The Pregnant General Guards the Nation's Gates: The Ruthless Emperor Wants Me to Be a General - Chapter 1

“Report—! The Northern Di are attacking! General!” But the next second, the general they were calling for—me—was lying on a soft couch in the palace. “Congratulations, Your Majesty, this young woman is pregnant!” The man in dragon robes had a gaze like daggers: “A young woman? Pregnant? General Lin, please give me an explanation.”

“Who is the father of the child in your womb?”

—Lin Yueyao, an ordinary university student, woke up after a car accident to find herself transmigrated to ancient times. In that instant, the panic in her heart was beyond words—a strange environment, a dilapidated thatched hut, and the coarse linen clothes on her body. “Young woman, you’re finally awake!” An old woman handed over a bowl emitting the scent of herbal medicine, “You’ve had a high fever for the past few days, and everyone in the village said you wouldn’t last long.”

Lin Yueyao took the bowl, forcing a smile. She quickly realized that she had become a lonely, helpless farm girl in this war-torn era.

The day the war reached the village, when a Northern Di soldier held a blade to her neck, she saw an army officer in her despair. At that moment, a bold idea flashed in her mind.

“I want to join the army.”

Using men’s clothes salvaged from collected corpses, she cut her long hair short, bound her chest and waist, and blended into the newly conscripted soldiers. Fortunately, she had participated in military training and various sports activities during college, so her physique was much stronger than that of women in this era.

Life in the military camp was far more brutal than she had imagined. She woke up before dawn every day, swung her sword a thousand times, ran with heavy loads, and endured wind and dew. But Lin Yueyao gritted her teeth and persevered, never complaining.

“Lin boy, your swordplay is quite unique.” The instructor frowned as he watched her dance the sword. “It doesn’t follow the rules, but it’s quite effective.”

Lin Yueyao gave a wry smile. She had no rules, just a mixture of various martial arts movie moves from her memory. But she had the advantage of a modern person’s thinking—she understood hygiene and disease prevention, simple medical treatment, and more importantly, she had read many military strategies and historical texts.

On one accidental occasion, she proposed a peculiar ambush strategy to the army commander, which actually allowed them to win a beautiful victory with fewer troops.

“Lin soldier, your mind is not simple!” The commander patted her on the shoulder, unaware that she was so nervous her back was covered in cold sweat, fearing exposure of her identity.

From then on, she began to be highly valued. First as a banner carrier, then a squad leader, a centurion… In three years of campaigning, she transformed from a raw recruit into an independent general.

“Your Majesty, this person commands troops like a god, and has repeatedly achieved extraordinary feats. Your subject recommends her as the General of Zhenbei!” When the Grand Tutor recommended her in court, it caused an uproar among the assembled officials.

“How can a mere twenty-year-old bear such a heavy responsibility?”

“So young, what qualifications does she have to command the three armies?”

However, the emperor merely glanced at her, his gaze as sharp as a sword, as if wanting to see through her soul. Lin Yueyao forced herself to remain calm, looking back without flinching.

“Granted.” The emperor’s two faint words, however, exploded like thunder in the court.

Thus, she became the youngest general in the Great Zhou Dynasty, commanding one hundred thousand border troops, guarding the northern frontier. No one knew that this formidable General Lin was actually a woman, and even more, a transmigrator.

Until that day, when she fainted in her military tent and was urgently sent to the imperial palace for treatment…

—

When she woke up again, Lin Yueyao found herself lying on a soft brocade couch, surrounded by sheer gauze curtains, the air filled with the scent of dragon’s saliva incense and a strange, pungent odor—the smell of disinfectant that only she recognized.

“Where is this?” She struggled to get up but was struck by a wave of dizziness.

“Don’t move, my lord.” A white-haired old imperial physician was standing by her couch, removing needles, skillfully regulating her pulse, with several palace maids standing nearby, heads bowed and eyes downcast.

Lin Yueyao’s heart pounded. She looked around. This was clearly the inner court of the imperial palace, not a military camp. Had her identity as a woman and a transmigrator been exposed?

—

The old imperial physician, with hair as white as snow, finished removing the silver needles, looked at her with a complex expression, then knelt and bowed: “Congratulations, Your Majesty! General Lin… no, this young woman is pregnant!”

Pregnant? Lin Yueyao felt as if struck by lightning, her shock indescribable. She clearly hadn’t… Could it be after that drunken night, with that…?

Outside the tent, footsteps hurried, and the palace door was suddenly pushed open. Xiao Jingyan, clad in dragon robes, strode in with a gloomy face, his majestic dragon eyes filled with cold scrutiny. Several Imperial Guards, holding long halberds, lined up neatly outside the door.

“Imperial Physician, are you certain?” Xiao Jingyan asked coldly, looking down at him.

The old imperial physician touched his forehead to the ground: “Reporting to Your Majesty, this old subject has taken her pulse three times, and it is unequivocally certain.”

Xiao Jingyan’s gaze was like a dagger, piercing Lin Yueyao: “General Lin, no, Miss Lin, I want to ask you, how did a mere woman like you infiltrate my Great Zhou army? And how did you conceal your identity and rise to such a high position? Are you a spy for some country?”

