On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

The midnight drum had just struck, but the lights in the Yangxin Palace were already brightly lit. Murong Yan was wearing a newly made jet-black nightgown, which was even more gorgeous and exquisite than usual.

Woven with luminous silk from the Far North, it glows a faint blue light under the candlelight, as if the entire Milky Way is woven into the skirt.

Ninety-nine phoenixes of various shapes are embroidered on the hem of the skirt with dark gold thread. The wings of each phoenix are made of seven different gold threads, from light gold to dark gold, layered on top of each other, presenting a three-dimensional effect in the flow of light and shadow, as if they will flap their wings and fly out at any time.

The most amazing thing is the pair of flared sleeves, which are made of three layers of black gauze. The inner layer is embroidered with a phoenix with its eyes closed, the middle layer is a pattern of a phoenix spreading its wings as if about to fly, and the outer layer is a transparent black gauze embroidered with auspicious clouds and a phoenix flying.

When Murong Yan is still, only the inner layer of the phoenix is ​​visible; when she raises her hand, the three layers of phoenix patterns overlap, presenting a dynamic effect of a phoenix soaring into the sky.

The cuffs are adorned with nine hundred and ninety-nine tiny black diamonds, each cut into the shape of a phoenix feather. A slight movement will make a crisp sound like a phoenix's cry.

The waistband of the nightgown is made of black iron and covered with black jade pieces. Each piece of jade is micro-carved with a phoenix picture, and a magnifying glass is needed to see the details clearly.

A rare luminous pearl is inlaid in the center of the waistband, which emits a soft light in the dark, illuminating the golden phoenix embroidery on the chest.

The back hem of her skirt was two meters long, edged with silver thread and adorned with tiny black iron beads. When she moved, it made a crisp sound, like the cry of a phoenix in the sky.

"Your Majesty, urgent news!" The head of the secret guards hurried into the hall, kneeling and presenting a secret letter. "The Northern Desert Coalition has broken through Juyong Pass and is less than two hundred miles from the capital! The vanguard, under the banner of Prince Jing, numbers approximately fifty thousand!"

Murong Yan took the secret letter, her dark nightgown shimmering in the candlelight. She scrutinized the military report, her brow furrowed slightly. "Fifty thousand troops? When did the three tribes of the Northern Desert manage to muster such a large force?"

Lin Zhen took the military report and examined it carefully, his expression grave. "This is definitely not ordinary. The three tribes of the Northern Desert have always been at odds. For them to unite and send an army, they must have made a solemn promise." He pointed to the details in the military report. "Look here, the enemy is equipped with siege equipment, and even more suspiciously, they have firearms!"

Murong Yan's eyes flashed coldly. "It must have been made from the blueprints Murong De took away! Husband, immediately send a message to the Ministry of Industry to thoroughly investigate all gunpowder stocks, especially the whereabouts of the three missing refrigerated trucks."

Suddenly, three rapid bird calls were heard outside the window. The head of the secret guard immediately retreated into the shadows. Murong Yan flicked her wide trumpet sleeves lightly, and the candlelight suddenly dimmed.

A messenger dressed in Northern Desert clothing was brought in and knelt down to present a brocade box. "I'm here to present this by order of Prince Jing."

Murong Yan signaled the court lady to open the brocade box. Inside was a tattered phoenix robe, the very one she had worn when the arrow pierced her during the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony. The robe was stained with dark red blood, and a phoenix-feather arrow—the same one Murong Yan often used—was stuck in her heart.

"Prince Jing has sent a message," the messenger said, bowing his head. "'Even the phoenix perches on the sycamore tree, and its branches are eventually broken. If Your Majesty is willing to open the city and surrender, the people within will be safe.'"

Murong Yan sneered, and the golden phoenix in her dark nightgown seemed to gleam coldly: "Go back and tell Prince Jing that I am in this palace, waiting for him to take my life." She flicked her sleeves and said, "Drag him away!"

After the messenger was taken away, Murong Yan immediately changed into a dark suit and a dark cloak. "Send a message to the Nine Gates Admiral to strengthen the city defenses immediately. Lu Bing, you will lead a team of Jinyiwei to secretly monitor the residences of the two emperor's uncles."

Lin Zhen worriedly asked, "Yan'er, will mobilizing the Jinyiwei at this time alert the enemy?"

