Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 1052 The Qiang tribe invades the border, crisis is imminent!

"Hmm?" Lü Zhi frowned slightly, her mind filled with doubt. This Yu Shu, having gone to great lengths, even resorting to force to control her, had already embarked on a dead end—a coup. Once such a thing was done, it was like spilled water, impossible to take back. She should have been well aware that, regardless of success or failure, she would inevitably face her most severe retribution afterward. But why would she suddenly give up at the crucial moment, abruptly stopping? This was too illogical. Unless… some major unforeseen event occurred that she couldn't resist and had to immediately terminate the plan.

"Your Highness, Lord Xiao He is waiting outside the palace, saying he has urgent military intelligence to report!" The announcement came again from outside the palace.

Xiao He? Urgent military intelligence? A glint flashed in Lü Zhi's eyes, and she seemed to understand something instantly. Yes, only an imminent external crisis concerning the safety of the nation could force Yu Shu to abandon her painstakingly planned palace coup. Yu Shu could disregard court rules and scheme against herself, but ultimately she dared not, or rather, was unwilling to, bear the eternal infamy of causing the downfall of the country and the destruction of her family.

Having figured this out, Lü Zhi's feelings towards Yu Shu were momentarily complicated. But this slight complexity was quickly replaced by the current grim situation. She quickly straightened her clothes and resumed the composed and capable demeanor of a queen, empress.

"Summon Lord Xiao He to the palace."

Xiao He strode into the hall. Despite his concern for matters of state, his keen observation allowed him to instantly detect an unusual trace within the hall. Although Empress Lü's expression was calm, a closer look revealed a lingering tension between her brows. The maids beside her also had shifty eyes, filled with unresolved fear. A subtle, unusual tension seemed to permeate the air. This was far more than just a case of "slight discomfort" warranting an early rest.

Xiao He's heart was filled with doubt, but he showed no sign of it on his face and respectfully bowed: "Your subject Xiao He greets Your Highness!"

"Lord Xiao He, there's no need for such formalities." Lü Zhi's voice was calm yet authoritative. "Just now, the maid said that you had urgent business, but she didn't specify the details. It was my oversight. I didn't know it was such an urgent military matter. Please rise and tell me in detail." She cleverly laid a reasonable groundwork for her earlier "failure to receive him."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Xiao He straightened up and gave a clear and concise report once again on the intelligence that the Qiang tribe had gathered an army of 50,000 to invade Longxi, as well as the unusual movements of the Chu army, which seemed to be trying to take advantage of the situation.

"What! Such a thing has happened!" Empress Lü Zhi timely expressed shock and concern, consistent with her reaction upon receiving the news. Her gaze sharpened. "The Qiang people are rampant, and the Chu traitors are relentless! Lord Xiao He, what are your thoughts on this situation? Does the cabinet have a plan?"

Xiao He bowed slightly and analyzed clearly, "Your Highness, I made a preliminary assessment before entering the palace. Currently, the main force stationed in Xianyang and Longxi is the Fourth Army Group. This army is well-equipped and relies on the city for defense, so it should be fine in blocking the Qiang tribe's attack. As for the Chu army's unusual movements, their intentions are not yet fully clear, but our army must also be on high alert and reinforce any passes that may be threatened."

He paused slightly before continuing, "However... the Fourth Army has a relatively high proportion of new recruits, with the longest training period being no more than three months and the shortest only a little over a month. They have not yet fully developed into a powerful fighting force, and may not be up to the task of launching offensive attacks or decisive battles in the field. But for defending cities and repelling enemies, I believe they are more than capable, given the strong fortifications and superior weaponry. The most urgent task is to immediately determine a defense strategy, allocate provisions and weapons, and stabilize the morale of the troops and the people."

Empress Lü listened attentively, nodding occasionally. Xiao He's analysis was mature and prudent, in line with the current reality. After a moment's contemplation, she decisively ordered, "Lord Xiao He is absolutely right. Defending the country is the top priority! This matter is of great importance, so I trouble you to immediately convene the ministers of the cabinet to discuss and formulate detailed defense and response plans overnight. The cabinet will be fully responsible for the allocation of all necessary personnel and resources, ensuring that the borders are secure and Xianyang is stable!"

"Your Majesty, I obey!" Xiao He bowed and replied, feeling somewhat relieved. Empress Lü's decision was swift and decisive, demonstrating the responsibility and judgment expected in a crisis. "I will proceed immediately. Farewell!"

As he left the palace, Xiao He's gaze casually swept across the palace grounds. He noticed that near Empress Lü's bedchamber, there seemed to be more imperial guards than usual, and their movements were slightly more frequent. This subtly matched the unusual atmosphere he had sensed inside the palace earlier. The palace… had likely just experienced a hidden upheaval.

However, Xiao He did not stop, nor did he intend to delve deeper. As an official serving outside the capital, his primary responsibility was to handle military and political affairs and stabilize the court. Palace intrigues were murky and complex, especially during the special period when His Majesty was not in Xianyang. As long as it did not affect the overall stability of the nation, he was unwilling to get too involved. Moreover, he believed that Queen Lü Zhi was capable enough to handle internal troubles. Now, all his energy had to be focused on how to deal with the impending external threats.

Meanwhile, in the quiet streets of Xianyang, more than twenty women dressed in black cloaks, trying to blend into the night, were rapidly moving towards the city gates, each holding a special palace token. They were the maids Yu Shu had arranged to evacuate. Everyone's heart was in their throat; they only wanted to leave this city, which was about to unleash a massive storm, as quickly as possible.

However, when they reached a relatively secluded intersection, several silent and upright figures stood out in the darkness ahead, like an invisible wall blocking their way.

The head maid's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately raised her hand to signal the group to stop. Realizing the danger, she didn't hesitate and immediately whispered the order: "Back up! Change route!"

However, when they quickly turned around, they found that their path had been blocked by even more figures emerging from the shadows. These people far outnumbered them, at least fifty in number, and silently surrounded them, their movements swift and professional, clearly indicating they had been prepared.

A sense of despair spread among the maids. They were trained, but mainly for palace affairs and close protection; their actual combat skills were limited. Faced with such a large number of clearly elite opponents, the outcome was a foregone conclusion.

“Commander of the Green Robe Society, Azure Dragon.” A deep and imposing voice came from the shadows ahead. The leader slowly stepped forward, the moonlight illuminating half of his cold, handsome face and the Azure Dragon tattoo on his body, symbolizing the highest authority of the Green Robe Society. “By order, please come forward.”