Lin Yueyao replied neither subserviently nor arrogantly: “Your Majesty, please be clear. My family was ruined and I was left an orphan. To avenge my country and family, I disguised myself as a man and joined the army. For ten years, I have risked my life for Great Zhou and have never had any disloyalty.”

“What a heroic woman!” Xiao Jingyan sneered, “But I still want to know, who is the father of the child in your womb?”

Lin Yueyao’s heart tightened, but she feigned composure: “If Your Majesty wishes to punish me, this subject is willing to die, but please consider the innocent life in my womb.”

A complex look flashed in Xiao Jingyan’s eyes. After a moment, he suddenly said coldly: “Pass on my decree, Lin Yueyao is to receive the imperial edict and enter the palace! Considering her years of loyalty to the court, and that she carries the imperial progeny, she is hereby granted the title of—Noble Consort! But she shall temporarily reside in ‘Listening Wind Pavilion,’ and may not leave without an imperial decree!”

Everyone was astonished. This “Listening Wind Pavilion” was located in the southwest corner of the imperial palace. Although exquisite and elegant, it was a place easy to defend and difficult to attack, ostensibly a favor, but in reality, house arrest.

Before Lin Yueyao could recover, a eunuch loudly proclaimed another decree: “The Empress Dowager has an imperial decree, summoning Noble Consort Lin to Cining Palace immediately to meet the Empress Dowager. The decree specifically states that Noble Consort Lin must appear without makeup and without wearing any ornaments.”

In Cining Palace, within the magnificent vermilion-painted hall, the Empress Dowager, nearing sixty, was dressed in phoenix robes, seated on a dragon-carved throne, her eyes as sharp as an eagle, staring at Lin Yueyao who arrived in plain attire.

“So you are that General Lin who can lead troops and win battles?” The Empress Dowager’s voice was slow, but her eyes held a cold, scrutinizing glint.

Lin Yueyao bowed courteously: “Your subject, Lin Yueyao, greets the Empress Dowager.”

“I heard that you are not only knowledgeable in military strategy, but also proficient in medicine?” The Empress Dowager suddenly changed the subject, her tone subtly probing, “And even understand some… special healing methods that ordinary people don’t know?”

Lin Yueyao’s heart tightened. The Empress Dowager’s question was peculiar. She cautiously replied: “This subject briefly learned medicine in the army to treat wounded soldiers. But it was all superficial knowledge, not worth mentioning.”

The Empress Dowager suddenly rose, her gilded nail guard brushing Lin Yueyao’s wrist. The twelve crane-beak palace lamps in the hall swayed, stretching their shadows on the coiled dragon pillars.

“I heard that women in the northern frontier all have cinnabar marks on their wrists.” The Empress Dowager’s voice carried an eerie gentleness, but her fingertips moved like a venomous snake towards Lin Yueyao’s sleeve, “Let me see…”

Lin Yueyao was about to step back half a pace, but her sleeve was still lifted three inches. A crescent-shaped birthmark glowed faintly red in the candlelight, its edges vaguely showing scale-like patterns. This birthmark had been there since her transmigration, but now it suddenly felt like it was burning.

“Your Majesty!” The old palace maid accidentally knocked over a teacup. Brown herbal liquid snaked across the green bricks, steaming with a bitter white mist.

The Empress Dowager’s pupils suddenly constricted, her nail guard digging deeply into Lin Yueyao’s skin. Her eyes were like a hungry wolf encountering prey, mixed with shock and ecstasy, but in an instant, it transformed into a benevolent smile: “What a wonderfully unique birthmark, it looks like a cluster of flames.”

Lin Yueyao endured the pain, noticing the dragon pattern embroidery on the hem of the Empress Dowager’s phoenix robe—the golden dragon, which should have had five claws, unexpectedly had an extra toe, its six-toed dragon claw positioned directly opposite her birthmark. The scent of sandalwood suddenly became overpowering, mixed with the coldness seeping from the cracks in the floor tiles, reminding her of the six-toed dragon pattern jade bi in the laboratory that caused her transmigration.

“It’s just an ordinary birthmark.” She pulled back her wrist, hastily adjusting her sleeve to cover the slightly burning skin. The Empress Dowager’s lacquered nails tapped lightly on the desk, the rhythm coinciding with the laboratory alarm on the day of her transmigration.

The old palace maid trembled as she cleaned up the shattered porcelain on the floor, a sharp piece of celadon porcelain happened to slide to Lin Yueyao’s foot. As she bent down to help, she caught a glimpse of tiny cinnabar dots on the inside of the Empress Dowager’s embroidered shoe—identical to the sacrificial traces left on the Imperial Astronomy Observatory three days prior.

“I’m tired.” The Empress Dowager suddenly waved her hand, her jade bracelet clinking against her gold-inlaid jade nail guard. “General Lin, rest well. This birthmark…” Her deliberately prolonged final syllable faded into the draft, “There will be time later.”

As she stepped out of Cining Palace, the birthmark on Lin Yueyao’s wrist had faded to a light pink. She looked up at the chaofeng beasts on the eaves, which were supposed to ward off evil, but at this moment, she felt their bronze eyes staring at her wrist.

