Northern Frontier Secret Report
...
Before the aftermath of the downfall of the Duke of Chengen's mansion had subsided, a military report delivered by express courier broke the peace of the capital.
The Black Stone tribe of the northern frontier, along with several smaller tribes, launched a surprise attack on Yunzhou, a key border town. The defending general fought bravely and died for his country, and Yunzhou fell.
The military report mentioned that there seemed to be someone in the enemy army who knew strange spells and could disrupt the morale of our troops, and the methods were very similar to the evil spells that had appeared in South Vietnam before.
The imperial court was shaken.
The emperor's face turned ashen, and he threw the general's report to the ground: "Black Stone Tribe! How dare they! My beloved ministers, who is willing to lead troops to their aid and recapture Yunzhou?"
A commotion arose among the military ranks, but no one immediately responded. The northern frontier was bitterly cold, the Black Stone tribe was fierce, and coupled with their unpredictable evil magic, this journey was likely fraught with peril.
Fifth Prince Chu Huaijin's eyes flashed, and he stepped forward:
"Father! Your son is willing to go! He will surely recover the lost territories and uphold the prestige of our nation!" He needed military merit to solidify his position, and this was an excellent opportunity.
However, before the emperor could speak, the Minister of War stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, the Fifth Prince’s bravery is commendable, but the situation in the Northern Frontier is complex and cannot be quelled by mere strength. The Black Stone Tribe’s rebellion this time may be related to the Li Kingdom and the previous sorcery of Nan Yue. Marquis Zhenyuan has fought against such enemies before and is very experienced. Moreover, his prestige in the Northern Frontier army is unmatched. If the Marquis were to lead the army, it might be twice as effective with half the effort.”
Upon hearing this, many experienced and prudent officials echoed his sentiments.
After all, Xiao Zhouyan's military achievements and abilities are undeniable, and compared to him, the Fifth Prince does indeed appear somewhat immature.
Chu Huaijin's face immediately turned ugly.
The emperor's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on Xiao Zhouyan, who had remained silent: "Minister Xiao, what is your opinion?"
All eyes were focused on Xiao Zhouyan. He looked troubled, stepped forward, bowed, and said in a somber voice, "Your Majesty's inquiry is of utmost importance, even at the cost of my life. However... my wife's health is deteriorating, and the imperial physician says the pregnancy is unstable and requires careful rest. I... am truly worried about her, and I implore Your Majesty to choose another capable general."
His words were sincere and heartfelt, perfectly portraying the role of a husband who worries about his wife and children.
The court was silent.
Only then did everyone remember that this decisive and ruthless Marquis of Zhenyuan was now a man about to become a father.
Lady Hou's miraculous return from the dead is already legendary, but now her pregnancy is unstable. If he leaves the capital now, what if...?
The emperor looked at Xiao Zhouyan with a complicated expression, and remained silent in contemplation.
Just then, an urgent report came from outside the hall: "Your Majesty! Someone from the Marquis of Zhenyuan's residence has come with an urgent report: the Marquis's wife... the Marquis's wife has gone into labor, and her condition is critical!"
Xiao Zhouyan's expression changed drastically. He disregarded etiquette and looked up at the emperor with undisguised anxiety and pleading in his eyes.
Seeing this, the emperor sighed and waved his hand: "My dear minister, please return to your residence and take care of your wife. The matter of the northern frontier... we will discuss it later."
Xiao Zhouyan thanked the emperor and left in a hurry, his departing figure showing a hint of panic.
Chu Huaijin watched his retreating figure, a barely perceptible sneer curling at the corner of his lips.
What a woman's compassion! She's truly burdened by her family!
He pleaded again: "Father! Since the Marquis of Zhenyuan is unable to spare the time, your son is willing to immediately muster troops and rush to the northern frontier!"
Looking at the anxious Fifth Prince, and recalling Xiao Zhouyan's genuine emotions just now, the Emperor's heart was already tipped in his favor.
What he needs is a capable commander who can stabilize the northern frontier, not a prince eager to make a name for himself and take risks.
“Huaijin, I know your intentions. But the situation in the Northern Frontier is unclear, and the evil magic is strange. I cannot let you take such a risk.”
The Emperor finally made the decision: "Issue my decree, appointing the General of Pacification to temporarily assume the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Frontier, to hold the line and await reinforcements. Furthermore, Marquis Xiao Zhouyan of Zhenyuan is hereby ordered to remotely command from the capital, overseeing the war in the Northern Frontier, and all military reports and confidential matters shall be sent directly to his residence!"
This decree, which neither ordered Xiao Zhouyan to leave the capital nor denied him actual command, can be described as a shrewd and calculating move.
They both utilized his talent and confined him to the capital.
**
The Zhenyuan Marquis's Residence, Tingxue Pavilion.
Xu Qingyao, who should have been in a "critical situation," was calmly eating chilled fruit. Xiao Zhouyan strode in, his face showing no trace of the panic he had displayed in court.
