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    Chapter 45: Night Discussion

    Princess Yi Yang met Rong Yi behind a screen and was startled by his report. After questioning him in detail, she pondered for a moment before asking, "Lady Rong holds a crucial position in my service and cannot be spared even for a moment. I understand that you came to look after your younger sister. Be assured, her life will not be endangered at any cost. If war indeed breaks out, I will personally ensure that she is escorted safely out of Fufeng City, away from harm."

    Accompanied by Prince Yuan Jun, Rong Yi entered the palace compound, observing how smoothly they proceeded without hindrance, with all guards and ladies-in-waiting bowing and greeting them. He was astonished, wondering how his sister had won such favor. Now, seeing the princess speak to him with gentle concern, he felt both honored and bewildered. Despite her elevated status, she seemed to show humility and even sought his advice.

    "I am not worthy of such consideration," Rong Yi replied humbly. "As long as Princess has made arrangements, that's all that matters." He added thoughtfully, "My younger sister has been in the palace since childhood, and our family worries greatly about her. Please forgive us for any inconvenience caused." Nevertheless, he didn't dare to mention buying her freedom directly, choosing instead to tactfully express his concern for his sister.

    At this moment, Yi Yang was not in the mood to dwell on such matters. She ordered a generous reward for Rong Yi and dismissed him temporarily, then turned to speak with Yuan Jun. "Rong Yi has spent years in the military and is well-versed in warfare. His deductions seem credible."

    Yuan Jun spoke gravely, "Yes, now I'm only worried that Lady Guo is pretending to be loyal while secretly plotting against the imperial court."

    Yi Yang replied, "Logically, it's not the right time for her to rebel against the throne. But if the plan to ensure no heirs is true, the prince might not be able to contain his madness."

    The siblings fell silent, both aware of how a man driven mad by power or other desires could lose all reason. They had witnessed their once-wise and mighty father deteriorate into a foolish, stubborn, and arbitrary ruler within a few short years. Despite his unparalleled authority, his madness, which led to imprisoning the crown prince, using young maidens for alchemy, and making irrational decisions, still dragged countless others down with him into the abyss.

    If Prince Jingbei truly couldn't endure the agony of having no descendants and believed himself without an heir, would he unleash his fury upon the dynasty in retaliation? At this point, his reputation in life or death held no significance. He might just rush to the capital to behead the mastermind behind the scheme, seeking vengeance.

    Princess Yi Yang declared, "I'll ask him directly."

    Yuan Jun said, "We should avoid him for now. He's suspicious of you, and if there's a confrontation at this point... it could be disastrous."

    Princess Yi Yang replied, "If he's targeting Bei Xi, he won't do anything to me. If he plans to go to war with Bei Xi, the court can't afford to turn against him, or else we'll face attacks from both sides. Although, I suspect that if Prince Jingbei really does fight Bei Xi, Father might just take advantage of the situation and strike us down."

    Yuan Jun fell silent, realizing that their father had long since viewed them as mere tools.

    Princess Yi Yang continued, "If he declares war on the court, he'll undoubtedly use me as a sacrifice. A conflict would merely happen sooner rather than later, but at least we're prepared. Of course, I believe that Guo Shuji is, in essence, an honorable man and wouldn't take out his frustrations on women and children."

    Yuan Jun remained silent. Princess Yi Yang then instructed someone to invite Prince Jingbei over.

    But Guo Shuji was not in the city. The deputy general was quite dismissive, merely stating that the prince was inspecting the troops and would convey the princess's message to the queen.

    It wasn't until late into the night that Guo Shuji returned to Hengguang Courtyard, still clad in his armor, his expression cold and weary. "I hear the princess wishes to see me. What's the matter?"

    Princess Yi Yang stood up, her loose skirt draping down to reveal her slightly swollen belly – she had been pregnant for over three months and found movement somewhat difficult. Yuan Jun supported her carefully by her side. Guo Shuji's gaze fell on her protruding abdomen before he turned away, seemingly pained. "With military affairs occupying my time, please get straight to the point, Princess."

    Princess Yi Yang's face was stoic. "Is Prince Jingbei planning to mobilize his troops?"

    Guo Shuji was caught off guard. "That's what you wanted to ask?" He suddenly wore a mocking expression. "Are you afraid that I'm going to rebel?"

