Everyone’s heart skipped a beat.
Yan Zheng declared decisively, "To the study!"
His study was a place Chu Ruoyan had visited twice before, yet it was only today that she discovered the bookshelf against the southern wall could be moved aside. Behind it lay a hidden chamber, where an intricately crafted sand table dominated the center, displaying mountains, rivers, and terrain with astonishing precision. Beside it hung a map of the realm, meticulously marked with different ink colors to denote the territories of various factions.
Chu Ruoyan noticed Yan Zheng clenching his fist unconsciously as he gazed at the map. Before she could ponder it, Meng Yang whispered, "That sand table was crafted years ago by the late Crown Prince and the Young Master together. As for the map, it was annotated by the Crown Prince himself before the Young Master’s first battle..."
A closer look revealed the map divided the realm into four regions: Eastern Xia, Southern Barbarians, Western Borderlands, and Northern Rong. Tiny characters detailed the military strengths and strategic locations of the other three nations, a testament to the Crown Prince’s thoroughness.
Chu Ruoyan pressed her lips together, understanding that Yan Zheng was reminiscing about his elder brother, and chose not to disturb him.
After a moment, Yan Zheng composed himself and called, "Old Xu."
Old Xu stepped forward promptly, planting a black flag near "Xiao Pass." "Through secret channels, I’ve learned that the Southern Barbarians launched a surprise attack with 100,000 troops on Xiao Pass. Several clashes have occurred, with casualties on both sides! An urgent report from Xiao Pass has already reached the capital—no doubt it’s now before the Emperor!"
The news had arrived almost simultaneously, meaning the Southern Barbarians’ mobilization had been completely concealed.
Yan Zheng asked, "Who commands the defense at Xiao Pass?"
"Mei Sheng, a veteran of the Black Banner Battalion, along with his son, Mei Hexuan."
Yan Zheng exhaled in relief. "Mei Sheng is cautious to a fault—good for holding a position but lacking decisiveness. His son, Mei Hexuan, is bold and daring, compensating for his father’s weaknesses. With those two in command and ample troops, Xiao Pass should hold for now."
Talented generals were scarce in Great Xia, and the Mei father-son pair were among the few.
Old Xu nodded in admiration. "As you predicted, Young Master, the Southern Barbarians gained no advantage. Their second assault failed, and they’ve now encamped below Xiao Pass, seemingly preparing for a prolonged siege..."
Yan Zheng frowned, and Chu Ruoyan sensed something amiss.
"Isn’t the saying ‘One effort exhausts, two weaken, three fail’? They’ve lost twice—why press on?"
Wouldn’t their soldiers’ morale be crushed by now?
Yan Zheng wheeled himself to the sand table and pointed abruptly. "Why not attack Tiger Trap Pass instead?"
A closer look showed that the twelve cities beyond Tiger Trap Pass, including Hangu Pass—where the Yan family’s army had suffered a crushing defeat—had all fallen to the Southern Barbarians.
Attacking Tiger Trap Pass made more sense: it was as strategically vital as Xiao Pass, the route was shorter, and supply lines would be easier to maintain. Why would the Southern Barbarians bypass it for Xiao Pass?
Chu Ruoyan knew little of military strategy, and Old Xu was equally baffled.
Yan Zheng suddenly asked, "Who leads the Southern Barbarians’ forces?"
Old Xu hesitated before answering cautiously, "It’s... the Young Khan, Amuze."
"Amuze? Meng Ze?!"
Yan Zheng’s voice sharpened, and Chu Ruoyan held her breath.
The Yan family’s devastating defeat at Hangu Pass had been orchestrated by this very man!
Rumor had it his mother was the sister of a former dynasty’s general, surnamed Meng, which was why he’d adopted the Han name Meng Ze.
A flash of hatred crossed Yan Zheng’s eyes before he let out a cold laugh. "So it’s him... No wonder they’re attacking Xiao Pass. This is a feint—a diversion!"
By launching a high-profile assault on Xiao Pass, Meng Ze would force Great Xia to divert reinforcements there, weakening other key defenses.
If he repeated his Hangu Pass strategy—splitting his forces, with one unit pretending to attack Xiao Pass while the main force struck Tiger Trap Pass—the heartland would fall in no time!
Yan Zheng turned to leave, but a servant arrived with word that the Grand Princess had summoned him.
Chu Ruoyan’s pulse quickened. Yan Zheng shook his head reassuringly. "Don’t worry. Nothing will happen."
She understood—now that the Grand Princess mistook him for her son, she wouldn’t harm him.
But still...
"That woman is too unpredictable. I fear for your safety around her..."
Yan Zheng reached out, his large, warm hand enveloping hers. "Ruoyan, Great Xia has many generals, and deployments shift often. Yet Meng Ze specifically chose Xiao Pass—defended by the Mei father-son pair—as his decoy. That means he has eyes inside our court!"
Chu Ruoyan’s eyes widened. "You’re saying—"
Yan Zheng nodded slightly. "Back in the imperial garden, An Sheng also claimed she’d ensured my survival at Hangu Pass. How could a Grand Princess, secluded deep in the palace, influence a frontier war? I suspect her ambitions run far deeper."
Chu Ruoyan inhaled sharply and stopped dissuading him. "Rest assured, aside from Granny Sun, you, me, and Meng Yang, no fifth person will learn of today’s events."
A faint smile touched Yan Zheng’s lips.
Having a capable partner was a blessing. As long as the truth about Granny Sun remained hidden, An Sheng would believe he was her son—making intelligence gathering much easier.
"It’s getting late. Meng Yang, escort the Young Madam home."
Chu Ruoyan interjected, "No, Meng Yang should go with you. I’ll join Third Sister and return together—we’ll be fine."
With so few trusted aides at his disposal—Shadow and Old Xu being his hidden cards, unusable in the palace—Meng Yang was his only option.
After a brief pause, Yan Zheng conceded. "Very well. Be careful. And when you have time, visit Wen Jing..."
Chu Ruoyan understood. News of An Sheng’s "recognition" of her son would soon spread through the capital. That cunning little schemer would be devastated...
"Don’t worry. I’ll go see him now."
Outside, she summoned Steward Fang. The old man brightened at her request. "Excellent, Young Madam! Young Master Wen Jing returned from the Imperial Academy and locked himself in his room, refusing to let anyone in! Madam Li is still outside pleading with him!"
Chu Ruoyan nodded and followed him. Sure enough, Madam Li stood by the door, fretting. "Wen Jing, whatever’s wrong, at least come out and eat! I heard you skipped lunch at the academy. Starving yourself will only make you sick!"
Silence from within.
Chu Ruoyan stepped forward. "Second Sister-in-law, let me try."
Madam Li handed her the food box gratefully. Chu Ruoyan knocked lightly. "Wen Jing, it’s me."
A small figure curled in the corner stirred, then bare feet pattered across the floor before the door flew open.
No sooner had Chu Ruoyan stepped inside than a soft, sticky little dumpling crashed into her. She barely managed to lift the food box to avoid scalding him as the child wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.
His voice, thick with unshed tears, trembled. "Auntie... Uncle won’t really abandon me, will he?"
