Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

Chapter 109 The Perilous Situation in the Northern Frontier

The autumn wind swept through the ancient Prince's Mansion in the capital, and the leaves swayed gently in the breeze. Although the entire mansion was shrouded in tranquility, the atmosphere inside the hall was somewhat solemn.

Inside the main hall of the Gu Family Manor, the patriarch Gu Yuande sat at the head of the table, his gaze deep, holding an urgent report that had just arrived from the front lines.

The letter, though brief, was unsettling: the situation in Hesha City was critical, with the Black Rock Allied Forces at the city gates. General Zhao Lingfeng was personally leading his troops in a desperate defense, but supplies were running low and the situation was far from optimistic.

Several elders sat solemnly in the hall, looking at each other, a silent anxiety spreading in the air.

"The situation in the northern frontier is critical. If Hesha City falls, the capital city will likely be in grave danger as well," Gu Yuande said in a low voice, taking a deep breath.

His tone was calm, but the weight of his words weighed on everyone's hearts, causing them to feel uneasy.

One of the elders standing nearby—Gu Huaiyuan, a senior member of the Gu family—frowned deeply and stroked his white beard, saying:

"Although General Zhao is a fierce general, the Black Rock Allied Forces are a tiger and wolf army, and their strength is several times that of our army."

Now, there has been no response to requests for help from various places, and the city's food supplies have run out. It is hard to say how many days Hesha can hold out.

Your Highness, the situation in Hesha City is extremely difficult to sustain.

Gu Yuande remained silent for a moment, then turned his gaze to Gu Jinyan and Gu Lanci, who were silently waiting to the side.

Gu Jinyan was usually taciturn and skilled in martial arts, but as the eldest daughter of the Gu family, she was always low-key and composed, and rarely participated in clan affairs.

The Quran, however, is different. It is quite strategic and, although a woman, has a great deal of influence in family affairs.

Gu Jinyan and Gu Lanci stood by, listening to their elders discuss important matters in the northern frontier. Although they did not interrupt, their hearts were already stirred.

Especially upon hearing about the battle situation in Hesha City, Gu Jinyan's eyes flickered slightly. Although she didn't say much, she became increasingly worried about Zhao Lingfeng's safety.

“Your Highness,” Gu Huaiyuan said in a deep voice, his tone tinged with helplessness, “the court is currently hampered by various forces, making it difficult for reinforcements to reach Hesha.”

If no countermeasures are found, the city may fall at any moment.

Gu Yuande sighed, looking worried.

Suddenly, Quran, who was standing to the side, had a flash of insight and spoke softly:

“What the elder said is true, but Hesha City and my Gu family are not completely unrelated.”

If we want to rescue Hesha, perhaps Jinyan could go.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the hall was stunned and turned to look at Gu Jinyan.

Gu Jinyan frowned slightly, clearly not expecting to be mentioned. Just as he was about to ask a question, Quran continued:

"Jin Yan and General Zhao Lingfeng were engaged not long ago, although the marriage has not been announced to the world."

If she were to personally go to deliver reinforcements, it would not only stabilize morale but also resolve the current predicament in Hesha City.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuande turned his gaze to Gu Jinyan, pondered for a moment, and said, "What Lan Ci said is not unreasonable."

Jin Yan, if you were to go to Hesha City this time, you would not only deliver relief supplies, but also stabilize General Zhao's army's morale. What do you think?

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinyan was overwhelmed with a myriad of thoughts.

Now that Hesha City is on the verge of collapse, and Zhao Lingfeng is desperately defending the territory, it would be difficult for her to remain calm if she stood idly by.

Furthermore, given the heavy responsibility entrusted to her by her family, she knew she could not refuse.

After a moment's hesitation, she slowly raised her head and said firmly, "Father, Elder, Jin Yan is willing to go. I will certainly not fail in my mission to Hesha City."

Seeing his daughter's resolute decision, Gu Yuande's eyes flashed with a complex emotion, a mixture of relief and worry.

He sighed and said, "Very well, since you are determined to go, I will immediately order people to prepare food and supplies to accompany you."

At this moment, Qulan Ci smiled slightly and said, "Sister, this journey is extremely dangerous. If needed, I am willing to accompany you."

I'll lend you a hand.

Gu Jinyan looked at Gu Lanci with mixed feelings, but she shook her head slightly and said, "I am enough for this trip on my own."

You will remain in the manor and look after the household affairs for me. If anything changes in Hesha City, I will send word immediately.

Quran nodded in agreement, though there was reluctance in his eyes, he knew that Gu Jinyan's determination to go on this trip was unwavering.

At that moment, the sound of a sword ringing out suddenly came from outside the hall.

Gu Yuande frowned and immediately ordered his personal attendants to investigate.

Before long, a guard rushed in and reported: "Your Highness, there are several members of the clan competing in swordsmanship in the training ground outside. It seems that they have gotten into a dispute because of the war."

Gu Yuande waved his hand and said, "Tell them to leave. They must not cause any more trouble at this time."

Gu Jinyan raised his hand and said softly, "Father, I'll go take a look."

She knew that the young men in the prefecture were full of vigor and their anxiety was understandable given the upcoming war. Perhaps mediating their concerns at this time could alleviate their worries.

Gu Yuande nodded, gesturing for her to go.

Gu Jinyan walked out of the hall and came to the training ground, where he saw two young disciples of the clan facing off, their swords flashing and their moves fierce.

The onlookers were buzzing with discussion, creating a rather tense atmosphere.

"Stop!" Gu Jinyan shouted coldly, and the two people in the arena immediately stopped, sheathed their swords, stepped back, and bowed to Gu Jinyan.

Gu Jinyan, his eyes sharp, slowly stepped forward and calmly asked, "Why are you fighting here?"

One of the disciples cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to Miss Jinyan, we are fighting over the war in Hesha City. Just now someone said that Hesha City might not be able to be defended, and I was indignant, so I challenged him to a duel."

Gu Jinyan's gaze darkened slightly as he surveyed the crowd. He said in a deep voice, "Hesha City is impregnable, and General Zhao Lingfeng is no ordinary person."

Your swordplay and arguments here are not only pointless, but also create division and unrest. If you truly aspire to serve your country, you should train diligently to protect it, rather than wasting yourselves here.

Upon hearing this, all the disciples looked ashamed and replied in unison, "We will follow Miss Jin Yan's teachings!"

Gu Jinyan nodded, his tone softening slightly: "War is imminent, and I am about to go to Hesha City to deliver reinforcements to General Zhao. You must remain calm."

Do not believe rumors or disrupt the order of your home. If we can work together, we will surely get through this ordeal safely.

Everyone agreed in unison. Gu Jinyan turned and left, but he had already made up his mind that he would protect Zhao Lingfeng and the people of the city on this trip to Hesha.

The night was deep, but the Gu family mansion was brightly lit, and the atmosphere was unusually tense.

People moved about in the courtyard, servants rushed in and out, and the neighing of horses mingled with the footsteps of the servants.

All available manpower in the royal palace was mobilized to prepare food and supplies for the rescue team that was about to head to Hesha City.

Gu Yuande stood in the hall, his gaze solemn, while several stewards beside him were quietly reporting the latest developments.

"Your Highness, the grain and fodder have been transferred from the manor's warehouse, and it is estimated that there will be about 100 shi (a unit of dry measure) available, which is enough to support the Hesha garrison for a month."

A middle-aged manager bowed and reported, his forehead beaded with sweat.