Chapter 139: Because We Have the Prince

Chapter 139: Because We Have the Prince

Seeing that no one responded, Cai Yong continued.

“Everyone, I have good news. The Turkic army will march out in full force in two days to attack Lingxiao City. By the time you return, those people will have left. Once they break through Lingxiao City, they will push forward irresistibly to attack the Central Plains Hinterland. By then, even if you want to invite these Turkic military lords back, they won’t come!”

Upon hearing this, everyone asked, “Is that true?”

Cai Yong nodded. “Absolutely true. You are just too impatient. These Turkic military lords are frustrated from being beaten by the Northern Desert Army. Let them vent their anger. Afterwards, you will still be the powerful nobility of your regions! Isn’t that wonderful? Endure for a moment, and the storm will pass! If Xiao Ce were in power, you wouldn’t have such carefree days. He would cling to you like a leech, sucking your blood inch by inch.”

“Everyone, disperse now. If you let the Turkic Khans find out about this, you will be in serious trouble.”

The crowd nodded repeatedly. “Family Head Cai, you are right… We acted impulsively just now. You are right, endure for a moment, and the storm will pass.”

Kan Shanyue said with a cold face, “One day, you will thank us. Especially those who cursed me just now—you will definitely kowtow to thank me in the future!”

Hearing this, the young men from the prominent families looked embarrassed and said nothing more.

…

The gates of Lingxiao City were bustling at this moment.

Every refugee entering the city had their identity strictly verified.

Han Da and his forces had also completely returned to the area outside the city.

Inside the City Lord’s Mansion, both Yin Pan’er and Nie Bing had grown much thinner.

After all, even though there were only nine cities, the large number of people and the complexity of affairs had left them exhausted.

Han Da reported on the status of his troops from one side.

After listening, Yin Pan’er said, “General Han, you’ve had a tough journey. Now I must trouble you to station your troops here for defense. According to intelligence, all the Prefectural Assistants of the Four Northern Desert Prefectures have surrendered! Their next step is to attack us. You were stationed in Yanbei City before and are skilled in city defense. In your opinion, does our Yanbei City need further reinforcement or repairs?”

Han Da bowed. “Princess Consort! You have already fortified Lingxiao City to be as secure as an iron fortress! It is far stronger than Yanbei City. Not only that, but the cement anti-cavalry obstacles poured into the ground can effectively block their cavalry. As long as we hold our positions and do not venture out, the Turks will have no way to take us.”

Yin Pan’er nodded. “Good, General Han. I now appoint you as the commander of the three armies, in charge of all defenses across the Nine Cities Territory. Do you have any news from the Prince?”

Han Da nodded. “Although I haven’t received a letter from the Prince, he has already captured Yanbei City and formed a pincer movement with us! As long as no internal problems arise, Lingxiao City absolutely cannot be breached.”

Nie Bing, who had been silent until now, changed her expression slightly. “General Han, have you heard some news?”

Han Da clasped his hands. “Miss Nie, I haven’t received any specific news. However, among the nine cities under our control now, all sorts of people are mixed in. Spies are inevitable. The Prince has always reminded us that most cities fall due to internal issues!”

Nie Bing said to Han Da, “General Han, before the Prince left, he entrusted me with the complete defense of Lingxiao City. I will definitely ensure the city’s safety!”

Han Da clasped his hands towards Nie Bing. “Then I leave it in your hands, Miss Nie.”

Then Han Da looked at Yin Pan’er. “Princess Consort, is our food supply sufficient?”

Yin Pan’er’s expression was not good. “Although we have the food provided earlier by Shopkeeper Zhang and supplies from various other sources, we have too many disaster victims and refugees here. Additionally, with pressure from the Capital, supplies from the Central Plains Region cannot enter the Northern Desert. The Prince originally planned to replenish through supplies from the Turkic rear, but the plan couldn’t keep up with the changes. The Turks are now blocking the way in between! Our provisions can last at most three months.”

Han Da nodded. “Three months is enough! Then, Princess Consort, Miss Nie, I will go to station my troops.”

Yin Pan’er asked, “Aren’t you afraid? If the Turks can’t take the city after a long siege, they have the thirty cities of the Four Northern Desert Prefectures! No matter what, they won’t starve. If they drag things out with us, our Nine Cities Territory will be trapped and starved to death. Why are you so confident?”

Han Da smiled and said, “Because we have the Prince! Princess Consort, we just need to do our part. The Prince’s character is such that he won’t be trapped in Yanbei City for three months!”

Hearing this, Yin Pan’er smiled and nodded.

Han Da clasped his hands in acknowledgment, then withdrew.

…

After Han Da left, Yin Pan’er saw Nie Bing lost in thought and asked softly, “Sister Nie Bing, are you alright?”

Nie Bing still didn’t respond.

Only when Yin Pan’er walked to Nie Bing’s side and gently nudged her did Nie Bing snap back to attention.

“Pan’er, what is it? Where is Han Da?”

Yin Pan’er said with slight concern, “Sister Nie Bing, are you alright? It seems to me these past few days you’ve often been a bit distracted.”

Nie Bing smiled and said, “I might be too tired. With so many refugees pouring in, maintaining order has been a huge challenge.”

Yin Pan’er nodded, her face full of worry. “Sister Bing, don’t be too tense. It’s alright. It’s fine for you to relax a little appropriately.”

Nie Bing smiled awkwardly and said to Yin Pan’er, “Pan’er, you too. I thought Xiao Ce trusted us, but in the end, he became a hands-off boss.”

Yin Pan’er said with a smile, “What Han Da and the others said sounds easy, but for the Prince to seize the Turkic rear in such a short time, without anyone noticing, is not easy at all.”

Nie Bing asked with a hint of suspicion, “Do you really believe it? Are the Turks that stupid? Their own base is taken, and they don’t know?”

Yin Pan’er said, “If someone else did this, I would definitely be skeptical. But it’s not strange for the Prince to do this. He has always created miracles.”

Hearing this, Nie Bing smiled gently and nodded. “You’re right. He always manages to create miracles.”

After saying that, she looked towards the door, where several ministers were waiting. “You’re busy. I need to get to work too.”

Yin Pan’er smiled and nodded, reminding Nie Bing to eat on time and such, then let her go.

After Nie Bing left.

Yin Pan’er did not hurry to call the waiting ministers in.

Instead, she said to a maid beside her, “Have those ministers wait in the Reception Hall first. Then go and invite Mr. Night Cat over.”

The maid bowed, nodded, and left.

Not long after, Night Cat arrived and saluted. “I greet the Princess Consort.”

Yin Pan’er waved her hand. “Mr. Night Cat, there’s no need for formalities. Please personally follow Sister Nie Bing for me and inform me of all her movements.”