Chapter 191: Volume 1, Chapter 191: Victory in the First Battle

Early autumn in the Northern Frontier was much colder than autumn in the Owl Nation, especially after nightfall, when it already felt like early winter.

The army was stationed along the banks of the Langde River, separated from the enemy forces of Qingxuan Nation by only a river. That very night, Xiao Shen ordered the crossing of the river. After the vanguard crossed, they did not immediately launch an attack but set up camp, concealing the cannons with grass and branches to hide their traces.

The Qingxuan Nation scouts saw that the troops crossing the river were not numerous—only a few thousand—and immediately reported to their superior. That night, the Qingxuan Nation commander ordered his subordinates to lead troops in a sneak attack, attempting to swallow this vanguard force whole.

At midnight, just when it was the best time for peaceful sleep, thunderous explosions suddenly rang out one after another, and firelight dyed half the sky red.

As soon as the cannons fired, repeating crossbows and Fire Thunder followed in succession. The Owl Nation soldiers wielded long spears and waist sabers, forming a charging formation like a sharp blade, thrusting fiercely at the enemy forces who had come to launch their sneak attack.

At the same time, more than a dozen pontoon bridges had already been erected on the river. The Owl Nation soldiers crossed the river with all speed, and those who made it across immediately joined the pursuit.

Warhorses neighed, blades clashed and crashed violently together, and sparks flashed wherever edges met.

Fresh blood dyed the earth red. Under the might of the cannons, the enemy forces quickly collapsed and fled. The main army pursued them by the tail, and the carnage grew even more devastating.

A great victory in the first battle. Xiao Shen, in silver helmet and silver armor, his long blade gleaming with bloodlight—viewed from the side, he was like a god of slaughter, his killing intent awe-inspiring and heart-stopping.

The victory report was sent to the capital by eight-hundred-li express. Han Xinglan was overjoyed after reading it, and right there in the court he praised Xiao Shen for his martial prowess and service to the nation. When these words came out, the entire court fell silent.

Han Xinglan was immensely pleased. After the court session ended, he went to Yuzhao Gong and, looking at Rong Luoge, said with a smile: "Xiao Shen has indeed lived up to my expectations—victory in the first battle."

Rong Luoge was overjoyed to hear this and said with a smile: "That is truly good news. With this, those people in the court ought to behave themselves for a while."

Han Xinglan laughed heartily and said to Rong Luoge: "For this military campaign, the courtiers were pessimistic in every word they spoke, and I couldn't very well lash out, so I bottled up a bellyful of anger. Now it's fine—how thoroughly satisfying!"

Saying this, his expression softened all at once as he looked at Rong Luoge. "In the memorial Xiao Shen sent me, he said it was all thanks to the cannons you devised—using them to clear the way was truly devastating in its deterrent effect."

Rong Luoge was also happy to hear this and said with a smile: "Qingxuan Nation does not yet possess such a weapon. Since we brought it out, we naturally gained the upper hand. But warfare is not solely about whose weapons are more powerful—it also depends on how the commander deploys his troops and arranges his formations. Even with divine weapons, if the commander is a muddleheaded and incompetent fool, it is all for naught."

Han Xinglan smiled at Rong Luoge's words. If only everyone were as self-reflective as she was, then being emperor would truly be easy.

With the good news arrived, those in the court who had been pessimistic about the campaign suddenly fell silent—exceptionally quiet and well-behaved.

Han Xinglan's mood during court sessions improved considerably—a genuinely delightful thing.

For several days in a row, Han Xinglan was in good spirits. Rong Luoge had not been idle either; after preparing Cang Yun's dowry, she had it sent to the old residence. Seeing so much, Cang Yun was naturally deeply moved and kowtowed toward the palace to give thanks.

The wedding date had also been chosen by Rong Luoge. Since the two were mutually affectionate, and Cang Yun had no family left, while He Huai's situation was much the same, the nearest auspicious day was chosen for the wedding.

On the day of Cang Yun's wedding, she stood in the palace gazing in the direction of the old residence. From this day forward, she naturally hoped that Cang Yun would find happiness and a fulfilling life.

After Cang Yun married, Rong Luoge had one less weight on her mind and thus had more energy to devote to palace affairs.

After reducing the palace staff, with the cumbersome and complex personnel matters gone, handling affairs in the palace became much easier.

Consort Xu and Qin Zhaohua were indeed good helpers; the tasks she assigned were carried out well.

"My Lady, Qin Zhaohua requests an audience," Que Cai came in and reported.

Rong Luoge looked up, her face showing some surprise, and said: "Let her come in."

Rong Luoge rose after speaking and walked slowly from the study toward the main hall. Entering the main hall, Qin Zhaohua was already there, and upon seeing her, immediately stepped forward to pay her respects: "Your servant greets the Noble Consort. May My Lady be well."

"Rise," Rong Luoge said. She walked to the seat of honor and sat down, then looked at Qin Zhaohua with a smile. "Why have you come over so suddenly today? Is there some matter?"

"Yes, your servant has a matter to report to My Lady," Qin Zhaohua said, somewhat nervously.

Rong Luoge looked at her demeanor, feeling somewhat suspicious in her heart. She knew Qin Zhaohua was a bit timid, but seeing how nervous she looked, she was indeed timid enough. "What is it? Just tell me directly."

Hearing Noble Consort Rong's words, Qin Zhaohua breathed a sigh of relief. She had clearly figured out how to broach the subject before coming, but the moment she got nervous, she forgot it all. Fortunately, My Lady did not rush her. She steadied herself and then spoke again: "To report to My Lady, your servant received a letter from home today. The letter mentioned a matter that has left your servant deeply anxious, truly not knowing how to handle it. I could only come to ask My Lady for guidance."

Rong Luoge looked at Qin Zhaohua in great surprise. Why would her family matters come to her?

Qin Zhaohua was not particularly bold to begin with, and she certainly would not disturb her with ordinary family matters. That meant this matter likely had something to do with her, so she said: "Go ahead."

Qin Zhaohua took the family letter from her sleeve and gently placed it on the small table, saying: "I beg My Lady to read it."

Rong Xin immediately looked at My Lady, and only after seeing My Lady nod gently did she step forward, pick up the letter, turn, and hand it to My Lady, then retreat to the side with head bowed and silent.

Rong Luoge opened the letter. The beginning was just ordinary words of a mother at home missing her child. As she read further, Rong Luoge's brow slowly furrowed, and she looked at Qin Zhaohua in great surprise: "Ningyuan Marquis Manor wishes to arrange a marriage with your family?"

Qin Zhaohua hurriedly nodded. "Yes, it is the Ningyuan Marquis's third son. The marriage being discussed is for my youngest sister."

Rong Luoge gave a light laugh. "It seems Ningyuan Marquis Manor is short on many things, but children are certainly not in short supply. Our fine Marquis, not long ago, also betrothed a junior of his clan to the Protector Duke as a concubine."

Qin Zhaohua went completely rigid. The Protector Duke... was the Protector Duke not My Lady's birth father?

Even though the relationship had been severed, but... but they were father and daughter after all. For the Ningyuan Marquis to do this was truly underhanded.

Qin Zhaohua's courage might be a bit small, but she was absolutely no fool.

The moment she thought it through, she knew what Ningyuan Marquis Manor was trying to do. This was plainly trying to put My Lady on the fire to roast.

Her palms were covered in cold sweat. She was truly grateful now that she had come to ask the Noble Consort's opinion. If she had not done this, and her family had ended up arranging a marriage with Ningyuan Marquis Manor...

She dared not even imagine what the consequences would be.