As soon as Beichen Yuan heard that the people would be staying for half a month, he hesitated.

The two armies were currently engaged in battle, and Beirong could attack at any moment.

Keeping them in the military camp at this time might not be safe.

However, Chu Fengchun’s medical skills were truly exceptional.

With him around, he could provide a great deal of assistance.

Although he verbally expressed his unwillingness to stay, Beichen Yuan could tell that he was sincerely dedicated to treating the soldiers’ wounds.

He even took the time to teach the military doctors a few things, which significantly improved their medical skills.

Beichen Yuan and Chu Fengchun had known each other for years, and this was not the first time Chu Fengchun had treated his injuries.

Over time, they had come to understand each other’s temperaments. Otherwise, Beichen Yuan would not have dared to force him to stay.

“Then let them stay for now. Arrange accommodations, but don’t let them wander freely in the camp,” Beichen Yuan ordered.

When he heard that they would be staying behind his tent, he found it somewhat inappropriate. But given the current circumstances, it was not the time to be overly concerned with such matters, so he said no more.

“Have you investigated Shen Qing’s background?” he asked. “It was fine when they weren’t in the camp before, but now that they’re staying here, we need to check.”

It was not that he was overly suspicious, but he was used to being cautious.

Murong Wushuang naturally understood Beichen Yuan’s concerns.

That was why he had already planned to look into Shen Qing’s background as soon as the decision to let them stay was made.

“I’ll have someone investigate it,” Murong Wushuang replied.

With that settled, Beichen Yuan changed the topic.

He trusted Murong Wushuang’s efficiency in handling matters. “The war with Beirong must end as soon as possible. The capital is on the verge of chaos.”

At the mention of the capital, Murong Wushuang’s expression grew more serious. “Is the Emperor’s health failing?”

Beichen Yuan let out a cold laugh. “Someone is eager to take the throne.”

The war in the northwest against Xiyue was also at a stalemate, preventing General Gu from returning to the capital anytime soon.

If the Emperor passed away, the princes would fight for the throne.

Whether it was Prince Liang or Prince Huainan, they could easily use the chaos to eliminate rivals and seize power.

Murong Wushuang understood this well.

Their priority was to quickly end the war with Beirong and return to the capital.

As long as Beichen Yuan was in the capital, no matter which prince ascended the throne, Prince Liang and Prince Huainan would have no chance to interfere.

“Beirong will certainly try to end the war before winter,” Murong Wushuang said. “But I fear the capital won’t last that long. The court has already cut off supplies to the northern army. The northwest is likely in the same predicament.

“We can still gather supplies from Yanzhou and Suzhou to sustain us, but the northwest army only has Xijiang City to rely on. Their situation is likely even more dire. If the supply shortage continues, they won’t hold out for long. We are caught between a wolf and a tiger—this is not an easy predicament to escape.”

Beichen Yuan shared the same concerns.

But with his hands full, how could he assist the northwest army?

The men he had sent to the capital to urge for supplies had not returned, suggesting that someone was deliberately withholding aid to cut off their retreat.

The two discussed matters in the tent for a while before Murong Wushuang left to arrange accommodations for Shen Qing and her group.

By the time Murong Wushuang arrived, Chu Fengchun had just finished acupuncture treatment for Shen Qingwan’s mother.

Shen Qingwan needed to go to Yanzhou City’s pharmacy to fetch medicinal herbs for the herbal bath.

Coincidentally, she also had to buy some supplies, since they would be staying for half a month. However, she didn’t dare bring too many things into the camp.

Her personal space ability allowed her to bring items from outside into the camp unnoticed, but she still needed a cover.

After Murong Wushuang settled them into their tent, he left to handle other matters.

Shen Qingwan, not wanting to cause trouble, refrained from wandering around the camp.

The next morning, she was awakened by the sound of military drills.

After washing up, she found that breakfast had already been delivered—steamed buns, porridge, and two small side dishes.

This was considered good food in the army, as even the prince ate the same rations.

Understanding the shortage of supplies, Shen Qingwan did not complain.

She had plenty of food in her personal space, so she wouldn’t let herself go hungry.

After breakfast, she drove a carriage to the city to buy medicinal herbs.

The guards at the camp gate recognized her this time and let her pass without issue.

Murong Wushuang, being a strategist in the military, was always busy.

After their initial meeting and the handover of the twenty thousand stones of grain she had donated, she had not seen him for days.

Aside from her first trip to the city, she only moved between her own tent and her mother’s, avoiding wandering around the camp. She understood that a military base was a restricted area, and it was best not to intrude.

Beichen Yuan, preoccupied with military affairs and war strategy, had long forgotten about the three guests staying behind his tent. Perhaps because they kept a low profile, their presence was barely noticeable.

On the eighth night, Shen Qingwan was suddenly awakened by the sound of war drums.

Not knowing what was happening, she quickly dressed and stepped outside, only to see soldiers urgently assembling.

Her brows furrowed with concern, but she had no one to ask.

The previously well-guarded camp now felt eerily empty.

Amid the flickering firelight, she heard the sharp neigh of a horse.

Looking ahead, she saw a man in silver armor mounting his horse with practiced ease before galloping away, a long spear in hand.

Noticing a white-robed figure still standing nearby, Shen Qingwan couldn’t resist stepping forward. “Master Wushuang, what is happening?”

Murong Wushuang had just seen Beichen Yuan off when he heard Shen Qingwan’s voice.

Turning around, his face was filled with solemnity.

“Beirong launched a night attack. His Highness has led the troops to defend against them,” he explained.

He had been so busy these past few days that he had completely forgotten about Shen Qingwan and her group. Feeling a little guilty, he asked, “How is Madam Shen’s health?”

“Much better now,” Shen Qingwan replied. “Her emotions have stabilized, but she has yet to recover her memories.”

“That’s good. Stay here and don’t worry. The Beirong forces won’t be able to break through,” Murong Wushuang reassured her.

Shen Qingwan wasn’t actually worried about the war.

She was simply curious about ancient battlefield strategies.

Murong Wushuang seemed to have urgent matters to attend to.

After a brief exchange, he quickly departed.

Shen Qingwan reminded Rong Yunshuang to watch over her mother and not wander around the camp before returning to her tent.