Di Nian pondered for a moment before speaking, "The day before yesterday, a report came from within the pass stating that the civil officials dispatched by the Northern Frontier court have arrived. If our Great Peace dynasty's envoys also arrive, they will enter the Northern Frontier camp inside the pass to discuss matters of ceasing hostilities between the two nations."
Though she knew full well the Northern Frontier would propose this, she showed no expression and nodded, "Since the Northern Frontier army has been defeated, and we hold both the eastern and western sides of Golden Gorge Pass, if we ask them to come to our camp for discussions, they would never agree no matter what."
Di Nian frowned deeply, "How could I rest assured if you were to go to the Northern Frontier camp for negotiations? If anything were to happen, how could I ever face anyone in the future?!"
Meng Tinghui composed herself before responding, "General, do you still remember when we went together to suppress the rebellion at Liu Banner? Back then outside Liu Banner city, you were also worried about me entering the city alone. But what was the outcome?" She stood up and walked over to look at the map spread on the commander's desk, speaking as she examined it, "In terms of danger, going to the Northern Frontier camp isn't even one-tenth as perilous as entering the rebel city back then. Since I managed to return safely then, there's even less chance of anything happening now. Moreover, our Great Peace has tens of thousands of troops stationed outside Golden Gorge Pass. Since the Northern Frontier seeks peace, they definitely won't harm me. Even if, as a last resort, the Northern Frontier were to kill me, what benefit would they gain?"
After long consideration, seeing her resolute and unwavering expression, Di Nian asked, "Is His Majesty truly willing to let you enter the pass for peace negotiations?"
She chuckled lightly and nodded, "If His Majesty weren't willing, how could he have entrusted me with this mission through an imperial decree? If this plan succeeds, it will be a great achievement for me, and His Majesty would be pleased to see it accomplished."
"What are His Majesty's intentions this time?" Di Nian asked further.
Meng Tinghui replied, "To use the peace negotiations as an opportunity to delay the Northern Frontier army, while focusing all efforts on eliminating the three routes of Rebel Army first."
Di Nian's expression turned somewhat gloomy, "With the three rebel forces currently spreading, I cannot escape responsibility for this."
"General Di, you needn't blame yourself like this," Meng Tinghui reached out and traced the Jiankang route on the map. "With external war and internal chaos in the northern territories, it's already remarkable that you've repelled the Northern Frontier army inside Golden Gorge Pass and captured one of their cities in Zizhou. The remnant rebels from the previous dynasty have been plotting for over twenty years - once they rebel, they naturally gain the advantage. They operate in the shadows while we're in the open, making suppression inevitably difficult. By ordering generals Guo Ming and Zhao Pingkong to lead troops against the rebels, and preventing the Rebel Army from advancing northward, you've done enough. Once the reinforcements from the western Fengqing route become familiar with the northern terrain, they will surely join forces with Guo and Zhao to completely eliminate the Rebel Army."
Di Nian looked at her, "I hope so." He shifted his right leg slightly and lowered his gaze, "I know you have the authority to submit secret memorials directly. I hope you won't mention my injury to His Majesty."
Meng Tinghui responded promptly, "Agreed." She turned, "But General, you must also promise me not to go into battle until your injury has healed."
Di Nian hesitated, unwilling to agree.
"Otherwise, if Lord Shen in the capital were to find out," she continued slowly, "who knows how worried she would be."
His thick eyebrows suddenly raised, his expression resolute, "She..."
Meng Tinghui smiled, "She misses you madly, waiting outside the Imperial Street for news late into the night without leaving."
A brilliant light shone in Di Nian's dark eyes. After a long moment, he said, "Very well, I promise you - I won't go into battle until my injury has healed."
