At 100 years old, he joined the army in place of his granddaughter, and became a national war god.

The backyard of the Third Prince's residence.

Xiao Jingyu and the Second Prince Xiao Yunshan sat facing each other, with a stone table between them. On the table was a white jade chessboard with black and white pieces arranged in a neat and orderly fashion.

Each of them had a cup of hot tea beside them, the aroma of which mingled with the fragrance of plum blossoms.

Xiao Jingyu was dressed in an indigo blue casual outfit, with a plain-colored belt around his waist. His hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, and he had a slender face and gentle features.

His long, slender fingers held a white chess piece, which he gently placed on the board with a crisp "snap".

"Second Prince, your chess style is becoming more and more composed."

"I'm afraid I'm going to lose this round."

Xiao Yunshan smiled slightly, the black piece in his hand hovering in mid-air, not falling for a long time.

His brows held a composure beyond his years.

His eyes were bright, like the water in a deep pool, bottomless.

"Uncle, you flatter me. Yunshan's chess skills were taught by you. How could a master lose to his disciple?"

He placed a black stone in a tricky position, blocking off a large white group.

"Third Uncle was giving way to Yunshan."

Xiao Jingyu laughed, neither denying nor admitting it.

He picked up the teacup and took another sip, his gaze inadvertently sweeping across Xiao Yunshan's face.

The second prince has been visiting his residence more and more frequently lately.

They said they were playing chess, and they said they were paying their respects, but no matter what they said, they couldn't avoid mentioning one person: Su Mu.

"Third Uncle, how's the construction of the General of the North's Mansion going? Last time I passed by that street, I saw the construction site was bustling with activity; I reckon it'll be finished soon, right?"

Xiao Yunshan put down the chess piece, speaking casually.

Xiao Jingyu smiled.

"It'll be finished soon, almost finished. Only the section of road in front of the main gate hasn't been paved yet. It should be completely completed in the next few days. Why is the Second Prince suddenly concerned about this matter?"

His tone remained gentle, but he began to feel wary.

During this time, he could tell that the Second Prince wanted to win over Su Mu through him.

He did not dislike the second prince.

Compared to Crown Prince Xiao Yunfeng's treacherous cunning and cronyism, Second Prince Xiao Yunshan clearly had a better bottom line, at least he did not collude with those corrupt officials.

Moreover, the Second Prince does indeed have a heart that cares about the country and its people; he is not the kind of person who only knows how to fight for power and profit.

But that doesn't mean he'll take sides.

He never explicitly expressed his opinion among the princes.

He was watching, waiting, waiting for a truly wise ruler who could shoulder the responsibility of governing the country to appear.

Xiao Yunshan put down his teacup and looked at Xiao Jingyu with sincere eyes.

"Third Uncle, the name of General Su Mu, the General Who Guards the North, has spread throughout the Great Qian Dynasty. The people all say that this centenarian general is an auspicious sign from heaven, a lucky star of the Great Qian Dynasty, and a person who will change the fate of the nation."

"As a prince, Yunshan naturally needs to be concerned."

"We can't let people say that the Xiao family doesn't cherish their great contributor, can we? Besides, General Su is such a person whose achievements will last for generations."

He spoke flawlessly.

This not only expressed respect for Su Mu, but also placed himself in the position of "considering the interests of the royal family".

Xiao Jingyu smiled but did not reply.

He picked up a white piece, placed it on the chessboard, and said softly.

"That's true."

The two remained silent for a moment before continuing their game of chess.

Black and white pieces intertwine on the chessboard, attacking and defending, advancing and retreating, neither willing to give way.

Just then, a servant in blue robes hurriedly walked in from outside the courtyard, his footsteps crunching on the snow.

He walked to Xiao Jingyu's side, bowed, and was about to speak when he suddenly saw Xiao Yunshan sitting opposite him. He swallowed the words he was about to say and looked troubled.

"Reporting to Your Highness..."

Xiao Jingyu glanced at him, then looked at Xiao Yunshan.

Xiao Yunshan was quite sensible. He put down the chess pieces, stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Since Uncle is busy, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll come and play chess with you another day."

Xiao Jingyu waved his hand and smiled, "Second Prince, don't be in such a hurry. Let's finish this game of chess first!"

"Besides, I don't have anything urgent to attend to."

He turned his head and looked at his subordinate, his tone reprimanding.

"You have no sense at all. The Second Prince and I are family. What is there to hide? Speak."

The subordinate cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, a message has arrived by carrier pigeon from the northern border!"

Xiao Jingyu's hand suddenly stopped, and the chess piece in his hand was suspended in mid-air.

Xiao Yunshan's body tensed slightly, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

"Bring it here!"

The servant took a small letter from his sleeve and handed it to him with both hands.

Xiao Jingyu took it, unfolded it, and scanned the first line to the last.

His eyes widened, his fingers trembled slightly, and his breathing became rapid.

"What?"

"The King of the Northern Barbarians...was killed by Elder Su?"

Xiao Yunshan's pupils constricted sharply, his composure shattered instantly, and he blurted out, "Third Uncle, what exactly happened in the Northern Border? How could the Northern Di King be killed by General Su?"

Xiao Jingyu took a deep breath and handed him the letter.

"Take a look!"

Xiao Yunshan took the letter and looked down at it.

