Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 24: Storm Rising Again

The warm sunlight of the capital shone through the carved window lattices, casting a gentle glow on the courtyard of the Prince's Mansion. Under Zhang Peng's meticulous care, Xia Lijuan's health gradually improved, and she was now able to stroll in the courtyard. Dressed in a light blue silk dress, her figure was graceful, like a flower blooming in spring. Zhang Peng stayed by her side, his eyes filled with tenderness and concern. Having just experienced life and death, this moment of tranquility seemed especially precious.

“My lord, if it weren’t for your perilous journey to find the Ice Soul Snow Lotus, I’m afraid…” Xia Lijuan said softly, her eyes sparkling with gratitude and love.

Zhang Peng gently held her hand and said softly, "Don't talk nonsense. As long as you are safe and sound, everything is worth it."

However, this tranquility did not last long. One day, the steward rushed into the courtyard, looking flustered: "Your Highness, Lord Zhou Yuan requests an audience, saying he has urgent military information."

Zhang Peng and Xia Lijuan exchanged a glance, a sense of foreboding rising in their hearts. Zhang Peng immediately stood up and went to greet Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan looked exhausted and his expression was grave.

"Your Highness, something terrible has happened!" Zhou Yuan said urgently before he could even stand properly. "An urgent report has come from the border: foreign forces have taken advantage of the chaos in the capital to regroup their troops and intend to invade."

Zhang Peng's expression changed drastically. He knew all too well the severity of the situation on the border; if it fell, the people would be plunged into misery. "What is the enemy's troop strength? Do we have any countermeasures in place?"

Zhou Yuan shook his head: "The enemy is coming with great force, and their strength far exceeds our expectations. Moreover, they have brought new siege weapons with tremendous power. Although the soldiers on the border are fighting hard, the situation is not optimistic."

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment, then turned to Xia Lijuan: "Lijuan, the border is in dire need of help, and I must go to provide support."

A hint of reluctance flashed in Xia Lijuan's eyes, but she knew Zhang Peng's responsibility and commitment, and nodded firmly: "Your Highness, go with peace of mind, I will take good care of myself. You must come back safely."

Zhang Peng held Xia Lijuan's hand tightly: "Wait for me, I will definitely come back safely."

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Peng went to the palace to meet the Emperor and request permission to lead the expedition. The Emperor looked at Zhang Peng with eyes full of trust and expectation: "Zhang Peng, this border war concerns the safety of the nation. I hereby appoint you as the General Who Conquers the West, to lead the army, and you must defeat the enemy and protect our territory!"

Zhang Peng knelt down and accepted the order: "Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to live up to your trust!"

Back at the Prince's residence, Zhang Peng began making intensive preparations for the expedition. He personally selected elite soldiers, inspected weapons and equipment, and formulated a battle plan. Xia Lijuan also helped him, preparing his luggage and reminding him of various precautions.

On the day of departure, the area outside the Prince's mansion was crowded with people seeing him off, all offering their blessings to Zhang Peng and his soldiers. Xia Lijuan stood in the crowd, tears welling in her eyes, but she stubbornly held them back.

Zhang Peng rode his tall horse with imposing grandeur. He surveyed the departing crowd, his gaze finally settling on Xia Lijuan. The two looked at each other from afar, a thousand words unspoken in that single glance.

"Move out!" With Zhang Peng's command, the army marched in a mighty procession toward the border. The sounds of horses' hooves and footsteps mingled together, creating a poignant battle song.

Along the way, Zhang Peng and his soldiers traveled day and night, enduring wind and rain. Finally, they arrived at the border. At this time, the border was engulfed in war, with smoke billowing everywhere. Standing on the city wall, Zhang Peng looked at the enemy's camp in the distance and secretly vowed to drive the enemy out of the border completely.

He quickly summoned his generals to analyze the enemy's situation. It turned out that the enemy was led by an experienced general, employed varied tactics, and had new siege weapons, which put enormous pressure on the border defenses.

"The enemy's new siege weapons are extremely powerful. If we cannot crack them, our city walls will likely be unable to withstand them," a general said with deep concern.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Peng said, "We cannot sit idly by and wait to die. On the one hand, we should strengthen the city wall defenses and prepare more rolling logs and stones; on the other hand, we should send people to infiltrate the enemy's rear and destroy their siege equipment."

Everyone nodded and left to carry out their orders. Zhang Peng knew that this battle would be exceptionally difficult, but he did not flinch, holding only one belief in his heart: to protect the border and the people.

As night fell, Zhang Peng personally led an elite squad to infiltrate the enemy's rear under cover of darkness. They followed the rugged mountain path, avoiding enemy patrols, and quietly approached the enemy's siege equipment storage area.

Just as they were about to approach, a sharp whistle suddenly rang out. Zhang Peng had a bad feeling; they had been discovered by the enemy. In an instant, alarms sounded in the enemy camp, and soldiers poured out of their tents, converging on them.