473: Chapter 473 I Understand

The Zhenbei Army had a large number of troops, with over two hundred thousand regulars. Including the Militia, there were as many as five hundred thousand.

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But the problem was that everyone was usually busy with their own tasks and scattered across various locations.

Especially during the spring plowing season, the soldiers were incredibly busy; every one of them was covered in mud from the fields.

To suddenly gather them in Cang Province and E Prefecture to join the battle was not something that could be done in just a day or two.

“I have already sent messenger pigeons to Lu Sanchuan and Commander-in-Chief Zhao; they will surely lead the main army to support us.”

“But the issue is, even for cavalry, it will take at least seven days for the main army to arrive. Otherwise, the men and horses will be exhausted, and they won't be able to fight upon arrival.”

“During this period, our troop numbers are insufficient, so we can only make up for it with equipment.”

Xiao Qingxuan picked up her brush, looked up, and said, “Old Yu, Young Master Xie, are the new weapons from the arsenal ready?”

“Rest assured, Princess Consort. The Prince instructed us not to stop work even during the spring plowing, so we have been in continuous production,” Old Yu said.

“However, there are a few big ones that haven't been tested yet. Taking them directly to the battlefield, would it be...” Xie Yu was a bit worried.

“There's no time,” Xiao Qingxuan said. “The enemy outnumbers us. If we cannot hold the arsenal, it will only benefit the Qing Kings Army.”

Old Yu and Xie Yu frowned immediately upon hearing this; that simply wouldn't do!

Their time at Northern Military Industry had been their happiest days, with a steady stream of funding and one project after another.

If anyone dared to destroy their paradise of happiness, they would definitely fight to the death!

“Since the Princess Consort has said so, Master, let’s haul that fellow out too!” A fierce look appeared in Xie Yu's eyes.

Old Yu shuddered. “No, that... that thing isn't easy to operate.”

“Don't panic, I'll oversee it personally and take a few people to try it out!” Xie Yu said.

“What? You're going to the battlefield yourself?!”

Old Yu hurriedly waved his hand. “Don't! I still want to live for a few more years! I haven't had enough flying fairy yet!!”

Xie Juner asked curiously from the side, “Brother, what is this 'big fellow' you're talking about? Is it very powerful?”

“Naturally! It's a fierce piece of work derived from the ‘Thousand-Glare Star’ given by the Prince. Once successful, it will definitely slaughter everyone in its path!”

Xie Yu looked excited, wishing he could show it to everyone immediately.

Just then, Leng Bingyan ran into the study in a hurry, her expression looking a bit grim.

“This is bad, Qingxuan, something has happened!”

Xiao Qingxuan's eyes flickered slightly, as if she had expected this. She said, “Is it about my identity?”

Leng Bingyan was stunned. “You... how did you know?”

General Zhao Kuan and the others asked anxiously, “Madam Leng, what happened?”

“It’s Prince Qing. He has publicly declared that the Princess Consort of Zhenbei's real name is Xiao Qingxuan, and that she is the Empress of Western Shu from the fallen dynasty.”

“He also said that Qingxuan is working hand in glove with the Prince of Zhenbei in order to restore the Great Zheng Dynasty.”

“He claims he is now leading his army here to support the Great Gan's sovereignty and eliminate the rebels.”

“He told the people of the Northern Border not to be deceived by the Remnants of the Great Zheng Dynasty and to open the city gates to welcome the Qing Kings Army.”

“He even said that once the world is taken by the Prince of Zhenbei and the former dynasty is restored, Qingxuan will ascend the throne as Empress...”

The people in the room looked grave. General Zhao Kuan and several others, including some high-ranking members of the Zhenbei Army, had actually known about Xiao Qingxuan's identity for a long time.

Everyone knew this could be a potential hidden danger, but they hadn't expected Prince Qing to exploit it at this moment!

“He certainly came prepared.”

Xiao Qingxuan gave a self-deprecating smile. “I was wondering what Li Siqing could do to make his Qing Kings Army fight the Zhenbei Army without hesitation.”

