Gao Huan turned his face, glanced at Gao Yin rushing out from the camp gates, slowly withdrew the sword from that deputy general’s neck, and sneered: “General Gao, what grand authority you have. Being Yangzhou Governor isn’t enough—you want to be Chang’an Governor too? But I tell you, this Chang’an Governor position isn’t so easy to take. If you want it, you must first ask whether Chang’an’s military and civilians nod their heads and agree!”

Gao Yin didn’t immediately respond, only ordering all the soldiers surrounding Gao Huan to disperse, saying: “Zile, I know you’re very dissatisfied with me. I’ve always respected the Grand Marshal. But previously, he first made threatening gestures toward His Majesty, then disregarded the court’s peace negotiations and used troops arbitrarily—this isn’t proper conduct for a minister. My journey here merely follows orders. I have no designs on the Chang’an Governor position, nor do I wish to be enemies with the Grand Marshal or Chang’an’s military and civilians. As long as the Grand Marshal agrees to temporarily cease hostilities and allow the court breathing space to reconsider war or peace, I can give the court an explanation. If he has any difficulties to express, I can also mediate between him and the court.”

He paused.

“Otherwise, with the current situation, the court is forced to follow the Grand Marshal in war against Yan. War or peace is a matter of state—not something the Grand Marshal alone can decide. I’m in a difficult position. I hope you won’t act impulsively, but join me in properly resolving this matter. This would also be good for the Grand Marshal. Otherwise, if it truly comes to crossing swords, it would just be another internal rebellion, and the Grand Marshal would completely bear the name of traitorous minister. Would you really want that?”

His expression was grave, his tone restrained, naturally displaying the demeanor of a great family.

The anger on Gao Huan’s face diminished somewhat. He leaped down from horseback and strode quickly to Gao Yin.

“Elder brother, you’ve all been deceived by that Xianbei child Murong Ti! That day it was clearly the Yan people who first crossed boundaries to invade, occupying several places in our Huazhou and pillaging civilians—our officers and men were forced to counterattack. I was in Huazhou then and saw the detailed course of events clearly! It was also reported clearly in memorials to the court! I truly don’t understand why the Empress Dowager, all court civil and military officials, even you elder brother, believe Murong Ti’s honeyed words but don’t trust Chang’an’s reports? Murong Ti speaks of peace negotiations while mobilizing his entire nation’s strength—hundreds of thousands of troops pressing our borders. If not for brother-in-law’s timely return with troops, Guannei might already be ravaged by him! Is this the behavior of someone sincerely seeking peace?”

Gao Yin said: “Zile, I also know Murong Ti isn’t trustworthy, and I’d rather believe the Grand Marshal truly has no treacherous intentions. But why must he forcibly take A’Mi away at this moment, even making threatening gestures toward His Majesty? No matter where you put this matter, it’s a great crime that can’t be justified—how can the Empress Dowager and court ministers trust him?”

“I don’t care about these things! Even if brother-in-law took A’Jie away at this time, so what? This couple has been apart more than together these years—what’s wrong with taking her from Jiankang? Not just brother-in-law—I’m more at ease too!”

Anger surfaced again on Gao Huan’s face.

Gao Yin pondered: “I’m also someone who leads troops in battle—I know that once warfare begins, it can’t just stop on command, especially with such vast numbers involved on both sides. Since events have unfolded thus, my meaning is: Chang’an’s troops should temporarily be handed over to me according to court edict, so I can give the court an explanation. Other matters can wait until the Grand Marshal finishes battle to discuss in detail.”

“You can rest assured—as long as you follow court edicts, I absolutely won’t cut the Grand Marshal’s supply lines or constrain his frontline operations…”

“Your calculations are quite clever! Think I’ll fall for that?”

Before Gao Yin finished speaking, Gao Huan interrupted him.

“Once Chang’an falls into your hands, whether it’s square or round will be up to you to decide! I’ll tell you plainly—the court isn’t trustworthy, and elder brother, you aren’t trustworthy either! I came to persuade you to open your eyes and not be someone’s tool. Since you won’t listen, I’ll pass you one message: though Chang’an’s garrison is small, General Sun and I, along with all officers and men, are prepared to defend the city. While we live, Chang’an lives!”

Gao Yin’s face turned iron-blue.

Gao Huan sneered, his face showing undisguised contempt.

