Having said this, she gently lowered her eyes and smiled coldly: “Things have come to this, and there’s no use in my saying more. But I will not leave the grievous deaths of my parents unavenged. If General understands human emotions, then you should not doubt me in the slightest.”

Zhao Hui was somewhat moved and said: “I have offended you.” He glanced at Yue Linxi and continued: “If the Great Ping garrison truly retreats from Jin Gorge Pass and yields it to us, Northern Jian, I will certainly write to my court, proposing our two armies’ invasion and division of territories.”

Meng Tinghui asked Yue Linxi, “When did you originally plan to send me to Shuzhou? And which route would you take southward?”

Yue Linxi immediately replied: “The original plan was to depart as soon as the Sovereign arrived at the Northern Jian camp. Since Han Peng’s forces block the Linhuai route, and there are numerous Great Ping Imperial troops to the north of Chao’an, we still planned to head south directly from Ruizhou on the Jiankang route.”

She twisted her mouth, as if in mockery: “The Jiankang route? So you’re not afraid of Di Nian’s Pacification Commissioner’s Office in Fenzhou! The Great Ping Imperial Army has dispatched no less than tens of thousands of troops to suppress the rebels on the Jiankang route. If we head south that way, are you confident there won’t be any mishaps?”

Yue Linxi frowned. “What is the Sovereign’s suggestion?”

Meng Tinghui gathered her sleeves and replied leisurely: “Han Peng’s forces have retreated to defend Zizhou. The Imperial Army on the Linhuai route is not to be feared. Let’s go south from Huizhou, then circle westward to enter Jiankang, and then proceed to Shuzhou.”

“I’ll follow the Sovereign’s instructions,” Yue Linxi considered briefly before agreeing.

She then looked at Zhao Hui and said: “To prevent unforeseen circumstances, I cannot stay here long. Once the Great Ping Imperial Army outside Jin Gorge Pass retreats thirty li, I will leave the pass for Huizhou. I hope General Zhao will keep his word and present a memorial to your court proposing our plan. When the treaty is ready, it can be sent directly to Shuzhou.”

Zhao Hui replied solemnly: “Certainly.”

She gently lowered her brows and said: “Now that matters are settled, I would like to rest.”

Zhao Hui hurriedly called for someone to escort her to a tent for rest. Seeing this, Yue Linxi also followed behind her as she left, intending to protect her.

Meng Tinghui scanned the area but did not see Huang Bo, assuming he had already been taken to the tent. Her steps unconsciously quickened.

Yue Linxi walked with large strides beside her, his features glowing faintly in the golden light of the setting sun.

She glanced at him obliquely and said in a neither warm nor cold tone: “You and Yin Qing both appear to be refined individuals, yet you undertake these bloody affairs without the slightest hesitation.”

Wrinkles appeared lightly on Yue Linxi’s forehead as he looked at her. “If it means restoring our Zhongwan nation, we would face a thousand dangers and ten thousand obstacles without complaint.”

Meng Tinghui slowed her steps after hearing this. After a long while, she said coldly: “Yes. If it means restoring the nation, what concern is there if thousands die and the land is stained with the blood of the people?”

Yue Linxi took her words as a display of ruthlessness and couldn’t help saying: “Previously, I did not know the Sovereign’s methods were so decisive and thunderous. Now, seeing the Sovereign’s decisive handling of affairs, showing none of a woman’s temperament, I truly admire you immensely.”

She no longer responded to him and continued walking forward.

When they reached the simple tent, she indeed saw Huang Bo anxiously waiting for her. Upon seeing her, he urgently called out: “My lady!”

Meng Tinghui ordered Yue Linxi to withdraw and said to Huang Bo in a lowered voice: “Come inside with me.”

Seeing her solemn expression, as if there was an urgent matter, Huang Bo swiftly entered and raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to speak.

She said softly: “I suspect Northern Jian is planning some trickery, so I have a task for you.”

Huang Bo’s expression became tense. “Are they planning to harm you?”

Meng Tinghui shook her head and said: “I am in no danger. This time, I came here by imperial edict to feign peace negotiations with Northern Jian, intending to delay the northern situation for two or three months until the internal rebel crisis is resolved before dealing with Northern Jian. However, today Northern Jian didn’t hesitate at all regarding the tribute increase. While our main force is camped outside Jin Gorge Pass and can temporarily hold their advance, it’s not advantageous for long-term warfare. Northern Jian’s current generous treatment of me is suspicious. I fear they are also using these peace negotiations to delay our army here. If they truly have ambush forces circling from outside for a surprise attack, our army will certainly be at a disadvantage. Moreover, General Di is injured and not yet recovered; he cannot lead troops in pursuit and prolonged battles. Rather than having our army remain camped outside Jin Gorge Pass, it would be better to temporarily retreat thirty li and set up camp along the border. This way, we can also maintain communications with our northern border garrisons and avoid being overly passive.”

