The Whole Dynasty Spoils the Tyrant's Beloved Youngest Daughter-Chapter 436 - 435: Courting Death

Jun Ning murmured, "Right now, the war is obviously more important. Once it’s over, I’ll find an opportunity to talk with Qi Xiao. I believe he’ll understand and accept it."

Thinking this way, Jun Ning quickly set aside his chaotic emotions and focused on the sand table placed nearby, concentrating on the war preparations.

When Chao Jiu returned, he saw Jun Ning standing in front of the sand table, staring at it blankly without moving for a long time.

"Crown Prince, didn’t we just finish discussing the basic deployment of the battle with the generals? You seem deep in thought, is there an issue?" Chao Jiu asked, puzzled.

Jun Ning didn’t answer directly, but instead said, "Chao Jiu, do you remember Fei Yuque’s renowned battle?"

The main general of Bei Xia, Fei Yuque, did not come from an aristocratic family, but from the slums. In his youth, life was difficult; he worked as an unnoticed stable boy, cursed at by all, disregarded by anyone.

It wasn’t until ten years ago, during the Battle of Xiao He, that this inconspicuous young man used the tactic of feigning an attack in one direction while striking in another, slaughtering tens of thousands of enemy soldiers, and made a name for himself.

That battle against Bei Xia was hard-fought; the main general died. It was Fei Yuque who broke through numerous obstacles, gathered a portion of forces, cleverly set up a plan, and carved a bloody path, turning Bei Xia’s defeat into victory.

That battle became the beginning of Fei Yuque’s fame across the world.

At this moment, Chao Jiu didn’t have to think much before saying, "I remember, and very clearly too."

Back then, he was young, and upon hearing about Fei Yuque’s deeds, he felt fear, anxiety, and of course, admiration for Fei Yuque.

As years went by, he hasn’t seen anyone braver than Fei Yuque, so his memory of Fei Yuque is profound.

Yet, Chao Jiu was somewhat puzzled, "Why does the Crown Prince suddenly bring up Fei Yuque’s renowned battle?"

"Ten years ago, Fei Yuque became famous for his cleverness in that battle. Over the past decade, he’s fought many battles, but they were rather mediocre. I fear he might use his old methods in this battle," Jun Ning said. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

After all, both the Eastern Chu Kingdom and Bei Xia are waging war to annihilate the other.

Jun Ning has already put all his secret resources to use; would Fei Yuque do any less?

Chao Jiu thought for a moment, "The Crown Prince isn’t wrong to think this. What should we do?"

Jun Ning rubbed his brow, "Tomorrow, gather the main generals again, and we’ll discuss this matter thoroughly, to come up with a strategy just in case."

Chao Jiu nodded, "Yes, Crown Prince."

...

Jun Ning kept a close eye on the ongoing war preparations daily, ensuring readiness for the next battle at all times.

She thought that after Bei Xia’s crushing defeat last time, the next battle wouldn’t come so quickly. Unexpectedly, only twenty days later, the next battle arrived.

This time, Fei Yuque personally led the army into battle, unlike last time when they seemed to disdain them, only sending a deputy general and a beast-taming Lan Xihe.

In this instance, the deputy general and Lan Xihe stepped back behind Fei Yuque, taking on the deputy roles.

Legend has it that Fei Yuque has a thick beard, dark skin, solid and hard chest muscles, and doesn’t care much about appearance, with a rough and burly stature.

But in reality, the Fei Yuque Jun Ning saw was not like that, quite contrary to the rumors.

Fei Yuque had fair complexion, distinct features, with piercing eyes resembling a hawk, a handsome and robust look, truly a fine man.

However, the pair of sharp scimitars in his hands added a fierce aura to his handsome demeanor, enhancing his intimidating presence.

Jun Ning faced this fierce aura and smiled.

In the halls of power, rarely seeing the flash of blades, it’s been a long time since meeting such a fierce character; every drop of blood in her veins clamors with appreciation.

"Marshal Fei?"

"Eighteenth Princess?"

The two exchanged greetings, and in each other’s sharp eyes, they discerned something extraordinary.

The idea that people on the same frequency can recognize each other holds true.

"I’ve long heard that the Eighteenth Princess of Eastern Chu Kingdom is unlike ordinary women. Today, I see it’s indeed extraordinary!" Fei Yuque sincerely praised.

"Marshal, you flatter me!" Jun Ning said, "Ten years ago, your battle brought you fame; it truly left an unforgettable impression on people worldwide."

"The Eighteenth Princess is quite interesting." Fei Yuque chuckled, but his laughter carried a hint of coldness as if he disliked others bringing up the past.

"Your Highness, since we face each other today, why don’t we have a one-on-one duel first?" Fei Yuque proposed.

Jun Ning chuckled, about to respond when she heard Lan Xihe from the opposite side snort disdainfully and mock, "Her Highness is pampered, always helped by others, likely never wielding a sword or practicing martial arts, how could she duel with the Marshal?"

Lan Xihe went to the battlefield shortly after a minor delivery; though it’s unclear how she convinced Fei Yuque to overlook previous grievances, her pale face and suddenly slender figure suggest she paid a price for it.

She must harbor resentment still.

That’s why her tone was so aggressive.

After speaking, she looked at Ye Ying behind Jun Ning, seemingly wanting to see his reaction, or evoke a response from him.

However, Ye Ying showed no reaction at all.

Ye Ying coldly gazed at Bei Xia’s ranks, occasionally sweeping his eyes over Lan Xihe, which only showed unfamiliarity, disdain, disregard, and indifference...

Jun Ning replied, "The esteemed lady makes a valid point, but she’ll be disappointed. Marshal Fei, I wish to duel with you, but I have one condition!"

Fei Yuque asked with interest, "What condition? Please tell, Princess?"

Jun Ning said, "Let’s dismount and have a hand-to-hand combat, what do you think?"

This statement elicited laughter from the opposing ranks.

"Did I hear that right? The little princess of the Eastern Chu Kingdom wants to have a hand-to-hand duel with our Marshal?"

"Does she even know? Our Marshal is unbeaten hand-to-hand in Bei Xia. Challenging our Marshal like this is sheer recklessness, seeking death!"