The late autumn wind swept across the military camp, carrying grit like countless tiny blades, scattering sparks from the bonfire into the gloomy sky. The sparks traced fleeting arcs in the air, as if portending a crisis to come. Shen Mingyue held the freshly delivered military report, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the edge of the parchment; the rough texture only tightened her nerves. A fortnight had passed since the victory at Eagle Beak Cliff, and while the replenishment of supplies and the care of the wounded were proceeding in an orderly fashion, this secret letter from the rear filled her with an ominous foreboding. The Ministry of Revenue had suddenly slashed military funding by thirty percent, citing the reason that "the frontier conflict has slowed, and expenses should be curtailed." She stared at the calligraphy on the letter; the neat, regular script carried a deliberate coldness. She pondered to herself: the situation at the front was razor-sharp, and enemy scouts were frequently appearing at the border—this budget cut was no coincidence. Her thumb brushed over the four characters for "curtailing expenses," as if trying to dig out a hidden conspiracy from beneath the paper.
"Your Highness, the men from the Third Battalion are here asking for arrows again." The voice of her personal guard sounded from outside the tent, carrying a hint of unease. Shen Mingyue folded the secret letter and tucked it into her sleeve. As she stood, her bronze armor clattered, a…
Chapter 109