28. Emergency at the Frontier

Early Morning at the Wenxuan Archive

This morning, as Yue’er stepped into the Wenxuan Archive, she immediately sensed that the atmosphere was off. Everyone was anxiously whispering among themselves. Curious, she approached them, uncertain of what had happened but certain it was something serious. She gently tapped Li Hao on the shoulder and asked, “What’s going on?”

Seeing the worried expressions on everyone’s faces, Yue’er’s own heart tightened with unease.

Next to Li Hao stood a refined, scholarly young man who said, “You don’t know?” Well, of course she didn’t—otherwise, why ask?

Yue’er shook her head, prompting the scholar Wen Sibao to explain, “Last night, news arrived from the border. The Kingdom of Linyan suddenly mobilized troops to attack Ran County, which borders us. It’s said that Ran County is now on the brink of collapse!”

In truth, the Kingdom of Jiaoyang and the Kingdom of Linyan had enjoyed decades of peace. Why would Linyan suddenly stir up trouble? It was quite puzzling.

To Yue’er’s left, a short, dark-skinned scholar spoke up, “I’ve heard that Linyan’s aggression is supposedly because some of our border soldiers robbed valuables and assaulted women in their territory. Could this be a pretext for their invasion?”

What they didn’t know was that Zhao Chengxian had already been summoned to the palace. Xuanyuan Ren had tasked him with investigating the matter. Linyan was demanding Jiaoyang hand over the accused soldiers before they would withdraw their troops. This was a delicate situation indeed.

Yue’er nodded in understanding. Reflecting, she said, “Jiaoyang and Linyan have been on friendly terms for many years. It doesn’t seem likely that Linyan would fabricate such an excuse to cause trouble. There must be another hidden motive.” Seeing that Zhao Chengxian had not yet appeared, she guessed he had been called into the palace by Xuanyuan Ren. Though unsure how the matter would be resolved, she trusted that Xuanyuan Ren and Zhao Chengxian would find a way.

Early Morning at the Palace, Tiance Hall Annex

Zhao Chengxian was summoned by Xuanyuan Ren early for court. After the morning session, Xuanyuan Ren recounted the situation: late last night, border guards had brought a letter from the King of Linyan, demanding that the culprit be handed over within ten days, or they would never withdraw their troops.

Xuanyuan Ren looked at Zhao Chengxian and asked, “Do you think this is genuine, or just a provocation from Linyan?”

In truth, Xuanyuan Ren already had his suspicions. How could a small kingdom like Linyan deliberately pick a fight unless backed by a greater power aiming to stir chaos? Jiaoyang had amicable relations with its neighbors—so who could be behind this? Or was it true that Linyan intended to raise troops to quell internal unrest? If the latter, the problem would be simpler; if the former, it would be far more troublesome. Either way, the matter had to be thoroughly investigated.

Zhao Chengxian considered this and said, “We must investigate thoroughly before making any judgments. You should dispatch people to look into it immediately.”

Actually, Xuanyuan Ren had already decided the plan before Zhao Chengxian entered the palace; he was to lead the investigation.

With a satisfied smile, Xuanyuan Ren said, “Very well, Prince Zhao Chengxian, heed the imperial decree!”

Zhao Chengxian gave a resigned smile and knelt. Xuanyuan Ren continued, “I hereby command Prince Zhao Chengxian to depart at once with Yang Wentai and Xuan Yuan Fei of the Wenxuan Archive, along with Hai Yang and Hai Ming from the Martial Studies Library. You must reach the border and uncover the truth within ten days. If it is found that our soldiers are at fault, you have my leave to execute them without prior report.”

The Martial Studies Library was where the top three martial scholars worked, studying military strategy and tactics.

After hearing this, Zhao Chengxian stood and, wanting to protect Yue’er, who was part of the Wenxuan Archive, said, “Your Majesty, those scholars from the Wenxuan Archive will be going. I want to protect them. Perhaps they should not go.”

Now that he no longer needed to test Yue’er, he could better consider her safety.

Xuanyuan Ren shook his head in disagreement. “I cannot agree. Yang Wentai from the Wenxuan Archive is said by Fei to be quite intelligent; bringing him along will surely be beneficial. As for safety, with you all there, I trust there will be no issues.”

Zhao Chengxian was about to protest further but was interrupted. “Enough. Eunuch Rong has already announced the decree. You should prepare immediately.”

Seeing there was no turning back, Zhao Chengxian could only comply and return to make preparations.