“Those court pustules, high and low—what kind of goods they are, elder brother, don’t you know? Even uncle father departed in disappointment, now whereabouts unknown. Why must you persist in delusion? If you still can’t distinguish right from wrong, black from white, wanting to be the court’s running dog, I have nothing more to say. You and I will meet on the battlefield—from then on, no more brotherhood!”

He turned and strode away, stepping into the stirrup to mount his horse, leading a group of soldiers to depart.

“Stop!”

Gao Yin shouted.

“What? You want to detain me here?”

Gao Huan turned back, proudly surveying Gao Yin’s surrounding soldiers, drawing his sword with a swoosh.

“Since I came today, I don’t fear your underhanded tricks! My main force is outside your camp right now.”

“If you want to fight, then fight!”

The atmosphere immediately tensed again.

Gao Yin forcibly suppressed his anger, stepping forward to speak again, when suddenly he saw a group of riders coming from Chang’an’s direction, galloping toward them.

Guards near the camp gates, knowing this group wasn’t their own, all looked toward Gao Yin.

Gao Yin’s face darkened as he watched the approaching riders.

The group quickly drew near. The lead horseman, dressed as a scholar, was surprisingly Jiang Tao, whom they hadn’t seen for a long time.

Jiang Tao had gone to nearby Weixing Commandery early in the year to govern locally and gather provisions. Gao Huan hadn’t seen him for a long while. Surprised that he would suddenly return at this time, fearing he didn’t understand the situation and might fall into Gao Yin’s hands, he immediately spurred his horse to intercept him. But he heard Jiang Tao shouting loudly: “Young General Gao, please remain calm!” While shouting, he galloped forward, quickly arriving nearby.

Gao Huan rode up angrily: “Chief Clerk Jiang! Your return is perfectly timed! Those court people are either stupid or evil, actually listening to Xianbei manipulation! The Grand Marshal is fighting at the front, yet my elder brother also doesn’t distinguish right from wrong, taking advantage of others’ crisis, attempting to forcibly occupy Chang’an! General Sun and I have already deployed—we’ll fight them to the end!”

Jiang Tao dismounted, soothed Gao Huan with a few words, then walked toward Gao Yin standing at the camp gates.

“Chief Clerk Jiang, don’t go there—” Gao Huan hastily tried to stop him.

Jiang Tao paused. “No matter, I returned precisely to seek words with General Gao.”

With weapons drawn on both sides, he wore a smile, eyes looking at Gao Yin before the camp gates, striding forward past them to pay respects to Gao Yin, smiling: “Long time no see—has General Gao been well?”

Gao Yin’s expression softened as he returned courtesy: “Thank you for your concern. I wonder what brings Chief Clerk Jiang here?”

“For Chang’an’s situation. Might the General allow me inside to speak privately?”

Gao Yin glanced at Gao Huan nearby, watching him like a great enemy, showed a smile, stepped aside to invite him in: “I couldn’t ask for more. Chief Clerk Jiang, please!”

Jiang Tao was led inside by Gao Yin. All along the way, seeing the camp busy but orderly despite flooding, with neat military appearance, he praised profusely.

Gao Yin said nothing, leading him into his main tent. Both seated, he spoke frankly about his doubts and intentions.

“Chief Clerk Jiang, the Grand Marshal’s actions aroused court suspicion. I haven’t been able to meet the Grand Marshal personally, so I dare not make rash judgments. May I ask Chief Clerk—if you were me, in my position today, how would you act?”

Jiang Tao said: “I specially rushed back to Chang’an to explain the situation to General Gao on the Grand Marshal’s behalf. The General only knows the Grand Marshal brought his wife from Jiankang, acting against superiors, an unforgivable crime. But does the General know that if the Grand Marshal hadn’t prepared in advance, Madam would now be detained in Jiankang as a hostage by the Empress Dowager?”

Gao Yin started: “What? Is this true?”

Jiang Tao stared at Gao Yin, smiling slightly.

“General, are you truly completely ignorant of the court situation, or do you actually sense something but don’t wish to think deeper?”

Gao Yin’s gaze flickered slightly, his brow furrowing as if wanting to speak, but ultimately saying nothing.

Jiang Tao continued: “Achievement threatening the ruler—how could the Grand Marshal not know? If not for Minister Gao’s words initially, why would he remain in Jiankang governing? Not in position, naturally not plotting governance. But having accepted Minister Gao’s trust and holding high court position, if he only sought self-preservation, holding sinecure doing nothing, how would he differ from a criminal?”

