Jiang Shan Wei Pin

The northern lands were engulfed in fierce warfare, yet Qingzhou City remained a scene of prosperous tranquility.

Had she not witnessed the refugees along her journey, she would never have imagined the rebel scourge had spread to the western borders of Chao'an.

On the way to the Yan residence, Meng Tinghui rode side by side with Shen Zhishu. Apart from the occasional shouts from the few accompanying guards urging their horses, neither he nor she spoke a word throughout the journey. The thick night made the man beside her appear even more somber, almost making it impossible for her to connect him with the radiant, smiling gallant of years past.

The incident where Chao'an Transportation Office officials were executed without imperial approval by Shen Zhishu for negligence in grain transport had stirred the entire court. His reputation for ruthlessness quickly spread throughout the Northern Three Routes. Both military officers and civilian officials knew that this young imperial confidant, who had risen to the position of Chao'an Transport Commissioner, was not one to be trifled with.

After traversing more than half the city, Meng Tinghui finally broke the silence: "I entered Chao'an by detouring through Chengfu Route. On my way, I saw refugees even in western Chao'an."

Shen Zhishu responded quietly, "The rebels have grown rampant, having long crossed beyond Jiankang Route. Currently, from Qingzhou southward in Chao'an, traces of rebel forces can be found throughout mountains, forests and wilderness."

Meng Tinghui frowned, "Hasn't the court already dispatched troops from eastern and western routes to assist in suppressing the rebels in Northern Three Routes? How did we become so passive?"

Shen Zhishu sighed deeply, "I don't know about Linhuai's situation, but Chao'an's original Imperial Army heavy forces have all been deployed northward to resist the enemy. Although Fengqing and Yongxing Routes have sent reinforcements from the west, they cannot match the rebels' familiarity with Chao'an terrain. Expecting to eliminate them quickly is mere armchair strategy."

Urging his horse faster, he continued, "Moreover, the recalcitrant civilians in surrendered territories have always been difficult to control. Now that they've heard rumors of the Central Wan Imperial Descendant's survival, the rebel forces have expanded rapidly. Their numbers have multiplied countless times since emerging from Jiankang Route."

Her eyelids lowered, and she spoke no more.

However formidable the Great Peace Imperial Army might be, having halted Northern Frontier forces in several major battles, they remained helpless against these plague-like spreading rebel forces. Even with Di Nian commanding troops northward and stationed beyond Golden Gorge Pass, no commander could simultaneously monitor rebels infiltrating remote counties across three routes.

Silence fell between them again. After another incense stick's worth of travel time, they reached the Yan residence.

The Yan household servants naturally hadn't anticipated such a procession tonight. Beyond Transport Commissioner Shen Zhishu, two columns of armored soldiers escorted a young woman seeking the Yan family's eldest daughter. Not daring to delay, they welcomed the guests to the main hall and hurried inward to report.

Having left the capital less than ten days prior, Meng Tinghui knew imperial decrees couldn't have been issued yet. Commoners in Northern Three Routes remained unaware of peace negotiations with Northern Frontier forces.

When Yan Fuzhi emerged and recognized Meng Tinghui, she stood stunned for a long moment before recovering. Delight flashed in her eyes as she hurried forward to grasp her friend's hands, though she restrained her excitement, saying mildly, "What, assigned another mission to Chao'an?"

Meng Tinghui smiled with pressed lips, her eyes shimmering like water, "Indeed."

As Yan Fuzhi tried to lead her inside, she noticed Shen Zhishu standing aside with hands clasped behind his back. Her expression immediately changed as she glanced sideways, "I heard grain and armor from Fengqing Route arrived in Chao'an long ago. Has Lord Shen come to repay Yan family's grain loan tonight?""There is no hurry." Shen Zhishu spoke slowly, "We have a long future ahead of us, and I will certainly not default on the grain owed." He turned to face Meng Tinghui, slightly frowning, "Lord Meng, your presence here tonight has already overstepped propriety. I will leave Guard Huang at the Yan residence, while the rest of my personal guards will accompany me back to the yamen. I have reviewed His Majesty’s handwritten decree. Tomorrow morning, I will dispatch an additional five hundred men from the administrative yamen to escort you north to Tingzhou, along with the thousand Palace Guard troops stationed outside the city."

Meng Tinghui replied, "Very well."

Shen Zhishu lowered his gaze, "Then the two of you may converse in detail tonight. I shall not disturb you further." With that, he turned and walked out slowly.

