"Ulna, the head of the guard for Princess Uloran of the Gray Fox Tribe."

Lin Feng put down the soup bowl and gently wiped the water stains from Urna's lips with a cloth. "On the grassland, she saved my life several times. Without her, I wouldn't have come back."

Yun Li and Su Wanyue exchanged a glance, their surprise and doubt fading, replaced by understanding and sympathy.

They had experienced life-and-death hardships and knew the weight of the words "life-saving grace".

"You've all worked hard, go and rest first. Miss Shen and I will stay here and watch over things," Lin Feng said.

Yun Li opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back, only saying softly, "Wan Yue and I are next door. Call us immediately if you need anything." Su Wan Yue nodded, and the two left together.

Lin Feng stood guard by the bed, holding Urna's still-cold hand, and nodded.

Exhaustion washed over him like a tidal wave, but he forced himself to stay awake. He knew that the real trouble was probably just beginning.

Sure enough, just as dawn was breaking, a suppressed commotion arose from the front yard, followed by Han Tao's deliberately raised, angry voice demanding an answer:

"Special Envoy Yan! This is the inner courtyard. The garrison commander is currently handling military affairs, and his female relatives require rest. It is inconvenient to disturb them! What is it? Please wait in the front hall!"

Another cold, forceful voice immediately rang out; it was Yan Ying: "Deputy Garrison Commander Han, I am a special envoy from the Ministry of War, ordered to inspect the border towns! There is an urgent document from the Ministry of War that Garrison Commander Lin must sign and process immediately. It concerns adjustments to the defense of the northern frontier. Can you bear the consequences of any delay? Furthermore, I have heard that Garrison Commander Lin brought back an unidentified Di Rong woman last night. This matter concerns the safety of the border, and I have the right to inquire! Step aside!"

The footsteps drew closer, clearly indicating that Yan Ying and his men intended to force their way in.

Lin Feng's eyes suddenly sharpened like knives. He stood up, went out, crossed the courtyard, and headed towards the moon gate.

At the gate, Han Tao, accompanied by eight heavily armored soldiers wielding long spears, formed a semi-circle and blocked their path.

Opposite them, Yan Ying, Leng Mian, and more than ten Plum Blossom Guards dressed in dark blue outfits and with embroidered spring knives at their waists, stood with their hands on the hilts of their knives, their expressions cold and stern, creating a tense atmosphere.

"Commander Lin," Yan Ying said, his gaze sweeping over Lin Feng like a venomous snake, lingering for a moment on the blood-stained clothes he hadn't yet removed. He then gave a forced, insincere bow.

"It seems the garrison commander had a very tiring night. I've come here for two reasons: first, to deliver an urgent document to the Ministry of War; and second, on official business—I've heard that the garrison commander secretly brought a Di woman into the city and is hiding her in his residence. In this strategically important border region, a general's collusion with a foreign tribe is a serious crime. Shouldn't the garrison commander give me and the court an explanation?"

Before he could finish speaking, Leng Mian stepped forward and held up a document bearing the seal of the Ministry of War. However, his gaze passed over Lin Feng and tried to look at the warm pavilion behind him.

Lin Feng's gaze remained calm: "Special Envoy Yan, the Ministry of War documents can be handed over to Deputy Garrison Commander Han; I will handle them myself. As for who I will bring back..."

He paused, his tone suddenly turning stern, each word striking the cold morning air: "It is both my official duty and my personal relationship! This woman saved my life, and it is my duty to bring her back for treatment! But this special envoy, without any evidence, relying solely on hearsay, dared to trespass into my inner courtyard, disturbing the wounded. What do you think of the military law of Ironwall City? Who do you think I am?!"

He stepped forward, his murderous aura erupting instantly—a chilling, forged power truly tempered in mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Infected by his power, Han Tao and his personal guards glared angrily, their spears snapping back to their level, the cold glint of their tips aimed at the Plum Blossom Guards. They roared in unison, "Back off!"

