The next day, the army began to march north.

Jing Ye slept deeply all night and felt that he had recovered a lot of energy, so he refused Ye Mao’s suggestion to go slowly and rushed all the way.

The army marched eastward from Bixue Pass to the Huaihe River that separated the north from the south, crossed the river, and then went straight north to the pre-decided Yingzhou City, hoping to meet up with the 80,000 imperial troops who had arrived from the capital first to block the rebels’ path.

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Jing Ye simply forced himself to rush on the road. When the army was resting, he drank medicine while discussing with the generals how to arrange the troops and food supplies. When marching, he huddled in the carriage and let Lin Xiaosheng hold him in sleep. After all, the horse pulled carriage was bumpy, and having a pillow made it at least a bit better.

Although the generals had thoughts against the emperor always being surrounded with handsome young men, they saw that he was clear headed in decision making and impartial in rewards and punishments. He was completely different from the little emperor in the rumors, so they no longer thought about saying sycophantic words of flattery, and followed military rules and regulations when doing things, gradually becoming cautious and respectful.

Seven days later, the army approached Yingzhou City and entered the city gate.

The people all went out and lined the streets to welcome the emperor.

At the gate of the government office, the Zhizhou of Yingzhou City and his subordinates knelt down. (TN: senior provincial government official in dynastic China)

The Zhizhou surnamed Xing was an honest and upright official. Thinking of what was said in the rumors, he could not help but lower his head and say with trepidation: “This subject’s home is simple and crude. I’m afraid I’ve offended Your Majesty. This subject hopes… hopes Your Majesty will forgive me.”

Jing Ye said: “No matter, rise.” After saying that, they entered the building and everyone hurriedly cleared the path. Xing Zhizhou led the way, leading Jing Ye and his party into the prepared residence within the governmental building.

After cleaning his face and changing clothes, Jing Ye had no intention of resisting his exhaustion. He took a few sips of tea and rested.

After the army entered the city, they set up camp and prepared for battle.

Feng Ling and several civil officials who accompanied the army stayed in a post house in the city. When they heard the noise and shouting outside, they couldn’t help but look outside and said to each other: “Now that His Majesty is here in person, a big stone has finally fallen to the ground in my heart.”

One of them had already opened the door and went out to look. Feng Ling raised his head and saw the cheering and joyful people outside the door. His expression shifted then he lowered his head again.

Scholars liked peace and quiet, so after discussing for a while, they went back to write documents. When Feng Ling wrote up to a certain part, he found that he didn’t remember it very well, so he called the servant boy to bring over the scroll.

But after calling three or four times, there was still no response. A colleague laughed and said, “Is it a map you want? I have one here. Those little monkeys, forgetting everything while watching the excitement.”

Feng Ling thanked him. After a while, the noise gradually faded away. People on the streets began returning to their houses or continuing going their ways.

But the servant boy still didn’t come back. After waiting for about a stick of incense, the back door opened and a handsome and clever looking young man came in. He was the young soldier who had talked to Feng Ling a few days ago.

He was originally a soldier responsible for cooking in the military camp, named Ba Yuan. He wasn’t very good at martial arts and fighting, but he had gone to school and could read and write, so he worked under Feng Ling.

Feng Ling had already finished writing. He rolled up the document and put it in the box then got up and walked to the back of the house. While walking he asked him what the situation was like on the streets. Ba Yuan followed him hurriedly and answered honestly.

“I was squeezing around in the crowd and couldn’t see anything. Then someone pushed me and I almost fell at the feet of the guards at the front. When I looked up, I saw the carriage wheel, which is actually inlaid with jade. I’ve never seen such a thing like that before in all my years alive.”

Feng Ling was amused by what he said, and then thought of Jing Ye.

How was his health? It was common to see him drinking medicine when he was in the palace. After traveling such a long distance, he was afraid of the other becoming ill from exhaustion, and even if he didn’t, he was afraid of the other losing weight…

He left to join the army to escape, but unfortunately all he thought about day and night was Jing Ye. At this moment, his love was only a few miles away from him, and he wanted to see him in person more and more to relieve his worries.

When they arrived at the dormitory, Ba Yuan came over with his official uniform in his arms. Feng Ling asked blankly, “What are you doing?”

Ba Yuan said: “My lord, have you forgotten? All the officials of the fourth rank and above in the city must go to His Majesty’s residence in the evening.”

These words were like a pillow handed to a drowsy person. Feng Ling stood up suddenly, walked a few steps back and forth beside the bed, and then sat down, clutching the cuffs of his sleeves.

Just take a look, just take a look.

So like that he didn’t know how he passed the time away until nightfall. Feng Ling and two colleagues who were also officials from the capital got on the carriage and went to the governmental office. After passing through many guards, they arrived at the meeting hall.

After entering the hall, the candlelight was bright, and all the generals and civil officials saluted and said, “Paying respects to Your Majesty.”

The clear and soft voice of the young emperor came from the high seat: “All the ministers may rise and have a seat.”

Feng Ling stood up with everyone, raised his head, and finally saw Jing Ye. Sure enough, he was much thinner. Although he appeared majestic and solemn, he could not hide his tiredness.

Jing Ye glanced across the crowd of ministers and met his eyes with surprise. But as soon as he moved his fingers, they were held by Lin Xiaosheng who was sitting on the side.

Feng Ling lowered his head and took a seat with everyone.

After the meeting, he followed his colleagues out of the building. He couldn’t help but look back and saw only two soft gauze lanterns hanging at the front door, giving off dim light and looking extremely lonely.

The colleague said: “What’s wrong? You have been distracted all night, but luckily you were not rude in front of His Majesty.”

Feng Ling shook his head, and the two of them were about to take a step forward when they heard someone shouting from behind: “My lord, please wait!”

Both of them turned around, and it was a servant boy with a palace plaque hanging on his waist. He bowed with a smile: “Lord Feng, His Majesty asks you to come back to the hall to discuss some things more.” 

Feng Ling’s heart skipped a beat. He said goodbye to his colleagues, and followed the young man back into the building to the meeting hall.

All the attendants in the hall were sent away, leaving only Jing Ye with his back quietly facing the door.

Feng Ling walked to the threshold, paused, raised his robe and knelt, “This subject, Feng Ling, pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye turned around and said, “What are you kneeling for? Get up.”

Feng Ling stood up and heard the other continue: “Does qing want to talk to zhen while standing outside the door, come inside.”

Feng Ling entered the door and at this closer distance, he saw that Jing Ye’s face looked even more pale and he couldn’t help but want to say something.

Jing Ye took a step forward and saw that although he looked a bit travel worn, his eyes were still bright and there was no difficulty in moving. He felt relieved and said with a slight smile: “Why are you here? Before the expedition, zhen heard Ye Mao say that you and the Yang family’s daughter are engaged to be married… A defenseless scholar like you should not leave your fiancée and come here.”

Feng Ling wanted to explain that he had no marriage contract with the young lady Yang, but as soon as he explained, would it not make his intentions clear for all to see. Thinking of his previous decision, he fell silent.

Jing Ye just wanted to check on his safety. Seeing that everything was fine with him, there was nothing more to say. He waved his hand and said, “Nothing’s wrong. Qing may go back.”

