His entire family perished in battle; he rose from the ashes to conquer the world.

The Gao family was originally subdued by the Mu family ancestors and incorporated into the Xifu Army. They broke away decades ago and still call themselves the Xifu Army today, but they are now defunct in name only.

"So it seems that the Gao family is doing all this in secret, and it really is aimed at my Mu family and the Xifu Army."

Mu Yuan sensed something unusual from the past events and the information provided by Madam Miao.

Based on her guess, Qin Hongxiu said:

"In my opinion, the Gao family's true intention is to take their place."

Mu Yuan pondered for a while and nodded in agreement, saying, "My Mu family has suffered such a great change, and the imperial court is eyeing us covetously. As a former local power, it would be hard for anyone to believe that the Gao family has no ambitions for this southwestern region."

"That's right, otherwise, the Gao family wouldn't have led tens of thousands of relatives and soldiers to break away from the Western Army decades ago," Qin Hongxiu echoed.

At this moment, Mu Yuan's killing intent grew stronger.

Now, he is the only male member of the Mu family. The imperial court is putting pressure on him, local forces are eyeing him covetously, and they even intend to dismantle the Western Army from within.

"When a person is down on their luck, even the most worthless cats and dogs will dare to take a bite out of them!"

Mu Yuan clenched his fists tightly.

The current situation is that the imperial court is pressing closer to the country from the outside, while the former local forces want to take over from the country from the inside.

Beset by internal and external troubles, Mu Yuan was bound to have to resort to any means necessary.

Otherwise, the Mu family would truly become a pushover that everyone can bully.

"It seems it's time to make a trip to the Gao family." Mu Yuan narrowed his eyes, a mysterious and unknown cold light flashing in them.

Qin Hongxiu immediately advised, "No, it's too dangerous. The fact that the eldest young master of the Gao family dared to secretly instruct Madam Miao to cause trouble means that the Gao family must have been behind it. Miao Hengping's death was probably also the work of the Gao family."

"It's precisely because it's dangerous that we have to go," Mu Yuan said with a faint smile. "If we don't go, the Gao family will definitely not restrain themselves. There are so many local forces in the Southwest. If they all follow the Gao family's example, will we still have a peaceful life in the future?"

Qin Hongxiu thought about it carefully, and finally changed her mind, saying, "Then I'll go with you!"

After all, the Gao family took away tens of thousands of relatives and soldiers decades ago. After several decades, who knows how many soldiers they still have?

Sending Mu Yuan alone rashly could lead to the Mu family line dying out if something goes wrong.

Mu Yuan readily agreed to Qin Hongxiu's request.

Qin Hongxiu was exceptionally skilled and came from a military family. Even if the Gao family truly harbored ambitions to usurp their position and wanted to eliminate them on the spot, they wouldn't dare to act rashly with Qin Hongxiu present.

After all, Mu Yuan is now the commander of an army, and Qin Hongxiu is from a military family. Their combined status and position are significant.

If the Gao family really wants to take action, they'll probably have to think it over carefully.

"By the way, have Sixth Sister-in-law select a few skilled and quick-witted individuals from the elites we secretly trained to come with us," Mu Yuan specifically instructed.

Although she didn't understand Mu Yuan's intentions, Qin Hongxiu nodded in agreement.

Sixth Sister-in-law Lin Xueshang is quite skilled in martial arts, and her ability to use flying needles and hidden weapons is superb. Bringing her along with the elite troops she has been secretly training would be a good choice.

The next day.

For the first time, Mu Yuan missed training with the soldiers.

However, this time, no soldiers raised any objections or pointed fingers.

These days, Mu Yuan has been dealing with military affairs while also dealing with the newly appointed governor sent by the imperial court.

They've been incredibly busy for a long time.

Even if Mu Yuan participates in training, the soldiers will jointly request that he get more rest and not have to push himself so hard.

At this moment, Mu Yuan, accompanied by his eldest sister-in-law Qin Hongxiu, sixth sister-in-law Lin Xueshang, and several selected elites, embarked on the journey to the Gao family.

"Sixth Sister-in-law, this is for you."

Mu Yuan took out something that looked like a whistle from his pocket and handed it to Lin Xueshang.

Lin Xueshang took the whistle, examined it carefully, and asked:

"What is this?"

"Bird whistles," Mu Yuan explained. "These things can make the sounds of different birds."

As he spoke, Mu Yuan conjured up a bird whistle as if by magic, put it in his mouth, and a series of lifelike bird calls rang out.

"Why are you giving me this?" Lin Xueshang still didn't quite understand Mu Yuan's intentions.

"Today we are heading to the Gao family, and the dangers are unknown. I want you and your elite entourage to remain hidden in the shadows and wait for the right moment. All signals will be transmitted through bird calls," Mu Yuan said.

"That's a good idea." Lin Xueshang's face was expressionless, but her words carried a hint of praise for Mu Yuan.

"Sister-in-law," Mu Yuan looked at Qin Hongxiu, "when can we get to the Gao family?"

"The Gao family is dozens of miles away from here, and we have to cross mountains and valleys. We probably won't arrive until dusk."

After explaining the route, Qin Hongxiu solemnly reminded him:

"The Gao family's ancestral home, built over generations, is impregnable, like a fortress. Getting in is easy, but getting out is difficult if an accident occurs. You can still back out now!"

Despite Qin Hongxiu's reminder, Mu Yuan showed no fear. The Gao family was secretly using underhanded tactics, and if he didn't go and confront them, they might take advantage of him in the future.

He had to take the initiative to go there and deter this internal threat.

Even if things don't work out.

This should make the Gao family wary.

Of course, this move was not only to intimidate the Gao family, but also to intimidate other local forces.

It was nearing dusk.

Northwest Diancheng.

A carriage slowly came to a stop in front of a mansion.

Mu Yuan and Qin Hongxiu stepped off the carriage.

Lin Xueshang and her elite entourage mysteriously disappeared.

Standing in front of the mansion, Mu Yuan looked it over.

The entire mansion was incredibly grand, with towering walls surrounding it and watchtowers built in the four directions of east, west, south, and north, each with sentry posts to observe the surrounding area.

"This Gao family mansion is heavily guarded, with high walls standing tall. Just as you said, it's as impregnable as a fortress!"

Mu Yuan's tone was somewhat teasing.

Before Qin Hongxiu could respond, a deep voice came from inside the mansion:

"I apologize for not being able to greet you properly since the General has come in person."

The next moment, a middle-aged man dressed in fine clothes walked out with a smile.

"He is Gao Song, the head of the Gao family and the patriarch of the Gao clan," Qin Hongxiu said in a low voice.

"Chief Gao."

Mu Yuan responded with a smile.

The saying goes, "You can't hit someone who's smiling." Since the other party is welcoming you with a smile, you should naturally maintain the proper decorum before things fall apart.

"General, I was both surprised and delighted when you sent someone to inform me last night," Gao Song laughed heartily.

Mu Yuan narrowed his eyes, a half-smile on his face, and said, "Is that so? I wonder what brings Chief Gao's surprise and joy?"

Gao Song's face stiffened; he sensed something unusual in Mu Yuan's words.

Unsure, he quickly changed the subject:

"Oh dear, what a stupid thing to do! How could I let the Commander-in-Chief stand at the door? Commander-in-Chief, please come in quickly."