The moment Consort Mu stepped into the Qi army camp, her heart was filled with complex emotions. Her gaze swept across the tents, finally settling on General Xu. General Xu, this veteran general who had fought countless battles, now appeared somewhat old and weary.
General Xu strode forward, his eyes filled with guilt and self-reproach: "Your Highness Consort Mu, your safe return is truly a blessing for the nation. I deeply regret failing to rescue you in time."
Consort Mu gently grasped General Xu's hand, her voice both gentle and firm: "General, victory and defeat are common occurrences in war, you need not blame yourself. The important thing is that we must unite now and face the challenges ahead together."
However, when Consort Mu learned that Princess Qi Yuandong was about to be married off to the northern frontier for a political alliance, she was filled with shock and unease. She approached Emperor Qi Jingxuan, hoping to change this decision.
“Princess Qi Yuandong is my own sister. She shouldn’t have to bear this responsibility. How could Qi Jingxuan do this? He’s such a useless man,” Consort Mu said with a hint of urgency in her voice.
When everyone heard Consort Mu's evaluation of the Emperor, they were too frightened to speak. After all, this was the Emperor; one wrong move and they could lose their heads.
Consort Mu was filled with resentment. She knew the importance of a marriage alliance, but at the same time, she couldn't bear to see Princess Qi Yuandong sacrifice her happiness. She took a deep breath and said firmly, "Tell the Emperor that there may be other solutions. I am willing to go to the Northern Frontier to negotiate with them and strive to resolve the issue peacefully."
"Your Majesty! No!" Several generals knelt before her. Ruan Yumu had just escaped the clutches of evil; how could these men allow a woman like her to risk her life?
Consort Mu stood in the tent, her gaze resolute, facing General Xu. Her voice carried an undeniable command: "General Xu, assemble the troops immediately. We cannot let this opportunity slip by. Night is our best cover. We must take advantage of the northern frontier's unpreparedness and deliver a heavy blow."
General Xu looked troubled, knowing full well the cruelty of war and its impact on the country and its people: "Your Highness, sending troops is no small matter, and we must consider it carefully. Moreover, the Emperor has already agreed to the marriage alliance; shouldn't we consult the Emperor first?"
A resolute glint flashed across Consort Mu's brow: "General Xu, opportunities are fleeting. The Northern Frontier's use of the marriage alliance to lower our guard is a despicable act. We must act immediately to protect our nation's dignity and the safety of our people."
Inside the Qi army tent, Consort Mu stood before a massive military map, her finger moving across the map, pointing out key strategic points. Her voice was clear and firm, every word revealing a precise grasp of the war.
“General Xu, although the Northern Frontier army is brave, they rely too much on cavalry charges and neglect the layout and defense of their infantry.” Consort Mu pointed to a valley on the map. “If we set up an ambush here and take advantage of the terrain, we can effectively weaken their charging power.”
As General Xu listened to Consort Mu's analysis, admiration gradually appeared in his eyes. He had never imagined that a woman could have such a profound understanding and unique insights into war.
"Your Highness, I truly admire your vision and insight," General Xu said sincerely. "Your strategic plan not only considered the balance of power between the enemy and ourselves, but also took into full account the terrain and weather factors, which I had not even considered."
Consort Mu smiled slightly, knowing that her plan had been approved by General Xu: "General Xu, war is not only a contest of strength, but also a battle of wisdom and strategy. I believe that as long as we work together, we will surely achieve victory."
General Xu nodded, his heart filled with confidence: "Your Highness Consort Mu, with your command, the Qi army will surely be invincible."
He knew that Consort Mu's words were not without reason, but as a veteran general, he also understood the cost of war. However, military orders are absolute, and he ultimately issued the order to assemble.
Under the cover of night, the Qi army silently advanced towards the northern border. The soldiers' eyes flickered with worry about the war and uncertainty about the future, but their hearts also held loyalty to their country and trust in Consort Mu.
However, just as the Qi army was about to launch its attack, Consort Mu suddenly ordered a halt. Standing at the forefront of the army, gazing towards the northern frontier, her voice echoed through the night: "Soldiers of the northern frontier, our Qi state is unwilling to provoke war without cause. We hope to resolve disputes peacefully, rather than resorting to force."
Consort Mu's words were not only a warning to the northern frontier but also an encouragement to the Qi army. Her decisiveness and wisdom demonstrated to everyone the demeanor of an imperial concubine and the courage of a general.
When the generals of the northern frontier learned that the Qi army was led by Consort Mu, they couldn't help but scoff. In their view, it was illogical for a woman to lead troops, even a laughingstock.
"Women leading troops? Does Qi have no one else?" The generals of the northern frontier exchanged contemptuous glances, their laughter echoing through the military camp.
The news quickly reached Consort Mu's ears, but she was not angered. On the contrary, a calm smile appeared on her face: "The ridicule of the Northern Frontier generals will only inspire our fighting spirit."
General Xu stood beside Consort Mu, his eyes filled with admiration: "Consort Mu, your courage and wisdom are truly admirable."
Consort Mu turned to face the soldiers of Qi, her voice firm and powerful: "Soldiers, the northern generals' mockery is because they do not understand our strength. We are the sons and daughters of Qi, and we have the courage, the wisdom, and the determination to protect our country and our people."
The soldiers were deeply moved by Consort Mu's words, their eyes shining with unwavering resolve. They knew that regardless of whether the commander was male or female, as long as they had the country and the people in their hearts, they were worthy of respect.
Under Consort Mu's command, the morale of the Qi army soared to unprecedented heights. They no longer cared about the ridicule from the northern border, but instead devoted all their energy to battle preparations. They believed that as long as they followed Consort Mu, they would surely achieve final victory.
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