Yan Fuzhi paid him no mind, her eyes fixed intently on Meng Tinghui as she asked suspiciously, "What brings you to Chao’an this time? From the way he spoke, it sounds like an extremely perilous undertaking."

Meng Tinghui followed her inside, calmly explaining, "I am going to Golden Gorge Pass to negotiate a ceasefire between our forces and the Northern Frontier army."

Yan Fuzhi’s brow furrowed, her expression shifting slightly, but she said nothing further, simply leading her back to the bedchamber.

The rear courtyard was fragrant with blossoms, bathed in serene moonlight. A row of weeping willows by the pond swayed gently, their slender branches drifting softly in the breeze.

Suddenly feeling utterly exhausted, Meng Tinghui had no desire to enter the room. Instead, she settled onto a stone stool in the courtyard and said, "Let’s sit here awhile and talk."

Yan Fuzhi turned, swept her skirts aside, and sat opposite her, waving away several maidservants with a gesture.

Meng Tinghui suddenly smiled, leaning forward to rest her arms on the stone table as she whispered, "Chao’an is still better—even the moon seems brighter here than in the capital." She glanced up at Yan Fuzhi and added with another smile, "Remember how carefree our days were at the women’s academy? No worries at all."

Yan Fuzhi’s eyes, however, remained cold. She reached for a plate of grapes on the stone table, picked one up, and began peeling it. "Has the court run out of people? To send a frail scholar like you to Golden Gorge Pass!"

Knowing her temperament, Meng Tinghui merely pursed her lips into a faint smile and remained silent.

Yan Fuzhi placed the peeled grape into an agate wine cup and picked up another to peel, scoffing coldly, "I know you’ve always been ambitious—chasing merit, fame, and that one person. But can’t you see how dangerous this mission is? And yet you stubbornly insist on coming here? The two armies have been facing off beyond Golden Gorge Pass for days. How can you be sure of the Northern Frontier’s intentions when you approach their camp?"

Meng Tinghui reached out to take the peeled grape, biting into it and letting its cool, sweet juice flood her tongue. She sighed softly, "The grapes in Chao’an are truly delicious."

Yan Fuzhi shot her a sidelong glance, continuing to peel grapes in silence.

Meng Tinghui suddenly asked, "From what I overheard between you and Lord Shen earlier, it sounded as though those thirty thousand shi of grain were lent to him by you?"

Yan Fuzhi nodded, puzzled, "Didn’t he submit a memorial to the court reporting this matter?"

Meng Tinghui raised an eyebrow slightly, "He did submit one, but it stated that your Yan family donated the grain to reward the troops—not that it was lent to the Chao’an transport commission."

Yan Fuzhi’s hands stilled abruptly. "How is that possible?"

"Truly," Meng Tinghui’s eyes held a hint of amusement. "Just a few days before I left the capital, I heard that the Chancellors of the Secretariat petitioned the Emperor to grant your family an official rank, to commend the Yan family’s devotion to the nation and its people, and to set an example for other wealthy merchants of the Northern Three Routes."

Yan Fuzhi’s lips twitched, clearly enraged. "That Shen Zhishu! He actually used the thirty thousand shi of grain I worked so hard to procure for him to play such a scheme!"Meng Tinghui soothed, "Why are you angry? He's wholeheartedly trying to build your Yan family's reputation—isn't that a good thing? Besides, he didn't say he wouldn't repay the grain just now, so why are you so anxious?"

Yan Fuzhi lowered her gaze for a long moment, suppressing her anger before saying, "Earlier, to raise grain for him, I sold off shops in several western prefectures and sent people to negotiate purchases from merchants we usually deal with, just to scrape together thirty thousand dan. How could he possibly understand my difficulties?"

Meng Tinghui expressed mild surprise, "You sold the shops in the western prefectures?"

She snorted coldly, "With the north of Chao'an embroiled in war like this and the west invaded by bandits, it's better to sell the shops early than have them occupied or looted by those filthy Rebel Army scum!"

Meng Tinghui sighed softly.

With the sudden outbreak of war in the northern border, there were likely many wealthy merchants like Yan Fuzhi who thought the same way. Previously, many merchants had come to open shops in the border prefectures of the Northern Three Routes, attracted by trade opportunities between the two countries. Who could have predicted that within just a few years, the north would face both external war and internal rebellion?

