Chapter 61 Prince of Ning Goes to War

Chapter 61: Prince Ning Goes to War

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before looking away.

Qin Xiao turned his attention back to everyone present.

Jian Hongzhuo’s brow remained furrowed; he finally seized the opportunity to interject, “Your Highness, please reconsider. The Emperor is young, and the court still requires your guidance. Perhaps it would be better to send someone else for the negotiations.”

The journey was fraught with peril, and everyone would spare no effort to eliminate Qin Xiao.

Jian Hongzhuo did not wish for him to undertake such a risk.

“The enemy has specifically demanded my presence. Sending anyone else would be futile. This matter is not open for further discussion,” Qin Xiao stated firmly to the assembly. “I have already instructed Commander An to prepare the necessary supplies for the expedition. If any of you have additional items to contribute or wish to assign someone to accompany me, please arrange it now.”

With the sudden mobilization of fifty thousand soldiers, Qin Xiao could not possibly fill the ranks solely with Qin family loyalists. There would inevitably be individuals planted by other factions.

But he had no choice—the situation had arisen too abruptly. He blamed himself for having too few informants in the northwest and limited channels for intelligence.

What mattered most now was to depart as soon as possible and reach the northwest within a month to prevent a massacre.

Though the others maintained composed expressions upon hearing Qin Xiao openly invite them to insert their own people, they felt a degree of discomfort internally.

Jian Hongzhuo knew his persuasion was useless and couldn't help but glance at Chu Jiubian.

While in Hexi County, he had witnessed the capabilities of Senior Tutor Chu.

Well-versed in medicine, able to conjure food from thin air, and eloquent and sharp-witted in court, his abilities were undeniable. He was perfectly suited to assume the role of regent.

Thus, even with Qin Xiao gone, affairs in the capital shouldn't be a concern.

The true danger lay in the northwest.

The officials indeed needed to return and prepare their affairs, so after Qin Xiao dismissed them, they all departed from the palace.

Once these scheming officials had exited the Hall of Mental Cultivation, only Chu Jiubian, Qin Xiao, and Baili Hong—who had been fighting back tears since earlier—remained.

Now that the outsiders were gone, the child could no longer restrain his tears, which fell like a broken string of pearls.

Yet he didn't make a sound, silently weeping as he looked up at his uncle standing beside him.

His uncle was so tall that Baili Hong could only see his jawline.

He was no longer the little boy who had just lost his mother. He understood that his uncle needed to go to war this time to save many people.

So, no matter how scared or sad he felt, Baili Hong knew he shouldn't try to stop him.

But his small hand still instinctively clutched the edge of his uncle’s robe, holding tight.

Qin Xiao looked down and saw the child’s face streaked with tears.

He bent down and picked him up.

Baili Hong buried his face in his uncle’s shoulder, wrapping his short arms around his neck, and finally began to hiccup with sobs.

Qin Xiao gently patted his back and walked slowly to a seat beside Chu Jiubian before sitting down.

Chu Jiubian kept his gaze lowered until the child’s sobs gradually subsided, then he turned to look.

Since Chu Jiubian had brought it up before, Qin Xiao no longer haphazardly wiped the boy's tears with his clothes. Instead, he took a handkerchief from his chest, unintentionally pulling out another one along with it.

The one in his hand was plain white, but the other had a jasmine flower embroidered in silver thread in the corner.

Chu Jiubian distinctly remembered that Qin Xiao always used handkerchiefs without any designs.

Qin Xiao also noticed he had pulled out the extra handkerchief, folded it neatly, and tucked it back into the hidden pocket inside his robe.

He showed no sign of discomfort.

Chu Jiubian watched intently, feeling an even heavier sensation in his chest.

“Uncle, Miao Miao will miss you,” Baili Hong said sadly, looking at Qin Xiao with tears that wouldn’t stop.

Qin Xiao didn’t speak, only gently wiping his tears.

Children of this age are typically self-centered and eager to express themselves, but Baili Hong had experienced too much too young, making him more mature than his peers.

Thus, he could use reason to restrain his emotions.

He didn’t say a single word to make his uncle stay, only whispering, “Uncle, you must come back.”

Qin Xiao ruffled his little head, still silent, but smiled with unusual tenderness.