"How is it?" Xu Qingyao asked.
"His Majesty ordered me to remotely direct operations from the capital." Xiao Zhouyan took the tea she offered and drank it all in one gulp. "No matter how high Chu Huaijin jumps, it's useless."
Xu Qingyao chuckled: "You acted quite well." Even she almost believed his "anxiety."
“If it weren’t for the fact that the lady’s pregnancy was not stable and that the cooperation was seamless, this matter might not have been possible.” Xiao Zhouyan sat down, his gaze falling on her lower abdomen with a hint of mockery.
Xu Qingyao rolled her eyes at him: "What's next? Are you really going to remotely control a war thousands of miles away from here in the capital?"
"Openly repair the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass."
Xiao Zhouyan's eyes sharpened. "I must go to the Northern Frontier in person. The Black Stone Tribe is colluding with Shen Rou and Yan Zhan. If they are not completely eradicated, the consequences will be endless. The remote control from the capital is an open operation. I will arrange for a double to be stationed at the Marquis's residence to handle daily military affairs."
"You're leaving the capital?" Xu Qingyao frowned slightly. "What about His Majesty..."
"As long as His Majesty sees that 'Xiao Zhouyan' is still in the capital and still handling military affairs for him, he will not suspect anything."
Xiao Zhouyan said, "I will secretly head north and return in a month or two at the latest. The mansion... will be in your hands."
He placed a black iron token on the table: "This token can mobilize all the secret guards in the manor. In case of emergency, you can seek the help of the Third Princess."
Xu Qingyao looked at the token and understood. He had entrusted her with his biggest trump card and his backup plan.
"Don't worry." She put away the token, her tone calm. "I will protect this home for you, and I will make everyone believe that you are always here."
Xiao Zhouyan looked at her intently, then suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms. His embrace was warm and firm, carrying a reassuring strength.
"Wait for me to come back."
*
Three days later, a seemingly ordinary caravan quietly left the capital and headed north.
Meanwhile, in the study of the Marquis of Zhenyuan's residence, "Xiao Zhouyan" continued to process military reports from the northern frontier every day, occasionally entering the palace to pay homage, everything as usual.
Only Xu Qingyao knew that the man who could truly stir up trouble had already drawn his sword and was pointing straight at the heart of the northern frontier.
Meanwhile, she echoed his actions from afar in the capital, staging a true "escape from the cicada's shell."
On the stage in the capital, she became the sole leading actress.
Meanwhile, the deadly plot in the northern frontier is slowly unfolding.
After Xiao Zhouyan left the capital, Xu Qingyao's life seemed unchanged.
She continues to "rest quietly" in Tingxuexuan every day, occasionally taking a walk in the garden, her complexion rosy and her demeanor calm and composed.
Only Yuejian, who served her closely, knew that many maps of the northern frontier and copies of military reports had appeared on the lady's desk, and that the candlelight in the study was always on late at night.
On this day, the Third Princess, Chu Xue Zhao, came to visit.
Chu Xue Zhao was still dressed in an elegant palace gown, her expression cool and aloof. When she saw Xu Qing Yao, her gaze lingered on her face for a moment before she said indifferently, "You look good."
Xu Qingyao dismissed everyone else and personally poured tea for her, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Princess."
"The war in the northern frontier is critical," Chu Xue Zhao said bluntly. "General Fuyuan has suffered repeated defeats, and the Black Stone tribe's sorcery has demoralized the army. There are already criticisms in the court, with some believing that General Xiao is controlling the situation remotely from the capital and is unable to exert his influence."
Xu Qingyao remained expressionless and pushed the tea towards her: "Princess, you are well-informed."
Looking at her calm face, Chu Xuezhao suddenly asked, "Is he really in the manor?"
Xu Qingyao looked up and met her gaze, neither admitting nor denying, only smiling slightly: "What does the princess think?"
Chu Xuezhao was silent for a moment, then picked up his teacup: "My fifth brother has been frequently visiting the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel lately, seemingly checking the resumes of the generals in the northern frontier."
She paused, then said, "Although the Cheng'en Duke's mansion has fallen, Consort Xiao has been cultivating her influence in the palace for many years, and she may still have a backup plan. You... be careful."
"Thank you for the reminder, Princess." Xu Qingyao nodded.
Chu Xuezhao's goodwill seemed clearer than expected.
Chu Xue Zhao put down her teacup, stood up to leave, but stopped at the door, her back to her, and said in a very soft voice, "Minister Xu is in Yangzhou... all is well."
Xu Qingyao's heart stirred slightly as she watched her departing figure, lost in thought.
The relationship between my brother and this third princess is indeed not simple.
**
Just as Chu Xuezhao had predicted, the Fifth Prince, Chu Huaijin, became increasingly active.
