Upon returning to Yunzhou, Mingxuan went straight to the Su residence without stopping.

He hurried into the hall and immediately saw Master Su sitting in the main seat.

At this moment, Master Su's face was solemn, and his eyes revealed a trace of worry and concern.

Mingxuan took a deep breath, walked up to Master Su without hesitation, and then knelt down on both knees.

"Have you thought it through?" Master Su sighed deeply and asked in a heavy tone.

"I've thought it through."

However, at that very moment, Mingxuan's originally straight and upright back swayed slightly and imperceptibly.

"I understand your feelings about national and personal grievances, and I had no reason to stop you. But you must know that this journey carries the uncertainty of life and death!"

Fearing that Mingxuan's actions were merely a momentary act of loyalty, Master Su wished he could explain everything to him in detail.

Having said that, Master Su stood up, walked to Mingxuan's side, bent down, and gently patted Mingxuan's shoulder, saying earnestly, "In this battle, with your abilities and strength, you are indeed the most suitable candidate. However, the danger involved is beyond imagination. A slight mistake could lead to death. That is why the Emperor has specially granted you permission to be confined to Yunzhou. This way, your reputation can be preserved, and a lineage for the Ming family can be preserved. You should understand these principles!"

“I understand, Uncle, I understand everything, but you also said that I am the most suitable candidate for this battle. The spirits of the Ming family are burning brightly, and as a member of the Ming family, I absolutely cannot stand aside!”

Mingxuan looked at Master Su with a firm gaze, his eyes flashing with determination.

Mingxuan's attitude was so resolute that Master Su was stunned and remained silent for a long time.

After a long silence, Master Su finally spoke slowly: "What about Yingxue? You two have been childhood sweethearts. If nothing unexpected happens, you should be getting married in a few months. Have you thought about what will happen to her if you leave?"

Upon hearing Master Su mention Yingxue, Mingxuan unconsciously clenched his fists tightly beside him.

However, he took a deep breath and tried to keep his voice calm.

“Uncle, Mingxuan made a special trip to visit you today specifically for this matter. I have come to propose breaking off the engagement.”

"What?! You...you actually said such a thing!"

Master Su's eyes widened, and he angrily pointed his finger at Mingxuan.

“Uncle, please calm down. Mingxuan knows that this will put the Su family in an unjust and immoral position, but given Yingxue’s character, if I were to die on the battlefield, she would surely remain a widow for me for the rest of her life. Such a life should not be Yingxue’s life!”

"If Mingxuan is fortunate enough to return unharmed, he will certainly apologize with a bundle of thorns on his back! Please, Uncle, grant Mingxuan's wish!"

After saying these words, Mingxuan slammed his fist hard against the ground without hesitation.

A muffled thud rang out, leaving a shallow mark on the hard ground, and striking Master Su's heart like a heavy hammer.

Yingxue was his eldest daughter, and also the one he loved the most among his many children.

The joy and helplessness I felt when I first became a father were something I only truly experienced when facing my precious daughter.

Just as Mingxuan said, Yingxue is indeed stubborn. If the marriage agreement between the two families still exists, even if the Ming family has been destroyed, she will definitely marry into the Ming family without hesitation.

However, reality is cruel.

The Ming family no longer exists, and she is just a young girl who has just come of age.

How could he bear to leave her to spend the rest of her life alone guarding a shrine full of memorial tablets?

Finally, fatherly love triumphed over all concerns. Old Master Su slowly extended his hands and took the document symbolizing the annulment of the engagement from Mingxuan's outstretched hands.

In that instant, Mingxuan's hand, which had been trembling slightly from nervousness, suddenly lost its support and became empty.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment. After a long while, Mingxuan was still staring blankly at Master Su, muttering, "Uncle, I will be returning to the capital with Prince Jing the day after tomorrow. Please be sure to keep this a secret from Yingxue."

Mingxuan turned and left slowly, like a walking corpse.

At this moment, it felt as if a huge gash had been torn open in his heart, and the biting wind blew through it mercilessly, leaving him with only piercing pain all over his body.

He and Su Yingxue had known each other since childhood and were childhood sweethearts. Later, their families even arranged a marriage between them.

From that moment on, he longed for her to grow up quickly so that when she reached marriageable age, he could marry her in a grand ceremony and they could live happily ever after.

Happiness was once so close, seemingly within reach.

But in the blink of an eye, everything has vanished into thin air...