Feng Ling slowly retreated to the door. Ye Mao was guarding outside. Seeing this, he came up, bent towards Feng Ling, and went in to serve.

The attendant stepped forward and closed the door of the hall, cutting off the lights in the hall. A gust of night wind blew by, the leaves rustled, and the footsteps gradually receding could be heard.

The courtyard was not big, but if it was used for martial arts competition, it would not be too restrictive either.

The young man was still dressed in red brocade clothes, with a green malachite band tied around his forehead, and his eyebrows were as bright as the sun lit clouds.

He held a big cutlass in his hand and shook it casually. The copper ring on the big cutlass knocked against the blade, making a crisp sound.

A few feet away from where he was, the guard in black stood panting for a while, then charged forward with his sword and stabbed straight towards his chest. Although the move was simple, it had been modified after thousands of times of practice. It could be said to be fast and ruthless, which ordinary martial arts practitioners could not reach.

But the young man was not at all afraid. He blocked the attack with his cutlass and then turned his wrist to force the attacker back. His move seemed like a block, but who knows how much force he had accumulated in it that it forced the black-clothed guard to the ground, his wrist trembling and no longer able to hold the sword hilt steady.

The guards standing next to them were startled. When Lu Baizang had nothing to do in the palace, he would compete with them using his fingers as blades. The Lu family’s martial arts emphasized the combination of hardness and softness, shifting heavy weight to lightness, freely retracting and releasing, breaking moves but not hurting the opponent.

But this young man in front of them struck hard and ruthless, his aura violent and overwhelming.

The young man sneered: “Is this what your people are capable of?”

The black-clothed guard gritted his teeth and was about to get up when he heard the courtyard door being pushed open and hurriedly knelt on one knee with the other guards.

Jing Ye glanced around the courtyard. Oh very good. Three of the four carp tanks were broken, and a few fish were still twitching on the bluestone floor. The maids were so frightened that they hid behind the door. Seeing His Majesty arrive, they all came out and knelt down tearfully. Not to mention the black-clothed guards kneeling on both sides whose faces looked like rouge had been tuned on them, with patches of red and blue here and there, and some even had nosebleeds.

Jing Ye said: “City Lord Le, zhen asked them to entertain you, but not in this way.”

Le Zhenghuan slapped the cutlass: “What did you call me?”

Ye Mao was trembling with fear and hid behind Jing Ye. Hearing this, he stretched out his head and said, “How audacious! You-you-you…”

He was originally going to shout, “You dare to be rude to His Majesty”, but when he saw the bright big blade in Le Zhenghuan’s hand pointing at him, he shrank his head back with a screamed “Aiya!”

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Jing Ye didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so he could only say: “You have destroyed this place, where can zhen live now?”

Le Zhenghuan was originally angry that he called him in such an unfamiliar manner, but when he heard him talking to him gently, in a low and melodious voice, he put the cutlass behind him, and the anger surrounding his person instantly subsided. He said: “It’s not like I hit them…”

The black-clothed guards: “…”

The maids: “…”

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The Xirong army and Bixue City had been in a stalemate for many days, and their morale was no longer high. This attack on the rear camp resulted in thousands of casualties and nearly ten percent of the food and grass rations burned, so they had to hurriedly withdraw their troops and return to the border.

Li Tingqiu was in a coma for three to four days. During this period, he woke up occasionally and said a few words. During these times he was quite awake, but fell asleep soon after.

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On the morning of the fourth day, he finally recovered enough and started to get out of bed to walk around.

The several military officers who accompanied him in battles had gone through life and death with him. They all regarded him as a brother and would come to visit him from time to time.

One of the officers surnamed Tang admired his character very much and advised him: “I regard you as a brother, so I am not afraid to say some unpleasant things. This place is too close to the emperor’s residence. It was originally for the convenience of the imperial doctor to take care of you. But now that you have recovered from your injury, you… you are someone who has entered the palace. For the sake of reputation, why not leave here and move back to the military camp.”

Li Tingqiu frowned, but knowing his good intentions, he said: “Those who are good and innocent will remain so. Brother says this, do you see me as a sycophantic official?”

General Tang didn’t expect that he was such a calm and decisive person on the battlefield, yet he was not clear headed about this matter. He said anxiously: “As they say, the so-called right and wrong, it does not matter whether you are good and innocent or not. Though I don’t know how His Majesty changed his mind and let you out of the palace, but now that you have come out, you have to put the past far behind you, firstly to avoid people gossiping, and secondly…” He said a little awkwardly, “What if His Majesty sees you, and… again?”

Li Tingqiu couldn’t help laughing when he saw his embarrassment when mentioning the emperor.

“You laugh, but if you become a consort in the future, won’t you be the laughingstock of others!” General Tang was very anxious but seeing how he still refused to wake up, he sighed helplessly and went out. 

Li Tingqiu watched him go out, and when he could no longer see the other, his smile disappeared and he leaned against the bed. In his hand was an exquisite silk ball, stroking it inch by inch with his fingertips, his eyes grave.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, he suddenly heard someone tapping the door twice. He thought it was the servant boy bringing water, so he said, “Come in.”

The door opened and it was Ye Mao. Li Tingqiu couldn’t help but straighten up. Ye Mao saluted him and retreated out. Jing Ye then came in and turned around to meet his eyes.

“This subject, Li Tingqiu respectfully welcomes Your Majesty.”

Li Tingqiu was about to get out of bed, but Jing Ye raised his hand to stop him and said, “Sit back quickly, don’t pull the wound.”

Ye Mao brought a wooden stool, and Jing Ye sat beside the bed. Li Tingqiu had not seen him in the past few days. Taking a closer look, he felt that although the war situation had become more reassuring, this person was still as thin as ever.

Jing Ye said: “Now that the army has recuperated, and your serious injury has not healed, it is not suitable for you to continue exhausting yourself in the army, so it is best to stay in Bixue City to recover and wait for orders first.”

Li Tingqiu looked at him without saying a word. Jing Ye added: “It has been more than half a month since Xu Ming raised the flag to rebel. There are people from all over the northwest who are following him and those who are leading troops to resist. Currently, the situation is very chaotic over there and it’s time to go over and stabilize the overall situation.”

Li Tingqiu said: “This subject is incompetent and cannot follow Your Majesty and relieve Your Majesty’s worries.”

Jing Ye smiled slightly and said, “Take good care of your health. Who knows how many more things will happen in the future, so it is of no matter to miss this time.”

His face was pale, but his smile was as warm as spring water, his eyebrows were like distant mountains, and his long eyelashes were thick and gentle. Li Tingqiu’s heart jumped when he saw it, and he couldn’t help but straighten up. This pulled the wound in his chest, and he couldn’t help but let out a muffled groan.

Jing Ye hurriedly leaned over to help him, but his hand was grabbed by the other instead. Before he could react, he was pulled over and hugged tightly.

Li Tingqiu’s brows furrowed in pain, and blood oozed from the bandage on his chest. Jing Ye held his shoulders, thought for a long time, and then said: “You don’t feel pain?”

Li Tingqiu whispered: “It hurts.” Then he pressed his right hand on the back of Jing Ye’s head and kissed him hard.