The sound shook the rooftops, and the murderous aura soared to the sky! Several Plum Blossom Guards' expressions changed slightly, and they subconsciously took a half step back.

Yan Ying's eyes twitched. He hadn't expected Lin Feng's aura to be even stronger, and so ruthless. Forcing his way in—Lin Feng really dared to take action, and these fierce border soldiers really dared to kill the imperial envoy.

His expression shifted several times before he forced a stiff smile: "Commander Lin has quite the temper. I was merely fulfilling my duty by conducting a routine inquiry. Since the Commander says so, I will accept it for now. The Ministry of War's documents are here; please handle them appropriately."

He handed the document to Lengmian, who then stepped forward and handed the document to Han Tao.

Yan Ying continued, "The safety of the northern frontier rests on the shoulders of the garrison commander. Do not... let personal matters interfere with public duty, and avoid creating further complications. Farewell!"

After saying that, he flicked his sleeve and turned to leave with Leng Mian and the others.

Han Tao whispered, "Commander, this eunuch will not give up. Another guard reported that Commander Zhao has sent a messenger."

"We'll meet them head-on." Lin Feng's voice returned to calm. "Han Tao, go and fetch Commander Zhao's messenger."

"yes!"

Inside the study, the charcoal fire dispelled the chill of the early morning.

The messenger sent by Zhao Polu was a capable captain in his early thirties named Chen. He was travel-worn and had bloodshot eyes, clearly having rushed over overnight.

"This humble general, Chen Chong, pays his respects to Commander Lin!" Captain Chen presented a sealed letter sealed with sealing wax with both hands. "The commander-in-chief has ordered that this letter must be opened by the commander himself and then burned."

Lin Feng took the letter and opened it:

"Dear Brother Feng, things have changed drastically in the capital. Eunuch Li is on the verge of losing power, but he is like a cornered beast fighting desperately. His Plum Blossom Guard and the remnants of the Eastern Depot may be ready to do something rash. According to secret reports, in addition to the past affairs of Prince Jing, his target is a 'Panlong Jade Pendant' from the previous dynasty, which is suspected to be related to a secret treasure of the previous dynasty in the northern border. The eunuch faction may want to seize this jade, or they may want to use the jade to cause trouble, frame border generals, and disrupt the northern frontier, in order to use it as leverage to blackmail the emperor and protect themselves."

"Yan Ying has come north, ostensibly for inspection, but in reality to search for the jade. This man is ruthless and must be guarded against. If you have any clues about the jade or any related personnel, you must be extremely cautious. Never let it fall into his hands, nor give him any reason to speak. Shuofeng has strengthened its defenses, but it is too far away to reach everyone. Iron Wall City is the key to the northern gate, and it must not be lost. You may make decisions on all matters as they arise. I will be your support in Shuofeng."

"What else do you need, Commander?" Lin Feng asked Chen Chong.

Chen Chong whispered, "The commander-in-chief instructed me to inform the garrison commander that the imperial court's document regarding adjustments to the defenses of the northern frontier will be officially issued soon. It may involve the redistribution of troops and supplies in various border towns. The document in Yan Ying's possession may be the first sign. The commander-in-chief requests that the garrison commander be aware of this and make preparations as soon as possible. In addition, the commander-in-chief has dispatched an additional elite night scout team to sneak to the vicinity of Iron Wall City and await the garrison commander's orders. This is the means of communication and the token." As he spoke, he handed over an inconspicuous iron plaque and a folded piece of paper.

Lin Feng accepted the document, feeling somewhat relieved. Zhao Polu's support was genuine.

"Please thank the Commander for me. You've had a long journey too, go and rest, and be ready to be deployed at any time."

"Yes!" Chen Chong bowed and withdrew.

Han Tao's face was grim: "Commander, Li Yan is determined to fight to the death! Yan Ying's search for the jade pendant is a pretense; his real intention is to frame you, Commander! And what about Miss Wuerna and the jade pendant…?"

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