Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

For him, this marriage was not just about marrying a wife, but also about forming an alliance of interests with the Gu family.

Such a marital relationship would provide him with a solid shield in the court.

The Gu family enjoys strong support from civil officials, while he holds military power. If he could form a marriage alliance with the Gu family, it would surely create a delicate balance in the court.

His military power will no longer be an isolated force, but will be closely linked to the civil service.

As a result, his political enemies who were eyeing him from behind would have to think twice before taking action.

Zhao Lingfeng sighed, put his hands behind his back, and gazed at the lonely moon in the night sky.

On the battlefield, he could conquer enemies with his bravery and strategy, but the power struggles in the imperial court were far more complex than those on the battlefield.

No matter how brave and skilled he was in battle, he could not possibly gain a foothold in the court solely through military force.

The powerful figures in the imperial court may appear refined and cultured, but each of them harbors a sharp knife in their heart.

He had to admit that his situation in the court was far more dangerous than on the battlefield.

Every time he returned from a campaign, he could feel the indifference and alienation from the court officials.

Those who once praised his military exploits in front of him may have long regarded him as a potential threat.

"I, Zhao Lingfeng, am ultimately just an outsider." He smiled bitterly, his inner conflict gradually becoming apparent.

No matter how many victories he won on the battlefield, in the eyes of those important officials in the court, he was always a military general who held a large army and lived on the frontier.

Once a military general rises to power, it will inevitably arouse the vigilance of the civil official group.

Zhao Lingfeng was not unaware of these principles.

That's why he understood the importance of marriage alliances even more.

If he could form an alliance with important officials in the court through marriage, he could leverage the influence of the Gu family's civil officials to break his current isolation in the court.

This was not only for the Zhao family, but also for himself—to protect himself in this turbulent court.

He tightened his cloak, and his mind gradually calmed down.

As a seasoned general, he had long since learned how to remain calm in chaos.

Although the power struggle in the imperial court is complex, as long as he steadily promotes this marriage alliance, he can hope to resolve the crisis brought about by the military power in his hands.

Zhao Lingfeng stood outside the tent, the night wind ruffling his cloak like a black eagle's wing. He slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The power struggles within the imperial court are far more ruthless than those on the battlefield, but he has already made his decision.

"Since you fear my military power, then I will use your rules and play your game." Zhao Lingfeng secretly vowed in his heart.

A marriage alliance was the first step he had to take.

He will use this marriage as an opportunity to closely combine the Zhao family's military power with the Gu family's influence in the imperial court, forming an unbreakable barrier.

At this moment, a resolute light shone in Zhao Lingfeng's eyes.

His future has already taken on a clear blueprint in his mind.

And the beginning of this blueprint was Gu Jinyan—the woman he had only met once, a person who was capable of changing his destiny.

"Whether it's the imperial court or the battlefield, it's all just a game of chess in the end. I, Zhao Lingfeng, have never been afraid." His voice was deep and firm in the night wind, like an unshakable rock.

Although the road ahead is full of unknowns and uncertainties, Zhao Lingfeng is already prepared.

His military power is his weapon, while marriage alliances will be another invisible trump card in his hands.

The vast frontier, the boundless desert, the flying yellow sand, the setting sun gradually sinking into the mountains, the afterglow like blood, dyeing the entire sky a fiery red.

Zhao Lingfeng led his border troops to be stationed on this vast land, with camps as numerous as forests and banners fluttering in the wind.

In the distance, the occasional long howl of a wolf could be heard, faintly revealing the desolation and danger of this borderland.

This was a protracted and arduous border war. The enemy forces came with great force, repeatedly violating the border and attempting to tear apart the great power's defenses.

Zhao Lingfeng has been leading troops to guard the frontier for several months, as ordered by the imperial court.

His military power made him a target of fear among the civil officials in the court, and also made him the only pillar on the front line.

The soldiers in the army held him in awe and regarded him as an invincible war god.

In this endless border conflict, Zhao Lingfeng repeatedly repelled the enemy with swift and decisive tactics, but he knew in his heart that this battle was far from over.

Yellow sand filled the sky, and war drums resounded.

Zhao Lingfeng stood atop a high hill, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, intently watching the enemy's movements in the distance.

It was evening, and the enemy seemed to be stirring. Several scout teams were approaching Zhao Lingfeng's camp.

"Order the entire army to prepare for battle. Scout units should strengthen their vigilance and report any unusual enemy movements immediately."

Zhao Lingfeng gave the order in a deep voice, his tone calm and firm. He then turned and ordered the generals in the army to divide their troops and guard the various checkpoints.

In the military camp, Zhao Lingfeng's tent was located in the center, simple yet dignified.

The tent was neatly arranged, with a map of the frontier on the table and several rolls of battle reports beside it.