Accompanied by General Xu Yunchuan, Princess Qi Yuandong sat in the carriage, her thoughts drifting far away. She knew that her original fate was to be married off to a distant land, becoming a victim of a political marriage. But now, the country's victory and her sister-in-law's safety gave her a chance to choose again.
“General Xu, I want to see General Xu.” Princess Qi Yuandong’s voice was firm and clear, and her eyes flashed with a new determination.
General Xu Yunchuan was slightly taken aback. He had not expected the princess to make such a request: "Your Highness, General Xu is currently at the border, where conditions are harsh and dangerous."
Princess Qi Yuandong nodded, her expression resolute: "I know, but General Xu is a pillar of the nation, and I hope to express my respect to him in person."
General Xu Yunchuan remained silent. He knew of General Xu's contributions to the Qi Kingdom and understood the princess's feelings. He ultimately agreed to the princess's request and ordered the troops to change direction and head towards the border.
After several days of trekking, Princess Qi Yuandong finally arrived at the border. Standing on the city wall, watching General Xu directing the soldiers to strengthen the defenses, she was filled with admiration.
"General Xu, it is Qi Yuandong." The princess's voice came on the wind. General Xu turned around and saw the princess standing on the city wall.
General Xu strode forward, his eyes filled with surprise and respect: "Your Highness, what brings you here?"
Princess Qi Yuandong smiled, her gaze firm: "I came here to personally thank you for everything you have done for the country. You and your soldiers are the pride of Qi."
A flicker of emotion crossed General Xu's eyes, and he bowed deeply: "Your Highness, protecting the country is our responsibility. Your understanding and support are our greatest honor."
A chilly wind blew across the border as Princess Qi Yuandong stepped out and stood on the city wall. Her gaze swept across the vast frontier, her heart filled with complex emotions. General Xu stood beside her; their conversation was muffled by the wind, making it seem exceptionally private.
A hint of determination flashed in the princess's eyes. She tilted her head slightly, giving General Xu a barely perceptible look. It was a look that only someone who had experienced court life could understand; it meant, "I want to speak with you alone."
General Xu immediately understood the princess's intention. He waved for the surrounding soldiers and attendants to retreat. A moment later, only the two of them remained on the city wall, and the air around them seemed to grow even heavier because of their intimacy.
"General Xu, you have made great contributions to the Qi Kingdom. On behalf of the royal family, I would like to express my deepest respect to you." Princess Qi Yuandong's voice was clear and powerful, and her eyes shone with admiration for the old general.
General Xu bowed slightly to show his respect for the princess: "Your Highness, it is my duty to protect the country and its people. I am unworthy of your respect."
Princess Qi Yuandong waved her hand, her eyes becoming even more profound: "General, I have come here today to tell you a private matter."
“General Xu, I have found your son, Xu Yuanzhang, in Xuzhou.” The princess’s voice was clear and gentle, and her eyes held a hint of comfort.
General Xu's hand trembled slightly, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. As a father, he was always concerned about his son's safety; but as a general, he had to keep that concern hidden.
"Your Highness, how did you find him?" General Xu's voice trembled slightly, his heart filled with unease. After all, his son had committed a capital offense!
Inside the command tent at the border, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn. Princess Qi Yuandong stood before General Xu, her eyes filled with sorrow and sympathy. She had just completed an almost impossible task—informing a father of his son's death.
“General Xu.” The princess’s voice was low and filled with sorrow. She held General Xu’s hand tightly, trying to convey her condolences and support. “I did find him in Xuzhou, but… but he has passed away.”
General Xu's body trembled slightly, and disbelief and deep sorrow appeared on his face. This veteran general, who had fought countless battles and never retreated in the face of the enemy, had tears welling up in his eyes at this moment.
"Your Highness..." General Xu's voice choked with emotion, his hands trembling as he tightly grasped the princess's hand, as if seeking a sliver of comfort, "Are you telling the truth?"
Princess Qi Yuandong nodded, her gaze firm yet gentle: "Yes, General."
General Xu's tears silently streamed down his face as he slowly lowered his head, knowing that this was his son's final resting place. Silence reigned in the command tent, broken only by the soft whisper of the wind carrying their sorrow.
“Your Highness, thank you for coming in person to deliver this news.” General Xu’s voice was low but firm. “I will grieve in moderation and continue to fulfill my duties to comfort my son’s spirit in heaven.”
Princess Qi Yuandong grasped General Xu's hand tightly, her heart filled with respect: "General Xu..."
The two looked at each other in silence.
Inside the command tent at the border, Consort Mu stood before a huge military map, her gaze sharp and resolute. Despite having just experienced a battle, she showed no sign of relaxation and immediately began planning future military operations.
The tent was filled with Qi's high-ranking generals and strategists, all their eyes fixed on Consort Mu, awaiting her instructions. Consort Mu exuded an unquestionable authority; even among these battle-hardened generals, her prestige was unmatched.
"Gentlemen, we have achieved a partial victory, but the war is far from over." Consort Mu's voice was clear and powerful. She pointed to a strategic location on the map, "We must strengthen the defenses here to prevent the enemy's counterattack."
The generals listened attentively, nodding in agreement from time to time. Consort Mu's analysis was insightful and precise; her grasp of the battlefield situation convinced everyone.
"In addition, we need to strengthen intelligence gathering to understand the enemy's movements," Consort Mu continued, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. "I need each and every one of you, whether on the front lines or in the rear, to maintain the highest level of vigilance."
"Yes, Your Highness Consort Mu!" the generals replied in unison, their voices filled with respect and trust for Consort Mu.
Consort Mu nodded, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. She knew that only by uniting as one could the State of Qi achieve final victory in this war.
"Alright, let's begin." Consort Mu gave the order, and the generals immediately sprang into action, each heading to their respective posts to carry out Consort Mu's plan.
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