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

"You...do you know how dangerous the northern frontier is?" the emperor's voice was hoarse. "Swords have no eyes, and the Di people are ruthless. You may not return alive!"

"Your Majesty, I know." Yun Jin kowtowed deeply again, her forehead touching the ground. "How can I cherish my life when the nation is in peril? As a princess, I am supported by the people. At this critical moment for the country, if I only know how to enjoy wealth and avoid danger, wouldn't I be ashamed before my ancestors and the people of the world? Your Majesty, I am willing to follow General Yang's example and live and die with the Northern Frontier! I beg you, Father, grant me permission!"

Her words were resounding, carrying a resolute determination that said, "Even if there are thousands of people against me, I will go."

Many officials in the hall, especially those military generals and upright civil officials who still had courage, were deeply moved, and their gazes toward Yun Jin were filled with shock and respect.

The emperor remained silent for a long time, long enough that one would think he would refuse.

Finally, he slowly closed his eyes, then opened them again, a look of desperate ruthlessness and exhaustion flashing in them.

"Granted." The emperor's voice was dry, but it carried a final decision. "Effective immediately, Princess Yun Jin of Jingguo shall be appointed 'Imperial Envoy for Military Inspection,' carrying the royal command flag and the imperial sword, and shall travel north to Tiebi Pass to oversee all matters related to the coordination of northern border defenses, logistical supervision, and the pacification of the army!"

Marquis of Weiyuan, Duke of Zhao, was reinstated as Grand Commander of the Northern Frontier Campaign, in charge of all military affairs!

Zhou Bo will temporarily serve as the garrison commander of Shuofeng City, and redeem himself through meritorious service!

The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War, as requested by Princess Jingguo, shall do their utmost to raise funds, provisions, and military equipment, without fail!

"I await your good news right here in Lin Yuan City! Court adjourned!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" the officials who supported Yun Jin shouted.

The eldest prince, Yun Jie, turned ashen-faced. He wanted to say something, but was forced back by the emperor's icy gaze.

He knew he had lost again, and lost even more miserably. Yun Jin had not only broken the deadlock once more, but had also extended her reach to the military, to the last and most important force in the Northern Frontier!

If she really manages to achieve something in the northern frontier... the consequences would be unimaginable!

"Dismiss the court!"

……

The Jingguo Princess's Residence, Tingtao Pavilion.

Unlike the passionate and rousing atmosphere in the imperial court, the atmosphere in the study was solemn and fast-paced.

Yun Jin had changed out of her court robes and into a smart riding and archery outfit. She was having an urgent discussion with Ye Xiao and Pang Xiaopan, who had just secretly arrived.

"Your Highness, the journey to the northern frontier is fraught with peril. Although the Duke of Zhao has been reinstated, he has been idle for many years, and his former troops have scattered. It remains to be seen whether he can quickly regain control of the situation. Morale within Iron Wall Pass is low, and there is a shortage of food and weapons. Generals like Zhou Bo may... be at odds with you. The Di people are at the height of their power, and Luandi Maodun is cunning in his military tactics..."

The owl frowned, listing numerous difficulties.

"I know," Yun Jin interrupted him, her gaze calm. "So we need to be even more prepared. Xiao Pan, how's the collection of provisions and weapons going?"

Pang Xiaopan's face bore the marks of travel, but her eyes were sharp: "Your Highness, rest assured. As instructed by Mr. Su, we began our operations as soon as the news came from Shuofeng City. We have already urgently mobilized 300,000 shi of new grain, 50,000 sets of thick cotton clothing, and countless supplies such as medicine and strong liquor from various branches of Huitong."

Through the channels of Blackwater Town, a batch of fine iron and ox tendons were secretly purchased, and arrows and crossbow bolts were being made day and night.

The first batch of supplies can be delivered to the pre-designated warehouse near Tiebiguan within ten days.

"Furthermore," he lowered his voice, "Commander Zhao has received a secret order from the Master to select five hundred of the most elite and reliable brothers from Blackwater Town and the strongholds along the way. They will be divided into smaller groups and sent north in batches. It is expected that they will be able to assemble and await orders in the 'Wild Fox Ridge' area outside the pass before or after His Highness arrives at Iron Wall Pass."