Jing Ye: “…”

Li Tingqiu’s kiss was inexperienced, he only knew to rub hard, and stick his tongue inside awkwardly. He had no skills, but he was very earnest at the same time.

Jing Ye was quite shocked but he didn’t dare to push him. After all, his whole body was covered with wounds, so he could only let him bite and kiss him. Sometimes when he lowered his head to avoid it, the other would simply kiss him on the corner of his mouth.

Jing Ye: “Mmph, mmph… you’re bleeding…”

Ye Mao listened attentively outside the door for a moment then turned his back to the door. The guards immediately lowered their heads.

There was nothing charming or seductive about this kiss, but it felt like a feeling of happiness after surviving the odds, full of determination. When they separated, Jing Ye’s tongue was numb, and he gasped in a low voice: “…Now… can you let go?…”

Li Tingqiu leaned back slightly. His wounds were very painful and some of the wounds were already opened again, but a big stone fell to the ground in his heart.

His hands were shaking a little, but he still reached out to hold Jing Ye and said: “Your Majesty…”

Jing Ye lowered his head and saw the blood-stained cloth around his chest, and said, “It’s time to change your bandages. Zhen will go call someone over.”

Li Tingqiu held his hand and said: “This subject took a trip to the gate of hell and finally realized that seeking fame and reputation is the most stupid thing in the world. Life passes by in a flash, like lightning… Thus one should obey the heart in time…”

The more Jing Ye listened, the more he felt something was wrong. He moved his hands and said, “Qing is a meritorious minister. Whatever you want, as long as it is reasonable, zhen will easily agree… We are monarch and minister. As you have made great contributions, zhen will not pursue your act of stepping over bounds just now…”

“Your Majesty.” Li Tingqiu stopped him, “This subject has my heart set on you…”

Before he finished speaking, Jing Ye had already pulled away. Li Tingqiu pressed his hands into the quilt, feeling severe pain in his chest.

Jing Ye really didn’t know how to react. Seeing the blood slowly oozing out from the wounds on his body, he also felt that he couldn’t bear to say a harsh word either. He turned around and hurried out. Ye Mao was still guarding the door. He trembled with fright at his fierce glare and immediately kneeled down to apologize.

Jing Ye first said to the servant boy serving Li Tingqiu: “Go in quickly and take care of your general.”

The servant boy hurriedly bowed and went in.

Jing Ye looked back, waved his sleeves and said to Ye Mao: “What are you doing kneeling? Go back.”

Ye Mao quickly got up and followed Jing Ye out.

When Jing Ye returned to his bedroom in the courtyard, Lin Xiaosheng was taking a small silver spoon and putting incense into the incense burner bit by bit. When he heard the sound, he looked over, stretched out his arms and saluted, “Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye’s heart was in turmoil. He said hastily “rise” and walked in, but his wrist was held by the other, “Don’t you feel any pain, Your Majesty?”

Jing Ye was startled, and Lin Xiaosheng stretched out his finger and wiped at his lips, only to see a spot of bright red blood on his fingertips. Jing Ye touched his lips, and it really stung. He felt embarrassed and said, “Simply an accident, it’s nothing.”

Lin Xiaosheng slid his fingers down, passed by his slightly loosened collar, and said, “Who bit it?”

“Of course myself…” Jing Ye lowered his head and realized that he couldn’t even cover it up now.

Lin Xiaosheng said: “Is it love that Ting Qiu is showing to Your Majesty?”

Jing Ye knew that he knew it very well, so he said, “No.”

“Then what is love?”

“Love is…” Jing Ye explained with difficulty, “…the mutual happiness of two people.”

“How to have mutual happiness?”

“En… in addition to doing, ahem, doing that, there are many other things… such as holding hands.”

Lin Xiaosheng went to hold his hand.

Lin Xiaosheng’s hands were cold, seeming due to some kind of illness. Due to his physique, Jing Ye couldn’t bear the cold or heat, so he said, “Let’s go there and talk.”

Jing Ye took two to three steps and felt a little dizzy. He wanted to sit on the couch but as soon as he took a step, his vision suddenly went dark and he fell straight down.

It wasn’t until late at night that Jing Ye slowly woke up with a headache. There was only one candle lit in the room and the lights were dim.

There was a familiar soothing scent surrounding the tip of his nose. Jing Ye moved his arms and his fingers touched warm and soft skin.

Turning his head, what came into view was a person’s gorgeous features, a few strands of hair sweeping down the bridge of his nose, and the graceful and sharp curves of his phoenix eyes.

Jing Ye: “…”

Lin Xiaosheng’s eyebrows moved, and he opened his eyes two looked at each other.

Jing Ye said hoarsely: “What time is it?”

“I don’t know.” Lin Xiaosheng sat up.

Jing Ye propped his elbows on the bed and tried to sit up, but found that his whole body was weak.

Lin Xiaosheng leaned over and slipped his hands under his lower back.

Jing Ye slowly sat up and didn’t quibble over how he slept here. He just lowered his head and said, “Is there any water?”

Lin Xiaosheng got out of bed and went to pour tea.

In order not to disturb Jing Ye with their noisy movements, the maids all retreated outside the house, and no one changed the tea in the teapot.

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Lin Xiaosheng poured a cup and brought it over. Jing Ye took it and took a sip, trembling a bit at the cold.

Lin Xiaosheng frowned slightly, took the cup in his hand, turned around and went outside to call Ye Mao to bring in hot tea. When he came back in, Jing Ye had already curled up under the quilt and fell asleep.

He gently placed the porcelain pot on the table, sat on the edge of the bed, thought for a while, reached out to hold the other’s hand that was casually placed outside the quilt, and put it under the quilt.

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The army outside the city was pressing down on the city, the shouts of killing loud and thunderous.

In the courtyard, just after the drizzle, Li Tingqiu knelt on one knee on the wet bluestone and said, “This subject will take my leave.”

Jing Ye leaned over and put his hand on his cold shoulder armor.

Li Tingqiu paused, raised his head, and said to Jing Ye: “Be careful and don’t be tempted to continue fighting.”

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He gestured to him to rise, and Li Tingqiu stood up.

Jing Ye was wearing a long cloak, the crimson edged hood contrasted with his pale skin, and a few strands of forehead hair fell between his eyebrows.

Li Tingqiu’s eyes deepened, and he couldn’t help but walk forward a few steps: “Your Majesty…” But the several military officers behind him hurriedly stopped him and said, “General Li, it will be too late if we don’t leave now.”

Li Tingqiu had no choice but to step out of the courtyard and mount his horse, heading all the way to the east city gate.

Jing Ye stood there, watching the accompanying military officers bow and leave.

The sound of horse hooves gradually faded away, but the shouts of killing could be heard from the west in the distance.

Jing Ye stood quietly. After a while, raindrops fell from the sky, and it started to rain again. Ye Mao took an umbrella and hurried out of the eaves, covering Jing Ye’s head.

“The rain is going to be heavy. Your Majesty, please go back inside.”

After hearing this, Jing Ye turned around and went back to his room. But just after entering the door, he felt like the world was spinning and he stumbled. If it weren’t for Ye Mao’s support, he would have fallen to the ground.

Ye Mao hurriedly helped him onto the bed, covered him with a quult, and ordered the maids to stoke the fire.

