From cute to empress

The night was dark, but the lights in the imperial study were as bright as day.

My heart raced with the sound of hurried footsteps, and a wave of uneasiness clung to me like a vine. As soon as Youcai entered the imperial study, I eagerly rushed over and asked, "What's going on?"

His face was solemn as he handed me the intelligence in his hand and said in a deep voice, "The border is 800 miles away and the enemy has assembled an army of 200,000 and is approaching Yunxia Pass. The war is imminent."

My hands trembled slightly, and the words on the intelligence seemed to transform into hideous symbols, as if foreshadowing the bloody storm to come. Yunxia Pass is a crucial pass guarding the border. If it were lost, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Pass the order down, summon all ministers and discuss the matter overnight!" I tried hard to suppress my inner anxiety and made my tone sound calm and majestic.

Soon, the ministers arrived one after another, each face filled with anxiety and worry. Chen Daru, despite his advanced age, remained vigorous and energetic. He was the first to break the silence: "Your Majesty, I believe that the most urgent task is to increase the number of troops at Yunxia Pass and strengthen the fortifications. At the same time, we should send envoys to the enemy country to gather information and buy time."

The Minister of War continued, "I second your opinion. There are only 50,000 troops stationed at Yunxia Pass. The enemy's strength is greatly disparate. We must mobilize reinforcements as soon as possible!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the border in person to boost morale!" an old general said passionately.

Seeing the ministers all indignant yet united, a glimmer of hope ignited in my heart. Yes, we are not isolated and helpless. We have brave and capable soldiers, wise and resourceful ministers, and indestructible national integrity!

"Alright! Pass the order down. Immediately mobilize 100,000 troops, led by General Li, to quickly support Yunxia Pass! Also..." I paused, my eyes sweeping over everyone in the imperial study. "I know that everyone here possesses unique skills and cares deeply about the country. Now that the country is in danger, it is time for everyone to step forward..."

Before I could finish my words, Painter Wu stepped out...

Before I could finish my words, Painter Wu stepped forward. His usually resolute face was now tinged with guilt. "Your Majesty, I am humble and willing to donate all my wealth to the military supply, hoping to do my bit to help the soldiers!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to lead my disciples to compose inspiring music and send it to the soldiers on the border to let them know that we all support them!" Musician Li, who has always been indifferent to worldly affairs, also stood up, with a firm light flashing in his eyes.

Poet Zhou followed closely behind, his usually uninhibited face now filled with worry: "Your Majesty, I would like to compose a poem to praise the bravery of the soldiers and inspire their fighting spirit!"

Even the usually calm and composed Monk Meng clasped his hands together and said firmly, "Amitabha, I am willing to go to the border to pray for the soldiers. May the Buddha have mercy on us and bless our soldiers to return safely and triumphantly!"

Looking at these masters who usually shine in their respective fields, who at this moment stand up without hesitation to contribute their strength to the country, a warm feeling welled up in my heart and my eyes couldn't help but become moist.

"Good! Good! Good!" I said the word "good" three times in a row, my voice choking. "My dear ministers, rest assured. I will never let you down and will definitely lead you through this difficult time!"

Then, I looked at Youcai. His eyes were firm and calm, as if everything was under his control. "Youcai, immediately organize the army and prepare for defense. Make sure to hold Yunxia Pass!"

"I obey your command!" Youcai bowed and accepted the order, with a confident light flashing in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, I request to go to the border to inspect and boost morale!" I looked at Youcai and said in a firm tone.

He was slightly startled, then he understood what I meant and nodded, saying, "I will go with Your Majesty!"

I know this journey is extremely dangerous, but I also know that as the king of a country, I must lead by example and share the joys and sorrows with the soldiers in order to gather the most powerful force!

The next morning, we traveled light and with a few elite guards, we set out for the border.

The early spring breeze still carries a hint of chill, stirring my cloak and my thoughts. I know the road ahead is filled with unknowns and challenges, but I will not retreat, because I believe that as long as we unite as one, we will be able to overcome all difficulties!

"Gee!" I raised the whip and sped up. However, at this moment, a sound of breaking air suddenly came... A sound of breaking air broke the tranquility of the early morning, and a sharp arrow passed by my ear with a sharp whistling sound and nailed to the tree trunk behind me!

"Protect His Majesty!" The guards reacted quickly, surrounding Youcai and me. I forced myself to remain calm, gripping the sword at my waist tightly and scanning the surroundings with a cold gaze.

