain to each household!"

Order was gradually restored. Qi Mingyue then organized women and children to cook porridge and steamed cakes, which were sent to the city tower to reward the troops.

Lin Qiuyan watched coldly, then suddenly said, "You certainly know how to win people's hearts."

Qi Mingyue was busy: "In these extraordinary times, stability is the top priority."

Late at night, Qi Mingyue returned from patrolling the city and saw Chen Yu and others in the courtyard: "Miss, something is amiss." He lowered his voice, "Those who robbed the grain today were not military households."

Qi Mingyue frowned: "Explain in detail."

“I investigated secretly. Those men were originally subordinates of the Marquis of Yongchang. They only came to the border last month.” Chen Yu handed over the roster. “Moreover… they had contact with General Lin.”

Qi Mingyue's heart skipped a beat: "Lin Qiuyan?"

"Not only that," Chen Yu said in an even lower voice, "The route of today's barbarian attack was too coincidental. It's like... someone tipped them off."

Qi Mingyue remained silent for a long time before saying softly, "Don't make this public for now."

…………

Yao Xiuyan returned ahead of schedule, late on the fifth night. Covered in dust and blood, he went straight to Qi Mingyue's courtyard.

"Are you alright?" He looked her up and down, his tone urgent.

Qi Mingyue nodded: "Why did Brother Xiuyan come back early?"

"I've received a secret report." A cold glint flashed in Yao Xiuyan's eyes. "There's a traitor at the border."

Qi Mingyue recounted the recent events in detail. Upon hearing that Lin Qiuyan might be involved in the case, Yao Xiuyan shook his head: "It can't be her."

"Brother Xiuyan, are you so sure?"

Yao Xiuyan pondered, "Qiuyan is straightforward and wouldn't resort to such tricks." He suddenly asked, "Where are those former subordinates of the Marquis of Yongchang who caused trouble?"

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!