“It seems he could only make an issue out of my identity as the Empress of a fallen nation.”

Su Wansha frowned and said, “So what if you are of the Xiao Imperial Clan? As long as the people live well, would they really care about this?”

Xie Juner sighed, however. “The common people might not care, but... some people will.”

“You mean the nobility of Great Gan?” Su Wansha realized.

Xie Juner nodded. “When the former Great Zheng Dynasty fell, many nobles turned traitor and defected. Many others earned their titles by killing members of the Xiao Imperial Clan.”

“Just imagine, if these nobles knew that the Princess Consort by the Prince of Zhenbei's side is the Xiao Empress, could they truly feel at peace?”

Xie Yu said with a rare solemn expression, “It's fine in the Northern Border, but once you leave the Northern Border... it will be difficult.”

“Preposterous! This Prince Qing wants to use the Princess Consort's identity to get the support of all the nobles across Great Gan!”

General Zhao Kuan said indignantly, “What a despicable man!”

Xiao Qingxuan was calm now and asked, “Yaner, how is the other side spreading the news?”

“It popped up suddenly. In every city and county town in the Northern Border, there are people spreading this news.”

Leng Bingyan said gloomily, “You know that trade is developed in our Northern Border, so the people coming and going are a mixed bag. It's impossible to guard against.”

“Princess Consort, why don't we quickly write another article for the Northern Daily to clarify things!” General Zhao Kuan suggested.

“Clarify things?”

Xiao Qingxuan asked in return, “How? I am the Empress of Western Shu, a descendant of the Zheng Dynasty's Xiao clan. That is the truth. Should we deceive the people?”

“This...”

The group fell into an awkward silence.

Just then, Xiao Qingxuan gave a knowing smile:

“My husband said that he was never worried about my identity being made public.”

“At first, I was somewhat puzzled; clearly, my identity should have brought him a lot of trouble.”

“But today, I seem to understand what my husband meant...”

Everyone looked at her in confusion, not understanding what Xiao Qingxuan meant.

Xiao Qingxuan silently tucked the talismans she had written into her sleeve.

“Brother Zhao, Wansha, Juner—since the Zhenbei Army is short on manpower, then put all your efforts into supporting E Prefecture.”

“Regardless of whether those Khitan people are human or ghost, you must stop all enemies outside of Cang Province.”

The few of them looked at each other in surprise.

“Princess Consort, then... what about the Qing Kings Army's side?” General Zhao Kuan asked.

Xiao Qingxuan walked to the door of the study and turned to look at the setting sun in the west, which was casting thousands of rays of light.

Half of her stunning face was bathed in sunlight, while the other half was hidden in shadow, light and shadow intertwining.

“When a person is strong enough, any rumors or gossip directed at them will become a laughingstock.”

A gentle smile touched the corners of Xiao Qingxuan's mouth. “I think this is what my husband meant by having us practice our cultivation diligently.”

The group was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what the woman meant!

“Qingxuan... you... could you be...” Su Wansha's voice trembled slightly; this was too crazy!

One person holding back a hundred thousand elite troops?!

If it were Lin Xiao, they wouldn't be surprised.

But Xiao Qingxuan—could she really do it!?

In fact, although the women spent day and night together, Xiao Qingxuan rarely showed her strength, and no one knew what level this Princess Consort had cultivated to.

Hearing this, Xie Juner's blood boiled. “I'll go with you!”

Xiao Qingxuan smiled and shook her head. “No need. It'll be enough for Yaner to come with me. Actually, I didn't want to bring Yaner, but if I don't... she'll definitely follow anyway.”

Leng Bingyan had a bright smile on her face. “You guessed right!”

General Zhao Kuan wanted to say something more, but Xiao Qingxuan stopped him.

“Brother Zhao, no more words are needed. I am not doing this for the sake of the big picture, nor for righteousness.”

Xiao Qingxuan said proudly, “I only want to tell the world that I, Xiao Qingxuan, am worthy of my husband!”