The military officer furrowed his brow, seemingly wanting to say something but restraining himself. He gave a slight bow, “Supervisor Zhao.”

The position of military supervisor held a delicate status within the army. While technically outranked by the grand general, the supervisor’s role of imperial oversight granted them considerable authority. As the emperor’s eyes and ears, overseeing all military operations, no one dared to treat them lightly.

Zhao Ling returned the gesture, “What urgent matter brings the Grand General here after nightfall?”

His words carried no invitation to enter or sit down.

As a military supervisor, Zhao Ling should have been stationed with the grand general in the central camp. However, he had insisted on staying in Hejian Prefecture. The grand general, fearing a military novice would hinder operations, had agreed. Now, faced with this cold reception on his visit, the general’s attendants bristled with anger.

“Half a month ago, I reported our shortage of provisions,” the grand general asked calmly, suppressing his irritation. “Why has there been no response? Can Supervisor Zhao inquire about this matter?”

“Don’t we still have two months’ worth of supplies? What’s the rush? Does the general doubt the Emperor’s judgment?” Zhao Ling, still stinging from Gao Dazhuang’s earlier words, replied with particular sharpness.

The Privy Council primarily managed such matters, not the Emperor alone. Zhao Ling’s response was antagonistic.

Unable to contain himself, the grand general’s deputy commander coldly interjected, “Transporting provisions to Hejian Prefecture takes at least half a month. Moreover, Liao cavalry raids are unpredictable and may target our supply lines. We’ve heard nothing so far. If we run out of food, does Supervisor Zhao plan to defend the border alone on a full stomach?”

“You!” Zhao Ling erupted. “Grand General, you should control your subordinates!”

The grand general turned to his deputy, “Go back and receive your punishment!”

“Yes, sir!” The deputy commander promptly left.

The grand general then continued as if nothing had happened, “The Emperor and Privy Council are overwhelmed with affairs of state. They may have overlooked this. Supervisor, you should remind them. After all, if we lose the border due to this, your career will be ruined as well.”

“Very well,” Zhao Ling replied, recognizing the grand general’s staged performance with his deputy but heeding the warning. Unwilling to jeopardize his promising future, he added, “I’ll send a memorial tonight.”

“Much obliged!” The grand general bowed and turned to leave.

Zhao Ling suddenly remembered his manners, “My apologies for my forgetfulness. Grand General, you’ve come and gone so quickly. Have you eaten? I’ve only just sat down to dine. Would you care to join me?”

“No need. Just don’t forget to send that memorial, Supervisor Zhao.” The grand general paused, recalling something. “I heard the Emperor dispatched the Shadow Guards to assist us. Have they arrived?”

Zhao Ling responded with surprise, “What are you talking about, General? The Shadow Guards protect the Emperor and the imperial city. How could they be sent to aid in border warfare?”

Those hidden nearby itched to leap out and teach Zhao Ling a lesson upon hearing this.

The grand general said nothing more and strode away.

An Jiu extended his spiritual senses, faintly catching the grand general’s distant voice, “Damn it! I risk my life out here, and I have to grovel for a mouthful of food. Constantly dealing with this bullshit! If I don’t die on the battlefield, I won’t live long anyway!”

A loud crash followed, something collapsing.

It seemed this general not only lacked a good temper but harbored considerable rage.

“Why keep it from the grand general?” Sun Dixian whispered.

Sui Yunzhu sighed. “That was General Ling. He’s achieved the best military record among all generals in recent years. Thanks to him, we’ve held off the Liao forces. With the entire Song Dynasty’s million-strong army, he commands over 300,000 troops. Don’t you think the Emperor needs to be wary of him?”

General Ling, whose full name was Ling Ziyue, was well-educated and had joined the military in his teens. Possessing both brains and brawn, he was accomplished in civil and military affairs. His bold nature and twenty-plus years of military service, rising from common soldier to deputy commander, had earned him fierce loyalty from many in the army.

For such a man, rebellion would be all too easy. Moreover, those who sit alone at the pinnacle of power are often suspicious, and rarely able to fully trust their subordinates.

“Ahem, ahem!” Zhao Ling coughed, standing in the courtyard.

Though reluctant, the group couldn’t ignore his summons. An Jiu and Sui Yunzhu leaped over the wall, appearing before Zhao Ling.

“Did the grand general say anything after leaving?” Zhao Ling inquired.

Such a trivial matter!

An Jiu remained silent, so Sui Yunzhu answered, “The grand general said the Liao forces might attack at any time, so he needed to hurry back to camp.”

Zhao Ling nodded, “That’s all. You may go.”

The two acknowledged and left together.

After this brief inquiry, Zhao Ling didn’t summon them again. The group watched from their hiding spot as moonlight gave way to sunlight, rising in the east and setting in the west twice over.

Lou Mingyue and her two companions returned, bringing extensive intelligence about the Liao forces. However, Zhao Ling didn’t immediately inform the grand general. Instead, he hatched a plan to claim the glory for himself.

He summoned the Shadow Guards once more.

This time, Gao Dazhuang entered alone.

“I noticed there are several women among you,” Zhao Ling observed.

Gao Dazhuang confirmed this.

“Call them all out,” Zhao Ling ordered.

Gao Dazhuang hesitated before saying, “You three, come out.”

Lou Mingyue, Sun Dixian, and An Jiu appeared in the room one after another.

Zhao Ling carefully examined their figures. “Remove your masks.”

“Heh,” Gao Dazhuang scoffed. “In this world, only the Emperor can give them such an order. Is Supervisor Zhao planning a rebellion?”

Zhao Ling’s expression changed several times, but he ultimately didn’t lose his temper. He explained politely, “You misunderstand, sir. I merely wished to see their faces. I’ve heard much about Xiao Cheng of the Liao. He’s fond of beautiful women. I thought to send one of them to get close to him and possibly obtain useful information.”

The Liao Dynasty had previously governed using separate systems for Khitan and Han Chinese affairs. The Northern Chancellery managed Khitan affairs, while the Southern Chancellery handled Han Chinese matters. Later, the two merged under a single “Director of Chancelleries.”

Xiao Cheng held the position of Director of Chancelleries in the Liao state, wielding immense influence throughout the court.

“Has the grand general approved this?” Gao Dazhuang asked.

“Surely you know the Emperor’s intentions. Let’s not mention the grand general again. You need only follow my orders,” Zhao Ling asserted his authority. Without waiting for Gao Dazhuang’s response, he pointed at An Jiu. “She’ll do.”

“Not her,” Gao Dazhuang objected.

Recognizing they must comply, Gao Dazhuang indicated Lou Mingyue and Sun Dixian. “Choose one of them.”

Lou Mingyue possessed the highest martial arts skills and could protect herself, while Sun Dixian was adept at flattery and winning people over. Both were attractive and even if Sun Dixian was slightly less so, they still had disguise techniques at their disposal.