Too many female prisoners, a special forces soldier transmigrates and marries wildly.

"First, do you know anything about 'Digging the Earth' and 'Mountain Spirit'?"

Xie Wanqing shook her head: "Before last night, Wanqing only knew that Feng Kun had the 'Listening Wind Guards,' but she didn't know about the 'Digging Earth' and 'Mountain Ghosts.' However..."

She hesitated for a moment. "In my father's notes, he vaguely mentioned that there was another force that coveted the mines in the North. They were ruthless, using poison, fire, and miasma to destroy mines and kill people, leaving no survivors. My father called them 'earth rats.' Could this be the 'Digging Earth' group?"

"A ground rat..." Lin Feng nodded; the description was quite apt.

"Old Chen has confessed that 'Digging Earth' is controlled by Feng Kun and the powerful eunuch Li Song in the court. They specialize in sabotaging and stealing mineral veins. They are probably mortal enemies with 'Qianyuan', which your father belongs to."

Xie Wanqing's body trembled slightly, a trace of grief and indignation flashing in her eyes: "So that's how it is... my late father..."

"Secondly," Lin Feng continued, "what exactly is the relationship between 'Qianyuan' and the Jingwang Mansion? Could you please explain, young lady?"

Xie Wanqing looked directly at Lin Feng, her eyes filled with frankness and determination: "Now that things have come to this, Wanqing dares not hide anything from you any longer, General. 'Qianyuan'... was actually secretly established by His Highness Prince Jing in his early years to survey the mountains, rivers, mineral deposits, and water veins of the northern border, to strengthen border defenses, and to benefit the border people. It mainly recruited talented individuals skilled in geomancy, mining, and water conservancy, as well as some loyal and reliable former members of the Prince's mansion. My late father, Xie Jingran, was one of them, in charge of documents and archives, and liaising with various parties. 'Diting' is a subordinate unit of 'Qianyuan,' specializing in listening to changes in the earth's veins and issuing warnings of natural disasters. That token is the token of 'Diting.'"

"His Highness Prince Jing now..." Lin Feng probed.

"I truly have no idea where Your Highness is," Xie Wanqing said with a wry smile.

"My late father, on his deathbed, only instructed me to take a token north to His Highness and investigate some old matters. I traveled north, but before I could find His Highness, I was caught up in this turmoil. As for who is now in charge of 'Hidden Abyss' and whether they still obey His Highness's orders, Wanqing has no way of knowing. The 'Earth Listening' guard who helped me the night before last, and the senior who gave me the map last night, perhaps out of consideration for my late father, or perhaps because there are still loyal people in 'Hidden Abyss' who are loyal to His Highness, they secretly intervened when they saw Iron Wall City in danger. But 'Hidden Abyss' is a tight-knit organization with strict rules, and they refuse to show themselves, so Wanqing has no way to contact them."

Her words were sincere and did not seem feigned.

Lin Feng nodded, deciding to believe him for the time being.

Regardless of who is currently in charge of "Dive," and despite being enemies of Feng Kun's "Digging," they have helped defend the city at crucial moments. At least for now, they are not enemies.

"Thirdly," Lin Feng's expression turned solemn, "the young lady's warning and map-giving are invaluable. On behalf of the soldiers and civilians of Iron Wall City, I thank you." With that, he stood up and clasped his hands in a salute.

Xie Wanqing hurriedly rose to return the salute: "Sir, you flatter me! I was taken in and sheltered here, which allowed me to survive. Doing my part is merely my duty; there's no merit in it."

"Merits and demerits, rewards and punishments, will be determined accordingly." Lin Feng sat down again.

"The Di and Rong tribes have temporarily retreated, but Feng Kun has not been eliminated, the 'digging' operation is not yet complete, and the border is not yet at peace. What are your plans for the future, young lady?"

Xie Wanqing paused slightly, then said in a low voice, "Wanqing's reasons for going north are twofold: first, to return the token, and second, to investigate my late father's affairs. Now, regarding the token..." She glanced at the "Earth Listening" token.

"By chance, I have been entrusted to someone worthy of my trust. As for the future... I leave it to you, sir. If you do not mind, I am willing to stay in the city for the time being. Perhaps I can help identify mineral deposits and explore the earth's veins to repay your kindness in taking me in. It will also be convenient for me to... await news from 'The Abyss' or search for Your Highness's whereabouts."

She adopted an extremely humble posture, asking only to "stay temporarily" and "assist," clearly genuinely wanting to do something for Ironwall City and using this place as a base to find Prince Jing and contact "Qianyuan."

Lin Feng pondered for a moment. Xie Wanqing's identity was special, involving Prince Jing and "Qianyuan." Staying in the city could be an aid, but it could also bring unknown risks.

However, the sincerity and ability she has shown so far are indeed of great benefit to Ironwall City. Moreover, with her around, it may be possible to maintain a subtle connection with "The Abyss".

"Since you are so kind, young lady, I am most pleased to welcome you." Lin Feng finally nodded.

"You may continue to live in the West Courtyard, and all your treatment will remain the same. If you wish to assist in the exploration of the mineral veins and geological resources, I will have Han Tao arrange it. To the outside world, you are still the daughter of an old friend of mine, who was stranded here due to the war. As for the matters of 'Qianyuan' and Prince Jing, I hope you will be careful what you say."

"Wanqing understands, thank you for your understanding, General Xie!" Xie Wanqing's eyes showed gratitude, and she solemnly curtsied.

After seeing Xie Wanqing off, Lin Feng pondered alone for a long time. Xie Wanqing's staying might be an opportunity, a chance to connect the past of Prince Jing, the mystery of "The Abyss," and even the future situation on the border. However, whether this opportunity brought fortune or misfortune remained to be seen.

The next day, reinforcements from the north wind finally arrived.

Deputy General Zhou Ming led 5,000 infantry and cavalry, arriving at the city walls in a dusty state, only to find a desolate city, though scarred, with high morale and having just won a great victory.

Upon learning that Lin Feng had not only defended the city but also launched a night raid on the enemy camp, burning their supplies and defeating the enemy, thus forcing the Di Rong to retreat, Zhou Ming was both surprised and impressed, and his opinion of Lin Feng changed dramatically.

The two armies joined forces, making their momentum even stronger.

Zhou Ming brought supplies from the north wind and assisted in clearing out the Di and Rong tribes and restoring border crossings.

Everything seems to be moving in a positive direction.

That afternoon, Lin Feng was discussing border defense adjustments with Zhou Ming and Han Tao when a personal guard reported that the night scout sent to scout the Black Wolf tribe had brought back a seriously wounded Di Rong man. The man claimed to be a servant of the Black Wolf tribe's high priest and had important intelligence. He only asked to see Commander Lin in exchange for his life.

Lin Feng and Zhou Ming exchanged a glance.

"Bring it up."