Murong Yan raised the corner of her lips slightly, and pulled out a golden phoenix token from her sleeve. "I want to alert the enemy. Pass the order to search the entire city for the Northern Desert spies. Anyone with suspicious behavior will be arrested and interrogated."

In the stillness of the night, Murong Yan stood alone on the city wall, her jet-black cloak rustling in the night wind. In the distance, the campfires of the Northern Desert Alliance twinkled like stars. She gently stroked the miniature telegraph key at her waist, pondering a strategy to defeat the enemy.

Suddenly, a dark shadow landed silently behind her: "Your Majesty, there is movement in the West Mountain."

Murong Yan turned around and saw that it was the head of the secret guards: "Speak."

"Murong De has secretly built a large number of catapults in the Western Hills. Even more terrifying is..." The head of the secret guard lowered his voice, "They appear to be digging tunnels leading directly underground to the capital."

Murong Yan's eyes flashed coldly, "As expected. Send a message to the Ministry of Works to immediately conduct a thorough investigation of all underground passages, especially the secret passages leading to the Imperial Palace."

"One more thing." The head of the secret guards presented a secret map. "This was found in the secret room of Prince Jing's mansion. It seems to be a blueprint for some new weapon."

Lin Zhen took the blueprint and his expression suddenly changed. "This is... a steam ejector! They actually built this!" He pointed at the details on the blueprint. "Look here, they've improved the design. It has a longer range and greater power."

Murong Yan pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Husband, take your men to the Ministry of Works immediately and work overnight to produce these defensive weapons and equipment. I need to go meet these two uncles."

"Your Majesty, you can't!" Lin Zhen hurriedly stopped him, "It's too dangerous to leave the palace now."

Murong Yan chuckled softly, the golden phoenix pattern on her dark suit shimmering in the moonlight. "Don't worry, I know what to do." She turned to the head of the secret guards and said, "Prepare the horses, and go to Prince Yong's mansion."

Inside Prince Yong's mansion, Murong Hong was pacing in his study when he suddenly heard a message from outside the door: "His Majesty has arrived!"

Murong Hong's expression changed, and he hurried out to greet her. He saw Murong Yan, dressed in a dark suit and a dark cloak, standing in the courtyard. The moonlight shone on her, making the golden phoenix pattern even more dazzling.

"How is your uncle these days?" Murong Yan asked calmly, "I heard that your uncle's old illness has relapsed, so I came to visit him."

Murong Hong bowed and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine now."

Murong Yan chuckled softly, her wide, bell-shaped sleeves brushing against the sycamore trees in the courtyard. "Since my uncle's health has improved, could you please join me in inspecting the city defenses tomorrow? With the Northern Desert Army approaching, my uncle's advice is crucial."

Murong Hong's expression changed slightly: "Well... Although I am feeling better, the doctor has advised that I still need to rest..."

"Oh?" Murong Yan's eyes turned, "Then, Uncle, do you know that there have been many Northern Desert spies active in the city recently? Some have even been secretly digging tunnels, intending to commit crimes."

Murong Hong's forehead was covered with sweat: "Your Majesty...Your Majesty does not know."

Murong Yan suddenly took a step closer, and the golden phoenix on the dark black suit seemed to open its eyes. "Does the emperor know about the catapult at Xishan?"

Murong Hong fell to his knees and said, "Your Majesty, I know nothing about this!"

Murong Yan sneered and pulled out a blueprint from her sleeve: "Then why did this catapult blueprint appear in the emperor's uncle's study?"

Murong Hong's face turned pale, and he was speechless. Murong Yan turned and left: "Uncle, take good care of yourself. I will come to visit you another day."

After leaving Prince Yong's Mansion, Murong Yan immediately rushed to Prince Jing's Mansion. She found the gate of Prince Jing's Mansion was closed and the guards in front of the gate looked nervous.

"Open the door!" Murong Yan said coldly, "I want to see Uncle Jing."

The guard knelt and said, "Your Majesty, the prince is seriously ill and cannot see guests."

Murong Yan flicked her sleeves and pushed open the door: "I must see you!"

In the courtyard, Murong Zhang was indeed "lying sick" on the bed. When he saw Murong Yan coming in, he hurriedly stood up and saluted.

