As autumn deepens, temperatures in the capital city begin to drop.
The streets of the capital were still bustling, but beneath this prosperity, the faces of the people showed no trace of joy.
Outside the capital, supply trains and cavalry entered the city in an endless stream, and the Imperial Guards patrolled the streets more frequently and strictly.
Messengers on horseback were constantly going in and out of the capital.
After all, at this very moment, a battle that could change the fate of the Great Li Kingdom is taking place on the border of Liangzhou.
Although, under the encouragement of Mu Zian and the Dali Newspaper, the people of the capital were united and in high spirits.
However, as news of the fall of Fuling and the siege of Wuwei gradually spread, the original fighting spirit and passion were slowly extinguished.
As the saying goes, it's better to be a dog in times of peace than a person in times of chaos, and now the Great Li and Chengping have only been in peace for a mere one or two decades.
The people of Dali were also afraid of falling into the turmoil of war again.
After all, they had long heard of the brutality of the Xiongnu, who were known for their tendency to kill and massacre entire cities at the drop of a hat.
Therefore, ever since Mu Zian led a thousand Night Watchers to the Liangzhou battlefield, the entire Dali began to fall into chaos.
The threat of the Xiongnu was like a sharp blade hanging over everyone's heads, seemingly ready to fall at any moment.
Xiao Yu, who lives inside the palace, has been suffering from insomnia for the past two nights.
After all, they were now facing 100,000 Xiongnu cavalry.
A slight misstep could destroy the balance that you have worked so hard to maintain.
Moreover, now that Dali has lost a city, if more bad news comes, the army's morale will probably drop by half before it even sets out.
Xiao Yu understands that no matter how many newspapers he publishes or how many words he says, nothing is as direct as a resounding victory.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Xiao Yu, sporting dark circles under his eyes, covered his forehead.
Before him stood Prime Minister Du Yuheng and the six ministers.
"Your Majesty, the supplies have now been transported throughout the country."
"The 180,000 troops of the six battalions in the capital are basically ready and will be able to head to Liangzhou in a few days."
Mu Zian had only been gone from the capital for about a month.
The fact that Du Yuheng was able to gather sufficient food and supplies for an army of 180,000 in such a short time demonstrates his exceptional abilities.
Xiao Yu listened to Du Yuheng's report with little interest.
After all, Xiao Yu had already processed three large boxes of memorials on war preparations in just the past few days.
However, apparent strength is just that—apparent strength. Whether they can ultimately win is anyone's guess.
"Is there still no news from Liangzhou?"
Xiao Yu's slightly tired voice came through.
Minister of War Liu Yi stood up and said.
"Your Majesty, there are currently no battle reports from Liangzhou."
Liu Yi's mental state was no better than Xiao Yu's.
In that month, he became completely famous throughout the country.
The people at the Dali newspaper practically dug up his underwear.
From his romantic affairs in his youth to the rumors and gossip he heard while in power.
His usual patronage of brothels and his favorite prostitutes were all published in detail in the Dali newspaper.
The newspaper even sent someone to conduct an exclusive interview with that prostitute.
Despite being a high-ranking official of the first rank, he became the talk of the town among the common people.
Liu Yi became a laughing stock throughout the world, arguably the most miserable Minister of War in history.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu, seated on the dragon throne, felt a sense of loss.
At this moment, he also regretted agreeing to let Mu Zian lead a thousand Nightbringers to Liangzhou first.
People are always fickle, even though he was initially inspired by Mu Zian's words, "A king dies for his country."
But after all, the Xiongnu were notorious for their ferocity. No matter how strong Mu Zian was, what could he do with so few men besides barely protecting himself?
Moreover, including this expedition, Mu Zian has only been on the expedition twice.
How could a spoiled brat who has never experienced a major war know how to lead troops into battle?
No matter how strong our military is, we can't possibly turn the tide of battle with just a thousand men, can we?
These past few days, Xiao Yu hasn't even dared to see Xiao Xiuning.
He was afraid that something might happen to Mu Zian on the frontier, and that he would be resented by his own daughter in the end.
Seeing that Xiao Yu was in a bad mood, Du Yuheng also clasped his hands in greeting.
"Your Majesty need not worry. As far as I know, the main force of the Xiongnu has not yet fully arrived. The only force that has invaded Liangzhou is a vanguard of ten thousand men."
"The Duke of Zhenguo is a man of both literary and military talent, and is quite intelligent. I think that after he arrives, he will be able to temporarily resist the vanguard of the Xiongnu with the help of the Liangzhou garrison. Even if he is defeated, it will not be difficult for him to protect himself."
Xiao Yu took a deep breath.
"Thank you for your kind words, my dear minister."
Mu Zi'an is both the only son of his old friend and the husband of his beloved daughter.
Although it is said that emperors are ruthless, who can truly be heartless and devoid of love?
The atmosphere inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation suddenly became somewhat heavy.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation broke the solemn atmosphere.
"Your Majesty! Military report from the Liangzhou border! Urgent dispatch! Travels 800 li!"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the Hall of Mental Cultivation immediately turned their gaze towards the door.
Any news delivered by express courier must be of utmost importance.
The last urgent message delivered was that Fuling City had fallen.
Just recently, the Liangzhou military report mentioned that Wuwei City was besieged by the Xiongnu vanguard and was in imminent danger.
Only a few days have passed, and another urgent message arrives!
At this moment, everyone in the Hall of Mental Cultivation had only one thought in mind.
Oh no! Has Wuwei City fallen too?!
Prime Minister Du Yuheng stepped forward first and then took the military report from the messenger.
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