For some reason, she felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, changing the subject by saying, "General, while you recuperate in camp, northern affairs cannot be delayed for long. Since I've already arrived at the camp, I should enter the pass as soon as possible to discuss peace matters with the Northern Frontier. Could you immediately dispatch someone to report this matter inside the pass?"Di Nian nodded and said, "I will have someone arrange this immediately." Noticing her pallor from days of exhaustion, he advised, "A day or two's delay is of little consequence. Having journeyed all the way from the capital northward, you must first rest properly—that is what truly matters."
Meng Tinghui was indeed weary and did not argue with him. She replied, "Although Tang Cheng serves as deputy envoy this time, there is no need for him to accompany me into the pass. Let him remain in the camp to assist with my correspondence."
"I cannot possibly allow you to enter the pass alone," Di Nian said, his brows knitting tightly once more.
After a moment's calm reflection, she suggested, "Then let Huang Bo accompany me. Given Huang Bo's quick wit and agility, General Di should have no cause for concern, should you?"
Di Nian's expression darkened. "We will discuss this matter later. For now, go and rest." Raising his voice, he summoned someone into the tent to escort her to her quarters.
Meng Tinghui had no choice but to comply with his wishes, first going to eat and then to sleep.
A small tent had been specially pitched for her on the eastern side of the main camp, situated far from the soldiers' barracks yet close to the central command tent for convenience during her stay.
When the soldier led her there, Huang Bo was already waiting outside.
"Lady Meng," Huang Bo said, his expression softening slightly at her arrival. "The cooks brought food earlier. After you have eaten, you should rest early. I will stand guard for you."
Meng Tinghui invited him inside, saying, "You have worked hard all the way from the capital to Golden Gorge Pass. Now that we have reached our army's camp, there is no need for such vigilance. You need not guard me later—go and sleep. At the latest, the day after tomorrow, accompany me into the pass to meet the Northern Frontier envoys."
Huang Bo was overjoyed to hear she would allow him to accompany her into the pass. "That is excellent! Then I need not worry about any mishaps befalling you. Otherwise, I would not sleep soundly, constantly thinking of how to report to His Majesty."
The camp's fare could not compare to that of the capital—coarse and far from fresh. Her mind was not on resting, and the unappetizing food further diminished her appetite. After eating only a little, she added, "When I first entered court years ago, it was also thanks to your protection, Guard Huang. I will never forget your kindness and assistance."
Huang Bo dared not accept such praise and stammered, "Lady Meng, you—you flatter me too much..."
Meng Tinghui interrupted, "However, you must promise me in advance that during the negotiations with the Northern Frontier, no matter what happens, you will follow my orders. Otherwise, I will not allow you to accompany me into the pass."
Huang Bo hastily agreed, "Naturally!"
Thinking of the over thousand Palace Guard troops in the camp, she expressed some concern: "Most of those guards are elite members of the Imperial Army, unaccustomed to the trials of battle. This place is not like the capital's three commands—they must remain vigilant."
Huang Bo smiled reassuringly. "Set your mind at ease, my lady. These guards are merely here to escort you back to the capital. Once the negotiations with the Northern Frontier conclude, you and Lord Tang will depart promptly. There will certainly be no trouble."
Meng Tinghui's expression darkened slightly, but she merely responded with a soft "Mm," raising her hand to dismiss him. After Huang Bo left, she paced to the cot in the corner of the tent and lay down without another thought, burying herself in sleep.
She slept straight through an entire day and night.
When she opened her eyes again, it was to the sound of tent bells stirring her awake.Her entire body ached with fatigue, the chafing from horseback riding had left her swollen and sore between the legs. Though aware someone sought her outside, she lay on the couch for a long while, unable to rise.
Being the only woman in the camp, many tasks proved inconvenient.
The man outside dared not enter recklessly and raised his voice: "Reporting to Lord Meng, the Northern Frontier army has sent envoys. General Di has arranged to escort the court emissary through the pass at noon today. The General ordered me to seek your command."
Meng Tinghui opened her mouth, her voice slightly hoarse: "Grant the Northern Frontier's request. I shall join General Di at the central command shortly."
