Xue Zining had never been to Xiling Pass since her rebirth. After Gu Yunge was shot dead by Xue Yunjie, she sent Fengwu to Xiling Pass. Later, Fengwu handed Xiling Pass over to Gu Yunhan's deputy general.
Gu Yunhan was actually Gu Yunge in disguise. There was no Gu Yunhan in this world, only Gu Yunge. However, Gu Yunge had to be called Gu Yunhan to win over the populace.
She had not expected that in just a few short years, Xiling Pass had become so dilapidated, with its city walls damaged and unrepaired.
Fortunately, it connected to dense forests and high mountains, not other countries. Otherwise, it would have long ago become a breakthrough point for invasion by other nations.
"Miss Ning, please rest for a while. My general has some matters to attend to today and will see you later."
Xue Zining nodded and entered the room. The door was closed behind her, and two soldiers stood guard.
She was in no hurry to see General Gu, as she truly needed to rest.
Lying on the bed, the fatigue of many days finally relaxed, and she soon fell asleep.
She was awakened by a knock on the door. She opened her eyes, and a voice came from outside, "Miss Ning, the general wishes to see you."
After tidying herself up, Xue Zining followed someone to the study.
Upon entering the study, she saw the young man who had brought her back today, as well as several generals. The man seated at the head of the table was their leader.
Xue Zining looked at the man and cupped her hands, "Are you General Gu?"
The man said, "I am General Gu's deputy general, currently managing Xiling Pass. I heard you wished to see me, Miss?"
Xue Zining nodded, "Yes."
"Since we have met, you may state your business, Miss."
"I was kidnapped back here," Xue Zining said.
The man glanced coldly at the young man, who immediately lowered his head as if he were a child who had done wrong.
The man turned his head and said, "I apologize for my poor supervision in this matter. I will punish him. Please rest assured, Miss."
"The court appropriates a large amount of military pay and provisions each year, yet I see Xiling Pass is in disrepair, and you have not had it repaired. Are you withholding the funds, General?"
"You are not allowed to slander General Yang," the young man suddenly exclaimed in anger.
Xue Zining looked at the young man and asked, "Slander? Seeing is believing. This is what I see."
As the young man was about to speak, General Yang intervened, "Miss, this matter is likely not within your purview."
"Indeed, but as an old friend of General Gu, I cannot simply ignore this," Xue Zining said, looking up at General Yang.
General Yang trembled all over, "You..."
Xue Zining stepped forward and said, "General Gu is my master."
General Yang frowned, "I have never heard of General Gu having a disciple."
Xue Zining suddenly picked up the long sword on the wall. The young man saw this and angrily said, "Put down my elder brother's sword."
"I will make you believe," she said, picking up the sword and leaping out.
The young man chased after her. General Yang exchanged a look with the remaining two deputy generals and also walked out.
The long sword pointed directly at the young man. Suddenly, the girl holding the sword leaped into the air, brandishing her sword. Silver streaks of light were particularly dazzling under the moonlight. In an instant, fallen leaves in the courtyard swirled like scattered flowers from a celestial maiden.
The young man's eyes widened in surprise, and he exclaimed, "Gu family swordplay."
The girl hovered in mid-air, her skirt billowing. Her delicate and beautiful face held eyes that were exceptionally clear and bright.
They seemed even more radiant than the scattered moonlight.
Then, she slowly descended. The girl retracted her sword and presented it with both hands, "I took General Gu's遺物 without his permission. I beg for your forgiveness, General."
General Yang heard this and after a long moment, said, "Since you are his old friend, I believe he would wish for this sword to be used by someone. It is gifted to you."
Xue Zining was taken aback. She looked up at General Yang, who was gazing at the sword with a trace of wistfulness.
"I shall accept your kind offer," Xue Zining said, sheathing the sword.
Master, I will guard Xiling Pass for you, and I will reform the Gu family army for you.
"This is the only遗物 my elder brother had," the young man said, looking at the sword in Xue Zining's hand with reluctance.
Xue Zining stepped forward and looked at the young man, "If one day you can defeat me, I will give you the sword, how about that?"
The young man was stunned. He looked at the girl who was similar in age but appeared so mature and steady, and took a few steps back, saying, "Who wants to defeat you?"
Xue Zining smiled, "Then when you come of age, I will give you this sword, how about that?"
The young man was surprised but quickly turned his face away, "I don't need it."
He clearly wanted it, but his pride wouldn't allow him to ask. Such a stubborn young man, Xue Zining thought to herself.
"Miss Ning, you have come to Xiling Pass for an important matter?" General Yang asked.
Xue Zining nodded, "I have received accurate intelligence that Xue Changan has sent troops to attack Beijiang."
General Yang was startled and frowned, "His Majesty is truly insane to do this. The King of Beijiang has governed Beijiang very well over the years. If not for the support of the King of Beijiang, Xiling Pass would have fallen long ago."
Xue Zining couldn't help but ask, "Has the court not supplied the military pay and provisions on time?"
The young man next to him heard this and said, "She is solely focused on expansion, how can she care about Xiling Pass? If not for the King of Beijiang, countless people in Xiling Pass would have starved to death."
Upon hearing this, Xue Zining was also angered, "Xue Changan is truly shameless."
The young man was surprised. She was probably the first to dare to call the Empress by her name.
Sensing General Yang and the others looking at her, Xue Zining realized belatedly that she had addressed Xue Changan by name. She looked up at them and said, "I intend to go to Beijiang to provide aid. I request your assistance."
The young man was the first to speak, "The King of Beijiang has helped us a great deal over the years. General Yang, what do you say?"
General Yang nodded, "We will definitely help, but how and in what way?"
Xue Zining looked at General Yang and said, "I have an idea, if General Yang would like to hear it."
General Yang nodded, "Please speak, Miss Ning."
As Xue Zining was about to speak, a soldier rushed in from outside, looking very anxious. General Yang asked, "What is the matter that causes such haste?"
The soldier said, "General, those people we brought back have broken in. Many soldiers have been injured."
Xue Zining frowned, "General Yang, I need to step out for a moment."
Saying so, she quickly walked out and saw Hua Yunjin with a cold and angry expression. He moved swiftly, knocking out the soldiers who approached him.
"Hua Yunjin," she called out his name before she could do anything else.
Hua Yunjin froze and looked up towards the sound, seeing her.
At that moment, a soldier suddenly struck at Hua Yunjin.
Xue Zining was shocked and shouted, "Yunjin, be careful."
Hua Yunjin lowered his head, saw the approaching soldier, and dodged.
Xue Zining breathed a sigh of relief.
"Stop," General Yang, who had arrived shortly after, called out to halt the action.
Hua Yunjin walked over quickly, looking her up and down. Seeing that she was unharmed, he said in a low voice, "Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
Xue Zining shook her head, "I'm fine."
Hua Yunjin looked up and said coldly to General Yang, "General Yang, I hope you are well!"
General Yang trembled all over, "You... Prime Minister Hua?"
Soon, General Yang regained his composure, bowed, and asked, "Why has the Crown Prince of the Hua Kingdom come to Xiling Pass?"