Chapter 136

Chapter 136

"Of course!" Minghe and Danzi said together.

Xiao Yu smiled, "Tomorrow, I'll tell His Majesty that I also wish to go to the battlefield."

Both children nodded in agreement: "Mhm."

The next morning, Xiao Yu took the opportunity to express his intention to Emperor Yongxi.

Knowing how well Xiao Yu had always taken care of Minghe and Danzi, Emperor Yongxi didn't hesitate and agreed immediately.

Xiao Yu, Minghe, and Danzi immediately began preparing for the expedition with Pei Yanli, arranging for clothing, medicinal herbs, and other necessities.

Three days later, the provisions were sent ahead.

Xiao Yu and the others went to the Cihe Palace to bid farewell to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager held onto Minghe and Danzi, reluctant to let go.

"Imperial Grandmother, don’t worry, we will return victorious soon," Danzi reassured.

Minghe added, "Right, we're very capable."

"You're too young," the Empress Dowager couldn't help but complain, "The Emperor is too harsh."

Emperor Yongxi, sitting nearby, remained silent, head bowed.

"Imperial Grandmother, Father Emperor is doing this for our benefit," Danzi said.

"How is this for your benefit?" the Empress Dowager asked.

"It allows me to gain experience, to understand the hardships of our soldiers and the people. That way, I can consider their needs in the future. It's a good thing for Da Jing," Danzi explained earnestly.

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager looked at Emperor Yongxi in surprise.

Emperor Yongxi nodded in approval.

Danzi continued, "So, Imperial Grandmother, please don't blame Father Emperor."

How could the Empress Dowager remain upset, seeing such thoughtfulness in the child? She hugged Danzi and Minghe even tighter.

At this moment, Xiao Yuanping spoke up, "Imperial Grandmother, I want to go too."

The Empress Dowager replied, "You cannot go."

Xiao Yuanping asked, "Why not?"

"You are too young," the Empress Dowager said.

"But I'm almost four years old, and Uncle Yan can protect me," Xiao Yuanping said, looking at Pei Yanli for confirmation, "Right, Uncle Yan?"

"No," Pei Yanli responded.

Xiao Yuanping was at a loss for words.

The Empress Dowager and the others chuckled.

Emperor Yongxi added, "Yuanping is still young, so he won't go."

The Empress Dowager nodded and instructed the group on various matters.

At this point, a court attendant delivered a letter.

"What letter is that?" the Empress Dowager inquired.

As he opened the letter, Emperor Yongxi said, "A letter from Lu Ming."

Hearing this, Xiao Yu and the others tensed up, fearing it might be bad news.

Emperor Yongxi quickly scanned the letter, seemingly in disbelief, and read it again before handing it to Pei Yanli, "Yanli, take a look at this."

Pei Yanli took the letter and quickly flipped through it.

Unable to contain her curiosity, the Empress Dowager asked, "Emperor, what exactly does it say?"

Emperor Yongxi, with a lack of confidence, replied, "Lu Ming has annihilated both the Nanyue and Yue forces."

"What?" The Empress Dowager was shocked.

Xiao Yu and the others also doubted if they had heard correctly.

Turning to Pei Yanli, Emperor Yongxi asked, "Yanli, is that what Lu Ming meant?" The rapid shifts from victory to defeat and back to victory were too dramatic; he doubted his own eyes.

"Yes, Your Majesty, that's what it means," confirmed Pei Yanli.

Danzi, puzzled, asked, "Did we really win?"

Following up, Minghe asked, "How did we win?"

"It seems a group of escorts happened to pass by and rescued them," explained Pei Yanli.

"A group of escorts could save them?" The Empress Dowager was skeptical.

Emperor Yongxi elaborated, "Lu Ming and his men were surrounded, but their strength remained intact. If they could break through the encirclement within a few days, there was a chance to turn defeat into victory. The terrain was complicated, making it difficult to break through, and they were at risk of gradually losing their will. That's why I dispatched reinforcements and ordered Yuanheng to lead them personally to boost morale."

Pei Yanli nodded in agreement.

"Who were these escorts?" inquired the Empress Dowager.

"The letter doesn't specify," Pei Yanli replied.

A thought flashed through Xiao Yu's mind, but before he could ponder further, the Empress Dowager interrupted, "So, does this mean Yuanheng and Minghe don't have to go to the battlefield?"

"No, they don't need to go anymore." Emperor Yongxi, also not keen on Danzi and the others venturing into danger, was relieved that the crisis in the south was resolved, "Lu Ming will return to the capital after a few days of rest."

