Although everyone was dissatisfied with Murong Yi's decision, he was ultimately the commander-in-chief of the Southern Frontier, with absolute decision-making power, so they could only follow his orders.
"All of you, withdraw. Go and prepare well for tomorrow's battle."
The military strength of Tianqi and the Southern Frontier was roughly equal, which meant that this war could not be finished in a short time.
Since Rong Sheng's departure, Murong Yi's decisions had been failing one after another.
As a result, the Southern Frontier had suffered heavy losses, and now he was eager to prove his ability with a victory.
Everyone tacitly accepted his actions, and when he sent undercover agents to poison the enemy's commander, no one raised any objections.
Everyone was aware of Qin Yuchuan's abilities, and this novice third prince of the Southern Frontier, Murong Yi, was no match for him at all.
The Southern Frontier sent him as the commander partly because the Crown Prince was wary of the forces behind him and wanted to ensure he could never return.
Murong Yi's ready acceptance of this position also had his own motives.
He considered himself talented and strategically brilliant, believing he could dominate the battlefield and be invincible.
Once he established military merits, combined with his illustrious family background, it would only be a matter of time before he could bring down the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince of the Southern Frontier's mother was merely the daughter of a county magistrate, unable to provide him with any advantageous support.
However, Murong Yi's mother was the daughter of the First-rank Prime Minister, with connections in the imperial court, ensuring a smooth path for him.
The Emperor of the Southern Frontier was obsessed with alchemy, pursuing the art of immortality, while affairs of state were temporarily handled by the Crown Prince.
To be able to sit in the position of Crown Prince, one must have some capability.
Regardless of what this Crown Prince did in private, he was still beloved by the common people on the surface.
As for Murong Yi, he had been practically non-existent in the Southern Frontier for years.
Shortly after his birth, his mother, foreseeing potential misfortune in the fierce royal struggles, wisely sent him away.
Later, the Southern Frontier Royal Family members died or were crippled, until only two princes remained.
One was the eldest prince, now the Crown Prince.
The other was the second prince, who neglected his duties and spent his days playing with cats and dogs.
And he, Murong Yi, had now become a hot candidate for the throne.
Although a Crown Prince had been established, no one cared much, after all, whoever could make it to the end would be the winner.
Everyone in the tent withdrew, leaving only Murong Yi's most trusted guard by his side.
"Ye, do you also think, like the others, that I've made a wrong decision?"
Ye replied, "Your Highness must have your reasons for your actions."
"Even without Rong Sheng, I am capable of winning battles. A mere military strategist dares to ride roughshod over me!"
"There's even a group of people in the army who obey his commands. This is simply disregarding me entirely. I am the commander!"
Ye stood silently to the side, not speaking, just listening quietly.
In the Tianqi Military Camp.
When news of Qin Yuchuan's poisoning spread, many people became restless.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Yan Chi and Yan Yang caught many who were poised to act, including spies sent by the Southern Frontier.
Na Muqi was shocked at the sight of the captured group. In such a short time, so many spies had infiltrated. If the general hadn't noticed, it would have surely led to future troubles.
Na Muqi asked, "When did the general say he would return?"
Yan Chi replied, "He will be back tonight."
"Then let's keep these people under arrest for now, and wait for the general's return to decide how to deal with them," Na Muqi said.
Just then, someone came to report, "According to our spies, the Southern Frontier plans to launch an attack tomorrow."
Yan Yang commented, "They must have made this decision after hearing about the general's poisoning. Fortunately, the general had the foresight to make arrangements in advance."
Na Muqi instructed, "You two stay here. When the general returns, send someone to inform me. I'm going to gather the other commanders now for a meeting."
...
In the hospital room, Feng Qingyi woke up groggily. She remembered she was just watching a TV series, how did she suddenly fall asleep?
"You're awake," Qin Yuchuan noticed the movement and turned from the window to look at Feng Qingyi.
Feng Qingyi embarrassedly rubbed her head. She was supposed to be keeping him company watching TV, but unexpectedly dozed off.
"I'm sorry! I accidentally fell asleep."
"It's still early. If you're still tired, you can rest a bit more."
Feng Qingyi got up from the bed, put on her shoes, and ruffled her hair a bit.
"I'm not tired anymore."
She picked up her phone from the table and saw it was already 2:30 PM. She had slept for so long.
"You must be hungry. I'll accompany you to get something to eat," Qin Yuchuan said, taking Feng Qingyi's hand and heading for the door.
Feng Qingyi looked at his hospital gown, feeling it didn't quite suit him.
But there were no other clothes to change into at the moment, so it would have to do.
"Is something wrong?"
Feng Qingyi shook her head, "It's fine, let's go!"
Hand in hand, they walked out of the hospital room and took the elevator down.
Qin Yuchuan held Feng Qingyi's hand tightly. Seeing his serious expression, Feng Qingyi found it a bit amusing.
"This is an elevator. It's very convenient for going up and down floors. It only takes a few seconds, so we don't have to climb stairs laboriously."
Soon the elevator doors opened, and Feng Qingyi led Qin Yuchuan out.
"There's a restaurant not far ahead. Let's go!"
Feng Qingyi couldn't move him, and turned to find Qin Yuchuan staring intently at the elevator.
"What's wrong?"
Qin Yuchuan said, "This elevator is quite good. Why doesn't your home have one?"
"...That villa is only three stories, it doesn't need an elevator. If you like it, I'll teach you how to use it when we come back."
"Good!"
She inexplicably heard a hint of joy in Qin Yuchuan's "Good!"
Feng Qingyi took Qin Yuchuan to a noodle restaurant and ordered a bowl of ramen.
Because the doctor had specifically instructed him not to eat for now, Feng Qingyi didn't order anything for him.
After the waiter brought a large, steaming bowl of ramen, Feng Qingyi picked up the chopsticks.
Seeing Qin Yuchuan sitting across from her, Feng Qingyi asked,
"Are you hungry?"
Qin Yuchuan nodded, "Yes."
Feng Qingyi said with a smile, "Then you'll just have to stay hungry! Others can quench their thirst by thinking of plums, you can quell your hunger by looking at noodles."
Qin Yuchuan fell silent, quietly staring at Feng Qingyi.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable under his gaze, Feng Qingyi handed him her phone, "Here, play with my phone."
Just as Qin Yuchuan took the phone, he noticed someone had sent Feng Qingyi a WeChat message.
Yue Yue: Qingyi, look quickly! This guy is so handsome! I approve!
Qin Yuchuan opened WeChat and saw that this Yue Yue had sent her pictures.
There were even pictures of shirtless men, several of them.
Qin Yuchuan curiously looked through their chat history.
Apart from occasional discussions about what to eat, the rest was all about which men were more handsome, and the two even argued about it.
