Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

When Li Ruoyue's eyes met with the Fourth Prince's, time seemed to freeze in that moment. They stared at each other, their faces betraying no emotion. The Fourth Prince walked into the room with steady steps, approached Li Ruoyue, bowed slightly, and said sincerely, "Thank you for your help that day, young lady. This is such a great favor, and I will never forget it."

Li Ruoyue smiled gently, her eyes clear as water. She quickly waved her hand and responded, "Your Highness, you are too polite. It's just a trivial matter and not worth mentioning. It's really not a favor." Her words were full of humility.

After a few more pleasantries, the atmosphere gradually warmed. Afterward, everyone found their seats and began chatting. The Fourth Prince frequently inquired about Li Ruoyue's recent situation and daily life, and Li Ruoyue patiently answered each question. The atmosphere was harmonious and warm, with no sign of the disparity in status between the two.

Zhu Qi dutifully followed the Fourth Prince's orders, summoned the innkeeper, and ordered a dozen of the restaurant's signature dishes, along with several renowned dim sum. Once the food and wine arrived, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the sumptuous feast, clinking glasses and enjoying the warm and harmonious atmosphere. By the time three rounds of wine and five dishes had passed, everyone was well-fed and satisfied, and it was finally time to get down to business.

Li Ruoyue said with a serious expression: "Now in the northwest, the Huns have repeatedly invaded our border and disturbed the peace. The people are suffering. I wonder if you have any good ideas to quell the Huns' rebellion?" He swept his eyes over everyone present, expecting someone to come up with effective suggestions.

Baili Xi gently waved his folding fan and said slowly, "Don't act rashly. The Xiongnu cavalry is fierce and skilled in fighting. If we rush in, we'll likely struggle to win. It's better to strengthen the border defenses first, station troops there, wait for them to tire themselves out, and then look for an opportunity to defeat them."

Bailixi suggested, "We can form an alliance with the surrounding tribes and jointly resist the Xiongnu. This will both strengthen our own forces and divide the enemy."

Zhu Qi whispered: "I think we can just go straight to his lair? If he hits us, we just hit him back, isn't that enough?"

The Fourth Prince listened quietly to the discussion, occasionally nodding or frowning in thought. Finally, he cleared his throat and said solemnly, "Everyone's opinions have merit, but to completely quell the Xiongnu rebellion, we must adopt a comprehensive approach. On the one hand, we must strengthen our military and train a brave and fearless army; on the other hand, we must also emphasize diplomatic means and win the support of more allies. Furthermore, we must pay attention to people's livelihoods and develop the economy. Only when the country is strong can we truly resist foreign aggression."

After hearing the Fourth Prince's words, they all expressed their agreement and formulated a detailed strategic plan based on this idea. A heated discussion on how to pacify the Xiongnu began over the wine table...

Li Ruoyue looked directly at the Fourth Prince with a determined gaze and spoke without reservation, "Your Highness, now that things have come to this, I will no longer conceal anything. To be honest, my father is none other than the renowned Marquis Weiyuan! Right now, he is stationed in the northwest of Bing. With the Xiongnu's aggressive and brazen invasion, I am deeply worried, fearing that something bad has happened to my father! With your intelligence and insight, I believe you should have already seen through my true identity, right?"

She paused for a moment and continued, "Not to mention the 30 troops and the huge amount of material consumption and supplies they need every day, the casualties alone are enough to make people heartbroken. And all of this is supported by my father alone. For many years, the court's investment in the military in the northwest has been seriously insufficient, and there have even been frequent bad practices such as withholding military pay and food. I believe that His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince must be well aware of this situation? This time the Huns are invading on a large scale, and their momentum is extremely ferocious. With our current strength, I am afraid it will be difficult to resist..." At this point, Li Ruoyue couldn't help but frown, her face full of worry.

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince and Baili Xi's expressions changed slightly. They both understood the dire situation in the northwest. However, taking action was proving difficult. At court, everyone was absorbed in pleasure, and the various factions were locked in a constant struggle for profit and power. At this moment, no one cared about the safety of the northwest, only the petty gains of the present moment could sway them. Little did they know that if the northwest fell, even if they were in the rear, rich in treasures and enjoying a life of leisure and ease, it would be nothing more than a pipe dream!

Li Ruoyue and the Fourth Prince were as clear as a mirror; they knew exactly what the most vexing problem was. However, despite this understanding, resolving it proved difficult. After all, the court was a complex web of intertwined forces. Each individual and group had their own considerations and demands, and the most crucial element was self-interest.

