After the golden scroll carrying the emperor's will was delivered at full speed, Zhang Gaoyi's already tense face looked even more solemn.

He was fully aware that the task was arduous and the responsibility was heavy, so he dared not slack off in the slightest.

He reorganized the few remaining soldiers as quickly as possible. Every soldier was wearing sturdy armor and had a sharp sword hanging around his waist. Each of them looked heroic and majestic.

Zhang Gaoyi shouted with full energy: "Let's go!"

This team advanced towards the north like a surging torrent.

The sound of horse hooves resounded through the sky, raising clouds of dust.

During this journey, Zhang Gaoyi always had a secret expectation in his heart that was unknown to others - he longed to see Ye Zifen, even if it was just a brief glimpse.

At this moment, sitting on the bumpy horse's back, his thoughts were running wild like a wild horse, and the warm scenes of his past time with Ye Zifen kept flashing in his mind.

Her every smile, every move seemed so close yet so far away.

The person in charge of leading the way obviously chose the shortest route.

The group rode non-stop all the way, traveling day and night, sometimes crossing dense forests and sometimes crossing fast streams.

From time to time, Zhang Gaoyi would turn his head and look at both sides of the road, secretly praying that he would pass by the place where Ye Zifen and her companions were resting.

Unfortunately, fate always likes to play tricks on people. This seemingly shortest route actually passed by where Ye Zifen was, like two parallel lines that never intersected.

When he realized this cruel fact, Zhang Gaoyi's originally resolute eyes suddenly revealed a deep loss that was difficult to conceal.

He gripped the reins tightly in his hands, so tightly that his knuckles began to turn slightly white and his palms trembled slightly from being so tightly gripped.

When Zhang Gaoyi finally arrived at his destination and met Lieutenant General Zhang, what he saw was a lively and orderly scene.

I saw that many tents had already been built around, one after another, and neatly arranged together.

These tents are like solid fortresses, swaying gently in the breeze, as if showing people their tenacity and stability.

Looking around, there are many people around who are training intensively.

They were either holding spears or wielding broadswords, and every move they made seemed exceptionally powerful.

When they noticed Zhang Gaoyi leading a group of soldiers slowly approaching, everyone who had been concentrating on training immediately stopped what they were doing and stepped forward to greet them.

Everyone's face was filled with joy that was hard to conceal, and their eyes were full of expectations for the future.

At this moment, the comrades who had been separated for a long time finally reunited again.

After Zhang Gaoyi dismounted from his horse, he walked steadily into the big tent in the center of the camp.

The interior of the tent was simple but solemn, with a large table in the center surrounded by several sturdy chairs.

After everyone was seated, Lieutenant General Zhang began to report to Zhang Gaoyi on the recent work completed.

"General, the camp has been properly arranged, and the soldiers have been maintaining high-intensity daily training without any slackness."

Deputy General Zhang straightened up and spoke respectfully.

Zhang Gaoyi nodded slightly in approval, and said, "You've done a good job, but in order to more effectively resist foreign invasion, we must extend the defense line further. This means that we need to not only build city walls, but also consider building city gates and improving the overall city defense facilities."

His eyes were firm as he spoke, revealing an unquestionable majesty that made people feel awe.

Hearing this, Deputy General Zhang looked embarrassed. After hesitating for a moment, he responded cautiously: "But General, if we simply build a wall without building a complete city, I'm afraid such a defensive measure will not be able to play the greatest effect, right? After all, only with a solid city as a support can the wall really play a protective role!"

I saw that his brows were tightly furrowed, as if twisted into a knot, and the deep lines seemed to be filled with endless worries and troubles.

And that originally resolute face was now shrouded in sorrow, appearing particularly solemn.

At this time, Zhang Gaoyi said firmly: "In my opinion, the most urgent task is to build an extremely solid city! Only in this way can we defend this land."

As he spoke, he crossed his arms across his chest, his expression extremely determined, like an unshakable mountain.

Deputy General Zhang, who was standing by, showed hesitation after hearing this. He hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking, "Then... where can we get the people we need from?"

Zhang Gaoyi thought for a moment and then replied, "Once the city gate is built, we can immediately write to the court to request support. Then, the court will send enough people to help us."

Hearing this, Deputy General Zhang nodded slightly, feeling a little relieved, but still worried: "I hope this plan goes smoothly and the fortifications are completed as soon as possible to resist the invasion of the foreign enemies who are eyeing us covetously."

After hearing this, Zhang Gaoyi walked to the front of the tent and stared at the soldiers who were training hard outside.

The soldiers were all in good shape and high spirits, and their shouts of killing rose one after another, resounding through the sky.

After a long while, he slowly turned around to face Deputy General Zhang and said in a deep voice: "We must be fully alert and make foolproof preparations. We must not leave the enemy any chance to take advantage of us!"

Following closely behind him, Deputy General Zhang hurriedly stepped forward, saluted with his fists, and responded loudly: "General, please rest assured! These brothers under our command are all veteran warriors who have fought many battles! They are all experienced and brave, and now they are holding back their energy, just waiting for the opportunity to show their skills!"

Hearing this, a relieved smile appeared on Zhang Gaoyi's face. He nodded with satisfaction, then glanced at the deputy generals.

He said in a loud voice: "When the people arrive, everyone must put the protection of civilians' lives and safety first! Innocent civilians must not be harmed in the slightest! At the same time, we must repeatedly remind everyone not to take anything from the civilians without authorization! We have sufficient military supplies, which are completely sufficient for the moment. There is no need to touch a single needle or thread of the civilians!"

A deputy general's expression became extremely serious. He clasped his fists again and said, "General, you are absolutely right! I know that this matter is of great importance and will definitely convey your order to every brother. Our military discipline is strict and the brothers are aware of the importance of this matter. There will never be any violation!"