Jing Ye leaned on the pillow and watched him hurrying back and forth, and gradually fell asleep.

Before one knew it, it was evening, and the sound of birds chirping outside the window had become more tired.

A tame pigeon flapped its wings and rested on the window sill as usual.

Ye Mao, who was ordering dinner, saw it and hurriedly signaled the maid to step back, and went over to take the paper scroll from the pigeon’s foot.

“Your Majesty, news has arrived from the capital.”

Jing Ye was tired and half asleep when he heard the voice: “Read it out loud.”

Ye Mao unfolded it and took a look, and his heart sank.

Jing Ye turned his head and said, “Why are you not reading it out loud?”

Ye Mao’s throat tightened and said: “The Xu family has rebelled…”

Jing Ye opened his eyes.

“Eighty thousand imperial troops have been sent to quell the rebellion first.” Ye Mao read, “Going northwest quickly.”

To the northwest, outside Yingzhou City, there was a canyon. The terrain was dangerous and rarely traveled. But at this moment, tens of thousands of troops were passing through in several groups.

At noon, the army rested beside the stream in the valley and lit a fire to cook.

Feng Ling tied the horse to a tree trunk by the creek and washed his face with water. The clear water reflected his fatigued look.

“My lord.” The soldier who followed him brought the lunch and said with a smile, “It is just made and it’s still hot. It’s much better than the cold dry food from the past few days. Please try it.”

“Thank you.” Feng Ling took it and took a bite. In the past, the palace banquet was full of delicacies, but now it seemed that it was not comparable to this hot meal.

The soldier squatted on the side, and Feng Ling asked him, “Did you eat?”

The soldier nodded quickly: “Yes, it was tasty.”

Feng Ling smiled and said, “Why are you always looking at me?”

The soldier said: “I joined the army when I was fourteen years old. I have been in the army for two years but I have never seen a civil official like you go onto the battlefield. My mother said that noble people like you should sit at home, drink tea and write, and should not come here rolling in the mud.”

Feng Ling couldn’t help but laugh: “Your mother is wrong. An official serves the country and is loyal to the emperor…” When he spoke the word “emperor”, he was paused for a moment and then finished self-deprecatingly, “…forget it, a scholar is the most useless.”

The soldier was clever. Seeing that he had a gentle temperament and was not as arrogant as ordinary officials, he asked him many questions. Just as he was chatting enthusiastically, he heard footsteps behind him and turned around to look. It was General Yang Ziran. He was so frightened that he quickly saluted, and then ran away with his head down.

Yang Ziran saw that he was running away in panic, and wondered: “How come he could so happily chat with you, but when he sees me, he is like a mouse avoiding a cat.”

Feng Ling smiled: “You scared many people during military training, not just this one.”

Yang Ziran shook his head, sat with him by the stream, and said, “Aren’t you asking for trouble by giving up on your noble scholarly duties and following me on a thousand-mile march?”

Feng Ling said: “A man cultivates himself, manages his family and governs the country, what difference is there between the scholarly arts and martial arts?”

Yang Ziran snorted coldly: “What cultivating the self and managing the family? I want to ask you, what’s wrong with my sister Ying’er? You don’t want to marry her, and you come here to avoid the marriage. I’m not exaggerating, Ying’er is both talented and beautiful, and has a good personality, learned in astronomy and knowledgeable in geography…”

Feng Ling felt a headache when he heard this endless praise from the other for his sister. He stood up quickly and said, “General Situ asked me to draw a map. I’m going ahead first.”

“Don’t run away. Let’s make it clear first who you like…”

Feng Ling was blocked by him and was helpless to avoid him, so he said: “Ten days.”

Yang Ziran: “…?”

On the second day, they left the canyon and walked a hundred miles to the gate of Yingzhou City. Feng Ling dismounted and carried his luggage. The soldier from yesterday came over to help him lead the horse. He smiled and said: “My lord, what is it you are holding in your right hand? You haven’t let go of it this whole way.”

Feng Ling said: “Painting.”

The soldier said: “Wouldn’t it be better to keep the painting at home? It is difficult to carry and easy to damage.”

Feng Ling held the painting tightly and said, “I can’t bear to part with it.”

The two people just walked to the city gate, when they heard the sound of horse hooves in the distance. When they turned around, they saw a big red flag with a curved blade and a bright moon embroidered on it. The soldier let out an “aiyo” and said, “They are actually invited here.”

Feng Ling couldn’t help but be surprised when he saw that the cavalrymen in this cavalry team were dressed differently and had upright postures and quick movements but did not look like ordinary soldiers. The soldier explained: “These are the Pingyue Tenth Cavalry. They are from Pingyue City, not our official army.”

Pingyue Tenth Cavalry.

Although Feng Ling was a scholar, he had heard of this name. It was said that wherever Pingyue’s cavalry went, there was never defeat.

While he was thinking this, he heard the soldier yelling “My lord, be careful!”. Before he could react, he was swept to the side of the road by the wind from the whip.

Feng Ling rolled in the dust, looking extremely disheveled, coughed and got up, only to see a white horse in front of him, with a young man in red sitting on it, holding a long whip, with a fierce and wild expression.

Feng Ling glanced at him, lowered his head and suddenly felt that his right hand was empty and the painting was gone.

“Are you looking for this?”

Feng Ling was looking around him for the painting when the young man raised his hand and the scroll unfolded from top to bottom.

The person in the painting was none other than Jing Ye. The afternoon sun was shining, and the young man with warm eyes was lying on the couch and taking a nap.

Feng Ling stepped forward and said, “This is mine…”

“Once it’s in my hands, it belongs to me.” The young man put away the painting and sneered, “I haven’t asked you yet, why is my person in your painting?”

Southwest, Bixue Pass.

Seventeen days later, the Xirong army learned that their rear camp was attacked and retreated in a hurry. Of the three thousand elites Li Tingqiu took with him, less than eight hundred returned. Although the rest all survived, they were all injured.

Li Tingqiu was seriously injured and had not awakened even now.

Jing Ye and General He were sitting in the hall.

General He took a sip of wine and said, “When you go onto the battlefield, it is always a matter of life or death.”

Ye Mao came in and bowed: “Your Majesty, the imperial physician has left.”

Upon hearing this, Jing Ye stood up and walked out.

General He stood up and saluted. Watching him walk out quickly, he sighed and said, “Paying debts and owing debts. It is all karmic debt, ai.”

When Jing Ye entered the room, Li Tingqiu was still sleeping. The servants were packing up the blood-stained towels and the water basin. When they saw Jing Ye coming in, they all bowed to the ground and left quietly.

Jing Ye walked a few steps over and sat on the small stool beside the bed.

Li Tingqiu lay there unconscious, his eyes closed, his lips pale and dry, his upper body wrapped with cloth, and blood oozing in some places.

Jing Ye looked at him for a while and said, “Just for that silk ball?”

The room was silent.

After a long time, Jing Ye sighed slightly, stood up and turned to leave. Suddenly he heard murmuring: “Xia…”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Jing Ye turned around and looked at him. His lips were slightly open, as if he was full of words to say to the person in his sleep.

But in the end there was only silence.

“Xia?” Jing Ye muttered, looked back at him, and finally walked out.

The door closed with a creak.

