My palace is full of female protagonists.

However, when she learned from Zhao Chengyu's letter that Lin Yi had been mistakenly identified as a spy for the former ruler of Feng, she couldn't help but feel surprised and regretful. She felt it was such a pity that someone as talented as Lin Yi had fallen into such an awkward position. Now, seeing Lin Yi again on the battlefield, her heart was filled with even more emotion. She silently prayed that Lin Yi would return safely, that Duan Zhenghuai would give him an important position, and that his talents would be fully displayed.

The battle horn has sounded, and Lin Yi and Gao Lingyan have plunged into fierce combat. Although their positions and identities have changed drastically, their loyalty to their country and people remains unwavering. In this brutal war, they are both fighting for the future of their nation and the happiness of their people in their own ways. Lin Yi also knows that only by proving his innocence and strength in this test can he regain trust and realize his ambitions and ideals.

Initially, the conquest of Lanling seemed paved with victories, each step forward smooth and unimpeded. Lanling, a nation forced into the war, was known for its weak foundation. It lacked sufficient soldiers to build an impregnable defense; the hastily conscripted soldiers, their faces etched with fear of the unknown and longing for home, naturally diminished their fighting capacity. Not to mention the unsustainable food supply; like a prolonged rainy season, Lanling's logistical lines became muddy and vulnerable to breaking at any moment.

The Yun family army is a renowned and formidable force on this continent. Their greatest pride lies in their dense, incredibly sharp spear formations, like a forest. On the sun-drenched plains, the Yun family soldiers, clad in silver armor and wielding spears, resemble a shimmering silver ocean, vast and magnificent, exuding an aura of grandeur.

As the war horns sounded, the soldiers of Lanling Kingdom barely managed to form a loose formation, their hearts filled with unease and despair. Many of them had never even experienced real combat; the weapons in their hands trembled in the breeze, appearing exceptionally heavy. In contrast, the soldiers of the Yun family army had resolute eyes and steady steps, as if each step was precisely to the beat of victory.

The battle was about to erupt. The soldiers of Lanling Kingdom attempted to compensate for their inferior quality with numerical superiority, but this strategy quickly crumbled before the Yun family army's spear formation. The Yun family soldiers swiftly adjusted their formation, their spears forming a forest, pointing straight to the sky, before suddenly advancing to create an insurmountable barrier. The brave Lanling soldiers, before they could even get close, were pierced by the dense rain of spears; screams of agony and the clanging of metal mingled together, creating a cruel and tragic scene.

On the battlefield, blood mist filled the air, and the smell of rust and scorched earth permeated the atmosphere. The generals of Lanling, despite riding only a few warhorses, attempted to boost morale amidst the chaos, but they were overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught of the Yun family army. The Yun family generals, leading from the front, darted through a hail of arrows and spears; each swing of their swords felled an enemy, showcasing their astonishing martial prowess and command skills.

As time passed, the defenses of Lanling Kingdom gradually collapsed, and soldiers began to scatter and flee. The former fields turned into a battlefield, with despair and fear enveloping every corner. The Yun family army did not stop; they continued their pursuit. However, in this contest of overwhelming odds, they felt more sympathy and helplessness for those innocent victims caught in the crossfire.

The territory of Lanling Kingdom resembles a meticulously crafted landscape painting, with towering mountains and crisscrossing ravines, making it a strategically important and difficult-to-attack region since ancient times. Within these continuous mountain ranges, even the bravest warriors must confront the harsh realities of nature. Although the mountain dwellers are mostly elderly, weak, sick, or disabled, the ingenious traps and mechanisms—the crystallization of wisdom left by the ancestors of Lanling Kingdom—act as invisible guardians, silently protecting this ancient land.

Gao Lingyan, the former empress, now reigns as Empress. Her gaze pierces the smoke of battle, fixed on the heart of the Lanling Kingdom. Faced with Lanling's complex geography and ingenious traps, she does not choose to conquer it by brute force, but instead issues an unexpected order: "Encircle and annihilate, but do not kill." Perhaps she harbors deeper considerations, aiming to reduce unnecessary sacrifices, win over the hearts of the people, and lay the foundation for her future rule.

However, the terrain of Lanling Kingdom was far more complex than imagined. Even though the allied forces of Yunnan and Feng Kingdoms were advancing rapidly, there were still many hidden places, like dead ends in a maze, that were difficult to reach. These places were either hidden deep in the mountains and forests or concealed on the peaks of cliffs and precipices, becoming stumbling blocks to the allied forces' advance.

Just as most of the Lanling Kingdom was gradually being occupied by the allied forces, Lin Yi was hastily summoned by a palace attendant to meet the Empress. Inside the palace walls, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn, and every step seemed to tread on the pulse of history.

