But winter was approaching, and their plan was to conquer the Northwest, plunder grain, and secure a safe winter.

This time, their plan backfired.

With the arrival of reinforcements, the soldiers in the Northwest gained great morale and advanced triumphantly, winning battle after battle.

Unfortunately, it wasn't just the barbarians who were eyeing our dynasty; there were other small countries as well. Who wouldn't want to tear a piece of flesh from a place rich in resources?

The barbarians also received reinforcements.

Under these circumstances, Xiao Linghan, who had distinguished himself and earned considerable respect, was entrusted with important responsibilities.

The general gave him only a small number of soldiers, but ordered him to hold off an army of 20,000 men single-handedly.

This was a last resort for them.

If the city cannot be breached, most of the troops will be used to defend it, which naturally reduces the number of troops available for other purposes.

However, the general promised that as long as Xiao Linghan completed this battle, he would definitely petition the Emperor for him to be rewarded, and then being ennobled and appointed as a prime minister would be a given.

After fighting for so many days, even the toughest man couldn't take it anymore. The general's black hair turned white. He saw that Xiao Linghan was a capable person, which is why he entrusted him with important responsibilities.

“Behind us are women and children. If we cannot protect them, we are not worthy of being called human. I have heard that you also have a wife and children. You should know that we cannot back down when it comes to life and death.”

In the end, Xiao Linghan agreed.

Two thousand soldiers against twenty thousand troops—it was a battle with no chance of survival.

Xiao Linghan somehow managed to hold off that group of people.

On the very day of victory, an unexpected event occurred.

Xiao Linghan brought Wang Qi, the former leader of the guard team, with him this time.

He had protected Jiang Tian on many occasions and made great contributions.

On the battlefield, swords have no eyes. When that sword was swung towards Wang Qi, he was already at his last gasp and had no way to dodge it.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Linghan took the knife for him.

His purpose was simple: Jiang Tian certainly wouldn't want someone who had followed her for so many years to die.

So this blow was delivered in his place.

………………

When news of Xiao Linghan's death on the battlefield arrived, Jiang Tian had already led the entire household back to the Northwest.

The war lasted for several months. Later, Liu Jue continuously sent reinforcements, which finally scared away all those with ulterior motives.

The barbarians lost their support and a large portion of their troops, leaving them no choice but to flee in defeat.

The Northwest was saved, and those who were supposed to come back did.

Just as Jiang Tian and the others settled down, they learned that Xiao Linghan, who was recuperating from his injuries outside, had collapsed due to the windy and rainy weather and the lack of timely care. He never woke up again.

When they heard the news, everyone in the mansion was very depressed.

Human hearts are made of flesh and blood, and Xiao Linghan has done a really good job during this period, winning the favor of many people.

He died on the battlefield, a truly admirable and lamentable death.

But the young master is so small, what should the madam do?

Surprisingly, Jiang Tian didn't show much grief; instead, she calmly instructed people to make arrangements.

She is getting married.

Upon hearing this news, everyone else, who had just moved back to the Northwest, was stunned.

Why is Lady Jinrong getting married so suddenly, without even knowing what kind of marriage it is?

The groom was none other than the young, ruthless henchman that Liu Jue had specially chosen for Jiang Tian.

As for the reason for the marriage, Jiang Tian said it simply: "We just moved back to the Northwest, so we should have some good luck and celebration. Zhao'er needs both parents to be alive, which will be beneficial for her as she grows up. Chen Shaogong is quite good, and he's perfect to be Zhao'er's stepfather."