Chapter 41: Incident "Yu Qing, you have to promise me one thing."...

Yu Qing and Qing Jia left the house for a few days without taking the Fulin dog with them. On the day they returned, before they even entered the door of Wenhua Garden, the long-haired puppy rushed out and ran wildly all the way.

The servants behind him ran and stumbled but couldn't catch up. If Yu Qing hadn't stopped him, Qingjia might have been knocked down by Tuanzi.

Yu Qing: "What's going on?"

Tuanzi circled around the two of them, its tail leaving a shadow, and it whimpered and clung to Qingjia's body.

"Prince, the puppy has been listless these past few days since you left. He's even eating less than usual."

Although the dust on its body had not been wiped off, it did look a bit pitiful, so Xie Jing had no choice but to pick it up first.

Yu Qing also teased the puppy in the princess's arms and said, "It's really clingy."

The Byzantine dog was quite intelligent. Although it was the servants and maids who took care of it most on weekdays, it could still tell who its master was. It would first cling to Qingjia, then to Yuqing. It felt very uncomfortable when both masters were not around.

Yu Qing and Qing Jia played ball tossing with Tuanzi in the yard for half a day.

"It seems that we have to take it with us when we travel far away in the future." Yu Qing said with a smile.

Qing Jia: "Far away? Where do you want to go?"

"I don't know, maybe there'll be a chance in the future," Yu Qing said. "If we have time next year, we could take a waterway trip to Jiangnan in the spring. Jiangnan is so prosperous, and I haven't been there in three or five years. What do you think?"

Qing Jia said: “…Well, that’s fine.

*

Half a month later, Duan Zhirui, the top martial arts scholar with a clean background, was promoted to deputy commander of the Golden Feather Guard, and the prince became arrogant again.

The emperor is no longer in his prime, and the princes who have made it big are all young, strong and ambitious.

The previous dynasty had deposed and enthroned the crown prince twice, and the current crown prince is not unshakable. Everyone feels that he still has a chance to compete.

The noble families fought openly and secretly, and there was a period of undercurrent in the court.

The Western Expedition a few years ago allowed Yu Qing to withdraw from the court. Now he has personally experienced what it means when a tree wants to be still but the wind does not stop.

Being in a high position, it is impossible to stay away from disputes at all. She just has to be cautious in dealing with them, maintain a balance, and avoid being pulled to any side. She can't help but feel annoyed.

Fortunately, the Marquis' Mansion is still peaceful and stable. Whenever I return home, I always feel relieved.

Although the Xuanbei Marquis's son was young, he, like his predecessors, was a man of unwavering pride and character, easily swayed by power and beauty. Once outsiders had experienced a few more setbacks, they would gradually realize that this was a tough nut to crack and would no longer bother trying.

During this period, Qingjia suffered a relapse of his old illness.

A few months later, the princess's illness came back as severe as last time. Yu Qing took five days off and moved into Wenhuayuan.

When she was with her, Yu Qing often wondered why Qing Jia had to endure such a torturous illness. When she was feeling down, Yu Qing would whisper softly to her by her bedside.

She was so fragile and delicate, but when she was seriously ill, she didn't cry. Instead, she comforted Yu Qing and told her not to worry.

"I don't know if my eldest sister will come back this year. If my brother-in-law goes back to Beijing to report on his work, then the whole family can come to the Marquis' Mansion to celebrate the New Year, and it will be more lively at home," Yu Qing said. "Have you seen the lanterns during the Lantern Festival? I haven't seen them in years. Let's go together then. Next spring, the apricot and peach blossoms in the yard will bloom, and we can make wine to drink."

She told Qingjia all her visions for the future. Qingjia smiled and said softly, "You've been thinking about it for too long."

Yu Qing said, "A long time? But time flies by so fast these days. It's already been half a year since you married me..."

Qing Jia sighed: "Yeah, that's right, it's very fast..."

She closed her eyes, and Yu Qing thought she would fall asleep, but Qing Jia suddenly said, "If... I die..."

Before she could finish, Yu Qing denied it: "No, Your Highness will not die! I will always be with you, don't say such things."

Qingjia was silent for a moment. Yu Qing took her hand and said, "It's just an illness. I will definitely find a way to cure you and won't let anything happen to you."

Qing Jia said: "Yeah."