    Princess Yi Yang looked at him. "Bei Xi has just appointed a new king. This is not the best moment for you to rebel. I suspect, instead, that you wish to seize the opportunity while their tribes are still unsettled to launch an attack and eliminate any threats for your future plans."

    Guo Shuji scoffed. "Princess, you're clever, but perhaps you should focus more on the child in your womb. Yet, you dare invite me close at such a time. Are you overly daring or do you overestimate my tolerance?"

    Princess Yi Yang gazed at him calmly. "Guo Shuji, if you truly dare to harm this child, you'll be cutting off your own descendants. The Guo family's fate will be sealed by your actions."

    Guo Shuji laughed coldly. "Princess, you're brave and meticulous, truly worthy of being Yuan Zixu's daughter. I, too, am concerned about the imperial court taking advantage of our campaign against Bei Xi to strike at Jingbei when it's vulnerable. Tell me, if I were to bring you to the battlefield, would your father, the emperor, possibly show some hesitation? However, on the march, there'll be exhaustion from travel, and swords and spears know no mercy... It's uncertain whether this pregnancy can be preserved." His cold gaze remained fixed on Princess Yi Yang.

    Princess Yi Yang didn't flinch. "As the wife of the Jingbei Prince, I will follow my husband's lead. Since the prince commands, I have no choice but to join the campaign. As for this child, as a descendant of Jingbei, they must also bear responsibility. Don't cause trouble at this crucial moment."

    Guo Shuji was taken aback. He had planned to take Princess Yi Yang with him on the campaign, regardless of her willingness, to prevent Yuan Zixu from exploiting the situation and to stop any potential collusion between the princess and the court. But he hadn't expected her to agree so readily. He glanced at Princess Yi Yang. "What exactly do you intend to do, Princess?"

    Surely she wasn't trying to salvage the situation now?

    Princess Yi Yang met his gaze, seemingly about to say something before falling silent.

    Guo Shuji stared into her eyes for a moment, sensing a glimmer of tears in her stubborn gaze. For some reason, his heart stirred, and he eventually looked away to Rong Bi, who was staring at him with icy eyes.

    Turning back to the princess, Guo Shuji said, "Since the princess consents, speed is of the essence. We'll set out tomorrow—of course, during the campaign, the princess cannot be without attendants. Bring her guards and maidservants along as well."

    Princess Yi Yang turned her head and walked inward, her voice indifferent. "Let Rong Bi return to her hometown. Now that the war in Jingbei has commenced, it's timely that her brother is just about to ransom her back home…"

    Guo Shuji replied coolly, "Your Highness, my tolerance has its limits. For the sake of preventing military secrets from being disclosed, no one from your entourage will be allowed to leave from this day on – including that elder brother of Concubine Rong whom you've just found. It doesn't matter if he's delivering a message or simply visiting by coincidence. Once here, he stays. When the day comes that the Bei Xi royal court collapses, we'll settle the scores of right and wrong with you in detail."

    Princess Yi Yang exchanged a solemn glance with Prince Yuan Jun, while Guo Shuji turned his head to look at them. "The princess has been using the Xingyuan Escort Agency to cultivate her own forces and sent a message to the Rong family. I am aware that Elder Brother Rong, a retired officer from the Huainan army, traveled thousands of miles to visit his younger sister. I didn't interfere because I wanted to see what the princess had in mind. Of course, it seems like a coincidence, as agile as a gazelle hanging its horn with no trace to follow – but I've encountered too many such coincidences in my life."

    Yuan Jun raised an eyebrow slightly. "Please refrain from harming the innocent."

    Guo Shuji swept his gaze over them, his tone chilling. "That depends on what you choose to do. It would be best if you did nothing at all. With the expedition imminent, I am exceedingly busy. If you become an obstacle, I won't hesitate to take decisive action to eliminate the trouble once and for all."

    Guo Shuji didn't continue his words and strode out of the room. Yuan Jun released Yi Yang Princess's hand and hurried after him. Under the silvery moonlight, the courtyard was desolate and chilly. Spring had long passed, and summer had arrived, but the nights in Guangping City still held a chill.

    In the yard, Yuan Jun called out to Guo Shuji, "Your Highness."

    Guo Shuji turned his head to look at him. "What does Lady Rong want?"