Chu Jiubian gazed at his profile, averting his eyes when Qin Xiao glanced his way.

Over the next two days, both Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were exceptionally busy.

Qin Xiao was gone all day, not even returning for meals. Chu Jiubian ate with Baili Hong instead.

Baili Hong seemed to have adjusted well, acting as well-behaved as always, though he occasionally looked toward the palace doors before calmly looking away.

But Chu Jiubian could clearly sense the child’s worry and sadness.

On the evening of the twelfth, Baili Hong was still awake. After washing up, he played with the nine-ring puzzle Chu Jiubian had gifted him the day before.

Hong Fu felt bad seeing this, so she sent Xiao Yuzi to find Qin Xiao.

But since the expedition was set for the next day, Qin Xiao was conducting final checks that night and had not yet returned to the palace.

Xiao Yuzi then went to find Chu Jiubian.

Grand Tutor Sir usually retired early, but tonight, well past midnight, when Xiao Yuzi sought him out, he found Chu Jiubian sitting in the courtyard.

Hearing that Baili Hong was still awake, Chu Jiubian knew the child was waiting for Qin Xiao’s return.

So he rose and followed Xiao Yuzi to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Entering the bedroom, he indeed found the small figure bundled in blankets, intently fiddling with the nine-ring puzzle.

At the sound of movement, Baili Hong instantly turned to look.

Seeing it was Chu Jiubian, his bright eyes flickered with obvious disappointment before he quickly masked his emotions and offered an obedient smile.

Chu Jiubian’s heart softened as he approached.

Hong Fu brought a chair to the bedside for him before withdrawing.

Chu Jiubian sat down in the chair.

“Sir,” Baili Hong greeted him obediently, his voice small and young.

No matter how much the little one liked Chu Jiubian, it couldn't compare to the family bond with Qin Xiao.

Previously, with Qin Xiao around, the child felt he had a backer, a support, and it was easier to open up and accept others.

But if Qin Xiao were to leave, Baili Hong would build a wall around himself and shut down.

Even with Chu Jiubian, Baili Hong might no longer feel comfortable being playful and cute, afraid that the other wouldn't be as patient with him as his uncle did.

It was because Chu Jiubian knew what was going through the kid's head that he could see how careful he was being.

But he was only three years old.

Chu Jiubian didn't say any words of comfort, just held out his arms and said gently, "Want me to hold you?"

Baili Hong's lip trembled, and he immediately put down the nine-linked rings and rushed into Chu Jiubian's arms.

The little bundle—Chu Jiubian took a blanket and wrapped them both up, holding him tightly.

"Sir," Baili Hong said, voice choked, "Miao Miao's scared."

"Scared of what?" Chu Jiubian's voice was soft and gentle.

Baili Hong's tears slid down his soft little face, dampening Chu Jiubian's shoulder.

"Miao Miao is scared that Sir won't like me."

He had even stopped saying "We" anymore.

Chu Jiubian patted his back gently, just like Qin Xiao, and said softly, "Don't be afraid. Sir will always like you, same as your uncle, and will always stand by your side."

The child leaned back a little from his embrace, his face all tear-streaked, looking so pitiful as he asked, "Really?"

Chu Jiubian wiped the tears from his face and said, "Really."

Baili Hong snuggled back into his arms, and after a moment, whispered, "Sir, Uncle will come back safe, right?"

"Yes," Chu Jiubian said, "He will come back alive."

He didn't say "safely" because he knew Qin Xiao would be severely injured, surviving by a thread.

That finally put Baili Hong at ease.

Sir was like a god; if he said Uncle would come back alive, then Uncle would definitely return!

The child had been carrying a lot on his mind these past few days, but now, knowing Chu Jiubian would always be by his side and that his uncle would surely return, the weight lifted from his heart.

Then, sleepiness finally caught up with him, and soon the child was fast asleep in Chu Jiubian's warm embrace.

Chu Jiubian carefully laid him on the bed, pulled the covers over him, and then stood to leave.

Hong Fu and Xiao Yuzi were waiting outside. When they saw Chu Jiubian come out, they both gave a bow.

