Although the Rong Kingdom's army managed to break through the siege with difficulty, they were severely weakened and their morale was low. Looking at his exhausted and wounded soldiers, Xiao Yichen was filled with guilt and self-reproach. Lin Wan'er, however, remained by his side, offering him silent support with unwavering determination.
Inside the makeshift tents, medics bustled about, treating the wounded. Painful groans filled the air, thick with the mingled scents of blood and medicine. Xiao Yichen, his brow furrowed, personally examined the soldiers' injuries, his face etched with worry. Lin Wan'er assisted the medics, her movements gentle and practiced, striving to alleviate the wounded's suffering as much as possible.
"General, the trap set by the Mu Kingdom this time was too insidious. We have suffered heavy losses. What should we do next?" a deputy general asked wearily.
Xiao Yichen was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Let the soldiers rest and recuperate first. We must re-examine the Mu Kingdom's tactics, find their weaknesses, and then we can formulate an effective countermeasure."
Lin Wan'er nodded in agreement, and she said softly to Xiao Yichen, "Yichen, don't overwork yourself. Your body needs rest too."
Xiao Yichen shook his head slightly. He knew that he bore a heavy responsibility and could not rest easily. However, the continuous battles and mental pressure had left him exhausted, and his body was gradually unable to hold on.
During a camp inspection, Xiao Yichen suddenly felt dizzy and almost fell to the ground. Seeing this, Lin Wan'er quickly supported him and anxiously asked, "Yichen, what's wrong?"
Xiao Yichen forced himself to say, "It's nothing, it's probably just from being overworked lately."
Lin Wan'er, however, persisted. She helped Xiao Yichen back to his tent, laid him down to rest, and personally prepared medicine for him. Under Lin Wan'er's meticulous care, Xiao Yichen's health gradually improved.
However, the Mu Kingdom did not give the Rong Kingdom much of a chance to regroup. Taking advantage of the Rong Kingdom's army's rest, they launched another attack. The Rong Kingdom's army had no choice but to hastily respond, and the situation became extremely critical.
Despite his incomplete recovery, Xiao Yichen resolutely donned his armor and went into battle. Lin Wan'er, worried about his safety, insisted on fighting alongside him.
On the battlefield, smoke filled the air, and shouts of battle shook the heavens. Xiao Yichen led his soldiers in a valiant resistance, but the Mu Kingdom's army advanced with overwhelming force, and the Rong Kingdom's army gradually found itself at a disadvantage. During the battle, Xiao Yichen's old wounds flared up, slowing his movements and significantly reducing his combat effectiveness.
Seeing Xiao Yichen injured, Lin Wan'er was frantic with worry. She rushed towards him without hesitation, standing in front of him like a solid barrier. "Yichen, hold on! I won't let anything happen to you!" Lin Wan'er cried out.
She brandished her sword and engaged in a desperate battle with her enemies. Her eyes revealed unwavering determination and resolve; each strike was delivered with a death wish. Her enemies were intimidated by her ferocity, but continued their relentless attacks.
During the fierce battle, Lin Wan'er sustained multiple injuries, but she never retreated. She held only one belief in her heart: to protect Xiao Yichen and be with him through thick and thin.
Looking at Lin Wan'er, who was fighting desperately for him, Xiao Yichen felt both moved and guilty. He suppressed his pain, rallied his spirits, and fought alongside Lin Wan'er. They supported and cooperated with each other, creating a unique scene on the battlefield.
"Wan'er, it is my blessing, Xiao Yichen, to be able to fight alongside you and share life and death in this life." Xiao Yichen said affectionately.
Lin Wan'er smiled and replied, "Yi Chen, as long as we're together, nothing can defeat us."
Inspired by them, the Rong soldiers gradually regained their morale and rallied to engage in fierce combat with the Mu army. The battle reached a fever pitch, with both sides fighting with bloodlust and refusing to yield an inch.
Suddenly, Lin Wan'er noticed a commotion in the rear of the Mu army. She keenly realized this might be an opportunity. "Yi Chen, look at the rear of the Mu army. It seems there's something going on. We can break through from there," Lin Wan'er said.
Xiao Yichen looked in the direction she pointed, and a thought struck him. He immediately adjusted his tactics, leading a portion of his soldiers to charge towards the rear of the Mu Kingdom's army. Lin Wan'er, on the other hand, led the remaining soldiers to continue holding the enemy at the front.
After a fierce battle, Xiao Yichen finally broke through the rear defenses of the Mu Kingdom army. The Mu Kingdom army was thrown into chaos, and the Rong Kingdom army seized the opportunity to launch a full-scale counterattack. Caught in a pincer movement, the Mu Kingdom army was ultimately routed, and the Rong Kingdom army achieved a hard-won victory.
