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

Li Mao put down the sheepskin map in his hand, his eyes blazing: "If we can take this place, our containment of the enemy will not only be weakened, but will be a fatal blow."

Li Jingqing nodded in agreement: "Yes, Your Highness. However, this stockpile is surrounded by dense forests, and the enemy has set up sentry posts, making the operation extremely difficult."

Li Mao glanced at the map on the table and pointed to a path: "This path is our only entry point. Jing Qing, have someone thoroughly investigate this road."

"Yes, Your Highness. I will send my most capable spies to ensure that we obtain the most accurate information," Li Jingqing solemnly promised.

Just then, Afu rushed in carrying a letter, his face somewhat anxious: "Your Highness, a secret letter has come from the south. Its contents may be related to the movements of the person behind the scenes."

Li Mao took the letter and unfolded it to read it.

"What does the letter say?" Li Jingqing asked upon seeing this.

“It seems there’s something else going on in the south, possibly targeting not just our army, but the entire northern frontier defense line,” Li Mao said slowly, his brows furrowed.

“If that’s the case, then what we’re facing isn’t just a simple battle of offense and defense, but a comprehensive encirclement,” Li Jingqing said with a hint of worry in his voice.

"Jing Qing, the most important thing at this stage is to ensure the authenticity of our existing information and make timely adjustments," Li Mao said, his gaze sweeping across the people in the tent, his eyes gleaming.

Afu stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, I will do my best to find out more information about the mastermind behind the other side."

"I trust you with this matter. Just remember to be careful." Li Mao patted Afu on the shoulder.

"I obey my orders."

Outside the tent, a gentle breeze began to stir.

Li Mao stood up, walked to the tent entrance, and gazed at the dim mountain shadows in the distance.

"The forces behind the enemy are more complex than we imagined, and we must proceed cautiously and carefully."

Li Jingqing stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Li Mao: "Your Highness, we need to intensify our efforts to mobilize more internal agents and obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation."

“You’re right,” Li Mao nodded. “Since the enemy has deeper schemes behind them, we need to thwart every step of their plans.”

Just then, a guard rushed in from outside the tent and reported that an urgent messenger had arrived and asked for the prince's instructions.

Li Mao's face was ashen as he ordered, "Please let the messenger in."

Before long, a messenger, covered in dust, entered the tent and presented Li Mao with a coded scroll.

After Li Mao unrolled the scroll and read it carefully again, his expression became increasingly solemn.

"As expected, the enemy's forces behind the scenes are not only targeting us, but also other fronts," Li Mao said in a heavy tone.

"It seems we need a comprehensive strategy to deal with this long-laid trap," Li Jingqing said with a worried expression.

"That's right, but we must not lose the advantages we have already gained."

Li Mao put down the scroll, unfolded the map again, and carefully instructed, "Starting tonight, expand the scouting team fivefold."

Li Jingqing accepted the order and immediately prepared to gather all the people and assign new tasks.

Li Mao frowned as he looked at the map on the table.

The current complex situation is clearly not enough; the grim situation in the northern border region must be conveyed to Chang'an.

"Someone, prepare pen and ink."

Li Mao wrote swiftly on a thick sheet of parchment.

A detailed account of the current situation in northern Xinjiang.

It specifically mentions the unknown forces hidden behind the enemy and the potential threat to the entire northern border defense line of the Tang Dynasty.

It is hoped that after reading the military report, Li Longji will dispatch more reinforcements and supplies to ensure the stability of the northern border.

Li Mao pondered for a moment, then added a sentence with his brush: "Guarding the frontier is not a matter for an isolated army, but it is difficult to continue without reinforcements."

After checking it carefully, he sealed the letter and handed it to the messenger.

"Send this letter to Chang'an immediately via express courier, and deliver it to His Majesty as quickly as possible. Be extremely careful and do not make any mistakes," Li Mao instructed.

The messenger received the order and quickly mounted his horse and galloped away.

Several hours later, the generals from various regions reported the latest reconnaissance results.

Li Mao and Li Jingqing promptly gathered information and continuously adjusted their tactics, striving to gain the upper hand in any situation.

Soon after, Emperor Li Longji's reply arrived.

Li Mao unfolded the letter, his expression gradually becoming complicated.

In his letter, Li Longji was concise and to the point.

This cheapskate father actually decided to let him deal with the current situation.

"Your Highness, what did His Majesty say?" Li Jingqing couldn't help but ask, seeing the unreadable expression on his face.

“A loyal general must stand on his own and safeguard the safety of his region. His Majesty hopes we can be self-reliant, and there are no reinforcements,” Li Mao said calmly.

“This…” Li Jingqing was slightly confused. Was he just going to watch the northern border fall?

Li Mao folded the letter again and put it back in his sleeve.

“Jingqing, there’s no need to worry. Although we have no help, our plan is already set,” Li Mao said slowly, as if his carefully chosen words concealed a hidden determination.

"Your Highness, what should we do next?" a lieutenant asked.

"Expand the scout network as planned, increase patrol areas, and ensure we always have a grasp of all surrounding dynamics. In addition, devote more energy to the organization of funds and supplies, and pay special attention to the livelihoods of the villagers." Li Mao assigned tasks, giving instructions to his soldiers in an orderly manner.

"Your Highness remains calm and composed; I admire you." As soon as Li Jingqing finished speaking, he saw a thin bead of sweat wiped from Li Mao's forehead.

"The situation is unpredictable. If His Majesty does not provide assistance, we must seek every available resource in the region," Li Mao sighed helplessly.

That evening, Li Mao marked the enemy's movements in detail on the topographic map.

Late at night, Li Jingqing summoned several trusted generals to discuss new tactical deployments.

Li Mao said with a solemn expression, "Gentlemen, the situation is clear. All we need to do is hold the fort. I will personally inspect each camp to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"General Li, you must strengthen the training of the soldiers and never slacken your efforts in order to cope with any possible changes. We must keep the entire army in a state of readiness at all times."

"Yes, Your Highness. I will certainly live up to your expectations." Li Jingqing bowed and accepted the order.

“We cannot only focus on defense; we must also seek the initiative,” Li Mao continued his analysis. “A nighttime probing raid on the enemy’s outposts can not only probe their strength but also disrupt their formation.”

“Your Highness, this strategy is feasible. However, please allow me to send an elite squad to test the waters first, to avoid taking any risks,” a lieutenant suggested.

Li Mao nodded and said, "Okay, after a small-scale test, we'll decide whether to expand the operation."

Then, Li Mao looked around at everyone and said, "Everyone, please remember that we are not only fighting for the current battle, but also for the peace of the northern frontier and the well-being of the people."

"I will obey your orders!"