Gao Yin remained silent.

“The Grand Marshal rose from humble origins with outstanding achievements, naturally drawing attention. Promoting new policies also harmed Liu Hui and others’ interests—these people hate him to the bone and attack in groups, which is human nature. But new policies benefit state and people with immediate visible effects. Yet the Empress Dowager also fears the Grand Marshal, even wanting to detain Madam as hostage while he leads troops against enemies. What purpose does the Empress Dowager have with such actions? Not to mention, clearly Murong Ti provoked first—Chang’an repeatedly memorialized self-defense, so why does the Empress Dowager insist on not listening? Since Minister Gao chose the General as Gao family head, the General’s heart and vision naturally far surpass others. Can’t the General see through the oddities behind this?”

“When Jiankang faced internal chaos and grave danger, the Grand Marshal commanded troops outside with none able to restrain him. If he had designs then, who could contend with him when he acted? Not moving then, yet choosing this moment of internal and external difficulties to strike against the court…”

“General Gao, let me also ask—if you were the Grand Marshal, would you take such rash action?”

Gao Yin showed hesitation, slowly closing his eyes as if lost in thought.

Jiang Tao said: “If General Gao feels my words have some merit, please report what you’ve seen here to the court, withdraw troops a hundred li, and wait for the Grand Marshal to finish this battle—he’ll naturally give the court an explanation. Otherwise, our own people fighting our own people would benefit the Xianbei child, playing right into their hands.”

Gao Yin suddenly opened his eyes, nodding: “Your words are correct. With external enemies pressing, internal warfare is inappropriate. I’ll wait for him. When the time comes, I’ll debate right and wrong face to face with him!”

Jiang Tao, seeing his agreement, showed slight joy and solemnly thanked him.

Gao Yin immediately summoned his deputy, explaining his decision.

The officers and men were naturally pleased not to have to attack Chang’an. Orders quickly spread.

The camp had already planned to relocate this morning, so soldiers were prepared. Upon receiving orders, they struck camp in sequence and withdrew in formation.

Gao Huan, hearing Gao Yin agreed to temporarily withdraw troops, though still somewhat dissatisfied with him, still came over to thank him, saying: “My attitude was poor earlier, offending elder brother—I apologize. But one thing is one thing—I still say brother-in-law did nothing wrong! Elder brother, you’ve gone with the flow too long in Jiankang and won’t even distinguish right from wrong anymore!”

Gao Yin was also helpless, shaking his head. Just as he was about to ask about Li Mu’s battle situation outside the passes, he heard another commotion from outside the camp gates.

This disturbance was much greater than before. Waves of horse neighing mixed with loud shouting.

Gao Yin shouted at a soldier running toward him: “What’s happening outside again?”

“Who gave the order! How dare you disobey court edicts!”

Accompanied by a resounding scolding voice, Gao Yin and Gao Huan both turned to see Gao Yun, surrounded by a group of soldiers behind him, striding from the camp gate direction with great strides.

Both were startled, exchanged glances, hurried forward to pay respects to Gao Yun.

“Uncle father, you’re not in Wuxing—how did you come here?” Gao Huan blurted out.

Gao Yun’s face was frost-covered, staring at Gao Huan momentarily, then turning to Gao Yin: “Zi’an, did you give the order for the great army to withdraw from Chang’an?”

Gao Yin nodded: “Correct. Your nephew came here and learned there were previous misunderstandings. Murong Ti harbors evil intentions—the Grand Marshal is currently battling Northern Yan’s great army at Tongguan. With matters unclear, rashly seizing Chang’an would be somewhat improper.”

“Nonsense!” Gao Yun shouted.

“Li Mu openly kidnapped His Majesty—he’s a rebellious traitor! What’s unclear about this?”

His two gazes shot like lightning, sweeping around the gradually gathering officers and men, raising his voice loudly: “I carry Regent Empress Dowager’s edict to replace Gao Yin’s command here! From this moment, all troops heed my orders! Any who dare disobey will face military law!”

His voice was resonant and full of vigor, his words carrying on the wind throughout the military camp.

Surroundings instantly fell silent as countless eyes looked over.

No matter how good-tempered Gao Yin was, he couldn’t endure this, saying coldly: “Uncle father, I am the Gao family head. Without my orders, you cannot mobilize troops!”

Gao Yun narrowed his eyes, snorting coldly: “Zi’an, it’s not I mobilizing them, but the court mobilizing them!”

