Shen Qing led the troops on a long journey, going through wind and rain, and finally arrived at Anling Fortress.
The long march made the soldiers look tired. Shen Qing took a look at the map.
We had to set up camp for a night’s rest, as our journey day and night had shortened our arrival time considerably.
In the distance, the mountains formed a majestic silhouette in the afterglow of the setting sun. The land under our feet was slightly dry, overgrown with weeds, and dotted with a few protruding boulders.
A clear stream meanders by the side, and by the stream, several tall willow trees with their branches hanging low, adding a bit of vitality to this slightly desolate place.
It's suitable for camping.
"Qiufeng, give the order to set up camp here." Shen Qing said solemnly while riding on her horse. Although her voice was slightly tired, it still revealed unquestionable majesty.
"Yes." Hua Qiufeng agreed and immediately turned to inform all the soldiers, "Set up camp on the spot. Move quickly and there must be no mistakes!"
The soldiers breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the order and sprang into action. Some began setting up camp, others sorting out their equipment, and still others searching for water and firewood. For a moment, the entire camp was bustling with activity and order.
"I didn't expect that our new emperor is really as brave as any man! He brought us all the way here and is no less capable than any man." A soldier said to his companion while busy setting up the tent.
"Yes, it's such a long journey, but she doesn't even say she's tired. Your Majesty's courage is admirable!" The companion echoed, his hands moving non-stop.
"I originally thought that she was the eldest daughter of the general's mansion, and she personally led the army to fight, probably just for a title."
I really didn't expect that.
They had been sleeping in the open air all along the way, and so had she, eating only dry food and sleeping on straw mats, and she was no better off than they were.
"Following such an emperor is worth it even if we have to go through fire and water!"
"Cough." A light cough sounded behind them. Several people turned around immediately and knelt down in unison after seeing the expressionless face above them.
It’s over. Before he even reached the battlefield, he died on the road because of his long tongue!
"Praise me more, I love to hear it."
"Ah?" One of them looked up in shock.
Shen Qing listened to this group of people praising her for a long time before leaving with satisfaction. The soldiers breathed a sigh of relief, not expecting her to still be alive.
"Hurry up, get to work."
Shen Qing walked to a high ground and scanned the surrounding situation. She frowned slightly, thinking about the situation she might face next.
There was no news from the front line yet, which meant that Jiang Zhuo's negotiations were going smoothly and he was holding the North back.
Since she has brought the troops here, she must eliminate the trouble once and for all. Giving in again and again will only make people's ambitions grow wildly.
What she wants is absolute deterrence.
“Master, please eat something.” Hua Qiufeng carefully handed the dry food to Shen Qing.
"Well, sit down." Shen Qing took it and pointed to the stone pillar next to him, motioning him to sit down.
Shen Qing took a bite of dry food, looked at Hua Qiufeng thoughtfully, and slowly said: "Qiufeng, how did you become a killer?"
There was a hint of curiosity in Chen Qing's eyes. After all, in the book, Hua Qiufeng only existed as a helper to the heroine, and there was not much description about his background.
Hua Qiufeng's gaze became distant, as if lost in memories: "My parents passed away when I was ten years old. I was alone and helpless at the time, and it felt like the whole world had collapsed.
Just when I was at my wit's end, the previous leader of Fengsheng encountered me, took pity on me and took me back. From then on, I embarked on the path of a killer."
The training at that time was extremely cruel, and he was on the verge of life and death every day. He gritted his teeth and overcame all obstacles. After so many years, he finally became a high-level killer of Fengsheng.
But later, the old leader passed away and Fengsheng was controlled by Chunye. Its reputation became worse and worse and gradually began to decline. He really couldn't stand it anymore, so he proposed to leave.
"I thought I would be wandering around the world and living a precarious life in the future, but I didn't expect to be saved by my master and work under you." A trace of emotion appeared on Hua Qiufeng's face.
It was incredible that he would one day become the emperor's chief guard.
Thinking of what happened that day, Shen Qing couldn't help but feel a little guilty, and hurriedly took a bite of the cake to cover it up. "I just saved you by chance, you don't have to worry so much."
What a joke, she would never tell the truth!
"My life was given by you. Following you is Qiu Feng's blessing in this life."
How fortunate it is to choose a wise leader and have him by your side.
Shen Qing nodded.
Hehehe, your life is all due to your own luck.
"Master, I'm curious, why did you save me then?"
Good question!
"I used to be a benevolent person, how could I stand by and watch someone die without helping? If the ups and downs of the capital hadn't whipped me to this point, I wouldn't be as cruel and ruthless as I am now."
Chen Qing said sadly, and when she caught a glimpse of the emotion in Hua Qiufeng's eyes, she knew that he believed it.
Children are strong, but they are also a little gullible.
After a night's rest, we set out again the next day and traveled all the way to Anling Fortress.
The city gates were wide open, and Yuan Lin and Jiang Zhuo were waiting at the door with their men.
"Sir Jiang, why didn't you tell me earlier that His Majesty would lead the army in person?!" Yuan Lin cast a reproachful look at the neatly dressed Jiang Zhuo.
I dressed myself like a butterfly and looked more like a woman than her.
"Your Majesty does not judge people by appearance." Jiang Zhuo looked at the team in the distance, adjusted his hair crown, and put on a perfect smile.
Yuan Lin looked at him speechlessly and rolled his eyes.
Shen Qing came on horseback, and everyone at the city gate knelt to greet him.
"I pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty."
"Stand up."
"Your Majesty..." Yuan Lin's words were just out of his mouth when Jiang Zhuo interrupted him.
"Your Majesty and the soldiers have traveled all this way, you must follow me into the city."
Shen Qing nodded and said, "Arrange the soldiers to rest, and we will discuss tactics as soon as possible."
"yes."
After a quick wash and refreshment, several people planned their tactics in the commander's tent.
Chen Qing sat in the upper seat, with Yuan Lin on his left, Jiang Zhuo on his right, and several other deputy generals.
It's just that the atmosphere is a little stiff.
No matter where Shen Qing sat, they didn't dare to speak at all.
"No opinions?" Shen Qing asked doubtfully.
Did they usually communicate through telepathy? Or were these northerners so difficult to deal with that they were at a loss?
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