Inside the command tent at Tonghu Pass, the atmosphere suddenly became tense. A messenger rushed in, holding the Emperor's edict in his hands, his expression showing urgency.
"By imperial decree, the garrison at Tonghu Pass is ordered to immediately escort Princess Qi Yuandong and Consort Mu back to the capital!" The messenger's voice echoed in the tent, and all the generals' eyes were focused on the golden imperial edict.
General Xu frowned, knowing the gravity of the order. The role of Consort Mu and Princess Qi Yuandong at the border was not merely military; it was a tremendous boost to the soldiers' morale.
Consort Mu accepted the imperial edict, a resolute glint in her eyes: "General Xu, we must obey the Emperor's orders. However, the situation at the border cannot be ignored, and we need to proceed with caution. Here's what we'll do, Yuan Dong, you go back first!"
Princess Qi Yuandong also stepped forward, her attitude resolute: "We will certainly obey the Emperor's orders, but the security of the border is equally important. We need a sound plan to ensure that when we are sent back to the capital, we will not give the enemy any opportunity to take advantage of the situation."
General Xu nodded, deeply admiring the wisdom and courage of the two women: "Your Highness, Consort Mu, what you say makes perfect sense. We cannot weaken the defenses of the border by sending you back to the capital."
"What about you, sister-in-law? Aren't you going back? What if the Emperor blames you..." Qi Yuandong tried to persuade her.
"I will not go back. The battlefield is my domain, and I believe all the generals here will speak up for me!" Ruan Yumu's expression was firm. She never wanted to return to that harem and suffer such torment. She wanted to prove Qi Jingxuan wrong with her own strength.
In terms of military talent, Qi Jingxuan is simply no match!
After some discussion, they decided to adopt a compromise. General Xu would personally select a capable team to escort the princess back to the capital, while ensuring that the border defenses would not be weakened as a result.
"The Emperor's orders are beyond question, but we also have a responsibility to protect the people and soldiers on the border." General Xu's voice was firm and powerful. "We will carry out the Emperor's orders while ensuring our own safety."
Consort Mu stood before the crowd, her posture upright, her eyes gleaming with unwavering determination. Her voice was clear and powerful, echoing in every corner of the tent.
“We have received His Majesty’s decree, but the situation at the border is not yet stable, and I cannot leave at this time.” Consort Mu’s words revealed an undeniable determination. “I have decided to send Princess Yuan Dong back to the capital first to report to His Majesty.”
Princess Qi Yuandong looked worried, knowing full well the risks of Consort Mu staying behind: "Sister-in-law, it's too dangerous for you to stay alone. We should share this responsibility."
Consort Mu gently grasped Qi Yuandong's hand, her eyes soft yet firm: "Yuandong, we are both members of the royal family, and we have an obligation to protect our country and people. I can play a greater role here, while you need to go back and stabilize the hearts of the people in the court."
General Xu stepped forward, his voice tinged with worry: "Your Highness Consort Mu, your safety is of utmost importance. If anything were to happen to you, how could this old minister answer to His Majesty?"
Consort Mu turned to face General Xu, her expression firm and confident: "General Xu, my mind is made up. I assure the Emperor that if I fail to annex the Northern Frontier and stabilize the border, I am willing to offer my head in return."
Silence fell over the tent; everyone was awestruck by Consort Mu's courage and determination. Her words were not only a promise to the Emperor, but also an encouragement to the entire Qi army.
Ultimately, at Consort Mu's insistence, Princess Qi Yuandong, with a heavy heart, embarked on her journey back to the capital. Consort Mu, on the other hand, remained at Tonghu Pass to continue planning the next military operation with General Xu.
A resolute gleam shone in Consort Mu's eyes. She stood before the military map, her finger tracing the winding border line, finally stopping at the location of Yuqing Pass.
"Yuqing Pass is the southern gateway to the northern frontier. If we can capture this pass, we can directly enter the heart of the northern frontier." Consort Mu's voice was firm and powerful, and her gaze swept over every general present. "Now is the best time to strike while the iron is hot. We cannot give the enemy a chance to breathe."
Although General Xu was worried about Consort Mu's safety, he was also impressed by her military insight: "Consort Mu is absolutely right. Yuqing Pass is strategically important. If we can capture it, the northern frontier will be indefensible."
Consort Mu turned to General Xu, her eyes filled with trust: "General Xu, I need you to lead your elite troops and work with me to devise a plan to attack the city. We must have a foolproof strategy."
General Xu nodded solemnly, his voice tinged with admiration: "Yes, Your Highness, Consort Mu. This old minister will do his utmost to live up to your expectations."
Over the next few days, Consort Mu and General Xu worked closely together, planning every detail of the siege day and night. They analyzed the enemy situation, studied the terrain, and formulated a detailed battle plan.
General Xu stood before Consort Mu, his figure as immovable as a mountain, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination.
"Your Highness, I, your humble servant, volunteer to lead the attack on Yuqing Pass!" General Xu's voice was loud and powerful, every word revealing his determination and courage.
Consort Mu looked at the veteran general before her, her heart filled with respect. She knew that General Xu's request was not only out of personal bravery, but also out of a sense of responsibility to the country and the people.
"General Xu, your loyalty and courage are admirable," Consort Mu's voice was gentle yet firm. "But you are a pillar of the nation, and your safety is crucial to the entire war effort. We must proceed with caution."
General Xu nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Your Majesty, I know the responsibility is heavy, but I also know that opportunities in battle are fleeting. Please allow me to lead the vanguard to clear the way for the main army."
After a moment of contemplation, Consort Mu was ultimately moved by General Xu's determination. She knew that sometimes, a general's leadership by example could greatly boost the morale of his soldiers and play a crucial role in the victory of a war.
"General Xu, I grant your request." Consort Mu's words carried a hint of solemnity. "But you must promise me that you will return safely, no matter what."
General Xu gave a standard military salute, his voice tinged with excitement: "Your Majesty, rest assured, this old minister will certainly not fail in his mission!"
With General Xu's request approved, the atmosphere in the entire camp became even more tense and exciting. The soldiers knew that their general would charge into battle alongside them, which undoubtedly gave them tremendous courage and confidence.
In the ensuing battle, General Xu led from the front, charging bravely with his vanguard and opening the door to victory for the main army. His figure became a banner on the battlefield, guiding the Qi army toward triumph.
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