Listening Wind Pavilion was surrounded by water on all four sides, with rippling green waves, looking like an isolated island floating in the lake from afar. Closer inspection revealed the water to be crystal clear, with hidden iron nets below, preventing anyone from escaping by swimming. The pavilion soared into the clouds, with carved beams and painted rafters, exquisitely beautiful, yet exuding an aura of severity everywhere. The only drawbridge connecting to the outside was lowered for only a moment each day during meal delivery, remaining hoisted high at other times, with heavy guards and numerous arrow towers surrounding it.

Lin Yueyao stood by the window, gazing at the distant palace walls. She had been trapped here for seven full days.

“This cursed place is harder to escape than a prison.”

She tried to weave a rope from bedsheets, but found that the window led to a smooth stone wall with no purchase; she tried to bribe the guards, but found that all of them were Xiao Jingyan’s confidantes, fiercely loyal; she even considered swimming to escape, but discovered the deadly iron nets in the water.

Just as she was pondering her next move, footsteps sounded behind her.

“Noble Consort has such refined taste, admiring the scenery?” Xiao Jingyan had appeared behind her at some point.

Lin Yueyao turned, straightened her back, and met his gaze without weakness. “Your Majesty has come just in time. I wanted to ask, is this ‘Listening Wind Pavilion’ a noble consort’s residence, or a prison?”

Xiao Jingyan walked closer to her, his gaze falling on her slightly swollen abdomen. “Since you are carrying my imperial progeny, you should understand that this imperial palace is both your歸宿 destination and your prison.”

“I am not your canary.”

“But you are now my Noble Consort.” Xiao Jingyan sneered, “Don’t bother trying to escape. Every brick, every tile of Listening Wind Pavilion was personally designed by me. No one can escape from here.”

Lin Yueyao gritted her teeth and said no more.

A few days later, an unexpected piece of news reached Listening Wind Pavilion.

“Noble Consort, this servant has something important to report.” A young palace maid secretly handed Lin Yueyao a slip of paper.

Lin Yueyao unfolded it, her brows tightly furrowed. The paper stated that the border war was getting dire, and the enemy leader “Wolf Butcher” was using a flying device to attack their army from above, causing the soldiers to panic and retreat repeatedly.

“What does this device look like?” Lin Yueyao pressed.

“They say it’s like a large cloth bag, with a basket hanging underneath, able to carry people into the sky.”

“Hot air balloon!” Lin Yueyao blurted out, then fell into thought.

She quickly conceived a battle plan in her mind. But how to convey the plan to Xiao Jingyan? Her intuition told him he might not believe it; if she wrote a letter, she feared it would be intercepted.

Suddenly, an idea flashed.

“Bring me some needles and thread.”

The young palace maid was puzzled but complied. Lin Yueyao took out a white handkerchief and began to densely embroider it with needles and thread. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary pattern, but in reality, it was a detailed battle plan embroidered using Morse code.

“Give this to His Majesty, and tell him it’s my heartfelt intention.”

The handkerchief quickly reached Xiao Jingyan’s hands. He was in the imperial study, discussing countermeasures with his ministers, but they were at a loss.

“Your Majesty, Noble Consort Lin has sent a handkerchief, saying it is her heartfelt intention.”

Xiao Jingyan took the handkerchief, about to put it down casually, but noticed the strange pattern on it. He examined it carefully, his brows gradually relaxed, and a smile touched the corner of his mouth.

“Interesting, truly interesting.”

He immediately summoned officials proficient in codes and deciphered the contents of the handkerchief. It was indeed a detailed battle plan, using rockets and powerful crossbows to attack the hot air balloons, and then using the wind direction to direct the fire towards the enemy camp.

“Immediately convey this to the border, and act according to this plan!”

Three days later, news of victory arrived. The Great Zhou army, following Lin Yueyao’s strategy, successfully shot down the enemy’s hot air balloons and took the opportunity to counterattack, winning a complete victory.

Xiao Jingyan was overjoyed. He personally came to Listening Wind Pavilion, bestowing Lin Yueyao with jewels and jade artifacts, and exceptionally allowed her to move freely within Listening Wind Pavilion.

“Lin Yueyao, you are indeed not simple.” Xiao Jingyan scrutinized her, his eyes filled with both admiration and scrutiny, and a hint of apprehension hidden within. “I am very curious, who exactly are you?”

Lin Yueyao smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying.

However, her successful “stratagem” also aroused the Empress Dowager’s vigilance.

“Noble Consort Lin, I heard you achieved a great feat, so I specially arranged a banquet to reward you.” The Empress Dowager invited Lin Yueyao to the banquet with a genial smile.

At the banquet, the Empress Dowager personally served Lin Yueyao, asking about her well-being with utmost care. But Lin Yueyao keenly noticed a peculiar bitter taste in the soup the Empress Dowager gave her.

“What kind of soup is this? It tastes very special.” Lin Yueyao asked, feigning innocence.

“It’s a secret ‘fetus-preserving soup’ from the palace, very beneficial for the baby,” the Empress Dowager smiled.

Lin Yueyao sneered inwardly. With her modern medical knowledge, she recognized at a glance that this was a soup containing abortifacient ingredients.

