Yi Changpu saw that everyone was finally there, deciding it was about time for the meeting to begin. “As you all know, there has been suspicious behavior happening with the Ma people who seem to be lingering into the Zhao State. They seem to be taking things more cautiously while trying to enter the city. I would like for us to capture any who happen to breakthrough. We cannot let this go any longer.” Yi Changpu wanted to know from the Ma people about their plan and who was behind it when they knew that the Zhao Empress had some connection to them.

“Crown Prince, you do know that if we touch of those Ma people, then we are calling war between them.” One of the old generals said to him.

“How is it calling war when they are the ones trespassing and holding suspicious activity towards the Zhao State?” Yi Changpu knew that they would bring up a topic like this. “They are the ones bringing trouble for themselves.”

“Don’t you know that all of this will only bring more disaster!? Catching those Ma people will only bring trouble!”

“Trouble or not, you all know that it was bound to happen sooner or later. I will not stand by and wait like an idiot.” Yi Changpu could see that some of the old generals hated him since he was still the child who belonged to the last empress.

Lin Ning listened in on the entire conversation, seeing that most of these generals were against the Crown Prince. ‘Quite sad that these generals do not know the future. From observing all of them, only two are the most trusted and would not mind the crown prince for who he is since he seems to understand the situation. The Crown Prince was always at the border, so it wouldn't be hard to tell that he would be a good ruler for his people.’ Lin Ning preferred a ruler who could know the struggle than to live luxuriously. “Xu Meili, who are the others that are not talking?” Lin Ning decided to ask since she did not know what they looked like, but she figured it could be them since they were not talking.

“The two who are not speaking is Zhi Hao Guo, who has always been at the border and never once returned to the city. Min Jian Chu has always been at the border as well, but he used to always go back to the city from time to time for his family.”

“Did something happen?” Lin Ning didn't know the back story for the two since the novel never went to deep in side characters. ‘There is just that word ‘used’ so something must have happened.’

“He lost his family.” Xu Meili left it there, refusing to go forth with telling Lin Ning in case they were listening.

Lin Ning did not push further about it as well. ‘It seems as though they were the ones I was looking for. Good, it would be best to get them involved now.’ Lin Ning decided that it was about time to take part in this. “Zhi Hao Guo. Min Jian Chu.” Everyone heard a woman speak out, turning their attention to the back of them. The two generals were the most alarmed, hearing a young woman call out their names.

“Who may you be?” Min Jian Chu grew curious, looking at the woman who had called him.

“I am curious to know about both of your thoughts and opinion about the Ma people. Everyone has to put in their thoughts about it and I figured there has to be more than just those two generals here who can talk.” Lin Ning figured it was about time that the two of them took a step up. “You are free to share or not. I will not force you if you do not want to.”

Everyone in the tent was quiet; they had never once heard any thoughts or opinions from Zhi Hao Guo and Min Jian Chu. They were always the quiet ones that never spoke or fought back. Waiting for some time, Lin Ning assumed that they would not say anything or even join sides.

“I believe that those Ma people should be interrogated to find out what they are trying to gain out of this suspicious behavior.” Hearing that from Zhi Hao Guo, it was the first time they listened to his response.

“Are you serious!?”

“I believe that as well.” Min Jian Chu then responded. Deciding to back up Zhi Hao Guo, they were both in similar situations, and they chose not to fight, but it was about time they decided who they wanted to support in this war for the throne. Knowing that the Zhao Empress was going to be enraged by their choice.

Yi Changpu did not think he would have help in this situation, but he now owes Lin Ning for her help. “Since that is the case, then Zhi Hao Guo and Min Jian Chu will be given the duty of catching them and finding out what they are seeking for.”

“You can’t possibly do this!”

The other two rebelled against him, seeing how they were being ‘forced’ to get answers from the Ma people. “Perhaps, you both are in cahoots with the Ma people or… someone who is using the Ma people.” Yi Changpu said to them, staring down to see that both of their expressions that turned pale. ‘Hm, it seems as though I have kept the wrong people by my side throughout this entire time.’ Yi Changpu glanced at Cao Peizhi, signaling him to get rid of them.

Cao Peizhi understood the signal, looking at his men that stood where Lin Ning was—giving them a sign as well, which they understood.

“Miss Lin, the meeting is over now. It is about time for everyone to leave.” Qin Yun informed her, letting her get out of the tent first, and Xu Meili followed.

The meeting was not entirely over, but Cao Peizhi had gone towards the two men who did not want the Crown Prince to interrogate the Ma people. “It is your punishment for choosing to side with the enemy.” Cao Peizhi had quickly taken out his sword without giving the two general’s a chance to speak out for themselves. “What do you wish for us to do with their bodies?” Cao Peizhi asked the Crown Prince.

“Send their bodies to their families. Make sure that there is a cover-up story for it.” Yi Changpu would proceed with his plan to find out what the Ma people were up to and finally know what the Zhao Empress was planning on her half. Staring back at the other two generals, he went forth to the both of them. “Why did you both decide to take my side?”

Zhi Hao Guo shook his head; he looked back at the Crown Prince. “I do not know what came over me, but it may have been due to that lady. She reminded me of someone that I once knew. Strong and confident. Not only that, but you've always been at the border so you understand the struggles of being a soldier. Perhaps it is about that I took part in this fight for the throne.”

“Strange how one lady can make you change and build up confidence again. You are correct though about this fight for the throne. Who knows when the emperor and empress of Zhao State would get rid of us.” Min Jian Chu found it strange, but he could not refuse the lady who spoke to them while mentioning the emperor and empress who held greed.

Yi Changpu knew that the empress and emperor were both a scheming pair. It was one of the reasons why the two generals were there at the border and remained there. The Emperor and Empress had hoped for the two of them to eventually die in the war but fate chose to keep them alive. “Since you both decided to still help me, then I will leave you both to handle those Ma people. Tell me if you find any information that they may have. I will help you both in return.” Yi Changpu dismissed the two, allowing them to leave, and then he focused back on Cao Peizhi. “Interesting how Miss Lin managed to change their minds.”