The Imperial Palace.
Zichen Hall.
By killing a Great Zhou princess to consecrate their war banners, the Northern Frontier has declared war on Great Zhou with a complete disregard for any pretense of diplomacy.
This is no longer a question of whether Great Zhou should fight, but that it must fight. If it does not, the pride and dignity of Great Zhou will be utterly crushed beneath the iron hooves of the Northern Frontier's cavalry.
And if Great Zhou retreats, it will be condemned by history for millennia.
With the eldest prince stripped of his title and sent to Lingbei, and pressure mounting from the attacks of two nations, the Chongzhao Emperor seemed to have aged several years in the mere span of ten days.
Eunuch Yu entered from outside. "Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince has arrived."
The Chongzhao Emperor sat behind his desk for about a quarter of an hour without moving. Just as Eunuch Yu thought he hadn't heard and was about to repeat himself, the Emperor looked up, deep furrows etched between his brows. "Let him in."
Qu Dubian entered, holding a small wooden box. "Your Majesty."
The Emperor seemed to have long known his purpose for coming. Looking at him, he only asked, "Have you made up your mind?"
Qu Dubian slowly stepped forward, placed the wooden box on the desk, and opened it. Inside was still that piece of black brocade.
"I am going to the Northern Frontier to bring my aunt and elder sister back."
The Emperor's fingers rested on the edge of the box. "The situation in the Northern Frontier... I thought you would argue with me."
Qu Dubian fell silent for a moment, not addressing the remark. "When I was fourteen, and my elder sister was sent for the marriage alliance, you refused me once. Your Majesty, can a promise made with the black brocade be denied a second time?"
Two and a half years.
Too much had changed.
Chongzhao Emperor: "This piece of black brocade, given and returned twice, all for the same matter. Why not make your request in court? It is, after all, a significant affair."
Qu Dubian: "In court, it is a matter of state. Here, it is half a family matter."
"Do you blame me?"
"Your Majesty refers to what?"
Why feign ignorance? If his elder sister's fate truly matched the report from the battlefield, he would absolutely not be able to speak here with such composure now.
The Emperor looked into his youngest son's eyes, which were calm to an extreme degree. They held none of the anger or grief he had anticipated.
Only calmness.
A calmness that seemed utterly unlike the youth who, over two years ago upon hearing that Zhiyi was to be sent for the alliance, had stormed in, barely containing his rage to demand answers from him.
Yet, it was precisely this calmness that evoked an unsettling, hollow sense of panic.
The rift from the marriage alliance had not yet been mended, let alone now.
Between him and his youngest son, things would probably never return to how they were before.
The Chongzhao Emperor closed his eyes. "You may go. Tomorrow in court, I will give you my decision. But you must understand, while I give you this chance, you must also be capable of seizing it."
Even with his experience suppressing bandits, there would be opposition tomorrow.
"I understand."
After Qu Dubian left, the Chongzhao Emperor picked up the black brocade and looked at it.
Eunuch Yu: "Your Majesty, shall this old servant put it away?"
Chongzhao Emperor: "Since Xiao Qi returned from suppressing the bandits, I have often pondered one thing."
"What is it?"
The Emperor placed the black brocade back in the box and did not continue.
In two and a half years, Xiao Qi had shed almost all the flaws that, in his view, made him unsuitable to be an heir—
Imperial Physician Yang was rarely summoned to the Seventh Prince's residence anymore.
The five hundred-odd bandit heads that fell in Qingzhou, washed clean with blood, had scrubbed away the label of soft-heartedness from him.
His literary governance was somewhat lacking, but his military prowess was excellent. His ability to lead troops and his practical experience were stronger than those of the Second Prince and the others.
This raised the question: was the compensatory black brocade, given to remove Xiao Qi from consideration for the throne, given too early? But did Xiao Qi begin to change for Zhiyi's sake, or had he been hiding his true self from the very beginning?
The next day.
Morning court.