They carried some of the improved military equipment blueprints and physical samples from the gentleman.

"Five hundred men... plus any other arrangements you may have made, sir, should be enough to form a surprise force."

Yun Jin nodded and looked at Night Owl, "How many guards will we have on this trip?"

"His Majesty has allocated two hundred Imperial Guards as a ceremonial guard. We can bring fifty of our own best men to mingle among them," Night Owl said.

"That's enough. Travel light and set off early tomorrow morning. The route is set, and 'Listen' will clear any obstacles along the way to ensure we arrive safely and as quickly as possible."

Yun Jin unfolded a simple map of the northern frontier, pointing her finger at "Iron Wall Pass." "We don't have much time. We must stabilize the area inside the pass, prepare defenses, and find an opportunity to defeat the enemy before Luan Di Maodun's army finishes its rest and launches a full-scale attack on Iron Wall Pass."

"Your Highness, Mr. Su, he..." Pang Xiaopan hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

"With the magistrate in charge, overseeing the overall situation, he stabilizes our rear and mobilizes resources. As for the situation in the northern frontier, we need to act according to circumstances."

Yun Jin understood his meaning. Su Che wouldn't go to the front lines personally, but the pieces he had placed and the support he had provided would be their greatest asset. "Tell the master that Yun Jin will not fail in his trust."

As night deepened, the light in the study remained on for a long time.

Orders were issued, lists were confirmed, and supplies were inventoried... This mansion, like a tightly wound chariot, began its final preparations for the distant snowstorms of the northern frontier.

Meanwhile, at the secluded cottage in the south of the city.

Su Che stood alone before the enormous sand table of the Northern Frontier, toying with two chess pieces in his hand. One was white, placed on "Iron Wall Pass," and the other was black, placed on "Northern Wind City." His gaze was deep and unfathomable, looking beyond the sand table as if he could see the devastation and opportunities within that icy wasteland.

"Luan Di Maodun...a powerful ruler of the grasslands, fond of using unconventional tactics and plundering. However, his tribe is newly united and not a monolithic entity. After breaking through the north wind, he will surely become arrogant and eager to quickly breach the iron wall to complete his victory."

Su Che muttered to himself, "Iron Wall Pass is formidable. Although Zhou Bo is not a famous general, he is more than capable of defending the city. What he lacks is morale, supplies and weapons, and... a brilliant strategy to repel the enemy in one fell swoop."

He picked up the white chess piece and gently drew a few circles around "Iron Wall Pass".

"The princess's personal arrival is both a risky move and a brilliant strategy. It can rally the morale of the routed troops and oversee the rear. The Duke of Zhao is an experienced general, more cautious than aggressive. We need a surprise force, a swift and decisive strike, to pierce the Di people's weakest point at the crucial moment..."

His gaze fell on "Wild Fox Ridge" to the side and rear of "Iron Wall Pass" on the sand table, and further away, on the area behind the Di people marked with symbols of several small tribes.

"Zhao Jianing's five hundred men are the tip of the knife. But it's not enough..." Su Che put down the chess piece, walked to the window, and looked at the dark night sky in the north, where the stars were few and far between.

"It's time to use that deeper-buried piece. Luan Di Maodun, it's time to hear different voices in your Gray Wolf tribe."

He turned around, walked to the desk, spread out a specially made, seemingly blank piece of silk, and used a special potion to write down a few lines of secret words that no one could understand.

After writing, the silk was gently heated over a candle flame, and the writing quietly disappeared.

"Grey Falcon."

"Your subordinate is here." The Grey Falcon appeared silently from the shadows.

"Send this letter to 'Number Seven' in the Northern Frontier using the fastest hawk." Su Che handed over the silk scroll. "Tell him he can wake up. Target: Tuoba Wugu, the Right Wise King of Luandi Maodun. Condition: As planned."

"Yes!" Gray Falcon took it and disappeared into the darkness.

Su Che walked back to the sand table, looking at the intricate terrain and enemy and friendly markings, a cold yet expectant smile appeared on his lips.

The wind and snow in the northern frontier will be the final test for Yun Jin, and also the first battle for Su Che's strategy to move from the shadows of the court to the bloody battlefield.

The pieces have been placed, the net has been cast.

Now, all that remains is for the prey to step into this game of ice and blood.