Yan Fuzhi continued, "I've always despised those who resort to killing at the slightest provocation. Our Great Ping soldiers are fighting bloodily on the borders—my Yan family merely contributed thirty thousand dan of grain, what's that worth mentioning? If it can restore peace and stability to the people's lives, even if the army needed eighty or a hundred thousand dan, would I begrudge it?" Her voice carried a hint of resentment, "But that Shen Zhishu doesn't understand my thoughts and instead uses this to seek credit for my Yan family—truly detestable!"

Meng Tinghui gently lowered her lashes and said softly, "I'm afraid you and Lord Shen have misunderstood each other. Life is as fleeting as a white steed's shadow passing a crack—why must you make things difficult for yourself and him?" She smiled faintly, as if talking to herself, "Little do people know how rare it is to be able to love wholeheartedly and to be loved without reservation."

Hearing this, Yan Fuzhi noticed something different about her and couldn't help frowning, "What's wrong with you?"

Meng Tinghui shook her head, "I remember when Lord Shen returned to the capital, it coincided with General Di's wedding to the Shen family's young lady. At the wedding banquet, Lord Shen drank too much and all he talked to me about were matters concerning you. I can see he genuinely admires you—you needn't doubt him anymore. If I were in your place, given the chance to stay with the one I love, I'd willingly abandon family and career."

Yan Fuzhi began to understand, her voice softening, "Has the Emperor been treating you poorly?" When Meng Tinghui remained silent, she grew more certain and said with slight annoyance, "If the Emperor truly cared for you, why would he assign you this mission to Golden Gorge Pass! I advise you to abandon those thoughts soon—what have you worked so hard for all these years, and what will you ultimately gain?"

Meng Tinghui curved her lips in a smile, "Yes, you're right. From now on, I won't dwell on these unrealistic matters anymore."

Yan Fuzhi pushed the agate wine cup toward her, urging her to eat the peeled grapes inside, and said earnestly, "After returning from Golden Gorge Pass this time, don't take on such dangerous missions anymore. If you find court life unsatisfactory, perhaps request a provincial post from the Emperor and return to Chao'an."

She nodded gently, carefully eating the grapes from the wine cup, "Alright."

In the vast night, memories suddenly surfaced of their time at the women's academy. That wild girl in red—how did they ever become friends? Yet through all these years, she had never regretted it—in this life, she had made this one true friend.Thank you for caring about me so deeply all these years.

If I ever fail to live up to your care in the future, please do not be angry with me.

...

Suddenly, a maidservant approached with light steps from one side, leaning close to Yan Fuzhi's ear and whispering, "Miss, the servant at the gate just reported that Lord Shen has returned and is standing outside the residence right now."

Meng Tinghui overheard but pretended not to, keeping her head lowered.

Yan Fuzhi bit her red lips, wanting to ignore it, yet recalling Meng Tinghui's earlier words, she hesitated once more.

After a long pause, she furrowed her brows and stood up, saying to Meng Tinghui, "There's something outside the residence. I'll be back shortly."

Meng Tinghui nodded with a smile. "It's fine. No need to hurry back for my sake. I happen to feel tired and will return to my room to rest now. We must leave the city early tomorrow morning, and I don't want to delay matters."

Yan Fuzhi stared at her intently, stamped her foot, and then strode forward like a gust of wind.

Shen Zhishu was indeed standing under the eaves outside the Yan residence, his tall, straight silhouette motionless.

On this early summer night, she unexpectedly felt a shiver.

Hearing footsteps, he turned and saw her. A gentle smile appeared in his calm eyes, brightening the surrounding night scenery.

"What is it?" Her tone intended to be firm but softened involuntarily.

He took two steps closer to her and said, "When we went out of the city to receive Lord Meng tonight, it suddenly struck me how ungrateful both you and I have been." Noting her expression, he gave a slight smile and continued, "The northern lands are engulfed in war, where families are torn apart and loved ones separated every moment. My sister, far away in the capital, has just married and already faces her husband leading troops to battle, uncertain when they will reunite. Lord Meng is on a mission to Golden Gorge Pass, separated from Your Majesty by a thousand miles, with no guarantee of a safe return to the capital. Compared to them, how fortunate—and how ungrateful—are you and I?"

Her throat tightened, and she found herself unable to refute his words.

He reached out and gently tucked her wind-tousled hair behind her ear, chuckling softly. "Fate is unpredictable. If a time comes when you and I must part in death, wouldn't it be too late to say these things then?"

Tears glistened in her eyes, bright and clear, as she watched him draw nearer.

