"I obey the decree!"

Li Mu clasped his hands in acceptance of the order once more, then strode away from the imperial study.

Watching Li Mu's departing figure, Chen Qingwan's lips curled into a cold smile.

She wanted to see just how many surprises Lu Yan could bring her.

...

Meanwhile, in the capital of the Northern Xiang Kingdom.

The atmosphere was as heavy as the clouds before a storm.

When news of the first defeat arrived, the King of Beixiang was furious, and porcelain shards and spittle flew everywhere in the court.

"Useless! You're all a bunch of useless trash!"

The King of Beixiang kicked over the sandalwood table in front of him.

"What use are you to me? You can't even take down a small place like Shannan Prefecture!"

Prime Minister Liu Bowen knelt on the ground, his old face ashen, sweat pouring down his face.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Your subject... Your subject deserves to die a thousand deaths..."

"Ten thousand deaths? Do you think your death will save my face?"

The King of Beixiang roared.

"Ghost Cry Gorge, Ghost Cry Gorge! How could I have listened to your nonsense and crossed that hellish place to attack Shannan Prefecture!"

"Your Majesty, Ghost Cry Gorge is not only shorter in distance, but it is also a place that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. This old minister is also doing this to reduce our army's casualties..."

Liu Bowen explained cautiously.

"Nonsense!" The King of Beixiang interrupted him mercilessly.

"Reduce casualties? The entire army has been wiped out, and not a single one of our cavalry has returned. Is this what you call reducing casualties?!"

"Guards! Drag this old scoundrel away, dismiss him from his post, and investigate him!"

The King of Beixiang roared.

Two guards immediately stepped forward and dragged Liu Bowen away.