“How dare I disappoint Your Majesty’s generosity.” Lin Yueyao raised the bowl, pretending to take a large gulp, but secretly poured the soup into a small bottle hidden in her sleeve.

A moment later, she suddenly turned pale, clutched her stomach, and fell to the ground.

“Oh dear, what’s wrong?” The Empress Dowager exclaimed, but a hint of triumph flashed in her eyes.

“The Noble Consort is unwell, it’s best to go back and rest.” The Empress Dowager waved her hand, ordering Lin Yueyao to be carried back to Listening Wind Pavilion.

Back at Listening Wind Pavilion, Lin Yueyao immediately induced vomiting and carefully stored the collected “poison” sample. She knew this was just the Empress Dowager’s first test, and a greater crisis lay ahead.

Just as she was pondering a countermeasure, a familiar voice came from outside the window.

“Yueyao, it’s me.”

Lin Yueyao looked out the window in surprise, seeing a figure dressed as a palace maid climbing up the wall. The person’s face was covered in thick powder, but Lin Yueyao recognized the brave eyes at a glance.

“Ruyan!”

Liu Ruyan, Lin Yueyao’s comrade-in-arms through life and death in the military, had actually disguised herself as a palace maid and infiltrated the imperial palace to rescue her.

“I used a disguise to get in.” Liu Ruyan climbed through the window and quickly closed it. “The brothers in the army are very worried about you. We’ve already prepared a rescue plan.”

She took out a map from her bosom, pointing to the marked route on it. “Three nights from now, I will bring people to meet you here. You just need to—”

“No.” Lin Yueyao interrupted her, “The defenses of Listening Wind Pavilion are much tighter than we imagined. And besides…” She lightly stroked her abdomen, “I can’t take risks right now.”

“Then do you plan to be trapped here forever?” Liu Ruyan asked anxiously.

Lin Yueyao shook her head, her eyes sparkling with determination. “I want to stay and uncover the truth. There are too many mysteries in this palace, and I must get to the bottom of them. Not just for myself, but also for the child in my womb.”

Liu Ruyan was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. “Alright, I respect your decision. But remember, the brothers in the army are ready to help you at any time.”

“Thank you, Ruyan.” Lin Yueyao gripped her friend’s hand tightly. “Please do me a favor.”

“What favor?”

“Help me investigate the Empress Dowager’s background.” A cold glint flashed in Lin Yueyao’s eyes. “I always feel that she is not simple.”

Lin Yueyao stood at the high point of “Listening Wind Pavilion,” gazing at the brightly lit Yongshou Palace in the distance. She gently caressed her abdomen, secretly making a decision: “For you, I must uncover the truth.”

As night deepened, Lin Yueyao took out her self-made simple glider. This was something she had secretly constructed using modern knowledge, silk, and bamboo strips from the palace. She took a deep breath, unfolded the glider, and leaped.

The cold wind whistled past, and Lin Yueyao steadily controlled the gliding direction. By moonlight, she landed lightly on the roof of Yongshou Palace. She cautiously infiltrated the palace, avoiding patrolling guards.

Deep within Yongshou Palace, Lin Yueyao discovered a hidden secret door. She gently pushed it open, and her vision suddenly cleared—a secret chamber appeared. In the center of the secret chamber, a mysterious memorial tablet was enshrined.

Lin Yueyao leaned closer and saw the characters “Zhao Yu” carved on the tablet. This name seemed familiar, and she hastily searched her memories for relevant information. Suddenly, a startling guess emerged: Could this Zhao Yu be a descendant of the former dynasty’s imperial family?

She meticulously searched the secret chamber and finally found a crucial clue among a pile of ancient books. Zhao Yu was not only a descendant of the former dynasty’s imperial family but also the Empress Dowager’s nephew! Lin Yueyao’s heart pounded, and past events surged like a tide.

She recalled the various rumors circulating in the palace, the mystery of the late emperor’s death, the Empress Dowager supporting the young Xiao Jingyan’s ascension to the throne… All the doubts seemed to have an explanation.

Lin Yueyao realized she was involved in a huge conspiracy. She had to tell Xiao Jingyan about this shocking discovery, but how could she make him believe her?

She rummaged through the secret chamber and finally found a secret letter. The letter detailed the Empress Dowager’s and Zhao Yu’s conspiracy, as well as how they poisoned the late emperor. This was the irrefutable evidence she needed!

Lin Yueyao quietly left Yongshou Palace and returned to “Listening Wind Pavilion.” She immediately sent someone to secretly inform Xiao Jingyan, requesting a private meeting.

Late at night, Xiao Jingyan arrived at “Listening Wind Pavilion” in plain clothes. Lin Yueyao truthfully recounted her discoveries and speculations, and presented the secret letter as evidence.

Xiao Jingyan’s face alternated between cloudy and clear. After reading the secret letter, he suddenly looked up: “Why do you want to help me? Who exactly are you?”

Lin Yueyao hesitated for a moment, then decided to reveal part of her identity: “Your Majesty, I am not an ordinary farm girl, but from another world. I remain in the palace, firstly for self-preservation, and secondly, to assist Your Majesty.”

Xiao Jingyan was shocked, but carefully considered Lin Yueyao’s words. After a long while, he said solemnly: “No matter where you come from, I believe you. Let’s work together to attack the Empress Dowager and Zhao Yu!”

