Once the North Mongolian delegation departed, Li Wen swiftly appointed Shen Feng as grand marshal and mobilized troops toward the border. It was clear to everyone that North Mongolia wouldn't back down easily.
Shen Feng, a seasoned general in his forties with a wealth of battle experience, was a predictable choice for this role. However, the true shock came when Li Wen appointed Princess Jiahui, Li Xueshan, as the left vanguard. This unprecedented decision to send a woman to war ignited a tempest within the court, provoking a storm of objections from the more conservative officials. Yet, Li Wen silenced their protests with a single decisive statement.
"If you don't want Princess Jiahui to go, then you can leave. The court will manage just fine without you."
Li Wen's seriousness made it evident that he was willing to see these feeble civilian officials—who wouldn't even have the strength to truss a chicken—head to the border. His intent to have them pack and leave immediately was unmistakable.
Suddenly, the dissenters fell silent, retreating in the face of his authority.
Once Ning Shu received the imperial edict confirming her appointment, she began packing her belongings, determined to gather all the necessary supplies for the journey ahead.
Xiao Hong helped her organize everything, her brow furrowed with concern. "Princess, are you really going to the battlefield?"
The imperial edict had already been issued, so there was no backing out now. Ning Shu recognized that she had oversold her bravado and now had to live up to her words.
Before heading out, she sought out Shen Feng. He didn't seem particularly opposed to her involvement and simply stated that the battlefield didn't discriminate by gender. Ning Shu affirmed her commitment to follow orders.
To her surprise, she found Duan Xinghui standing next to Shen Feng.
Shen Feng noticed her surprise and explained, "Duan Xinghui is now my bodyguard. I believe he has potential. The only reason he faltered in his first engagement was due to a lack of guidance."
It was evident that the male lead had a knack for attracting influential allies. Securing a position as the grand marshal's bodyguard would undoubtedly earn Duan Xinghui great merit after this battle. His luck seemed to be turning around.
However, Ning Shu chose not to comment. Matters of state took precedence over personal grievances.
"It's up to the Marshal to decide," she said simply.
"Xinghui, please see the princess off," Shen Feng instructed.
Duan Xinghui cupped his fist in respect to Shen Feng before turning to Ning Shu. "Princess Jiahui, this way, please."
Ning Shu glanced at him indifferently and began walking away. Duan Xinghui fell in step behind her, noticing how her long ponytail swayed gracefully with her movements.
As time passed in silence, Ning Shu remained aloof, causing a wave of frustration and disappointment to wash over him. He couldn't help but acknowledge that Princess Jiahui was remarkable, and now they would face the battlefield together.
For reasons he couldn't fully understand, Duan Xinghui felt a surge of eagerness.
"Pr… Princess," he attempted to address her, but as soon as they stepped out of the general's residence, she swiftly mounted her horse and rode off, leaving his words to dissolve into the wind.
With no choice but to return home, Duan Xinghui rode back to the Duan Residence. His arrival stirred Er Ya, who was visibly upset to learn he was heading to battle once again.
"Dear, did you forget how badly you were injured last time?" she implored, worry etched across her face. "It was so severe. Please, don't go."
Duan Xinghui felt helpless against her concern. "I'm a military man, Er Ya. Achievements and honor are my life. As a soldier, the battlefield should be my final resting ground."