As dawn broke, Xiao Yichen sat in the study of the General's Mansion, frowning deeply at a pile of official documents on his desk. The political situation at court had recently become turbulent, with various factions stirring and a massive storm seemingly brewing.

Lin Wan'er quietly entered the study and, seeing Xiao Yichen's expression, felt a deep sense of worry. She walked to Xiao Yichen's side and asked softly, "Yichen, has something happened in court?"

Xiao Yichen raised his head, looked at Lin Wan'er, handed her the official document in his hand, and said, "Wan'er, look. The Prime Minister's faction and the Grand Commandant's faction are now vying for power in the court, neither willing to give way. As the young general of the General's Mansion, I did not want to get involved in these factional disputes, but they seem to be trying to drag me into it."

Lin Wan'er took the official document and read it carefully. The document stated that the Prime Minister's faction wanted to recommend Xiao Yichen as the General Who Conquers the West to go to the frontier to quell the rebellion, while the Grand Commandant's faction strongly opposed it, claiming that Xiao Yichen was young and impetuous and might not be able to shoulder such an important task. In reality, they wanted to install their own confidants in the position.

“They’re clearly using you to achieve their own political goals,” Lin Wan’er said, frowning.

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly and said, "How could I not know? But the border rebellion does indeed urgently need to be quelled. If I refuse, I may give others a reason to criticize me for disregarding the safety of the country. If I accept, I may fall into the control of the Prime Minister's faction and find it difficult to extricate myself in the future."

Lin Wan'er pondered for a moment and said, "Yichen, this matter needs careful consideration. We might as well find out the details of the border rebellion before making a decision. At the same time, we can also look for some neutral forces in the court and try to gain their support."

Xiao Yichen felt enlightened after hearing Lin Wan'er's words. He grasped Lin Wan'er's hand and said, "Wan'er, you are truly intelligent. I will arrange for someone to investigate the border affairs immediately. You must also be careful in the manor."

Subsequently, Xiao Yichen began investigating the border rebellion. He dispatched his trusted confidants to the border regions to gather intelligence. At the same time, he also secretly observed the movements of various forces within the imperial court, seeking potential partners for cooperation.

A few days later, Xiao Yichen's trusted aide brought back news. It turned out that the border rebellion was caused by a group of itinerant bandits colluding with some local tribes. They burned, killed, looted, and committed all sorts of atrocities, causing great suffering to the border people. However, this force was not very powerful; the imperial court could easily quell it by dispatching an elite force.

Upon learning the news, Xiao Yichen made a decision. He decided to state his position in court, neither favoring the Prime Minister's faction nor fearing the Grand Commandant's faction.

That day, the atmosphere in the imperial court was exceptionally tense. Prime Minister Lin was the first to step forward and said, "Your Majesty, the rebellions on the border are becoming increasingly serious. I believe that General Xiao is brave and skilled in battle, and can be appointed as the General Who Conquers the West to quell the rebellion."

Grand Commandant Zhang immediately retorted, "Your Majesty, although General Xiao has military achievements, he is still young and lacks experience. I recommend General Li, who has been on the battlefield for many years and is more suitable."

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his brows furrowed, looking at the ministers arguing incessantly below, his heart filled with hesitation.

At this moment, Xiao Yichen stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the frontier to quell the rebellion. But I have two conditions."

The Emperor raised his head slightly and said, "General Xiao, please speak freely."

Xiao Yichen said, "Firstly, I hope Your Majesty can grant me full authority to allocate troops and supplies so that I can better deal with the border wars; secondly, I hope that no forces will interfere behind the scenes during this expedition, so as not to affect the morale of the army."

After listening to Xiao Yichen's words, the Emperor pondered for a moment and then said, "General Xiao's request is reasonable, I grant it."

Although Prime Minister Lin and Grand Commandant Zhang were dissatisfied, they dared not say anything more after seeing that the Emperor had agreed.

After returning to the General's Mansion, Xiao Yichen immediately began preparations for the expedition. Lin Wan'er also assisted him, preparing the necessary items for the expedition.

