Chapter 208 Next Step

He entered the tent and glanced at Jiang Qingning imperceptibly. Seeing that she was fine, he seemed to be slightly relieved.

Then, Qin Xiu respectfully clasped his fists and saluted Jiang Baichuan and Jiang Qinghuai: "Qin Xiu greets General Jiang and Junior General Jiang."

Qin Xiu kept himself very humble, showing complete respect for his elders.

Jiang Baichuan hurriedly supported him: "General Qin, there is no need to be so polite. This time, it was thanks to you and Ning'er fighting side by side that we were able to repel the powerful enemy."

Qin Xiu lowered his eyes: "Old General, your words are too serious. This is Qin Xiu's responsibility."

After he finished speaking, he paused, as if he wanted to say something to Jiang Qingning, but didn't know how to start.

At this moment, Jiang Qinghuai seemed to suddenly remember something. With a bit of concern and carelessness, he looked at Jiang Qingning and asked, "By the way, Ning'er, is your marriage to He Ning, the Prince of Zhenbei, true? We returned to the capital this time because of your upcoming wedding and the fact that we miss your daughter so much. Now that the war is over, will you prepare for the wedding after returning to the capital?"

Jiang Qingning suddenly felt extremely embarrassed and didn't dare to look at Qin Xiu's instantly frozen back or the inquiring gazes of his father and brother.

She wanted to explain that her relationship with He Ning was just a temporary partnership and not a real one.

However, when the words were on the tip of her tongue, she saw Qin Xiu's suddenly tense face and the chill that instantly descended from his aura. She panicked for no apparent reason, and her words became vague: "...this matter...this matter will be discussed after we return to the capital. By then, I will meet with Prince He. The wedding is a matter of great importance, so it is best to plan it out in the long run."

Qin Xiu's hands hanging by his side clenched almost imperceptibly, his knuckles turning white.

The faint light in his eyes dimmed in an instant, leaving only a cold silence.

He didn't look back, but his back straightened even more, like a statue that had instantly lost all its warmth.

Jiang Qingning looked at Qin Xiu's cold and aloof back, and recalled what his father had just said about his secret help for the past eight years. The frozen lake in his heart seemed to be thrown into by a huge rock, and ripples appeared and loosened.

A complex emotion with a hint of inexplicable throbbing quietly spread in Jiang Qingning's heart.

Jiang Baichuan and Jiang Qinghuai saw Jiang Qingning's embarrassment and Qin Xiu's sudden silence.

How could the situation between the two of them resemble the joy of an upcoming wedding?

Clearly...

The atmosphere in the tent suddenly became extremely subtle and stagnant.

Both the father and the son were people who had experienced the world and had sharp eyes. The few glances they had just exchanged had already made them understand.

Qin Xiu must have already fallen deeply in love with Ning'er, and they are definitely not just ordinary ally.

As for Ning'er's engagement with He Ning... it seems that the inside story is complicated and it is definitely not as consensual as it seems on the surface.

Countless thoughts flashed through the minds of the father and son, but now was obviously not the time to delve into love affairs.

Jiang Baichuan coughed lightly, breaking the strange silence in the tent and bringing the topic back to business: "General Qin, what's the important matter that brings you here at this time?"

Qin Xiu restrained all his outward emotions, turned around, and his face had returned to its usual stern expression, but there was still a trace of gloom in the depths of his eyes that was difficult to dispel.

He bowed and said, "General, the battlefield has been basically cleared, and the surrendered soldiers have been initially reorganized. I estimate that the army can move camp and return to the capital as early as tomorrow."

He paused, his eyes sweeping over Jiang Qingning before continuing, "Although Northern Di commander Murong Feng is dead, the main force of his tribe is still there. The royal court is now leaderless and in chaos. Returning to the capital now would be a great achievement, but it would inevitably be letting a tiger return to the mountains, and there's a risk of further border troubles. On the other hand, if we can seize this victory and capture the Northern Di royal court in one fell swoop, this would be an unprecedented achievement that would expand our territory and eliminate future troubles. For the Jiang family, this would be a true foundation for their position in the imperial court, an unshakable foundation."

A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Qingning's eyes as he looked at Qin Xiu.

This idea coincided with hers, and she was about to bring it up.

Jiang Baichuan stroked his beard and pondered, with a gleam in his eyes.

Jiang Qinghuai was even more eager to try: "General Qin is absolutely right. Father, this opportunity cannot be missed. If we can conquer Beidi, our Jiang family will become the pillar of the country, and no one in the court will dare to say a word."

Jiang Baichuan didn't answer immediately, but looked at Jiang Qingning: "Ning'er, what do you think?"

Jiang Qingning met her father's gaze and said firmly, "General Qin has thought it through. I share the same thought. We must conquer the Northern Di people. Not only must we conquer them, but we must do it beautifully and show the prestige of our Jiang family."

"Okay." Jiang Baichuan slapped his thigh and made up his mind, "Then let's take advantage of the situation and head north to attack Huanglong."

The decision has been made, and the next step is how to implement it.

Qin Xiu spoke again, his tone steady: "Old General, Major General, Miss Jiang, this march north is a truly remarkable achievement, and it must be led by the Jiang family. However, His Majesty in the capital must be in a state of confusion after this great change. If the Jiang army does not return any time soon, I'm afraid they will become suspicious and even secretly hinder us."

He looked at Jiang Baichuan and spoke earnestly, "Qin Xiu is willing to go ahead and escort Murong Feng's head and some important prisoners back to the capital to report to Your Majesty the great victory on the front lines and our army's determination to pursue the victory and expand the country's territory."

"This will not only reassure Your Majesty and demonstrate the Jiang family's unwavering loyalty to the emperor and the country, but will also buy time for the army's subsequent deployment of food and supplies, eliminating any worries."

Jiang Qingning's heart moved again when he heard this.

Qin Xiu's move was extremely well-thought-out. He completely stood on the Jiang family's side and took the risk that was most likely to arouse Lu Bin's suspicion, thus clearing the biggest obstacle for their journey north.

Jiang Baichuan and Jiang Qinghuai looked at each other, and saw approval and a hint of appreciation for Qin Xiu in each other's eyes.

Jiang Baichuan nodded. "General Qin is a man of foresight. I admire him. Now I will have to trouble you. I entrust the affairs of the capital to you."

"Qin Xiu will definitely live up to your mission." Qin Xiu clasped his fists and responded solemnly.

At this moment, the three of them looked at Jiang Qingning at the same time.

Going north is a matter for the men of the Jiang family. As a woman, should she follow the army north, or...

Jiang Qingning said loudly without hesitation, "Of course I will go north with my father and brother. How can a child of the Jiang family retreat in the face of adversity?"

"I, Jiang Qingning, want to show everyone in the world that I, Jiang Qingning, am not only a divorced woman from the Anping Marquis's mansion, but also a good daughter of the Jiang family who can fight in battle and make achievements for the family."

Her tone was firm, her eyes were blazing, and she had an awe-inspiring heroism and pride.

Qin Xiu looked at her shining profile. Although he felt a little lost and worried, he also felt a bit of admiration and indescribable love.

He understood better than anyone that Jiang Qingning had never been a canary that needed to be protected under someone's wings.

He suppressed his emotions and nodded, saying, "In that case, leave the affairs of the capital to me. Going north to fight is a battle of ruthless swords. I hope Miss Jiang will take care of herself."

"Thank you, General Qin." Jiang Qingning met his deep gaze, feeling a pang of sadness in his heart. He whispered, "Be careful on your journey back to Beijing..."