The two secretly conferred until dawn, devising a meticulous plan. Xiao Jingyan secretly mobilized the Imperial Guards, preparing to capture the traitors at the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet.

Lin Yueyao proposed using a “bitter stratagem” to lure the snake out of its hole. She deliberately exposed herself, allowing the Empress Dowager to realize she had discovered the secret chamber. This would surely prompt the Empress Dowager and Zhao Yu to accelerate their actions.

With the plan set, Lin Yueyao and Xiao Jingyan exchanged smiles. Outside the window, the morning light was faint, signaling that a thrilling palace drama was about to unfold.

Yongshou Palace was resplendent with gold and jade. The Empress Dowager’s sixtieth birthday was held as scheduled. Red candles burned brightly, rare delicacies filled the tables, and civil and military officials gathered. On the surface, it was a scene of peace and prosperity, but beneath, swords clashed, and everyone’s eyes concealed different intentions.

“We wish the Empress Dowager long life and prosperity, as long as the Southern Mountains!” The officials cheered, their voices shaking the hall.

The Empress Dowager sat at the head of the table, her gaze like a hawk sweeping over everyone, finally settling on Xiao Jingyan, a barely discernible cold smile playing on her lips.

Xiao Jingyan raised his cup to toast, then suddenly coughed violently, spilling wine on the floor. His face quickly turned pale, and a gush of fresh blood welled up in his throat, staining the front of his dragon robes.

“Your Majesty!” The eunuch beside him cried out.

Xiao Jingyan’s body swayed, then he fell heavily to the ground, his fingers twitching as he clawed at the floor, blood continuously gushing from his mouth. The imperial physician rushed forward, but shook his head and sighed: “Your Majesty’s old illness has recurred, I’m afraid…”

The Empress Dowager suddenly stood up, her mask instantly tearing: “Your Majesty’s dragon body is unwell, I fear he cannot attend to affairs. According to ancestral rules, a new monarch should be immediately chosen to stabilize the nation!”

The officials in the hall exchanged glances, some already secretly exchanging looks.

“Wait!”

A clear female voice cut through the silence of the hall. The palace doors swung open, and Lin Yueyao, clad in military attire, entered with a confident stride, holding the Imperial Sword. Behind her, dozens of women, also in military dress, looked valiant and spirited.

“The Empress Dowager is plotting treason and attempting to usurp the throne! As the General guarding the borders of Great Zhou, I am here today by secret imperial decree to cleanse the court and punish the wicked Empress!” Lin Yueyao pointed her sword at the Empress Dowager, her voice like a resounding bell.

The Empress Dowager’s face instantly changed: “How dare you! Guards, seize this rebellious minister and traitor!”

The Imperial Guard commander hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to advance.

At this moment, Xiao Jingyan suddenly opened his eyes, flipped over and stood up, wiping away the “blood” from the corner of his mouth: “Empress Dowager, you are too hasty. I am only slightly ill, why must a new monarch be established?”

The hall erupted in an uproar.

“You—” The Empress Dowager pointed at Xiao Jingyan, trembling with rage.

“Guard the Emperor!” The Imperial Guard commander beside the Empress Dowager shouted, and instantly, swords clashed in the hall.

Lin Yueyao was already prepared. She took out several small balls from her bosom and threw them to the ground. With a “boom,” thick smoke instantly filled the entire hall, followed by several dazzling flashes of strong light. The Imperial Guards cried out and covered their eyes.

“Sisters, charge!” Lin Yueyao commanded, and her “Women’s Army” behind her charged into the chaotic Imperial Guards like fierce tigers descending the mountain.

These “Women’s Army” soldiers were female soldiers personally selected and trained by Lin Yueyao from the army. They were agile, and their moves were sharp. They wielded special short weapons, and every strike aimed directly at a vital point, catching the Imperial Guards off guard.

Lin Yueyao herself held a peculiar short stick—this was a “stun gun” she had made herself using modern knowledge. She rushed into the enemy formation, and wherever her short stick touched, anyone affected would twitch uncontrollably and fall to the ground.

“General is mighty!” The Women’s Army’s morale was high, their shouts shaking the heavens.

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager’s face turned ashen: “Have you all eaten the guts of a bear and a leopard? Kill them for me!”

Although the Imperial Guards were numerous, they were retreating steadily against this well-trained and uniquely equipped female soldier team.

At this moment, an even more intense sound of fighting came from outside the hall.

“Sister Yueyao! I’m here!” A bold female voice rang out as Liu Ruyan led a squad of elite troops from outside the palace, forming a pincer attack with Lin Yueyao’s Women’s Army.

The two female soldier teams were like two sharp knives, slicing the Empress Dowager’s Imperial Guards into pieces. In less than half an hour, the Imperial Guards were utterly routed.

Seeing that the general situation was lost, the Empress Dowager suddenly pulled out a dagger and held a palace maid hostage: “Everyone retreat! Otherwise, I’ll kill her!”

Lin Yueyao calmly looked at the frantic Empress Dowager: “Let her go, you have no way out.”

The Empress Dowager laughed wildly, slowly backing away with the palace maid: “You think this is over? Naive!”