After the battle, both Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were covered in wounds. They helped each other back to their tent, where the medics immediately treated their wounds. These injuries would require a long period of recuperation, but their hearts were filled with joy and relief.
During their recovery, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's relationship deepened. They kept each other company in the camp, sharing their joys and sorrows. Xiao Yichen would tell Lin Wan'er about his childhood adventures in the general's mansion, while Lin Wan'er would recount her extraordinary experiences in the martial arts world.
"Wan'er, after this war is over, I want to take you back to the General's Mansion and officially make you my wife." Xiao Yichen held Lin Wan'er's hand and said affectionately.
Lin Wan'er blushed and said shyly, "Yichen, I do."
However, they also knew clearly that the war was not truly over. Although the Mu Kingdom had suffered heavy losses, it still had the potential to rise again. They had to make full preparations for the next battle while they were recovering.
During her recovery time, Lin Wan'er studied the tactics and culture of the Mu Kingdom. She hoped to gain a deeper understanding of the Mu Kingdom in order to find better countermeasures. Xiao Yichen, meanwhile, discussed strategies with his advisors, formulated training plans for the army, and improved the soldiers' combat effectiveness.
Thanks to their joint efforts, the Rong Kingdom's army made significant progress in a short period of time. The soldiers trained more diligently, their tactical coordination became more seamless, and the entire army radiated new vitality.
Finally, the Mu Kingdom launched another attack. This time, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, leading the Rong Kingdom army, were well-prepared. They adopted new tactics, launching a surprise attack on the Mu Kingdom army.
During the battle, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er once again demonstrated their exceptional military talent and seamless teamwork. Leading the Rong Kingdom army with renewed vigor, they routed the Mu Kingdom army.
After a series of fierce battles, Rong State finally achieved a decisive victory in the war against Mu State. Mu State was forced to sign a peace treaty, ceding a large amount of territory and promising not to invade Rong State again.
After the war, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er returned to Rong Kingdom. They were warmly welcomed by the people of Rong Kingdom and became heroes in their hearts.
In the General's Mansion, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er held a grand wedding. Their love story spread throughout Rong Kingdom, becoming a popular tale. From then on, they lived a happy and fulfilling life, jointly protecting the peace and prosperity of Rong Kingdom.
As the war progressed, the conflict between Rong and Mu states reached a fever pitch. Both sides were exhausted yet desperately holding on, waiting for the slightest opportunity to turn the tide of the war. Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen knew that the situation was like a taut string; the slightest misstep could lead to total defeat. They had to be the ones to pull the string and actively create a chance for victory.
Inside the commander's tent in the military camp, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed to freeze over. Xiao Yichen stood before a massive military sand table, his brow furrowed, his eyes revealing deep contemplation. Lin Wan'er, meanwhile, carefully perused various intelligence files, attempting to find a breakthrough from the slightest clues.
"Yichen, look at the battle reports these past few days. Although the Mu Kingdom's offensive is fierce, their supply transport seems to have been slightly delayed. Could this be our opportunity?" Lin Wan'er suddenly raised her head, a glint of excitement in her eyes.
Xiao Yichen paused slightly, then quickly walked to Lin Wan'er's side, took the battle report from her hand, and began to study it carefully. "What you say makes sense, Wan'er. Food supplies are the foundation of an army. If we can cut off their food supply, the Mu Kingdom's army will surely be in trouble." Xiao Yichen's voice carried a long-lost sense of excitement.
However, cutting off the Mu Kingdom's grain supply is no easy task. The Mu Kingdom must have deployed heavy defenses along the supply routes, and they are well aware of the importance of grain supplies, so they will certainly be extra vigilant.
"We need an elite force that can silently penetrate enemy lines, go deep behind enemy lines, and destroy their supply depots," Xiao Yichen said with a determined look.
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Wan'er volunteered: "I am willing to lead the team. The stealth techniques and lightness skills I learned in the martial arts world can help me avoid the enemy's notice and successfully complete the mission."
Xiao Yichen looked at her, his eyes filled with worry and reluctance: "Wan'er, this journey is fraught with danger. How can I let you risk it alone? I will go with you so we can look after each other."
Lin Wan'er felt a warmth in her heart, but she knew that Xiao Yichen, as the commander of an army, bore a heavy responsibility and could not easily leave the camp. "Yichen, you are the backbone of the entire army and cannot easily take risks. Besides, I am not alone. I will choose the most capable soldiers in the army to go with me, and I will certainly not let you down."
