Chapter 61: A Dragon Among Men

Chu Nan quickly waved his hand and said with modest humility, "Your Majesty flatters me. This humble subject is merely doing what little he can within his power."

"When all is said and done, it is entirely thanks to Your Majesty's brilliant methods and thunderous strikes that this rebellion could be nipped in the bud."

"Oh?" Cheng Lingyu raised her eyebrows slightly, the smile on her face deepening a fraction. "Young Master Chu actually praises Us thus?"

Chu Nan smiled and nodded, then changed the subject, "Your Majesty's decisive action this time left Prince Jing no room to catch his breath."

"Such formidable methods not only swiftly restored stability to Jiangnan, but also served as a stern warning to those other restless aristocratic families and powerful clans."

"This humble subject admires it from the bottom of his heart, feeling that this is precisely the kind of resolve a ruler of a great nation ought to possess."

Hearing this, the smile at the corners of Cheng Lingyu's lips grew more pronounced, and a touch of appreciation entered her eyes.

She looked at Chu Nan, her tone carrying a hint of pleasure, "We truly did not expect Young Master Chu to hold Us in such high regard."

Chu Nan bowed with cupped hands and smiled, "Facts are facts, this humble subject is merely speaking the truth."

Cheng Lingyu fell silent for a moment, then raised her hand to pick up the teacup on her desk.

Taking a gentle sip, she slowly began, "Young Master Chu, although the battle of Jiangnan appears to have subsided, dark undercurrents still surge both within and outside the imperial court. We are far from being able to relax. At present, what worries Us most is actually the situation in the northern frontier."

Chu Nan was momentarily stunned, then asked, "Does Your Majesty mean there are new developments in the north?"

Cheng Lingyu nodded slightly, her gaze profound and distant, "Though not explicitly stated, intelligence reports from the front lines indicate that barbarian tribes have recently been lingering near the border, and their grain reserves have also increased."

"We surmise that they are likely waiting for the ice and snow to melt to launch a sudden attack."

Chu Nan frowned slightly. "If that is the case, the grain reserves at the border gates will probably need to be further reinforced."

Cheng Lingyu nodded, a profound look entering her eyes, "Young Master Chu, we must still rely heavily on you regarding the grain supplies for the northern frontier."

Hearing this, Chu Nan smiled and waved his hand, "Your Majesty exaggerates."

"As Your Majesty's subject, it is only proper for this humble subject to share your burdens."

"I shall apply double the effort to this upcoming grain supply and will ensure there are no delays whatsoever."

Cheng Lingyu looked at him, a flash of gratification crossing her eyes, "Young Master Chu, We indeed did not misjudge you."

"That you are willing to lend such staunch support brings Us great comfort."

Standing to one side, Shangguan Ya'er saw how sensible Chu Nan was and could not help nodding slightly.

Chu Nan gave a slight smile, pondered for a moment, and said, "Your Majesty, as for the matter of the northern provisions, this humble subject will naturally do his utmost."

"However, apart from that, this humble subject has a few minor tricks up his sleeve that might perhaps add some strength to the situation in the north."

A trace of interest flickered in Cheng Lingyu's eyes. She leaned forward slightly, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry, "Oh? What marvelous scheme does Young Master Chu have?"

Instead of answering immediately, Chu Nan drew an inconspicuous U-shaped iron ring from his bosom.

He offered it with both hands, saying, "Please take a look, Your Majesty. Though small, if used in the right place, this object can significantly tilt the odds in our favor for the northern campaign."

Cheng Lingyu took the U-shaped iron ring and examined it closely.

The iron ring was of a peculiar shape, resembling some kind of tool, yet unlike anything she was familiar with.

Frowning slightly, she looked up and asked, "Young Master Chu, what purpose does this small iron ring actually serve? We cannot make heads or tails of it."

Standing beside her, Shangguan Ya'er also cast her gaze upon the iron ring, her eyes filled with curiosity, "Young Master Chu, what is this thing used for?"