Lin Yueyao followed closely, pursuing her all the way, finally cornering the Empress Dowager deep within Cining Palace.

Inside Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager leaned against the wall, a dagger at the palace maid’s neck, her eyes filled with madness and despair.

Lin Yueyao raised her stun gun, her gaze as firm as iron: “Empress Dowager, put down your weapon, you’ve lost.”

Outside the hall, Xiao Jingyan arrived with a large army. Cining Palace was completely surrounded.

A palace coup, thus began.

Inside Cining Palace, the air was as heavy as iron.

Lin Yueyao walked into the palace with a squad of elite soldiers, their footsteps echoing in the silent hall. The Empress Dowager was held by four soldiers in the center of the hall. Her luxurious phoenix robe was stained with dust, and her hair was slightly disheveled, but she still maintained an indomitable posture.

“Empress Dowager, at this point, you should surrender.” Lin Yueyao stood still, her gaze piercing.

The Empress Dowager spat fiercely at her words, but a strange smile played on her lips. She looked up at Lin Yueyao, her eyes burning with unquenchable hatred.

“Lin Yueyao, do you think you’ve won? I tell you, you will never defeat him!” The Empress Dowager suddenly let out a piercing laugh, her voice echoing through the palace, sending shivers down one’s spine.

Lin Yueyao’s heart tightened, her brows slightly furrowed. Who was “he” the Empress Dowager spoke of? Zhao Yu? Or someone else? She was about to ask when she suddenly felt a chill behind her.

“Be careful!” Liu Ruyan’s urgent shout had just ended when a black shadow leaped down from the hall roof, directly attacking Lin Yueyao.

Lin Yueyao was already prepared. She sidestepped, dodging the opponent’s first strike, but the black-clad assailant’s movements were eerie, and their moves were vicious, closing in on her in a blink of an eye. Lin Yueyao drew her sword to block, and swords clashed, sparks flying.

“What fast swordplay!” Lin Yueyao secretly praised.

The black-clad assailant’s face was covered by a black cloth, revealing only a pair of cold eyes. Their figure was like a ghost, weaving freely through the surrounding crowd, their sword moves sharp, striking directly at Lin Yueyao’s vital points.

Lin Yueyao responded with all her might, but was still grazed on her left arm by the black-clad assailant’s sword qi, and blood immediately seeped through her sleeve.

“Yueyao!” Xiao Jingyan exclaimed in alarm, drawing his sword and attempting to advance.

Lin Yueyao flipped and retreated: “Don’t come over! Be careful, it’s a trick!”

Indeed, the black-clad assailant, seeing that Lin Yueyao was injured, did not pursue. Instead, they suddenly turned, grabbed the Empress Dowager, and held the sword to her neck.

“Don’t move! Whoever dares to advance, I’ll kill the Empress Dowager first!” The black-clad assailant said coldly.

The soldiers immediately stopped, not daring to act rashly. The black-clad assailant dragged the Empress Dowager, retreating towards the back door.

“Chase them! Don’t let them escape!” Xiao Jingyan roared.

Everyone chased out of the palace gate, only to see the black-clad assailant’s figure flicker as they flew onto the roof, dragging the Empress Dowager and sprinting across the tiles, their movements so light that it astounded everyone. In a blink of an eye, they disappeared into the night.

“Damn it!” Xiao Jingyan heavily punched the palace wall.

Lin Yueyao pondered for a moment, then suddenly said: “Your Majesty, don’t worry. That black-clad assailant’s martial arts style is very unique; it’s a combination of the northern Shaolin’s ‘Roaming Dragon Steps’ and the southern border’s ‘Viper Sword Art’.”

“You mean…” Xiao Jingyan’s eyes narrowed.

“This aligns quite well with Zhao Yu’s background. Zhao Yu grew up in the north since childhood, and later studied martial arts in the southern border,” Lin Yueyao analyzed, while signaling a soldier to bandage her wound.

“Someone, search the Empress Dowager’s bedchambers, don’t miss any clues!” Xiao Jingyan immediately ordered.

The soldiers searched carefully, and soon, a soldier found a secret letter under the Empress Dowager’s bedding. The handwriting on the letter was graceful yet arrogant, signed “Yu.”

Lin Yueyao unfolded the letter and read: “The plan is complete. At midnight tomorrow, the palace coup will begin. At that time, the Empress Dowager will guide Your Majesty to the East Palace, and I will handle the rest. Once successful, I will restore the Great Zhao, and the Empress Dowager will regain control of the inner palace.”

“What a Zhao Yu! So he has been hiding in the shadows, manipulating the Empress Dowager!” Xiao Jingyan was furious.

Lin Yueyao continued to read the letter, her face suddenly changing: “Your Majesty, the situation is more complex than we imagined. Zhao Yu’s ambition is not merely to restore the former dynasty; he also mentioned ‘Heavenly Mandate Stone’ and ‘Dragon Vein Power’.”

“Heavenly Mandate Stone? Dragon Vein? What are those?” Xiao Jingyan asked in confusion.

“I’m not sure either, but it sounds very sinister,” Lin Yueyao frowned.

As they were discussing, a guard rushed in, holding a letter: “Your Majesty, a letter just arrived from outside the city gate!”

