On the frontier battlefield, Consort Mu, clad in armor, shone with unwavering resolve. She stood atop the high command platform, surveying the fully equipped and ready army. Consort Mu knew that every decision she made concerned the lives of countless soldiers and the very safety of the Qi Kingdom.
"Soldiers, our country is facing a test, and every son and daughter of Qi bears the responsibility of protecting our homeland." Consort Mu's voice echoed through the military camp, inspiring the soldiers' courage and faith.
Meanwhile, at the gates of the Qi Kingdom's palace, Emperor Qi Jingxuan was holding a send-off ceremony for the princess's marriage. His heart was filled with complex emotions, but as a monarch, he had to remain calm and resolute. Princess Qi Yuandong, dressed in a magnificent wedding gown, was about to embark on her journey to a distant land.
"Sister, your sacrifice will never be forgotten by the Qi Kingdom or by me." Emperor Qi Jingxuan's voice was deep and powerful, his eyes filled with a hint of reluctance, but even more so with respect for his sister.
Princess Qi Yuandong smiled, her eyes glistening with tears, but even more so with strength: "Royal brother, for the sake of Qi, I am willing to make this choice. I will pray for Qi and for you from afar."
Two scenes, two kinds of sacrifices, yet both embody the deep affection the Qi royal family has for their country and people. Consort Mu's heroic spirit on the battlefield contrasts sharply with Emperor Qi Jingxuan's solemnity at the palace gates, yet they complement each other.
Consort Mu's command on the frontier demonstrated her determination to resist foreign enemies and defend the country; while Emperor Qi Jingxuan's farewell at the palace gates represented a choice to seek peace and avoid further sacrifices. Both were contributions to the future of Qi and the royal family's commitment to the nation's destiny.
The procession for the marriage alliance moved slowly in the morning light, and Princess Qi Yuandong's figure appeared particularly lonely yet resolute in the golden sunlight. Although she had left her homeland, her heart remained with the State of Qi, and her steps were imbued with hope for the future and a yearning for peace.
Meanwhile, on the distant frontier, a battle that determined the fate of the Qi Kingdom had just concluded. Not only was Consort Mu successfully rescued, but with the assistance of General Xu, she also led the Qi army to capture the strategically important Tonghu Pass. This news spread like wildfire throughout the entire Qi Kingdom.
The messenger rode swiftly, traversing fields and mountains, finally arriving at the palace at sunset. The letter in his hand was a symbol of the blood, sweat, and victory of the frontier warriors, and also the hope and pride of the people of Qi.
"Your Majesty, urgent report from the border!" The messenger's voice echoed in front of the palace gates as the letter in his hand was respectfully handed to Emperor Qi Jingxuan.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan unfolded the letter, his eyes gradually shifting from initial tension to joy and relief. The rescue of Consort Mu and the capture of Tonghu Pass were a major victory for the Qi army and a great encouragement to the Qi royal family.
"Excellent! Consort Mu is safe, and Tonghu Pass has been captured!" Emperor Qi Jingxuan's voice was filled with excitement. He immediately ordered, "Spread this good news throughout the country, let all the people of Qi know that our Qi Kingdom is invincible!"
The news quickly spread throughout the palace and every corner of the capital. The people cheered with joy, celebrating the rescue of Consort Mu and the victory of the Qi army. This victory was not merely a military triumph, but also a symbol of the Qi people's unity and resilience in overcoming adversity.
Upon receiving the news of the victory at the border, Emperor Qi Jingxuan felt a complex mix of emotions. For him, it meant he had to take immediate action to stop the marriage alliance from proceeding.
"Guards!" The Emperor's voice echoed through the court, his eyes filled with urgency. "Immediately dispatch fast horses to bring back the marriage procession. The princess cannot proceed!"
The courtiers exchanged bewildered glances, surprised by the emperor's sudden decision. But the emperor's orders were not to be questioned, and the palace guards and messengers immediately sprang into action, preparing to set off in pursuit of the marriage procession.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan paced back and forth in the court, his heart filled with both worry for Consort Mu's safety and concern for the impending family turmoil. He knew Consort Mu's personality well; if she returned from the border and discovered that her sister had been sent to a foreign land for a political marriage, she would surely cause him a huge scene.
"Your Majesty, do you really think it's too late to win back the princess?" an old minister asked cautiously.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan stopped in his tracks, his eyes resolute: "No matter what, we must try. Consort Mu has made enormous sacrifices for the country; we cannot let her sister suffer the same fate."
"Huh? Her sister?" This left the ministers completely bewildered. Wasn't this the Emperor's sister? How did she become Consort Mu's sister?
The atmosphere in the imperial court was tense and heavy. Emperor Qi Jingxuan's brows were furrowed, his eyes flashing with displeasure and anxiety. The ministers hesitated regarding the order to recall the marriage procession, their worries and hesitations gradually wearing down the emperor's patience.
"My esteemed ministers, Consort Mu is safe, and the border is secure. We have no reason to continue this marriage alliance!" Emperor Qi Jingxuan's voice echoed in the court, his words carrying an undeniable firmness.
However, the ministers continued to whisper among themselves. Though their voices were low, their hesitation and worry were clearly audible. Some worried that this move would anger the northern frontier, while others believed that the marriage procession had already set off, and there was no point in trying to bring it back.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan's patience finally reached its limit. He abruptly stood up, grabbed the memorials on the table, and threw them forcefully at the hesitant ministers: "Enough!"
The memorial traced an arc in the air before landing heavily on the marble floor with a dull thud. The ministers were stunned by the emperor's action, and the court fell into a moment of silence.
"My mind is made up, there is no need for further discussion!" Emperor Qi Jingxuan's voice carried a hint of anger. His gaze swept over each minister, his eyes filled with decisiveness and authority. "Immediately dispatch fast horses to retrieve the marriage procession. The princess of Qi should not sacrifice her happiness for politics!"
The ministers then realized the emperor's resolve, and they all lowered their heads in obedience. The atmosphere in the court became even more solemn, and everyone felt the emperor's unwavering will.
"Yes, yes, yes! This old minister will immediately send men to pursue them." The Grand Tutor shook his head helplessly; the Emperor's desire to annex the northern frontier was now crystal clear.
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