"Yichen, you must be careful on this expedition. I will be waiting for your return at the General's Mansion." Lin Wan'er said as she tidied Xiao Yichen's clothes.

Xiao Yichen looked at Lin Wan'er with deep affection in his eyes. He gently hugged Lin Wan'er and said, "Wan'er, don't worry about me. I will definitely return safely."

On the night before his departure for the campaign, Xiao Yichen went to the ancestral hall of the General's Mansion. He offered incense before the ancestral tablets and secretly vowed to quell the rebellion on the frontier, protect the peace of the country, and live up to the expectations of his family.

The following morning, Xiao Yichen led the elite troops of the General's Mansion out of the capital and headed towards the frontier. Along the way, they endured wind and rain, traveling day and night.

Upon arriving at the border, Xiao Yichen immediately began deploying battle plans. Based on the intelligence he had gathered previously, he formulated a detailed offensive strategy.

"Soldiers, we have come here to quell the rebellion and protect the peace of the border people. We will let those bandits and rebels know that the majesty of the imperial court is inviolable!" Xiao Yichen stood at the front of the army and said loudly.

"Kill! Kill! Kill!" the soldiers shouted in unison, their morale soaring.

Under Xiao Yichen's command, the army swept through the rebel forces like tigers among sheep, launching a swift attack. Although the rebels fought back fiercely, they were quickly routed by the overwhelming offensive of the imperial army.

After several fierce battles, Xiao Yichen finally quelled the border rebellion. He led his army back in triumph and was warmly welcomed by the people of the capital.

The Emperor commended Xiao Yichen in court, promoting him to the rank of Grand General of the State, thus further consolidating the status of the General's Mansion.

However, Xiao Yichen knew that this was merely a small episode in the turbulent political landscape of the court. In the days to come, he and Lin Wan'er would face even greater challenges and difficulties. But they believed that as long as they joined hands, they would be able to overcome everything, protect the honor of the General's Mansion, and write their own legendary story.

Inside the General's Mansion, all was peaceful and serene. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were playing with Xiao Nianchen in the courtyard. The little guy had just learned a few new sets of boxing techniques and was excitedly demonstrating them, his childish shouts eliciting laughter from everyone.

However, this peace was soon shattered. An urgent messenger rushed into the general's mansion, bringing with him a breaking news report from the frontier. It turned out that the previously repelled enemy, after a period of dormancy, had joined forces with several other nomadic tribes to form an even larger army and launched another fierce attack on the frontier. They advanced with overwhelming force, burning, killing, and looting along their path, and several frontier cities were already on the verge of collapse.

Xiao Yichen took the battle report, his expression turning grave. He knew the enemy's advance was hostile, and the situation on the border was extremely critical. Lin Wan'er, seeing Xiao Yichen's expression, also understood the seriousness of the situation.

"Yichen, the people on the frontier have suffered. You must go to war again to protect our country," Lin Wan'er said firmly.

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly. He turned to look at Xiao Nianchen, squatted down, gently stroked his son's head, and said, "Nianchen, your father is going to fight on the frontier. You must listen to your mother in the manor, study martial arts and knowledge diligently, and become a strong and upright man in the future."

Although Xiao Nianchen was still young, he nodded sensibly and said, "Father, don't worry, I will take good care of Mother and practice martial arts diligently."

Xiao Yichen stood up and said to Lin Wan'er, "Wan'er, I will be away from home on this expedition, so all the affairs of the household will depend on you. Please take good care of yourself."

Lin Wan'er said, "You don't need to worry about me. Just focus on fighting. I will take good care of the General's Mansion and wait for your triumphant return."

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Yichen summoned the generals of the General's Mansion to discuss the expedition. They carefully studied the maps in the study, analyzing the enemy's troop deployment and combat strategies.

"The enemy forces are numerous and their tactics are varied. We cannot let our guard down," a general said.

Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment and said, "We need to divide our forces into three groups. One group will be led by me personally to strike directly at the enemy's main force; another group will flank from the side to cut off the enemy's supply lines; and the third group will be responsible for holding the rear cities to ensure our army's safe retreat."

The generals nodded in agreement, indicating their approval of Xiao Yichen's battle plan.

In the following days, the general's mansion was bustling with activity. Soldiers intensified their training in preparation for the campaign, while logistics personnel busied themselves preparing provisions, weapons, and other supplies.

Finally, the day of departure arrived. Xiao Yichen, clad in armor and riding a tall horse, led the army of the General's Mansion, slowly departing from the capital. Lin Wan'er, along with Xiao Nianchen and the rest of the General's Mansion, stood outside the city gate to see them off.

"Yichen, you must return safely." Lin Wan'er said softly, tears welling in her eyes.

Xiao Yichen gazed at Lin Wan'er and Xiao Nianchen, his heart filled with reluctance, yet his eyes remained resolute. He raised his spear and shouted, "Let's go!"

The army galloped swiftly and soon arrived at the frontier. Xiao Yichen climbed the city wall and looked into the distance. He saw that the enemy's camps stretched for dozens of miles, densely packed, like a dark cloud covering the frontier land.

"Pass down the order to strengthen the city's defenses and prepare to meet the enemy," Xiao Yichen commanded.

The enemy seemed to have sensed Xiao Yichen's arrival and quickly launched an attack. They surged towards the city like a tidal wave, their battle cries deafening. Xiao Yichen personally commanded his soldiers in defending the city. He stood atop the city wall, bow drawn, arrows flying, each shot hitting an enemy general or vanguard.

"General, divine arrow!" Seeing Xiao Yichen's heroic performance, the soldiers' morale soared, and they fought bravely against the enemy.

However, the enemy's offensive continued wave after wave, showing no sign of abating. They used various siege weapons, such as catapults and siege towers, putting immense pressure on the city's defenses.

Seeing this, Xiao Yichen decided to take the initiative. He led a squad of elite cavalry out of the city gate and pounced on the enemy like tigers. The cavalry charged left and right through the enemy ranks, causing chaos and defeat for the enemy soldiers.

However, the enemy forces were numerous and quickly surrounded Xiao Yichen's cavalry. Undeterred, Xiao Yichen brandished his spear and engaged in a fierce battle with the enemy.

"General, we're here to help you!" At this moment, the troops that had flanked the enemy arrived just in time. They worked together with Xiao Yichen's cavalry to break through the enemy's encirclement.

After several days and nights of fierce fighting, both sides suffered heavy losses. Xiao Yichen knew that this could not continue; they had to find a way to completely defeat the enemy.

So he sent a small detachment deep behind enemy lines to gather intelligence. After a difficult reconnaissance mission, the detachment discovered a fatal weakness in the enemy forces. It turned out that the enemy's supplies were concentrated in a valley behind their lines, and the defenses there were relatively weak.

Upon receiving the news, Xiao Yichen immediately devised a bold battle plan. He led the main force in a feigned retreat, luring the enemy's main force into pursuit. Meanwhile, another army quietly advanced towards the enemy's supply depot.

The enemy fell for the trap, believing Xiao Yichen's army was already easily defeated, and launched a full-scale attack to pursue Xiao Yichen's main force. Once the enemy's main force was far from the supply camp, Xiao Yichen's troops swiftly captured the enemy's supply camp and set fire to the supplies.

Upon learning that their supplies had been burned, the enemy army was thrown into chaos. Xiao Yichen seized this opportunity and led his troops in a full-scale counterattack. The soldiers pounced on the enemy like hungry wolves, their battle cries shaking the heavens.

After a fierce and decisive battle, Xiao Yichen finally led his army to a complete victory over the enemy. Peace was restored to the frontier, and the people came out of their homes to cheer and welcome their hero.

Filled with the joy of victory, Xiao Yichen led his army back in triumph. Lin Wan'er and Xiao Nianchen had been waiting outside the city gate for a long time. Seeing Xiao Yichen return safely, Lin Wan'er excitedly rushed into his arms, tears streaming down her face.

