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

On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, before the dawn drumbeats of Lin Yuan City had faded, fine, sharp-edged snowflakes began to fall from the leaden sky, stinging the face.

The wind came from the north, carrying the lingering chill of the northern frontier. It howled through the silent streets of the imperial city, causing the lantern hanging high in front of the "Princess Zhenguo's Residence" to sway violently, its light and shadow shattering.

The atmosphere in front of the mansion was somber.

A thousand elite cavalrymen had lined up, each fully armored and covered with a thick black woolen cloak. Powerful crossbows and quivers hung beside their saddles, and marching packs were tied to the back of their saddles.

The warhorse puffed out white breath, occasionally pawing impatiently at its iron-shod hooves, making dull thuds on the snow-covered stone slabs.

The group was divided into two parts. The first part consisted of five hundred cavalrymen, dressed in bright armor and carrying ceremonial banners that read "Imperial Envoy Inspection." They were guards officially assigned by the court and led by a military officer appointed by the Ministry of War, exuding a proper and disciplined official air.

The rear group of five hundred riders were all dressed in black armor and cloaks, without flags or badges, silent as iron. Only when they occasionally looked up did a flash of sharp light in their eyes reveal the fierceness of those who had survived countless battles. They were the elite guards of the Princess's Mansion, personally led by Zhao Jianing.

Between the two camps, several sturdy carriages stood guard. The one in the middle, with its blue veneer, looked simple, but it was actually made of hardwood with thin iron lining and its windows were inlaid with specially made glass.

Zhou Bo, dressed in gleaming armor and wearing a scarlet cloak, stood with his hand on his sword in front of the guard camp, his face solemn.

He is now nominally the "Deputy Imperial Envoy" and "Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force," in charge of the escort and military affairs for this expedition.

Zhao Jianing, dressed in a black leather armor that allowed for easy movement, stood like a ghost beside the main vehicle without a cloak, his sharp eyes scanning every corner around him.

The mansion gates opened wide, and Yun Jin stepped out, surrounded by a group of officials.

She was not wearing court robes or a crown, but only a black riding outfit with silver fox fur trim. Her long hair was tied into a high ponytail with a gold ring, and a seven-treasure short sword symbolizing the power to establish a government hung at her waist. She wore a cloak of the same color over it, which made her figure appear even more upright and heroic.

However, his expression was more solemn than usual.

Li Gang and Pang Xiaopan escorted them to the foot of the steps.

Li Gang's white beard trembled slightly in the wind and snow as he bowed deeply: "Your Highness's journey concerns the fate of the nation; I earnestly hope you will take good care of yourself. As for matters within the palace, this old minister and Secretary Pang will do our utmost to await Your Highness's triumphant return."

"Thank you for your help, Chief Secretary Li and Secretary Pang." Yun Jin nodded, her gaze sweeping over the familiar faces inside the door, but she did not see the man in the blue robe among the crowd.

Su Che did not show up to see them off.

She knew that he must be watching her leave the capital from somewhere hidden, just as he had said in his letter, sitting in the central government to protect her from the storm.

"It's getting late, Your Highness, please board the carriage." Zhou Bo stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting.

Yun Jin said no more, nodded slightly to everyone, and boarded the carriage with Qing Dai's help.

The carriage was covered with thick carpets, had small tables, tea sets, books, and even a simple map of the south.

Qingdai quickly turned up the heat of the stove and checked the emergency medicine, dry food, and the "Black Bird Token" prepared in the hidden compartment.

Zhao Jianing mounted his horse and gave a low shout: "Let's go!"

"Clear the way—" the ceremonial officer at the front drawled out.

Horse hooves broke the silence of the early morning, and wheels crunched over the thin snow.

The procession, like a black iron torrent, left the residence of the Princess Zhenguo, passed through the still-sleeping streets and alleys, and slowly headed towards the south gate, "Yongding Gate".

As the wind and snow intensified, the figures of the group became somewhat blurred.

Along the streets, early risers occasionally hunched their necks and hurried past, casting curious or awe-inspiring glances before burying their heads and hurrying on their way.

The heart of this empire seemed unchanged by the southward journey of a princess, continuing to operate at its own pace in the midst of winter.

However, behind the windows of some high-rise buildings, in the shadows of alleyways, countless eyes are following this group, each with its own thoughts.

The highest viewing pavilion in the Third Prince's residence.

Dressed in a fox fur coat, Yun Huan leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance at the black line that gradually disappeared into the wind and snow. A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips as he raised the warm wine cup in his hand and gently tilted it towards the void.

"My dear sister, may you have a safe journey."

Mr. Jia stood to the side and whispered, "Your Highness, the 'gifts' along the way have all been prepared. The first one is at 'Eagle Falling Gorge,' fifty miles away."

"Hmm." Yun Huan finished his drink, his gaze fixed on the south, as if he could already see the bloodshed and chaos. "Tell them over there to make it clean. Ideally, they should prevent her from even leaving 'Fallen Eagle Gorge'."

"Yes."

……

The procession exited Yongding Gate and embarked on the official road heading south.

The wind and snow were blowing in our faces, and the roads were starting to become muddy.

Zhou Bo ordered the pace to increase, and the troops began to trot, their hooves splashing mud mixed with snowmelt.

The train carriage was a bit bumpy.

Yun Jin unfolded the map of the south, her fingertip tracing over several dangerous locations such as "Fallen Eagle Gorge," "White Horse Ferry," and "Old Lord Mountain."

Su Che had analyzed beforehand that these three locations were the most likely to be ambushed.

She looked out the window at the desolate winter landscape rushing past, feeling little fear, only a cold, almost pre-hunt calm.

"Your Highness, please have some hot tea to warm yourself up." Qingdai poured the tea and handed it to him.

Yun Jin took it, holding it in her hands, the warmth blurring her vision. "Qingdai, are you scared?"

Qingdai shook her head, then nodded: "Following Your Highness, this servant is not afraid to go to the battlefield. It's just... I'm worried about the demons and monsters along the way."

"Even demons and monsters are human," Yun Jin said calmly. "As human, they will die. We have the best soldiers, the sharpest swords, and..." She touched the warm "Mysterious Bird Token" in her sleeve and didn't finish her sentence.

She knew that Su Che must have already laid his trap.

The covert battle in the capital had already begun the moment she left.

She and Su Che, one in the open and one in the shadows, echoed each other from north to south, facing this storm together.

"Order that the number of scouts deployed be doubled, with a focus on exploring the forests on both sides of 'Falling Eagle Gorge'. Order Military Advisor Han to inspect all crossbows and 'Thunderbolts' and prepare them for immediate use," Yun Jin instructed the guards standing outside the carriage.

"yes!"

The order was quickly relayed. The atmosphere within the ranks grew even more tense, and everyone was on edge.

The wind and snow howled, and the road ahead was uncertain.