The man acknowledged the order and withdrew, leaving the tent in silence.
She closed her eyes briefly, then struggled to push herself upright. After straightening her garments, she stepped down to wash briefly before moving to the desk to spread paper and grind ink.
Sunlight streamed brightly outside, carrying the scent of fresh grass mingled faintly with the odor of horse dung. Distant drills of soldiers occasionally drifted into the tent, accompanied by the crisp clashing of spears and halberds.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she set brush to paper.
Yet she completed the document in one continuous flow, the small regular script arranged neatly on thin xuan paper—just as she had done countless times over the years.
Sealing it with wax, she placed it in the special box for confidential memorials, adding locks and seals before summoning Huang Bo.
Huang Bo arrived promptly. "My lord, shall we proceed to General Di?"
Meng Tinghui nodded, handing him the box. "First deliver this to the frontline courier station for immediate dispatch to the capital. Then accompany me to the central command tent."
Before their departure, Di Nian had repeatedly instructed Luo Bitao to personally escort them to the Northern Frontier army at Golden Gorge Pass.
From afar, the mountains resembled blades; up close, they towered as peaks. Between the two armies lay treacherous passes and narrow paths where emerald trees obscured the sky, wild flowers perfumed the air, and every step stirred dust.
The Northern Frontier envoy cut an impressively elegant figure. His silk armor didn't resemble military attire but rather that of a nobleman who occasionally practiced archery and horsemanship. Spotting Meng Tinghui and Huang Bo from afar, he immediately sent soldiers to hold their horses with utmost respect.
While Meng Tinghui remained unperturbed, Huang Bo marveled at these Northern Frontier officers' demeanor, taking moments to collect himself before instructing Luo Bitao's escort party to halt.
"Lord Meng." The envoy dismounted and bowed deeply with refined courtesy. "By order of General Zhao Hui of the Northern Frontier Commandery, I welcome you to our camp for discussions."
Her gaze remained placid as she accepted the grand gesture without humility, remaining mounted while looking down at him. "Your honorable name?"
"Yue," the man straightened, "Yue Linxi."
She gave a slight nod, tilting her chin toward the distant gray-black clusters of tents. "Let us proceed."
The Northern Frontier camp nestled against the mountains—a neat, crescent-shaped formation whose military readiness rivaled the Great Peace Imperial Army. Soldiers along the path lowered their heads respectfully as they passed, never daring outright stares.
Upon entering the command tent, she immediately spotted Zhao Hui seated calmly behind the commander's desk.
He rose swiftly, declaring clearly: "Lord Meng."
Meng Tinghui's steps faltered slightly, her voice softening. "We never imagined meeting again after our last parting. Has General Zhao fared well since?"
Recalling the imperial assembly six months prior, she realized he must have known her identity even then—and his intentions at the time were certainly not limited to discussing tribute reduction and troop disarmament.Zhao Hui smiled as he invited her to take a seat. "Minister Meng remains unflustered whether advancing or retreating, radiating remarkable grace and composure."
She sat down with natural poise, too weary to engage in hollow pleasantries with him, and stated bluntly, "I have come on behalf of the Great Peace Imperial Army to discuss the cessation of hostilities. Might I ask where the envoy from the Northern Frontier court is?"
Zhao Hui shot a glance at the others in the tent, and they all withdrew, leaving only Yue Linxi standing steadfastly to one side.
Meng Tinghui glanced at him, then turned back to Zhao Hui. "What is the meaning of this, General Zhao?"
Zhao Hui replied, "This is His Excellency Yue, Commissioner of the Southern Bureau of the Xuanhui Office, who has been dispatched by imperial decree to Golden Gorge Pass to negotiate peace with the Great Peace Imperial Army."
She nodded in understanding, furrowing her brow slightly, and turned to Huang Bo. "You may leave as well."
Huang Bo was utterly reluctant but had no choice but to obey her command. With a darkened expression, he withdrew to wait outside the tent.