Under Lin Wan'er's insistence, Xiao Yichen finally agreed. Lin Wan'er immediately began selecting team members, choosing a group of elite soldiers skilled in raids and stealth operations from the army to form a small and highly capable assault team.
Night fell, blanketing the earth like a vast black curtain, enveloping everything in its embrace. Lin Wan'er led her assault team, moving like ghosts through the mountains and forests, silently advancing towards the Mu Kingdom's supply lines. Clad in black night-clothes, they blended seamlessly into the darkness, moving with almost no sound.
After several hours of forced march, they finally approached a grain transfer station of the Mu Kingdom. Lin Wan'er signaled her team to stop, and she cautiously peeked out to observe the surroundings. The transfer station was surrounded by tents, with patrolling soldiers moving back and forth, a heavily fortified area.
"Everyone, stay here and wait for my signal. I'll go and find out their deployment," Lin Wan'er said softly to her team.
Having said that, she used her lightness skill, moving as nimbly as a cat towards the transfer station. Using the shadows and bushes as cover, she skillfully avoided the sight of the patrolling soldiers and gradually approached a tent where provisions were stored.
Just as she was about to sneak into the tent to investigate, she suddenly heard a soft footstep. Lin Wan'er was startled and quickly hid in a corner. She saw a man who looked like a Mu Kingdom officer walk out of the tent, followed by two soldiers.
"This batch of supplies must be transported to the front lines before dawn tomorrow, or you will be subject to military law!" the officer said sternly.
"Yes, sir!" the two soldiers replied in unison.
After they had gone some distance, Lin Wan'er took the opportunity to sneak into the tent. The tent was filled with bags of grain, emitting a faint aroma of cereal. Lin Wan'er examined it carefully and found that there weren't many traps or mechanisms hidden in the storage of the grain; however, the surrounding guards were quite tight.
She quietly left the tent and returned to where her team members were hiding. "The situation is better than I expected. We can launch a surprise attack from the east, take out the patrolling soldiers first, and then set fire to the supplies," Lin Wan'er whispered to her team members, giving them instructions.
The team members nodded in agreement, gripping their weapons tightly, their eyes revealing unwavering determination. Lin Wan'er seized the opportunity and gave the signal to attack. The assault team charged towards the transfer station like arrows released from a bow. Their movements were swift and agile; before the Mu soldiers could react, they had wiped out the patrolling troops.
Then, the soldiers threw their torches at the haystacks. Instantly, flames roared up, illuminating the entire night sky. The Mu army was thrown into chaos, rushing out of their tents to try and put out the fire.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Lin Wan'er led her assault team to attack several more camps, creating even greater confusion. The Mu army, in their panic, was unable to mount any effective resistance and could only watch helplessly as their supplies were burned to ashes.
"Withdraw!" Seeing that the mission was complete, Lin Wan'er decisively ordered a retreat. The assault team quickly withdrew along the route they had come from, disappearing into the vast night.
By the time the Mu army discovered that the attack on their supplies was carried out by the Rong army, it was too late. Their food supply had been cut off, and the troops at the front were in dire straits. The Mu generals had no choice but to order a temporary halt to the offensive and a contraction of their defensive lines to deal with the food crisis.
Xiao Yichen was overjoyed to learn that Lin Wan'er had successfully attacked the Mu Kingdom's grain transfer station. He immediately seized this opportunity, adjusted his strategic deployment, and launched a full-scale counterattack against the Mu Kingdom's army.
Under Xiao Yichen's command, the Rong Kingdom army surged towards the Mu Kingdom army like a tidal wave. Due to food shortages, the Mu Kingdom army's morale was low, and its fighting capacity was greatly reduced, making it impossible for them to withstand the Rong Kingdom army's fierce attack.
In a fierce battle, the Rong army successfully broke through the Mu army's defenses, annihilating countless enemies and capturing a large amount of weapons, equipment, and supplies. The Mu army suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat, while the Rong army pursued their victory and recovered a large area of lost territory.
This victory brought jubilation throughout Rong Kingdom, with people taking to the streets to celebrate this hard-won triumph. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er became heroes of Rong Kingdom, their names resounding throughout the land, becoming legendary figures in the hearts of the people.
However, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were not blinded by victory. They knew that although the Mu Kingdom had suffered heavy losses, it still possessed considerable strength, and the outcome of the war was not yet decided. They had to remain vigilant and formulate a longer-term strategic plan to completely defeat the Mu Kingdom and achieve lasting peace and stability for the Rong Kingdom.
