Chu Chengji emerged from his tent, the sky still dim.

Soldiers patrolling the area encountered him and stopped, calling out, “Your Highness.”

Chu Chengji nodded slightly in acknowledgment before the soldiers continued their patrol.

Not far away was the tent of Cen Daoxi. It seemed he had also risen early, dressed in a wide-sleeved Confucian robe, dignified and elegant, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed thoughtfully at the gray dawn.

As Chu Chengji passed by, he remarked, “Sir, you’re up early today.”

Cen Daoxi turned around, seeing that it was Chu Chengji. “Your Highness is also up early.”

Both being strategists, compared to dealing with Lu Ze, Cen Daoxi was less restrained and more amiable in Chu Chengji’s presence.

The faint light of dawn fell upon them, and the fire in the tripod nearby still burned, casting flickering shadows that made their figures somewhat indistinct.

Chu Chengji asked, “How do you think the situation with Prince Huaiyang will unfold, Sir?”

Cen Daoxi’s tone was clear and somewhat arrogant. “Prince Huaiyang is no longer a concern. The remaining forces can be swiftly eradicated. After a period of rest and recovery, Your Highness can march northward. What I am concerned about is how to fully control the territories north of Zhuzhou and south of Liangzhou.”

Even the Marquis of Lian had to face external enemies from the Northern Barbarian.

With provisions depending on the central plains, the Marquis had previously assisted them with medicinal herbs, and Chu Chengji had also sent provisions back.

These two forces could now be said to be in the same boat.

Chen Guo, situated in the middle of all this, went from being under the control of Li Xin initially to now having Shen Yanzhi and Li Zhong vying for power.

If either of them were to be individually defeated, Shen Yanzhi might ally with Li Zhong against external threats.

If one were to be persuaded to turn against the other, aiding in nibbling away at the other’s power, considering the past conflicts between Shen Yanzhi and the Crown Prince of Chu, an alliance between them and Bianjing was highly unlikely.

Li Zhong and his ilk had no integrity whatsoever, and it was highly likely that after forming an alliance with them, they would betray later.

Moreover, he had previously been instructed by Li Xin and had already made contact with the Northern Barbarian.

If pushed to the brink, he could even join forces with the Northern Barbarian.

Taking control of these two forces originally belonging to Li Xin wouldn’t be easy.

Despite this, Chu Chengji showed no signs of worry on his face.

His voice was calm and reserved as he spoke, “Indeed, there are still these final two battles to be fought.”

As the light of dawn spread, the fire in the tripod dimmed.

Cen Daoxi glanced at the Crown Prince who had reclaimed much of the lost territory in less than a year.

Although his appearance seemed somewhat younger, his maturity in handling matters and his military prowess had surprised Cen Daoxi several times.

Such courage and ability were no wonder that he had earned the loyalty of many talented advisors and generals.

The soldiers had already risen, and the sounds in the military camp gradually increased.

Chu Chengji’s personal guard went to search for someone in Lu Ze’s camp and finally found him. “Your Highness, a letter from the Crown Princess Consort!”

A hint of disturbance finally flickered in Chu Chengji’s reserved eyes.

The letter was the one Qin Zheng wrote to Chu Chengji a few days ago, asking him to purchase warm clothing from Minzhou and mentioning the incident where the doctor who could cure the epidemic in Zhuzhou was captured by Shen Yanzhi.

Seeing Chu Chengji’s displeasure, Cen Daoxi asked, “Could it be that something unexpected has happened in Jianghuai?”

Chu Chengji handed him the letter.

After reading it, Cen Daoxi’s expression also turned serious.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Your Highness, the situation in Wujun and other places…”

“General An and I are here to eliminate the remaining forces of Prince Huaiyang. Your Highness can return to Jianghuai to oversee the overall situation.”

Shen Yanzhi’s move was undoubtedly aimed at the Crown Princess Consort.

The Crown Princess Consort was caught in a dilemma, with the lives of all the plague-stricken people weighing heavily on her decisions.

Lu Ze hadn’t slept well last night.

When he finally woke up from his short rest, he learned that Chu Chengji, who had said he was going to inspect the river valleys early in the morning, was to be escorted back to Jianghuai with the fabric.

He clicked his tongue a few times, feeling even more emotional.

Fortunately, the old man in his family didn’t lose his mind in the past and insisted on sending Lu Jinxin to Chu Chengji’s side.

Otherwise, the good days of the Lu family in Yingzhou would truly be over.

In Qingzhou,

Qin Zheng hadn’t waited for the promised meeting with Shen Yanzhi, but was first shocked by the bad news brought back from Beiting.

The Northern Barbarian launched their fiercest attack since the onset of winter, besieging Liangzhou Prefecture and Qiangliu Pass simultaneously, with the Marquis and his son each holding one position.

However, the leader of the Northern Barbarian forces this time was the eldest son of the Northern Rong King, known as the bravest warrior of the Northern Barbarian.

Even the Marquis of Qingzhou almost lost his life when facing him.

At a critical moment, a small-sized officer rushed out, taking the blow meant for the Marquis.

However, he was still no match for the eldest son of the Northern Rong King.

When he was cut down from his horse, his helmet fell off, and his long hair and the splattered blood danced in the autumn wind.

His face, covered in blood, had a fierce and ferocious look.

Seeing that he was facing a female general, the eldest son of the Northern Rong was stunned for several moments,

After he regained his senses, he resumed chasing after the female general, and the bodyguard took several blows for her.

Not long after, a troop of female soldiers returned to Qingzhou with the body.

However, all the cities north of Zhuzhou were tightly closed due to the ongoing struggle between Shen Yanzhi and Li Zhong.

The troop of female soldiers returning home was trapped on the way back, carrying many refugees and merchants.

It took a lot of effort to finally get the news to Qingzhou.

When Qin Zheng first heard the news, she felt a dizzy spell wash over her.

Struggling to maintain her composure, she instructed someone to summon Song Heqing and the others for a meeting.