The atmosphere of today's court session had long lost its usual, relatively harmonious tone and was now unbearably heavy.
Chongzhao Emperor: "I presume all of you are already aware of the matters in the Northern Frontier."
The Minister of War said, "The Northern Frontier barbarians have killed a princess of Great Zhou! This enmity is irreconcilable! I implore Your Majesty to order an expedition against the Northern Frontier to appease the fury of our Great Zhou soldiers!"
"I implore Your Majesty to decree an expedition against the Northern Frontier!"
"I second the motion!"
"I also second it!"
The news of the marriage alliance princess being beheaded and dismembered was horrifying. The Northern Frontier had already trampled Great Zhou's honor underfoot. Anyone with even a shred of courage could not possibly endure this insult.
"Delaying is the best course! If the northern expedition fails, would Great Zhou not be in peril!"
"Indeed, let us delay until the Northern Frontier can no longer sustain the war. A ceasefire between the two nations would allow us to recuperate."
Grand Tutor Fang sneered, "Recuperate? Does that mean sending another princess for a marriage alliance? The Northern Frontier has already torn off all pretenses with us. At a time like this, instead of wanting to fight, you think of delay? You must know that to achieve eighty percent of the result, one must exert one hundred percent effort. If you only exert eighty percent, how good can the outcome possibly be?"
"How old is Marquis Chijian now? And the newly promoted Young Marquis Xia has only been tempered for a few years. The Northern Frontier forces are coming with overwhelming momentum, and they have Nanning's aid. Our victory lies in delaying until they can no longer sustain their support."
The delay faction and the fight-now faction began arguing again.
Qu Dubian quietly looked up, his gaze meeting that of the Chongzhao Emperor on the dais.
Father and son looked at each other for a moment.
Chongzhao Emperor: "Enough arguing."
Silence fell below.
The Chongzhao Emperor stood up and declared in a grave voice, "The Northern Frontier has gone too far in its bullying. Jirgal scorns the alliance treaty, insults and kills a marriage alliance princess, and tramples upon the dignity of Great Zhou. Effective immediately, the border armies shall launch a full-scale expedition against the Northern Frontier!"
With the Emperor's decision made, the two factions ceased their dispute. In any case, a fight was inevitable.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Where is the Seventh Prince?"
Qu Dubian took a step forward. "Your son is here."
The Chongzhao Emperor's voice softened slightly. "Among the princes, only you have experience leading troops in battle. Now that the Northern Frontier has insulted us so grievously, are you willing to campaign in my stead, to guard the border and slay the enemy?"
Qu Dubian: "Your son is willing."
Chongzhao Emperor: "An expedition north is different from suppressing bandits. Are you aware?"
Qu Dubian: "Your son is aware."
Chongzhao Emperor: "Good! I appoint you as General of the Northern Expedition. Prepare provisions and supplies. In three days, depart for the Northern Frontier border to assist Marquis Chijian. Do not fail!"
Qu Dubian: "Your son receives the decree!"
As expected, voices of opposition immediately rose in the court hall.
They amounted to two kinds: one feared the Seventh Prince gaining further power, threatening their own faction's standing.
The other believed that although the Seventh Prince had experience suppressing bandits, there were already generals at the Northern Frontier; his presence was unnecessary and would only cause confusion.
But regardless of the kind, the words spoken were all high-sounding and righteous.
Qu Dubian stood up and walked to the front, then turned to look at them.
Those swept by his gaze unconsciously lowered their voices.
"I wonder if the esteemed officials who deem me unqualified are themselves qualified and willing to go to the Northern Frontier to kill the enemy?"
In the great hall, he slowly walked up to an official standing behind the Second Prince.
Though not yet seventeen, the aura he exuded made the man instinctively take a step back.
Qu Dubian stopped half a meter away from him. "Sir, are you willing to go to the Northern Frontier to kill the enemy?"
Seeing the man's evasive expression, he said, "You dare not."