He not only secretly investigated the generals in the northern frontier, but also instructed the censor to impeach the General of Pacification for his poor performance in battle, subtly pointing the finger at Xiao Zhouyan, who was "remotely directing" the operation.
During the court assembly that day, an imperial censor even spoke frankly, saying that since the Marquis of Zhenyuan had received the emperor's favor and was in charge of the war in the northern frontier, he had been staying in the capital for a long time, which led to repeated defeats at the front and was a disservice to the emperor's grace. He requested that His Majesty urge him to go to the front line in person.
The emperor looked at the memorial with displeasure and did not immediately express his opinion, but his gaze swept over Xiao Zhouyan, who was claiming to be ill and had not attended court.
When the news reached the Marquis's residence, Xu Qingyao knew that she had to do something to dispel the doubts of all parties, especially the emperor's suspicions.
She summoned the housekeeper and whispered a few instructions to him.
The following day, news came from the Zhenyuan Marquis's residence that the Marquis's wife, due to worry about the war in the northern frontier and her husband's exhaustion, had once again gone through a miscarriage. This time, the situation was even more dangerous, and the Marquis stayed by her side all night, unable to attend to anything else.
At the same time, a memorial of apology written in Xiao Zhouyan's own handwriting and bearing the seal of the Marquis of Zhenyuan was presented to the emperor.
In his memorial, Xiao Zhouyan lamented that he was unable to personally go to the front lines due to family matters, which led to the unfavorable situation in the war. He earnestly requested His Majesty to punish him and once again recommended the General Who Pacifies the Distant Lands, saying that he was familiar with the northern frontier and that as long as the situation was stabilized, the defeat would surely be turned into victory. He also expressed his willingness to do his best to procure provisions in the capital as a backup.
This memorial was sincere and humble, explaining the reasons for "not being able to personally lead the expedition," demonstrating a sense of responsibility for the country's affairs, and attributing the credit to the General Who Pacifies the Distant Lands.
After reading the memorial and hearing that Lady Hou was critically ill again, the Emperor pondered for a long time before finally writing in vermilion ink: "My dear minister, your loyalty to the emperor and the country brings me great comfort. Take care of your family with peace of mind. I will make my own decisions regarding the matters of the northern frontier."
Clearly, the emperor accepted this explanation.
After all, a capable minister who is preoccupied with family matters and knows how to conduct himself is more reassuring than an ambitious prince eager to seize power.
The Fifth Prince, Chu Huaijin, punched a cotton ball, and in his anger, smashed several vases in the study.
**
However, the unrest in the shadows did not subside.
Late that night, just as Xu Qingyao was about to rest, the system suddenly issued a sharp alarm:
[WARNING! High-intensity malicious energy detected approaching! Target locked on host!]
Almost simultaneously, a very faint whooshing sound came from outside the window.
Xu Qingyao reacted extremely quickly, rolling suddenly to the inside of the bed!
"Knock knock knock!"
Three short arrows, gleaming with a cold, eerie blue light, were embedded in the spot where she had just stood, their fletchings still trembling.
There's an assassin!
Moreover, they were assassins who used poisoned arrows!
Before she could cry for help, the door was suddenly kicked open, and the guards on duty were already engaged in combat with the infiltrator in black. The sound of clashing swords was particularly jarring in the quiet night.
Xu Qingyao huddled in the corner of the bed, her heart pounding like a drum, clutching tightly the black iron token left behind by Xiao Zhouyan.
The other party actually dared to infiltrate the Marquis's residence to assassinate him! Was it the Fifth Prince who was desperate? Or was it one of Shen Rou's people?
The sounds of fighting quickly attracted more guards. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the assassins bit open the poison sacs in their mouths and died instantly, leaving no trace behind.
"Your subordinate failed in his duty of guarding, please punish me, Madam!" The head of the secret guards knelt down to beg for forgiveness, his face grim. To have allowed someone to sneak into the Madam's bedroom was an utter disgrace.
Xu Qingyao suppressed her shock and waved her hand:
"Investigate! Find out how they got in! There must be an inside agent within the mansion!"
She stared coldly at the corpses on the ground. Their first plan had failed, so they resorted to killing.
It seems that this "weak point" of hers is an obstacle that must be eliminated as soon as possible in the eyes of some people.
Xiao Zhouyan, how are things going in the northern frontier? The waters in the capital are getting increasingly murky.
She touched her still flat stomach, a resolute glint in her eyes. Since there was no way to avoid it, then... let's face it!
She instructed her guards: "Strengthen security within the manor, especially regarding food and drink. Starting tomorrow, refuse all visitors." After a pause, she added, "Send a message to the Third Princess, saying that I have been frightened and my pregnancy is becoming increasingly unstable."
She wanted everyone to believe that the Lady of Zhenyuan was a fragile porcelain doll that needed careful protection.
Only in this way will those venomous snakes hiding in the shadows dare to bare their fangs more boldly.
All she had to do was grip her sword tightly and wait for the perfect moment.
...
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