The number one spendthrift woman in the capital actually brings glory to her entire family?

"Because once he has formed this army, what he is leading now will not be his father's Four Banners Army. Moreover, the army he forms will become a bargaining chip in the Emperor's hands to deal with the Sikong Mansion. Would that little guy be willing to become a pawn in the Emperor's hands?"

A look of admiration appeared in Lord Yukichi Ten's eyes. "If it were us, we would probably be eager to build our own power and try to strengthen our own wings. Only he can be so patient and patient, and instead turn the emperor and Sikong Shu, who tried to control him, into pawns in his hands. Such cunning is truly terrifying..."

"Sir, Ah Jin..."

"I was fortunate that I didn't distance myself from him because of his father's situation, otherwise, I'm afraid..."

Speaking of this, Xingqi Tian suddenly recalled the scene when he broke out of the imperial city. At that time, he was very surprised that the Crown Prince of Dibei appeared so coincidentally. Now that he thought about it, it was probably arranged by Sikong Jin. Otherwise, even if they could leave the imperial city that night, they would have paid a very heavy price!

Ji Wuge nodded gently. "That day, if it weren't for Ajin, the capital would probably have been a river of blood, and countless of our brothers and sisters would have fallen in that upheaval. It was because of her that this upheaval became so delicate. I'm afraid not many people know that it was Ajin who secretly saved their lives with great difficulty."

"Yes, the Liu family is now in cahoots with the Emperor. The Sikong Mansion has been dragged into this mess, and there are quite a few undercurrents in the capital. It must be tough for your brother in the capital."

"Tang Jingyao is a cunning fox, he knows how to protect himself. By the way, sir, the man in black with a bamboo hat who helped us escape danger by the Shenglan River that you asked me to investigate last time, there is still no news about him. He seems to have suddenly disappeared into thin air. If we want to know his identity, we will probably have to wait until we see Ajin and ask her in person."

"Since we can't find it, let's just leave it at that. If such a master doesn't want to show up, our investigation will only provoke his resentment."

"Yes, my lord!"

As Ji Wuge's voice fell, a series of resounding footsteps came from outside the door. The two subconsciously turned their heads and saw Xing Fuhua, dressed in a gray outfit and wearing a fox fur cloak, walking in with a heroic air.

"Father, Brother Ji!"

Xing Fuhua pulled down her hood, revealing a stunningly beautiful face flushed red from the cold.

"Hua'er is back!"

Koki Ten smiled kindly and pointed to the burning fireplace by the bedside. "Come and sit down, warm yourself by the fire. It's quite cold outside."

"I have met Her Royal Highness the Princess!"

Just as Ji Wuge was about to get up and bow, Xing Fuhua stopped him with a smile and a gesture of her hand. “Father is no outsider. It’s fine to call him by his name since we’re all family. Or you can call me A-Jiu. Anyway, I’m the ninth in line. I just got back and heard that you two were in the study, so I specially asked the kitchen to prepare some late-night snacks. Brother Ji, you’re not in a hurry to go back, are you?”

"Thank you, Ninth Princess. I have other matters to attend to, so I will not disturb you and the lord any longer. I will take my leave now!"

Ji Wuge stood up to say goodbye, glanced at Xing Qitian, saw Xing Qitian nod in tacit approval, and then withdrew.

"How have you been doing over there lately? I've been busy these past few days and haven't had a chance to inspect the military camp. I heard from Wu Ge that you seem to be doing quite well," Xing Qitian asked with concern.

"It's alright, but having to memorize so many military books every day and understand the terrain and culture of various places feels even more tiring than when I studied with the palace maids."

Xing Fuhua took the tea that Xing Qitian handed her, took a sip, and couldn't help but complain.

"Do you think it's so easy to become an outstanding strategist? Looking at the whole world, which strategist or scholar isn't a learned man who has read all the classics?"

“Brother Jin isn’t like that! But he’s more amazing than anyone else!”

Xing Fuhua retorted defiantly, her face flushing crimson at the mention of her beloved, her eyes inexplicably softening with tenderness. "However, I will definitely try my best to catch up with Brother Jin, I promise!"

Upon hearing this, Xing Qitian was both amused and exasperated. He reached out his slender hand and gently patted Xing Fuhua's head. Looking into Xing Fuhua's eyes, a hint of melancholy suddenly appeared. He sighed, "Hua'er, you've grown up, and you're becoming more and more like your mother. Back then, your mother always said that in her eyes, your father was a great hero. In the blink of an eye, almost seventeen years have passed. Time really flies..."

Xing Fuhua suddenly didn't know what to say. In all her life, this was the first time she had seen her father reminisce about her mother, the first time she had heard him bring her up on his own initiative...

"Father, Mother knows that you have missed her all these years. She will be very gratified and happy."

"The people are gone, who knows if they will still be able to sense it? Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Now that you're back, it seems you've read those military books quite a bit. Starting tomorrow, you'll stay by your father's side. Going to the battlefield once is worth more than reading many books of military strategy."

"Um……"

……

In late spring, the weather is still chilly. Looking up at the sky, one can vaguely sense a damp mist floating in the overcast sky. Several misty spring rains fall, and the ice and snow that have been dormant for half a year begin to slowly melt.

Ice City was on the verge of collapse, so the Minister of Works had no choice but to order the soldiers and civilians to rebuild the village on the ruins. After such a disaster, the people believed in the Minister of Works' inspiring speeches such as "Tomorrow Will Be Better" and "Unity Is Strength," and were full of confidence and hope for the days to come.

Lord Sikong used the looted money to purchase a lot of wheat and sorghum seeds from within the Dayong Kingdom and distributed them to the people. He also gave each household two lambs. This act won the enthusiastic support of the people in the Northwest. In order to thank this benefactor who was like their second parents, the people urged their children to join the Four Banners Army and follow Lord Sikong.

However, Lord Sikong was in no hurry to answer, saying that everything would be discussed after the spring planting season. A new atmosphere full of hope permeated the Northwest.

Meanwhile, it was said that the people in the Yisu Mountain-Tata City area had settled down and were living well. The rebels who had gathered near Talan City and attempted to seize Chongzhou City threw down their wooden sticks and kitchen knives and began to migrate towards Yisu Mountain-Tata City to seek refuge. The crisis in Chongzhou City was actually alleviated.