He reached for her hand and said, word by word, "Yan Fuzhi, I may be too arrogant, too proud. It seems I have never told you that I sincerely and truly love you."

·

Inside the room, the cool couch was comfortable, with the fragrance of night-blooming jasmine filling the air. The wind rustled the beaded curtain, producing a soft, pleasant sound.

Meng Tinghui reclined on the couch, her eyes open in the darkness as she counted the tiny beads on the curtain—one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight...

Your Majesty, do you know how deeply I love you?

·

The next day was overcast, with thick layers of clouds blocking any trace of sunlight.

She had not slept all night and rose during the fourth watch to pack her belongings neatly. At daybreak, she went to the side courtyard to find Huang Bo, intending to leave without bidding farewell before Yan Fuzhi awoke.

On the way, she encountered two maidservants hurriedly carrying items inside. When they saw her, they blushed and shyly stepped aside.

Meng Tinghui grew curious. "What's going on?"

The maidservants dared not ignore her and replied in an even softer voice, "It's... it's to deliver clothes to Lord Shen."

Understanding dawned on Meng Tinghui, and she felt somewhat embarrassed. Clearing her throat lightly, she said, "Hurry along then."

Not long after, Shen Zhishu emerged with an air of composure, showing no trace of embarrassment. He nodded lightly to her and Huang Bo. "The horses and personnel were arranged last night. Shall we depart now?"Meng Tinghui replied, "I'll leave now." She glanced inside and softly instructed, "Tell her later that I'll bid her a proper farewell before returning to the capital after I come back from Golden Gorge Pass."

Shen Zhishu lowered his gaze, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Very well. She's utterly exhausted and likely won't be able to get up to see you off."

Huang Bo, initially puzzled by the situation, now understood about sixty to seventy percent of what was happening. Feeling somewhat awkward, he turned and urged, "Lord Meng, the journey to Tingzhou is still long. We should depart early."

Understanding his meaning, Meng Tinghui gave Shen Zhishu a faint smile. "I've troubled you, Lord Shen."

After fetching Tang Cheng from the official post station along the way, they found both the Palace Guard personal soldiers and the personnel from Lord Shen's Transportation Office already formed up and waiting outside the city gates.

When Meng Tinghui boarded the carriage, Shen Zhishu personally lifted the curtain for her and said in a low voice, "Take care."

She glanced at him, a hint of a smile at the corner of her lips, but offered no response as she directly entered the carriage.

·

From Qing Province to Tingzhou, it took three days and two nights even with non-stop travel.

Having been previously besieged by the Northern Frontier army, Tingzhou's outer walls were covered with stone impact marks and fire scars. Although there were no immediate concerns of warfare, the main Imperial Army forces had been deployed northward, and the remaining garrison hadn't yet had time to repair these battle-damaged sections.

Approaching the city, they saw in the distance gleaming bronze golden halberds paired with purple-black military flags fluttering in the wind, creating an imposing presence.

Although Meng Tinghui knew Di Nian would send someone to Tingzhou to receive her, she never expected he would dispatch Song Zhirui personally leading troops for this task.

Having become acquainted with Song Zhirui during the pacification of unrest in Chao'an in the winter of the twenty-fifth year of Qiande, seeing his Imperial Army troops now gave her a sense of reuniting with an old friend, immediately putting her more at ease. She supposed Di Nian had considered this very point when assigning Song Zhirui to escort her.

Under the yellow earth and blue sky, this military contingent's armor was dust-covered, yet everyone's eyes retained the fierce intensity leftover from blood-soaked battles. Even standing motionless at the city gates, they commanded respect from the Palace Guard personal soldiers surrounding Meng Tinghui.

Huang Bo galloped ahead to exchange military credentials with the other side before returning to escort her.

As Meng Tinghui approached the formation, Song Zhirui emerged from the rear with a slight smile. "Long time no see, Lord Meng. I trust you've been well?"

She pressed her lips together. "General Song, you've worked hard."

Song Zhirui turned and barked a low order, immediately prompting a soldier to present a document. "A handwritten letter from General Di for your perusal, Lord Meng."

Meng Tinghui took it as instructed, read it briefly, then smiled. "Why would I doubt General Song?"

Song Zhirui bowed slightly. "Does Lord Meng and Lord Tang wish to rest in Tingzhou city for a day, or will you immediately accompany me to Golden Gorge Pass?"