"Then is this official willing?"
"You are unwilling as well."
"And you? Do you think you are qualified?"
Those he looked at lowered their heads without a word.
"Very well."
Qu Dubian stood in the center of the great hall, yielding not an inch.
He must go to the Northern Frontier. Today, he would show no mercy to anyone who stood in his way.
"In the face of such humiliation and hatred, the things the esteemed officials are still calculating and weighing in your hearts—if pointed out, it would be unseemly for all present."
Many faces flushed with embarrassment.
Grand Tutor Fang gathered his sleeves.
Pushing past the bottom line, the little one is about to flip the table.
Qu Dubian: "I've been unrestrained since childhood, and sometimes I speak bluntly. Don't take offense. Whether you are Second Brother's men or Sixth Brother's men, we all understand the situation perfectly well. Do you genuinely believe I am unfit to go, or do you fear I might threaten the positions of my two elder brothers?"
Emperor Chongzhao narrowed his eyes.
Coughs echoed intermittently throughout the court hall.
Could such words be spoken directly before His Majesty?! Even if both sides were fully aware, these matters were conducted privately in the shadows. They were all His Majesty's subjects—what nonsense about being 'someone's man'! The Seventh Prince simply did not understand the rules!
Qu Dubian: "Princess Zhiyi is a princess of Great Zhou, and also the elder sister who grew up with me. I ask you all, if your own flesh and blood had their bones carved and hung as banners by enemy bandits, what would be the taste in your hearts at this moment?"
"Did you all hear His Majesty's words clearly? My purpose is not to command the northern frontier armies, but merely to assist Marquis Chijian in the campaign, to welcome the two princesses back to court in my capacity as their kin."
"His Majesty permits it. The law permits it. Moral principles permit it. Only you do not permit it. So, where do you place the sovereign, the rule of law, and even the sages you revere as 'honoring kin' in your hearts?"
Qu Dubian: "Second Brother, Sixth Brother, do you think I can go?"
The Sixth Prince nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes! It's just... we worry you might get hurt."
The Sixth Prince's faction fell completely silent.
Qu Dubian then looked toward the Second Prince: "Second Brother?"
The Second Prince met his gaze for a few seconds before saying, "Naturally, you are qualified."
This was using righteousness and sentiment to forcefully pressure them both into agreement.
Their father, the Emperor, had issued the order—this occupied the Way of the Sovereign. The northern frontier's brutality and Great Zhou's punitive campaign—this occupied the Way of Law. The words of the sages, honoring kin and superiors, caring for siblings, retrieving Aunt A-Xiang and Zhiyi—this occupied the Way of the Sages.
With the three great mountains of Sovereign, Law, and Sage pressing down, who dared utter a single word of dissent?
Moreover, the Seventh Brother was clever, lumping all those who opposed him in court into the factional strife between the two princely factions, and then directly questioning him and the Sixth Prince, the two leaders.
As long as they both agreed, the voices of opposition in court would largely disappear.
The Fourth and Fifth Princes also stepped forward to express their support.
Grand Tutor Fang: "There is no one more suitable than the Seventh Prince to go. His noble status can both represent His Majesty's resolve to punish the northern frontier and boost the morale of Great Zhou's border armies."
After Grand Tutor Fang spoke, the court fell into even deeper silence.
Emperor Chongzhao: "Does anyone else have any objections?"
"Your subjects have no objections."
"Good."
Emperor Chongzhao declared: "We appoint the Seventh Prince as the General for the Northern Campaign. Princess Zhiyi has meritoriously restrained the northern frontier; she and A-Xiang shall both be honored with the title of Grand Princess. After defeating the northern frontier... you shall bring them back to court."
Qu Dubian: "As you command."
If something had truly happened to Elder Sister, this edict of posthumous honor would be nothing but a hollow glory. How tragic, how ironic.
With the imperial decree issued, Qu Dubian's expedition was settled beyond doubt.
