In this battle, Lu Yan inflicted heavy losses on the Northern Xiang Kingdom's army at minimal cost.

When the news reached Shannan Prefecture, the entire city was overjoyed and admired Lu Yan's military talent even more.

However, Lu Yan was not blinded by victory.

He knew that this was only the first victory.

Although the Northern Xiang Kingdom suffered heavy losses, its strength remained.

To completely defeat it, a more meticulous plan is needed...

at this time.

News of the great victory at Guiku Gorge spread like wildfire.

Flying over towering mountains and ridges, it finally landed in the capital of the Great Tong Dynasty, on the desk of Empress Chen Qingwan.

Chen Qingwan's slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, producing a crisp sound.

This contrasted sharply with her current agitated mood.

"Lu Yan, this corrupt official really knows how to cause me trouble!"

She muttered a curse under her breath, but her tone carried a barely perceptible hint of helplessness.

The barbarian lands of Shannan Prefecture are under construction, and now they are at war with the Northern Xiang Kingdom. Isn't this just adding insult to injury?

But then I thought, how come Lu Yan actually won this first battle?

Moreover, they won a great victory with fewer troops!

This was beyond her expectations.

Chen Qingwan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.

"Interesting..." she murmured to herself, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.

It seems that her understanding of Lu Yan is still not deep enough.

Realizing that Lu Yan's military talent far exceeded her expectations, Chen Qingwan decided to secretly support him.

After all, if Shannan Prefecture were to fall...

The Northern Xiang Kingdom's army could then advance unimpeded and threaten the heartland of the Great Tong Dynasty.