In the days that followed, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er strengthened the training and development of the army to improve its combat effectiveness. On the other hand, they actively carried out diplomatic activities to win the support and assistance of neighboring countries.
At the same time, they did not forget to keep an eye on the movements of the Mu Kingdom. Lin Wan'er dispatched several reconnaissance teams deep into Mu Kingdom territory to gather information on its military deployments, political situation, and the living conditions of its people. This intelligence provided them with important information for formulating their strategic plans.
As time went on, under the continuous attacks from Rong, the internal contradictions of Mu State became increasingly acute, and its economy teetered on the brink of collapse. In order to maintain their rule, the rulers of Mu State had no choice but to increase the exploitation and oppression of the people, which led to a growing discontent among the Mu people towards their rulers.
Upon learning of this situation, Lin Wan'er devised a plan. She suggested that Xiao Yichen exploit the discontent of the people of Mu Kingdom towards their rulers and launch a propaganda offensive within Mu Kingdom to promote Rong Kingdom's peaceful ideals and benevolent governance, encouraging the people of Mu Kingdom to rise up against the rulers' tyranny.
Xiao Yichen thought the suggestion was excellent. He immediately arranged for people to produce a large number of propaganda leaflets and slogans, which were secretly transported to the territory of Mu through various channels. He also organized people to post and distribute them in the cities and villages of Mu.
This propaganda campaign was highly effective. After seeing the propaganda from Rong, the people of Mu's perception of Rong underwent a significant change. They began to yearn for Rong's peace and prosperity and became even more dissatisfied with their own rulers. Many people from Mu rose up in rebellion, staging large-scale demonstrations and uprisings.
The rulers of Mu were overwhelmed by the turmoil within their own country and had no time to attend to the war with Rong. Seeing that the time was ripe, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er once again led the Rong army in a final all-out attack on Mu.
Under the dual pressure of domestic turmoil and the attack from the Rong army, the Mu army was utterly powerless and quickly collapsed. The Rong army successfully captured the capital of Mu, and the ruler of Mu was forced to surrender.
Thus, the war between Rong and Mu finally came to an end. Rong achieved final victory, realizing national unification and prosperity. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er played a crucial role in this war, and their love story has become a beautiful tale in Rong's history, still told today.
With the surrender of the Mu Kingdom, the suffocating smoke of war that had once filled the skies between the two countries finally began to slowly dissipate. However, this land, ravaged by war, was left with devastation and endless pain. The aftershocks of the war surged towards Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen like a raging tide.
Along the border of Rong Kingdom, once-fortified defenses have been reduced to ruins, and wisps of smoke still rise from the burned-out villages. The scorched earth seems to silently testify to the cruelty of war. The people who lost loved ones in the war have empty and bewildered eyes. They sit on the ruins or wander in the desolate fields, unable to extricate themselves from their immense grief.
Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen rode their horses slowly across the ruins. Their faces were stern and solemn, their hearts filled with guilt and compassion for this land and its people.
"Wan'er, look at all this, it's all the disaster brought about by war. Although we won the victory, the price of this victory was far too high." Xiao Yichen's voice was low and hoarse, as if carrying a heavy burden.
Lin Wan'er sighed softly and said, "Yes, Yichen. We must act quickly now to help these people rebuild their homes and get their lives back on track."
Upon returning to the camp, Xiao Yichen immediately summoned his generals to discuss post-war reconstruction efforts.
"Gentlemen, the war is over, but our mission is not yet complete. Today, the people on the border are suffering terribly, and we have a responsibility and obligation to help them rebuild their homes." Xiao Yichen's gaze swept firmly over each of the generals present.
The generals nodded in agreement. Xiao Yichen then began to deploy the reconstruction tasks in detail. One group of troops was responsible for clearing the ruins and repairing fortifications; another group went deep into the surrounding mountains and forests to cut timber and collect stone to prepare for rebuilding houses; and yet another group was responsible for organizing the people, calming their emotions, distributing food and supplies, and ensuring their basic living needs.
Lin Wan'er took the initiative to organize the people and distribute supplies. She went deep into various villages, talking warmly with the people to understand their needs and difficulties. Her gentleness and kindness, like a spring breeze, gradually dispelled the gloom in the people's hearts.
"Miss Lin, thanks to you and the general, we have hope of survival." An old man said, holding Lin Wan'er's hand with tears in his eyes.
Lin Wan'er smiled and comforted him, "Don't worry, old man, as long as we work together, we will definitely be able to rebuild our beautiful home."
During the reconstruction of the houses, Lin Wan'er discovered a problem. Due to the destruction of the war, many people had lost their farmland and were unable to grow food, which would bring great difficulties to their future lives.