    Yuan Jun said, "Your Highness, please trust the princess and don't do anything you'll regret. Moreover, with Jingbei on the brink of collapse, is General risking an expedition against Bei Xi because you fear that if you delay any longer, Bei Xi will grow too powerful for you to resist the imperial court? There's actually another path you could consider, Your Highness."

    Seeing the maiden under the moon, as cold as frost yet with resolute eyes, Guo Shuji's pent-up frustration almost overflowed. He asked in a cold voice, "What path? Do you think your princess would rebel against her own father, the emperor?"

    Yuan Jun spoke with a cold tone, "Why not?" Upon realizing that his elder sister had been placed in such a perilous situation by their birth father, the rebellious thoughts within him grew more pronounced. In this young maiden's presence, he seemed to have forgotten the rules of filial piety, the hierarchical order, and the bonds between sovereign and subject, father and son. The spark within him flickered brighter, and he heard himself utter the audacious words, "An unjust ruler, an immoral father – what difference does it make if we rebel?"

    Guo Shuji raised his eyebrows slightly, surprised. Yuan Jun continued, "Crown Princess, I offer to join forces with Prince Jingbei."

    Guo Shuji chuckled. "What leverage do they, as siblings, possibly have? One is imprisoned by the emperor, and the other is under my control. They have nothing to begin with. Yet, you dare to dream of gambling on the long shot."

    Yuan Jun's expression remained resolute. "Your Highness, you will see our worth."

    But Guo Shuji pressed him further, "I ask you, if we were to cooperate and seize the world, who would sit on that throne of ultimate power – the Crown Prince or I?"

    Yuan Jun answered without hesitation, "The worthy should rule. If Prince wishes to assume the throne, then so be it. But when the Princess decides to leave with her child, you must not stand in her way."

    Guo Shuji let out a hearty laugh, the tension in his chest easing slightly at the young lady's words. "You're quite generous on behalf of your master, but alas, you cannot represent the Crown Prince or the Princess. All you can do is amuse a child. However..."

    He appraised Yuan Jun up and down. "I know you're skilled in archery, horsemanship, and military tactics. Initially, I thought the Princess taught you, but I've learned recently that your brother Rong Yi is also a formidable warrior, strong as a bear and brave beyond measure. If both of you were to serve under me in battle, I would allow the Princess to give birth to her child."

    Yuan Jun hesitated. Neither Rong Yi nor this body truly belonged to him. Yet, if he refused, all his grand declarations, even the offer to yield the world, would become mere childish boasts. The Jingbei King was about to embark on a campaign and indeed needed capable hands. With no power or influence, talk of surrendering the kingdom was nothing more than a jest. On that fateful day, even if he didn't wish for it, this man before him might eliminate Crown Prince Yuan Jun to consolidate his rule.

    Seeing the uncertainty on her face, Guo Shuji chuckled and taunted, "Is your worth merely in your words?"

    Yuan Jun weighed his options and steeled himself, "I am willing to serve the prince in quelling the northern threat! However, I must seek my elder brother's consent." They were already on a precipice from which there was no turning back. Rong Bi's fate was intertwined with both the princess and himself; as for Rong Yi, he would still allow him to leave unscathed.

    Guo Shuji contradicted, "Since he's here, he can't just leave. It's up to him whether he wants to serve or not, but he cannot leave Guangping City. My eagerness for talent is the reason – you siblings are indeed skilled and valuable, so much so that if you were ordinary people, I would have eliminated you long ago to eliminate any potential threats."

    Yuan Jun exhaled deeply, "As long as the prince doesn't cause trouble for the princess and my brother, I'm willing to fight with all my might." He knew Guo Shuji spoke the truth. After such a treacherous plot, it showed great restraint that he hadn't harmed his sister or cut off all communication channels. That was a noble act in itself.

    In comparison, his own king, father, was despicable, autocratic, and selfish. Yuan Jun felt tormented yet helpless. All he could do was close his eyes, grit his teeth, and strive for survival.

    The pacification of Bei Xi was a duty both for Prince Jingbei and Yuan Jun, as the crown prince, for the good of the realm. It was their solemn responsibility that they could not evade.

    Guo Shuji nodded slightly, "I'll be waiting."

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    1. MysticChimera7088
      Feb 20, '25 at 23:26

      I have mixed feelings about the prince. He makes all these grad gestures in Rong Bi’s body, always inconveniencing her further. But it makes sense for his upbringing

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