"If we could turn the wisdom in these ancient books into practical advantages..." she murmured to herself. Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind like lightning, making her eyes gleam.
She quickly put down the ancient book and summoned several of her most trusted generals and highly skilled master craftsmen to gather in the camp.
"I have a plan that could add a force to our army that should not be underestimated."
Xu Yuehuai looked around at everyone and continued, "I want to build an unprecedented mechanical beast team, using our existing resources and technology to create mechanical beasts capable of autonomous combat. They will be our secret weapon, serving as vanguards to attract the enemy's attention and delivering a fatal blow at crucial moments."
Upon hearing this, the generals were initially surprised, but after a moment's thought, they couldn't help but feel immense admiration.
An elderly general with white hair and beard spoke first: "Your Highness is wise. If this plan succeeds, our army will be even stronger!"
Other generals echoed this sentiment, expressing their full support.
Thus, under Xu Yuehuai's personal planning and supervision, a special team composed of top craftsmen and elite soldiers was quickly established.
Working day and night, they skillfully transformed cold metal and tough wood into lifelike mechanical beasts.
These mechanical beasts come in various shapes and sizes; some resemble fierce tigers descending from the mountain, incomparably powerful; others are like nimble snakes emerging from their caves, swift and unpredictable.
Not only are they incredibly strong, but they are also equipped with a variety of weapons and ingenious mechanisms, enabling them to display astonishing combat power on the battlefield.
When the first mechanical beast slowly started up amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, emitting a deep and powerful roar, the entire allied camp erupted in cheers.
Soldiers flocked to the site, surrounding the wondrous creation in awe.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze gazed at the mechanical beasts that were about to gallop across the battlefield, knowing that this moment meant they were one step closer to victory.
Qi Guze chuckled softly, "With such a powerful weapon in hand, what is there to worry about in defeating the enemy?"
Xu Yuehua nodded and smiled, her eyes full of confidence and determination for future victory.
On that day, a fierce wind raged, the sky hung low, and the thick clouds seemed to bear a thousand pounds of water, foreshadowing the impending gloom and misfortune.
Lu Li hurried across the threshold of the Prince's mansion, his expression filled with undisguised anxiety. His steps were unsteady, and he almost stumbled as he rushed into Xu Yuehuai's bedchamber. Before he could catch his breath, he urgently called out, "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Miss Qianqian is in danger!"
Xu Yuehuai was engrossed in the words of the ancient book when she heard this. She looked up abruptly, a look of disbelief flashing in her eyes. This emotion quickly transformed into a complex expression that combined determination and anxiety.
She abruptly stood up, the book slipping from her fingers, but she had no time to care. She only hurriedly ordered the servant behind her, "Quickly prepare the horses, we must set off immediately!"
Qi Guze had quietly taken up a position to one side, his face as solemn as iron. Upon hearing the news, he immediately made a decision: "I will go with you. The rest of you will stay behind and prepare to provide support."
The group sped towards the scene of the incident like arrows released from a bow. The air was thick with tension and unease, as if even the wind carried a hint of menace.
Upon arrival, the scene was too horrible to bear; it was utterly devastating!
Jiang Qianqian lay alone in a pool of blood. Her once bright and sparkling eyes were now tightly closed, and her face was as pale as the first snow of winter. Several pieces of clothing soaked in blood were scattered around her, a shocking sight.
Xu Yuehuai almost staggered towards her, kneeling heavily on both knees. His trembling fingers gently touched her gradually cooling skin, tears streaming down his face like broken pearls. He choked out, "Qianqian... my daughter..."
Every word seemed to be torn out from the deepest part of his heart, filled with endless sorrow and despair.
Just then, Jiang Qianqian seemed to sense her mother's arrival. With the last bit of strength in her body, she slowly opened her eyes, her eyes filled with longing and reluctance to leave this world.
"Mother... I'm sorry, I can no longer serve you..." Her voice was as soft as a whisper, yet every word was clear, like the last fallen leaf in autumn, light yet carrying the weight of life.
Xu Yuehuai held her daughter's hand tightly, tears falling into their palms, as if she wanted to pour all her love and reluctance into this last moment of tenderness.
"No, Qianqian, it's my fault for not protecting you!" Her voice was filled with self-blame and pain, as if she wanted to drown herself in the boundless darkness.
A surge of intense anger and hatred welled up in Xu Yuehuai's heart. She suddenly stood up, her eyes bloodshot, and like a cheetah about to pounce on its prey, she rushed headlong into the direction where the murderer had fled.
Seeing this, Qi Guze quickly followed behind, worried about Xu Yuehuai's safety and secretly praying that she could remain rational. However, he knew that at this moment, she was driven by the power of maternal love, and no one could stop her.
After a thrilling chase and battle, Xu Yuehuai finally avenged his daughter.
However, the joy of victory left no trace on her face; instead, there was endless sorrow and emptiness.
She held Jiang Qianqian's gradually cooling body tightly, and walked step by step, heavily and resolutely, toward Zhao Yuanhao's tomb.
That place will be her eternal home.
"Qianqian, your mother will bury you next to your husband. You two will finally be reunited."
Xu Yuehuai seemed to be speaking to Jiang Qianqian, or perhaps having a silent conversation with himself.
Her eyes held both resolute determination and tender affection—a maternal love that transcended life and death and transcended time and space.
Qi Guze felt a sudden pang of pain in his heart, as if Xu Yuehuai was about to leave him at that moment.
He stepped forward and hugged Xu Yuehuai, comforting her, "Ayue, please accept my condolences. Qianqian in heaven would not want to see you so heartbroken."
Xu Yuehuai looked at Qi Guze, her eyes red and swollen, "I will be strong, for Qianqian, and for all of you."
The afterglow of the setting sun fell upon this tranquil cemetery, adding a touch of warmth to this sorrowful scene.
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze gazed at the newly erected tombstone and secretly vowed that they would join hands to avenge their deceased loved ones in the future!
As night fell, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze led their team slowly on their way home.
The outline of the Regent's Palace was faintly visible in the night. Just as everyone was about to step into that familiar safe haven, someone suddenly approached in the shadows.
"Who dares to block my way!" Xu Yuehuai paused, scanning his surroundings.
"Haha, Your Highness, how have you been?" Before the words were finished, a red figure appeared like a ghost, none other than the renowned Hong Fu Nu of the martial arts world. She was dressed in red, her hair flying, and she held a long sword.
"Red Dust Maiden? Why are you blocking our way?" Qi Guze stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Xu Yuehuai, his tone filled with wariness and confusion.
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