Once the tent was completely cleared of outsiders, Meng Tinghui fixed her sharp gaze on Yue Linxi, her expression stern and intense. "With no one else here, there's no need for any more games. Are you from that side?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Hui's smile vanished, and he remarked leisurely, "Minister Meng is indeed no ordinary woman." He turned to Yue Linxi and said, "In that case, speak your mind plainly."
Yue Linxi took two steps forward, bowed deeply before her, and said in a low voice, "Your servant Yue Linxi pays homage to the Sovereign."
Despite her preparations, Meng Tinghui was slightly startled upon hearing these words. She stared fixedly at Yue Linxi's face, remaining silent for a long while.
Yue Linxi lifted his head and said, "Though preparations are not yet complete, once Your Majesty relocates to Shu Province in Jiankang Route and our forces reclaim the key strongholds of the three routes, we will certainly hold the coronation ceremony to proclaim you Empress."
Meng Tinghui remained silent for a long time before suddenly letting out a soft laugh.
Empress?
She hadn't expected these remnants of the fallen Zhongwan court to be so impatient and confident, as if the Northern Three Routes—or even more territory—were already entirely under their control.
Without answering Yue Linxi, she turned to look at Zhao Hui and said, "Before I left the capital, Yin Qing mentioned that if Zhongwan were to be restored, one-third of the occupied territory would be ceded to the Northern Frontier. Is this true?"
Zhao Hui nodded. "Indeed."
Only then did she turn her gaze back to Yue Linxi and sneered, "You planned the uprising, you made the agreement with the Northern Frontier, and you decide when to proclaim the emperor. So what use am I here? After all, it's merely an imperial throne—surely there are capable figures among you who could take the role. In fact, I suspect many have long coveted the position."
Yue Linxi was momentarily speechless, taken aback by her reaction. After a moment's thought, he replied, "Zhongwan has been destroyed for twenty-seven years. The surviving officials and people in the former territories have long yearned for restoration, yet years of secret planning yielded no action because no one could unite the hearts of the masses. Now that we know the imperial heir survives, we dare to raise troops and execute this grand plan of restoration. We only hope that Your Majesty, as the imperial descendant, can rally the surviving people of the former lands under your banner. This throne cannot be occupied by anyone other than the true imperial lineage. Now that we have found our Sovereign, all future matters of restoration will be decided by Your Majesty, and we will follow your lead in all things."
Meng Tinghui gave a slight, seemingly satisfied smile and said to Zhao Hui, "Was the previous agreement ever formalized in a treaty?"
Zhao Hui glanced at Yue Linxi before frowning and replying, "No."
"Then it is not binding," Meng Tinghui stated decisively, leaving no room for negotiation. "Though the Northern Frontier may assist in our restoration now, once they have secured their own interests, who is to say they will not turn against us and invade our territories?"Zhao Hui suddenly flared with anger, "Did my Northern Frontier dispatch heavy troops south to invade your borders only to bleed in vain?!"
She chuckled softly, "Do not be hasty, General Zhao. I have not finished speaking. Currently, the Northern Three Routes are largely under our army's control, and with tens of thousands of Northern Frontier troops pressing at the border, reclaiming the territories of our former Zhongwan homeland is assured. Yet since we have raised our armies, should we not aim for further gains? In my view, beyond recovering our lost lands, we should seize the opportunity to occupy dozens more provinces. Only then can we avenge the destruction of our nation and the ruin of our families. If the Northern Frontier army is willing to advance and retreat with us, we can divide the additional territories equally between our two forces. What say you?"
Zhao Hui’s face darkened, "This matter is beyond my authority. I must report to the capital and await the judgment of His Majesty, the Emperor of Northern Frontier."
"No matter," she lowered her gaze, "I have plenty of time to wait."