"You're finally back. I knew you could win," Lin Wan'er said, her voice choked with emotion.

Xiao Yichen hugged Lin Wan'er and Xiao Nianchen tightly, his heart filled with happiness and relief. He knew that all the hardships and dangers along the way were worthwhile because he had a warm home, a wife who loved him deeply, and a sensible son.

A dark cloud hung over the capital, and an unknown plague descended silently like a demon, rapidly spreading through the streets and alleys. Inside the General's Mansion, the once peaceful life was shattered by this sudden disaster.

Lin Wan'er was sewing new clothes for Xiao Nianchen in her room when her maid, Cui'er, rushed in, her face filled with terror. "Young mistress, something terrible has happened! Many people outside have fallen seriously ill with terrible symptoms: persistent high fever, incessant coughing, and some are even covered in red rashes. The entire capital is in a state of panic, and all the medicinal herbs in the pharmacies have been snapped up."

Lin Wan'er was startled. She put down her needlework, stood up, and asked, "Have you called a doctor to come and see us? What exactly is this epidemic?"

Cui'er shook her head and said, "It's not clear yet. All we know is that this disease is highly contagious, and many people have already died from it."

Lin Wan'er knew the seriousness of the situation. She immediately instructed Cui'er to inform Xiao Yichen, while she went to Xiao's parents' room. Xiao's father, Xiao Yuanshan, was sitting in the hall, looking worried. He nodded slightly when he saw Lin Wan'er enter.

"Wan'er, this epidemic is spreading rapidly, and our General's Mansion must take precautions as soon as possible," Xiao Yuanshan said.

Lin Wan'er replied respectfully, "Father-in-law, I understand. I have already sent Cui'er to call Yichen. We will discuss our next steps when he returns."

Before long, Xiao Yichen arrived in a hurry. His face showed a hint of fatigue, but his eyes remained firm. "I just came back from outside. This epidemic has been raging throughout the capital. The imperial court is organizing forces to control it, but the situation is not optimistic."

Xiao Yuanshan looked at Xiao Yichen and said, "Yichen, our General's Mansion cannot sit idly by and wait for our demise. What are your thoughts?"

Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment and said, "Father, I think we should first do a good job of isolation and protection within the manor. Reduce the number of people going out, and strictly disinfect all items entering and leaving the manor. At the same time, send people to find some experienced doctors and medicinal herbs that can treat the epidemic."

Lin Wan'er added from the side, "We can also brew some herbal medicine to prevent the epidemic in the mansion, so that everyone in the mansion can take it and enhance their resistance."

Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement and said, "Wan'er is right. Let's do it as we discussed. I'll go and make the arrangements right away."

Subsequently, intensive epidemic prevention work began within the General's Mansion. Servants set up disinfectant basins and herbal incense burners at the entrances of the mansion gate and various courtyards. Everyone entering or leaving had to wash and disinfect their hands and pass through the herbal smoke before entering. Lin Wan'er personally led the maids in the kitchen to brew medicinal soup to prevent the epidemic, and the bitter smell of the medicine permeated the entire General's Mansion.

However, despite the numerous preventative measures taken by the General's Mansion, the epidemic still managed to sneak into the mansion. First, a servant responsible for purchasing ingredients developed symptoms, followed by several maids who had been in contact with him. Panic gripped the General's Mansion.

Upon learning the news, Xiao Yichen immediately ordered the sick person to be isolated in a secluded courtyard within the manor, strictly forbidding anyone from approaching. He himself, disregarding the danger, donned protective gear and went to visit the sick person.

Lin Wan'er tried to stop him, saying worriedly, "Yichen, you can't go. This epidemic is too contagious. What will we do if something happens to you?"

Xiao Yichen gently held Lin Wan'er's hand and said, "Wan'er, I am the young general of the General's Mansion. How can I back down at this time? These are all family members of the General's Mansion. I cannot just stand by and watch them suffer."