Xiao Jingyan took it and his face immediately turned ashen: “Zhao Yu wants me to bring you to Luoxia Pass outside the city gate at noon tomorrow to exchange for the Empress Dowager, otherwise he will kill her.”

“This is clearly a trap,” Lin Yueyao calmly analyzed. “Zhao Yu’s holding the Empress Dowager hostage isn’t to save her, but to lure us in.”

“Yueyao, you don’t have to go. I can send the Imperial Guards.” Xiao Jingyan tightly gripped Lin Yueyao’s hand.

“No, I must go,” Lin Yueyao said firmly, “But we can turn his trick against him.”

The two discussed their strategy. Xiao Jingyan outwardly agreed to Zhao Yu’s demands, but secretly mobilized three thousand elite soldiers, deploying them around Luoxia Pass, preparing for a decisive encirclement.

Lin Yueyao, meanwhile, drew a detailed topographical map, marking ambush points and retreat routes. She retrieved her self-made weapons from the secret chamber of Listening Wind Pavilion, including several smoke bombs and a small stun gun, hiding them in her sleeves.

“Tomorrow’s battle, either he dies or I die.” Lin Yueyao looked at the distant Luoxia Pass, her eyes firm.

Xiao Jingyan stood beside her, quietly saying: “No matter what, I will protect you.”

Their gazes met, no words were needed. Tomorrow, on Luoxia Pass, there would be a life-and-death showdown.

Luoxia Pass stood majestically, shrouded in clouds and mist, like a wonderland. Xiao Jingyan and Lin Yueyao arrived at the peak at the appointed time, only to see the Empress Dowager bound to a stone pillar, her face pale but her arrogance undiminished. Zhao Yu stood beside her, in splendid attire, his expression arrogant.

“You’ve come? I thought the dignified Son of Heaven would be a coward and not dare to keep the appointment.” Zhao Yu’s lips curled into a smile, his eyes gleaming with the light of victory in hand. His guards, holding sharp blades, surrounded them, ready to fight at any moment.

“Release the Empress Dowager.” Xiao Jingyan’s voice was cold, his gaze like a torch.

“Hahahaha!” Zhao Yu burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the pass valley, “Xiao Jingyan, don’t rush. Today, neither of you will leave alive!”

Zhao Yu strode forward, his mask gradually peeling away, revealing his sinister nature: “Do you think I only want that ridiculous throne? You’re gravely mistaken!” He suddenly pointed at Lin Yueyao, “What I want is the dragon’s脉 vein within her!”

Lin Yueyao was astonished, subconsciously touching her chest.

“No need to be surprised, visitor from another world.” A greedy glint flashed in Zhao Yu’s eyes. “Your transmigration was no accident. A thousand years ago, an ancient powerful being dispersed the dragon’s veins across various times and spaces, and you are the vessel for one of them. The dragon’s vein treasure can allow one to control the world!”

Xiao Jingyan quietly approached Lin Yueyao, whispering: “Don’t be afraid.”

Zhao Yu was immersed in his own arrogance, completely unaware of Xiao Jingyan’s movements. He held an ancient sword, as if to cut the Empress Dowager’s ropes: “Since everyone is here, the game should end.”

At this moment, Xiao Jingyan suddenly raised his hand, and an arrow shot through the air, emitting a piercing whistle.

“Ambush!” Zhao Yu’s face instantly changed.

Innumerable armored soldiers suddenly surged out from the pass forest, their weapons gleaming coldly, surrounding the entire pass peak. Zhao Yu’s guards fell into disarray, some drawing their swords to meet them, others looking around frantically, bewildered.

“You… you dared to set a trap!” Zhao Yu’s face was ashen, staring at Xiao Jingyan in disbelief.

Xiao Jingyan sneered: “All’s fair in war, this is what you taught me.”

Zhao Yu gnashed his teeth, his eyes darted around, then he suddenly turned, lightning-fast, and swept behind Lin Yueyao, holding a dagger to her throat: “Don’t move! Otherwise, I’ll kill her first!”

Lin Yueyao felt the coldness at her neck, yet strangely, she wasn’t afraid. A warmth she had never felt before surged from deep within her body, flowing through her meridians to her limbs.

“Even if you kill me, you won’t get the dragon’s vein.” Lin Yueyao’s voice was surprisingly calm.

“Shut up!” Zhao Yu growled, “The dragon’s vein recognizes its master. As long as I perform the secret art before you die, the dragon’s vein will naturally belong to me!”

At this moment, Lin Yueyao’s entire body suddenly burst forth with dazzling golden light. Zhao Yu recoiled half a step in shock, the dagger leaving her throat. Lin Yueyao’s eyes turned pure gold, her hair shimmering like mercury, and strange energy fluctuations surrounded her.

“This… how is this possible!” Zhao Yu was terrified, “The dragon’s vein awakened on its own?”

Lin Yueyao felt a powerful force filling her entire body, as if all things in the world were under her control. She raised her hand and pushed, and an invisible wave of air swept towards Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu was sent flying several feet, hitting a rock heavily, spitting blood, his eyes full of unwillingness and fear.

