The spy sent back the news to the Cang Kingdom.

In the Cang Kingdom’s camp, the war with the Daxuan Kingdom was led personally by the Crown Prince because the Emperor was advanced in years.

Crown Prince Gao Ziyue received the secret report, his face ashen.

The report described Emperor Xiao Jinxing’s fondness for the imperial physician Feng Xiyun by his side, and how quickly the army had been mobilized to create 200,000 "amulets," whose material differed from usual amulets, for unknown purposes.

Gao Ziyue was furious, "What is that dog Emperor of Daxuan up to this time?!"

Cang Kingdom’s General Yuan Kai and Think Tank Du Jianghong were also baffled by the purpose of these so-called "amulets."?!

Du Jianghong pondered and said, "Crown Prince, perhaps this is merely Emperor Daxuan’s blinding technique, meant to disrupt our morale. Though I have never interacted with Emperor Daxuan, the reports from the spy indicate that he is not a simple person. Once left with nothing, even abandoned by the former Daxuan Emperor as a prince, he single-handedly defeated the once-powerful King Chu, Xiao Jinsen, and occupied the throne. Later, he quelled the Bai Family, who had military power outweighing the ruler, garnering support from both civil and military officials and the people in handling the Bai Family affair. Emperor Daxuan has personally led armies twice: once in a direct confrontation with Beimu Country and once against invaders at Daxuan’s border, both times achieving overwhelming victories."

The more Gao Ziyue listened, the more his expression darkened, he snarled, "What do you mean?! You think the Crown Prince can’t defeat him?!"

"Please calm down, Crown Prince, that is not my meaning. I just wish to say that since Emperor Daxuan is not simple, he must have detected our spies in the military camp. The amulet is deliberately meant to confound us, causing us to lose control. I believe the amulet need not concern us; it is merely a tactic employed by Emperor Daxuan to unsettle our troops. Emperor Daxuan surely knows Daxuan’s army’s combat capability in cold weather is inferior to Cang Kingdom’s forces, so he resorts to this cunning method; we must not fall for his trick!" Du Jianghong quickly explained.

Yuan Kai also pondered and concurred, "I agree with the Think Tank’s view; it must be the Daxuan dog Emperor’s scheme, to deliberately stir fear among us, while in fact, the amulet is utterly useless!"

"Therefore, I feel we should proceed with our original troop deployment strategy, unaffected by Emperor Daxuan," Du Jianghong added.

"Let’s heed the Think Tank’s advice and proceed according to our previous plan, mobilize the troops!"

"Yes." Du Jianghong replied respectfully, then continued, "The report mentioned Emperor Daxuan’s fondness for imperial physician Feng Xiyun. Does the Crown Prince think we should focus our efforts on Feng Xiyun?"

Gao Ziyue turned to Du Jianghong, "What are your insights, Think Tank?"

"I’ve heard that during the war between Daxuan Kingdom and Beimu Country, Emperor Daxuan nearly withdrew forces for the sake of his beloved Bai Mowan. Although Emperor Daxuan eventually cast aside feelings and captured the city gates of Muge City, he did ultimately risk everything to save Bai Mowan. I’ve also heard Emperor Daxuan is a man who values feelings deeply. While Feng Xiyun might not necessarily make Emperor Daxuan abandon armor and weapons, I believe capturing Feng Xiyun could only be advantageous for us, no harm at all. Even if Daxuan’s army is as valiant and indomitable as rumored, having Feng Xiyun in custody would facilitate a smooth retreat if necessary."

Gao Ziyue nodded slightly in agreement, then asked, "How to apprehend Feng Xiyun in Daxuan’s army?"

"Around Emperor Daxuan, there are numerous Hidden Guards and trusted aids. When we initially placed spies, our intention was to assassinate Emperor Daxuan; however, reports returned from all input spies into Daxuan’s camp that no opportunity presented itself. But Feng Xiyun differs from Emperor Daxuan; she doesn’t have as many guards, and I don’t believe she remains beside the Emperor for all twelve hours of the day. Therefore, as long as we seize the right opportunity, capturing Feng Xiyun shouldn’t be too difficult."

