Mentioning the northern border, Xin Yunzhou's brows furrowed again, a soldier's solemn expression appearing on his face: "The Rong and Di tribes have been unusually active this winter, with small elite forces repeatedly raiding the border, their probing intent obvious. Signs of a large-scale gathering have been discovered outside Black Stone Ridge, with frequent movements of supplies and provisions, suggesting a major operation. The pressure on Iron Wall Pass has increased sharply. I returned this time for two reasons: first, to report on my duties and present the military situation, and second..." He glanced at his sister, his voice lowering, "...also to ensure your safety. The situation in the capital is likely to be further complicated by the Qi Huaiyu incident."
Xin Jiuwei's heart sank as well. Although Qi Huaiyu had been captured, the forces behind him, the mess he left behind, and his own existence as a "malignant tumor" all foreshadowed an even greater storm to come. And the alarm in the Northern Territory only added insult to injury.
In the following days, Xin Yunzhou was unusually busy. He frequently visited the Ministry of War, discussing the defense of the northern border with Xiao Xun and other officials. When he occasionally returned to the Prince's residence, he was always in a hurry, his brow furrowed with weariness and worry. Xin Jiuwei could only learn fragmented news during dinner or when he visited her briefly. The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing day.
Xiao Xun was equally busy. He returned home later and later, sometimes even working on official business in his study all night. He visited the warm pavilion less frequently, and even when he did, he would only briefly inquire about Xin Jiuwei's health before being summoned away by urgent military reports or his staff. Xin Jiuwei could clearly feel the increasing pressure emanating from him, like a volcano about to erupt, surging with power beneath its calm exterior.
Every time he left, Xin Jiuwei would involuntarily look at his retreating figure. The dark prince's robes accentuated his tall and solitary stature, like a lone peak enduring wind and snow. The vow of "fellow travelers" seemed so heavy in the face of the immense pressure of reality.
That afternoon, having a rare moment of leisure, Xiao Xun lingered a little longer in the warm pavilion. He leaned back in the soft chair opposite Xin Jiuwei, closing his eyes to rest, a military report still clutched in his hand, his brow furrowed with undisguised weariness. Xin Jiuwei looked at the faint dark circles under his eyes and his noticeably thinner face, and felt a strange tightness in her chest.
She gestured to Xin Kui to bring over a bowl of freshly brewed ginseng soup and gently placed it on the low table next to Xiao Xun.
Xiao Xun opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the still steaming soup bowl, then looking up at Xin Jiuwei. Xin Jiuwei turned her head slightly and said in a low voice, "Miss Lin said that His Highness's vital energy is greatly depleted and he needs to replenish it. This ginseng soup... is cooked to perfection."
Xiao Xun didn't speak, only quietly watching her. The warm chamber was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the charcoal fire. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting small shadows on her lowered eyelashes, making her fair profile appear soft and serene in the light. He picked up the ginseng soup and sipped it slowly. The warm broth slid down his throat, carrying the characteristic slightly bitter yet sweet aftertaste of ginseng, seemingly dispelling a trace of his fatigue.
“The Northern Border…” Xin Jiuwei hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly, “Is it very troublesome?”
Xiao Xun put down the bowl, his fingers unconsciously tracing the smooth surface. “The internal strife within the Rongdi royal court has temporarily subsided. The new Khan, Ashina Duobi, is ambitious, having consolidated the royal power and subdued several wavering tribes. This winter is bitterly cold, the northern grasslands are withered, and they urgently need to raid southwards to sustain their war effort.” His voice was low and calm, as if stating something unrelated to himself, but beneath that calm lay a turbulent undercurrent. “The scale will likely far exceed previous years. Iron Wall Pass… will bear the brunt.”
Xin Jiuwei's heart clenched. She remembered her brother's grave expression. "My brother..."
“Xin Yunzhou is a rare military talent, and the Black Stone Ridge defense line is impregnable in his hands.” Xiao Xun’s tone carried an objective recognition of his abilities. “However, his forces are limited, and his supply lines are long. Ashina Duobi has come prepared this time.”
He didn't say "the odds are against them," but Xin Jiuwei already understood. A fierce and bloody battle was about to erupt in the North. And her brother would be at the center of the vortex.
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