Five days later, the prefects of all the other prefectures in the northern desert gathered in Xinliang.

Although they didn't know what it was about, the young prince had sent an urgent letter through the guards.

Upon receiving the letter, they rushed towards Xinliang and finally gathered together today.

At this time, the city walls of Xinliang had been completed, with thick and imposing city gates, and the words "Xinliang" written by Xie Changshi himself above the city walls.

At this time, most of the people were working, and the area in front of the city gate was not as lively as the city walls of other states, appearing rather deserted.

The group moved in unison, dismounted, and walked on the paved road, feeling somewhat incredulous.

Who would have thought that this place, which was a desolate wasteland just two years ago, would now be transformed into a city?

The outer city is where the people live. As you approach, you can hear the sounds of children laughing and playing, occasionally mixed with the gentle scolding of mothers. The atmosphere of daily life is palpable.

A little further in is the temporary base for the young prince and his entourage.

The residences of Xie Changshi and others have been completed, but the Prince's mansion is still a little unfinished, so Xie Changshi and others did not move there, but lived here with the Prince.

However, after not visiting for a while, they felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

The group found the place familiarly, and when a guard saw them coming, he quickly led them to the council hall.

During this period, Gu Yuzhi's rest time was greatly reduced. As long as he finished his coursework, he would study military strategy with Mr. Huo in the council hall.

Mr. Huo even had a sand table made and placed in the council hall. When they got a little tired from studying, the two of them would go to the sand table to practice.

Although he knew he still had a lot to learn, he still felt a little frustrated because he was always utterly defeated by Mr. Huo.

When Prefect Huang and his entourage entered, Gu Yuzhi was once again defeated by Mr. Huo.

He puffed out his cheeks as he looked at the territory he had occupied on the sand table and said angrily, "Mr. Huo, I haven't learned this strategy yet. This is not fair!"

Hearing Gu Yuzhi's complaints, Mr. Huo laughed heartily as he restored the sand table to its original state: "Your Highness, do you know that things on the battlefield change in an instant? It's impossible for you to insist on fairness on the battlefield."

"The Northern Di people will not give you prior notice when they invade, nor will they announce that Your Highness Prince Wen has made his move and that they are about to invade. Please be prepared..."

Gu Yuzhi laughed upon hearing Mr. Huo's words, scratching his head and saying, "Of course I know, I was just saying."

He puffed out his cheeks: "I lost to Mr. Huo, so can't I even say a word?"

Only then did Chief Secretary Xie hurriedly bring over a cup of hot tea: "Your Highness, please have some tea..."

He raised his chin slightly: "Prefect Huang and the others have arrived. I will go and inform Chen Dianyi and the others."

Judge Qin arrived in the last two days. After learning the news, he didn't sit idle. He led his two novice apprentices to dig for medicinal herbs all over the mountains and fields, wanting to prepare more important medicines such as hemostatic powder before the war.

Although the atmosphere between Gu Yuzhi and Mr. Huo was very relaxed, Prefect Huang and the others still sensed a subtle undercurrent. They exchanged glances, bowed respectfully to Gu Yuzhi, and then stood quietly to the side.

Chen Dianyi and the others arrived quickly, and after a hurried bow, they sat down as instructed by Gu Yuzhi.

Only then did Gu Yuzhi look around the council hall. He puffed out his cheeks and said, "Prefect Huang, Prefect Wei, I have summoned you here today because there is something very important I have to tell you."

Prefect Huang and the others exchanged a slow glance, but no one spoke.

Gu Yuzhi continued, "Some time ago, Prefect Ke sealed off an entire street in the prefecture. The people living on this street were all the families of soldiers with status and rank in the Northern Desert Army."

"These people would go back to plot misdeeds whenever they had a day off. Prefect Ke has already determined that the last owner of this street was a man named Jiang Ningqi."

Gu Yuzhi pursed his lips and continued, "Jiang Ningqi comes from Jiangnan."

Chief Secretary Xie said that he had never heard of this Jiang Ningqi, but since this man could help the King of Chu go to the border to find the Northern Di people, he must be a trusted advisor of the King of Chu.

By specifically mentioning Jiangnan, he was essentially telling Prefect Huang and others that Jiang Ningqi was a man of the Prince of Chu's brother.

“During his time in Quanzhou, he secretly bought a lot of salt. Before Prefect Ke found his residence to arrest him, he took the salt and went to the Northern Barbarians.”

The words that they had left the pass for the Northern Barbarians were like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, causing ripples to spread through the hearts of Prefect Huang and others, leaving them unable to calm down for a long time.

They froze, wondering if they had misheard something or misunderstood the young prince's meaning.

The King of Chu, the King of Chu is a prince!

During the reign of the late emperor, the Prince of Chu was the most favored.

Even now that the Emperor has ascended the throne, he has not made the Prince of Chu suffer any grievances. Why would he do such a foolish thing?

Prefect Wei, however, stared intently at Mr. Huo without blinking.

From the moment he stood outside the door watching this person and the young prince strategize on the battlefield, he felt a strange sense of familiarity with this person.

Just as the young prince finished speaking, Prefect Wei suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with disbelief as he looked at Mr. Huo.

He opened his mouth and murmured, "It's you, Huo..."

As soon as the name Huo was uttered, Chief Secretary Xie quickly interrupted him: "This is Mr. Huo, who teaches His Highness military strategy. Don't be surprised if this is your first time meeting him."

Although Xinliang are all on our side, there are still some taboos to be observed. Everyone knows Mr. Huo's identity, so there's no need to shout it out loud.

Wei Chengrui's expression was strange, and Xie Changshi and the others stopped him in time. Even the others who had never met Mr. Huo had a vague guess.

For a moment, everyone's expression was astonished as when Prefect Wei first realized what had happened. Then, they became somewhat worried, wondering if the Emperor knew about what the young prince had done.

If the young prince keeps it from the emperor, this huge bombshell will explode sooner or later. Should they help him cover it up, or...?

The group looked at each other, their hearts filled with conflicting emotions.

Seeing their reaction, Chief Secretary Xie smiled and explained, "Please don't worry, His Majesty is certainly aware of Mr. Huo's existence, and Mr. Huo's current status was also authorized by His Majesty."

Gu Yuzhi, who had been somewhat confused at first, understood now and said with a smile, "You don't need to worry! My brother sent me to the Northern Desert, and the most important thing is to find Mr. Huo and protect the peace of the Northern Desert."

Hearing Gu Yuzhi's words, the group breathed a sigh of relief, and their eyes filled with awe as they looked at Mr. Huo.

Who among the people of Sangchao has not heard of Mr. Huo's great name?

With Mr. Huo guarding Xinliang Town, they have even more hope for protecting the northern desert.