Chapter 17: General’s Pampered Little Wife 17

Chapter 17: Chapter 17: General’s Pampered Little Wife 17

Hearing Ji Xiaosong’s words, Xiao Shen couldn’t help but smile dotingly. He reached out, gently tapped her nose, and said, "My lady is clever. But rest assured, the spies have already pinpointed the general location of Prince Qi’s grain supplies. We only need to wait for the right moment to act."

Ji Xiaosong’s eyes lit up, and she continued, "My lord, I also heard that Prince Qi’s armory is set up in an extremely well-hidden valley. The terrain there is treacherous—easy to defend and hard to attack. But I know of a small path that leads around to the back of the valley."

Before Xiao Shen could reply, Ji Xiaosong pushed him aside, walked to the wooden table, picked up a piece of rough paper, and began to draw.

Ji Xiaosong’s expression was focused, her delicate brows slightly furrowed as the brush in her hand moved rapidly across the paper.

She carefully sketched the location of the path, which was winding and twisted, passing through several dense forests and piles of jumbled rocks.

Along the path, she marked potential obstacles, notable terrain features, and even pointed out several locations suitable for an ambush.

After finishing the drawing, Ji Xiaosong gently set down the brush. Fine beads of sweat had formed on her forehead, but her eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation. She handed the rough paper to Xiao Shen and said, "My lord, look. This is the layout of the path."

Xiao Shen took the paper and examined it closely. A look of surprise appeared on his face, quickly followed by a trace of doubt. He lifted his eyes to Ji Xiaosong and asked, "My lady, how did you come to know of such a confidential matter?"

’I’ve been careless!’

Ji Xiaosong faltered for a moment, her gaze flickering. Then, she composed herself and said, "My lord, on my way to the Northern Land, the merchant caravan I was with took this path to avoid bandits. I sensed something was amiss at the time, so I quietly investigated."

Hearing Ji Xiaosong’s words, Xiao Shen’s heart ached for her. He pulled her into his embrace and said softly, "My lady, your journey here was far too perilous."

Ji Xiaosong leaned against Xiao Shen’s chest and said softly, "I’m willing to do anything for you, my lord. You should quickly take this to the Crown Prince so a strategy can be formulated as soon as possible."

Xiao Shen released Ji Xiaosong, his expression turning solemn. "My lady, you must rest here. Do not put yourself in danger again."

With that, he carefully folded the map Ji Xiaosong had drawn, tucked it into his robes, and strode out of the tent.

The moment he left the tent, Xiao Shen summoned two of his trusted guards and ordered sternly, "The two of you will stand guard outside the tent and ensure my lady’s safety. She is not to take a single step out of this tent without my command."

The two guards replied in unison, "Yes, General!"

Xiao Shen cast another worried glance back at the tent before quickening his pace toward the main command tent.

’My little wife... she’s still so naive.’

’Just arriving safely in the Northern Land was perilous enough. The information she provided last night was even riskier.’

’If others were to find out she knew such a secret thing about Prince Qi, the Crown Prince and the others would surely become suspicious.’

’I have nothing to fear, but I don’t want to bring suspicion upon the Ji family because of this.’

’Therefore, the Crown Prince and the others must never find out about this matter.’

’And from now on, it would be best if my little wife appeared before these people as little as possible, to avoid arousing suspicion.’

When he reached the main command tent, Xiao Shen dispatched spies to scout the valley. In just half a day, a spy returned to report.

The spy cupped his fists and said, "General, the valley is indeed just as you predicted, and the path truly exists. However, there are hidden sentries from Prince Qi’s forces along the way. We must proceed with caution."

Xiao Shen pondered for a moment, then said, "Summon all the generals. This matter requires careful planning."

Before long, the generals had gathered in the main command tent. Xiao Shen informed them of the situation, and a lively discussion ensued.

One general said, "Why don’t we launch a surprise attack tonight and catch them off guard?"

Another general shook his head. "No, that’s not possible. There are too many hidden sentries. A rash move would likely give us away."

