“I know it wasn’t you.” Feng Yan shook his head, then looked up. “You’re a Feng daughter? Fourth Imperial Uncle is truly a son of the Feng bloodline?”

“Genuine, no doubt about it!” Feng Jiu’er nodded readily. “And on top of that, Feng Qiongcang didn’t care at all whether Third Imperial Brother lived or died, which is why Third Imperial Brother changed his stance.”

“Not really a change of stance — everyone is fighting for justice!”

Feng Jiu’er’s words “my Third Imperial Brother” stung Feng Yan’s heart — he too wished his imperial sister would say he was her Second Imperial Brother.

“Second Imperial Brother.” Feng Jiu’er called softly, just as Feng Yan drifted into a daze.

“You’re not familiar with me, but you know my father and my Third Imperial Brother well, don’t you?”

“If possible, I hope this war can pause for a while. Think carefully over what I’ve said, and everyone can use the chance to rest.”

“Your dark circles are heavy. Days and nights without rest — once a person collapses, that’s it, gone.”

Feng Yan looked into Feng Jiu’er’s sincere eyes, recalling how she had once supported and encouraged him back in the palace, and raised his hand.

“Cease fire! Return to the city — no one leaves the city for ten days!” he announced in a deep voice.

“I disagree!” one of Consort Ya’s generals shouted loudly.

“If you could see the situation clearly, you wouldn’t say something so irresponsible!”

Feng Yan shot the general a glance, left those words behind, and turned back.

“Return to the city!” Feng Yan’s general shouted.

“Return to the city!” The commanders all around echoed the call.

The soldiers all turned and moved toward the city gate.

Consort Ya watched the retreating army, her face twisted with fury, yet there was nothing she could do to change it.

After Feng Yan’s army returned to the city, Feng Jiu’er also led her own troops back to Xiyuan City.

The war, once again, was put on pause.

As soon as the debriefing meeting ended, Feng Jiu’er immediately went back and began rummaging through her things.

This was something they had to do — war couldn’t avoid casualties, so all they could do was try their best to reduce them.

Every time before using her silver needles, Feng Jiu’er had to soak them in medicinal solution — not only to sterilize them, but also to enhance the effect of the acupuncture.

“Jiu’er.” Not far away, Xiao Yingtao was also sorting through the medicine box. “The Second Prince won’t go back on his word, will he? Will they really cease fire for ten days?”

“I could tell Second Imperial Brother doesn’t want to fight. If Noble Consort Ya insists on pushing for war, we’ll oblige her.” Feng Jiu’er placed the silver needles one by one into the bottle of medicinal solution.

“Still, it’s time for me to leave.”

“Leave?” Xiao Yingtao, holding the medicine box she’d just packed, walked over to her.

“That’s right.” Feng Jiu’er nodded lightly. “Her Majesty the Empress, Old General Yuan, Sister Hua, and Brother Yue will stay in Xiyuan City — we’ll head east.”

“Old General Yuan’s men are already scouting ahead. We’ll go first to Qiaozhong City to check on the situation.”

Feng Jiu’er finished packing the medicine box, then swiftly took out the silver needles to wipe them clean.

“There’s still been no word from Yu Jingfeng. I’m not at ease about it.”

“After that, we’ll keep heading east to reinforce Ninth Imperial Uncle’s army.”

“From what Xing Zizhou says, Qiaozhong City is still quiet for now.” Xiao Yingtao set down the medicine box.

“Han Ying’s troops have already infiltrated Qiaozhong City, Fenglai City, and Fenglai West City.”

“None of our troops are in these cities. She’s not heading east, not heading west, and not crossing the river either — who knows what she’s planning?”

“Rather than guessing, we might as well go see the situation for ourselves.” Feng Jiu’er looped the medicine box over her arm.

Xiao Yingtao nodded and slung her own medicine box over her shoulder as well. “True enough. About when will we set out?”

“We’ll go in batches.” Feng Jiu’er patted her shoulder and headed outside.

“Starting tonight, some will leave. We’re scheduled to go in three days.”