Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

Inside the tent, Aya sat at a table, while Li Mao stood to one side, his gaze sharp as a knife, observing her every move.

Aya picked up her pen, hesitated slightly, knowing full well that it would not be easy to convey her sincerity and the Wolf Army's predicament in just a few words. "Your Majesty, I hope you understand that the predicament caused by the war has already affected the livelihoods of the people."

“Mentioning more specific details might help us better assess the situation,” Li Mao said calmly, without a trace of impatience.

Aya nodded and continued writing: "I propose that I be the one to make the wolf army retreat in exchange for the stalemate, thus securing peace."

Li Mao blinked, somewhat surprised but understanding of her position.

Such a peace agreement, if it can be achieved, would benefit both sides.

Li Jingqing observed the entire process and couldn't help but glance at her. He understood Li Mao's caution, but he could also sense Aya's sincerity. He slowly said, "Your Highness is willing to take the risk yourself, which shows your sincerity. However, war is about seeking practical benefits, and the complex situation between us is not optimistic."

Aya paused for a moment, then looked up earnestly at Li Jingqing and Li Mao. "My father never intended to harm the innocent. This attack was caused by a misunderstanding in the officialdom. If we can successfully withdraw our troops, the Wolf Army is willing to engage in long-term peace negotiations with the Tang Army."

Upon hearing this, Li Mao took a deep breath. "If that's possible, it's indeed the best course of action. But who will be responsible for these promises?"

“I will take charge. If your army permits, I am willing to personally mediate and build a bridge of communication,” Aya said firmly.

Li Mao nodded slowly, "We will carefully consider the princess's intentions. This matter is no small thing, and you should know the consequences if there are any dissent."

Aya said fearlessly, "I am willing to bear all the consequences."

As evening fell, Li Mao personally handed the letter written by Aya to the messenger and said to Li Jingqing, "Tell the messenger to be careful and make sure this letter is delivered safely."

"Your Highness, what should we do if the Wolf Lord remains unmoved after receiving the letter?" Li Jingqing asked in a low voice.

“Then consider it a breakdown in negotiations, and we’ll fight to the bitter end.” Li Mao’s voice was filled with murderous intent.

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the tent instantly became heavy.

The following day at dusk.

The messenger finally returned, and the news he brought caused the Tang generals to whisper among themselves, and the camp was abuzz with discussion.

Afu entered leisurely, looking calm, and reported directly to Li Mao, "Your Highness, the Wolf Army has stated that the letter has been delivered and the Wolf Lord has expressed his willingness to reconsider the negotiation terms."

“Sure enough,” a hint of relief appeared on Li Jingqing’s face, “they also realized that continuing to force themselves to hold on would be tantamount to drinking poison to quench their thirst.”

"Why doesn't Your Highness seize this opportunity to press your advantage?" Afu suggested.

Li Mao shook his head solemnly, "It is not the time to act rashly. The conflict in the northern frontier cannot be rushed. We must use strategies to stabilize the situation."

Then, Li Mao gazed into the distance and said softly, "Let's see how the Wolf Lord responds. If he hesitates again, we must prepare a full defense."

"Yes, Your Highness Prince Shou." Li Jingqing bowed and accepted the order.

Day after day, the messages sent back by Aya from the Tang army camp became the focus of frequent discussions between the envoys of both sides.

Li Mao sat upright in his tent, reading the letters exchanged between the two sides.

At this moment, Afu entered the tent with a slightly relaxed smile on his face. "Your Highness, news has just come back that the Wolf Lord has agreed to a temporary truce in order to facilitate direct negotiations."

Upon hearing this, Li Mao's expression relaxed somewhat. "Princess Aya's role should not be underestimated; her adventure has finally yielded some initial results."

Li Jingqing nodded in agreement, "She has truly sacrificed a lot for peace between the two countries."

However, Li Mao knew in his heart that this was only the beginning, and that was why he could not let his guard down.

Li Mao looked at everyone and warned, "Maintain a high level of vigilance and do not be careless. Anything can change before the negotiations begin."

"Any destructive action by the Wolf Army must be countered immediately."

"The mobility and flexibility of all units must be further enhanced."

“We also need to further investigate where the retreating Wolf Army forces are concentrated,” Li Jingqing added.

“Exactly.” Li Mao ran his finger across the sand table. “Tomorrow we will dispatch an elite force to infiltrate the Wolf Army’s territory and investigate their true movements.”

Meanwhile, in another camp, Aya was plotting how to persuade her father through negotiations to end this protracted and exhausting conflict.

While writing the letter, she couldn't help but look up many times, thinking about how to word things to better move her father and make him willing to facilitate peace talks from the bottom of his heart.

the next day.

Inside the Tang army's camp, Li Mao and Li Jingqing were already fully prepared and ordered their men to line up and prepare to respond to any unforeseen events at the front.

"Your Highness, the scouts have brought the latest news—the Wolf Army has indeed begun to retreat," Afu excitedly whispered.

"Very good. We must be adaptable. During the observation period, it's better to remain still than to act rashly." Li Mao decisively issued the order while pondering the next steps.

Li Jingqing added from the side, "During the ceasefire negotiations with the Wolf Army, we still need to control the pace and strive for the best solution when the time is right."

"Therefore, our goal remains to consolidate existing achievements and minimize losses."

Li Mao pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Afu, notify all commanders to immediately strengthen vigilance and report on the Wolf Army's every move. We need to ensure absolute safety during the negotiations."

Meanwhile, in the Tang army camp, Aya kept thinking about how to break the current deadlock between the two sides through negotiations.

She knew that the wolf army's temporary retreat was just the beginning.

Aya couldn't sleep, repeatedly revising her letter to her father, fearing that a single word could drastically reverse the situation between the two nations. "Your Majesty," she wrote, "Throughout history, war has never benefited the people. I only hope you can understand the suffering of the people and bring about peace..."

The next day, Aya finally made up her mind, and the letter was solemnly handed to the messenger. "Please be sure to deliver this letter to my father personally; it concerns the fate of our two nations."

The messenger accepted the letter, nodded in acknowledgment, and immediately set off. Aya watched the messenger's departing figure, silently praying that her father would understand the good intentions expressed in the letter.

Inside the camp, Li Mao summoned all the main generals to discuss the next strategy.

"Gentlemen, although the Wolf Army has retreated, we must not let our guard down." Li Mao said in a serious tone, pointing to the map, "Their retreat direction is unclear. We need to determine whether the retreat is real or just a diversionary tactic."

"Your Highness, we have already dispatched scouts to conduct thorough reconnaissance, and we hope to obtain accurate intelligence as soon as possible," Li Jingqing added.

“Very good,” Li Mao nodded in approval. “In addition, we need to develop several contingency plans, just in case.”

He then deployed several special squads, each responsible for monitoring and supporting different areas, to ensure that the Wolf Army would not take advantage of any openings.