Looking into Xiao Yichen's resolute eyes, Lin Wan'er was still worried, but she knew she couldn't change his decision. She could only urge him, "Then you must be careful, and don't be careless."

Xiao Yichen entered the isolation courtyard and saw the sick people lying painfully in bed, which saddened him greatly. He summoned the doctor from the manor and inquired about their conditions.

The doctor shook his head helplessly and said, "Young General, this epidemic is very peculiar. I have never seen such a disease before. I have tried various methods, but they can only temporarily relieve their symptoms and cannot cure them."

Xiao Yichen frowned and said, "Isn't there any other way?"

The doctor pondered for a moment and said, "I have heard that there is a reclusive divine physician in Zhongnan Mountain outside the city. Perhaps he has a way to cure this epidemic. However, Zhongnan Mountain is steep and dangerous, and wild beasts often roam the mountain. It will not be easy to find this divine physician."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope ignited in Xiao Yichen's heart. He said, "No matter what, I have to give it a try."

When Lin Wan'er learned that Xiao Yichen was going to Zhongnan Mountain to find a miracle doctor, she once again tried to dissuade him, saying, "Yichen, this is too dangerous. You can't go. Let's think of another way."

Xiao Yichen looked at Lin Wan'er and said, "Wan'er, this is our only hope right now. If we can't find the divine doctor, everyone in the General's Mansion will be in mortal danger. Don't worry, I will be careful."

Lin Wan'er knew that Xiao Yichen's mind was made up, so she stopped trying to dissuade him. She turned around and went back to the room to pack Xiao Yichen's luggage, preparing some dry food and weapons for self-defense.

Xiao Yichen, accompanied by several trusted followers, embarked on their journey to Zhongnan Mountain. Along the way, they traversed mountains and valleys, encountering numerous hardships and dangers. The mountain roads were rugged and difficult to navigate, frequently fraught with the risk of mudslides and landslides. Moreover, as the doctor had said, many ferocious beasts did indeed roam the mountains.

Once, they were attacked by a pack of wolves in the mountains. The wolves, their green eyes gleaming in the darkness, howled and pounced on them. Xiao Yichen and his men drew their weapons and engaged the wolves in a fierce battle. Xiao Yichen wielded his longsword, the blade flashing, each strike repelling a wolf. After a hard-fought battle, they finally drove off the wolves, but several of his men were wounded.

After several days and nights of arduous trekking, they finally found the reclusive healer living in Zhongnan Mountain. The healer was an elderly man with white hair who lived in a cave surrounded by various medicinal herbs.

Upon seeing the divine physician, Xiao Yichen immediately stepped forward to pay his respects and said, "Divine Physician, a severe epidemic has broken out in the capital, and countless lives are in danger. I have heard of your superb medical skills, and I have come to earnestly request that you come out of seclusion to save those suffering people."

The divine physician slightly raised his head, looked at Xiao Yichen, and said, "I have also heard of this plague. But this plague is not an ordinary disease, and it is extremely difficult to treat."

Xiao Yichen said anxiously, "Divine Doctor, as long as you can save them, I will agree to any condition."

The divine physician pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll go with you. However, I need some special medicinal herbs to prepare the antidote, and these herbs can only be found in these mountains."

Xiao Yichen immediately said, "Don't worry, Divine Doctor, I will send someone to help you find the medicinal herbs."

Afterwards, Xiao Yichen hurriedly returned to the General's Mansion with the divine physician and the medicinal herbs he had found. Based on his experience and the herbs, the divine physician concocted an antidote. After taking the antidote, the patients in the General's Mansion gradually recovered.

Xiao Yichen did not keep the antidote for himself; instead, he immediately reported the formula to the imperial court. The court organized resources to produce large quantities of the antidote and distributed it throughout the capital and severely affected areas. Thanks to the efforts of Xiao Yichen and the divine physician, the rampant epidemic was finally brought under control.

The General's Mansion returned to its former tranquility. After this disaster, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er cherished each other even more and were even more determined to protect the General's Mansion and the people.