This was Hong Fu's cleverness—even though he was so familiar with Chu Jiubian and now was the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial, which put him at second or third rank, he remained humble, never stepping out of line.

He was the same with Qin Xiao.

Chu Jiubian said quietly, "His Majesty is asleep. I'm going out for a walk."

"Yes."

Chu Jiubian left the main hall and stood in the spacious courtyard, gazing up at the night sky.

The moon was high, and the stars were faint.

After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly sensed movement and turned his attention toward the courtyard gate, just in time to see a tall, straight-backed figure stepping inside.

The other clearly noticed Chu Jiubian too, hesitating for a beat before continuing forward until he stopped about two steps away.

"Everything arranged?" Chu Jiubian asked.

Qin Xiao didn't look tired, though his jawline looked sharper, like he'd lost weight.

"Yes," Qin Xiao glanced toward the hall behind Chu Jiubian, "Is His Majesty asleep?"

Chu Jiubian nodded.

Qin Xiao gave a small smile and said, "Feel like walking?"

Chu Jiubian started to ask if he needed to rest, but didn't say it, only nodded.

Moonlight draped like a veil, illuminating the streets and alleys inside and outside the imperial city.

The common people were deep in sleep, but the nobles were awake all night. Everyone knew that at dawn, Prince Ning, the man with the most power in the capital, would lead the army to war.

Whether he would return depended on what others had planned.

Outside the imperial city, fifty thousand troops were already prepared and waiting.

Qin Zhaoyang was double-checking the numbers, identities, and military provisions for the journey, meticulously.

An Wuji was also busy directing the Imperial Guards, highly alert.

For this campaign, Qin Xiao hadn't even brought Qin Zhaoyang, leaving him in the palace to assist Chu Jiubian with various tasks.

He had even entrusted more in secret.

He was setting out with the determination not to return.

In the palace, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao unconsciously made their way to the western courtyard.

This was Qin Xiao's residence. Previously, the courtyard had no scenery to speak of, and compared to the main hall and eastern courtyard, it lacked even a sense of life.

But now, Chu Jiubian saw the courtyard filled with jasmine flowers.

The blooming season was almost over; he didn't know when Qin Xiao had had them planted.

"Do you like jasmine?" Chu Jiubian asked.

Qin Xiao also looked at the swaying pure white flowers and said, "It feels special."

"What's special about it?"

Qin Xiao just smiled without elaborating.

The September night breeze was slightly cool, carrying an elegant fragrance that clung to their robes.

They should have had much to say, yet they felt it was mutually understood.

So for a long time, they walked slowly and silently through the courtyard, their steps in sync.

No one brought up parting at this moment.

Until Qin Zhaoyang hurried back from outside the palace grounds and stood at the courtyard gate, watching the two strolling together, he said in a deep voice, "My lord, it's time to prepare for departure."

After speaking, he quietly stepped farther away, not to disturb them further.

Chu Jiubian stopped walking.

Qin Xiao, however, continued forward to the edge of the flower bushes and gently stroked the petals of one of the flowers.

Chu Jiubian watched him in silence.

A few moments later, Qin Xiao turned around and met his gaze from a few steps away.

Under the slanting, glistening moonlight, with a sea of pure white flowers behind him, the man stood out strikingly in his black robes.

A smile lingered in Qin Xiao's eyes as he said, "Do you want to gamble with me again?"

"Bet on what?" Chu Jiubian asked.

Qin Xiao replied, "I'll tell you when I return."

Chu Jiubian also smiled and said, "Then His Majesty and I will await your return."

The young man's eyes held a smile, his white robes as pure as snow and moonlight.

Qin Xiao gave him a long look, then turned and walked out of the courtyard.

"Go get some rest," the man's deep voice lingered in the air, accompanied by the faint fragrance of flowers.

Chu Jiubian watched his receding figure until it disappeared from sight, then averted his gaze and also walked toward the courtyard gate.

But after taking two steps, he stopped again.

A short while later, he finally stepped out of the courtyard gate, holding a pure white jasmine flower with one slightly bent petal.

In the bedroom of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Baili Hong curled up with his back to the door.

Only after the footsteps that had lingered at the doorway for a long time faded away did the young child pull the blanket tighter, tears silently rolling down from the corners of his eyes.

