From cute to empress

As soon as Chen Daru finished speaking, Zhen Youcai and I exclaimed at the same time: "This is the enemy's food storage area!"

The markings on the map detailed the enemy army's stationing situation, and the area specially marked in red was a valley three hundred miles away from the border.

"Sir, how did you get this map?" Zhen Youcai took the map with trembling hands, his eyes full of disbelief.

Chen Daru stroked his beard, his tone filled with pride. "When I was traveling, I once met a strange man who was proficient in the art of Qimen Dunjia. He saw that I cared about the world, so he taught me this unique skill. Although I am old now, with this unique skill, I am more than capable of infiltrating the enemy camp and drawing a map."

I took a deep breath, suppressed my inner excitement, and stared intently at the valley on the map: "Sir, you mean..."

"The enemy's military deployment this time is massive, and their food and supplies will undoubtedly be enormously depleted. This valley is well-hidden, easily defended, and difficult to attack, making it an ideal location for storing food and supplies." Chen Daru pointed at the map and said with conviction, "As long as we can burn their food supplies, the enemy army will fall into disarray without a fight!"

"What a great plan!" Zhen Youcai slammed the table, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Your Majesty, let's gather our troops right now and catch them off guard!"

I suppressed my excitement and calmly analyzed, "Since the enemy has chosen this valley, they must have made thorough preparations. A successful sneak attack won't be easy."

"Your Majesty is absolutely right." Chen Daru nodded approvingly, "I do have an idea..."

He leaned over and whispered something in my ear. My eyes lit up more and more, and I couldn't help but exclaim, "Brilliant! Sir, this plan is truly brilliant!"

"Your Majesty, this..." Zhen Youcai looked troubled, "Isn't this too risky?"

I shook my head, my eyes firm. "Fortune and honor are sought in danger! The border is in dire straits now, and we have no way out!" I turned to look at Chen Daru and said solemnly, "Sir, I leave this matter to you!"

"Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will do my best!" Chen Daru replied with a bow.

That night, under a dark and windy sky, I secretly summoned the commander of the Imperial Guard...

As night fell, the palace was shrouded in an eerie shadow. I changed into a light nightgown, my hand on the cold hilt of my sword, and an unprecedented sense of heroism surged in my heart.

"Your Majesty, everything is ready." The commander of the Royal Guards knelt on one knee, his tone respectful and firm.

I took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Let's go!"

Five hundred elite guards, clad in black armor and armed with sharp blades, vanished silently into the night like a group of black ghosts. They were warriors chosen from among the vast army, loyal and brave, the sharpest blades of the empire.

We rode fast horses, galloping along the rugged mountain road. The horse's hooves stepped on the fallen leaves, making a slight rustling sound, which was particularly clear in the quiet night.

"Your Majesty, do you really want to go there in person? It's too dangerous!" Zhen Youcai rode his horse beside me, his brows furrowed, his tone full of worry.

I turned and smiled at him, my tone firm: "Youcai, I know you are worried about me, but I am the empress, the commander of this army. I must lead by example and live and die with my soldiers!"

He looked at me, his eyes filled with complex emotions, which eventually turned into a helpless sigh: "Your Majesty, you must be careful!"

"Don't worry, I promise you that I will come back safely!" I reached out and held his rough big hand, feeling the warmth of his palm, and a warm current surged in my heart.

After a night of forced march, we finally arrived at a dense forest not far from the enemy's food storage area before dawn.

"Your Majesty, the enemy camp is just ahead." A scout stepped forward quickly, kneeling on one knee to report, "We've already scouted and found that the enemy's defenses are lax. This is a good time for us to launch an attack!"

I dismounted, my eyes fiercely scanning the distant camp, and gave a solemn order: "Pass the order down, all soldiers, rest on the spot, and prepare..."

Before I could finish my words, the sound of rapid horse hooves suddenly came from afar, breaking the tranquility of the forest...

"Report—" the scout hurriedly rolled off his horse. "Your Majesty, the enemy... the enemy has reinforcements! Five thousand soldiers and horses, only ten miles away!"

The air seemed to freeze. I saw a flicker of uneasiness in Zhen Youcai's eyes, but he quickly calmed down and asked in a deep voice, "Can you find out who is leading the troops?"

"General, it's... it's the enemy general, Murong Lie!" The scout's voice trembled slightly.

Murong Lie, this name hangs over me like a dark cloud. Known for his bravery and skill in battle, he is the enemy's most trusted general and the greatest threat to our army.

"Your Majesty, the enemy is numerous and we are few. The only way now is to avoid their attack and preserve our strength!" An old general clasped his fists and said.