He quickly became busy, selecting five hundred soldiers and preparing provisions and supplies for the journey.
The border was a real battlefield. Qu Dubian left Ye Xiaoyuan behind, for safety and to facilitate message transmission. He asked Ye Banban to help look after his grandmother and to visit the Marquis's residence often when possible.
He also had to take care of the little dog and the vegetables at his residence. He might be gone for a year, perhaps two. By the time he returned, Yidianbai would have grown old.
Ye Xiaoyuan busied herself helping him pack useful items—food, drink, supplies—and also prepared many colored hair ties.
The Ministry of Works delivered the armor Qu Dubian had ordered some time ago: one set of black heavy armor and one set of silver inner armor.
Qu Dubian went to the Xu residence to see Xu Tingfeng.
Xu Tingfeng seemed to know he would come, waiting early in the courtyard.
Leaning on a walking stick, he was free from the confinement of the wheelchair.
His walking was still somewhat unsteady, and walking too much would tire him, but it was incomparably better than before.
"Uncle."
Xu Tingfeng: "Come here."
Qu Dubian: "Uncle, I am going on the expedition."
Xu Tingfeng raised his hand, gently brushing aside a stray lock of hair from Qu Dubian's forehead. He smiled: "It seems all outstanding sons of the Xu family must face this trial."
"Uncle, I am worried about Nanning."
"Regarding Nanning, I will keep watch," Xu Tingfeng said. "If it truly comes to that, I will request to go to Nanning. You go to the northern frontier with peace of mind."
Qu Dubian was silent for a while.
Xu Tingfeng: "What is it?"
Qu Dubian silently hugged him, murmuring, "It's just... I feel that whatever Uncle says, he can accomplish. With you here, I feel particularly at ease."
Xu Tingfeng patted his back. "Back then, when your grandfather stood behind me, I also felt very at ease."
"Little Qi, on this journey to the northern frontier, you must be wary not only of the enemy but also of your own side. Sometimes the most terrifying thing is not the enemy, but the knife from behind."
Qu Dubian: "Mm, I know."
"But Uncle, you've never told me what exactly happened to your leg."
Xu Tingfeng still did not say. "Perhaps one day you will know, but not now."
"You likely still have many matters to attend to. Go ahead now. Regarding the things you worry about, your uncle and your Uncle Letian are here. Return safely."
Qu Dubian: "Alright."
On the day before departure.
Qu Dubian went to Shunning Palace.
Consort Xuan: "You rascal, I thought you weren't coming." Her complexion was somewhat haggard, clearly she hadn't slept well these past few days either.
"I was afraid you would worry," Qu Dubian asked softly, "Where is Lady Guo?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, the door creaked open, and Lady Guo emerged from inside.
Her eyes were dull from crying, her movements like a walking corpse. She stared at Qu Dubian, then gripped his hand tightly. "Bring... bring her back."
"Bring her back..."
Qu Dubian said, word by deliberate word: "Elder Sister will return to see you."
He emphasized the word 'see'.
Lady Guo was stunned.
Then, a faint spark gradually ignited in her eyes, like embers rekindling.
Her lips trembled. "See... me? Zhiyi, Zhiyi, is she...?"
Qu Dubian nodded silently.
Originally, he hadn't planned to tell anyone. After all, telling one more person meant one more risk of the news leaking, and Elder Sister would face one more degree of danger. This was no child's play.
But...
Looking into Lady Guo's reddened eyes, he said, "I'm sorry, Lady Guo. I cannot speak plainly, nor can I elaborate." At most, he could only hint this much.
"It's alright!" Lady Guo covered her ears. "I know nothing. I heard nothing."
Having interacted with the Seventh Prince for so many years, she knew his character; he would never speak recklessly. Zhiyi... her daughter was still alive... alive was enough.
Lady Guo slowly crouched down and wept aloud.
It was different from before, carrying a note of hopeful relief.
