The next morning, Ji Xiaosong went to the General Mansion's training grounds.
In the middle of the night, she had placed some of the supplies in a warehouse next to the training grounds, intending for these guards to escort them today.
She couldn't just show up in the Northern Land with nothing, after all. That would arouse suspicion.
The guards she had prepared were already waiting in neat formation. They stood ramrod straight with solemn expressions, their armor glinting coldly in the morning sun. Gripping their sharp blades, they exuded a deadly silence.
Ji Xiaosong stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over each guard. With a grave expression, she said, "Your mission is to escort these supplies to the Northern Land and deliver them to General Xiao. This is a great responsibility. You must ensure the safety of the supplies without fail. If you encounter danger, you must work together to overcome it. You are to deliver this shipment to General Xiao completely intact. Do you understand?"
The guards responded in unison, "We will obey the Lady's command!"
Ji Xiaosong nodded slightly and continued, "Do not act on your own authority en route. Follow all orders from the guard captain. If any unexpected situations arise, adapt as needed. Your primary mission is to protect the supplies and yourselves. When you return, the General Mansion will reward you handsomely."
"Thank you, my Lady! We will not fail our mission!" The guards' voices were firm and powerful, echoing across the training grounds.
Ji Xiaosong watched them, her eyes full of trust and expectation. "Set out. I wish you a safe journey."
Under Ji Xiaosong's watchful eye, the guards escorted the supplies, setting off for the Northern Land in a great procession.
Uncle Chen had been standing off to the side, watching from a distance, ever since Ji Xiaosong appeared on the training grounds.
His hands were folded before him, and he was bowed slightly, a gratified smile on his face.
The thought that the Lady, while at home, was still so concerned for the General in the Northern Land sent a warm feeling through him. His wrinkled face beamed, and his eyes filled with admiration and emotion for Ji Xiaosong.
"Uncle Chen."
Ji Xiaosong beckoned for Uncle Chen to approach.
"I plan to go to White Jade Temple in Ningzhou today to offer incense. I will stay there for a while to chant scriptures and pray for the General's well-being."
"Yes, my Lady. I will go and make the preparations for you at once."
"Since I am going to pray, the entourage shouldn't be too large. We mustn't disturb the tranquility of the temple."
"Yes, my Lady. I will arrange for a more modest carriage, and have two clever maids and eight guards accompany you," Uncle Chen said respectfully.
Ji Xiaosong nodded slightly. "Yes, that will be fine. Remember to prepare some money for offerings so we don't seem impolite."
Soon, everything was ready. Ji Xiaosong set off for White Jade Temple in Ningzhou with two maids and eight guards.
The road to Ningzhou was the same one that led to the Northern Land. Trying to catch up to the supply convoy now would mean she was some distance behind, but this was all part of Ji Xiaosong's plan.
As they neared Ningzhou, Ji Xiaosong had her maids and guards stay at a posthouse.
Late that night, she took Rongrong and placed a letter in Uncle Chen's courtyard.
Afterward, she left a letter for her two maids and departed for the Northern Land.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Northern Land, the sun was just rising. A fierce wind howled, whipping the army's banners about.
Xiao Shen and the Crown Prince stood ready with their grand army. Rows of tents stretched into the distance, looking solemn and imposing in the early morning light.
Campfires flickered in the wind, illuminating the resolute faces of the soldiers.
They wore heavy armor and carried weapons, their gazes fixed warily on the surrounding darkness, ready to face any enemy that might attack.
Xiao Shen stood tall on high ground, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His brow was furrowed, as if he were contemplating his strategy.
Nearby, the Crown Prince was conferring in low voices with several commanders, his expression serious and focused.
Warhorses snorted nearby, pawing restlessly at the ground as if they too could sense the tension of the impending battle.
A heavy atmosphere permeated the entire camp. A great battle was on the verge of breaking out.
"Rongrong, are they about to fight again?"
[The journey from the Capital City to the Northern Land takes about half a month. Xiao Shen and the others only just arrived last night. It took you a few days to get from the Capital City to Ningzhou, so you've arrived just in time.]
"Are they going to be living in this military camp from now on?"
[Of course. When you're at war, it's normal to eat in the wild and sleep under the stars.]
"I shouldn't show myself just yet. It wouldn't make sense logically. I'll wait for the supply convoy to arrive, then I'll make my appearance."
[What are you planning to do for the next few days, then?]
"I'm going to scout out Prince Qi. If Xiao Shen's side needs any help, I can provide it secretly. The sooner they suppress the rebellion, the sooner I can have my husband back."
[That'll be tough with the little Mana we have! You can't even turn invisible. What if you're trying to do something and get caught?]
"It's fine. I'll watch their movements. If an opportunity arises, I'll be ready."
She thought such an opportunity would be hard to come by, but she only had to wait two days. After their first battle, Xiao Shen's side sent men to scout the enemy's provisions.
[Song, your chance is here. The men Xiao Shen sent have already entered the city gates. Tonight, they will infiltrate Prince Qi's army to investigate.]
Ji Xiaosong pulled the thick cashmere blanket up higher, slowly stretching her body out on top of Rongrong, the picture of languid comfort.
The severe cold of the Northern Land was piercing, like blades of ice. Thankfully, Rongrong was wonderfully warm, allowing Ji Xiaosong to find a cozy haven in the biting wind.
"Then let's get ready tonight. We'll go give them a hand."
When night fell, Ji Xiaosong and Rongrong quietly followed the scout Xiao Shen had sent.
The man was agile yet cautious. Hiding in the shadows, Ji Xiaosong waited for the right moment and used her familiarity with the terrain to lure away the patrolling soldiers, creating an opportunity for the scout to approach the supply depot.
Just as the scout succeeded in gathering crucial intelligence and was about to retreat, he was unfortunately spotted by an alert guard.
In her haste, Ji Xiaosong picked up a stone and threw it into the distance, creating a sound that drew the guard away.
However, this action caught the scout's attention.
After shaking off his pursuers, he doubled back and discovered Ji Xiaosong just as she was about to leave.
"Who's there?" the scout demanded warily.
Ji Xiaosong froze. After a moment's hesitation, she turned around.
"It's me," Ji Xiaosong said softly.
"My Lady? What are you doing here?" the scout asked, his face a mask of astonishment.
As Xiao Shen's wife, she had naturally been introduced to some of his key officers.
As it happened, the soldier sent today had seen a portrait of Ji Xiaosong in Xiao Shen's tent.
Ji Xiaosong bit her lip and said, "Don't raise the alarm. I just want to do my part for the General."
The scout looked troubled. "My Lady, this is no small matter. I must take you back to the camp and let the General decide what to do. It is far too dangerous for you to remain here."
Ji Xiaosong frowned slightly. After a moment of thought, she said, "Very well. I will return to the camp with you."
The scout led the way, and Ji Xiaosong followed close behind.
All the way there, Ji Xiaosong's heart pounded with anxiety, wondering how Xiao Shen would react when he saw her.
Upon entering the camp, the scout led Ji Xiaosong directly to Xiao Shen's tent.
At that moment, Xiao Shen was discussing battle plans with his commanders. Hearing a commotion outside the tent, he frowned slightly.
"What's the rush?" Xiao Shen asked.