I gripped the whip tightly, feeling resentful. Was I going to give up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

"Your Majesty, I am willing to lead five hundred elite cavalry to stop Murong Lie and buy time for the army!" Zhen Youcai knelt on one knee with a firm look in his eyes.

I was shocked and reached out to help him up, saying, "Youcai, I know you're brave, but Murong Lie is cunning and scheming. If you go..."

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I know what to do!" He bowed deeply to me, turned around, jumped on his horse, raised his spear high, and shouted, "Entrapment Camp, follow me and kill!"

Five hundred elite cavalrymen, like arrows shot from a bow, rushed towards Murong Lie's army. I watched their retreating figures, silently praying for their safety.

"Pass the order down, entire army, assault the enemy camp and burn the food and fodder as quickly as possible!" I jumped on my horse, drew the sword at my waist, and pointed the blade directly at the enemy camp. "Today, we will make the enemy pay a heavy price!"

"Kill!" The deafening shouts of killing resounded throughout the valley, and our soldiers rushed towards the enemy camp like tigers descending the mountain, unstoppable.

The enemy was clearly caught off guard by our sudden attack. I led the charge, my sword wielding like lightning, reaping the lives of my enemies. Blood stained my armor, but I felt no fear. Only one thought remained: victory!

After a fierce battle, a raging fire broke out in the enemy camp, and all the food and grass were burned. Our army's morale was greatly boosted, and the shouts of fighting shook the sky, and the enemy retreated step by step.

However, just when we were about to achieve complete victory, a rapid horn sounded in the distance. It was the signal from Murong Lie's army!

My heart tightened, and I looked in the direction Zhen Youcai left, filled with worry. Could he withstand Murong Lie's attack?

"Your Majesty, we must evacuate as soon as possible, otherwise when Murong Lie's army arrives, we will be attacked from both sides!" The general on the side reminded anxiously.

I knew he was right, but I couldn't take my eyes off the dusty battlefield in the distance.

Finally, after the last batch of soldiers withdrew from the enemy camp, I jumped on my horse and led them to gallop towards Zhen Youcai.

"You must wait for me..." I murmured softly, my heart full of anticipation and anxiety.

The clatter of hooves kicked up clouds of dust. I looked and saw a small army emerging from the distance. They were small, but their momentum was overwhelming. Leading the way was a man in silver armor, riding a white horse. Who else could it be but Zhen Youcai? Behind him came five hundred elite cavalrymen, all wounded, yet unable to conceal their joy at victory.

"Talented!" I was delighted and rode forward to meet him.

"Your Majesty!" Zhen Youcai smiled with satisfaction upon seeing me. He dismounted and knelt on one knee. "I have fulfilled my mission and successfully stopped Murong Lie. Our army has won a great victory!"

"Good! Good! Good!" I said three good words excitedly and reached out to help him up. "You've worked hard!"

Zhen Youcai shook his head and said, "It is my honor to share your majesty's worries."

I gazed at his resolute profile, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart. This battle, despite heavy losses, also achieved an unprecedented victory. This battle not only shattered the enemy's plot, but more importantly, it boosted morale and gave us hope!

When news of the triumphant return reached the capital, the entire imperial palace erupted in excitement. The people spontaneously took to the streets, singing and dancing, celebrating this hard-earned victory. Standing atop the city walls, I watched the jubilant scene unfold, yet my heart remained profoundly calm. I knew this war was only the beginning; true peace would require further effort and wisdom.

That evening, I hosted a banquet to celebrate the victory for all the soldiers. As the wine flowed, I noticed Zhen Youcai frowning slightly, as if something was on his mind.

"Youcai, what's wrong?" I asked with concern.

Zhen Youcai put down his wine glass, pondered for a moment, and said, "Your Majesty, although we have won a great victory this time, the enemy's strength should not be underestimated. Murong Lie is a man of many schemes. He will definitely not give up after this defeat. We need to make plans early."

I nodded, agreeing deeply. At this moment, the mysterious old man, who had been silent the entire time, spoke up: "Your Majesty, I have a plan that may help you pacify the world sooner rather than later."

Zhen Youcai and I exchanged glances, each seeing surprise and anticipation in the other's eyes. I put down my glass and respectfully asked, "Please enlighten me, old sir."

The mysterious old man stroked his beard and said slowly, "To completely resolve the border crisis, relying on force alone is not enough. We also need..."

He paused, glanced at Zhen Youcai and me, and said word by word: "...this country needs to be fundamentally changed."

His words, like a flash of lightning, illuminated my thoughts. I took a deep breath, stood up, and looked into the distance with a determined gaze.

The next morning, I summoned all the ministers to the Golden Palace.

"My dear ministers, I have an important announcement today..."