Consort Xuan sighed, giving her ample space, and pulled Qu Dubian to another side.
"I will look after her. But... is Zhiyi truly...?"
Qu Dubian nodded.
Consort Xuan: "Scheming and plotting, you never liked it. Auntie Xuan always felt you weren't as happy as before, that you were tired. Come sit in Shunning Palace often. I will always be here."
"I'm not tired," Qu Dubian said. "Once the northern frontier matter is settled, our Shunning Palace family will be complete again, and my happiness will return."
A bell tolled outside; the palace gates were about to be locked.
Qu Dubian: "I should go."
Tomorrow he would set out on the campaign; this was his last night in the capital.
Consort Xuan stood up and, looking at his retreating back, instinctively called out, "Little Seven..."
"My son, be careful in all things on this journey."
Qu Dubian turned around and saw the shimmer of tears glistening in her eyes. He had never seen Consort Xuan with tears before. Qu Dubian's own eyes grew a little sore, but the words "mother" surged to his lips only to remain unspoken in her presence.
He just pulled on an exceptionally bright smile and struck a silly pose to amuse her and ease her worry.
"I'm off now!"
This final night.
Qu Dubian stayed at the marquis's residence to accompany his grandmother.
Wusiwan said nothing out of the ordinary, just as cheerful as ever, having Mama Fang prepare delicious food for him.
Exactly like every other night he had stayed here.
Only when it was time to sleep did Wusiwan bring a small stool and sit by Qu Dubian's bedside, watching him like a child.
Qu Dubian, curled under the covers, asked, "Grandmother, why aren't you going to sleep?"
Wusiwan: "I'm looking at you."
Qu Dubian: "Why are you looking at me?"
The little old lady: "In the past, on the nights before your grandfather went off to war, I would always watch him like this. I always felt that each look was one less, not knowing if I would see him again next time. I cherished every single glance. It's the same with you now, just a habit."
Qu Dubian: "Grandmother, I will come back alive. So will Grandfather. If anything happens, I'll send word back promptly. Xiao Yuan will tell you."
Wusiwan stroked his head: "My dear child, tomorrow grandmother will come see you off too."
"Hmm?"
"I always saw your grandfather off, and he always returned safely. Grandmother hopes it will be the same for you."
"Alright," Qu Dubian grasped the little old lady's hand, "I'll do as you say."
"Grandmother, you should go to sleep now."
"You sleep first."
She was stubborn. Qu Dubian had no choice but to close his eyes.
He pretended to be asleep, hoping his grandmother would return to her room earlier, but she did not leave until daybreak.
Only occasionally was there the soft sound of the little old lady getting up to tuck in his quilt corner.
The child they first brought out from the palace, a tiny, short-limbed, skinny little thing—how had he grown so big in the blink of an eye?
The next day.
Early morning.
Qu Dubian set out on the campaign from the capital's north gate.
Over a thousand men escorted provisions and supplies, marching north in a grand procession.
Those seeing them off crowded the north gate tower.
Wusiwan, Ye Xiaoyuan, Eunuch Yu, the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth princes, the Xie family, Xi Zixing... and so on.
Xi Zixing said earnestly, "After I finish the exams and complete my required time at the Hanlin Academy, I will request to be posted to the northern border to join you. Wait for me."
Qu Dubian: "You have a better future staying in the capital."
The fourth prince said, "The border is no match for the capital, Little Seven. You must not take risks. Listen to Marquis Xu."
Qu Dubian: "Good fourth brother, I know."
After greeting each of his brothers, Eunuch Yu said, "His Majesty's words are still for you to proceed with caution."
"Mmm."
Qu Dubian stopped before Wusiwan. "Grandmother, I really have to go now."
Once the matters in the northern border were resolved, Grandfather could return too. Then he and Grandmother could retire in peace and enjoy their remaining years together, no longer separated by a thousand miles, unable to meet for over a decade.
"Go on."
Qu Dubian swung himself onto his horse.