His eyes darted rapidly across the lines, his expression shifting from eagerness to shock, then overjoyed:

"At the foot of Mozhou City, General Su fought four enemies single-handedly, defeating the fierce Northern Di generals such as Ge Lie, Temur, Hurchi, Menglike, and Jamukha. Then, he charged into the enemy ranks alone, beheading the Northern Di King Tuoba Feng amidst thousands of soldiers... The army of 100,000 was routed, and the Northern Di royal court collapsed..."

"General Su really killed the King of the Northern Barbarians!"

"The letter also said that Elder Su executed Tuoba Han but released Tuoba Lie, and even sent three thousand soldiers to escort him back to the Northern Di to help him unify the Northern Di..."

Xiao Yunshan's brows furrowed sharply.

"Let Tuoba Lie go? Why would General Su do that? Wouldn't it be the best choice to press the attack, seize the Northern Di royal court in one fell swoop, and expand the territory of the Great Qian?"

Xiao Jingyu remained silent.

He couldn't figure it out either.

Tuoba Lie was both brave and resourceful, a rare talent for governing the country.

Releasing such a person back to the Northern Barbarians would be tantamount to letting a tiger return to the mountains.

With his abilities, it wouldn't be long before he could unify the various tribes of the Northern Di and regroup.

At that time, even if the Northern Barbarians are defeated, will they be able to recover their strength and invade the south again?

But he quickly suppressed his doubts.

He trusted Su Mu.

He must have his reasons.

"I believe in Professor Su."

Xiao Jingyu's voice was not loud, but it was unusually firm.

"He must have his reasons for doing this. You'll understand when you see him."

Xiao Yunshan put down the letter, his brows furrowed and his eyes darting around, clearly weighing the pros and cons at a rapid pace.

A sense of foreboding suddenly welled up in Xiao Jingyu's heart.

He knew better than anyone that the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister would not let this opportunity slip by.

Su Mu's decision to release Tuoba Lie was a major act of acting first and reporting later.

Given the princelings' consistent style, they will definitely seize on this as leverage and make a big fuss about it.

Traitorous collusion with the enemy, holding military power, and showing no respect for the emperor...

If any one of these charges were leveled against Su Mu, he wouldn't be able to handle it.

"Second Prince," Xiao Jingyu stood up, bowed to Xiao Yunshan with a solemn attitude, "Yunshan, your third uncle has a favor to ask."

Xiao Yunshan quickly took his hand and said sincerely, "Third Uncle, please don't be like this. Just say what you have to say, and Yunshan will do his best."

Xiao Jingyu straightened up and looked directly at Xiao Yunshan.

"If His Majesty were to investigate General Su for releasing Tuoba Lie in the future, could Yunshan speak on General Su's behalf?"

Xiao Yunshan's brows furrowed sharply, and the smile on his face froze.

"For such a major matter as letting Tuoba Lie go, General Su should indeed have reported to the court first. What he did was to act first and report later, which is a serious offense..."

Xiao Jingyu looked at him, without urging him or offering any explanation.

He knew that the second prince was hesitating.

Speaking up for Su Mu would mean offending the Crown Prince and potentially arousing the Emperor's suspicion.

But if he doesn't help, all his previous efforts to win him over and show goodwill will have been in vain.

Moreover, if a great contributor like Su Mu were framed by the Crown Prince's faction and he stood by and watched, wouldn't he be missing out on a capable assistant?

Xiao Yunshan's eyes flickered a few times before finally returning to calm.

He looked up at Xiao Jingyu with a serious expression.

"Third Uncle, Yunshan promises you that if that day ever comes, Yunshan will definitely speak up for General Su and plead for him."

Xiao Jingyu felt relieved and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you, Second Prince."

Xiao Yunshan waved his hand and sat down again.

He picked up the teacup, took a sip, put it down, and then stood up again.

"I've been sitting here all morning, it's time to go home."

"Third Uncle, let's play chess another day."

His tone remained calm, but Xiao Jingyu could tell that beneath that calmness lay urgency.

The news of the Northern Di King's assassination was too explosive; the Crown Prince must have received the news as well.

This event, like a hair moving the whole body, will trigger a series of chain reactions in the imperial court.

Xiao Yunshan needed to go back and discuss countermeasures with his advisors.

"Okay, Uncle will see you off."

"No need, Uncle, please wait."

Xiao Yunshan clasped his hands in farewell and strode out of the backyard.

His back was straight, and his steps were much faster than when he came.

Xiao Jingyu stood in the courtyard, watching the Second Prince's departing figure, took a deep breath, and murmured to himself:

"General Su, you guard the northern border for the country and its people. I will shield you from the treacherous attacks in the court."

"This time, it's my turn to protect you."

He turned around and walked towards the study.

"Someone come here."

"Your Highness."

The subordinate who had been there earlier quickly caught up.

"Investigate the recent activities of the Crown Prince's residence and the Prime Minister's residence, especially which officials they are closely associated with, down to the smallest detail. I need to know everything."

"Yes."

His subordinates quickly left.

Xiao Jingyu entered the study, sat down at the desk, spread out a piece of paper, picked up a brush, and dipped it in ink.

The pen tip hovered over the paper for a long time, but ultimately did not fall.

He put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and gazed at the gray sky outside the window.

"General Su, why did you release Tuoba Lie?"