"That's wonderful!" exclaimed the Empress Dowager.

Xiao Yuanping happily exclaimed, "Yay, my imperial brother and Minghe don't have to leave the palace!"

Pei Yanli smiled faintly.

Xiao Yu was extremely happy about Lu Ming's final victory.

Given the twists and turns of Lu Ming's battle, Emperor Yongxi, concerned about further unpredictability, refrained from publicizing it widely until he received confirmation of Lu Ming's return to the capital, and only then did he announce it to the court officials.

The court officials were thrilled upon hearing the news.

Everyone eagerly awaited Lu Ming's return.

Xiao Yu, while reviewing accounts at his desk, discussed Lu Ming's situation with Pei Yanli.

Pei Yanli, comfortably seated on a couch, sipped his tea and said, "After welcoming Lu Ming back and celebrating his victory, His Majesty will grant us our wedding."

Xiao Yu paused in his actions and turned to ask, "Did you speak to His Majesty about this?"

Pei Yanli nodded.

"What did His Majesty say?"

"Of course, he agreed," Pei Yanli said with a smile on his lips.

Xiao Yu also smiled.

Pei Yanli set down his teacup and said, "His Majesty also mentioned that you are free to reside at Pei Mansion, the General's Residence, or the Eastern Palace."

Xiao Yu pondered and asked, "Can I live in the Xiao family's small courtyard in the Southeast Block?"

"Then I'll live there with you," Pei Yanli walked over, squeezing in beside Xiao Yu.

"Don't crowd, there's not enough room," Xiao Yu protested.

Pei Yanli simply scooped Xiao Yu onto his lap, saying, "Now there's enough room."

As this wasn't their first time being so intimate, Xiao Yu wrapped his arms around Pei Yanli's neck, looking at him, "I'll stay with you at the General's Residence first."

Pei Yanli asked with a smile, "Why won't you stay at your Xiao family's courtyard?"

"The General's Residence is more imposing. I've never lived in such a grand house before," Xiao Yu admitted, quite fond of the General's Residence.

"Isn't this place grand?" Pei Yanli gestured to the spacious study.

"This is Danzi's Eastern Palace, not mine."

Playing with Xiao Yu's hand, Pei Yanli's lips curved upwards, leisurely saying, "Are you implying that the General's Residence is yours?"

Xiao Yu asked with a smile, "Isn't it?"

Pei Yanli kissed Xiao Yu's lips softly, whispering, "Yes, it is. And so am I."

Xiao Yu, feeling joy in his heart, entwined in a kiss with him.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door, prompting the two to quickly separate.

Minghe rushed in, saying, "Uncle, Uncle Lu has returned."

"Now?" Xiao Yu was surprised.

Out of breath, Minghe said, "Yes, he's already entered the palace. Little brother has gone ahead to His Majesty to prepare for the welcome."

"Let's go and see," Xiao Yu suggested.

Pei Yanli stood up.

The three headed towards the Qianxin Hall. From a distance, they saw Emperor Yongxi and Danzi coming out, heading towards the reception hall. They hurried to catch up and soon arrived at the hall, where they saw a mass of soldiers approaching.

"Uncle, they're here," Minghe said, standing in front of Xiao Yu.

"They've finally returned," Xiao Yu thought, filled with emotion.

"Yes, I see Lu Ming," Pei Yanli commented.

"Why is someone carrying a child?" Minghe observed keenly.

Xiao Yu also noticed a tall, robust man holding a two- or three-year-old girl, accompanied by a slender woman whose face was unclear, but somehow familiar.

"Song Sanwu?" Pei Yanli murmured.

Emperor Yongxi had mentioned a group of escorts who had saved Lu Ming, turning the tide. Xiao Yu had thought of Song Sanwu then, but his attention was diverted, and he didn't dwell on it. Now, it seemed it was indeed Song Sanwu.

So, it was Song Sanwu who had saved Lu Ming and his men.

This was indeed a great achievement.

Xiao Yu said, "It's Song Sanwu. Why didn't Lu Ming mention it earlier?"

"He did it deliberately, to surprise us," Pei Yanli explained.

This seemed like something Lu Ming would do. Xiao Yu turned and said, "Even His Majesty didn’t mention it."

"What His Majesty knows, he doesn’t necessarily have to share with us," Pei Yanli said with a smile.

"True," Xiao Yu quickly thought of something else, "Song Sanwu and his group must also know about our identities now."

Pei Yanli nodded.