The procession moved at a good pace, and soon his figure was lost from sight.
One by one, those seeing him off at the north gate left, until only Wusiwan and Ye Xiaoyuan remained.
Ye Xiaoyuan urged, "Old Madam, let's go back."
Wusiwan: "My husband went to the battlefield and hasn't returned yet. Now my grandson is going too."
The morning mist was thin, dew rolled on the grass.
She sensed Ye Xiaoyuan's concern and instead comforted him, "Don't worry about me. I will wait for them to return."
In her life, she had grown most accustomed to two things: longing and waiting.
After three days traveling north, Qu Dubian reached Shanming Pass.
Last time, escorting his elder sister for her marriage alliance, he had stopped here.
This time, in his capacity as the Campaigning North General, he stepped over the very ruts left by the wedding procession.
He ordered the troops to rest and walked to the side, whistling.
Yi Shier appeared before him. "Your Highness."
Qu Dubian: "I just sensed you had returned. Important news?"
Yi Shier shook his head: "No. The covert network doesn't require my personal attention for the time being. I returned because I wish to stay by Your Highness's side."
"The northern border is dangerous. I am uneasy with you going alone."
Qu Dubian: "I'm not alone. Have you forgotten? Grandfather is in the northern border. That area... could be considered half my territory."
Yi Shier: "It's not the same."
"Alright," Qu Dubian humored him, "then stay by my side. Serve as a personal guard."
Yi Shier: "Use me like you use Xiao Yuan."
Qu Dubian: "..."
Could he not phrase it like that? 'Use me like you use Xiao Yuan'? He just relied on Ye Banban a tiny bit for some minor matters sometimes!
He led Yi Shier to the front of the column. The troops were curious about this suddenly appearing man but dared not ask.
Qu Dubian: "Any other news from the northern border?"
Yi Shier's expression turned slightly hesitant. "There is something about Your Highness's grandfather, but its accuracy is unclear."
Qu Dubian: "Speak."
Yi Shier said softly, "Marquis Xu's mental state seems poor. He fell ill some time ago and hadn't recovered before the war broke out in the north. He hasn't had a chance to rest since. Because the Western Garrison lost two cities, the pressure on the central cities to resist has increased. Marquis Xu is holding the line against the frontal army's assaults while also fending off attacks from the western flank."
Qu Dubian frowned. "Grandfather's character isn't one to show weakness. If others could tell his state isn't good, it must have deteriorated to a significant degree."
They were now at Shanming Pass. Even at full speed, it would take five more days to arrive.
The northern border consisted of four eastern cities, six central cities, and four western cities—fourteen main defensive cities in total, with smaller, scattered towns behind them.
Their destination was the third central city, also considered the main headquarters, situated centrally for timely command dissemination.
During peacetime without large-scale war, the main headquarters was where the commanders primarily resided.
Yi Shier: "Perhaps it's not as dire as Your Highness imagines."
Qu Dubian: "Regardless, the sooner we arrive, the better."
After a brief rest, they set off again, only now Qu Dubian had Yi Shier by his side.
Central City Three.
The news that the Seventh Prince was coming to the border as the Campaigning North General had long spread throughout the region.
However, Xu Jin was currently in Central City One, and Xia Fuyang was in Eastern City One. Both armies were locked in tense confrontation, their commanders unable to leave their posts to come greet him.
The party sent to receive Qu Dubian and his men was the Border Army Inspectorate responsible for overseeing the northern border.
Namely, the eunuchs from the original Eastern Depot who had accompanied Prince Ming here.
The leader was Feng Bing, the second-in-command of the Border Army Inspectorate under Prince Ming.
Now, standing on tiptoe and craning his neck in anticipation, he broke into a wide grin upon spotting the Seventh Prince's procession in the distance.
Without waiting for the column to draw near, he led his men forward quickly to meet them: "Feng Bing of the Border Army Inspectorate, paying respects to the Seventh Prince!"