His teacher had said his uncle would return safely.

==

After Qin Xiao left, it seemed as though everything had changed. The tense atmosphere in the capital strangely calmed down.

Even during the morning assemblies, only minor issues were discussed.

But Chu Jiubian knew this was merely the calm before the storm. Everyone was waiting, waiting for the final outcome from the northwest.

He observed everything coldly, handling his duties meticulously without the slightest slack.

The list for the imperial examinations had been finalized, and the examination halls—the Gongyuan—in various regions had been completed.

Chu Jiubian sent Qin Chuan to dispatch people for covert inspections in various places, and those with issues had already been ordered to make corrections.

Those local offices that had previously relied on their remote locations to handle matters carelessly were scared out of their wits upon receiving reprimands from the court, and no longer dared to be negligent.

When investigating candidates for canal transport in various regions earlier, Chu Jiubian had already witnessed Qin Chuan's methods and the usefulness of the keyword "connections."

Regarding the Gongyuan matter, Qin Chuan knew it was Chu Jiubian's intention. While suspecting Chu Jiubian's relationship with the High Priest, he carried out the task diligently.

The imperial examinations benefited both the people and the court, so Qin Chuan had no reason to refuse this task.

As for the reward for this task, he still wanted to exchange it for a chance to save his life, but the High Priest flatly refused and instead gifted him a repeating crossbow.

After receiving the repeating crossbow, Qin Chuan was thrilled and even asked the High Priest for more tasks, hoping to acquire different types of weapons.

Chu Jiubian hadn't expected him to be so fond of weapons and thought that if he were to bring out an advanced weapon someday, Qin Chuan would be overjoyed.

He considered sending Qin Chuan to protect Lu Yao right away, but Qin Chuan hesitated and said, "Can I go a bit later?"

"Why?" the High Priest asked.

Qin Chuan knew he couldn't hide it and said frankly, "I want to go to the northwest."

Chu Jiubian looked at the repeating crossbow in his hand, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "You can go find Lu Yao afterward. I’ll give you your reward first."

He bought penicillin from the market, repackaged it, and gave it to him: "This medicine is taken orally, one pill at a time, three times a day. It can reduce the chance of wound infection. However, you must test a small dose first to ensure no adverse reactions before taking it."

It was rare for the High Priest to say such a long string of words, but Qin Chuan had no mind to overthink it.

When he heard the words "reduce wound infection," his heart sank.

The High Priest must have guessed he was going to find Qin Xiao, but why give him such medicine?

If it were for all the soldiers, this amount was too little.

So, was Qin Xiao going to be injured?

And possibly to the extent of wound infection?

At this thought, Qin Chuan couldn't stay a moment longer. He stood up, bowed, and asked to take his leave.

The High Priest said the medicine needed to be tested in advance to ensure no adverse reactions, so it had to be tried while Qin Xiao was still healthy. Otherwise, it would be too late if he were seriously injured.

But before that, he needed to have someone test whether the medicine was truly effective and non-toxic, just in case.

Chu Jiubian asked the system to send Qin Chuan away.

Then he fell silent.

A box of penicillin cost only two points, but Chu Jiubian hadn't expected to buy it, especially after guessing that Qin Chuan intended to send the repeating crossbow to Qin Xiao.

Chu Jiubian sat alone in the Divine Realm for a long time before finally letting out a soft laugh.

Prince Ning was quite cunning—mentioning a bet but refusing to disclose the terms, surely to keep him wondering.

Chu Jiubian left the Divine Realm, deliberately not thinking about him.

The next day was also the tenth day since Qin Xiao had left.

Chu Jiubian handed the first batch of exam questions to Qin Zhaoyang, instructing him to send the trained examiners and secret guards together. They should arrive by the 29th at the latest, and the imperial examinations would officially begin on September 30th.

The merchant caravans transporting fine salt had also returned today.

The income from the first batch of fine salt was extremely substantial, accounting for almost half of the caravan's earnings for this trip. Such a profitable trade made everyone want to continue it.

So when Chu Jiubian released news that he still had the same amount of fine salt as the first batch waiting to be sold, all the families remembered to "prove their loyalty."

