Chapter 157: Stirring Battle Intent

Chapter 157: Stirring Battle Intent

Ye Jiangbai had never expected her to escape, so he had revealed the Crown Prince's plans without reserve. Now that she had managed to flee, she could not let the Crown Prince succeed.

"Second Prince has already reached the outskirts of Chun'er Town, but a large army stands in his way, preventing him from entering the capital."

At the dinner table, Beitang Hua spoke with deep emotion, "Emperor Xiaowen often valued the bond between brothers, yet after his passing, the princes still find themselves at odds with one another."

Chang Nian pursed her lips. She had always believed that her father genuinely cherished the ties of blood, but since discovering that the Great Flower Feiyan was a gift from Prince Wu, she suddenly understood.

Her father's affection for his siblings was not genuine. Precisely because it wasn't sincere, his most beloved Crown Prince never truly regarded his brothers as important.

Actions speak louder than words, but more importantly, the heart must be sincere. Without sincerity, even grand gestures are meaningless.

No one knew where Prince Wu had gone. After all this time, news had come from all sides except from him.

"I've already written to my old friends, asking them to lend their support to Your Highness," said Beitang Hua. "However, judging by the situation, even if Your Highness wishes to avoid direct conflict with the Crown Prince, he will undoubtedly launch an offensive."

In royal power struggles, it was customary to spare the common people, but the Crown Prince seemed to have no intention of observing this tradition. He had even executed the envoy sent to negotiate, likely due to his ample military strength and confidence.

Chang Nian lifted her gaze and said, "Among the troops in the three garrisons, several veteran generals have pledged their support to my elder brother."

"Even so, if an actual siege were to take place, Your Highness would have more reservations than the Crown Prince, making it difficult to act decisively," Beitang Hua sighed. "Since ancient times, being a good person has never been an easy task. One must uphold their reputation and ensure a positive legacy in history."

"Suppose," Chang Nian pursed her lips, "suppose we don't concern ourselves with a positive legacy, what then?"

Beitang Hua looked at her deeply and replied, "Even if one becomes an enlightened ruler, there will always be a dark chapter in the history books."

"History is something that comes after our time," Chang Nian said, putting down her chopsticks. "If we can't protect the people we care about now for the sake of our legacy, then reputation means nothing. If the Crown Prince intends to blame my father, I will stop him. Once a conflict arises, there will be no turning back. I would never risk the lives of those close to me for a page of glory in history."

Beitang Hua was taken aback, looking at her with a mix of emotions. After a long moment, he sighed. "Your Highness's tenacity resembles that of Concubine Qin."

In the past, hearing about Concubine Qin from Beitang Hua only evoked feelings of nostalgia in Chang Nian. Now, with knowledge of her elders' past, she felt somewhat displeased. Rising to her feet, she bowed and said, "It's getting late. Let's not disturb Her Royal Highness any further."

Mu Shufang was elegantly enjoying her meal when she had to hastily swallow a piece of fish halfway through, following Chang Nian's farewell.

The atmosphere was slightly awkward, catching Beitang Hua by surprise. However, Beitang Miao didn't comment, instead comforting his father and accompanying them on their way out.

They traveled in silence until they returned to the palace. Only then did Chang Nian whisper, "Did I behave improperly?"

Mu Shufang nodded.

"But if not for General Beichang at the beginning, perhaps I wouldn't have become Concubine Qin's child," Chang Nian pursed her lips, feeling a little wronged. "He prevented Concubine Qin from swapping children. Even if my birth mother disliked me, she should still have taken care of me. After all… I'm quite lovable."

Though she spoke playfully, her eyes were reddened. Holding onto Mu Shufang's hand, Chang Nian whispered, "Is gender really that important?"

Mu Shufang shook her head. It wasn't important, it just depended on who was less fortunate to encounter such unreasonable parents.

Feeling somewhat relieved, Chang Nian softly said, "I'll be visiting the Ministry of Works tomorrow. Wait for me here in the palace, alright?"

