800-li express — Episode 16

The Sixth Prince, Li Jue, was renowned for his exceptional bravery and martial prowess, yet he had never gained the recognition he deserved from the court. Instead, he was assigned to guard a remote border region. One day, the nomadic Xiongnu tribes, ancient enemies of the empire, launched a sudden and ferocious assault, their forces vastly outnumbering the defending troops. With the nation on the brink of calamity, Li Jue resolutely led his soldiers into battle. Riding at the forefront, he personally engaged the enemy, displaying breathtaking horsemanship as he fought valiantly and brought down countless enemies. However, the disparity in numbers was insurmountable, and the border's defenses teetered on the edge of collapse. Just as the weary troops struggled to hold their ground, the Crown Prince, Li Yu, arrived with reinforcements. The two brothers fought side by side and successfully repelled the Xiongnu vanguard. The troops barely had time to catch their breath before grim news arrived: a massive Xiongnu force of two hundred thousand soldiers, an overwhelming number for the time, was advancing relentlessly, and far away in the imperial capital, the Emperor had been secretly poisoned by a Xiongnu spy. His health was rapidly deteriorating, and his life was on the brink of collapse. With the situation growing increasingly dire, the Crown Prince ordered Li Jue to return to the capital and secure reinforcements within seven days. Without hesitation, Li Jue embarked on a grueling journey, riding through the night to reach the city. Yet misfortune struck once more. In an accidental encounter, Li Jue startled the horse of the ambitious and cunning future Crown Princess, Du Gu Wan, only to be falsely accused by her out of malice. The Empress, believing the slanderous accusations, subjected Li Jue to a barrage of public disgrace and degradation and deliberately delayed the dispatch of reinforcements. Meanwhile, the soldiers at the border continued their desperate fight