Chapter 162: Unexpected Turn in the War

In the early morning, just as the sky was turning pale, the main army withdrew its camp by two hundred meters and re-established its stronghold.

When the enemy launched their attack, Duan Nanyu and Feng Xilou immediately led their troops forward, splitting their forces into two routes to lure the enemy into a trap. Yun Xueyan stood outside the tent, gazing worriedly into the distance.

She hoped everything would go smoothly this time...

The sky gradually darkened, and the snow-covered ground reflected the pale clouds of dusk, slowly fading into a bright and stern cold light that cast a magnificent glow over everything. The sunset at the border was exceptionally beautiful.

The earth-shaking sound of horns echoed across the heavens, stirring the soul. The returning troops were gilded with a layer of golden light by the setting sun, symbolizing the glory of victory.

The breath that had been stuck in Yun Xueyan's chest finally released. Seeing the returning army, she finally set her mind at ease.

Clad in a suit of silver-white battle robes, Feng Xilou looked heroic and spirited. Having just returned from fierce battle, he still maintained his refined demeanor as he sat astride a tall, powerful steed, wearing a faint smile.

Bathed in the radiant light, he looked like a deity. She had never known that he could also lead troops into battle.

Yun Xueyan ran swiftly toward him. As she approached his warhorse, Feng Xilou deftly vaulted down, scooped her up into his arms, and held her against his chest. "Yan'er, did you miss me? Do you know, I almost didn't make it back—just barely."

"How much is 'just barely'?" Yun Xueyan sat before him and struggled slightly. Feeling the tightening of his embrace, she simply gave up and stopped fighting.

Her pretty face flushed with color, and she turned her gaze toward the distance, her expression suddenly turning worried. "Why hasn't the Prince returned yet? Logic dictates he should have been back before you."

"Nanyu hasn't returned yet?" Feng Xilou exclaimed in surprise. "I assumed he had already come back."

"Not yet," Yun Xueyan replied. Her heart skipped a beat, her pupils instantly filling with terror as she looked up at Feng Xilou. "Could something have happened to him? Why hasn't a single person from his unit returned?"

Even through her veil, her anxiety was unmistakable. Feng Xilou sighed softly; she still cared about him to some extent. Yet, he knew that had he not returned today, she would have been worried too.

As he was thinking this, a detachment of troops in the distance headed toward the camp. Looking closely, it was indeed the unit Duan Nanyu had led out, but Duan Nanyu's figure was nowhere to be seen at the head of the formation.

Watching the troops draw closer and still failing to spot Duan Nanyu, Yun Xueyan grew flustered. Unsteady on her feet, she nearly tumbled from the horse, but Feng Xilou caught her in time. "Yan'er, don't panic. Let's wait and see." Trying his best to comfort her, Feng Xilou sat tall in the saddle and gazed ahead.

His dark eyes stared intently at the rapidly approaching horses. The steeds galloped wildly, kicking up a flurry of scattered snow. Hanging across the saddle in front of one soldier was a man who, upon closer inspection, turned out to be Duan Nanyu.

"Yan'er, dismount. Nanyu might be injured." Holding the rigid figure in front of him, Feng Xilou leaped off the horse and saw the lead general pulling his mount to a halt with a panicked expression.

"Prime Minister Feng, Lord Yan, the Prince was distracted while fighting the enemy and was ambushed, resulting in severe injuries!"

"Quickly take the Prince back to his tent and summon the military physician!" Feng Xilou ordered in a calm, deep voice, then looked down at the dazed Yun Xueyan beside him. "Yan'er, go back inside the tent first. I will handle the rest."

Struggling to steady herself, Yun Xueyan nodded heavily, desperately suppressing the turbulent emotions in her heart. She told herself she shouldn't care about him anymore, but as she turned to leave, she still couldn't help whispering a soft plea, "Xilou, don't let anything happen to him."

"I know, Yan'er, go inside." With that, he turned and strode toward Duan Nanyu's tent.

Under the dim candlelight, several figures sat around a table. Suddenly, one of them slammed a hand down hard, causing tea to splash everywhere.

"What did you say? Is that woman really that important? As long as we capture her, we can subdue Prince Xiao and Prime Minister Feng? Is she truly that formidable?" an enraged voice demanded.

The person sitting on the other side gave a dismissive, mocking chuckle. "Since I came to tell you this, could it possibly be false? Catch her, and you can easily control both Duan Nanyu and Feng Xilou."

"Why should this general believe you?" the furious voice rang out once more.

"General, just try it. You'll see if it works or not, and I'm right here—I can't run away." With that, the person stood up and walked out.