She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

The trusted aide received the order and hurried to the Cangzhou Royal Mansion to invite Zhao Zun with the imperial decree.

Li Gang quickly wrote a letter and sent it to Ling’an City via carrier pigeon, seeking aid from Cao Xiong.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere outside Ling’an City was also filled with a chilling sense of impending violence.

On the city walls, flags fluttered noisily in the wind, and the soldiers guarding the city wore grave expressions, their eyes like blades, constantly vigilant of the slightest movements outside the city.

”Report!”

A scout galloped in from outside the city, reining in his horse before the central army tent, he dismounted and knelt on one knee, his hands clutching an urgent military report.

”Mr. Cao, indeed a hundred miles away, there is a large number of Turkic and Meng Country cavalry moving toward us, the two countries seem to be forming an allied force!”

Upon hearing this, Cao Xiong furrowed his brow, and the teacup in his hand fell to the ground with a ”snap,” shattering into pieces. He stood up, his eyes piercingly fixated on the outside of the tent, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

”Send out orders, investigate further. All forces are to strengthen their defenses and prepare to defend the city.”

Cao Xiong commanded in a deep voice, his tone carrying undeniable authority mixed with unspeakable worry.

At that moment, a white pigeon sliced through the sky and landed steadily in the pigeon coop on the city tower. A soldier rushed forward, removed the message tube from the pigeon’s leg, and quickly ran into the tent to present it to Cao Xiong.

Cao Xiong opened the message tube, pulled out the letter, and upon glancing at it, his face turned ashen.

The letter ominously stated: ”A Turkic army of two hundred thousand is about to besiege Yong’an City, requesting support!”

”Damn it, Ala and Meng Country are forming an alliance, and now the Turkic are deploying troops. Is it possible... the three countries have formed a coalition? What is to be done?”

Cao Xiong anxiously paced back and forth, like an ant on a hot pan.

Both Yong’an City and Ling’an City have fifty thousand stationed troops; Ling’an City has to defend against Ala and Meng Country. He is overwhelmed at this moment, how could he possibly spare forces to support Yong’an City?

”Mr. Cao, should we report to the court now?” a Deputy General tentatively suggested.

”Of course.” Cao Xiong asserted firmly, slamming his palm on the table. ”Report to the court immediately with an eight hundred-mile urgent dispatch. Before the court’s reinforcements arrive, we must find a way to defend Ling’an City ourselves.”

At this moment, another scout hurriedly arrived: ”Mr. Cao, we have confirmed that behind Ala and Meng Country’s cavalry, there is a larger army assembling.”

Upon hearing this, Cao Xiong’s heart tightened even more. He understood well that this would be the first major battle since he had been stationed at Beiguan, and he must fight valiantly to stabilize military morale and earn the trust of the court.

”Damn it! It seems they are serious. Send out orders that the entire city must enter wartime status, all soldiers ready to engage the enemy!”

Cao Xiong ordered loudly, his voice desperately trying to uphold the steadfastness expected of a military leader, yet clearly tinged with panic.

”Yes!”

The messenger hurried out, while leaders of all ranks in the central army tent started to move into action. The atmosphere in Ling’an City suddenly became tense and oppressive.

Cao Xiong took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.

With him holding down Ling’an City, he vowed to do everything in his power to defend it until the reinforcements from the court arrived. What he worried most at this moment was Yong’an City’s potential fall.

Cao Xiong exited the central army tent, swiftly ascended the city tower, and gazed worriedly toward the direction of Yong’an City.

He secretly prayed in his heart: Hopefully, Emperor Jing’s decree could move Zhao Zun, and hopefully, Zhao Zun, living up to his reputation, could safeguard Yong’an City...

......I am the lazy divide line......

In a corner of Fufeng County, Canzhou, a newly established residence stood quietly, still retaining traces of the busy craftsmen.

The setting sun slanted, as Zhao Zun and his trusted aides stepped into the gates, covered in dust.

This residence was purchased by Zhao Zun not long ago and was now their family’s home in Fufeng County.

The interior of the house was simply yet elegantly decorated, with plants in the yard lushly green, some even budding.

The place was not far from the site chosen for the cement factory, Zhao Zun and his trusted aides rode to the factory every day, able to make a round trip in about an hour.

Upon seeing their master return, several servants quickly greeted them, hands holding copper basins filled with warm clean water.

”Prince, you’re back. Wash your face first. Dinner is ready.”

Zhao Zun nodded slightly, took the copper basin, and with rough hands gently brushed his cheeks, seemingly trying to wash away not just a day’s fatigue, but also the longing for Han Lei in his heart.

Just as everyone was busy cleaning the dirt from their bodies, preparing to eat, a rush of footsteps broke the silence.