Without hesitation she replied, "No need to rest. Have the Palace Guard personal soldiers integrate with General Song's troops, then we'll head north to Golden Gorge Pass." After giving Huang Bo some instructions, she told Song Zhirui: "The military situation around Golden Gorge Pass is critical. Instead of keeping you at the front lines to guard against unexpected events, General Di sent you here to escort me northward. This truly makes me deeply uneasy, and I dare not delay even a moment longer."

The five hundred troops Shen Zhishu had transferred from the Transportation Office escorted Meng Tinghui to Tingzhou's outskirts before returning to Qing Province to report.

Northward from Tingzhou, the mountainous paths became increasingly difficult to traverse.

Meng Tinghui abandoned her carriage for horseback, riding slowly within the military formation alongside Song Zhirui.Along the way, Song Zhirui detailed the recent military situation in the northern region, particularly elaborating on troop deployments around Golden Gorge Pass and Northern Frontier's envoy seeking peace.

After listening, she noticed he hadn't mentioned Di Nian. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "General Di's victory report reached the capital. Is he well?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Song Zhirui's sun-darkened face. After a moment's consideration, he said, "The victory report didn't mention General Di was wounded."

"Truly?!" Meng Tinghui was greatly startled. "How could such important news not be reported to His Majesty?"

Song Zhirui gave a bitter smile. "As you've seen during your journey, this is what the northern border looks like. With two armies confronting each other, tensions are high and bloodshed inevitable. If it became known our commander was injured, what would happen? General Di strictly forbade us from reporting it to the court, so naturally we didn't dare."

She frowned. "Is the injury serious?"

Song Zhirui shook his head. "Not too serious. But his leg bone was injured. The army physicians have confined him to bed - he can't ride into battle temporarily and needs more time to fully recover."

Meng Tinghui breathed a slight sigh of relief, then frowned again. "In that case, His Majesty's approval of peace talks with Northern Frontier seems appropriate."

Song Zhirui's face darkened. "Is the court truly considering peace with Northern Frontier?"

Recognizing his displeasure, she quickly responded, "General Song, don't misunderstand. This is a temporary measure discussed by His Majesty and the two councils." She then explained the court's plan to temporarily ease northern conflicts, first eradicate bandits along the Northern Three Routes, and later deal with the Northern Frontier army.

After listening carefully, Song Zhirui's expression improved slightly. He sighed, "If we truly make peace with Northern Frontier this time, I'm afraid the Imperial Army commanders here won't be able to swallow their anger."

After some thought, she asked, "Before leaving the capital, I received reports that General Di ordered Han Peng to advance from Zizhou and attack Northern Frontier's Suizhou. What's the current situation?"

Song Zhirui frowned. "Since Northern Frontier sought peace, General Di didn't dare decide arbitrarily. While awaiting court instructions, he's ordered Han Peng's troops to withdraw and defend Zizhou."

Only after questioning every detail did Meng Tinghui feel she understood the situation completely.

Most developments she had anticipated earlier - only Di Nian's injury at the front was unexpected.

Recalling Shen Zhili's expression and tone that night, she felt deeply unsettled.

Fortunately, it wasn't serious.

·

Approaching Golden Gorge Pass, Song Zhirui reined in his horse on the mountain path. Pointing northeast with his whip, he told Meng Tinghui, "That's Golden Gorge Pass."

Meng Tinghui tightened her reins, gazing into the distance from the ridge.

The clear sky swept with scattered clouds, half-filled with streaks of colorful sunset glow. Below the distant mountains stretched countless connected tents, presenting a solemn vista of iron and blood. Endless dark Military Strongholds spread before them, blue banners blocking the sky, with towering mountains and rushing waters visible everywhere - magnificently breathtaking amid the cold, oppressive atmosphere.

Beyond the faint distant ridge, Northern Frontier's army tents were vaguely visible. Though unclear, one could almost smell the bloody aura hanging in the very air they breathed.

She took a deep breath.Though she had encountered military forces before, never until this moment had she witnessed tens of thousands of troops assembled into a camp, occupying every inch of the wild mountains and plains like an iron tide. Their majestic aura swept through the rivers and ridges, their fierce and valiant spirit striking her with overwhelming force.

The blood in her veins suddenly boiled, surging through her limbs and entire being until she was utterly permeated with this burning fervor.

Such unyielding fortitude—how it reminded her of him.

This was his picturesque domain, these were his valiant Imperial Army, this was the empire he had devoted his entire life to serving with unwavering loyalty.

"Lord Meng," Song Zhirui called out to her from the side.