The princess fell into a deep sleep exhausted after half an hour. Yu Qing wiped her forehead and felt heartbroken.

Late at night, she vaguely heard Qingjia's murmurs and hurried closer to her.

"I'm here." Yu Qing said.

Qing Jia said: "Yu Qing, you have to promise me one thing."

Yu Qing said: "Well, I agree, I agree to everything. What is it?"

Qing Jia said: "From now on... don't forget me."

People who are sick are always worried, and Qingjia was lonely and helpless before, so it is inevitable that he lacks a sense of security.

Yu Qing hugged Qing Jia and said, "How could I forget you? We will always be together."

I don’t know if Qingjia was half asleep or in a nightmare. She probably didn’t hear Yu Qing’s words. She repeated, “Don’t forget me.”

Yu Qing said: "I haven't forgotten."

"You promise..."

"I promise, I won't forget." Yu Qing coaxed.

Only after hearing the promise did the princess calm down again.

Yu Qing's heart was overflowing with love and pity for her. How could she be so pitiful... She only hated herself for not being a miracle doctor, unable to help at all. She would definitely cure Qingjia's illness in the future, and make Qingjia happy and worry-free.

But what she didn't expect was that the accident came so suddenly.

I didn't even wait until the end of my first year in Beijing.

Since the Northern Barbarians were conquered, they had been required to pay tribute. At the end of winter, the Northern Barbarians' annual tribute was brought to the capital.

The envoy this time was a noble royal from the Northern Barbarians. He was very sincere and wanted to meet the emperor and kowtow to him.

The palace held a banquet to entertain the envoys. However, midway through the banquet, the northern barbarians showed their true intentions and dared to assassinate them in the court!

The men transporting the tribute were all assassins in disguise, and the Golden Feathered Guards were caught off guard, nearly failing to protect the emperor. The emperor was narrowly missed by a poisoned arrow, horrified and nearly fainting. Fortunately, the Fifth Prince, Xie Tingchen, was skilled in martial arts, had quick reactions, and was close enough to protect the emperor in time.

The prince who was also present was not so lucky. In the chaos of swords and blood in the hall, he tripped and fell to the ground, breaking his leg. He was unable to move and was later carried back to the palace.

Yu Qingben was not at the banquet. He was talking to Qingjia that day, saying that his elder sister Yu Wei and her family should be able to arrive in the capital before the New Year.

Qingjia even asked her if her elder sister was a vicious person. Yu Qing laughed in silence.

When he heard the news from the palace, his face changed and he hurried into the palace.

The assassins who failed in the assassination either committed suicide or were captured. Only 20% of the tribute were genuine tributes, and the rest were just fillers.

That night, before the interrogation could yield any results, a scout rushed a hundred miles to deliver an urgent battle report to the capital. Just one day before the annual tribute arrived in the capital, the northern barbarians raided the pass. The garrison troops were caught off guard and unable to resist. They were defeated and had lost two cities in just three days.

The whole government was shocked. Looking at the delayed military intelligence and battle reports, Yu Qing's expression became more and more solemn.

"The Northern Barbarians surrendered after their defeat, but their people are inherently warlike and bloodthirsty, and some remain restless. Some time ago, their tribe was in turmoil, the old king died, and the newly crowned prince was a proponent of war. They haven't even recovered in the past two years... yet they've taken such a desperate risk."

"Then, in the General's opinion..."

Among the military generals in the court, no one was more familiar with the battle situation in the northwest than Yu Qing, so they all looked at him sideways.

The Northern Barbarians gathered the forces of the pro-war faction, seized this only opportunity, and while the defenders were unprepared, launched an all-out counterattack with great momentum.

After Yu Qing left, He Xuan took her place in the northwest. Coming from the lineage of the Marquis of Zhongwu, he was reasonably capable and could handle the garrison, but he wasn't adept at dealing with sudden, sudden surges of the enemy. Without reinforcements, the city would be lost again. Once they retreated to Chisha Pass, recapture would be difficult.

"The Northern Barbarians' national strength is limited. Even if we suppress the initial offensive, we will inevitably find it difficult to sustain it. The most urgent task is to stabilize the front line," she said loudly, stepping forward. "I am willing to go to the northwest to quell the rebellion."