The person on the bed moved his fingertips slightly and opened his eyes.

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Ye Mao and the maids were guarding the door. Seeing Lin Xiaosheng coming, he pointed at the back of the screen with his horsetail whisk.

Lin Xiaosheng entered the room, turned around the screen panels, and saw Jing Ye leaning on the pillow, his left hand resting on the cushion, allowing the imperial doctor to take his pulse.

Lin Xiaosheng said: “Your Majesty.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Jing Ye raised his head and said, “You’re here.”

His face was still pale, his cheeks were sunken, his facial features were thin, and a bit of sharpness was mixed with the gentleness. His long hair was loosely tied behind his head, and there was a three-finger-wide embroidered ribbon tied around his forehead. Likely due to Ye Mao being afraid of him getting a headache from the wind.

Lin Xiaosheng recalled Gu Hong’s several reminders before leaving. When had the famous Gu Gongzi ever been so unable to let go of someone before?

Therefore, what the world called love was the most inexplicable thing.

Although one didn’t know where it started or where it would end, some people still devote everything to it, even risking their lives.

The imperial doctor checked his pulse, packed up the medicine box, and bowed: “As said before, Your Majesty’s physique is weak and is not suitable to travel long distances. Now only rest and food supplements can avoid serious illness.”

Jing Ye said: “Since food supplements can help, then the medicine…”

“The medicine must still be drunk twice a day, and must not be stopped.”

Jing Ye: “…En, hngh.”

The imperial physician asked to leave with his medicine box on his back, and Jing Ye waved his permission. As soon as the imperial physician left, Ye Mao came in with the medicine and said, “Your Majesty, please drink one bowl before nap today and another bowl before going to bed at night.”

Jing Ye said: “Put it there.”

Ye Mao held his horsetail whisk and said in a melancholy tone: “There’s no hurry, this servant will wait until Your Majesty finishes drinking.”

Jing Ye: “…”

He picked up the medicine, paused, took a sip, put it down with a twisted look on his face and said, “You can retreat first, zhen has a few important things to ask Lin Qing.”

Ye Mao glanced at Lin Xiaosheng and said: “Then this servant will retire, this servant will leave it to Lin Gongzi to urge His Majesty to drink it while it’s hot. Remember, when it’s almost…”

Jing Ye’s face darkened: “Ye Gonggong, you are better and better at your job.”

Ye Mao shrunk his neck and went out muttering.

Jing Ye said: “Sit.”

Lin Xiaosheng came over after hearing this he sat on the edge of the bed. Jing Ye was stunned. His original intention was for him to sit at the table.

Whatever.

Jing Ye sat up slightly, and the two faced each other, looking through the memorials placed on the quilt.

Jing Ye: “Zhen wants to send two thousand troops first to escort the common people to stay temporarily in the villages and towns behind Bixue City. Firstly, the common people will be protected from the impact of the war. Secondly, the soldiers of the army who have family in the city can also face the enemy with peace of mind… Lin…Lin Qing?”

Lin Xiaosheng came back to his senses. Jing Ye had a questioning expression on his face, his pupils were dark and shiny, his eyelashes were soft, his eyebrows were long, and a few strands of hair hung down, framing his handsome and soft outline.

Lin Xiaosheng’s heart skipped a beat, as an inexplicable feeling slowly spread through him.

Jing Ye found it strange, this was the first time he saw Lin Xiaosheng distance when discussing something.

This feeling was like the person in the painting suddenly came to life, bringing a sense of surprise.

Lin Xiaosheng looked at him and suddenly said: “Does Your Majesty know love?”

Jing Ye was stunned for a moment: “Having experienced it… of course.”

Lin Xiaosheng frowned, remained silent for a while, and then said, “This subject would like to ask Your Majesty to teach me what is love?”

The next morning, Jing Ye faced out the window and stretched out his arms, allowing the maid to straighten his clothes and cuffs.

The window bars were wet, raindrops were rolling on the green leaves outside the window, and the birds were chirping.

There was a sound of fluttering wings, and the tame pigeon with snow-white feathers stopped on the window edge, tilting its little head.

Jing Ye went over, reached out and touched its head, grabbed a handful of millet with his left hand and fed it, then took a small paper roll from the bird’s leg and unfolded it.

“Northwest.”

Jing Ye frowned and said to himself, “The Xu family?”

Someone knocked on the door, it was Ye Mao: “Your Majesty, General Li is here.”

Jing Ye put away the scroll and went out. Li Tingqiu stood in the courtyard, knelt on one knee and said, “Paying respects to Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye smiled and said, “Rise.”

The maids hid behind the pillars to watch the two men. Li Tingqiu was dressed in black martial robes, with broad shoulders, a straight posture, and long boots that wrap around his slender and powerful calves. Jing Ye wore a casual moon white robe with navy blue edgings. The exposed neck and wrists were delicate and flawless, handsome and elegant.

“So good-looking…”

“His Majesty and the General… suits each other…”

The maids looked at each other and giggled secretly.

Li Tingqiu’s ears twitched, and the tips of his ears became slightly red.

Jing Ye was unaware and said with a smile: “Zhen wants to see Elder He and then go to the city gate to have a look.”

Li Tingqiu lowered his head slightly and said, “Yes.”

Jing Ye had the plainclothes guards follow him, and he and Li Tingqiu went out onto the streets. The streets were full of people carrying luggage walking towards the east city gate, pulling carts and holding children. Several girls turned their heads and saw Jing Ye and Li Tingqiu, and they all blushed.

When they arrived at Elder He’s residence in the east of the city, it was to see only three or four simple farmhouses. There was a small fence around the house and a few hibiscus plants that were not in bloom.

The door was quietly closed, and it was unsure whether anyone was there. Jing Ye was about to go in and ask, when someone behind them called: “Brother Li?”

When the two of them turned around, they saw a handsome young man of eighteen or nineteen years old, carrying baggage on his left shoulder and holding a two or three-year-old toddler in his right hand.

Li Tingqiu turned around and said, “Fifteen? What are you…”

Fifteen smiled and said: “The neighboring auntie is going out the city, I am helping deliver her luggage.”

The little toddler he was holding was chubby, with white and rosy cheeks, and looked at Jing Ye with big black eyes.

Jing Ye chuckled, and the little toddler staggered over and hugged his leg.

Jing Ye leaned over and stretched out an index finger. The little toddler looked at it and grabbed it with a chubby fist.

Fifteen saw that Jing Ye was similar in age to him, but his aura was gentle and dignified. Li Tingqiu was also very polite to him in his movements, so he somewhat understood his identity.

He looked at Li Tingqiu and saw that he was signaling to be quiet, so he remained calm and welcomed the two of them into the house with a smile.

The interior and exterior of the residence was similarly furnished with ordinary farmhouse furnishings. Fifteen picked up the little toddler and smiled at the two of them: “Let me send the luggage over first, and you two can have some tea first.”

Jing Ye nodded and the other walked out.

Jing Ye sat at the table and looked around. He place was not poor, but it was far from rich either. 

He took a sip of tea. The tea was made from the bitter tea leaves that the common people often drank. But it had a mellow taste, which must have been the work of the tea maker.

