The Emperor was furious in court, while the officials remained silent, none daring to speak. The disappearance of Consort Mu was not only a personal tragedy for the royal family, but also a challenge to imperial authority. The actions of the Northern Frontier were undoubtedly a blatant disregard for the imperial palace, and the Emperor's dignity was being challenged like never before.
"I order you to act immediately!" The Emperor's voice echoed in the hall, his gaze sweeping over each minister like a sharp sword. "No matter the cost, you must bring Consort Mu back safely!"
Beneath the imperial court, military generals had already set out to the border to begin preparations, vowing to conquer the northern frontier and rescue Consort Mu. However, the civil officials were deeply worried, fearing that war would bring disaster to the country and its people. The two factions clashed fiercely in the court, creating an extremely tense atmosphere.
Within the palace, maids and eunuchs whispered amongst themselves, and various rumors spread within the palace walls regarding Consort Mu's disappearance. Some said Consort Mu might have been murdered, others said she might have escaped from the Northern Frontier, and there were even rumors that she had an affair with the prince of the Northern Frontier and voluntarily stayed there.
However, amidst this chaos, one person remained remarkably calm: Xu Yunchuan, the emperor's trusted confidant and the wise and courageous commander of the Imperial Guards.
Upon learning of this, he formed a small team with soldiers from the frontier to conduct a secret search. He knew this was no small matter and that he had to proceed with extreme caution. He secretly investigated and gathered intelligence, attempting to uncover the truth behind Consort Mu's disappearance.
A few days later, Xu Yunchuan discovered a crucial clue during a nighttime reconnaissance. It turned out that Consort Mu had not been captured by the Northern Frontier, but had been abducted by a group of mysterious guards who seemed to have intricate connections with a certain force within the Northern Frontier palace.
Meanwhile, the Emperor was also actively preparing, ordering the strengthening of border defenses to prevent the northern frontier from taking advantage of any weakness. He also secretly dispatched envoys to the northern frontier, attempting to obtain information about Consort Mu through diplomatic channels.
As tensions between the Northern Frontier and the State of Qi reached a boiling point, war seemed imminent on their border. The Northern Frontier's army was renowned for its strength and ferocity, while Qi was known for its superior equipment and strict military discipline. The two armies faced off on the border, the atmosphere tense to the extreme.
The Emperor summoned all his generals and advisors to the court to discuss countermeasures. He knew that this war was not only about finding Consort Mu, but also about upholding the dignity and territorial integrity of the Qi Kingdom. His gaze was resolute, and he ordered the mobilization of the entire nation's resources to prepare for this war.
"My people, now is the time to test our unity and courage!" the Emperor declared passionately at the court assembly. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the provocations from the northern border. We must unite to defend our homeland and uphold our dignity!"
At the emperor's call, the people of Qi responded enthusiastically. Farmers, merchants, and artisans alike actively participated in war preparations. They donated money and supplies to provide material support for the army; young and strong men eagerly enlisted, ready to serve their country.
Meanwhile, the army in the northern frontier was also actively preparing for war. Their generals studied the tactics and weaknesses of the Qi state, trying to find a breakthrough. The soldiers in the northern frontier honed their will and skills through rigorous training, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to the Qi state on the battlefield.
The shadow of war loomed over the entire continent, and the people of both nations prepared for the impending conflict. However, behind this war lay a far more complex power struggle and intrigue.
In the Qi state's imperial harem, some ambitious palace maids and eunuchs began to plot in secret, attempting to use the war to elevate their status and power. Meanwhile, in the northern frontier, some discontented nobles were also secretly plotting a coup, hoping to seize the opportunity to overthrow the rulers and take power.
Under the shadow of this war, the mystery of Consort Mu's disappearance has become even more perplexing.
"Cowards of the Northern Frontier!" General Xu's voice was loud and powerful, piercing through the morning mist and echoing through the valleys. "You rats who only know how to ambush from the shadows, do you dare to come out and fight me, Xu, head-on?"
His words were full of contempt and provocation; each word struck the hearts of the soldiers in the northern frontier like a heavy hammer. Hearing his shout, General Xu's soldiers were greatly encouraged, brandishing their weapons and roaring in response to their general's challenge.
The generals of the northern frontier were enraged by this provocation. They knew that General Xu was a renowned general of Qi, who had inflicted heavy losses on the northern frontier in many battles. However, the soldiers of the northern frontier were not to be trifled with either; they too yearned for battle and for honor.
"General, should we send troops to meet the enemy?" a lieutenant asked, his eyes gleaming with a desire for battle.
The commander of the Northern Frontier, a burly man clad in heavy armor, pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head: "No, General Xu is trying to provoke us and make us lose our temper. We cannot fall for his trick."
The commander-in-chief in the northern frontier knew that war was not merely a contest of brute force, but also a battle of wits and patience. He ordered heightened defenses and a state of high alert, determined not to give General Xu any opportunity to exploit.
However, General Xu's provocation was not unfounded. His aim was not merely to provoke the northern frontier army, but also to test their reaction and find weaknesses. General Xu's experience and wisdom made him invincible on the battlefield.
Tonghu Pass, this historically significant pass, has witnessed countless wars and peaces. Today, it once again serves as the front line between the State of Qi and the northern frontier. General Xu, a veteran of countless battles, stands atop the pass's walls, his gaze sharp and fixed on the distant northern frontier camp.
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