Still not speaking, Mu Shufang merely nodded.

Something felt off to Chang Nian, so she blinked and asked, "Was I truly that rude that you're angry and refuse to talk to me?"

"It's not that…" Mu Shufang croaked, barely managing to speak. "I… have a fish bone stuck in my throat."

Chang Nian: "…"

On the first night of the Seventh Prince's return to the palace, there were no grand celebrations or somber, regretful moods. Almost half the night was spent with the prince helping his imperial concubine remove a fish bone from her throat.

Mu Shufang is a treasure, Chang Nian mused silently, sitting by the lamp. Putting aside her sharp wit and audacious nature, the fact that she could swallow a fish bone as long as her little finger without a peep was already an extraordinary feat.

"I will definitely find you a good match in the future," Chang Nian vowed, clenching his fist.

Mu Shufang sipped her tea to soothe her throat. Hearing this, she curled her lip. "From what I've seen, all men in the world seem foolish. I suppose they view me in the same light. If we can't stand each other, why bother getting married? It's better to just tag along with Your Highness, enjoying food and drink."

Chang Nian was taken aback. "You've met many admirable men over the years. Hasn't any of them touched your heart?"

A fleeting moment of distraction flickered in Mu Shufang's eyes. She pressed her lips together and, lowering her gaze, chuckled softly. "No, there hasn't been."

Indeed, it's a thoughtful perspective. In Chang Nian's view, most women in the world are mere appendages to men. Shufang's clarity of mind allows her to explore an alternative path, and that can be equally commendable.

The following day, Chang Nian announced that he would visit the Ministry of Works. In reality, he summoned several key officials from the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Personnel, and more within its premises. The officials had not laid eyes on Prince Qi for quite some time and were consequently fraught with anxiety. Zhao Chang Nian's timely appearance served as a soothing balm to their uneasy hearts.

"Word has it that the enemy situation at the Eastern Gate has grown grave of late," Feng Jingxian shared with her in solitude over tea, her voice heavy with concern. "It seems the Crown Prince intends to assault the city from the Eastern Gate. The inhabitants nearby have already fled, and two of the city's defending generals have been swayed to betray us. Though we've had light rain these past two days, the Board of Astronomy forecasts clear skies for tomorrow—ideal conditions for an attack. Your Highness should make preparations without delay."

Chang Nian unfolded the map, studying it intently, lost in thought.

"Shall we invite a military officer to have a look?" Feng Jingxian inquired.

Despite His Highness's humble background and limited exposure to military tactics, staring at a map could hardly reveal any secrets. Feng Jingxian believed that this matter still relied on the martial officers.

Yet, His Highness surprisingly replied, "There's no need. You'll accompany me to the barracks later."

Feng Jingxian was somewhat concerned. Should he follow His Highness's wishes and accompany him to the barracks, or should he seek more advice from the martial officers?

After the consultation, the martial officers whispered their concerns to Feng Jingxian. They wondered if His Highness's plan would work. After listening to them for a while, His Highness merely nodded, instructing them to divide their troops into two groups and wait near the eastern gate early the next morning, without giving any further details.

With great concern, Feng Jingxian followed Chang Nian to choose accommodations in the barracks and softly reminded, "Your Highness, as a leader, it's crucial to know how to utilize people's strengths. Those martial officers in the barracks are well-versed in military strategies. They even compiled the renowned military treatise 'The Art of War.' It would be wise to heed their advice."

Chang Nian smiled and said, "I've heard you."

Did that mean Chang Nian would still make his own arrangements despite their advice? Feng Jingxian furrowed his brow. If the Crown Prince didn't take action tomorrow, it might be fine. But if there were any moves, they might find themselves in a dire situation.

He had always trusted His Highness, but regarding military affairs, Feng Jingxian, as a scholar, was clueless. He became increasingly uncertain and spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Just as dawn was breaking, there was movement outside.