Ji Yunche felt a little aggrieved and whispered, "Brother, am I really that useless? I've caused Dad to be like this."

"If I were here today, I would definitely chase after him. I can't blame you for thinking so much at such a young age."

Ji Yunche knew that he was comforting himself. Over the past few months, he had clearly come to know that Ji Yunzhou was not the playboy his mother said he was. His martial arts skills were not inferior to his, and his wisdom was even better than his.

If it were the eldest brother today, he would definitely not chase after him. It’s all because he was too eager for quick success.

"Brother, I'm already eighteen."

Ji Yunzhou raised his eyebrows. "Eighteen is the time for growth. You should go back. I will be watching over you tonight."

Ji Yunche quickly said, "Brother, I also want to stay and look after Dad."

Ji Yunzhou thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I'll leave the old man to you tonight. I'm only 25, so it's time for me to grow up."

Ji Yunche burst out laughing, "Don't worry, big brother, I will take good care of Dad."

Ji Yunzhou nodded, patted his shoulder, and left.

Ji Yunche looked at the location where the photo was taken and felt a warm feeling in his heart.

The next morning, Ji Yunzhou was sitting in the tent, surrounded by various war news, which he was sorting out in an orderly manner.

"Brother, Dad has woken up and is looking for you." Ji Yunche rushed into the tent and said happily.

"I told you it wouldn't be that easy for the old man to die."

He got up and went to Ji Xiao's tent, only to see Ji Xiao half lying down. Although his face was still a little pale, it was indeed much better than yesterday. It seemed that he was no longer in danger.

Ji Xiao said weakly, "Second brother, go down and rest first."

Ji Yunche replied respectfully, "Yes, Dad."

Ji Yunzhou sat lazily on the side, holding a handful of peanuts in his hand and throwing them into his mouth continuously.

Ji Xiao slowly asked, "Zhou'er, what do you think of the current war situation?"

Ji Yunzhou didn't think much about it and said casually, "I don't know."

Ji Xiao coughed lightly and said, "Prince Su asked you to accompany the army. You should know that Prince Rong is allying with Xiqi to attack Prince Su."

Ji Yunzhou's heart sank. He had just received this news yesterday. He didn't expect that the old man was so well-informed.

"Although Dad has been away from worldly affairs these years, he still has a few people in the court." Ji Xiao's eyes were filled with worry, and he said in a heavy tone, "Prince Rong's move is likely to destroy the Great Xia Empire."

"It's not your kingdom that's being destroyed. Why are you worrying about it? Just take care of your health first."

Upon hearing this, Ji Xiao's expression suddenly became serious. "My Ji family has been loyal for generations, swearing to live and die with Daxia. This is also our mission as generals."

Ji Yunzhou said calmly, "I understand."

He walked out. The sky in the northern frontier was as blue as a gem, and the land was vast and boundless, but his heart seemed to be blocked by something.

He raised his head, his eyes were a little blurry, and his thoughts drifted involuntarily into the distance.

The past scene flashed through his mind. Standing beside the bed, he said to the frail woman, "Mom, please wait a little longer. Dad has sent a letter saying he has asked the Emperor for permission and will be back soon."

The woman on the bed couldn't help but cough a few times when she heard this, but a relieved smile hung on the corner of her mouth. That smile contained helplessness, as well as longing and expectation for her husband.

This was not the first time she had heard such words. She looked at Ji Yunzhou tenderly and said softly, "Zhou'er, mother wait..."

Days passed, and she just kept waiting. She waited until the sixth day, until her oil ran out, until the end, until she died.

Until the day of the funeral, the husband she had been waiting for still did not appear in the long funeral procession.

"Captain Ji, someone is looking for you outside the camp." Suddenly a soldier interrupted his thoughts.