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

Given what had happened, today's "appreciation of military strategy" could not continue. Shen Mingxuan had no desire to keep the guest any longer, so he forced himself to thank Lin Feng repeatedly and personally escorted him to the second gate.

"I'm sorry for the trouble caused to the Grand Protector today. I will host a banquet to apologize another day." Shen Mingxuan said sincerely.

"You're too kind, Grand Tutor. Take care of yourself and comforting the young lady is the most important thing. I'll take my leave now." Lin Feng bowed and said goodbye.

As he turned to leave, he seemed to glance back at the direction of Songtao Pavilion, almost unintentionally. A pale blue figure stood quietly by the pavilion window, seemingly watching him go. Though the distance was too great to see her expression clearly, Lin Feng could feel that gaze following him until she disappeared behind the moon gate.

……

The news of Lin Feng's assassination attempt (or rather, the assassination attempt on Shen Qingqiu, with Lin Feng present) spread like wildfire, reaching the Grand Protectorate even before Lin Feng himself, and spreading to every corner of the capital.

When Lin Feng's carriage returned to the manor, Bai Xiaohe was already waiting at the gate with a solemn expression. Seeing that he was unharmed, she breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "Commander, are you alright? What about the Shen residence…?"

"Let's go inside and talk." Lin Feng strode into the mansion, went straight to the study, and briefly recounted what had happened.

"An assassin? A northerner? Target Miss Shen?" Bai Xiaohe frowned. "Who would take such a risk to attack Miss Shen at the Shen residence? And choose the time of your visit? Is this a three-pronged attack—killing Miss Shen to disrupt the Shen family, framing you, and damaging your relationship with the Shen family?"

"Not bad." Lin Feng sneered. "There aren't many who can mobilize the Northern Death Squad and have the motive to do this. The remnants of Prince Lin's faction? The remnants of 'Crimson Abyss'? Or... some people in the court who dislike me but don't want the Shen family to get close to me?"

"The Zhou family?" Bai Xiaohe immediately thought.

"It can't be ruled out. But that old fox Zhou Wenyuan might not dare to use such drastic methods, especially taking action at the Shen residence; the risk is too great. It's more like... the work of certain unscrupulous forces eager for revenge. For example, 'Earth Fire' or Prince Lin," Lin Feng said.

"Then we..."

"Let's observe the situation, but we must strengthen our vigilance," Lin Feng said in a deep voice.

"yes!"

"Also," Lin Feng paused, "send a gift to the Shen family in my name to calm their nerves. It doesn't need to be expensive; just some calming and soothing medicinal herbs will suffice. Additionally, send a formal letter to the Prefect of the Capital and the Court of Judicial Review, stating that this Governor..."

"Understood."

……

As expected, the news of the assassination attempt on the Shen family's residence caused a huge uproar in the capital.

Upon hearing the news, the Emperor was furious and issued an edict ordering the Prefect of the Capital, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Ministry of Justice to conduct a joint investigation and solve the case within a specified time. He also dispatched additional Imperial Guards to assist in the investigation. The Empress Dowager also sent people to comfort the Shen family and bestowed upon them many medicinal herbs and tonics.

Princess Pingyang sent someone to the Protectorate to inquire whether Lin Feng was injured. She was relieved to receive a reply that he was "safe and sound." However, she soon heard various rumors about Lin Feng "saving the beauty" and "embracing Shen Qingqiu," which inexplicably stirred up a sense of annoyance and bitterness in her heart.

On the other hand, the story of Lin Feng's courage in saving Shen Qingqiu during the assassination attempt spread rapidly through the mouths of Shen's servants and some officials' servants who "happened" to pass by. The versions became more and more fantastical, with some saying that Lin, the Grand Protector, had "eyes like lightning and could foresee the future," others saying that he "shattered an enemy's teacup with a wave of his hand," and still others saying that he "rescued a beauty, embraced her, and calmly repelled the enemy," all of which were full of legendary color.

Regardless of the version, all versions further solidified Lin Feng's perfect image as "wise and brave, calm in the face of danger." His literary and martial reputation, already established at the chrysanthemum-appreciation banquet, was further enhanced by this incident, adding to his "heroic spirit" and "chivalrous heart," causing his prestige among the common people and lower-ranking soldiers to soar. Many storytellers even began creating new tales of "Lin the Great Protector Bravely Rescuing the Talented Lady Shen."

……

Just as the capital was rife with undercurrents due to the assassination attempt at the Shen family mansion, a fast horse from the northern border delivered a secret letter stamped with "Urgent Military Situation of Cangyun Pass" to the Northern Protectorate.

Lin Feng unfolded the secret letter, and after just one glance, his expression suddenly darkened.

The letter was written by Lei Bao himself; it contained only a few words, yet every word carried immense weight.

"The Northern Desert Royal Court is in turmoil. The three major tribes have formed an alliance at Eagle's Beak Pass, suggesting a large-scale invasion southward. Remnants of the Crimson Feather Tribe are lurking along the border, frequently contacting unknown forces. Border fortresses have been reinforced with heightened defenses. However, military equipment and provisions are only enough to last for a little over a month. We urge the garrison to act swiftly."

Unusual activity at the Northern Desert Royal Court! Remnants of the Red Feather Tribe are active! Military supplies and provisions are running low!

In the North, trouble is brewing once more! The intrigues and romances in the capital seem insignificant in the face of the real crisis at the border.

"Summon all the generals in the manor. They will assemble in the council hall in one hour," Lin Feng ordered. "Also, prepare your court attire; I am going to the palace to meet the Emperor!"

The council chamber of the Protectorate General's Office.

Lin Feng sat at the head of the table, below him were Chen Heng, several trusted officers who had followed him from the northern border to the capital, and a few staff members who remained in the mansion. The urgent military report from Cangyun Pass had already been circulated among them.

"The three major tribes of the Northern Desert Royal Court have formed an alliance. The remnants of the Crimson Feather Tribe are roaming the border. If they collude with the Northern Desert and take advantage of the situation, the pressure on Cangyun Pass will increase exponentially." Chen Heng, a veteran who had experienced the bloody battles of the Northern Frontier, knew the dangers all too well. "Our supplies and provisions are only enough for a little over a month… and that's without a major battle. Defense, we must return to the Northern Frontier immediately!"

"Returning is inevitable." Lin Feng's voice was not loud, "But how to return, how many people to take, and how to deal with the situation require a well-thought-out plan. We also need to give an explanation to His Majesty."

A staff member hesitated for a moment and said, "Sir, this is military intelligence from the border. His Majesty will surely allow you to return. However... there might be criticism in court, saying that you..."

"Are you saying I only care about my own territory? Or that I'm exaggerating and using this as an excuse to demand supplies and military power?" Lin Feng interjected, scoffing, "It's nothing but those clichés. But if the Northern Territory is truly lost, they can't afford the consequences."

He stood up and walked to the hanging map of the northern border. "The three major tribes of the Northern Kingdom have always had their disagreements. This alliance must have something in mind, but it is unlikely to be stable. The Crimson Feather tribe seems to be looking for a foothold or creating chaos."

"Lei Bao's letter says the alliance will be held here. Eagle Beak Pass is strategically important, but it's not the best route for a large-scale cavalry advance south. They chose this location for two reasons: first, to maintain secrecy, and second... perhaps also as a show of force and a test. If our army shows weakness, they will really attack. If our army responds firmly, this so-called alliance will likely collapse on its own, or internal strife will break out first."