“No… impossible… the dragon’s vein shouldn’t recognize you as its master…” He struggled to get up, but was powerless.

The battle ended faster than expected. Xiao Jingyan looked at Lin Yueyao, who was radiating a strange light, his eyes filled with both shock and deep affection.

“Yueyao…” he called softly, approaching cautiously.

The golden light gradually faded, and Lin Yueyao returned to normal. She looked at Xiao Jingyan, a tired but warm smile on her face: “Don’t be afraid, I’m still me.”

Lin Yueyao recounted the secret of the dragon’s vein and the cause and effect of her transmigration. It turned out that her transmigration to this time and space was guided by the dragon’s vein, meant to stop Zhao Yu’s ambition and protect the balance of this world.

Xiao Jingyan listened, then affectionately held Lin Yueyao’s hand: “I don’t care what mission you came with, I only know that you are a gift from heaven to me.” With that, he turned to the people present, his voice like a resounding bell: “I hereby declare today that I abolish the inner palace and will only establish Lin Yueyao as my Empress for the rest of my life!”

Although the officials were surprised, no one dared to object. After the Empress Dowager was rescued, her gaze towards Lin Yueyao changed from hatred to reverence.

Spring came and went, and years flew by. Lin Yueyao was enthroned as Empress, mother of the nation. She perfectly combined modern knowledge with the power of the dragon’s vein, reforming agricultural techniques, developing medical hygiene, and establishing a school system, bringing the Great Zhou Dynasty an unprecedented era of prosperity.

One dusk ten years later, Lin Yueyao stood on the city wall, watching the people returning from their labor in the distance, listening to the laughter of children playing, her heart filled with a sense of accomplishment. Xiao Jingyan quietly walked over and embraced her from behind.

“What are you thinking about?” Xiao Jingyan asked.

“Thinking about our past,” Lin Yueyao replied softly.

“Do you regret it?”

“No.” Lin Yueyao turned, meeting Xiao Jingyan’s gaze. “With you, with our children, with this prosperous era, I have no regrets in this life.”

In the distance, the setting sun descended, casting golden light across the land, just like the power of the dragon’s vein, illuminating every corner of this land.

Lin Yueyao stood on the city wall, her gaze sweeping over the bustling capital, her thoughts drifting into the distance. Ten years had passed. From a naive modern university student, she had endured the hardships of transmigrating and being a farm girl, then became a ruthless general who fought on battlefields disguised as a man, and finally, the Empress of Great Zhou. There were too many memorable moments in this journey.

The wind rustled her robes, and she closed her eyes. The scenes of flashing swords and flying flesh and blood on the battlefield were still vivid. Those days fighting alongside the soldiers, the pain of silently wiping her wounds at night, the fear and determination she faced in danger—all had become indelible marks on her life.

“What are you thinking about?” Xiao Jingyan had appeared behind her at some point.

“Thinking about our past.” Lin Yueyao turned, meeting his gaze.

Xiao Jingyan walked to her side, his eyes sparkling with gentle light: “The day you barged into the imperial palace, I knew you were no ordinary woman.”

“At that time, you also said you wanted to chop off my head.” Lin Yueyao raised an eyebrow.

Xiao Jingyan chuckled: “If I hadn’t threatened you like that, how could I have kept such an extraordinary woman?”

They exchanged smiles, their gazes filled with the unspoken understanding of ten years of enduring hardships together.

From the city wall, the entire capital was bustling and magnificent, with a constant flow of traffic. In the distance, newly constructed water conservancy projects had doubled agricultural output; within the city, the papermaking techniques introduced by Lin Yueyao allowed knowledge to be widely disseminated; along the border, former enemy nations had now become friendly allies, with endless trade caravans.

“This city has changed,” Lin Yueyao said.

“Great Zhou has also changed,” Xiao Jingyan added, “Thanks to those ‘advanced’ ideas you brought.”

Lin Yueyao caressed the jade bracelet on her wrist, where the power of the dragon’s vein was hidden. This power had saved her in times of crisis, but now she used it to protect this land. Whenever disaster struck, she would secretly guide the dragon’s vein power to ensure favorable weather.

“What about our children?” Lin Yueyao asked.

“The Crown Prince is learning statecraft in the deliberation hall, and the Princess is practicing swordplay with her teacher,” Xiao Jingyan smiled, “Just like her mother.”

Warmth surged in Lin Yueyao’s heart. Their next generation was preparing for the future of Great Zhou.

The sun set, and golden rays filled the sky. Lin Yueyao and Xiao Jingyan stood at the highest point, looking at the city they had guarded for many years.

Within the capital, the common people shared whispered tales of the Empress’s legendary story—how she came from a foreign land, how she defeated powerful enemies, and how she used her wisdom to change the destiny of Great Zhou. These stories had merged into folk legends, becoming classics for mothers to teach their children.

“Do you think, a hundred years from now, people will remember us?” Lin Yueyao asked softly.

Xiao Jingyan held her hand: “Great Zhou will remember. The rivers and mountains will remember.”

Lin Yueyao leaned on his shoulder, looking at the gradually darkening sky in the distance. She knew her journey had reached its most spectacular part, but the story would never end. She had traveled through time and space to write this legend here; and this legend would forever be passed down in the long river of history.