A palace attendant beside him hastily produced a yellow silk scroll from his robes, unrolled it, and read the edict from Jiankang in cadenced tones.

“Uncle father! What is the Empress Dowager thinking? Is she confused, or does she deliberately want to harm my brother-in-law?”

Before the attendant finished reading the edict, Gao Huan flew into rage, rushed forward, snatched the silk scroll from the attendant’s hands, and threw it hard to the ground.

The attendant pointed at Gao Huan, shrieking: “Sixth Young Master Gao, you dare…”

Before finishing his words, he cried “Aiyou!” as Gao Huan kicked him hard to the ground.

“Outrageous! Arrest him!”

Gao Yun raged, his gaze sweeping to Jiang Tao standing aside, saying coldly: “Along with this person—bind them both and guard them well!”

Gao Huan whistled sharply, and the dozens of personal guards who had followed him immediately rushed in.

Gao Huan drew his sword, blocking in front of Jiang Tao, shouting fiercely: “Anyone who dares approach—I’ll see if he’s tired of living!”

The soldiers were intimidated by the fierce aura in his eyes, stopped their steps, not daring to advance further, looking toward Gao Yun.

Gao Yun’s face turned iron-blue. Just as he was about to step forward personally, Jiang Tao suddenly walked out from behind Gao Huan, bowed to Gao Yun, saying: “Chang’an cannot be lost. If the General insists on making things difficult for the Grand Marshal, the Grand Marshal will inevitably have to give offense.”

Having spoken, he turned to Gao Yin.

“May I ask General—when your great army came to Chang’an, are provisions stored at Shangluo Granary?”

Gao Yin was startled.

“Armies attacking Chang’an traditionally store provisions either at Shangluo or Fu’an granaries, taking advantage of their connection to Chang’an via imperial roads—flat terrain allowing delivery within a day.”

Jiang Tao spoke eloquently, showing no trace of fear.

“To be frank, when the Grand Marshal returned to battle Murong Ti at Tongguan, fearing Chang’an might be lost, he made preparations. Just before I came here, I received reports that the granary with provisions sufficient for your hundred thousand troops for two months has been taken. Earlier, seeing the General’s righteous understanding, I didn’t mention this matter, thinking to have the granary returned intact.”

He looked toward Gao Yun again.

“General, if you forcibly take Chang’an, I guarantee the granary will burn to ashes. I estimate soldiers here carry at most three or four days’ rations. Losing the granary, even if the General has godlike martial prowess, how long can you hold out?”

He smiled slightly, speaking unhurriedly: “Though Chang’an’s garrison isn’t as numerous as the General’s, the General wanting to break the city within three or four days probably isn’t so easy.”

Gao Yun flew into rage.

As someone who had led troops for years, how could he not know the importance of provisions? Drawing his sword to stab Jiang Tao, he was blocked by Gao Yin’s sword. Just as he was about to send someone racing to check the granary situation, a soldier rushed in frantically, face full of alarm. Running close, he dropped to his knees with a thud, shouting: “General Gao, disaster! The granary guards just reported they were attacked by large forces, couldn’t resist, and lost the position!”

Gao Huan was startled momentarily, then suddenly burst into loud laughter: “Chief Clerk Jiang! So brother-in-law had such arrangements! You even kept it from me!”

Gao Yin showed anger, whirling to stare at Jiang Tao and the delighted Gao Huan, then slowly turning to Gao Yun, saying through gritted teeth: “Uncle father, our Gao family has loyally served the court, campaigning east and west for years. This force now represents our last remaining troops. You borrow the Empress Dowager’s name to seize my military authority—if the army suffers losses here, how will I face uncle father and generations of Gao family heads in future?”

His expression was cold and hard, sword held across his chest, saying word by word: “I am the Gao family head. The Empress Dowager’s edict has no effect with me! Uncle father, if you continue using force to pressure me, don’t blame me for being disrespectful!”

…

Gao Yun was furious beyond measure, but with provisions held by others, he was momentarily helpless. Just as they were deadlocked, suddenly he heard a familiar woman’s voice from behind.

“Uncle father, A’Mi has a personally written letter from A’Ye here, saying that from the day this letter is seen, the Gao family head position changes, with uncle father replacing elder brother in command. Seeing this letter is like seeing A’Ye himself.”

Everyone turned to see Luoshen actually standing outside the camp gates with several attendants behind her. She held a letter in her hands, looking at everyone with composed expression.

