"The Prince Consort should also know that this year has been plagued by natural and man-made disasters, and neighboring small countries have joined forces to take advantage of the situation to launch a surprise attack."

"The Emperor has sent out all the generals he can use, and there is really no one else available."

"It was your maternal grandfather who recommended you. General Qin said that you had been well-versed in military strategy since childhood and had also learned some impressive martial arts skills from him."

"The court is currently facing a critical juncture. Since you have the ability to fight, you should share the burden for the emperor."

Mo Lingchen frowned; his impression of this elder was vague.

He had heard his mother say that his maternal grandfather did not agree to his mother marrying his father, but his mother insisted on marrying him, and they severed ties after that.

From as far back as he can remember, whenever his mother took him to visit his maternal grandfather, they were always turned away at the door.

Later, his mother passed away, and he never saw his maternal grandfather again.

Why would this elder suddenly bring him up now?

Although he had read military books and knew some martial arts, he had absolutely no connection with his maternal grandfather.

However, the imperial edict had already been issued, and he had no reason to disobey it; he had no choice but to bite the bullet and proceed.

"Please go to the military camp immediately to meet with Vice General Li. After the troops are mustered, we will set off overnight."

"Yes, thank you, Eunuch Wei."

"I went to the palace to say goodbye to the princess, and then went to the military camp."

"Of course, after all, the princess is seriously ill, sigh..."

As soon as Eunuch Wei left, Xiao Bei rushed in: "Young Master, Miss Xiao Tao said that Miss Mudan is not well."

Mo Lingchen's expression changed, and he rushed out, only to see Xiao Tao anxiously pacing back and forth at the entrance of the princess's residence.

What happened to Peony?

"Miss Peony suddenly started bleeding from her mouth and nose, and this servant doesn't know what happened."

"But unfortunately, Miss was invited to the palace by Princess Qinghe, so I can't enter the palace. The general has also left the capital, so I can only come to you."

Mo Lingchen's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly instructed Xiao Bei to go find Doctor Hu of Ji'an Hall, while he went to the palace to find Su Yujiao.

Let Xiaotao go back and take care of Mudan first!

After giving his instructions, Mo Lingchen rode his horse directly into the palace, only stopping when he reached the palace gate.

At this moment, Jin Mudan had just found an opportunity to speak with Su Yujiao alone.

"Jiaojiao, don't be surprised by anything I say, and don't make any noise."

Seeing her so serious, Su Yujiao also became serious.

"Okay, go ahead."

"Consort Jing is not a real princess of the Xiao Nan tribe; her true identity is a princess of the previous dynasty."

"She impersonated the princess of the Xiao Nan tribe to enter the palace in order to restore her kingdom; the real princess of the Xiao Nan tribe may have already died."

"Moreover, Chu Zhongyuan is not the Emperor's child, but the son of Consort Jing and her lover."

"They want Chu Zhongyuan to inherit the throne and revive the Great Zhou Dynasty."

“I overheard this while taking a walk in the back garden yesterday. It was Consort Jing who said it herself.”

Although Su Yujiao was somewhat prepared, she still couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "My God!"

"This...how is this possible?"

"This news is amazing."

As the two were whispering to each other, Qiuyue's voice suddenly came from the doorway: "Prince Consort, you cannot enter without the princess's permission."

Jin Mudan's heart skipped a beat. Why did he suddenly come?

It's so late, could something have happened?

"Let the prince consort in..."

Before Jin Mudan could finish speaking, the palace door was kicked open, clearly indicating that the intruders had ill intentions.

Seeing the man's anxious face, Jin Mudan hurriedly asked, "What happened?"

Mo Lingchen glared fiercely at Chu Qinghe, his teeth clenched with hatred: "Chu Qinghe, if anything happens to Mudan, I will kill you with my own hands."

Both of them were taken aback by his words.

Su Yujiao was the first to ask, "What's wrong with Peony?"

"Come with me quickly."

"We'll talk about it on the way."

"Peony suddenly started bleeding from her mouth and nose; her condition is critical..."

Jin Mudan stood there, watching the two figures disappear and listening to Mo Lingchen's lingering voice.

My body suddenly started bleeding from all seven orifices?

Is it because I'm about to die?

She had been fantasizing that, if God continued to favor her after her death, perhaps her soul could return to her body.

It seems I was greedy.

No one can be lucky forever!

Once you're dead, you're dead. There aren't that many miracles happening!

When Consort Jing learned that Mo Lingchen had come over late at night and lashed out at her daughter, she rushed over immediately.

"He'er, what happened?"

What's wrong with Mo Lingchen?

"Even if he's in a bad mood, he shouldn't take it out on you."

"The imperial edict was issued by the Emperor. What does it have to do with you? You're really asking for trouble."

“Your mother told you long ago that you can’t spoil him too much.”

Jin Mudan realized what was happening and asked, puzzled, "What imperial edict?"

Consort Jing was taken aback: "You didn't know he was going to lead troops into battle?"

"What?" Jin Mudan was startled.

"Why would they send him to war? Isn't he a civil official?"

Seeing her daughter's anxious and worried expression, Consort Jing pretended to speak, "I just learned about this myself."

"I haven't had a chance to ask your father yet."

"Your father has gone to rest, and your mother dares not disturb him."

"However, I have already sent someone to inquire with Wei Zhong; he should know."

Soon, the palace maid who was with Consort Jing returned and gave her a detailed account of the information she had found out.

Upon learning that he was leaving that very night, Jin Mudan disregarded everything else and immediately set off to see him.

Consort Jing couldn't stop her, and in fact, she didn't want to.

Although she had schemed against Mo Lingchen, she didn't want her daughter to have any regrets before she passed away.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!