He smiled faintly and took the memorial to read. It contained exceptionally complete personal information on Murong Tao, along with a comprehensive analysis of his combat methods.
The summary was simple: Murong Tao was a formidable opponent.
After confirming that Nie Wuming could no longer cause trouble, she was faced with such a difficult enemy.
Lu Qingwan did not regret it, but she naturally held Liu Hanyan accountable for this turn of events.
She then asked Ru Yue and Yun Ying, "Is it confirmed that only those three hundred firearms in Northern Wei are functional?"
Ru Yue nodded, "However, Nie Wuming has already handed over the gunpowder formula to the Northern Wei Emperor. Therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility that Northern Wei, pushed to the brink, might use pure gunpowder against the Xuan Jia Army."
"His Highness and the strategist should not give Murong Tao such an opportunity."
Lu Qingwan was not worried about weapons; it was Murong Tao's appearance that gave her new concerns.
"Write a letter to the strategist in my name, telling her to be extremely cautious when fighting Northern Wei and Xiliang, and that she must not harm civilians.
The displaced civilians in the occupied territories must also be properly resettled.
Anyone who disobeys my orders and harms civilians, providing an excuse for our enemies and inciting public anger, will be executed by me personally, without the need for His Highness to intervene."
Ru Yue immediately took a brush and ink to write to Lian Yu.
She continued, "Although Murong Tao has always favored defensive maneuvers and indirect tactics, the fact that the Northern Wei Emperor has exceptionally promoted Murong Tao at this time and sent Nie Mingyang to negotiate might indicate a desire for a truce and peace.
If they were to seek peace ostentatiously, Your Highness, could this war still continue?"
For Lu Qingwan and her companions, whoever had the greater power was in the right.
But for the common people of the world, peace was the right thing.
Previously, Northern Wei and Yun Qiang had invaded Da Gan. The imperial court had failed to defend itself, and the Xuan Jia Army had been dispatched in a critical situation to help Da Gan repel the Northern Wei cavalry and the Yun Qiang enemy. In the eyes of the people of Da Gan, they were divine soldiers sent from heaven to rescue them from dire straits.
However, if Northern Wei showed any signs of wanting peace, and the Xuan Jia Army continued to pursue them, even attacking Northern Wei itself, the common people might not accept it.
They could be displaced and impoverished to protect their homes.
But they could not continue to live amidst war for Si Fengwu's ambition to expand his territory.
Of course, these minor grievances in the hearts of the common people did not dare to be expressed to Si Fengwu and would not affect his actions.
But if someone exploited these grievances to subtly undermine him, then Si Fengwu's war effort would not proceed smoothly.
If even Ru Yue could foresee this, how could Lu Qingwan not?
She raised an eyebrow with a smile, "Why do you think I asked you to specifically write to Lian Yu, instructing him to restrain his soldiers from harming civilians?"
When Lu Qingwan had reviewed Murong Tao's personal information, she had recognized him immediately.
He was someone who was extremely adept at psychological warfare, and given the current trend of the three southeastern kingdoms, the chances of Northern Wei achieving a comeback were slim.
The best outcome would be for the Northern Wei army to retreat safely, and that would still depend on the Xuan Jia Army's willingness.
The Northern Wei Emperor, while placing Murong Tao in command, was also sending Nie Mingyang to Da Gan for negotiations, clearly intending to use public opinion to force the Xuan Jia Army to cease its pursuit of Northern Wei.
They had marched south without warning when they wanted to fight, and when they were defeated, they sought to quell the war through public opinion. It was not that easy.
This time, the Xuan Jia Army not only intended to take advantage of the situation to strike while the iron was hot but also to do so legitimately and honorably.
If Murong Tao wanted to stir up trouble using public opinion, he would have to see if Lu Qingwan and Si Fengwu would give him the opportunity.
Ru Yue did not fully understand Lu Qingwan's intentions, but she was certain that Lu Qingwan had already devised a plan to deal with the problem she was worried about. Thus, she stopped worrying unnecessarily.
The mistress and maidservant busied themselves with their respective tasks, and as the candlelight flickered, time flew by.
"Knock, knock."
The door was knocked upon by Ying Shi, "Master, Xie Shi Luan has agreed.
It's at the same Liangzhou Ci as last time."
Coincidentally, the last time Lu Qingwan visited Xiliang City, it was on a similar evening, and she had met Xie Shi Yu at the restaurant called Liangzhou Ci.
Now, meeting Xie Shi Luan, it felt like a scene from yesterday.
Lu Qingwan took a carriage to Liangzhou Ci, and Su Yao Yao stepped forward, "I sensed something off about Xie Shi Luan. Your Highness, please be careful.
If necessary, call for us at any time."
Lu Qingwan walked in with familiarity and immediately spotted Xie Shi Luan sitting in the center of the hall.
Just like a year ago, she was still wearing a fiery red dress, but with a white cloak draped over it. Even while seated, Lu Qingwan could see the rounded bulge of her abdomen.
"About to give birth, aren't you?"
Lu Qingwan naturally sat opposite Xie Shi Luan, as if old friends reuniting, with utmost ease.
"It's getting close."
Xie Shi Luan gently stroked her belly, revealing a hint of the bright red beneath the cloak. Her eyes subtly observed Lu Qingwan.
"I haven't had a chance to congratulate the Xuan Jia Army on another victory, but the Qin Princess has arrived first."
Xie Shi Luan's gaze lingered for a moment before settling on Lu Qingwan's face. "I wonder, why has the Qin Princess traveled such a long distance, and what guidance do you seek?"
After a year, Xie Shi Luan had not become gentler despite her pregnancy. In fact, her aggression seemed more pronounced than before.
She was like a wounded hedgehog, with all her quills raised, ready to harm others and herself.
The moment Lu Qingwan saw her, she dismissed her previous assumptions. The Xie Shi Luan before her was the same Xie Shi Luan she remembered.
However, some things had indeed changed.
Just as she was contemplating how to initiate the formal discussion, Xie Shi Luan cut straight to the chase, "You sent someone to tell me that it's better to find the person behind Liu Hanyan by looking for you rather than imitating Xie Shi Yu?"
Her eyes incessantly appraised Lu Qingwan, as if she were assessing the veracity of her words.
Lu Qingwan, however, was more composed than Xie Shi Luan expected.
Without any hesitation, she replied, "Yes, if you are willing, I can arrange for someone to take you to see Liu Hanyan at any time."
Xie Shi Luan suddenly let out a cold laugh, "Do you know how annoying it is when you and Si Fengwu act as if you have everything under control?"
"I didn't know before, but I know now. However, I apologize, I have no intention of changing. I believe my Prince also has no intention of changing."
She knew how to provoke Xie Shi Luan and make her lose all reason.
Therefore, after saying this, she did not pause before adding directly, "Provided, of course, that you tell me why you were looking for those people."
Those mysteriously deceased transmigrators and reincarnated individuals were now a thorn in Lu Qingwan's side.