“This,” General Zhao pondered for a moment, “Although this child is somewhat reckless, he does have some talent in military matters.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Qing revealed a confident expression: "Aunt, did you hear that? In that case, why not appoint me as the commander-in-chief and Zhao Shuyu as the deputy general? I can guarantee that I will never personally go into battle."

Upon hearing Yun Qing's new proposal, both General Zhao and Li Weiyi were caught in a dilemma.

If arranged this way, it would not be a bad idea. On the one hand, Yun Qing, as the future crown prince, can fully represent the emperor's will, which can greatly encourage the soldiers on the frontier. On the other hand, Zhao Shuyu has been in the army for three years and has fought alongside many generals. His prestige is no less than that of General Zhao.

Having him lead the troops would indeed avoid a lot of trouble. As for the issue of recklessness that General Zhao mentioned, with Yun Qing keeping an eye on things, it wouldn't be a problem.

Finally, Li Weiyi and General Zhao exchanged a glance and simultaneously revealed relieved smiles.

"Li Yunqing, listen to my decree. I hereby officially appoint you as the General Who Conquers the West, and lead the army to fight against the Qi Kingdom."

"Your humble servant obeys."

Because of the urgency of the war, Yun Qing went back to his residence to pack his things after the morning court session. Before leaving, he personally went to the prince's residence.

"Your Highness, Lady Yun is requesting an audience outside the gate," Qingfeng reported to Li Huaiyin.

"What is she doing here?" He had already heard that Yun Qing was going to lead troops to the front line, but he did not expect her to come to see him at this critical moment.

He thought she would leave without a word, just like before, leaving him alone tossing and turning in bed.

"Let her in, never mind." He put down the jade pendant in his hand. "I'll just go out."

Stepping out of the room, in the corridor not far away, Yun Qing, dressed in armor, looked expectantly in his direction with a gentle smile on her face.

At that moment, Li Huaiyin had a fleeting illusion, as if he were the husband waiting for his wife to return from her military campaign, and she had rushed ahead of time to surprise him.

This illusion was only fleeting. Once he came to his senses, Li Huaiyin resumed his aloof demeanor: "What are you doing here?"

Yun Qing watched him approach step by step, and moved towards him as well. As she drew closer, Li Huaiyin noticed that she was carrying quite a few things; he hadn't noticed at first because her hands were behind her back.

"Here you go." Yun Qing's bright eyes were filled with laughter.

"What is this?" Li Huaiyin didn't understand what she meant and didn't reach out to take it.

Yun Qing looked at him and sighed softly.

"This is the betrothal gift I've saved up over the years. I started preparing it four years ago, but I haven't had a chance to give it to you until now. I was worried that if I didn't give it to you this time, I might never have another chance, so..."

"When did I agree to marry you? You're just deluding yourself." Li Huaiyin didn't want to hear her say such things and turned his back on her.

"I know you resent me. I didn't come here today hoping for your forgiveness. It's just that the battlefield is dangerous, and what if I don't come back..."

"Shut up!" Upon hearing this possibility, Li Huaiyin's heart clenched, and he subconsciously stopped her from continuing.

"Don't try to play the victim in front of me. I'm not like Liu Chengxi or Zhao Shuzhi, who can be fooled by a few words from you."

"I didn't mean to gain your sympathy." Seemingly hurt by his words, Yun Qing's tone became noticeably lower.

"This time the situation is special, and I don't want to have any regrets. Since you don't want to listen to me, then I'll leave."

As she spoke, Yun Qing placed the things in her hands on the stone table beside her.

Once he could no longer hear her, Li Huaiyin turned around, looked at the things on the table, and finally picked them up.

Inside were not only many land deeds and shop fronts, but also an envelope.

Upon opening the envelope, a jade thumb ring fell out, along with a handwritten letter from Yun Qing.

To my cousin:

By the time you read this letter, I should have already left Shengjing. I hope you can forgive me for leaving again; I promise, this is the last time.

If I can return safely, no matter how many difficulties and obstacles I face, I will fulfill the promise I made when I was young and ask you to marry me with great pomp and circumstance. If I cannot return, then I hope you can have your wish fulfilled.

You should already know what happened to me in Qingfeng County. This jade thumb ring can be used to command those people.

Didn't you always want to compete with me for that position? If I'm gone, use what I leave behind to achieve your goal. I believe you'll do well.

—Written by my cousin Yunqing

"How ridiculous!" Li Huaiyin crumpled the letter in his hand into a ball. "Who cares about what you left behind? You'd better come back safe and sound. I'm not a junk collector."

After leaving her belongings behind, Yun Qing hurried to the city gate to meet up with the others.

This time, besides the army and Zhao Shuyu, there was another person traveling with them.

"Sister Yunqing, why did you bring him along?" Zhao Shuyu sat in the carriage, glaring at Qi Xiao in the corner, her eyes practically rolling to the sky.

Yun Qing had no interest in explaining to him. Zhao Shuyu was a typical big-breasted, brainless person. It would be pointless to talk to him about anything that required a little thought.

Moreover, it is currently a time of war between the two countries. If she were to tell him about Qi Xiao's background, this big mouth would inevitably spread the word everywhere, which would be detrimental to her plans.

The group hurried along and finally arrived at the border, Pingyang County, where Zhao's army was stationed, half a month later.

Upon learning of Yun Qing's arrival, General Qin, who was stationed in the city, personally led his men to welcome her, showing his regard for her.

However, Yun Qing keenly noticed that this young general didn't seem to like her very much.

After observing secretly for a while, she noticed the way Qin Zhiyao looked at Zhao Shuyu, and in a flash, she figured out what had happened.

"So it's General Qin. I've long admired your name."

"I had long heard of Yun Shinu's reputation, and seeing her today, I can see that she is indeed extraordinary."

To be honest, Qin Zhiyao didn't have any real ill feelings towards Yun Qing herself, but he couldn't help but take his anger out on her for Zhao Shuyu's injury.

To be fair, Yun Qing's actions were entirely correct; in fact, one could say it was a stroke of divine justice. However, people's hearts are often biased. Qin Zhiyao's father and General Zhao were close friends, and she and Zhao Shuyu had known each other since childhood.

Although Zhao Shuyu stayed in Shengjing and the two rarely saw each other, he returned three years ago. Faced with her handsome old friend, she couldn't help but gradually fall in love.

Qin Zhiyao originally thought that as long as she persisted, Zhao Shuyu would eventually be moved by her. However, after being injured, he insisted on returning to Shengjing and even threatened to kill himself, determined to marry Yun Qing at all costs.

Having finally met the legendary Yun Shi Nu in person, Qin Zhiyao had to admit that she truly had the qualities to make Zhao Shuyu infatuated.