The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 91: Ninety-One Treasures

A few more relaxed days passed, and finally, a letter from Northern Frontier arrived, albeit slowly. It stated that the troops had set out from the northwest, heading toward Chang'an. Xu Zhen breathed a sigh of relief.

However, there was no word from the princess, which made Xu Zhen anxious. After waiting for several days, she and Xun Qianchun decided to head directly to Chang'an. Just as they were about to depart, news finally began to circulate among the neighbors.

The news was not promising.

At a local tavern, it was heard that the Peaceful King of Yongzhou, once the Peaceful Princess, had narrowly escaped assassination in her military tent. The assassin bore the emblem of the Hu Kingdom of Zhenbei—an emblem that matched the slave mark on the back of Xun Qianchun's neck from her days in the frontier army.

The weapon used in the assassination attempt was a small blue sword, one that Xun Qianchun often carried. She had sold this sword a few days prior, not knowing who had bought it, unwittingly implicating both herself and Xu Zhen.

Now, all evidence pointed toward the Hu Kingdom and the King of Zhenbei.

Tensions were high at the border between Zhenbei and Yongzhou. The people of Zhenbei were on edge, fearing that with the army out on campaign, the Peaceful Princess would seize the opportunity to attack Zhenbei.

In the small town of Jiangling, Xu Zhen felt equally uneasy.

"She won’t really think we sent the assassin, will she?" Xu Zhen asked, sitting cross-legged by the low table, taking the letter from Xun Qianchun’s hand for a closer look. She cursed under her breath, "This is clearly a setup. If she truly believes it, be sure to give her a good beating next time you see her."

Xun Qianchun glanced at Xu Zhen and smiled, "I don’t know what she thinks, but in all matters, I’ll follow your lead."

Xu Zhen nodded in agreement and continued reading the letter from the Zhenbei army. After a while, she sighed, "The fact that she hasn't written back yet likely means she suspects us. It makes sense, I suppose; things were going too smoothly. Someone tripping us up now is only to be expected."

Xun Qianchun nodded.

Xu Zhen asked, "Should we go explain the situation?"

After some thought, Xun Qianchun replied, "No need."

"Why not?" Xu Zhen inquired.

"If she doesn't trust me, she'll focus on attacking Wuheng and Yecheng, not Chang'an. I can rely on my own forces to take Chang'an," Xun Qianchun explained.

Xu Zhen nodded, "That makes sense."

She looked up at Xun Qianchun, realizing that Little Beggar was becoming increasingly astute. Xu Zhen had originally intended to write a letter to persuade the princess, but she almost forgot—whoever set this trap had chosen this timing deliberately. They were well-informed, prepared, and had likely planned for any contingencies.

Now was not the time to waste any more time.

The princess seemed to have been injured and was unable to move. While the matter of seizing territory could be postponed, rescuing Lan Yi, the favored concubine, could not be delayed.

Xu Zhen quickly made up her mind and said to Xun Qianchun, "Let's head to Chang'an quickly. Without any help, we'll have to rely on ourselves."

Xun Qianchun agreed, "Alright." She stood up immediately to change clothes, and Xu Zhen followed her into the dimly lit room. The weather was gloomy, with heavy clouds hanging low, as if rain was imminent.