Upon hearing this, Huang Bo became angry. “If Northern Jian truly harbors ulterior motives, hasn’t your journey of a thousand li been in vain?”

Her expression remained calm: “I’m not concerned about myself, but if the army outside the pass faces danger, that would be a disaster. At this critical moment, everything must be approached with caution as the top priority. You should return to the army outside the pass tonight to see General Di and inform him of what I’ve said. Ask him to lead the troops in retreating thirty li and then plan our next moves.”

“Impossible,” Huang Bo’s tone was firm. “I absolutely cannot leave you alone here!”

Meng Tinghui pressed her lips together and said: “I know you are very concerned for my safety, but today Northern Jian has agreed to my proposal and will send a memorial to their court requesting an increase in annual tribute to one million strings of cash. If I leave now, how could Zhao Hui not become suspicious? Do you remember what you promised me back in the camp?”

Huang Bo’s face fell: “My lady…”

She said bluntly: “Since you’ve already promised to obey me in everything, stop arguing now. The two armies inside and outside the pass are within earshot of each other. This matter cannot be delayed for even a moment!” She untied the golden fish pouch from the side of her official robe and handed it to him, saying: “Take this back with you, and General Di will not doubt your words.”

Huang Bo stiffened his neck, unwilling to accept it.

Meng Tinghui sighed helplessly and said: “Trust me, I have ways to keep myself safe. In at most five days, I will write a letter asking General Di to send you with men to escort me back.”

He was half-believing and half-doubting, hesitantly asking: “Really?”

She smiled slightly and said: “Really. In all these years, have you ever seen me make a mistake?”

Huang Bo lowered his eyes, thought for a moment, and said quietly: “His Majesty also says that you are clever and have never made any mistakes.”

A glimmer of moisture flashed in Meng Tinghui’s eyes. She stepped forward and stuffed the golden fish pouch into his arms, gently patted his shoulder, and gave him a brilliant smile. “Don’t worry.”

Huang Bo’s return to the camp from the pass went smoothly. He simply said he was following Meng Tinghui’s orders to retrieve documents, and he returned unhindered to the eastern main camp outside Jin Gorge Pass.

That night, after hearing his report, Di Nian summoned his officers for a council. Before dawn the next day, he ordered the camp to be struck and the army to retreat thirty li southward.

The army had been stationed outside the pass for a long time, placing a heavy burden on supplies, and it was far from the border city garrisons. They had to divide their forces to protect the supply routes. For many days, the officers and soldiers had been unwilling to remain stationary, but due to the Emperor’s previous edict, they dared not abandon their vigilant defense of Jin Gorge Pass. This time, Meng Tinghui’s order for the army to retreat thirty li southward actually aligned with the wishes of many officers and soldiers.

However, by the fifth day, there was still no news from Meng Tinghui in the Northern Jian camp.

Huang Bo had long since grown impatient. Just after noon, he rushed to the central command tent to find Di Nian, only to see that Song Zhirui and Luo Bitao were also there, their expressions none too pleasant.

Di Nian glanced at him. “I was just about to send someone to call for you.”

Huang Bo sensed the unusual atmosphere in the tent and anxiously said: “General Di, it has been five days without any word from Lady Meng. I request to go to the Northern Jian camp to investigate.”

Song Zhitao came over and pressed him to sit down. “Calm yourself.” He carefully examined Huang Bo before slowly saying: “Last night, our scouts reported that both inside and outside Jin Gorge Pass have been occupied by Northern Jian forces. Their troop strength appears to be more than twice what it was before, and they have even set up camp just fifteen li from our army, showing extreme arrogance.”

Huang Bo was stunned. “Impossible. Lady Meng told me earlier that Northern Jian did not have many troops inside Jin Gorge Pass…”

Di Nian’s face darkened. He said to Song Zhirui: “Show it to him.”

Song Zhirui pulled a piece of paper from the desk nearby and handed it to him, saying: “Last night, General Luo received a report that seemed suspicious, so he ordered someone to search the tent where Lady Meng had been staying. They found this.”

Huang Bo’s hands trembled slightly as he took it and looked. He saw that it was covered with disconnected poetic lines, with no apparent meaning. He frowned and asked: “What is this?”

Luo Bitao strode over to him, snatched the paper from his hand, and said with furrowed brows: “You’re from the Palace Guards, so naturally you wouldn’t know the customs of the border Imperial Army. This thing is used for encrypted military reports!”

Huang Bo immediately felt a sense of foreboding. He suddenly stood up and shouted: “What does General Luo mean by this?”

Luo Bitao coldly snorted and said: “I suspect that Meng Tinghui is in collusion with Northern Jian, acting as a treasonous minister.”