Xiao Shen’s gaze was firm. "We can send a team to eliminate the hidden sentries first. Then, we’ll send elite soldiers to infiltrate via the path. With a coordinated attack from both inside and out, we are certain to be victorious."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Xiao Shen immediately gave the orders, and all preparations were set in motion.

「It was a moonless, windy night.」

Xiao Shen personally led his elite troops along the path he had predicted. They successfully eliminated the hidden sentries and stealthily infiltrated the valley.

Inside the valley, Prince Qi’s soldiers were completely unprepared.

At Xiao Shen’s command, his soldiers descended like fierce tigers, routing Prince Qi’s men and sending them fleeing in disarray.

In the end, Xiao Shen successfully seized Prince Qi’s armory, gaining a crucial advantage in quelling the rebellion.

Meanwhile, Ji Xiaosong waited anxiously in the tent. Only when Xiao Shen returned could she finally relax.

An exhausted Xiao Shen walked into the tent, and Ji Xiaosong immediately rushed to greet him.

"My lord, you’re finally back!" Ji Xiaosong’s eyes were filled with concern and joy.

"My lady, I have not failed my mission. The armory has been taken."

Ji Xiaosong breathed a sigh of relief. "That’s good. I was so worried about you."

"I’m sorry to have made you worry, my lady. Our success this time was largely thanks to the clue you provided."

"We are husband and wife; there’s no need for such words between us. I just wonder how much longer this war will last."

Xiao Shen lifted Ji Xiaosong into his arms, walked over to the cot, and sat down slowly, settling her securely in his lap.

He held her tightly, resting his chin gently on the crown of her head, and said softly, "Rest assured, my lady. With Prince Qi having suffered this setback, the Crown Prince and I will try to negotiate a truce. After all, we are all subjects of Chen Country. We have no desire for a major war."

Ji Xiaosong tilted her head up slightly and said, "If that could happen, it would be for the best. But will Prince Qi agree to a truce so easily?"

"Don’t worry, my lady. With his armory captured, Prince Qi’s strength is greatly diminished. He will surely weigh the pros and cons."

Xiao Shen gently stroked Ji Xiaosong’s back, then tenderly brushed the stray hairs from her forehead, his gaze full of warmth and reassurance.

"And what if the truce fails?"

Xiao Shen’s gaze sharpened. He said firmly, "If the truce fails, then I will protect you completely. I will stake everything to preserve the peace of this land."

Ji Xiaosong wrapped her arms around Xiao Shen’s neck and said, "My lord, no matter what happens, I will face it with you."

"With you saying that, my lady, I will certainly not disappoint." Xiao Shen was deeply moved and placed a kiss on Ji Xiaosong’s forehead.

They embraced for a moment before Xiao Shen continued, "My lady, you should rest now. You’ve been through a lot these past few days."

"What is my exhaustion compared to yours? You carry the safety of Chen Country’s people on your shoulders, toiling day and night. There isn’t much I can do; I can only pray for your safety and success."

Xiao Shen was deeply touched by her words.

He gently released Ji Xiaosong and said, "My lady, you rest first. I’m going to discuss our next steps with the Crown Prince. Also, I’ve already informed the Ji family and the Imperial Family of your arrival in the Northern Land, so they won’t worry."

Ji Xiaosong nodded obediently. "Thank you, my lord. Please be careful."

Xiao Shen stood up, gently laid Ji Xiaosong down on the cot, and then left.

Outside the tent, Xiao Shen’s expression instantly grew serious. He walked with a steady, determined gait toward the Crown Prince’s tent.

Arriving outside the Crown Prince’s tent, Xiao Shen announced his presence. After receiving permission, he entered.

Upon seeing Xiao Shen, the Crown Prince eagerly asked, "General Xiao, for you to come at this hour, does this mean you have a new idea?"

Xiao Shen cupped his fists in a salute and said, "Your Highness, I believe we need to make a few more preparations regarding the truce with Prince Qi."

"Oh? And what brilliant insight does General Xiao have?"