Chapter 165: The Gathering Storm

Chapter 165: The Gathering Storm

As Lin Yuer prepares for the upcoming campaign, she receives an unexpected visitor—General Du Zhan, the defector who had once betrayed Zhao. He arrives at the palace, his face etched with worry.

"Your Majesty," he says, bowing low. "I come bearing urgent news. The alliance in the southern provinces is more than just a group of discontented nobles. It is being led by someone with great influence—someone who is well-known throughout the empire."

Lin Yuer raises an eyebrow. "Who is it?"

Du Zhan hesitates for a moment before speaking. "It is my former commander—General Shen. He was once one of your greatest supporters, but I fear he has turned against you. He has gathered a formidable army, and he is planning to march on the capital."

Lin Yuer's heart sinks at the news. Shen is a respected general, one of the most loyal and capable officers in her army. To hear that he has turned against her is a blow she hadn't expected.

"How did this happen?" Lin Yuer asks, her voice steady despite the shock she feels.

Du Zhan looks down, guilt in his eyes. "I believe he was persuaded by promises of power from the nobles. They offered him the position of Supreme Commander in exchange for his support. He's a man driven by ambition, and he saw this as his opportunity to rise."

Lin Yuer stands in silence for a long moment, the weight of the news settling in. "This changes everything," she murmurs. "Shen's loyalty was once unquestionable. If he has truly turned against me, then this rebellion will be far more dangerous than any before."

She looks at Du Zhan, her eyes hardening. "We must stop Shen before he can even reach the capital. Prepare my forces. We will face this threat head-on, just as we did with Zhao. But this time, we must be more careful. Shen knows our tactics—he will not fall easily."