For a moment, Gao Yun, Gao Yin, Gao Huan, Jiang Tao and others were all extremely shocked.

“A’Jie! How are you here?”

Gao Huan finally reacted, shouting as he ran toward her.

“And this letter—what’s this about?”

Luoshen smiled: “I was previously taken from Jiankang by people my lord sent, going to Yicheng. At the time I felt something was wrong, but since it was my lord’s intention, I couldn’t disobey and had to depart. Unexpectedly, halfway there I encountered A’Ye. A’Ye said he knew of court changes and was anxious to return, but had also learned of A’Niang’s whereabouts and was undecided. Fortunately meeting me, he wrote this letter and sent people to escort me to Chang’an to convey his meaning.”

Gao Huan was dumbfounded. Something felt strange about this A’Jie before him, unlike the A’Jie he knew. But if asked to say what was wrong, he couldn’t articulate it.

He stared blankly as A’Jie passed by him, walked to Gao Yun, presented the letter, saying: “Uncle father, this is A’Ye’s personally written letter, saying the Gao family head position should be succeeded by uncle father. Please uncle father examine it.”

Gao Yun felt like in a dream, instinctively taking the letter, opening it, reading it repeatedly, staring at that familiar handwriting from Gao Qiao, struggling to suppress the excitement welling in his heart. With trembling hands, he returned the letter to Luoshen, saying: “A’Mi, take it for your elder brother to see too. So he can’t say I’m deceiving him.”

That Luoshen respectfully agreed, walked to the dumbfounded Gao Yin, paid respects, then handed over the letter, saying with an apologetic tone: “Elder brother, I’m truly sorry—this is all uncle father’s intention. Uncle father said after thinking it over, he feels the Gao family head position would be more appropriate if succeeded by uncle father.”

Gao Yin slowly took the letter, glancing at it.

With just one look, he recognized uncle father’s handwriting.

Absolutely certain—this was uncle father’s personally written letter.

He felt his whole body grow cold, his heart blank with confusion. Something seemed wrong, but he couldn’t immediately think what. As he stood frozen, one of Gao Yun’s deputies stepped forward, waving the letter toward camp soldiers, shouting loudly: “Minister Gao’s order! From this moment, the Gao family head position changes! General Gao Yun succeeds! All officers and men, obey orders!”

After shouting, this deputy led his accompanying men to kneel before Gao Yun, cheering loudly.

Gao Yun’s reputation in the Guangling army was also considerable. Among them, many were his former troops. With the Gao family daughter personally delivering Gao Qiao’s order, who wouldn’t respect it? Gradually, all Guangling troops in the camp followed in cheering, their voices soaring to the clouds.

“Arrest Gao Huan and this Jiang Tao!”

Gao Yun’s smile disappeared as he immediately gave orders.

Instantly, soldiers surrounded them, archers formed ranks, raising bows and arrows, trapping them in the middle.

“A’Jie! How could uncle father give such an order? I don’t believe it! He must be mistaken! Where is he? I’ll see him personally!”

Gao Huan looked incredulous, shouting questions at that Luoshen.

Luoshen sighed: “Sixth Brother, I know you find this hard to accept at first. I did too initially. But how could A’Ye be mistaken? I dare not disobey A’Ye’s orders. Don’t worry. When my lord withdraws and returns, I’ll explain everything to him properly.”

Gao Huan was both bewildered and angry, unable to say a word.

Gao Yin finally awakened as if from a dream, immediately stepping forward to stop them.

Gao Yun said: “As long as the granary is safe, I won’t do anything to them. You should still lead people to retake the granary.” Having spoken, he ordered subordinates to immediately organize formations and prepare to deploy troops.

…

In just half a day, the usually well-trained Guangling army soldiers formed ranks, left their barracks, and headed toward Chang’an city fifty li away.

Residents along the route had long since fled, all entering the city for protection.

At dusk, just when the setting sun was blood-red, Gao Yun led his great army to Chang’an city, camping outside the walls.

He knew Chang’an city must have prepared early with tight defenses. The coming battle would definitely not be easy.

Though the granary hadn’t been burned, without retaking it first, his rear had no guarantee.

He must fight quickly and decisively. The longer it dragged, the more unfavorable for him.

Though already outside the city, he wouldn’t immediately order an assault. Besides approaching darkness making city attacks unsuitable, bringing his vastly superior numbers forward to display his army’s imposing military bearing while surrounding without attacking was also a psychological warfare tactic to pressure the defending forces.

