Seeing that Huan Naxue had volunteered to go into battle, Han Zhong and the others dared not be negligent.
He exchanged a glance with Fan Nan and Yin Ji, then coughed lightly:
"We deeply sympathize with the two ladies' concerns for the country and their worries about the Grand Commander."
"But military affairs are of utmost importance and not child's play. Lady Huan has just given birth and needs to recuperate; how can she go to the battlefield?"
"Moreover, the journey to Longyou is long and the battle situation is dangerous. The Grand Commander has his own strategies for using troops. The right thing to do is to help him stabilize the rear."
“Yes, yes! It is the duty of us men to march and fight, to defend our country. If we send your families to the battlefield, wouldn’t that make us, Hedong, look like we have no one to rely on?” Zhou Hong also chimed in with his advice.
Fan Nan and Yin Ji also offered their advice, with Yin Ji even looking at his younger sister Yin Yao with a reproachful expression.
Yin Yao could only look helpless.
Upon hearing their words, Huan Naxue stood firm: "Your Highness, Commander Han, Chief Clerk Fan, Registrar Zhou! I have recovered, and my riding and archery skills have not declined!"
"The Grand Commander's forces in Longyou are weak and surrounded by powerful enemies. Every additional unit increases our chances of victory! I am not ignorant of military affairs, I..."
Yinji, Han Zhong, and Zhou Hong all looked at Fan Nan, indicating that they wanted Fan Nan to persuade him.
Because Fan Nan was Zhao Muyun's mentor and elder, he carried considerable weight.
Using official positions to pressure her would backfire.
Fan Nan understood what the three meant and stepped forward with a stiff upper lip: "Madam, Jinyang is currently surrounded by enemies on three sides. We are currently devising a strategy to defend against them. This is a matter of vital importance to the military and the nation!"
"Please, Madam, prioritize the greater good and return to your residence to rest for the time being. The battle at the front will be handled by us and the Grand Commander!"
His words carried the implication of ending the discussion, and his stern gaze swept over the surrounding guards.
Seeing this, Yin Yao knew that a direct confrontation was no longer appropriate. She pulled back Huan Naxue, who still wanted to argue, shook her head slightly, and then said to Yin Ji and Han Zhong:
“Brother Wang, Commander Han, we did not intend to interfere with military and political affairs. It’s just that we are concerned about our country and our feelings are hard to suppress.”
"Since you have made your decisions, we will not disturb you any longer. We only hope that... good news will come from the front."
After saying that, she pulled Huan Naxue, whose face was full of resentment, and turned to leave the council hall.
Their appearance was like a pebble thrown into stagnant water; although it failed to change the decision, it added a layer of complexity to the oppressive atmosphere in the hall.
As Yinji watched their departing figures, he felt a mix of emotions, including guilt towards Zhao Muyun and a sense of powerlessness in the face of the current crisis.
He withdrew his gaze, his face returning to its usual calm, and said to Fan Bingbing:
“Deputy Commander Fan, intelligence in the capital is of utmost importance. You, the Night Scout, are still needed to continue to closely monitor the movements of all parties, especially… Yang Yan’s possible subsequent actions.”
He turned to the crowd, his voice deep and resolute: "Alright, though the external threat is urgent, internal affairs must not be disrupted. Let's proceed immediately as discussed earlier! Mobilize troops and strictly order Generals Wang and Zhang to hold their ground, without fail!"
Inside the council hall of the Prince of Jinyang's mansion, although Han Zhong politely declined Huan Naxue's request to fight, citing "military and national secrets" and "the overall situation as the priority," the flame in her eyes did not go out.
At Yin Yao's urging, she outwardly complied and left the council hall, even bowing to Yin Ji and the others and saying, "This concubine was rash and takes her leave," appearing unusually calm.
Upon returning to the Grand Governor's Mansion, Bai Ruolan rushed to greet them. Seeing that Huan Naxue's expression was not as agitated as before, she felt somewhat relieved.
Yin Yao briefly recounted what had happened, and then sighed, "Their attitude is firm. As family members, we should just stick to our duties."
Huan Naxue suddenly spoke, her tone unusually calm: "Han Sima is right. I have just given birth and it is indeed not advisable for me to travel far and wide to fight."
Bai Ruolan and Yin Yao were both taken aback and looked at her with a puzzled expression.
Huan Naxue continued, "However, I've been in Jinyang for so long and I'm feeling really stifled. I'd like to go to Fengzhou to see my clansmen and clear my head."
"Sister Ruolan is pregnant and unable to go easily, and Sister Yao needs to manage the affairs of the manor. I will take some guards with me and go myself, is that alright?"
This request is reasonable.
Bai Ruolan and Yin Yao exchanged a glance. Although they felt it was a bit sudden, they assumed that she wanted to change her environment to relax, since she no longer mentioned going to Longyou. So they both nodded in agreement.
Yin Yao also carefully instructed her to bring more guards, pay attention to safety on the way, and come back soon.
......
Three days later, Huan Naxue, accompanied by dozens of loyal Wuhuan guards, left Jinyang by carriage and headed north towards Fengzhou.
However, her destination was not just the Fengzhou Grassland.
Upon arriving in Fengzhou, she immediately summoned several respected uncles and elders from her clan, as well as Huan Kui, the acting commander of Fengzhou.
"Fifth Uncle, all my uncles," Huan Naxue said, shedding her pretense from Jinyang and her expression resolute, "the Grand Commander is engaged in a bitter battle in Longyou, and is surrounded on three sides in Hedong, in imminent danger."
"As the wife of the Grand Commander, I, as the wife of the Wuhuan Naji, cannot stand idly by!"
"I have returned this time to gather the young and strong men of the clan and go to Longyou to help my husband. I ask all my uncles to support me."
Upon hearing this, Huan Kui was first shocked, then showed an expression of approval.
He knew his niece's fierceness and ability, and he also understood that the Wuhuan tribe, Zhao Muyun, and even Hedong were now bound together by a shared destiny.
Without Zhao Muyun, where would they have the salt lake, the fine salt workshop, the Shulechuan grassland, and the gradually growing tribe?
"Naji's ambition is an honor for the Wuhuan! The Grand Commander has been kind to our people, and now that he is in trouble, how can we Wuhuan men stand idly by! Let us go and gather our men!"
The Wuhuan people are known for their fierce nature and reverence for the strong. They have great faith in Zhao Muyun and Huan Naxue.
Huan Kui raised his arm and called out, and soon gathered a thousand strong young warriors skilled in riding and archery, who brought their own weapons and horses.
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