Yet suspicion crept into Zhao Hui’s expression, "How can I be certain you are wholeheartedly committed to advancing and retreating with Northern Frontier? What if these are empty, deceitful words, and you betray us later?"
Meng Tinghui’s eyes flickered with impatience, "To demonstrate my sincerity and earn your trust, General Zhao, I propose withdrawing the Great Peace garrison thirty li back from Golden Gorge Pass and ceding the pass to the Northern Frontier army. What do you think?"
Zhao Hui was startled, "How can you wield such power?"
Her gaze turned defiant, her words even bolder, "I have my means, General Zhao. There is no need for further questions. If you doubt me again, do not blame me for withdrawing my cooperation."
Zhao Hui’s throat tightened, and he merely stared at her, frowning.
Yue Linxi also hesitated, saying, "The Great Peace Imperial Army has always been fierce and formidable. If we invade provinces beyond the northern territories, it may turn unfavorable."
Meng Tinghui shot him a glance, "Is there anyone here who understands the Great Peace Imperial Army better than I? The previous downsizing and reduction of troops in the three northern routes were due to scattered outposts being difficult to defend and soldiers growing lax and incompetent. Except for a few major garrison camps, the Great Peace Imperial Army is no longer what it once was."
She then raised an eyebrow toward Zhao Hui, "As for the new Great Peace Emperor, there is no need for me to elaborate. You witnessed it yourself, General Zhao. He lacks skill in warfare and strategy, relying for years on the support of veteran Privy Council generals. If we inflict consecutive defeats in the north, the new Emperor will grow weary of war. Perhaps in time, without further attacks from our two armies, he will cede territory and seek peace."
Zhao Hui’s expression grew even darker, and he questioned again, "But you and the Great Peace Emperor are not…"
Impatiently, Meng Tinghui cut him off with a cold sneer, "What reputation do I, Meng Tinghui, hold in the Great Peace court? Need I elaborate, General? Orphaned and alone since childhood, I have valued only two things in this life: high rank and prestige, and gold and silver treasures. All my years at court have been spent pursuing these. As for the Great Peace Emperor, knowing that the destruction of my nation and family was wrought by his father, how could I easily forget over a decade of misery and isolation? There was never true love between us. From now on, only hatred remains—no trace of past affection remains."
Having said this, she lowered her eyes slightly and added coldly, "What’s done is done; further words are useless. But I will not fail to avenge my parents’ wrongful deaths. If you, General, understand human sentiment, you should not doubt me in the slightest."
Zhao Hui seemed moved and said, "I have overstepped." He glanced at Yue Linxi and continued, "If the Great Peace garrison truly yields Golden Gorge Pass to my Northern Frontier, I will certainly send dispatches back and forth to the court, proposing the plan for our two armies to invade and divide the territories."Meng Tinghui asked Yue Linxi, "When did you originally plan to send me to Shu Province? And which route south were you intending to take?"
Yue Linxi replied immediately, "The original plan was to depart as soon as the ruler arrives at the Northern Frontier camp. Since Han Peng's forces block the Linhuai route and numerous Great Peace Imperial Army troops are stationed in northern Chao'an, we still intended to head directly south from Ruizhou in the Jiankang route."
She curled her lip, as if mocking him, "The Jiankang route? You're not afraid of Di Nian's Pacification Office in Fenzhou! The Great Peace Imperial Army has deployed tens of thousands of troops to the Jiankang route to suppress bandits. If we take the Jiankang route south, are you confident nothing will go wrong?"
Yue Linxi frowned, "What is the ruler's intention?"
Meng Tinghui straightened her sleeves and said leisurely, "Han Peng's forces have already retreated to Zizhou. The Imperial Army in the Linhuai route is not worth fearing. We'll go south from Huizhou, detour west into Jiankang, then proceed to Shu Province."
"As the ruler commands." After brief consideration, Yue Linxi agreed.