Lin Wan'er told Xiao Yichen about this problem. After pondering for a moment, Xiao Yichen said, "We can organize soldiers and civilians to reclaim wasteland together, and at the same time introduce some new crop varieties to increase grain production."
Lin Wan'er nodded in agreement and immediately set about making arrangements. She personally led the soldiers and civilians to the wasteland, wielding hoes to cultivate this land of hope. Through their efforts, patches of wasteland were gradually reclaimed and planted with tender green seedlings.
Besides rebuilding their homes and restoring agricultural production, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er faced another important problem: how to resettle the orphans who had lost their homes in the war. These children were destitute and their eyes were filled with fear and helplessness.
Lin Wan'er felt a pang of heartache looking at the children. She decided to build an orphanage on the border to provide them with a warm home. Xiao Yichen strongly supported her decision, personally arranging for personnel to oversee the construction and management of the orphanage, and selecting compassionate soldiers from the army to serve as the children's teachers and guardians.
Lin Wan'er poured her heart and soul into the construction of the orphanage. She personally designed the layout and architectural style of the orphanage, striving to create a comfortable and warm environment for the children. She also traveled extensively to raise funds and supplies, purchasing clothes, books, and toys for the children.
Finally, the orphanage was completed. The children moved into their brand-new house, and long-lost smiles returned to their faces. Lin Wan'er frequently visited the orphanage, playing and learning with the children. She told them stories of her adventures in the martial arts world, taught them to read and write, and instruct them in martial arts to strengthen their bodies. Under her loving care, the children gradually emerged from the shadow of war and rediscovered the joy of childhood.
However, the post-war problems were not limited to the border regions. Within Rong Kingdom, the war also caused economic recession, soaring prices, and social disorder. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were forced to turn their attention domestically, assisting the court in resolving these issues.
They returned to the capital and reported in detail to the Emperor on the reconstruction of the border and the problems facing the country. The Emperor affirmed their work and appointed Xiao Yichen as Imperial Commissioner, responsible for restoring economic and social order within the country.
Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er immediately took action. First, they cracked down on unscrupulous merchants who hoarded goods and inflated prices, stabilizing market prices. Then, they encouraged the development of industry and commerce, introducing a series of preferential policies that attracted numerous merchants to invest in factories, thus promoting economic recovery.
In terms of restoring social order, they strengthened urban security management, increased patrols by soldiers and constables, and cracked down on all kinds of illegal and criminal activities. At the same time, they also focused on the development of culture and education, restoring schools and academies damaged by the war, inviting renowned scholars to give lectures, and improving the cultural literacy of the nation.
As time went by, Rong Kingdom gradually recovered from the wounds of war thanks to the efforts of Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. The people on the border lived a peaceful and prosperous life, the domestic economy flourished, and social order was well maintained.
However, just as everything was gradually getting back on track, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er discovered that although their relationship had become even stronger after being tested by the war, it was also facing some new challenges.
Because of their heavy workload in the post-war period, they were often too busy to spend much time alone together. Their communication decreased, and a rift gradually developed between them.
Lin Wan'er realized the problem and decided to have a serious talk with Xiao Yichen. One evening, she went to Xiao Yichen's study, looked at him who was busy, and said softly, "Yichen, it's been a long time since we had a proper talk."
Xiao Yichen looked up at Lin Wan'er, feeling a pang of guilt. "Wan'er, it's my fault. I've been so busy with work lately that I've neglected your feelings."
Lin Wan'er walked over to Xiao Yichen, sat down, and said, "Yichen, I know you bear a heavy responsibility, but our relationship is equally important. We can't forget each other because of work."
Xiao Yichen held Lin Wan'er's hand and said, "Wan'er, you're right. From now on, I will adjust my work schedule and spend more time with you."
From then on, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er began to pay more attention to their emotional connection. They would take walks together, enjoy tea, and admire the moon during their busy work schedules, savoring precious moments of tranquility. Their relationship was revitalized and renewed in these heartwarming moments.
Having resolved the domestic and border issues, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Reflecting on their experiences before and after the war, they were filled with emotion.
"Wan'er, we've been through so much together. But it's these trials that have made us stronger and made our love even more precious," Xiao Yichen said with emotion.
Lin Wan'er leaned on Xiao Yichen's shoulder and said, "Yes, Yichen. In the days to come, no matter what difficulties we encounter, we must face them together and never abandon each other."
In this moment filled with hope and challenges, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er held hands, gazing at the distant sky. They knew their story continued, and they would face every challenge ahead with their love for each other and their loyalty to their country.
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