"It looks... rather out of the ordinary."

Seeing how intrigued the two of them were, the corners of Chu Nan's mouth curled upward as he deliberately kept them in suspense, "As for that... this humble subject cannot explain it clearly in a brief moment."

"Why don't we head to the stables to find a warhorse, and this humble subject can demonstrate it on the spot for Your Majesty and Lady Shangguan? Once the two of you see it, you will understand."

"The stables?" Cheng Lingyu raised an eyebrow, clearly even more intrigued by Chu Nan's proposal.

She handed the iron ring back to Chu Nan, rose to her feet, and spoke with a light tone, "Very well, then We shall see what miraculous use this tiny iron ring can possibly have in warfare."

"Shangguan, you shall come along as well." Scarcely had the empress finished speaking when she stepped out from behind her desk.

Shangguan Ya'er nodded quickly and followed behind. Meanwhile, Chu Nan tucked the iron ring back into his robes with a relaxed expression.

He chuckled inwardly: As expected, some things are still best explained with a physical demonstration.

Chu Nan accompanied Cheng Lingyu and Shangguan Ya'er all the way to the imperial stables deep within the palace.

The heavy wooden doors shut out the biting cold wind outside, making the air inside much warmer, though it was filled with the mingled scent of dried hay and horse sweat.

The imperial stables were spacious and bright, and the surrounding wooden beams were meticulously maintained and spotless.

The warhorses inside were kept in separate stalls, and every single one of them possessed a robust physique.

With glossy coats, they were clearly fine steeds chosen from thousands.

Just as he stepped into the stable, Chu Nan's gaze was caught by a tall warhorse standing in the corner.

The horse was a deep, solid red, its coat shining as if steeped in blood, while its bright, alert eyes flickered slightly, and its slender limbs exuded an astonishing sense of power.

Even standing quite still, this horse radiated an untamed, rebellious aura, allowing anyone to perceive its extraordinary nature at a single glance.

"What a magnificent horse!" Chu Nan could not help exclaiming.

Beside him, Shangguan Ya'er saw his gaze locked onto the horse, smiled slightly, and spoke with a hint of pride, "Young Master Chu has a discerning eye."

"This blood-sweating steed is named 'Crimson Flame'. It is Your Majesty's favorite warhorse and the most precious one in the entire stable."

"Crimson Flame..." Chu Nan softly repeated the name, his eyes full of appreciation.

He looked at the proud Crimson Flame and felt a wave of internal emotion.

Such a peerless steed was truly a king by nature; merely standing there, it commanded an awe-inspiring presence without showing anger.

"Truly an unequaled fine horse."

Chu Nan nodded with a smile, then teased playfully, "Lady Shangguan, with such a magnificent beast accompanying Your Majesty, I fear even enemies on the battlefield would tremble in fear just looking at it."

Shangguan Ya'er raised her chin slightly, her tone carrying a touch of triumph, "Not only is Crimson Flame exceptionally swift and possessed of astonishing stamina, but it is also highly attuned to human emotion."

"Your Majesty has ridden it into battle on numerous occasions, and every single time, this horse has carried Her Majesty charging through enemy lines, returning triumphantly and unscathed."

Hearing this, an image suddenly flashed in Chu Nan's mind.

Cheng Lingyu clad in armor, wielding a long sword, and mounted atop Crimson Flame.

Surrounded by the cold metallic sheen of armor and the blood-red luster of Crimson Flame, she would be majestic and awe-inspiring, ruling over the world.

Such a scene caused him to momentarily freeze, a strange and fluttering sensation passing through his heart.

"Young Master Chu?" Cheng Lingyu's cool voice pulled him back to reality. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at him.

Her tone carried a teasing undertone, "What is this? You stare at Crimson Flame so intently that you lose your soul?"

Recovering his wits, Chu Nan hurriedly waved his hand and smiled, "This humble subject is simply subdued by the horse's temperament."

"For Your Majesty to be able to command such a magnificent steed, you are truly a dragon among men."