Not to mention the Wang, Lu, and Xiao families, who couldn't cook the books anyway, even the Qiu family set aside their petty schemes and paid Chu Jiubian much more than previously expected.

Chu Jiubian didn’t even have time to warm his hands on the money before he allocated several hundred thousand taels as military pay, ordering the Deputy Minister of War Kou Qiao and the Deputy Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi to lead three thousand soldiers to escort it, and to catch up with the supply convoy that had already departed a few days earlier.

Kou Qiao was from the Qin Family Army and was one of Qin Xiao’s men. However, he had previously been a Junior Minister of War and was promoted to Deputy Minister of War for his contributions in the disaster relief efforts in Hexi County.

There could be no better choice than him to take charge of escorting the military pay.

As for Deputy Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi, he himself never expected to be summoned alone by Chu Jiubian under the name of the “Emperor.”

Even more unexpected was that Chu Jiubian would entrust him with the task of transporting several hundred thousand taels of silver. He couldn’t figure it out until he reached his own doorstep after leaving the palace gates.

Could it be that Chu Jiubian saw the power of the Wang family and believed that he wouldn’t be robbed of this task by others?

Or did Chu Jiubian think that, given the Wang family’s emphasis on reputation and pride, they would stand firmly on the side of the court in matters of great importance, and thus chose him, a member of the Wang family, to accompany the military pay?

Unable to understand, he went directly to seek his grandfather, the Minister of Rites, Wang Zhiyuan, and recounted his conversation with Chu Jiubian in the palace.

Wang Zhiyuan remained silent for a long time after listening.

When Wang Pengyi was summoned to the palace, Wang Zhiyuan had already received the news and speculated that it might be about escorting the military pay. He thought Chu Jiubian might want Wang Pengyi to provide a few suitable candidates for the escort or to carefully count the silver.

But he never imagined that Chu Jiubian would actually ask Wang Pengyi to personally escort the military pay.

How important was the military pay?

Even a delay of a few days could mean that the fifty-thousand-strong army led by Qin Xiao would go hungry and be overwhelmed by the enemy.

In such a situation, Chu Jiubian would never allow various factions to get involved; the most appropriate action would be to order Qin Chaoyang to escort it.

It would only be a temporary position, a special arrangement, and others would have nothing to say about it.

Yet now, Chu Jiubian not only recruited someone from the aristocratic families but even enlisted a high official like Wang Pengyi!

Wang Zhiyuan suddenly laughed, a laugh both delighted and hearty.

He stood up, walked over to Wang Pengyi, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "You must handle this assignment thoroughly! And don't let there be any mistakes."

"Your grandson understands." Wang Pengyi had never intended to slack off.

He knew full well that the situation in the northwest was a conspiracy targeting Qin Xiao. Many hoped he would die there, and delaying military pay and supplies would undoubtedly be an effective way to drive him to desperation.

But Wang Pengyi would not do such a thing.

Fighting among ourselves is one thing, but colluding with foreign enemies was tantamount to treason!

The descendants of the Wang family would never become traitors.

Wang Zhiyuan looked at him with a mix of admiration and helplessness in his eyes, but more than anything, there was relief.

"Go ahead," he said. "After all, we are old now, can't compare to the young."

And certainly no match for the magnanimity of a deity...

It had to be said that Wang Zhiyuan’s instruction to carry out the duty properly actually eased Wang Pengyi's mind.

He had previously worried that his family would order him to delay the military provisions, but now it seemed his grandfather’s ability to stand firm through three dynasties and the Wang family’s generations of upholding their reputation were not without reason.

Wang Pengyi returned to his courtyard, only to unexpectedly encounter his elusive cousin, Wang Qichen, who had been rarely seen lately.

The young man still had the same disheveled, free-spirited look, with his hair loose and his expression even more bold and unrestrained.

"Cousin, long time no see." Wang Qichen greeted him cheerfully.

Wang Pengyi chuckled, "Have you been busy with proper work lately?"

"Of course. I was just thinking of taking you to see the results of my recent efforts."

"Not right now," Wang Pengyi said.

"Ah, something urgent?" Wang Qichen asked. "Are you heading out?"

"It's a long journey," Wang Pengyi replied, explaining his task of military payroll delivery, as it was no secret anyway.