Everyone understood that if the major forces within the imperial court truly began to pay attention and take this matter seriously, the situation might be reversed. However, reality is often cruel and unforgiving, as no one is willing to easily give up their own interests. How could these people willingly abandon their immediate benefits and instead devote all their energy to supporting the army far away on the northwest border? After all, for them, personal gains and losses are of paramount importance, while the safety of the country and the well-being of the people seem a distant concern. So, how will this seemingly simple, but in fact extremely difficult, game of chess end? Li Ruoyue and the Fourth Prince fell into deep thought...

Li Ruoyue nodded slightly, opened her red lips, and said to the Fourth Prince in a firm tone: "Your Highness, I have a plan in mind. I wonder if Your Highness would be willing to try it with me?" There was a hint of cunning and courage in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince straightened his body, staring intently at Li Ruoyue, and asked, "Oh? What do you mean, young lady? As long as it can help resolve the crisis in the northwest and prevent the people from suffering from the ravages of war, this prince will do his utmost!"

Li Ruoyue smiled faintly, a glint of wisdom flashing in her eyes. She spoke slowly, "I would like to ask Your Highness to plant a hidden thorn between the First and Second Princes, causing them to mistakenly believe that this is a golden opportunity to control the situation in the northwest. This way, they will undoubtedly strive for this victory with all their might, hoping to take a step closer to the throne. If we can successfully drive out the Xiongnu, both the First and Second Princes will hopefully take a more solid step towards seizing the throne."

After saying that, Li Ruoyue paused and continued, "However, this matter requires caution. If you are not careful, all your efforts will be wasted. I hope Your Highness will think carefully and make a decision after weighing the pros and cons." Her voice was soft but full of power, as if it contained endless wisdom and strategy.

The Fourth Prince fell into deep thought. After a moment, he raised his head, looked at Li Ruoyue with a firm gaze, and said in a deep voice: "The plan is very good, but the risks involved should not be underestimated. However, for the sake of the country and the people of the world, this prince is willing to take this risk!" After speaking, he clenched his fists tightly, as if he had made up his mind.

Baili Xi stared silently at Li Ruoyue, who was eloquent and eloquent before him. A gentle breeze seemed to sweep through his heart, rippling the surface. Just who was this woman? Her bright eyes gleamed with wisdom, and every word she spoke flowed like pearls, captivating him.

At this moment, Alice asked with a puzzled look on her face: "Miss Li, do you have any clever ideas to make the second prince of the Great Prince Kingdom fall into our trap?" Her voice broke the brief silence and brought everyone's attention back to the current situation.

Li Ruoyue smiled faintly and replied confidently, "Don't worry, everyone. Let me tell you slowly..." She gently opened her red lips and began to elaborate on her carefully planned plan. As she spoke, a brilliantly ingenious plan gradually unfolded before everyone, leaving everyone applauding.

At this moment, Baili Xi was completely immersed in Li Ruoyue's words. He became more and more interested in this woman. She was not only smart and clever, but also courageous and insightful. She was truly a rare and extraordinary woman in the world! Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and a subtle admiration flashed in his eyes.

Li Ruoyue said with a firm look, "In fact, we should understand that the competition between the two of them is not only about them personally, but also represents the competition and contest between their respective families! So, if we can find a clever way to successfully persuade the leaders of these two families and make them clearly realize that this support for the Northwest region will bring huge benefits and advantages, then there is no doubt that they will go all out and do their best to push this matter forward, because doing so will not only enhance the reputation and prestige of their own family, but also further sublimate its glory!" Her words were full of confidence and determination, as if she had foreseen a beautiful future.

The Fourth Prince had a look of suspicion on his face, frowning, and asked softly, "So what should we do specifically?" His eyes were fixed on Li Ruoye in front of him, as if expecting a perfect answer.

Li Ruoyue smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming with wisdom, like the brightest stars in the night sky. Her red lips parted, and her voice, clear and melodious, seemed like the sound of nature. "I hope the Fourth Prince can play a key role in this, and convey an important message to them. You must let them know that Emperor Qian has great trust in you and intends to use the affairs of the northwest as a test. If you succeed in this trial, you will have the opportunity to compete for the position of crown prince. This will surely make those with ulterior motives eager to demonstrate their abilities, creating the impression that whoever can properly handle the northwest issues will become crown prince. Then, they will undoubtedly go all out, doing everything they can to drive the Xiongnu out of the northwest!"