An Ning was captured by spies from Cang Kingdom, which indeed was due to her negligence.

Firstly, she thought that the spies had been completely eradicated after Xiao Jinxing used Feng Xiyun as bait last time. Perhaps Xiao Jinxing thought the same, not expecting that there were still two spies within the military camp.

Secondly, the spies were indeed clever. She had Guan Yu and Xiao Jinxing’s Hidden Guards by her side. Normally, people couldn’t get close to her, which was why An Ning was careless, not considering that she might encounter danger within the military camp. However, she didn’t anticipate that the spies would disguise themselves as injured soldiers. When An Ning approached them to treat their wounds, she was seized.

Once seized, Guan Yu and the Hidden Guards did not dare to act recklessly.

Moreover, Xiao Jinxing was leading troops in battle at the frontline and couldn’t be notified in time.

An Ning made a decisive decision, not wanting to affect Xiao Jinxing’s battle, and left the camp with the spies, instructing Guan Yu and the others not to inform Xiao Jinxing about her abduction to Cang Kingdom until after a victory was achieved; she knew how to protect herself.

Now, having arrived at the military camp of Cang Kingdom, she remained calm as she observed Cang Kingdom’s strategist before her.

It must be this person who devised the strategy for the spies, as the spies themselves couldn’t possibly be this clever; someone must be backing them, enabling them to bring her to Cang Kingdom smoothly.

Given that the person was smart, negotiating many matters wouldn’t be difficult.

This is why she wasn’t overly anxious, and hardly resisted before arriving here.

"Empress Daxuan, I apologize for my offense." Du Jianghong said respectfully after observing her thoroughly.

An Ning’s eyes tightened, and she shifted her body slightly.

Du Jianghong promptly ordered someone to untie the ropes on An Ning and remove the cotton cloth from her mouth.

Regaining her freedom, An Ning remained calm and composed, standing before Du Jianghong, "Sir, are you the strategist of Cang Kingdom?"

"I am Du Jianghong, paying my respects to Empress Daxuan," Du Jianghong maintained his etiquette, saying, "Bringing Empress Daxuan to our camp is a helpless move, given the ongoing war between Cang Kingdom and Daxuan. I can only ask Empress Daxuan to halt this slaughter."

After those words. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Bring Empress Daxuan and follow me to the frontline battlefield!" Du Jianghong issued the order.

At this moment, he also mounted a war horse, ready to leave.

"Sir, wanting to quell this war, a mere me cannot achieve your wish! If the strategist truly wants to cease the hostilities between the two countries, I do have a method. May we discuss it in detail alone?" An Ning said loudly.

Du Jianghong’s eyes tightened, holding a scrutinizing gaze.

"Sir should be well aware that last time, when Emperor Daxuan, Xiao Jinxing, led troops to attack Muge City of Beimu Country, he did not abandon the siege because of me or Bai Mowan from years before. National duty surpasses personal sentiment," An Ning spoke sincerely.

Du Jianghong’s grip on the reins tightened.

He was evidently persuaded by An Ning.

Initially, his purpose for capturing Empress Daxuan alive was only as a last resort, to retreat safely, not thinking that she could be used as a chip to make Daxuan withdraw or even surrender. However, the current situation is such that the Crown Prince does not wish to surrender, insisting on a hard fight with Daxuan, which would lead to Cang Kingdom’s catastrophic defeat!

"Sir should not use me as a threat or bargaining chip now, which would further enrage Xiao Jinxing, leading to a more furious slaughter of Cang Kingdom’s troops! The immediate focus should be how to smoothly retreat and minimize casualties and losses given Cang Kingdom’s complete lack of winning odds!" An Ning spoke candidly.

Du Jianghong was slightly stunned, unable to hide his surprise in his eyes.

Empress Daxuan’s composure had already earned his respect, and now stating directly what he had in mind gave him a fresh perspective.

Du Jianghong pondered briefly.

In the current scenario, Cang Kingdom stood no chance, and persisting would mean that its hundreds of thousands of troops would perish here, an unacceptable loss for Cang Kingdom! Yet persuading the Crown Prince to surrender was futile, unless he died on the battlefield, as otherwise, he would never withdraw!

If Empress Daxuan could truly devise strategies to halt this war...

"Alright, Empress Daxuan, come with me!" Du Jianghong decided without hesitation.

In this crisis, he couldn’t afford to waste time.