The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

With clear skies and crisp autumn air, it's the perfect day for traveling and visiting friends.

The gates of Princess Jingguo's residence were wide open, and the ceremonial guards were in perfect order. Yun Jin was dressed in a moon-white palace dress embroidered with silver bamboo patterns, with a lotus-green cloak over it. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a kingfisher feather hairpin. Her makeup was light, but her brows exuded a calm and composed air that had been tempered by the trials of life.

She took Qingdai's hand and steadily boarded the specially made carriage, which looked ordinary but actually contained hidden secrets.

The carriage curtains were drawn, blocking out the view from the outside world.

The interior of the car is spacious, with thick plush cushions and tea sets fixed on a small table.

Qingdai knelt to the side, her face pale, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

Yun Jin glanced at her, reached out and gently patted the back of her hand, her voice steady: "Don't be afraid. Mr. Su has made all the necessary arrangements. We just need to stay calm in the car and remain steadfast in the face of any eventuality."

"Mmm." Qingdai nodded emphatically, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself down.

The carriage slowly started moving, and surrounded by fifty imperial guards, it left the princess's residence and headed towards Anrenfang, the eastern part of the city where the Third Prince's residence was located.

The horses' hooves clattered on the bluestone pavement, making a crisp and rhythmic sound that blended with the usual hustle and bustle of the street, as if it were just an ordinary afternoon.

However, whether it was Yun Jin and Qing Dai inside the carriage, or Ye Xiao, who was mixed in with the guards and whose eyes were scanning the surroundings like a hawk, or the shadow guard who was impersonating Su Che in another similar carriage far behind, they all knew that beneath the calm surface, the undercurrents were on the verge of boiling.

The Third Prince's residence is located deep within Anrenfang. The mansion covers a vast area, with exquisite and elegant pavilions and towers, which matches the gentle and refined temperament that the Third Prince Yun Huan has always presented.

Yun Jin's visit was met with an extremely high level of hospitality.

Yun Huan personally greeted him at the second gate, dressed in a sky-blue brocade robe, with his hair tied up in a jade crown, and his smile as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Your Majesty, it is an honor to have you here. Please come in." Yun Huan's attitude was warm and natural, as if it were just a casual reunion between siblings.

"Third brother, you're too kind. We've troubled you."

Yun Jin returned the greeting with a smile, her manners impeccable.

The two entered the garden side by side, chatting and laughing all the way, admiring the scenery and appreciating the pavilions and couplets, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Upon arriving at the flower hall and taking their seats, a maidservant served fragrant tea and snacks. Yun Huan then ordered several scrolls of ancient paintings to be brought out, which he then unfurled and invited Yun Jin to appreciate them.

The painting was an authentic work by a famous artist from the previous dynasty, with an elegant and ancient style. Yun Jin was indeed knowledgeable in this field, and the two discussed and appreciated it, finding much in common.

"Your Highness, your knowledge is truly impressive," Yun Huan said, putting down the scroll in his hand. He casually mentioned, "I've heard that during your recent trip to Jianghuai, you not only eradicated salt corruption but also acquired a rare ancient zither, the 'Jiaowei'? Would I have the pleasure of hearing it?"

"Your Majesty is well-informed." Yun Jin's eyes flickered slightly as she smiled. "The zither is indeed in the manor, but I was too rushed to bring it. If Your Majesty has time to visit in the future, I will certainly burn incense and wash my hands before playing a tune for you."

"Then it's settled." Yun Huan clapped his hands and laughed, but then gently changed the subject, "The Jianghuai Salt Case has shaken the court and the public. Your Majesty is decisive and capable. While I admire you, I can't help but have some concerns."

"Oh? What is it that Your Majesty is worried about?" Yun Jin picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and remained expressionless.

"The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind." Yun Huan sighed, his expression sincere. "My dear sister, you are currently favored by the Emperor and hold real power in the salt administration, which inevitably attracts envy. Your elder brother seems to be somewhat restless lately. The rumors in the court about your sister 'privately recruiting soldiers' and 'forming alliances with foreign generals' are not unfounded. My dear sister, you must be very careful."