After waiting for a while, an old man carrying a wine jar arrived. He was tall and had sharp eyes. When he saw Jing Ye, he was stunned for a moment, then glanced at Li Tingqiu before saluting, “Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye stood up and helped him up: “Elder He.”

Jing Ye was speaking to Elder He in the house. Li Tingqiu and Fifteen were sitting opposite each other at the stone table in front of the house, chatting.

Fifteen said: “He actually came in person.”

Li Tingqiu sat opposite him. When he raised his head, he could see Jing Ye’s profile through the wooden window.

“A lot has happened in the past six months.”

Fifteen: “I heard that the manor of Lord Zhao, the minister of the Imperial Court of Judicial Review, was seized and confiscated, and the young lady Zhao also…”

Li Tingqiu nodded lightly.

Fifteen frowned and said, “We always thought this was an unjust case.”

“There are many unjust cases.” Li Tingqiu held the teacup with his hand firmly, “But this one was not the case.”

Fifteen said: “She put poison on you?”

Li Tingqiu tilted his head slightly, his eyes darkened: “She put shengjie in the embroidered silk ball.”

Shengjie was a spice that lost its effectiveness once it evaporated. But people who have used ambergris all year round would die without warning in a short period of time if they inhale it.

Ambergris was an imperial incense. In the whole of the imperial palace, who could use it but the emperor?

“We have known each other for many years, but it was still not worth wealth, fame, and a bright future.” Li Tingqiu looked at the gentle and courteous young emperor in the window with some bitterness, “The poison has made him weak and ill, and he is now plagued by suffering for the rest of his life… I owe him.”

In the room, Jing Ye asked: “In Elder He’s opinion, what is Xu Ming like?”

Old General He thought for a while and then said decisively: “He possesses some talent, but unfortunately an immoral character prevents him from becoming great.”

Jing Ye frowned and said, “Immoral character?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“When he was still a lieutenant general, he once followed me to suppress the bandits in the north.” Old General He shook his head and said, “He uses vicious schemes and prefers deception. Although he could be considered to have an amiable temper when interacting with others, the true character will reveal itself over time.”

“So it’s like that…”

Jing Ye lowered his eyes and pondered quietly.

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Southwest, Bixue Pass.

It was just after a fierce battle, several soldiers were squatting by the mound, chatting and eating the rations they had received.

“Those Xirong bastards are really like they’ve taken pills. They don’t stop day and night. If this continues, who can withstand it?”

“Endure it, the higher-ups have said that the reinforcements have already set off and will be here soon.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“It’s useless even if the emperor comes in person. Look at us, which one of us is not half-dead on our feet?”

“You…” The one who just took over the conversation suddenly saw something and stood up suddenly, “Xirong’s army! They’re here, quickly…”

The several soldiers hurriedly stuffed the dry rations into their clothes. War drums began beating on the city wall, and the soldiers quickly gathered in rows, spears in hand, waiting in formation.

The city gate opened, and columns of cavalry rushed out and came to the front of the formation.

Everyone’s faces were covered with dust and their expressions were exhausted.

The Xirong army had strong troops and strong horses. When the two armies just began to fight, the soldiers of Bixue Pass already lost momentum.

In a corner of the battlefield, the soldier who had just stood up first rolled on the ground and slashed at the front hooves of the Xirong cavalry horse in front of him with a knife. The cavalryman fell into the dust, but before he could get up, his throat was already cut by the soldier, and blood spattered.it everywhere.

The soldier shouted: “Fifteen!”

The scholarly young man not far away thrust his sword into the enemy’s chest, turned around and shouted: “I’m fine!”

The soldier rushed over, protected the young man behind him, and shouted: “Go back! This is basically sending us up to be chopped down by the Xirong army. Go back quickly!”

The young man shouted: “You come with me!”

The soldier said angrily: “Stop talking nonsense and leave!”

During the stalemate between the two, the battlefield had already reached a declining situation.

The soldier’s eyes were red as he slashed at the enemy soldiers who were rushing towards him: “Damn it…!”

The two fought and killed the enemies as dust flew. Suddenly, there was a faint tremor in the distance, as if tens of millions of people were approaching.

The young man looked up and said loudly: “Look to the north…!”

A black line was rolling over from the far north of the battlefield. Looking closer, they could see the dust billowing up from the ground and the long banners fluttering in the wind.

“Reinforcements are coming—”

The soldiers of Bixue Pass who were in the midst of fighting roared, their morale boosted, and they forcefully pushed back the Xirong army that had approached the city gate.

The huge army came into sight in an instant, and the Xirong army immediately turned their horses and fled. They were ordered to weaken the enemy’s morale, but no one said to throw their lives away.

The soldiers here saw clearly the banner raised in the center of the reinforcements and looked at each other.

“What’s that?”

“I don’t know, but it’s quite pretty…”

The military officer on the city wall took a closer look and shouted: “Kneel down quickly! His Majesty has personally commanded the army!”

The emperor?!

In the rustling wind, thousands of people inside and outside the city gate knelt down. 

The young man wiped the blood and sweat from his face, pulled the soldier to kneel on one knee with everyone, and laughed softly: “What did you guys say earlier?”

The soldier snorted coldly.

The army entered the city.

By the time everything had settled down for the time being, it was already time to light the lamps.

Li Tingqiu asked Ye Mao in front of the room: “Has His Majesty woke up?”

The latter shook his head and said: “His Majesty slept at noon, and it’s been…six to eight hours now.”

Li Tingqiu frowned and said, “What did the imperial physician say?”

Ye Mao sighed and said: “He prescribed a few medicines, saying they can improve energy and blood circulation, but it is of no use.”

Li Tingqiu was silent, his expression gloomy.

Ye Mao said: “General, what’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing. If His Majesty wakes up, please send someone to tell me.”

Ye Mao nodded and said: “Yes.”

Faint candlelight could be seen through the window. Li Tingqiu took a last look, turned and left.

Ye Mao watched him pass through two rows of armored guards and head out of the courtyard. Then he heard a soft “creak” from the door behind him, and Lin Xiaosheng opened the door and came out.

Ye Mao bowed and said, “Gongzi, are you going back to your room?”

“Bring some warm water for cleansing the face.” Lin Xiaosheng said, “In addition, ask someone to find Sao Hong who came with me and bring some soothing incense.”

Ye Mao said hurriedly: “Yes.”

Lin Xiaosheng turned around and entered the room again. Jing Ye was still lying on the bed, brows furrowed as he slept.

Lin Xiaosheng sat gently on the edge of the bed, twirling a strand of Jing Ye’s loosened black hair with his fingers, his eyes dark and unclear.

Li Tingqiu pushed open the small fence with a jar of wine. An old man was lying on the lounge chair next to the flower garden, with his hands on the armrests and his eyes closed.

Li Tingqiu stepped forward and said, “Elder He.” (TN: polite address to an older and distinguished man)

The old man opened his eyes. He looked back and smiled when he saw him.

“It’s you, boy.”

Li Tingqiu said: “I haven’t seen you for two years, but you are still so robust.”

The old man waved his hand and said, “I’m getting old, I’m getting old, ai.” He pointed to the wooden stool next to the recliner and said, “Sit.”

Li Tingqiu sat down as he was told, placed the wine jar on the small table, and patted open the mud seal. The old man sniffed and said with a smile, “I haven’t seen you for two years but you still remember this old man’s tastes.”

