At dawn, the lingering moonlight faded away.
The extravagance and bloody smell that had been hanging over the camp for the past few days were gone. The sky was unusually peaceful, untainted by any trace of blood, bringing a rare tranquility to the camp after several days of chaos.
If the regent were here, the entire camp would be geared up and soldiers would be vigorously training, their loud shouts piercing the sky and reaching the enemy camp thirty miles to the west. The current scene, however, was silent and subdued.
Qing Yi, head bowed, knelt in front of the tent.
The cold wind had blown through the night, causing his long hair to fall over his chest, concealing his face. His slender figure looked even more fragile now, enduring the stiffness from kneeling all night in the freezing wind, overshadowed by the fear in his heart.
Feng Autian spent a sleepless night, contemplating the imminent danger of falling into a conspiracy. She felt a chilling sense of foreboding and knew she had to take preemptive action; waiting passively was not an option.
Both Qi country and Feng country are nothing more than bordering small countries, insignificant compared to the vast nations on the continent. Ironically, there is no friendly relationship between these small nations; instead, each harbors ambitions of annexing neighboring territories. Over the past century, the constant warfare has caused damage to both countries, yet neither has achieved its desired goals.
This time, the Qi state has once again provoked a conflict between the two nations, well aware that the present-day Feng state is not what it used to be, with scattered military and internal unrest.
Two years ago, the previous emperor passed away, leaving a young heir. The empress dowager did not care about the conflict of the governments, and the regent took sole control. However, he failed to implement policies for the benefit of the nation. In the short span of two years, Feng Nation’s economy and agriculture stagnated, exacerbated by consecutive natural disasters. The common people reaped no harvest, and the court showed no sympathy. On the contrary, the authorities intensified taxation, leaving the populace displaced and in unbearable suffering.
In the court, every official is in jeopardy. Talented individuals and outstanding young talents, even those with exceptional looks, are summoned to the regent’s harem. Despite their abundant talents and fervor, they are now reduced to submissive instruments.
Not only that, but innocent lives were taken, and over two hundred incorruptible and upright officials were implicated. The current court fears the regent’s brutal methods, leaving few willing to serve the government. Survival in such circumstances is already a formidable challenge.
She is well aware of the intricacies involved. How many have met their end at Feng Autian’s hands in the past two years? The consequences of the troubles caused during this time cannot be easily rectified overnight.
As the morning sun fills the sky with its rosy glow, Feng Autian walks out of the tent. She wears a black narrow-sleeved python robe with golden embroidered auspicious clouds at the cuff. Her black hair is secured with a crown adorned with jade and gold. Despite her tall and elegant figure, her handsome features, and the resplendence of the morning light, the coldness in her phoenix eyes remains unaffected.
“Lord…” Qingyi bites his lip, lifting his gaze slightly, his voice already hoarse.
Feng Autian walked past him as if he didn’t exist, showing no signs of pity. She knew well that anyone who could harm her ruthlessly wouldn’t be swayed by her recent benevolence. Rather than attempting to eliminate his hostile intentions through kindness, she preferred to let him face the consequences on his own.
Qing Yi sneered, fully aware of the regent’s ruthless nature. With cracked lips, he chuckled coldly after Feng Autian left. The sunlight was glaring, piercing his eyes. He knew that seeking revenge was now an extravagant hope, and he touched his still-beating heart, realizing he had fallen into an abyss.
“Sixi, lead the way ahead. This lord is going to the council chamber.” The morning sunlight illuminated her tall figure, radiating an inherent royal aura that made people avert their eyes. The patrolling soldiers respectfully stood aside, afraid that the regent’s cruel temper might be vented on them or that he might take a liking to one of them, which would mean the end of their lives.
Feng Autian’s visit to the border this time was deliberately orchestrated, and someone had intentionally lured her here. The person whispering in her ear had subtly mentioned seeing someone identical to the late emperor at the border. This information prompted her to ignore the danger, leave the capital, and embark on a campaign.
Recalling yesterday when she woke up, the soldiers from Qi nation who had hurriedly arrived showed surprise in their eyes upon seeing her still alive. Additionally, her profound martial arts skills were widely known, yet the leader of the Qi nation soldiers seemed overly confident, unafraid of her, and sure that he could easily kill her. It indicated that the danger yesterday was deeply connected to Qi Nation. However, without an insider’s help, Qi Nation would find it challenging to succeed.
The identity of the insider would be investigated later. The immediate priority was to quickly stabilize the situation at the border to prevent any power struggles in the capital during her absence.
Although she couldn’t immediately regain the trust of the border soldiers, it was crucial to stabilize the military situation. After her return to the capital, measures needed to be taken to ensure that there would be no turmoil at the border. She aimed to cultivate competent military leaders.
Sixi slightly stepped aside, respectfully leading the way. He could sense a significant change in the Regent since his return to the camp yesterday. For those unfamiliar with the Regent and now far from the capital, it might not be apparent. However, having followed his godfather for a solid five years, Sixi knew the Regent’s temperament like the back of his hand. The Regent, who used to show delight, had become unpredictable, leaving Sixi perplexed. What exactly happened yesterday?
This time, his godfather specially sent him to serve the Regent personally, marking his first time as an attendant in front of the Regent. Therefore, he was even more cautious, fearing the slightest mistake might displease the Regent. Even if he sensed something, he wouldn’t show any reaction.
Before Feng Autian entered the council tent, there came a rough and loud voice from inside the tent, “Hmph, I, Li Su, am not afraid to lose my head. If I have to die, so be it. Rather than living in such misery, it’s better to have a quick death. Tell me, this Regent, he’s been in the military camp for six days now. Apart from seeking pleasure and causing havoc every day, what else has he done? Now, with a major enemy at our doorstep, the morale of the soldiers is low. Everyone is as timid as a startled bird, with no mind for battle. Plus, with a tyrant in power, the common people have no peaceful place to live. And we, the warriors who risk our lives to defend our home and country, have now become playthings for him to abuse. If this continues, we might as well surrender and open the city gates for the Qi nation’s army to march indirectly. It’s better than being tortured to death by him. Just think, General Leng was summoned back to the capital two years ago, only to be imprisoned in the harem by him. Now, his fate is unknown. It’s probably General Leng’s order that we must guard the border. How can I, Li Su, endure such humiliation? Truly, it seems like the heavens want to destroy our Feng country!”
“Bold!”
