At every moment, countless soldiers are being injured or killed.

An Ning listened to Du Jianghong’s words.

And felt a bit relieved.

She couldn’t imagine, if Du Jianghong used her to threaten Xiao Jinxing, what choice Xiao Jinxing would make.

In the past, she might not have believed that Xiao Jinxing would give up everything for her. But now, she cannot be certain, nor does she want to use such a situation to test Xiao Jinxing’s feelings for her. Her sole wish is to return victorious and live out the rest of their lives together!

She followed Du Jianghong and stepped into a tent.

Du Jianghong asked directly, "What insights does the Daxuan Empress have?"

An Ning could feel his eagerness to stop the war as soon as possible and reduce casualties.

Before coming here, An Ning knew Du Jianghong was a wise man but couldn’t guarantee that he was truly devoted to his country and not someone who coveted fame and fortune.

Fortunately, Du Jianghong has noble character.

Cooperating with a gentleman is bound to achieve twice the result with half the effort.

An Ning did not delay and asked, "With the current situation, I don’t quite understand why Cang Kingdom still refuses to surrender and retreat?! Fighting like this, you should know, Cang Kingdom stands no chance of winning."

Before answering Du Jianghong’s question, An Ning needed to understand the exact reasons.

Since Du Jianghong is so intelligent, he must surely see the situation that most people can understand. Why is Cang Kingdom still fighting desperately?

Du Jianghong was silent for a moment, then said, "I won’t hide it from the Daxuan Empress. The commander of this expedition from Cang Kingdom is our Crown Prince. Crown Prince is well-loved by the Emperor and ministers for his outstanding abilities, has always been conceited and looks down on everything since childhood! He cannot accept defeat, nor could he choose to surrender and seek peace humbly. He’d rather die on the battleground!"

An Ning pursed her lips.

Actually, she also thought that the army does not retreat must be because of the commander.

She said, "So the key to reducing Cang Kingdom’s losses lies with your Crown Prince."

"From my understanding of the Crown Prince, even death cannot persuade him." Du Jianghong spoke explicitly.

"Then use another method to make him retreat and surrender."

"What method?" Du Jianghong was evidently tense.

"It’s simple." An Ning’s eyes tightened. "Use the method you employed on me. Let Xiao Jinxing capture Cang Kingdom’s Crown Prince alive."

Du Jianghong’s pupils quivered.

It seemed he didn’t expect An Ning to speak so decisively.

After all, he is the Crown Prince of Cang Kingdom. How could he fall into enemy hands so easily?

Isn’t this self-destruction?!

Moreover, it’s a great humiliation.

To the Crown Prince, he would rather die under a sword than be threatened by anyone.

"I understand your concerns, but this is the only way. Sacrifice the Crown Prince to save more innocent soldiers!" An Ning naturally knew Du Jianghong’s concerns. "It depends on whether you’re willing to bear this eternal infamy to save Cang Kingdom’s soldiers’ lives."

Du Jianghong would naturally hesitate a bit.

He knew clearly that if he wanted to reduce Cang Kingdom’s casualties, the key point indeed lies with the Crown Prince. But he wouldn’t dare to betray the Crown Prince; his moral integrity wouldn’t allow him to do such a thing.

"You must know that every day of this battle sees casualties in the thousands. The longer it takes, the higher the casualties. Are you really going to watch all 300,000 soldiers returning from distant lands to protect the homeland die here?!"

Du Jianghong’s fingers trembled with restraint.

He couldn’t make a decision easily.

But when he thought of countless corpses and ghastly scenes...

Du Jianghong made up his mind, "Alright, even if I become a sinner of Cang Kingdom, I shall not shy away!"

"I admire your benevolence and such decisive and fearless spirit." An Ning genuinely respected Du Jianghong’s character. If not for the two countries being adversaries, she would consider Du Jianghong a rare talent!

An Ning did not delay further.