That night, Gao Yun had soldiers surround Chang’an city all night in shifts, continuously creating disturbances. By early next morning, he ordered all troops to cook meals and eat their fill. After dawn broke in the east, he deployed forces in strict formation outside the city gates, preparing for assault.

Sun Fangzhi had long been in strict readiness, ordering city gates tightly closed while personally supervising battle from the city walls.

Gao Yun straddled a tall warhorse, armor gleaming, horizontally holding a great blade. With left and right flanks deployed, he spurred his horse before the city walls, shouting loudly up at them, ordering Sun Fangzhi to open the city gates.

Sun Fangzhi’s expression was grim, saying nothing as he ordered soldiers to shoot arrows downward. Instantly, arrow shafts fell like rain from the city walls. Seeing Gao Yun forced to retreat several zhang, he laughed heartily, about to order continued arrow volleys when he suddenly froze.

Outside the city gates, several soldiers carried up a curtained sedan chair. Drawing closer, the sedan stopped and a woman emerged, bending to step out.

He immediately recognized her—the woman was actually Grand Marshal’s wife Gao Luoshen!

He hastily ordered soldiers to cease shooting, calling loudly: “Madam! How are you here?”

That Gao Luoshen called back: “General Sun! I’ve come to persuade you to open the gates and temporarily surrender Chang’an. This is not only the court’s wish but also my A’Ye’s wish. Moreover, my uncle has no malicious intent—he’s merely following orders. As long as you surrender Chang’an and let my uncle father give the court an explanation, my lord will absolutely be unaffected! I wholeheartedly want to turn swords into jade, and when my lord finishes fighting and returns, whatever the matter, as long as I’m here, I’ll mediate between him and the Empress Dowager. I act from love and concern for my lord. I truly can’t bear to see him develop enmity with the court over misunderstandings, much less see blood flowing like rivers outside Chang’an city today.”

“What kind of person I am, whether my words count—General Sun knows better than anyone. Please trust me, General!”

She smoothed her hair, her movements graceful.

Sun Fangzhi was utterly amazed, shocked and uncertain, standing frozen atop the city walls, momentarily unsure how to respond.

Many defending soldiers on the walls were formerly from Yicheng and deeply respected the Grand Marshal’s wife. Suddenly seeing her personally come to persuade surrender, they stood dumbfounded and at a loss.

Sun Fangzhi was even more conflicted.

How to handle the request from this wife whom he and his soldiers deeply revered, who had personally rushed to Chang’an, truly gave him a headache.

“General Sun, don’t you even listen to my words now?”

The Gao Luoshen below the city called out again.

He steadied himself, about to answer, when suddenly he heard a long, ear-shaking tiger’s roar from the wilderness outside the city.

This sudden tiger roar shook hearts and caused countless warhorses to neigh in succession, creating a chaotic din.

Soldiers on the walls and outside the gates showed various expressions, all turning to look in the direction of the sound.

“General Sun! Don’t believe the woman’s words! She’s someone else in disguise, not my A’Mei! My A’Mei is here!”

Accompanying that tiger roar and fearful neighing of warhorses, Sun Fangzhi looked up and was stunned by the scene that met his eyes.

A white tiger, agile in form like lightning, charged through formations outside the city gates, its figure like a sharp blade cutting through water. Soldiers on both sides made way, quickly clearing a path.

Gao Yin and a woman, following that white tiger, galloped through the battlefield toward the city gates.

She sat upright on horseback, incomparably beautiful, her eyes bright as autumn water from travel. The white tiger crouched at her feet as wind stirred her long hair and robes, making people suspect a celestial maiden had descended to earth.

Gao Yin helped her dismount.

As her feet touched ground, she swayed slightly as if from excessive fatigue. Just as everyone nearby instinctively wanted to support her, she had already steadied herself. Then, under countless watching gazes, she looked forward and stepped forward.

“Uncle father! It’s me! I’ve brought A’Ye’s tiger tally. All troops, withdraw immediately!”

She walked before the stunned Gao Yun, saying word by word. Having spoken, she slightly turned her head, looking coldly at that other self nearby whose expression had greatly changed: “If I’m not mistaken, this woman is named Murong Zhe, Murong Ti’s sister, skilled in disguise and mimicking handwriting.”

“Uncle father, you’ve been not only used by the Empress Dowager but also deceived by this Xianbei woman.”