Thanks to Old General Yuan, the army’s days stationed in Xiyuan City had gone more smoothly than at any time before.

Ever since Feng Rui had left and Feng Jiu’er had taken up the defense of the city, the hearts of the common people had already accepted a new master.

The people gave grain where they had grain, and labor where they had labor — not only solving the soldiers’ food and shelter problems, but also lending great help in treating the wounded.

The moment the army had recovered, it threw itself back into the fight.

The battle raged on for a full ten days, until the Second Prince’s forces were driven out of the war zone and forced back into another city.

Feng Jiu’er’s army did not return to the city, but held position in the open ground between the two cities, ready for battle at any moment.

Within Jiyuan City, Noble Consort Ya — who had arrived less than a day earlier — received word of the Second Prince’s retreat.

Seated on the main throne in the great hall, Noble Consort Ya shook her head and set down her teacup.

“Only ten days, and the Second Prince is already beaten back this badly?”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The officer who had come to report cupped his hands and rose to his feet.

“They say the Young Marchioness is a rare military talent — and behind her stands the Night Prince as well.”

“The Night Prince is scheming — he’s been going around courting the old generals along the border.”

“They’re all half-buried old relics. What could they possibly amount to?” Noble Consort Ya arched a brow and glanced at the officer.

“Not so, Your Highness. Quite a few of the old generals, once reassigned, have been secretly building up their own strength. Many matters—”

Noble Consort Ya waved a hand, cutting the officer off.

“Enough. Don’t sit here boosting others’ morale while dampening our own.”

“Yes.” The officer cupped his hands and asked, “Your Highness, now that the Second Prince has returned to the city, shouldn’t we go pay him a visit?”

Noble Consort Ya lifted her teacup and took an unhurried sip, then shook her head. “Isn’t it being said among the common folk that a mere woman like myself could never accomplish anything great?”

“There’s no rush. This Consort has traveled a thousand li and caught a chill along the way — it isn’t fitting to go out just now.”

Having heard no shortage of such rumors along the road, Noble Consort Ya was in no mood to send troops out lightly.

Her own men were not part of the Nation-Protecting Army, and if she could help it, she’d rather stay back and pick up the spoils later.

For the sake of a single Feng Jiu’er, Noble Consort Ya had no wish to sacrifice too many of her own people.

“Does Your Highness mean for us to… hold off for now?” the officer asked in a low voice.

“Correct.” Noble Consort Ya waved her hand. “Go on, out with you. This Consort is retiring for the night.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The officer cupped his hands and turned to leave.

After the officer had gone, a palace maid entered.

“Your Highness.” The maid knelt.

“Speak, quickly.” Noble Consort Ya rose and raised her right hand.

The maid stood and helped her toward the inner chamber.

“Your Highness, this servant had it looked into — there are three Fenglan Inns in Jiyuan City altogether, and they’re all still open for business.”

“The Empress truly has some wild fantasy.” Noble Consort Ya gave a cold laugh. “Helping a criminal flee, and thinking to stay clear of it herself?”

“But Your Highness, the Emperor hasn’t issued any decree on the matter — perhaps it truly has nothing to do with the Empress.” the maid said softly.

“It’s not that he doesn’t want to — for now, he doesn’t dare.” Noble Consort Ya’s brow furrowed.

“The Empress hasn’t gone back, not sooner, not later — she must know something.”

“With the Feng Clan in turmoil now, the Emperor isn’t foolish enough to provoke the Kingdom of Feng Xi at a time like this.”

Noble Consort Ya sat down on the bed, and the maid knelt beside it to remove her boots.

“Your Highness, has it been confirmed that the young Feng lady truly is the Fourth Princess?”

“Who else could it be, if not her?” At the thought of Feng Jiu’er, killing intent filled Noble Consort Ya’s eyes.

“If she’d been killed back then, there wouldn’t be so much trouble now.”

“It’s not too late even now.” The maid looked up and rose to her feet.

“This time, Your Highness will surely get everything she wishes for.”