"I just don’t understand why Minister Chu would assign me," he added casually.

Wang Qichen narrowed his beautiful eyes slightly, tapping his folding fan lightly against his palm.

When the High Priest had previously asked about the relationship between Vice Minister of Works Liu Junqi and Wang Zhiyuan, Wang Qichen had mentioned Wang Pengyi, describing his cousin as truly kind-hearted, talented, and ambitious but held back by his family background. He had said that with the right opportunities, Wang Pengyi would surely achieve great things.

Although the High Priest hadn’t commented much at the time, he must've taken it to heart.

Earlier, the High Priest had instructed Wang Qichen not to reveal the existence of the High Priest to Chu Jiubian, and Wang Qichen had agreed.

But then it occurred to him that the High Priest’s name had already reached from the Northern Desert to the capital. Chu Jiubian couldn’t possibly be unaware unless the High Priest went by another name.

Yet someone like Chu Jiubian, who could stir up storms within the court, must have guessed that the High Priest was his old acquaintance, an old friend. Perhaps both divine beings had already reunited.

So it was likely that Chu Jiubian had learned from the High Priest about Wang Pengyi’s reliability and thus entrusted him with such a critical mission as escorting the military payroll.

Considering this, Wang Qichen couldn’t help but look him over carefully.

His cousin was excellent in every way, with only one flaw: he was too tied down by his family.

But what if, this time, he messed up for the sake of his family and ended up harming Minister Chu’s interests? Wouldn’t that mean Wang Qichen, as the recommender, had caused trouble for the High Priest?

Wang Qichen’s thoughts raced.

The High Priest and Minister Chu were really close, possibly even partners. If they had a falling out because of someone he had recommended, he dared not imagine how much trouble he might unleash.

Offending two divine beings—the very thought made him increasingly anxious. Though his smile remained, his expression grew serious.

"Cousin," he began, his tone as frivolous as ever, "is it possible that Minister Chu just recognized your integrity and capability, trusted you personally, and that’s why he assigned you to escort the military payroll?"

Wang Pengyi was stunned.

Minister Chu trusted him? How could that be?

Yet he couldn’t help recalling his grandfather’s attitude earlier and his somewhat thoughtful remark.

Could it be that his grandfather had seen Minister Chu’s talent for recognizing and utilizing people, developed respect for him, and thus insisted that Wang Pengyi must carry out this task flawlessly?

Seeing his expression, Wang Qichen knew his words had got through to him and that Wang Pengyi would take the mission seriously.

Well, that was good. With Wang Pengyi’s abilities, once he resolved to protect the military payroll, he would undoubtedly succeed.

Wang Qichen opened his folding fan, feeling quite pleased.

Still, the next time he entered the Divine Realm, he would have to ask the High Priest whether he had already reunited with Minister Chu.

Yes, his paper workshop has already achieved large-scale production. Today, he came to see Wang Pengyi specifically to show him.

Those papers, far superior in quality to Langya Gold Paper, are now ready for sale. Perhaps tonight he should go see the High Priest to report the progress and ask him to give the new paper a beautiful name.

Meanwhile, in the dyeing workshop in the southern borderlands, Situ Zhaoling marveled as she touched the soft and smooth silk fabric in her hand, dyed in her favorite light purple hue.

Looking up, she saw rows of brightly colored silk fabrics on the wooden shelves nearby, seeming to shimmer under the sunlight.

No, they were actually glowing!

Weavers had incorporated silver threads into the vibrant silk during the weaving process, creating a luminous effect through their interplay.

If these fabrics were made into clothes and embroidered with unique and delicate patterns, how stunning they would look!

Situ Zhaoling felt that she should meet with the High Priest tonight to show what she'd accomplished—and it would be even better if she could receive some praise.

Oh, and there was also the cotton the High Priest had asked her to plant earlier. She had entrusted it to the most skilled elders in the village, and this morning, two of them sent word that the cotton had already bloomed.

Perfect timing to bring the cotton for the High Priest to see as well.

So that night, just as Chu Jiubian got into the tub, he heard the system notification: "Host, believers Situ Zhaoling and Wang Qichen have requested entry into the Divine Realm."