Cao Ang scratched his head slightly puzzled as he looked at the seal ribbon left to him by Fuu Wan. If he wasn’t mistaken, this was the seal ribbon of the Imperial Guard Commander, right? Fuu Wan wouldn’t be training imperial guards at the Northern Army, would he? It seemed a bit incredible.

"No matter, we’ll see when the time comes. I just hope Chang’an City doesn’t erupt into chaos." At this moment, Cao Ang could no longer focus on observing these things. He truly could only pray that Chang’an City doesn’t descend into conflict.

In fact, just a moment ago, Chang’an City almost did erupt into chaos. The loyal minister of the Han Dynasty who had been leading Cao Ang through a series of detours, after relaying the message of Cao Ang’s entry into the palace, Fuu Wan, upon entering, saw Dong Cheng, Zhongg Ji, and others secretly mobilize private troops, preparing for confrontation.

After all, the Cao Family had already begun consolidating their power to prepare for "rebellion," leaving Dong Cheng and the others no choice but to be cautious.

In such an atmosphere, Xiahou Shang was no fool, naturally remaining on guard as well. Both sides suppressed their inner turmoil, yet were ready to act at a moment’s notice.

It wasn’t until the leader of the Imperial Guards brought Cao Ang’s message and jade pendant to Xiahou Shang that he reluctantly settled down, no longer secretly targeting Dong Cheng and the others like before.

Meanwhile, Dong Cheng and others almost simultaneously received the message relayed by Fuu Wan’s men from within the Inner Palace, so they quietly tidied up their private troops, no longer as guarded as before. However, whether it was Xiahou Shang or Dong Cheng and the others, they knew they couldn’t turn a blind eye as they did before. This time, the two sides narrowly missed a direct confrontation.

When Fuu Wan and Cao Ang emerged one after another, Dong Cheng and Xiahou Shang were finally completely relieved. Both sides cleaned up their forces and then willingly withdrew from Chang’an.

"Are you alright?" Xiahou Shang sized up Cao Ang and then inquired.

"Whoo..." Cao Ang exhaled deeply, "I’ve lived for so many years and seen things, but none as much as today, and none as thrilling as today. Honestly, I can now stand here entirely, and I admire myself."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Xiahou Shang said discontentedly, before sizing up Cao Ang again, ensuring there was no problem, and feeling much more at ease.

"Hahaha, you didn’t see it today." Cao Ang shook his head repeatedly, then thought it best not to talk about such things outside and promptly shut his mouth.

"You rascal." Xiahou Shang saw Cao Ang about to speak but suddenly closed his mouth, couldn’t help but shake his head repeatedly, but didn’t take it to heart. Whatever happened in Changle Palace wasn’t important as long as Cao Ang walked out intact.

"But don’t face the Emperor alone in the future." Xiahou Shang looked at Cao Ang and said, causing Cao Ang to tense up.

"By the way, have someone take these two items to the Northern Army and enlist the entire Northern Army into our forces." Cao Ang handed the jade pendant and Imperial Guard Commander seal ribbon given by Fuu Wan to Xiahou Shang.

"Hmm? Northern Army?" Xiahou Shang frowned and said, "Hasn’t the Northern Army already withdrawn? That camp is practically abandoned, even if you have this, you can’t muster much troops. I heard that the military budget for the Northern Army was misappropriated years ago; how can there be a Northern Army without funding." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Just go; why so many words." Cao Ang glared at Xiahou Shang and said discontentedly.

Xiahou Shang rubbed his chin, turned to a sturdy lad beside him and said, "Zidan, take these two items to the Northern Army and enlist the troops under your command."

Cao Zhen reached out, took the seal ribbon and jade pendant, then rode off toward the Northern Army’s direction. As he arrived, he could see from afar the camp’s surroundings overgrown with coarse grass, and its defenses appeared crooked and unrepaired for years, as high as the thorny walls might be, they seemed broken and tattered.

Yet, when he got closer, Cao Zhen could hear training sounds inside the camp. However, before he could find an entrance, two people suddenly leaped out from under the turf, attempting to attack him.

Immediately, Cao Zhen produced the Imperial Guard Commander’s seal ribbon and the jade pendant Xiahou Shang had given him. The two soldiers instantly halted their movements and saluted Cao Zhen with clasped fists.

"What is the General’s purpose here?" A soldier saluted Cao Zhen and then slipped into a tunnel to enter the camp, while another inquired about Cao Zhen’s intentions.

"Troop deployment, the Southern Huns are moving southward, about to enter Sili. To prevent disaster upon civilians, we need to preemptively strike." Cao Zhen didn’t hide it and spoke straightforwardly.

Soon, a person jumped out from the previous pit, and upon seeing Cao Zhen, said, "Subordinate Feng Kai needs to compare the jade pendant and Imperial Guard Commander’s seal ribbon."

Cao Zhen once again lowered the two items; Feng Kai took out a piece of silk from his pocket and started examining the patterns on it. Upon confirming the items were correct, he saluted with clasped fists towards Cao Zhen, "It’s my duty, please forgive me. Northern Army Colonel Feng Kai has met the General, what are your orders?"

"Deploy troops, prepare to move north to block the Southern Huns coming down." Cao Zhen repeated.

"Deploy the entire army?" Feng Kai frowned and asked.

"Deploy the entire army!" Cao Zhen nodded, and once Feng Kai confirmed the message and items were accurate, he decisively took out a horn and started blowing, with a peculiar rhythm. Soon, Cao Zhen felt the ground vibrating, then the thorny walls collapsed.