Renaissance of goddess of war✨️

Chapter 17: Echoes of a fallen Empire

Wushang stood in the council room, his presence casting a heavy shadow over the gathered officials. His expression was cold, and his voice carried a tone that could freeze the blood of even the most seasoned warriors.

"The Yuan Dynasty's reach has returned to our court," he said, his words sharp as a blade. "Their influence lurks in every corner, festering like a poison. They have waited patiently in the dark, weaving their web of deceit, and now, they strike. Their aim is nothing less than the collapse of our dynasty."

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the court, but Wushang's next words silenced the room. "The attempted assassination on the Crown Prince was no mere act of rebellion-it was under the Yuan Dynasty's orders. They want to remove our future, cripple our leadership, and strike fear into the heart of the empire." The weight of the revelation hung thick in the air. The officials exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the depth of the threat.

The Emperor's expression darkened as he processed the news. He turned to the assembled generals, his gaze firm. "All generals of the Tian Dynasty will take charge of the security for the capital. We cannot allow even the slightest chance of another attack. Ensure every man under your command is ready, for our enemies are not at the borders-they are within."

A royal messenger entered the chamber at that moment, bowing before the Emperor. "Your Majesty, I bring important news. The Third Prince of Qinghai will be arriving in three months. He seeks to discuss matters concerning the neighboring states of Xiuyuan and Beishan."

The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, the news shifting the focus of the room. "Three months... We must be well-prepared for his visit. This delegation is of utmost importance." A smile tugged at the corners of the Emperor's lips as he recalled a fond memory. "The Third Prince is the son of Li Yan, General Li's younger sister. It would be only right for him to stay in the Li Mansion during his visit, so he may feel at home."

General Li bowed deeply in acknowledgment of the honor. "Your Majesty, we will welcome him warmly."

The Emperor then turned his gaze to General Cao and General Cheng. "You both will oversee the security for the delegation. The safety of the Third Prince and his entourage must be guaranteed at all costs."

"As you command, Your Majesty," General Cao responded with a deep bow, echoing the same resolve as General Cheng.

Before the tension could escalate, the Emperor shifted his attention to Li Ancheng, who stood by the side, observing with her calm yet sharp gaze. "Ancheng, your female battalion has shown extraordinary skill and discipline under your leadership. I want you to take charge of their further training. Prepare them for a grand display during the arrival of the Third Prince of Qinghai. I also appoint you as the head of the delegation. Your presence will show our strength to the foreign guests."

Ancheng bowed deeply, her expression unwavering. "It will be done, Your Majesty. My soldiers will be ready to represent the power of the Tian Dynasty."

The Emperor smiled with pride. "I have full faith in your abilities. You and your battalion shall be the face of our empire's strength."

Meanwhile, the ministers who had been whispering among themselves turned their attention to the Crown Prince. Zhao Yang, who had been silently observing the proceedings, now spoke with quiet authority. "The arrival of the Third Prince brings with it important negotiations. We cannot afford to overlook any detail. I will need the assistance of the ministers in preparing the royal palace and ensuring our guests' hospitality. Minister Qian, you will oversee the diplomatic arrangements, while Minister Zhou will handle the logistics of the banquet."

Both ministers bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Highness."

The weight of responsibility hung heavily in the air, yet the Crown Prince carried it with the grace and poise expected of him. Zhao Yang turned his gaze to the rest of the court. "I expect every detail to be perfect. The security of the delegation, the strength of our army, and the hospitality we show must leave no doubt in our allies' minds that the Tian Dynasty stands united and strong."

Meanwhile, far from the palace, in a quiet southern village, Zhao Ning read the letter from his elder brother, the Crown Prince, beneath the shade of a willow tree. His brow furrowed as he absorbed the contents. The Yuan Dynasty's resurgence in the court, the assassination attempt, and now the looming arrival of the Third Prince of Qinghai. He would need to return to the capital in two weeks to assist with the preparations and confront the growing threat from their ancient enemies. The quiet life he had enjoyed in the village would soon give way to the turbulence awaiting him in the capital.

As for Anning, she had nearly finished her work. The concoction she had been perfecting was now ready, and its potency was unrivaled. She had long prepared for this day, knowing that the protection of her family required something more than conventional measures. In the coming days, she would journey back to the capital, bringing her knowledge and skills to aid her siblings. She had written to her sister, informing Ancheng of her soon return and the vital role she would play in the events to come.

The empire was at a crossroads, and every player in this unfolding game of power would need to choose their next steps wisely. The future of the Tian Dynasty hung in the balance.