She then turned to Zhao Hui, saying, "To prevent unexpected changes, I cannot remain here long. Once the Great Peace Imperial Army outside Golden Gorge Pass retreats thirty li, I will leave the pass for Huizhou. I hope General Zhao keeps his word, submitting our plan to the court for discussion. When the alliance agreement is ready, it can be sent directly to Shu Province."
Zhao Hui said solemnly, "Certainly."
She slightly furrowed her brows, "Since matters are settled, I would like to rest."
Zhao Hui promptly called someone to escort her to a simple tent for rest. Seeing this, Yue Linxi followed her out, intending to ensure her safety.
Meng Tinghui scanned the area but didn't see Huang Bo, surmising he had been taken to the simple tents first. Her steps unconsciously quickened.
Yue Linxi strode beside her, his features glowing faintly in the golden sunset.
She glanced sideways at him and said indifferently, "You and Yin Qing appear to be refined scholars, yet you don't hesitate when it comes to these blood-stained affairs."
Light wrinkles appeared on Yue Linxi's forehead as he looked at her, "If it means restoring our Former Zhong Wan State, we would face any danger or obstacle without hesitation."
Hearing this, Meng Tinghui slowed her pace slightly. After a long pause, she said coldly, "Indeed. If it means restoring the nation, what does it matter if thousands perish and the land is soaked with people's blood?"
Yue Linxi, thinking her words particularly harsh, remarked, "I hadn't known before that the ruler's methods were so thunderously decisive. Seeing how resolutely you handle affairs, without any feminine hesitation, fills me with immense admiration."
But she paid him no further attention, continuing straight ahead.
Outside the simple tent, she indeed found Huang Bo waiting anxiously. The moment he saw her, he urgently said, "My lord!"
Meng Tinghui dismissed Yue Linxi and lowered her voice to Huang Bo, "Come inside with me."
Seeing her serious expression, as if there were crucial matters at hand, Huang Bo swiftly entered and raised his eyebrows, awaiting her instructions.
She said softly, "I suspect the Northern Frontier has some trickery in mind, so I have a task for you."
Huang Bo's expression turned grave, "Are they plotting against you, my lord?"Meng Tinghui shook his head and said, "It matters not to me. I have come here under imperial decree to feign peace negotiations with the Northern Frontier, intending to delay northern affairs for two or three months until the bandit troubles within our borders are quelled before dealing with the Northern Frontier. However, today the Northern Frontier showed no hesitation in increasing their annual tribute, which makes me suspect they have other schemes. Though their troops within the pass are few, there may be ambushes hidden to the east and west. Our main forces are stationed outside the Golden Gorge Pass—while this may temporarily choke their advance, it is disadvantageous for prolonged warfare. Currently, the Northern Frontier treats us with excessive courtesy, which is truly peculiar. I fear they are using these peace talks to delay our main forces here. If they indeed have hidden troops encircling us for a surprise attack, our army will surely suffer defeat. Moreover, General Di has not yet recovered from his injuries and cannot lead prolonged assaults. Rather than keeping our main forces stationed outside the Golden Gorge Pass, it would be better to temporarily retreat thirty li and set up camps along the border. This way, we can maintain communication with our northern border outposts and avoid being overly passive."
Huang Bo was instantly angered. "If the Northern Frontier truly harbors ulterior motives, then your arduous journey here would have been in vain!"
Her expression remained calm. "My safety is of little consequence. The true disaster would be if our forces beyond the pass were endangered. At this critical juncture, we must prioritize prevention in all matters. Return beyond the pass tonight and personally inform General Di Nian of my words. Urge him to withdraw the troops thirty li temporarily and reconsider our strategy later."
"Impossible," Huang Bo declared resolutely. "I absolutely cannot leave Minister Meng alone here!"
Meng Tinghui pressed her lips together. "I know you're deeply concerned for my safety, but the Northern Frontier has only just submitted a memorial to the court today upon hearing my proposal, requesting to increase their annual tribute to one million strings of coins. If I depart now, how could I avoid arousing Zhao Hui's suspicions? Do you recall what you promised me back at the camp?"