"Uncle, there's no need to be so polite." Murong Yan held him down. "I came here today to ask you a question. The Northern Desert Coalition is flying under your banner. Is your uncle aware of this?"

Murong Zhang coughed a few times: "Your Majesty...Your Majesty does not know..."

Murong Yan pulled out a military flag from her sleeve. It was the Prince Jing flag used by the Northern Desert Vanguard. "So, what's your explanation for this flag, Uncle?"

Murong Zhang's expression changed drastically. He suddenly jumped up from the couch and slipped a dagger from his sleeve: "Since Your Majesty already knows, then don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Suddenly, dozens of black-clad warriors rushed out from all directions and surrounded Murong Yan.

Murong Yan, however, remained unfazed. The golden phoenix on her dark suit seemed ready to take flight. "Is the Imperial Uncle finally done feigning illness?" She gently raised her hand, and the black diamonds in her sleeve jingled. "Unfortunately, the Imperial Uncle's act has come to an end."

Suddenly, countless archers appeared on the surrounding rooftops. Lin Zhen arrived with the new army's musket battalion in time: "Drop your weapons!"

Murong Zhang's face turned pale as he knelt dejectedly: "Your Majesty...Your Majesty knows your guilt..."

Murong Yan coldly watched Murong Zhang being taken away and said to Lin Zhen, "Immediately conduct a thorough investigation of Prince Jing's Mansion and find all evidence of any dealings with Beimo."

Back in the palace, Murong Yan took off her formal clothes and changed into her dark nightgown. It was already late at night, but she was not sleepy at all. She stood by the window and looked at the beacon fire in the distance.

Lin Zhen gently put his robe on her: "Yan'er, today was too risky."

Murong Yan leaned on his shoulder and said, "Only in this way can we force them to reveal their true colors." She suddenly remembered something and asked, "How is it over at West Mountain?"

Lin Zhen's face was solemn. "The trebuchet has been built, and the tunnel is almost complete. The most troublesome thing is that they have improved the steam ejector, and the range can reach 300 steps."

Murong Yan pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Send a message to the Ministry of Works to immediately dig a trench outside the city and fill it with tung oil. Then mobilize all available artillery and deploy it on the city walls."

"Also," she added, "have the secret guards continue to monitor the remaining followers of the two imperial uncles, especially those with connections to Beimo."

At three o'clock in the morning, another urgent report came: The Northern Desert Allied Forces began to attack the city!

Murong Yan immediately put on her armor, the dark phoenix pattern gleaming in the firelight: "Husband, follow me to the tower!"

Arrows rained down from the towers. Murong Yan stood on the battlements, her jet-black robe rustling in the wind. She raised her telescope and saw the enemy approaching like a tide, the banner of Prince Jing fluttering in the wind.

"Prepare the artillery!" she ordered coldly.

Artillery fire roared, and the enemy retreated temporarily. But soon, a strange device was pushed to the front line - it was an improved steam ejector!

"Be careful!" Lin Zhen hurriedly protected Murong Yan.

A stream of scorching steam erupted, instantly melting the bricks and stones on the city wall! The soldiers panicked, and their lines began to waver.

Murong Yan remained calm in the face of danger. The golden phoenix on her dark robe seemed to open its eyes: "Send the order, light the trench!"

Suddenly, the trenches outside the city burst into flames, blocking the enemy's attack route. The steam ejectors failed in the high temperature, and the enemy fell into chaos.

Murong Yan stood on the city wall, her dark battle robe gleaming in the firelight. "Tell the Khan of Beimo that the phoenix of Daqian will not be easily broken!"

After the battle, Murong Yan returned to the palace, took off her battle robe, and changed into her jet-black nightgown. The golden phoenix on the dress seemed to breathe gently in the candlelight, telling the story of this thrilling victory.

Lin Zhen gently massaged her shoulders. "Today's battle is enough to shock the Northern Desert. But the remnants of the two imperial uncles are still there, and the tunnels in the Western Mountains have not yet been cleared."

Murong Yan leaned against his chest, the luminous silk on her dark nightgown shimmering with a faint blue light. "It's alright. After this battle, those demons and monsters will finally know what true phoenix rebirth is."

She looked out the window at the gradually brightening sky and whispered, "This war has just begun."