"Good, as the Think Tank advised, have the spy secretly capture Feng Xiyun and bring her to our Cang Kingdom camp." Gao Ziyue resolved without hesitation.

"Moreover..." Du Jianghong seemed to have another thought.

"What more concerns does the Think Tank have?"

"Crown Prince, I’ve heard the Empress of Daxuan, Ye Qichi, has changed her name to An Ning. This woman’s medical skills are remarkable, there is a folk rumor that after Bai Mowan, An Ning is the woman Emperor Daxuan loves most."

"The report didn’t say Emperor Daxuan treats Feng Xiyun especially well?"

"Hence, I am indecisive. It’s said An Ning has often left Emperor Daxuan’s side, or perhaps Emperor Daxuan has become indifferent to her. But, I just saw in the report that An Ning appeared in Daxuan’s camp. Although Emperor Daxuan dispatched her directly to the logistics camp, he still keeps Feng Xiyun beside him. Yet, I feel An Ning shouldn’t be underestimated, even if Daxuan Emperor no longer harbors feelings towards her; her death would still signify loss for Daxuan Kingdom, due to her medical skills!"

"Are you suggesting, Think Tank, that we kill the Daxuan Empress as well?!" Gao Ziyue asked.

"I believe victory in this war against Daxuan Kingdom means we will be invincible, ready to attack Daxuan directly. If defeated, combating Daxuan again will be incredibly difficult. So, having spies in the camp will be of little advantage; rather than retaining useless individuals, we might as well harness their full potential. Even if unable to capture Feng Xiyun or kill An Ning, it wouldn’t significantly harm us. But if successful, the benefit would be substantial."

Gao Ziyue agreed immediately, "Alright, as the Think Tank suggests!"

"Yes, I will make arrangements at once."

Gao Ziyue coldly smiled, curling the corners of his lips into a ruthless arc.

The famed Emperor of Daxuan, I, the Crown Prince, will have to see for myself whether you are indeed as legendary as proclaimed, comparable to a War God!

...

Departing for battle tomorrow.

An Ning suddenly felt quite uneasy.

Though she should sleep early, tossing and turning, she couldn’t find rest.

She rose from the bed.

"Mistress." Liu Wen also hurriedly got up from the small cot beside.

"Don’t mind me; you sleep first. I’ll go for a walk alone."

"Mistress..."

An Ning said no more, wrapping herself in a thick cloak, she exited the tent.

Mobei was icy freezing, the night pitch black beyond sight.

If not for the constant lights in the camp, truly nothing could be seen.

She strolled beneath the cold evening sky.

The first time she accompanied Xiao Jinxing to battle, oddly, was not as unsettling as today.

Clearly, last time was more perilous.

After all, back then, Xiao Jinxing didn’t truly prioritize her life; she could die at any moment.

Indeed, she nearly died.

Yet, last time the peril was faced calmly.

This time, however, she felt somewhat flustered.

An Ning took a deep breath.

She didn’t want her sudden low spirits affecting the mood for tomorrow’s departure or the battles to come.

She should trust in Xiao Jinxing’s abilities.

Whenever he deployed troops, it was with full assurance, never impulsively.

An Ning comforted herself with such thoughts.

She glanced at the sky again, and decided to return to the tent to sleep.

As she turned around.

An Ning suddenly startled.

Someone appeared behind her.

Tall and upright.

Standing in the darkness behind her.

Frightening her almost out of her wits.

When she saw clearly who it was, An Ning couldn’t help but complain, "Xiao Jinxing, can you stop appearing so stealthily?! You almost frightened me to death! Where would you find your perfect wife that you consider a blessing otherwise!"