From cute to empress

Military Advisor Guo's words resonated like thunder in my ears. "Using military tactics! What a cunning Hu man! I could almost feel the chill rising from the soles of my feet, quickly spreading throughout my body."

"Your Majesty, we must come up with a solution as soon as possible!" Military Advisor Guo's tone was hurried, but he couldn't hide a hint of panic.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. The more critical the moment, the more I couldn't lose my composure. I forced myself to look away from the few enemy troops below the tower and turned to look at Military Advisor Guo. I asked in a deep voice, "Military Advisor, do you have any other plans?"

Military Advisor Guo didn't say anything, but his brows were furrowed, his eyes flickering, as if he was thinking about something. After a while, he raised his head, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, and leaned over to whisper a few words in my ear.

After hearing his words, I felt a glimmer of hope, but at the same time, I was filled with worry. This was indeed a bold plan, but the risks were also enormous.

"Your Majesty, at this point, we can only take risky measures." Military Advisor Guo's voice was firm and powerful, as if it gave me great confidence.

"Okay!" I took a deep breath and said decisively, "Pass the order down and set up the imperial study!"

In the imperial study, Military Advisor Guo and I sat opposite each other. The map in front of us was densely marked with various symbols. They were the results of our careful research over the past few days.

"Your Majesty," Military Advisor Guo said, pointing to a valley on the map. "The Hu army will definitely choose to advance along this route, and this is the best place for us to set up an ambush."

I nodded, my eyes fixed on the map, my mind constantly simulating various possible scenarios. Although Military Advisor Guo's plan was bold, it was not impossible for it to succeed.

"It's just..." I frowned slightly, "How do we solve the problem of food and fodder? If the food and fodder are not available, our plan will become a castle in the air."

Military Advisor Guo smiled faintly and said confidently, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I have already resolved this issue. Village Chief Zhou has promised to lead the local people in secretly opening a new grain transport route to ensure that the food and fodder can reach the front lines in a timely manner."

Hearing this, a heavy burden finally settled in my heart. It seemed we were not alone in this fight; there were many people willing to fight alongside us against this enemy.

"Alright!" I stood up suddenly, a determined light flashing in my eyes. "Pass the order down and immediately start deploying according to Military Advisor Guo's plan!"

I turned and walked to the window, gazing at the rolling hills in the distance, my heart filled with lofty ambition. "Hu people, do you think you have victory? I will show you what true despair is!"

"Your Majesty, look..." Military Advisor Guo suddenly pointed to a place on the map and said in a serious tone, "Here..."

Military Advisor Guo pointed at the map. The terrain was precipitous, with towering peaks on either side and a narrow canyon in the middle, like the gaping maw of a wild beast. "This is Hulu Valley, the enemy's only route, and the perfect spot for our ambush."

I nodded. Hulu Valley, I'd heard of it before. It's easy to defend but difficult to attack, making it a perfect place for an ambush. "Military Advisor, leave the trap to me. I'll make sure it's foolproof," I said firmly, leaving no room for doubt.

Military Advisor Guo hesitated to speak, but finally bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, please be careful."

I donned my armor, mounted my warhorse, and, accompanied by a team of elite soldiers, personally journeyed to Hulu Valley. The mountain path was rugged, and the crisp sound of horse hooves on gravel echoed through the valley. I dismounted and carefully inspected each trap, ensuring every detail was perfect. Rolling logs, boulders, and giant horses—these simple fortifications could prove incredibly effective in a crucial moment.

"Your Majesty, General Youcai is back." A soldier hurried to report.

I looked up and saw Zhen Youcai approaching, dusty and exhausted. His face wore a hint of fatigue, but the confidence and determination in his eyes couldn't be concealed. "Your Majesty, I have already lured the main enemy force to Hulu Valley as planned. I'm just waiting for them to enter the encirclement."

"Okay!" I waved my arm vigorously, a gleam in my eyes, "Pass the order down, all soldiers, enter combat mode and prepare to meet the enemy!"

Night fell, the stars twinkled, the mountain wind howled, and the shadows of the trees swayed, like beasts lurking in the darkness, waiting for their prey. I stood on the mountaintop, gazing at the distant glow of fires—the enemy was setting up camp. Everything was proceeding according to plan, yet my heart grew increasingly nervous, my palms sweating slightly.

"Your Majesty, the enemy's vanguard has entered Hulu Valley!" A scout came running over, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a hurried tone.

"Okay!" I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Then I suddenly drew the sword from my waist, pointed it at the night sky, and shouted, "Fire!"

In an instant, countless torches ignited, illuminating the entire valley. The cries of killing shook the earth, and the horns of charge echoed through the sky. I gripped the hilt of my sword tightly, my gaze fixed on the valley, a single thought in my mind: Today, either you die or I die!

"Your Majesty, be careful!"

"Your Majesty, be careful!" Military Advisor Guo had barely finished his words when a sharp arrow pierced the air and shot straight at my face. I was startled and subconsciously dodged to the side. The arrow grazed my cheek, leaving a trail of blood.

"Damn it!" I cursed inwardly and touched the wound on my cheek. Fortunately, it was just a superficial injury.

"Protect His Majesty!" Military Advisor Guo shouted, and the soldiers came forward and surrounded me.

I pushed aside the soldier in front of me and looked up, only to see the enemy commander, Zhou Zhaizhu, riding on a tall horse, holding a longbow and staring at me viciously.

"Niu Mengmeng, do you think that this little trick can trap me? You are too naive!" Village Chief Zhou sneered and pulled the bowstring again. A sharp arrow was placed on the string, flashing with cold light.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. I knew that now was not the time to be afraid. I had to stay calm so that I could take charge of the situation.

"Master Zhou, let's put an end to the feud between you and me today!" I drew the sword from my waist and pointed it at Master Zhou. "All soldiers, listen to my order! Attack with all your might! Kill!"

The cries of battle shook the earth again, and our troops, buoyed by the might of battle, charged upon the enemy like a tiger descending a mountain. Though ambushed, the enemy, outnumbered and well-trained, resisted stubbornly. For a moment, the cries of battle, the clashing of weapons, and the shrieking of agony mingled, transforming the valley into a living hell.

I brandished my sword, charging left and right as if I were in an empty space. Blood splattered on my face and body, but I was completely unaware. I had only one belief in my heart: Kill! Kill! Kill!

"Your Majesty, the enemy commander has been killed by our army!" A soldier ran over excitedly to report.

I was delighted and looked up, and sure enough, I saw the body of Village Chief Zhou lying in a pool of blood.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Military Advisor Guo and Zhen Youcai also came over with joyful smiles on their faces.

"Although we won this battle, but..." I looked at the flames still blazing in the distance, but I couldn't feel happy. "The main force of the enemy is still there, and our crisis is not over yet."

Zhen Youcai looked at me, then at Military Advisor Guo, and whispered, "Your Majesty, Military Advisor, I have an idea..."

Military Advisor Guo and I looked at each other and saw a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.

"What is it?" I asked.

Zhen Youcai leaned close to our ears and whispered his plan.

After hearing this, Advisor Guo and I fell silent.

"This is too risky!" I hesitated.

"But this is our only chance of winning," Zhen Youcai said firmly.

I gritted my teeth and finally made up my mind.

"Okay, I'll do as you say!"

Under the cover of night, Zhen Youcai and I, along with a team of elite soldiers, quietly moved towards the enemy's main camp...