However Feng Rui might have schemed, he could never have imagined that his attempt to threaten Feng Jiang would instead deal a fatal blow to himself.

Feng Jiu’er and Feng Jiang were not unconcerned for the Empress’s safety.

But they knew that compromising now would only place the Empress in greater danger, so it was better to bring the matter to a swift resolution.

Sure enough, only five days into the battle for West Central City, Feng Rui’s reinforcements arrived.

The moment the enemy’s reinforcements arrived, Feng Jiang’s forces, who had held the advantage all along, gradually began to weaken.

To give their own troops room to breathe, Feng Jiang and Feng Jiu’er led the army in a retreat of one county.

Feng Rui’s troops refused to relent, launching three separate assaults on Feng Jiang’s forces.

Fortunately, Feng Jiang and Feng Jiu’er had chosen ground that was easy to defend and hard to attack, sparing them from being forced to retreat any further.

A mountain range now separated the two armies, north and south, and the fighting quieted once again.

With defenses secured, the soldiers immediately made camp and settled in to recover.

This battle had left many wounded. Feng Jiu’er, together with the brothers of Tianji Hall, worked nonstop for a full day and night before finally sitting down to something resembling a proper evening meal.

After the meal, Feng Jiu’er and Jian Yi went to survey the surrounding mountains once more.

By the time they made their round and returned, dawn was nearly breaking.

With Zhao Yusheng’s forces now lending support, Feng Jiu’er was finally able to sleep soundly.

On the third day, after the midday meal, everyone gathered in Feng Jiang’s tent.

“Third Brother, tell everyone how things stand.” Feng Jiu’er took a sip of hot tea, leaning back against a folded blanket.

“Mm.” Feng Jiang nodded slightly and swept his gaze across the group.

“Today we received word from our scouts in the capital. About half a month ago, three armies set out from the capital.”

“They’re led respectively by the First Prince, Feng Jin; the Second Prince, Feng Yan; and General Han, marching south in three columns — east, central, and southwest — to reinforce the front.”

“According to our scouts, none of the three armies number fewer than a hundred thousand troops. The First Prince Feng Jin’s army is the largest, numbering as many as three hundred thousand.”

Feng Jiu’er composed herself and asked, “And the routes the three armies are taking are…?”

“The Second Prince Feng Yan is heading west, General Han Yinghan is taking the central route, and the First Prince Feng Jin’s army is heading east,” Yang Sheng answered quietly.

“Miss Jiu’er, according to the scouts’ report, the army led by the First Prince consists of either the Imperial Guard or the Dragon Protection Army — both elite forces.”

“My lord believes that once so formidable a force as the First Prince’s arrives, the prince’s side will surely be unable to hold the line.”

“He intends to set out today and head for the eastern region.”

“Jiu’er, hasn’t the time we agreed upon with City Lord Yue nearly arrived? Has any word come through?” Feng Jiang asked, turning to look at Feng Jiu’er.

Feng Jiu’er straightened her back and nodded.

“I’ve also received a letter from Sister Hua. They successfully crossed the river three days ago and should arrive today before sundown.”

Feng Jiu’er picked up her teacup, turned it slowly in her hands, and looked up.

“Would we still make it in time, heading to the eastern region now?”

“Mm.” Feng Jiang nodded. “We should still make it.”

“The Fourth Imperial Uncle has long kept in contact with General Shi, who is stationed on the eastern border. Given how critical things have become, I want to go there myself.”

“According to General Shi, when Feng Qiongcang drove him out to that desolate wasteland in the east, he left him with only a few thousand men.”

“General Shi couldn’t swallow the humiliation. He’s spared no effort recruiting soldiers ever since, and by now his forces number close to a hundred thousand.”

“However…” Feng Jiang’s gaze settled on Feng Jiu’er, and he fell silent.

“You don’t need to worry about us.” Feng Jiu’er pressed her lips together. “The moment Sister Hua arrives, we’ll counterattack immediately.”

“As for what comes after, just proceed according to plan.”