Li Tingqiu said: “What Elder He taught me back then is not something Ting Qiu will ever forget.”

Three years ago, Li Tingqiu was just a commoner, and Elder He was the famous General He of the imperial court. After Li Tingqiu came to the capital, he paid a visit to Elder He’s manor. Elder He saw that he was talented at both civil and military affairs, a dragon or a phoenix among men, and that he had a mature and steady temperament, so he taught him some martial arts and tactics. Though he said it was nothing official, in truth he already saw him as half a disciple.

Elder He first asked a few questions about the current situation in the capital, and then said with a smile: “Martial men don’t go around in circles. You have come to me for the sake of the little emperor?”

Li Tingqiu nodded and said: “Now that the war situation is urgent, the imperial court needs someone who can hold the line. Apart from you, I can’t find a more suitable candidate.”

Elder He put on a serious face and let out a “hmmph”: “When you call me, I come, and when you wave at me, I go. What do you take me, He Shaochang, as.”

Li Tingqiu sat straight and said: “His Majesty has issued an imperial edict. As long as you are willing, you will be reinstated immediately and welcome back to the army according to the etiquette.”

Elder He continued to harrumph but after waiting for a while, he found that the other had stopped talking and said, “That’s it?”

Li Tingqiu said: “This is His Majesty’s will.”

Elder He couldn’t hold onto his act anymore and glared: “You rascal, don’t you know to say a few nice words? In the future when you have a girl you like, won’t you end up scaring her away with just a few words?”

Li Tingqiu was stunned for a moment, and thinking of something, his face turned slightly red. He said seriously: “Now that Xirong is rampant and the common people have no peace, Elder He is not someone who will just sit idly by.”

Elder He was silent for a long time, then waved his hands and said: “Fine, fine, I have lived over half a lifetime, and many times I have stepped half a foot in the underworld, vainglory doesn’t matter to me. You go back and tell the little emperor that He Shaochang will lead the army but does not receive orders from the emperor on the battlefield. If he is willing, then I will risk breaking all my old bones to drive those Xirong bastards thousands of miles away.”

“Elder He.” Li Tingqiu stood up, bowed and cupped his hands and said, “Ting Qiu is here to say thank you on behalf of the people and His Majesty.”

Elder He nodded: “En, enough, sit down and drink.”

Li Tingqiu was busy with military affairs, so he only had a few drinks with the old general, then said goodbye and left.

Elder He lay back on the recliner again, squinted his eyes and dozed for a while. When he heard footsteps, he opened his eyes and saw that it was their family’s little troublemaker.

Elder He said: “Just you, where is Fifteen?”

He Yu, the soldier on the battlefield yesterday, frowned and said, “Lin Xiaosheng is here. Fifteen was called over.”

Elder He thought about it and said, “I’m afraid it’s to take Fifteen away, you should have gone to have a look.”

“I wanted to go, but his servant boy won’t let me. Fifteen also told me to go back.”

“You come back just because you are told to?” Elder He was simply stupefied by the ignorance of these juniors. “Is your head for show? I really don’t know who you took after. What if he really takes Fifteen away?”

He Yu pursed his lips: “I won’t let him go.”

“What if he persists?”

“Then I’ll go with him.”

Fifteen followed Sao Hong into the courtyard. The guards searched him then took him into a side room.

Entering the room, Fifteen saw the familiar figure on the main seat. He couldn’t help but step forward and shouted with a smile: “Brother!”

Lin Xiaosheng raised his head, his eyes softening a little: “You’ve lost weight.”

Fifteen raised his eyebrows and smiled. Lin Xiaosheng said: “Come and sit.”

Fifteen obeyed and sat on the chair closest to the main seat. Lin Xiaosheng was not good at being intimate with others, so the two brothers chatted simply about trivial daily matters.

Lin Xiaosheng said: “After the battle in Bixue City, you can follow me back to the capital.”

Fifteen was stunned for a moment, and subconsciously said: “I don’t want to go.”

Lin Xiaosheng frowned: “Is it possible that you still want to stay here?”

Fifteen was a little hesitant, Lin Xiaosheng said with a cold face: “Is it because of that He Yu?”

There was silence in response to him.

Lin Xiaosheng’s hands on the armrest tightened. He never expected that the precious little brother he had raised was actually willing to run away with someone else.

Fifteen looked at him and said, “Brother, I… like him. You said that you would give me anything I like.”

“So I have to watch you being seduced away by others?”

Fifteen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “The word seduce is not very appropriate.”

“I don’t agree.” Lin Xiaosheng stood up with a cold face and walked out. Fifteen shouted after him, but was ignored.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

After leaving the room, Lin Xiaosheng ordered Sao Hong: “Find a courtyard in the city, clean it up, and have the second young master live there. He is not allowed to live with the He family anymore.”

“Yes.” Sao Hong bowed and said, “Young master, His Majesty has summoned you to discuss the matter of food and grass.”

Lin Xiaosheng returned to his indifferent expression and told Sao Hong to take the account books and follow him to the main house.

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The news of Xirong’s entry into the Pass was sent to the palace in the early morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Late at night, around midnight, the soothing incense handmade by Gu Hong was lit in the bedroom, and Jing Ye fell asleep soundly.

Ye Mao walked into the hall quickly and carefully lifted the curtain. Lu Baizang opened his eyes on the bed and waved to him.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Gu Hong also opened his eyes, put on his clothes, stood up, and followed Ye Mao out of the bedroom to the front hall. In the palace stood the messenger who was led in by the palace servants.

The messenger knelt down on one knee, his temples and shoulders covered with snow, and said in a hoarse voice: “Bixue Pass urgent report! Xirong’s 60,000 enemy troops invaded Nanyang City ten days ago…” In his hands was the written battle report.

Gu Hong took it and glanced at it hastily, then ordered the palace servants to take the messenger to rest, and he took the battle report back to the bedroom.

Jing Ye had already woken up and was talking to Lu Baizang while leaning on the jade pillow. When he heard the sound, he turned around and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Gu Hong sat on the bed, pressed the quilt for him, and said, “Xirong entered the Bixue Pass.”

Jing Ye was surprised: “When?”

Gu Hong said: “Ten days ago.”

Jing Ye frowned, took the memorial from Gu Hong and read it.

The report was very short, only some simple casualty statistics and the time of the enemy’s surprise attack.

It was too sudden.

Currently, the imperial court and Xirong were like a sick middle aged man and a young man who had not yet grown mature. It was unclear who had the advantage. When Jing Ye’s father was on the throne, he sent an eldest princess for a peace marriage in exchange for a ten-year truce between the two sides.

Unfortunately, the princess passed away from a serious illness half a year ago, and chaos also cropped up within Xirong. Unexpectedly, Xirong sent troops to occupy Bixue Pass in just half a year.

After Jing Ye read the last word, he raised his head and said, “Ye Mao?”

“Your Majesty.” Ye Gonggong was waiting outside the curtain, knowing that he would not be able to sleep tonight, “Does Your Majesty want to change clothes?”

Jing Ye said: “Zhen will go to Taihe Hall. Pass on the order, today’s morning assembly will be an hour earlier.”

“Yes.”

