No news had arrived from the frontlines, and the unsettling calm was unnerving.
When Zheng Zhi headed to Xinyu Pass, he wasn’t alone—the Second Prince had sent a trusted aide to accompany him. Who would have thought that a deployment initially made for selfish reasons would now prove useful in matters of national importance?
By now, the forty-nine-day mourning period had concluded. As this was a state funeral, it remained a significant affair as long as the conflict hadn’t reached the capital. The court had been thrown into turmoil for several days, with princes, princesses, and high-ranking officials alike enduring the exhausting rituals until they were thoroughly worn out.
Hua Zhi, however, was excused by the Crown Prince on the grounds of poor health and ordered only to observe a vegetarian diet at home. Such favoritism was blatant, yet no one raised objections. Everyone could see how gaunt Hua Zhi had become and understood the toll her worries had taken. Even those who might not sympathize had no desire to add to her burdens.
Hua Zhi did not squander this consideration. She exercised daily at home, and though outsiders might not notice any immediate change, she herself felt lighter and slept better. Miraculous Doctor Yu praised her efforts warmly.
"Miss, Yu Furen and Yuan Furen have arrived. Fourth Aunt sent someone to ask if you would make an appearance."
During the mourning period, marriage matters were not openly discussed, but everyone understood the underlying purpose. If she were absent from home, it might be excusable, but as the head of the household, her presence was necessary to show proper respect.
Seeing her appear, the two ladies’ smiles grew noticeably more sincere. They were astute enough to recognize that once Hua Zhi gave her word, the matter was settled—even if the Hua family’s men returned later.
Yu Furen remarked cheerfully, "I hadn’t expected Xia Sheng to remain in the capital. Since that’s the case, there’s no need to rush things. What does the Grand Tutor think?"
"Please, just call me ‘Eldest Miss’ as before," Hua Zhi replied with a smile. "Currently, both civil and military officials are facing a shortage of talent. His Highness intends to cultivate some younger officials. Your son, having been honored as the top scholar, clearly reflects His Highness’s appreciation for talent. While it’s fine for him to remain in the Hanlin Academy for now, he will need to be reassigned in the future."
Yu Furen nodded repeatedly. She had come today on her father-in-law’s instructions, hoping to glean some insight about Xia Sheng from the Eldest Miss. To her delight, Hua Zhi treated her as one of their own and spoke so candidly. Indeed, although the Hanlin Academy had long been considered the Hua family’s domain, they never concentrated all their own members there. Once they became relatives by marriage, Xia Sheng would be considered family, and it would no longer be appropriate for him to stay there. Hua Zhi’s frankness put Yu Furen even more at ease.
"Such matters are best handled by someone as knowledgeable as you, Eldest Miss. I’ll focus on the wedding preparations."
"Let’s proceed according to the usual arrangements. Second Sister first, then Third Sister—their dates should be staggered. There’s no hurry now, after all."
Both Yuan Furen and Yu Furen nodded in agreement. "That makes perfect sense."
Just then, Steward Xu entered to report, "Eldest Miss, Lai Fu is here."
Lai Fu? Hua Zhi’s heart stirred. She rose and looked toward the doorway, and everyone else in the room stood as well.
Lai Fu hurried in and bowed. "Grand Tutor, an urgent report has arrived from the border. His Highness requests your presence at the palace."
Without a word, Hua Zhi strode out. Only after crossing the threshold did she remember the guests. Turning back, she offered a quick bow. "My apologies for the abrupt departure. Please discuss the remaining matters with my mother and Fourth Aunt."
The two ladies dared not detain her and hastily urged, "Please go ahead, Eldest Miss. Attend to your duties."Hua Zhi nodded and quickly departed.
The remaining people in the room exchanged glances. Wu Shi covered her mouth with a smile, "Please don't mind, ladies. Our eldest young lady is never idle."
"Not at all, she has brought great honor to us women."
Leaving aside the polite exchanges inside, Hua Zhi swiftly changed into her official uniform and boarded the carriage. She asked Lai Fu, who sat at the outer side, "Where is the urgent report from?"
"The north."
It was actually Yinshan Pass!
Hua Zhi frowned but didn't inquire further. When she entered the palace, the Crown Prince handed her Wu Yong's letter without waiting for her to complete the formal greetings.
Setting aside other concerns, Hua Zhi took the letter and read it through. While renewed conflict was expected, she hadn't anticipated Wu Yong would request reinforcements so quickly.
"What does Your Highness think?"
"The Grand Tutor once met General Wu in person. What was your impression of him?"
"Trustworthy." Though the Crown Prince asked indirectly, Hua Zhi responded directly. "The Wu family has guarded Yinshan Pass for generations—that place is their roots. If he's requesting reinforcements, it means he's truly struggling. When I was at Yinshan Pass, I clashed with the grassland tribes. Though their combat strength doesn't match the Chao Li Tribe, they surpass Daqing's. If they launch a full assault, Wu Yong would indeed be hard-pressed."
Hua Zhi looked at the topographic map. "Last year's drought followed by a severe winter must have depleted their livestock. New grain is still far from harvest, while old supplies are exhausted. Normally, they would raid the border to sustain themselves, but since my grandfather took over defense, he relocated border residents to the rear, cutting off their raiding opportunities. This explains their continuous fierce attacks."
The Crown Prince's eyes lit up. "So if Wu Yong holds Yinshan Pass, they'll collapse on their own?"
"Yinshan Pass must be held. The consequences of letting a pack of starving wolves through are unimaginable." Hua Zhi gritted her teeth—she couldn't bear that outcome either.
Taking the long pointer from Xiao Shuang, the Crown Prince traced the map. "Only the troops from Yuzhou remain available for deployment."
Hua Zhi fell silent momentarily, uncertain whether to mobilize them.
Yuzhou was closest to the capital and could reinforce it swiftly if needed—making it preferable to keep them stationary. However, the capital was centrally guarded; if enemy forces reached it, the border defenses would have already failed. If the borders held, the capital would be safe. Moreover, the capital's five battalions weren't merely for show.
"I will support whatever decision Your Highness makes."
The Crown Prince clenched his fist and nodded firmly. "Then dispatch seventy thousand troops from Yuzhou's Green Willow Battalion as reinforcements."
Hua Zhi bowed, feeling heartened. A ruler tempered through such trials was destined for great achievements.
As if a switch had been flipped, reinforcement requests arrived in quick succession from the west and south, following the north. The Crown Prince deployed forces as much as possible, yet had to mobilize three of the capital's five guard battalions.
Meanwhile, the closely watched strategic pass remained silent.
Gu Yanxi, clad in military attire, bent over the topographic map and tapped heavily several times at the southern Xinyu Pass. "Summon Wu Xing."
Wu Xing entered, reeking of gunpowder. "Master."
"How is their progress?"
"Nearly there. Once they grasp the measurements, it's not difficult to learn."
Gu Yanxi nodded. "Finish teaching the remaining parts. Take three men and head immediately to Xinyu Pass to find Shaoyao."
Without another word, Wu Xing withdrew to carry out the order.Chen Qing looked somewhat puzzled. "Isn't Shou'ai Pass the most dangerous?"
"The Chao Li Tribe is a people with strong pride. They've been blocked outside Shou'ai Pass for nearly two hundred years, so they're bound to break through this defensive line to enter the pass and reclaim their former glory. But now they have the Wise Man with them—they won't stubbornly fight us to the death here. I suspect they killed General Sun first precisely to tie me down here, immobilizing me so they can strike elsewhere."
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