Huang Bo's face fell. "Minister..."
She spoke bluntly, "Since you promised to follow all my orders, say no more now. Our forces inside and outside the pass are closely connected—this matter cannot be delayed for even a moment!" She untied the Gold Fish Pouch from her official robe and handed it to him. "Take this back with you. General Di will not doubt your words then."
Huang Bo stiffened his neck, refusing to accept it.
Meng Tinghui sighed helplessly. "Trust me, I have a way to retreat unscathed. In at most five days, I will send a letter requesting General Di to dispatch you with troops to escort me back."
He looked at her with mixed doubt and belief, hesitating as he asked, "Truly?"
She smiled faintly. "Truly. In all these years, have you ever seen me make a mistake?"
Huang Bo lowered his gaze, thought for a moment, and murmured, "His Majesty also says you are astute and have never made an error."
A glimmer of moisture flickered in Meng Tinghui's eyes. She stepped forward, stuffed the Gold Fish Pouch into his arms, gently patted his shoulder, and beamed at him. "Don't worry."
·
Huang Bo's journey back through the pass to the camp proceeded smoothly. Claiming he was following Meng Tinghui's orders to retrieve documents from the camp, he passed without hindrance all the way to the Great Eastern Camp outside Golden Gorge Pass.
That night, after hearing his report, Di Nian summoned his officers for discussion. Before dawn the next day, he ordered the camp to be struck and the army to retreat thirty li south.
The troops had long been stationed beyond the pass, burdened by heavy grain and fodder supplies and distant from border forts. They needed to divide forces to protect supply routes, and the soldiers had grown restless after days of inactivity. However, restrained by the Emperor's previous decree, they dared not relax their guard at Golden Gorge Pass. Meng Tinghui's order to retreat thirty li south actually aligned with the wishes of many officers and soldiers.
Yet by the fifth day, there was still no news of Meng Tinghui from the Northern Frontier camp.
Huang Bo had long lost his composure. Shortly after noon, he rushed to the central command tent to find Di Nian, only to see Song Zhirui and Luo Bitao also present, both looking grim.
Di Nian glanced at him. "I was just about to send for you."
Sensing the unusual tension in the tent, Huang Bo anxiously said, "General Di, it's been five days without any word from Minister Meng. I request permission to enter the Northern Frontier camp to investigate!"
Song Zhirui came over and pressed him to sit. "Stay calm." He took the opportunity to scrutinize Huang Bo carefully before slowly continuing, "Last night, the Scout Cavalry reported that both sides of Golden Gorge Pass have been occupied by Northern Frontier forces. Their numbers appear to be more than double what they were before, with some troops camped merely fifteen li from our army—truly audacious."
Huang Bo was stunned. "Impossible. Minister Meng told me earlier that the Northern Frontier had few troops inside Golden Gorge Pass..."
Di Nian's face darkened. He turned to Song Zhirui and said, "Show it to him."Song Zhirui took a piece of paper from the nearby table and handed it to him, saying, "Last night, General Luo found the report somewhat suspicious and sent someone to inspect the tent where Minister Meng had previously rested. They ended up finding this."
Huang Bo's hands trembled slightly as he took it and looked it over. The paper was densely covered with disjointed poetic lines, and he couldn't discern their meaning. Frowning, he asked, "What is this?"
Luo Bitao strode over to him, snatched the paper from his hand, and said with a furrowed brow, "You're from the Imperial Guard Platoon, so naturally you wouldn't know the rules of the Imperial Army stationed at the border. This thing is used for Military Secret Messages!"
A sense of foreboding instantly rose in Huang Bo's heart. He stood up abruptly and demanded, "What do you mean by that, General Luo?"
Luo Bitao snorted coldly and replied, "I suspect that Meng Tinghui has been colluding with the Northern Frontier, engaging in treacherous acts of treason."
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