She spoke directly, "Actually, you needn’t worry too much. We will have Xiao Jinxing capture your Crown Prince alive. You only need to manipulate matters secretly. As long as matters stay within your control, the Crown Prince won’t find out it’s your doing, and the world won’t know it’s your doing. You needn’t bear any unfounded blame. Also, I was very clear earlier, Xiao Jinxing will capture him alive, not kill him. The Crown Prince won’t die at Xiao Jinxing’s hands, for I am in your hands. A fair exchange, mutual justice."

Du Jianghong nodded, being impressed by the Daxuan Empress having considered everything so thoroughly in such a short time.

If he hadn’t ordered the Empress to be captured and brought into the Cang Kingdom camp, he might have believed the Empress had voluntarily come to negotiate peace with Cang Kingdom.

"Once your Crown Prince is captured by Xiao Jinxing, Cang Kingdom will have no choice but to surrender. Once Cang Kingdom surrenders, I guarantee Daxuan Kingdom won’t kill any innocents, the war will cease immediately, and Cang Kingdom can retreat smoothly. By then, you can exchange me for the Crown Prince."

"Okay." Du Jianghong agreed without hesitation. "I am ashamed of myself compared to the Daxuan Empress’s strategies!"

"You’re too kind," An Ning replied modestly, then added, "The urgent matter now is to let you send someone to the Daxuan Army camp to convey our strategy to Emperor Daxuan. Only then can you and Emperor Daxuan coordinate to capture your Crown Prince alive."

Du Jianghong nodded but seemed to hesitate again.

An Ning looked at him, "What worries you?"

"For Cang Kingdom, the Empress’s strategy is naturally the best. But for Daxuan, why would they let me off the hook?! This war was started by Cang Kingdom. Doesn’t Emperor Daxuan want to take the opportunity to wipe out Cang Kingdom’s army?!"

"I understand your concerns, but Xiao Jinxing is not that sort of person. Xiao Jinxing won’t kill innocents. If Cang Kingdom surrenders and swears never to invade Daxuan territory again, Xiao Jinxing will immediately withdraw the troops. Moreover, although this war was initiated by Cang Kingdom, in fact, Xiao Jinxing had long planned to deploy troops. You sent a spy to the Daxuan army camp, so you must have known long before.

And the aim of Xiao Jinxing in fighting is primarily to drive Cang Kingdom out of the north of Mobei, posing no threat to Daxuan anymore, and secondly to demonstrate Daxuan’s military capabilities to other countries, deterring invasions and reducing wars for Daxuan! As long as Cang Kingdom surrenders, Xiao Jinxing’s goals are met; there’s no need for him to stain his hands with more blood!"

Du Jianghong looked at An Ning, still with doubt.

"In reality. You have no other choice." An Ning spoke clearly, "Besides this, can you think of a better way to reduce Cang Kingdom’s casualties? If not, don’t be indecisive. Trust me once!"

Du Jianghong looked at An Ning.

Then, he hesitated no more, "Alright, I trust the Daxuan Empress."

An Ning said no more, "Then let me trouble you to immediately send someone to relay the message to Xiao Jinxing. Let us discuss how to ensure your Crown Prince is captured successfully by Xiao Jinxing."

Du Jianghong nodded.

He immediately sent someone to deliver the message.

Then he discussed the strategy with An Ning.

The two were both extremely smart and quickly devised a plan. Once Xiao Jinxing responds, they can implement the plan.

At night.

Mobei’s weather remained frigid.

An Ning was hidden in a tent by Du Jianghong, guarded by his people.

Currently, she couldn’t be discovered; if Cang Kingdom’s Crown Prince learned of her identity, their plan would be ruined.

An Ning lay on the bed.

Yet found no sleep.

Wondering how Xiao Jinxing might react upon knowing she was captured by Cang Kingdom...

An Ning dared not imagine Xiao Jinxing’s current state.

Suddenly.

Footsteps seemed to sound outside the tent.

An Ning’s heart moved slightly.

Being on foreign territory naturally makes one more nervous and cautious.

"Daxuan Empress, it’s me." From outside, Du Jianghong’s voice was heard quietly, "Emperor Daxuan has replied."