The legitimate daughter returns, and everyone in the Marquis's mansion regrets and begs for for

Ms. Tian sighed softly, "Yang Wenchang, Lin Shiyun, what do you think the next step should be?"

Yang Wenchang pondered for a moment: "Sister-in-law, I think we should strengthen our attention and support for Su Muya. She is currently in a crucial position, and if we can obtain more information through her, it will undoubtedly be a huge advantage for us."

Lin Shiyun added, "That's right."

Madam Tian nodded, put down the account book, and stood up. "Yang Wenchang, continue to send people to monitor the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion's every move, especially Su Muya's actions. Report any unusual activity to me immediately."

Yang Wenchang clasped his hands in a fist and replied, "Yes, sister-in-law, I'll make the arrangements right away."

Tian turned to Lin Shiyun and said, "You are responsible for contacting our allies, making them ready to receive intelligence, and being prepared to support the operation at any time."

Lin Shiyun smiled slightly, bowed, and withdrew: "Understood, I will take care of it immediately."

As night deepened, the entire Tian family tensed up, everyone making final preparations for the impending storm.

East Gate:

Li Wenyuan directed his soldiers to repair the city wall, and flames quickly rose everywhere. Sandbags and planks were constantly being transported to the damaged areas. He personally supervised the work, refusing to slacken his efforts in the slightest. The scene before them was like the last resort in a life-or-death struggle, and no one dared to be careless.

"Everyone, give it your all, hurry up!" Li Wenyuan shouted.

The soldiers gritted their teeth and persevered, knowing that this was not only for their own lives, but also for the thousands of civilians behind them. Sweat mingled with mud, soaking through everyone's clothes, but not one of them stopped working.

West Gate:

Old Su's elite squad had already set up traps and mechanisms at every vulnerable point. A young soldier asked anxiously, "Sir, can we really hold off the enemy?"

Old Su patted the soldier on the shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Don't worry, as long as we work together, these traps and mechanisms are enough to withstand the enemy's attack. Remember, it is our duty to defend the city, and we cannot allow any mistakes."

The young soldier nodded, still appearing nervous, but with a hint of determination in his eyes. He knew the importance of the mission he was undertaking and understood that retreating now would be tantamount to digging his own grave. As night deepened, the troops deployed everywhere tightened their guard, and a chilling atmosphere permeated the area around the west gate.

Zhenbei Prince's Mansion:

The hall was brightly lit, and the Prince of Zhenbei sat in the main seat, discussing countermeasures with several generals.

A guard suddenly rushed in, his expression urgent: "Report! The East Gate has been initially repaired, and Lord Li Wenyuan is sending more people to patrol."

The Prince of Zhenbei nodded slightly, his expression grave: "Very good. Pass down the order to all units to prepare for battle, and at the same time continue to monitor the enemy's movements. We must not let our guard down."

A low, mournful bugle call drifted from afar, as if foreshadowing an impending bloodbath. It was a night destined to be sleepless; everyone awaited their moment of judgment.

Tian family:

The candlelight flickered in the room, illuminating Tian's anxious yet determined face. She stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the dark night outside, muttering to herself, "I hope this time it will succeed, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."

Yang Wenchang rushed in, his face grim: "Sister-in-law, I just received news that the enemy seems to be gathering, preparing to launch a surprise attack in the southwest."

Tian frowned, her heart tightening: "It seems they also know about our situation here."

Tian made a quick decision: "We must immediately notify the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion to prepare for battle as soon as possible. I will send someone to make the arrangements, and you should contact our allies and have them prepare for war as well."

Yang Wenchang nodded: "Okay, I'll take care of it right away." After saying that, he hurriedly turned and left.

When Lin Shiyun came in and saw Tian Shi's tense expression, she asked in a low voice, "Sister-in-law, what happened?"

Tian: "The enemy plans a surprise attack from the southwest, so we must warn the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion in advance. At the same time, we must ensure that Su Muya doesn't expose our relationship with her. This is a battle of wits; we cannot afford to be complacent."

Zhenbei Prince's Mansion - East Gate

Li Wenyuan stood on the city wall, watching the soldiers' busy figures. He took a deep breath and said to a deputy general beside him, "Continue to strengthen patrols and vigilance. Report any unusual activity immediately."

The lieutenant clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Yes, General!"

A night breeze brushed against Li Wenyuan's face, bringing a slight chill, but more so a chilling unease. He knew the importance of this operation, and understood that success or failure hung in the balance. The faint sound of horses' hooves approached in the distance, clearly the scouts had returned.

The scout rushed up to Li Wenyuan, panting, "Report! The enemy has begun to gather to the southwest and will launch an attack in about half an hour!"

Li Wenyuan frowned and gripped his long sword tightly: "Pass down the order, put everyone on high alert, and issue mobilization instructions to all units to strengthen the defenses in the southwest."

The guards obeyed and left, plunging the entire East Gate into a tense atmosphere.

The night grew ever darker, the darkness seeming to swallow everyone whole. But the guards did not flinch; each understood that where they stood was their last line of defense for their homeland.

Inside the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion, the main hall was still brightly lit, and the generals were gathered to discuss countermeasures. A messenger rushed in and reported, "Reporting to my lord, the scouts report that the enemy has begun to gather in the southwest direction and is expected to launch an attack within half an hour."

The Prince of Zhenbei sat firmly in the main seat, his face grim. He calmly looked up and surveyed the crowd. "Gentlemen," he said, "now is the time for us to fight a desperate battle. We must ensure that every detail is flawless!"

The generals responded in unison, exchanging glances—a silent understanding and unwavering resolve. They quickly divided tasks, mobilized troops, adjusted deployments, and meticulously arranged every combat position.

In Tian's room, she paced back and forth, her anxiety evident. At this crucial moment, any slight oversight could lead to total defeat.

Tian pondered, "Has Yang Wenchang sent any new information?"

Lin Shiyun stood by the window, looking at the dark night sky outside, and whispered, "Sister-in-law, he has already sent someone to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion. We should get feedback soon." Although her voice was calm, a deep unease was hidden within it.

Ms. Tian sighed softly, "I hope this time it goes smoothly, otherwise..."

Inside the Prince Zhenbei's Mansion:

The hall remained brightly lit. Generals bustled in and out, relaying various orders and intelligence. It was a night destined to be sleepless.