The emperor had just experienced the dark cloud of being assassinated, and the supreme ruler was already obviously showing signs of old age, with his eyes cloudy and difficult to see.

There was no better choice except Yu Qing. Looking at the young and heroic general in the audience, he couldn't help but feel regretful: Was it really too hasty to recall the Xuanbei Marquis's son?

"Convey my decree, Yu Qing, to be promoted to General Shen Ce... and lead the troops to the northwest to fight the enemy."

After receiving the order, Yu Qing went to the prison to meet the leading northern barbarian noble.

The man was beaten all over his body, but when he saw Yu Qing, he still showed a sinister smile.

"General Yu, I remember you..." the barbarian noble said, "You are very brave, but your greatest fault is arrogance. You think you can rest easy after winning once... Our warriors will soon be able to break through Chisha Pass..."

Yu Qing replied calmly in Northern Barbarian language, "Once is countless times. I will set off in two days, but you won't live to see this general's triumphant return."

Yu Qing had a pretty face and her physique looked petite in the eyes of the barbarians. When she first went into battle, no one took her seriously and some even laughed at her. Later, this face became a nightmare for many people.

She ordered the guards, "Continue the interrogation. They are resistant to beatings and can withstand severe torture for several days. Get as much information as you can."

The barbarian's eyes were bloodshot, but he still kept cursing.

Yu Qing was a little suspicious about his attitude, as it seemed that the morale of the Northern Barbarians was very high.

Did the new king's appeal alone give them the illusion of victory? She had some impression of the new king, but he didn't seem to have the heroic spirit to command universal support.

She calmed herself down, walked out of the dark prison, and went straight to the Qinzheng Palace to discuss the war. She slept in the palace that day.

She returned home the next day and had a long talk with her father Yu Heng for nearly an hour. Her father's experience was superior to hers and he always gave her some inspiration.

In Huaifeng Pavilion, Qiying was packing her luggage.

The news that the emperor had been assassinated and the northern barbarians had invaded had spread throughout the country in just two days. Without Yu Qing's instruction, Qiying had already begun preparations.

Yu Qing thought for a moment and said, "Qiying, you don't have to pack your bags. Just prepare everything for me."

Qiying was stunned: "Why?"

She practiced martial arts with the guards of the Marquis' Mansion, and her skills were far superior to those of ordinary soldiers, enough to protect herself. In the past, she often looked after Yu Qing during the march.

Yu Qing advised, "You've been following me in the army for so many years, traveling here and there, without even a peaceful day. This time, why don't you stay in the capital?"

"Why would we talk about this?" Qiying said, "Even if it means death, I'm not afraid. I'd rather go with you."

Seeing that Qiying still refused to agree, Yu Qing had no choice but to say, "This war won't last too long. The outcome will be known soon, in just a few months at most. If I win, I will return to the capital as soon as possible. During this time, you will help me take care of my father, mother, and the princess at home. I don't trust anyone else."

The health of Marquis Xuanbei is getting worse every year, and he is often plagued by illness in the cold winter. To be fair, it is hard to say when Yu Qing will inherit the title.

Madam Lu is old, and Qingjia is a weak woman. The capital's situation in the second half of the year is turbulent, with unpredictable events happening at any time. With that in mind, it's important to keep more capable people.

Having said that, there are so many soldiers and generals in the Marquis' Mansion, which is more than enough to serve several masters. Besides, Yu Qing is fighting outside, and as long as the emperor is not possessed by evil spirits, he will not do anything to the Xuanbei Marquis' Mansion.

After all, Yu Qing was still thinking about her and didn't want her to suffer.

Qiying lowered her eyes, sighed helplessly, and continued to decorate Yu Qing.

Yu Qing went straight to the study.

The current situation is urgent, and we need to consider the inventory of military strength, offensive and defensive strategies, food and armaments, etc.

On the table were the latest battle reports and several confessions from interrogations of barbarians. Yu Qing flipped through them, speculated, and pondered strategies. He refilled his lamp twice and had lost track of time.

The door creaked open, and Yu Qing thought it was Qiying coming over, so he didn't look up.

The man came up behind her and covered her with a blanket.

Yu Qing then realized that Qiying's steps were silent. Although the person's footsteps were light, they still lacked the skill of Qinggong.

Turning around, I saw that the person standing behind me was Qing Jia.