This is a gesture of goodwill, a warning, and a test.

Yun Jin put down her teacup, her expression calm: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I only seek to act in a way that is true to my conscience, to the court, and to our father. As for rumors and gossip, the innocent will clear themselves. As the Crown Prince, Your Majesty has the world in your heart and would not stoop to the level of a mere woman like Yun Jin."

"But you, my brother," she looked up at Yun Huan, her gaze clear, "are in a place of suspicion, and must be even more cautious. Yun Jin, I've heard there's been some unusual activity in the Northern Frontier lately?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Yun Huan's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "You've heard about it too, my sister? That's right. The Northern Di King, Luandi Modu, has been frequently mobilizing troops to harass the border lately. Several small-scale conflicts have already occurred in the Shuofeng City area. The Ministry of War will probably be very busy these next few days."

"The Northern Di's ambitions have never ceased. The marriage alliance was merely a temporary measure," Yun Jin said slowly. "Now that trouble has arisen again, it could be a serious problem. Has the court reached a decision on this?"

"Each side holds its own opinion, advocating for war or peace."

Yun Huan shook his head. "My eldest brother advocates a stern rebuke, increasing troops to intimidate them and force them to retreat. Those who advocate peace believe the national treasury is empty and it is not advisable to start a war lightly; appeasement should be the priority. Father... has not yet made a decision." He paused, looking at Yun Jin, "What does my younger sister think?"

"If Kou can go, so can I."

Yun Jin's voice was not loud, but it carried a resolute tone: "The Northern Barbarians have repeatedly invaded the border. If we simply retreat and appease them, it will only embolden them, making them think that Jiangqiong is weak and easily bullied. However, military affairs are related to the fate of the nation, and we must be extremely cautious."

Yun Jin believed that while simultaneously preparing the army to demonstrate strength, they should also send envoys to question and probe the truth. If the provocation was genuine, they should strike with overwhelming force to secure ten years of peace!

Her words, which combined the decisiveness of a military general with the prudence of a politician, drew admiration from Yun Huan, who clapped his hands in praise.

"What a brilliant 'If the enemy can go, so can I!' My sister's words are profound in understanding the essence of military strategy, and they resonate with my own thoughts! However..." He changed the subject, his tone slightly meaningful, "Does the court have anyone suitable to command the troops? Although my elder brother advocates war, he has never personally led troops into battle. The other generals are either too old or too deeply entangled with various factions..."

Yun Jin's heart stirred slightly, and she vaguely understood Yun Huan's intention in inviting her to appreciate the painting and talking about the Northern Frontier today.

He was observing her stance, and perhaps also searching for potential allies to jointly deal with the Crown Prince, or even... to gain the initiative in future battles in the northern frontier.

"This is a major matter for the court, and it will be decided by the Emperor and the officials of the Ministry of War."

"I dare not speak presumptuously," Yun Jin said modestly, lightly changing the subject.

Yun Huan smiled and stopped talking about it, instead starting to talk about poems, songs, and interesting anecdotes from the capital.

After chatting for about half an hour, Yun Jin saw that it was getting late and got up to say goodbye.

"Today's meeting with my younger sister was like a breath of fresh air," Yun Huan said earnestly as he personally escorted her to the gate. "If you have time in the future, please visit me more often. We are siblings, and we should be as close as possible."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will remember it." Yun Jin curtsied and, with Qing Dai's help, boarded the carriage.

The carriage turned around and slowly drove back towards Princess Jingguo's residence.

Compared to when they arrived, the guards seemed more vigilant, and their formation was slightly tighter.

Inside the carriage, Yun Jin closed her eyes to rest, recalling her conversation with Yun Huan.

In the northern frontier... Luan Di Maodun was indeed not content with being alone.

This is a crisis for Jiang Qiong, but for her now, it might also be an opportunity to escape the infighting of the court and establish her career in a wider world. How will Mr. Su plan this?