As they spoke, Lu Ming and his group approached.

Xiao Yu looked at Song Sanwu, Yue Niang, and Ya Ya. It had been almost three years since they last met. Song Sanwu had grown even more imposing, Yue Niang remained as gentle and beautiful as ever, and Ya Ya... Ya Ya was now three years old, with delicate features and a radiant presence despite her young age. With her hair in twin buns, she seemed unafraid despite the crowd, perhaps accustomed to traveling.

Song Sanwu and Yue Niang were both excited and joyful upon seeing Xiao Yu, but knowing he was the current Emperor, they set Ya Ya down and respectfully followed Lu Ming in offering their salutations.

Emperor Yongxi quickly asked them to rise and then led them into the hall to inquire about some matters.

Lu Ming essentially repeated what was in the letter – they were surrounded by Nanyue and Yue forces in a valley and failed in their breakout attempts, waiting for reinforcements.

While they were concerned about their dwindling supplies, Song Sanwu and his men happened to pass by and decided to intervene upon realizing their fellow countrymen were being bullied. Utilizing the terrain and their rich experience, they entered the valley and discovered Lu Ming was among those trapped.

Both parties were shocked, and then they joined forces to break the siege, annihilating the Nanyue and Yue forces and securing the surrender of both countries.

It could be said that without Song Sanwu and his men, today's victory wouldn't have been possible.

Emperor Yongxi, who valued talent, had already appointed Song Sanwu as a military officer upon learning of his deeds from the letter, and invited him to bring his wife to the capital.

Song Sanwu and his family had been away for two or three years and, seeking stability, accepted the invitation.

Emperor Yongxi praised Song Sanwu's family and Lu Ming extensively, his gaze involuntarily falling on Ya Ya, "Little girl, I heard you were very brave."

"Yes," Ya Ya's voice was clear and childishly sweet, very pleasant to hear.

Suddenly, Xiao Yu felt dizzy and reached up to hold his forehead.

Noticing something amiss, Pei Yanli asked, "What's wrong?"

As the dizziness passed, Xiao Yu returned to normal, "It's nothing."

Ya Ya continued, "The cave was very small, and my father and the others couldn't fit. I crawled in to deliver the message."

"That's impressive!" Emperor Yongxi, seldom seeing such a spirited child as Ya Ya, asked her a few more questions and then ordered that Song Sanwu's family be well taken care of, with a welcome banquet planned for the evening.

Xiao Yu said, "Your Majesty, I am an old acquaintance of Officer Song."

Emperor Yongxi, already aware of this from Lu Ming's letter, said, "Then you will be their host."

"Yes," Xiao Yu agreed.

Xiao Yuanping was waiting at the entrance of the Eastern Palace and was surprised to see several unfamiliar people with Xiao Yu and his imperial brother, his gaze involuntarily resting on Ya Ya.

Ya Ya, having never seen such a luxurious Eastern Palace, looked around curiously upon entering.

With no outsiders present, Song Sanwu and Yue Niang dropped their disguises.

Song Sanwu asked excitedly, "Xiao Yu, how did you end up in the palace?"

Yue Niang immediately took Xiao Yu's hand, "Danzi is actually the Crown Prince!"

Song Sanwu added, "And Kong Eleven is actually General Pei!"

Not waiting for Xiao Yu to respond, Yue Niang immediately pulled Minghe and Danzi close, caressing their cheeks, "Minghe, Danzi, you've grown so much, becoming more and more handsome."

Minghe and Danzi, having vague memories of two or three years ago, didn't quite recognize Yue Niang at first.

Song Sanwu quickly corrected Yue Niang, "Yue Niang, he is now His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. It's inappropriate to behave like this."

Yue Niang, startled, quickly let go and apologized.

Xiao Yu reassured with a smile, "It's alright, no harm done."

Sensing Yue Niang's friendliness, Danzi said, "It's okay."

Relieved, Song Sanwu and Yue Niang then inquired about Xiao Yu's past few years.

Before Xiao Yu could answer, they heard a "bang" and turned to see Ya Ya and Xiao Yuanping wrestling, with Ya Ya clearly having the upper hand.

"Ya Ya!" Song Sanwu and Yue Niang quickly picked her up.

Xiao Yu helped Xiao Yuanping to his feet.

"Ya Ya, what happened?" Yue Niang asked.

Angrily, Ya Ya pointed at Xiao Yuanping, "He pulled my hand!"

Stammering, Xiao Yuanping fled into Danzi's arms, "Imperial brother, I can't beat her, waaa..."