She reluctantly withdrew her gaze, her eyes slightly moist, then swiftly cracked her whip and urged her horse downhill.

Down at the base, someone had already spotted the contingent bearing golden halberds and purple banners long before they approached the camp. A welcoming party emerged from the camp to greet them from afar.

Leading them was a general clad in black armor, towering both in stature and on horseback, exuding an air of heroic boldness at first glance.

Song Zhirui stepped forward and said, "This is General Luo Bitao from the Qingzhou camp, who has led his troops north alongside General Di."

Meng Tinghui smiled faintly and said, "General Luo."

She had seen this man's name no less than ten times in the Privy Council's dispatches and was well aware of his indispensable contributions in the previous Battle of Minshan.

Luo Bitao's expression was a mix of astonishment and curiosity as he stared unabashedly at her, taking her in for a long moment before finally collecting himself and bowing to her. "Lord Meng, you have traveled a thousand li to Golden Gorge Pass. It must have been arduous."

The Imperial Army soldiers behind him, needless to say, all fixed their gazes on her like burning torches, scrutinizing her with unbridled audacity.

Aside from the time when the previous emperor personally led a campaign, the Imperial Army camps had always strictly prohibited women from entering, let alone heard of female officials managing affairs within the camp. News of her entry into the Privy Council had already astonished officers and soldiers across the various circuits of the Imperial Army. Now, seeing her arrive at Golden Gorge Pass as the Deputy Commissioner of the Privy Council to negotiate peace with the Northern Frontier army, they found it even more unbelievable.

Especially since she appeared so young and delicate.

Meng Tinghui understood the soldiers' gazes and knew exactly what was on their minds. She merely smiled graciously, without reproaching them for their bold and impolite behavior.

Song Zhirui, however, was irritated. He urged his horse forward and scolded the soldiers for their impropriety, declaring loudly, "Lord Meng serves in the Two Councils and has traveled a thousand li by imperial decree to consult on state and military affairs. None of you shall commit any disrespectful acts, or you will face military justice without leniency!"

The soldiers immediately lowered their heads and respectfully welcomed her into the camp.

Huang Bo led the way, with Meng Tinghui and Tang Cheng following behind. The accompanying thousand Palace Guard troops also entered the camp according to protocol to set up their tents.

Luo Bitao couldn't resist remarking to Song Zhirui, "I truly never expected her to be so young! Those rumors in the capital must be true. Without the emperor's favor, how could she have attained such a high position?"

Song Zhirui shot him a cold glance. "What do you know? It was she who quelled the Willow Banner Imperial Guards' mutiny in Chaoan North Circuit back then. With a single order, she executed thousands of rebels—her tactics were utterly ruthless!"

Luo Bitao's eyes widened. "You witnessed it back then...?"

Song Zhirui snorted. "With my own eyes."

Luo Bitao sighed. "If that's the case, then the emperor's trust in her is well-founded. Just the fact that she dares to come to Golden Gorge Pass now earns my admiration for her courage!"

"Otherwise, why would General Di have ordered me to personally meet her in Tingzhou?" Song Zhirui said no more, dug his heels into his horse, and rode into the camp.

Meng Tinghui did not dismount until she was led to the central command tent.

All along the way, the officers and soldiers lining both sides of the camp path could not tear their eyes away from her, scrutinizing her endlessly.

The youngest and most promising civil official at court, a female official managing affairs in the Privy Council, and now dispatched by imperial decree to the northern frontier to consult on military and state affairs!

How could anyone not be curious?As the tent flap fell, it finally blocked out those unrestrained gazes from outside.

She let out a soft sigh of relief and looked up to see Di Nian leaning against the low couch. With a smile, she said, "General Di!"

Though Di Nian had suffered a tibia injury in his right leg, making movement difficult, his expression remained bright and clear. He smiled back at her, "I've been hearing the commotion in the camp for quite some time, yet you took so long to reach the central command."

Only upon seeing him in good condition did Meng Tinghui truly feel at ease. Pressing her lips together, she said, "As a general leading troops, charging at the front naturally boosts morale, but how could you disregard your family in the capital and neglect your own safety?"

"It's not a serious injury at all. Don't listen to Song Zhirui and the others exaggerate." Di Nian waved his hand dismissively, then focused intently on her. "The Northern Frontier army has always been cunning and deceitful. This journey to Golden Gorge Pass for peace negotiations is extremely dangerous. Shouldn't you reconsider?"

She shook her head. "My decision is made. Even if you say more, General, it will be of no use."