Ye Mao bowed and stepped back.

It was around 4am, and the lights were brightly lit in the Taihe Hall. Jing Ye sat on the dragon throne and rubbed his temples, watching the ministers discussing in low voices below.

“Your Majesty.” The Minister of Revenue took a step forward and bowed, “This subject believes that peace talks should be the main focus.”

There was a commotion among the ministers, and the Minister of Revenue continued: “The imperial court has just spent disaster relief funds not long ago, the national treasury is running low, and the common people are already overwhelmed. If we rush to fight now, chen is afraid that the rear will be vacant, and money, food and grass would be a big problem.”

Jing Ye frowned in thought.

The Minister of War came out and said: “This subject thinks otherwise. Xirong’s entry this time has made it clear that they want to invade our land in the Central Plains. If we only pander to the enemy, this subject is afraid we will have to surrender territory under humiliating terms without knowing it. The only way is to fight to enhance the country’s prestige.”

The military generals all echoed agreement, and many officials also agreed as well.

However, the Minister of Revenue was determined not to start a war, clearly having suffered a huge loss in lack of money and food. As a result, the ministers launched into heated argument again. The two prime ministers, Lord Gu and Lord Qin, stood aside, one smiling and the other squinting, seemingly deep in thought, but actually not fully awake.

Jing Ye listened to this and that, and finally said: “Everyone, be quiet for a moment.”

The ministers fell silent.

Jing Ye looked at Prime Minister Gu: “There are different opinions, what does Prime Minister Gu think?”

Old Prime Minister Gu held the jade tablet in both hands and slowly stepped forward. His voice was old and powerful: “The current situation is not as good as described, but it is not as bad as we think either.”

He turned around and looked at the ministers: “Everyone, do you still remember the situation when Xirong knocked on our Bixue Pass eleven years ago?”

All the ministers were silent, and the Minister of Revenue was speechless as well.

Prime Minister Gu sighed, turned around, saluted Jing Ye, and said, “Your Majesty, we must fight.”

*

“I don’t agree.” Lu Baizang said with a serious face.

“The ministers have agreed to set off in four days,” Jing Ye said.

Lu Baizang’s face turned darker: “Do you know how far it is from here to Bixue Pass?”

Jing Ye said: “I’m afraid this battle will be difficult. I want to give it my best.”

Lu Baizang looked at him, turned his back to him, and said nothing.

Jing Ye looked at the gauze curtains above him, thought for a while, then moved over to hug him, and said softly: “I’m tired, go to sleep.”

There was no conversation for a long time. Jing Ye was a little sleepy and couldn’t help but slowly close his eyes.

In the haziness, it seemed as if someone’s hand was holding his, their fingers intertwining with his own.

Yang Manor, in Madam Yang‘s room, Gu Mei was clumsily embroidering mandarin ducks with needle and thread. The maid next to her raised her head and took a look, and laughed with a “pfft”.

Gu Mei was embarrassed, and whispered: “Why are you laughing?”

Just when the maid was about to respond, she saw the maid who served Madam Yang gesture at her and hurriedly kept silent.

Gu Mei embroidered for a while, and finally couldn’t sit still. She put down the embroidery cloth, tiptoed to Yang Yuying, who was wrapping thread with the maids, and said softly: “Let’s go out and get some fresh air.”

Yang Yuying nodded, put down the thread, and walked out slowly with her.

The two of them were walking in the corridor outside the house.

Gu Mei said: “I heard from Ling’er that Aunt intends to prepare for your marriage?”

Yang Yuying nodded and sighed: “Based on her words over the past few days, I’m afraid it is so.”

“The Feng family…?”

“Yes.”

Gu Mei considered herself to be a person who took pleasure in the moment, but at this moment, she couldn’t help but smile bitterly: “I still remember how we swore when we were young, saying that we would be female heroes, but now we can’t avoid the words “the grown girl must get married.”

Yang Yuying thought of the Feng Ling she saw in Feng Manor. He was handsome and a gentleman, and the Feng family had a good reputation for generations. Normally speaking, all daughters in the capital would want nothing more than to get such a marriage match, but…

The two sisters were silent for a while, but when they saw Yang Ziran in official uniform walking towards them, Yang Yuying smiled and said, “Second Brother.”

Yang Ziran stopped and said with a smile: “Oh, the eldest lady of the Gu family, what are you doing here.”

Gu Mei glared, and Yang Yuying smiled and said, “Brother, morning court ended early today.”

Yang Ziran said: “There was an urgent report from the border. His Majesty summoned all the ministers to enter the palace an hour early. it ended only just now.”

Yang Yuying said: “Border pass?”

“Yes.” Yang Ziran rubbed the tassel of the jade pendant at his waist and frowned, “There’s going to be a war.”

*

Gu Yun returned to the manor with old Prime Minister Gu, and first went to the small courtyard where Qi Lan and Lady Bai were accommodated.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Lady Bai standing aside, smiling bitterly and crying, while Qi Lan was still sitting there, playing intermittent music on the qin.

Gu Yun looked at him, walked over slowly and said, “Ah Lan.”

Qi Lan looked up at him, pressed the strings and smiled: “Did you hear it? This song…”

His gaze became hazy again, “Yu’er likes it very much…”

Lady Bai burst into tears.

Gu Yun sighed softly, leaned down, pointed at Lady Bai and said to Qi Lan: “Ah Lan, look, who is that?”

Qi Lan glanced at her confusedly, turned around and lowered his head, “I don’t know her.”

Bai Yu looked pale and walked forward a few steps: “Brother Lan, look at me.”

Qi Lan raised his head and looked at her steadily: “You…I…” Suddenly his pupils dilated, he held his head and trembled.

Gu Yun hurriedly held his shoulders and said, “It’s okay, don’t be anxious, think slowly.”

“Yu’er, Yu’er…” Qi Lan was shaking and crying, “I’m incompetent… I’m incompetent…”

Bai Yu looked at him, took a few steps back, and said, “Brother Lan, Bai Yu is waiting for you.” She wiped her tears, turned around and left step by step.

Qi Lan looked at her back, tears streaming down his face, but unable to say a word.

Gu Yun sighed, leaned over and gently hugged his shoulders.

Four days later.

In the bedroom, Lu Baizang held Jing Ye’s hand and rubbed his fingers one by one.

Jing Ye was a bit spooked by him and he asked, “What are you doing?”

Lu Baizang smiled with unclear meaning: “When the time comes and you miss me in the military camp, just use it…” He leaned close to Jing Ye’s ear.

After hearing what he said, Jing Ye turned red from his ears to his cheeks. He pulled his hand fiercely and said, “Get out!”

Lu Baizang looked at him quietly, his eyes gentle and deep.

Jing Ye looked back at him, sighed softly, and tilted his head.

After a long kiss.

Jing Ye said: “Wait for me to come back.”

Two hours later, the army outside the city gate was ready to go. Jing Ye got on his horse and looked up at the city wall. Gu Hong was looking at him with his head lowered.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Li Tingqiu urged his horse forward and said, “Your Majesty, the time has come.”

Jing Ye withdrew his gaze, pulled at the reins and turned to the front, saying, “Let’s go.”

The army began to move at the order, kicking up billowing dust as they headed southwest.

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