Upon entering the main hall, Lin Yi saw Gao Lingyan. Now, she wore a dragon robe and a phoenix crown, her brows exuding an imposing imperial aura. Although Lin Yi had bowed and kowtowed to her when she was still Empress, the feeling now was entirely different. It was a sense of awe for power, a感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of deep emotion) about fate, and a complex mix of emotions—a mixture of the past and the future.

Gao Lingyan's gaze was sharp and deep as she looked at Lin Yi, as if trying to see through his heart: "Lin Yi, do you know why I summoned you?"

Although Lin Yi had his own guesses, he still respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I do not know. Please enlighten me."

Empress Gao Lingyan sighed softly, a sigh that contained both helplessness in the face of the current situation and anticipation for the future. She slowly expressed her worries: "Although most of Lanling Kingdom has fallen into our hands, as you can see, there are still many places that are impregnable, as solid as a rock, and difficult to conquer. These places are not only Lanling Kingdom's last line of defense but also their last hope. I know you are exceptionally intelligent and resourceful, and you have already made a name for yourself both in the court and in the martial world, showing great promise at a young age. In this campaign, you have repeatedly achieved remarkable feats, which I have witnessed firsthand."

Her gaze fell on Lin Yi, filled with admiration and anticipation: "I remember when you first became an official, you were already a young man with a small reputation in the martial arts world. In these recent battles, I have paid special attention to you. You are not only brave, but more importantly, you possess a calmness and wisdom that far surpasses those centurions of Feng Kingdom. Therefore, I intend to promote you and appoint you as a deputy general to help you better display your talents."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi felt a surge of emotion, but maintained a calm demeanor. He knew that this was both an honor and a responsibility. However, he also had his own considerations: "If I am to lead troops to subdue the remaining rebels in the mountains, I will gladly accept the task. But I beg Your Majesty's permission to hold the investiture ceremony upon my triumphant return. After all, there are many uncertainties on the battlefield, and I do not wish to be distracted by personal honor or disgrace."

Upon hearing this, Gao Lingyan smiled, a smile that reflected both her approval of Lin Yi and her grasp of the situation: "It seems I was too hasty, Lin Yi. You are indeed a thoughtful person. However, I also have my concerns. Although you are exceptionally talented, you are new here, and the soldiers may not immediately be convinced of your abilities. If you lead the troops into battle and there are discontents within the army, it may affect morale and be detrimental to the war effort. Therefore, I hope you will accept the order first, and gradually establish your authority as a deputy general. When the time is ripe, you can then lead the expedition. What do you say?"

Lin Yi's heart stirred slightly. He had indeed sensed the hidden yet powerful aura outside the main hall—the aura of Duan Zhenghuai. Though he hadn't revealed himself, his presence was undeniable. Lin Yi knew this was the Empress's test of him, and also an affirmation of his abilities. Therefore, he respectfully bowed and said, "Your subject obeys. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's high expectations and quickly establish my authority in the army, awaiting the day of our expedition."

Gao Lingyan nodded in satisfaction, her eyes sparkling with trust and expectation: "Good, Lin Yi, I believe in your abilities. You may step down now and prepare to face new challenges."

Lin Yi bowed again, then turned and left the hall. He knew that this war was not only a conquest of Lanling Kingdom, but also a test and tempering of his own abilities.

Duan Zhenghuai slowly emerged from behind the screen, his steps steady, his gaze sharp, as if he could see into people's hearts. A playful smile played on his lips as he looked at Gao Lingyan with a hint of mockery: "It seems that it was Your Majesty who had the foresight to give this fellow the opportunity to pursue a career in government."

Gao Lingyan smiled gently, a smile tinged with both helplessness and pride: "Indeed, although he was a standout among the young scholars, brimming with talent, his unruly,江湖-like air made him the target of the contempt of the civil officials. Those self-important literati were simply unwilling to have him as their subordinate or apprentice. He was too desperate, almost driven to desperation in his attempt to prove himself. So, I introduced him to my son and had him serve as a staff member for the Crown Prince for a while. There, he made some achievements through his intelligence and talent, and gradually some civil officials became willing to use him to build a relationship with the Crown Prince and thus accept him."

Upon hearing this, Duan Zhenghuai chuckled lightly, his laughter carrying a hint of contempt: "In the end, he's just a guy without any foundation or background, who could be replaced at any time."

Gao Lingyan gently shook her head, her eyes sparkling with wisdom: "This has nothing to do with his ability. There is no difference in the ability of civil officials; it's just a matter of different areas of expertise. But Lin Yi is different. He is both a scholar and a warrior, possessing the wisdom of a scholar and the bravery of a warrior. As an assistant, he can be described as a powerful tool, capable of playing a significant role in anyone's hands."