In the dense forest, more than a dozen men in black emerged from all directions, holding sharp blades. They were all agile and ruthless in their moves. They were obviously well-trained assassins.

"You are talented. Protect His Majesty!" The captain of the guards roared and led everyone to fight hard. Amidst the flashing of swords and the shadows of knives, screams rang out one after another.

Although I don't know martial arts, my years of experience have allowed me to remain calm in critical moments. I observed my surroundings, looking for an opportunity to break out.

"Your Majesty, we have to leave here!" Youcai said to me anxiously while resisting the assassin's attack.

I nodded, and while the guards were fighting desperately, I ran into the depths of the jungle with Youcai.

"Chase! We can't let them get away!" Behind them, the assassin was in relentless pursuit.

We ran all the way, and I don't know how long we ran, but finally we got rid of the pursuers. I leaned against a big tree, panting, and my face was covered with sweat.

"Your Majesty, are you okay?" he asked worriedly.

"I'm fine." I shook my head and looked up at the sky. "We must get to the border as soon as possible!"

We didn't dare delay any longer, so after a brief rest, we continued on our way. However, the assassin's appearance cast a shadow over my heart. Who on earth wanted to kill me?

After several days of trekking, we finally arrived at Yunxia Pass, a border crossing. However, the scene before me shocked me.

The once impregnable city walls are now riddled with holes, the flags on the towers are torn, and the soldiers defending the city are all haggard and their morale is low.

"How could this happen?" I muttered to myself in disbelief.

"Your Majesty..." The guard beside him knelt on one knee, overwhelmed with shame, "I am incompetent, please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

I took a deep breath, suppressed the anger in my heart, and asked, "What's the situation of the enemy?"

"Your Majesty, the enemy is coming with great force. Their numbers are several times greater than ours, and..." The commander said this with a hint of fear in his voice, "They also possess a weapon we have never seen before, and it is extremely powerful!"

My heart sank suddenly. It seemed that the enemy this time was much stronger than we imagined!

Just when we were at our wit's end, an old voice came from behind us: "If you want to defeat the enemy, perhaps I have a way..."

I turned around suddenly and saw an old man wearing a coarse linen robe and with white hair and beard standing behind us. He was leaning on a cane and was thin, but his eyes were bright and sharp, as if he could see through everything.

"Who are you?" I asked cautiously. The situation at the border was tense, and any stranger was suspicious.

The old man smiled faintly and asked instead, "Your Majesty, do you still remember who helped you quell the civil strife and who helped you ascend the throne?"

I was startled. Could it be him? I looked at the old man carefully, and vaguely saw in his weathered face the shadow of the wise man who had planned and won battles thousands of miles away.

"Are you... Chen Daru?!" I asked tentatively.

"It's me." The old man stroked his beard, a hint of satisfaction in his tone, "I can't believe that the young girl who just started out back then has become the ruler of a country now."

I quickly stepped forward to support the old man and said excitedly, "Sir, why are you here? Where have you been all these years? I have been searching for you."

"It's hard to explain in a few words." Chen Daru sighed and turned his gaze to the outside of the city. "Now the border is in danger. How can I sit idly by? I will do my best to help."

"Sir, you've arrived just in time!" Zhen Youcai said excitedly. "The enemy is coming at us with such force, we're just worried about how to defeat them. Please think of a solution!"

Chen Daru nodded, walked to the city wall, looked at the enemy camp in the distance, and remained silent for a long time.

"Sir, have you noticed anything?" I asked.

Chen Daru retracted his gaze, turned to look at me, and said slowly, "Your Majesty, do you still remember what I taught you back then?"

I tried hard to recall that Chen Daru had taught me many truths, but which one was he referring to at this moment?

"Only by knowing yourself and the enemy can you fight a hundred battles without danger." Chen Daru said in a steady and powerful tone, "If you want to defeat the enemy, you must first understand the enemy."

It suddenly dawned on me, yes, we know nothing about the enemy's situation, so how can we formulate an effective battle plan?

"Sir, what you mean is..."

"I've traveled extensively over the years, not just for sightseeing, but to secretly gather intelligence on the enemy." Chen Daru said in a low voice, "I've discovered that this enemy country may appear powerful, but in reality, it's weak inside..."

He paused, took out a sheepskin map from his arms and slowly unfolded it.

"This is..." I looked at the densely packed marks on the map, with some vague guesses in my mind.

"This is the enemy's defense map." Chen Daru pointed to a location on the map. "Here is their..."