Eunuch Huang led the others out, leaving only Yun Chaorong and her father in the imperial study.
“Rong’er, from what you said earlier, do you mean you no longer wish to go for the marriage alliance?” the Emperor asked solemnly.
Yun Chaorong replied, “Father, I have thought it through. I would rather stay in Da Yu, by your side.”
“Good, good, good, my dear Rong’er. I will have someone think of another solution later.”
The Emperor smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with faint wrinkles. His eyes narrowed, revealing an unexpectedly simple and honest demeanor.
He had never been a shrewd man—lacking grand ambitions and having no intention of striving for great achievements.
Years ago, when Yun Ji was still the sixth prince, his elder brothers fought among themselves while he sat quietly on the sidelines, watching the drama unfold.
Who could have imagined that during the previous reign, the eldest prince framed the third prince, the second prince killed the eldest prince, the fifth prince exposed the second prince, and then the fifth prince died suddenly from a heart condition before ascending the throne, while the fourth prince had passed away early in childhood…
Thus, the throne fell from the sky and landed on the sixth prince, Yun Ji.
Truly, it was quite unexpected.
Fortunately, the late emperor had been capable, governing Da Yu to prosperity and stability, laying a solid foundation for Yun Ji.
Before his passing, the late emperor held Yun Ji’s hand and said:
“Old Six, I have no other choice now. After you inherit the throne, do not think of expanding territories. Just guard what we have well.”
After ascending the throne, Yun Ji indeed had no plans to achieve great deeds—he was content to drift along. But when the Northern Qiang initiated the war, they had no choice but to fight, and now they were on the verge of losing.
“Father, regarding the war with the Northern Qiang, may I share my thoughts?”
Looking at the Emperor’s simple and honest appearance, Yun Chaorong sighed inwardly. As a father, he was truly wonderful in every way, but as an emperor, he was somewhat amateurish.
No wonder, in just a couple of years, he would be overthrown in a rebellion.
“As long as you do not bring up the marriage alliance again, say whatever you wish.”
“Father, there is no need to negotiate peace with the Northern Qiang. We can simply hold out against them. The Northern Qiang will not last beyond next month.”
The Emperor fell silent.
“State affairs are no joking matter, Rong’er.”
Yun Chaorong was not joking.
Although the Northern Qiang now appeared unstoppable, their rear was already in chaos, with intense internal strife. They would not hold out much longer and would soon withdraw their troops.
She knew from the plot that the original host was sent for the marriage alliance, only to discover shortly after that the Northern Qiang royal family was in turmoil. Although Xie Nanzhu had some skill in warfare, the key was that the Northern Qiang’s own momentum had dissipated.
“Father, how could I joke about such matters?”
“Then how do you know this?”
“Mother appeared to me in a dream last night.” Yun Chaorong said without batting an eye, invoking the late empress.
“If you do not believe me, Father, wait a couple of days. News will come from the front lines that the Northern Qiang will stop fighting once they reach Binshui City. Moreover, seeing that Da Yu has not yet accepted the peace terms, they will propose that Da Yu may owe the reparations, to be repaid over ten years.”
Yun Chaorong was mentally prepared. The Emperor would likely not easily believe this explanation, so she planned to mention a few more things later to corroborate her claims.
But the Emperor’s focus was completely off:
“Do not speak nonsense. I dreamed of your mother just two days ago. Why didn’t she tell me?”
Yun Chaorong:…
Faced with such a father, she had overthought things.
“Mother said it would be inconvenient to speak with you at night, in case she ran into you summoning other consorts.” Yun Chaorong continued fabricating.
The Emperor’s old face flushed slightly, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Yun Chaorong: “Additionally—”
The Emperor: “What else?”
“I heard that the eldest imperial brother wanted to lead troops into battle the other day.”
“Lan’er is being reckless! I do not agree!”
The eldest prince, Yun Canglan, and the eldest princess, Yun Chaorong, were born of the same mother, both children left by the late empress, and were the most favored. He had already been enfeoffed as Prince Rui and had established his own residence outside the palace.
Yet, parental affection could sometimes become an obstacle.
Despite years of diligent study in martial arts and military strategy, Yun Canglan had only been able to train troops at the military camp in the outskirts of the capital, never having the opportunity to go to the battlefield.