Duan Zhenghuai's gaze sharpened as he looked at Gao Lingyan, his tone tinged with displeasure: "So, are you trying to undermine me and steal this carefully cultivated weapon of our nation?"

Gao Lingyan smiled slightly, a smile that carried a deeper meaning: "I just want you to see clearly who is worth nurturing. Lin Yi not only has ability, but also potential; his future is limitless."

As expected, Lin Yi, relying on the wisdom and skills he had honed in the martial world, quickly breached the defenses of the first hilltop. This so-called "hilltop" was actually a vast mountain range, shrouded in mist, appearing and disappearing like a fairyland, but also posing immense difficulties for the army. However, Lin Yi was prepared. He used his survival experience accumulated in the martial world to teach his soldiers how to orient themselves in the fog and how to avoid getting lost and falling into traps. Under his guidance, these soldiers, who were originally completely unfamiliar with the mountains, were able to move freely through the dense fog and successfully locate the stronghold of Lanling Kingdom hidden in the mountains.

These strongholds didn't actually have any highly skilled soldiers; most were elderly, weak, sick, or disabled, along with some villagers forced to participate in the resistance. When they saw Lin Yi and his group dressed in soldier's uniforms, they surrendered almost without resistance. Lin Yi didn't make things difficult for them but patiently explained that the war was over and they could return home to live peaceful lives, though they no longer belonged to Lanling Kingdom but to Yunnan Kingdom.

Emboldened by his initial success, Lin Yi's confidence soared. He began to replicate this model, leading a small force of only about a hundred men through several mountainous regions of Lanling Kingdom over a month and a half. At each location, he first sent out scouts to assess the enemy's situation before devising a detailed battle plan. He skillfully utilized terrain and weather to strategically deploy his forces for both assaults and encirclements. Under his command, his soldiers moved like a sharp arrow, piercing through one defensive line after another.

In the end, thanks to his outstanding command skills and the valiant fighting of his soldiers, Lin Yi successfully conquered all the mountains of Lanling Kingdom. Standing atop the mountain, overlooking this land once ravaged by war, he was filled with emotion and pride. He knew that he had not only accomplished a difficult task, but had also brought peace and hope to the people of this land.

His experience quickly spread throughout the army, becoming a celebrated story. Soldiers praised his wisdom and courage, and he gained even more respect and trust as a result.

In truth, Lanling Kingdom wasn't large, but its surrounding mountains and abundant resources made it a land that nurtured both people and animals, a veritable paradise. However, this beautiful land was plunged into chaos by war. Duan Zhenghuai, the ruler of Feng Kingdom, stood on Lanling Kingdom's soil, gazing at the war-torn mountains and rivers, a nameless anger rising within him. He complained, "My trip here has been utterly pointless, hasn't it? I helped your Yunnan Kingdom conquer a country, and I gained nothing for myself, now I have to slink back with these hundred or so people."

Empress Gao Lingyan sat to the side, propping her chin up, looking at Duan Zhenghuai with a half-smile. She slowly spoke: "What? Was it my fault for helping you train officials? If you really feel you've lost out, then leave them here, and I'll give you some horses to take back, so you can get away faster."

Duan Zhenghuai was speechless after Gao Lingyan's words, but as the ruler of a country, he could not easily show weakness. He suppressed his anger and said, "It's not that we can't afford to support these people. It's just that if I go back empty-handed, how can I explain it to my subjects?"

Gao Lingyan chuckled lightly, her gaze sharp: "You, the ruler of a nation, who do you want to answer to? What? You've also given birth to a little beast who wants to steal your throne?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Zhenghuai's face instantly turned ashen. He knew Gao Lingyan's words were sharp, but he hadn't expected her to so bluntly strike at his sore spot. He did indeed have a son, but he had never been designated as the crown prince, causing undercurrents in the domestic political situation. Gao Lingyan's words were undoubtedly reopening his wounds.

Duan Zhenghuai was speechless after being rebuked and could only shake his head helplessly. He knew that confronting Gao Lingyan head-on would only make him more humiliated. So, he ordered his men to purchase a large quantity of goods and cattle and horses at the market in the capital of Yunnan Kingdom, intending to bring them back to Feng Kingdom.

Before departing, Duan Zhenghuai gazed upon the now peaceful land of Lanling Kingdom, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that although he hadn't gained much from this war, he had witnessed Gao Lingyan's wisdom and courage, and Lin Yi's outstanding performance. He knew that such opponents were worthy of respect.

So, he set off back to Feng Kingdom with the purchased goods, cattle, horses, and his soldiers. Gao Lingyan, on the other hand, left some soldiers in Lanling Kingdom to consolidate the gains and lay the foundation for future peace and prosperity. This war, though brutal, also fostered a new understanding and respect between the two nations.