Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 401 Frontier Warfare, Decision to Launch an Expedition

However, war suddenly broke out on the frontier, plunging the court into a tense situation.

The once peaceful palace was instantly enveloped in a tense atmosphere, as urgent military reports flew into the capital like snowflakes.

"The enemy is advancing fiercely and has already captured several cities!"

The emperor urgently summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures.

"My esteemed ministers, the border is in grave danger. How should we respond?" The emperor asked, his brow furrowed and his expression anxious.

In the imperial court, the ministers whispered among themselves, discussing the matter animatedly.

"Your Majesty, we must immediately dispatch a large army to reinforce the border, or the consequences will be unimaginable," a military officer stepped forward.

Xiao Ling also stepped forward, "Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to personally go to the frontier to resist the enemy army."

The emperor pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement, "Minister Xiao, I hereby appoint you as Grand General and order you to lead the army into battle immediately."

Su Jinxiu was filled with worry when she learned that Xiao Ling was about to go to war.

"My lord, you must be extra careful on your journey to the frontier."

Xiao Ling held Su Jinxiu's hand tightly, "Don't worry, Madam, I will certainly not fail in my mission."

Xiao Ling led his army day and night, rushing towards the frontier. Along the way, the soldiers' morale was high.

"For the sake of the country and the people, we must defeat the enemy!"

Upon arriving at the border, Xiao Ling discovered that the enemy forces were strong and their tactics were unpredictable.

"This enemy is not easy to deal with, everyone must be careful."

In one battle, Xiao Ling's army was ambushed by the enemy and suffered heavy losses.

"General, we've been ambushed!"

Despite the danger, Xiao Ling remained calm and commanded his soldiers to fight bravely.

"Don't panic, follow me and fight your way out!"

After a fierce battle, they finally broke through the encirclement.

Meanwhile, in the capital, Su Jinxiu was not idle either. She organized the concubines in the harem to sew clothes and prepare supplies for the soldiers at the front.

"Sisters, even though we are in the rear, we still want to do our part for the front lines."

The ministers in the imperial court were also busy with the war, raising supplies and allocating troops.

"We must ensure the supply of materials to the front lines."

But at this moment, discordant voices emerged within the imperial court.

"Xiao Ling has been fighting for a long time without winning. Is it because of his poor command?"

"He might be suspected of colluding with the enemy."

These rumors reached the emperor's ears, and a sense of doubt began to creep into his heart.

"Could it be that Xiao Ling really is..."

Upon learning this, Su Jinxiu immediately went to the palace to meet the emperor.

"Your Majesty, Xiao Ling is utterly loyal to you and has no ulterior motives. The war is currently difficult, so please trust him."

The emperor ultimately chose to believe Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling volunteered for the battle, and the emperor approved it after some hesitation. Su Jinxiu was worried about him in the palace.

Xiao Ling stood in the imperial court, his gaze fixed firmly on the emperor, his armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

"Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to personally lead the army into battle, and will surely defeat the enemy and safeguard the peace of our borders!" Xiao Ling's voice was powerful and resounding throughout the court.

The emperor sat on his dragon throne, his brow furrowed in deep thought. He was well aware of the difficulty of this war and worried that Xiao Ling's journey would likely end in grave danger.

"Minister Xiao, this matter is of utmost importance. Are you absolutely certain?" The emperor's eyes were filled with worry and hesitation.

Xiao Ling clasped his hands in a salute and said again, "Your Majesty, this humble general is willing to stake his life on it; if we fail, we will die trying!"

Below the court, the ministers began to whisper among themselves.

"Xiao Ling's courage is commendable, but the enemy's forces are overwhelming, I'm afraid..."

"Yes, this battle is of great importance and cannot be decided lightly."

When Su Jinxiu heard the news that Xiao Ling had volunteered for the battle while she was in the palace, her heart clenched.

"Why was my husband so impulsive? This battlefield is extremely dangerous..." She paced back and forth in the room, her face full of worry.

In the imperial court, after much deliberation, the emperor finally made a decision.

"Very well, Minister Xiao, I trust you. I hereby appoint you as the General Who Conquers the West, and you shall immediately lead an army of 100,000 to the expedition!" the emperor declared loudly.

Xiao Ling knelt down to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. This humble general will certainly not fail in his mission!"

When the news reached the palace, Su Jinxiu couldn't help but burst into tears.

"My husband, you must return safely."

Xiao Ling returned home and said goodbye to Su Jinxiu.

"My lady, do not worry, I will surely return victorious. You must take good care of yourself in the palace."

Su Jinxiu tidied Xiao Ling's armor, giving him countless instructions and reminders.

On the day Xiao Ling set off with his army, the people of the capital lined the streets to see him off.

"General Xiao, we must win this battle!"

"General, take care!"

Xiao Ling, mounted on his horse, waved to the people, then led his army away into the distance.

Su Jinxiu stood on the city wall, watching Xiao Ling's departing figure, reluctant to leave for a long time.

The army, having traveled a long way, arrived at the frontier. Xiao Ling discovered that the enemy's defenses were extremely tight, and they were very familiar with the terrain.

"It seems this is going to be a tough battle," Xiao Ling thought to himself.

He began to observe the terrain and formulate a battle plan.

"We need to catch them off guard to have a chance of winning."

However, at this time, the army encountered a shortage of food and supplies.

"General, the provisions will only last for a few more days."

Xiao Ling was extremely anxious and immediately sent someone to request support from the imperial court.

"No matter what, we must hold out until the supplies arrive."

Meanwhile, in the palace, Su Jinxiu also learned of the food shortage and decided to find a way to raise food for Xiao Ling.

"I cannot let my husband fight on an empty stomach at the front."

She traveled extensively, contacting various forces.

"My lords, please help us gather some provisions for the soldiers at the front."

Thanks to Su Jinxiu's efforts, a batch of grain was finally collected and quickly transported to the frontier.