But Yun Chaorong knew that to oppose the male lead, Yun Canglan must rise to the occasion.
“Marching to war is fraught with hardship and danger. How could I let Canglan take such a risk?”
Yun Chaorong: “What if Mother Empress said so?”
The Emperor: “…I will consider it.”
“Then may I go see my imperial brother?” Yun Chaorong tugged at the Emperor’s sleeve. “I miss him.”
“Canglan is still at the military camp in the outskirts of the capital. When he returns for his rest day in a few days, I will have him come back to the palace to see you.”
“Father Emperor, I want to go today. I don’t want to wait any longer.”
“Alright, alright, I’ll indulge you. Take the palace exit token, and I’ll have someone escort you.”
“Thank you, Father Emperor!” Yun Chaorong beamed as she accepted the token. “I take my leave.”
Watching Yun Chaorong’s excited departure, the Emperor couldn’t help but smile.
Good, good. His Rong’er should be this vibrant and unrestrained.
…………
Military Camp in the Outskirts of the Capital.
The soldiers, having just finished training, were about to rest when the orderly formation suddenly dispersed like flowing water.
Sweat dripped from Yun Canglan’s forehead, his thin shirt soaked through.
His features resembled the Emperor’s, but years of training had added a touch of determination to his brow. His physique was robust, his skin tanned a deep shade.
He possessed more valor than a scholarly gentleman, yet more gentleness than a military brute.
Many noble ladies in the capital would blush at the sight of him.
“Your Highness, word has come from the palace. Princess Rongyang will visit you this afternoon,” attendant Li Min offered a towel.
Yun Canglan took the towel and wiped the sweat from his face.
“Rong’er is so delicate. Why would she come to the military camp in such scorching heat? I’ll return to the palace in a couple of days.”
Li Min: “It must be that the princess shares a deep bond with Your Highness, which is why she endures the hardship.”
“She just likes to be mischievous sometimes.”
Though Yun Canglan said this, a hint of affection still surfaced on his face.
A few days ago, they had argued over Yun Chaorong’s desire to marry into another kingdom and were still in a cold war.
Now this silly girl knew to take the initiative to visit her elder brother. At least she had some conscience.
“Prepare water. I need to bathe. Otherwise, Rong’er will complain that I smell again.”
In the afternoon, not long after.
Yun Chaorong indeed arrived.
And in grand style.
Several imperial guards escorted a spacious carriage all the way from the palace to the outskirts of the capital.
The carriage was fitted with breathable gauze curtains, allowing only a faint, blurred silhouette to be seen from outside.
Yun Chaorong reclined on the carriage seat, with Michun peeling grapes for her and Yingxia massaging her legs.
Fine horses, fragrant carriage, and a beauty—the pinnacle of life.
Yun Chaorong wriggled contentedly. “Ah, another one.”
A crystal-clear grape was delivered between her lips, its juice sweet and refreshing.
“Princess, we have arrived at the military camp,” the leading soldier reported.
Michun and Yingxia alighted from the carriage first, then turned to assist Yun Chaorong:
“Princess, please alight.”
Yun Chaorong had intended to jump down herself, but hearing these words pleased her greatly. She couldn’t help but smile, then descended with the support of her two maids.
The soldiers resting in the distance, seeing the grand procession of a noble, grew curious and boldly asked who it was.
Only when the noble descended from the carriage did they fall silent in an instant.
They could not see the visitor’s face, only noticing the veil hat on her head, its brim adorned with a circle of colorful beads that shimmered brilliantly in the bright sunlight. The ornaments at her waist gleamed with a radiant, imposing elegance. The hem of her skirt fluttered gently in the wind, like the fluttering wings of a butterfly in spring.
With her sleeves billowing, the figure walked straight toward Prince Rui’s tent.
The soldiers lowered their heads, not daring to look a second time.
That was not someone they were permitted to gaze upon.
Yun Chaorong paid no mind to the soldiers’ fleeting glances.
She strode eagerly toward the largest military tent, a smile curling at the corners of her lips as she called out:
“Imperial Brother!”
Imperial Brother, I’ve come to lend you a hand.