Chapter 61 What he saw first was a cold and desolate face…
Upon returning to the manor, the documents Qin Min had promised had already been delivered.
Ji Chengnin unfolded the document and read it carefully. The more he read, the more his brows furrowed. He almost regretted reading it so carefully.
Because the report was not a proper military report at all, but more like a memorial to shirk responsibility and seek credit. In short, it was about how the rebel army harassed Luanyang, and how the minister fought bravely despite repeated defeats. However, the rioters were too numerous and the minister had no choice but to retreat to Yanjun for the long term.
Ji Chengnin remained expressionless.
Oh, the only useful thing he said was that the emperor assigned him three thousand soldiers from Luoyang.
Although the number of people involved in the uprising was at least tens of thousands, it was not so difficult for a regular army to fight against tens of thousands of refugees.
It's clear that the imperial court doesn't care much about this matter.
Ji Chengning shook the document irritably, making the paper rustle.
As for why the people of Luanyang rose up, the identity of the so-called Divine Martial General, the number of rebel troops, the local terrain, and whether there were any defensible terrains, not a single word was mentioned.
Ji Chengning looked up.
The recliner swayed with his movements.
Where on earth did the imperial court find so many incompetent and useless people?!
The jade rabbit pendant at her waist collided with the armrest of the recliner, making a "clink—" sound.
Ji Chengning casually tore off the fan and unfolded it in front of him.
Be careful.
Be careful.
Does the Empress mean that he should focus on self-preservation and avoid making enemies, or that he should handle local affairs prudently, not let the mastermind behind the unrest go unpunished, but also investigate the truth?
Ji Chengnin sighed.
He closed the fan and tapped the corner of his lips with the handle intermittently.
"Your Highness?"
A soft call.
Ji Chengnin paused, then flashed a bright smile. "A-Yao, come here quickly!"
He heard footsteps approaching from afar, and soon a dark shadow loomed over him.
Ji Chengning looked up and saw the fine gold threads hanging down from the phoenix-shaped hairpin with a pearl in its beak in his cousin's hair.
Sway, sway.
Ji Chengnin couldn't resist and reached out to beckon.
Perhaps because her hair was tangled in the hairpin, Cui Yao hissed softly, her long eyelashes drooping as if in pain.
Ji Chengnin's heart suddenly trembled.
Cui Yao lowered her eyes.
The young master lay lazily on the recliner, still wearing his black and gold official robes, which were disheveled and trailing on the ground, like a cloud about to disperse.
It is something that can be admired but not touched.
The sandalwood fan pressed halfway against his lips, yet it couldn't conceal the smile at the corner of his mouth.
Cui Yao's gaze sharpened.
Where did this fan come from?
In the palace?
The prince didn't bring a fan with him when he entered the palace during the day, but now he has one, and he seems to like it very much.
Could it be that Zhou Yu gave it to her? Cui Yao's fingers tightened silently on the armrest.
"I'm sorry." Ji Chengning withdrew his hand, but his expression seemed to suggest he still wanted to hook her, like a puppy that was asking for a scratch. "My cousin's hairpin is so exquisite."
Cui Yao said softly, "Then I will escort the young master."
As she spoke, her gaze swept over Ji Chengning's hair, as if searching for a suitable place to insert a hairpin.
Ji Chengning shook his head with a smile, "No, no, cousin, stop fooling around. I have something important to tell you."
Cui Yao looked at him and said, "I also have important matters to discuss with the Crown Prince."
Ji Chengning got up from the recliner, casually pulled Cui Yao, and gestured for him to sit on the soft couch with him.
The two sat down side by side, and Ji Chengning gestured for Cui Yao to speak first.
Cui Yao said, "Your Highness is going to Luanyang tomorrow. I was thinking that although I am of average talent, following Your Highness would at least help you relieve your boredom." Ji Chengning was drinking tea when he heard this extremely humble statement and almost choked. He waved his hands repeatedly, "If Your Highness doesn't mind, could you take me with you?"
Ji Chengnin's face turned bright red.
Cui Yao quickly went over to pat him on the back to help him catch his breath.
A cool, subtle fragrance wafted over, making Ji Chengnin feel even more breathless, and even the tips of his ears turned red. "Cousin."
"Um?"
"Move over a bit."
Cui Yao's hand froze.
His gaze, once again, involuntarily fell upon Ji Chengnin's hand.
That fan, which he held tightly in his hand.
It was a gift from Zhou Yu. He remained expressionless on the surface, but his sharp teeth were clenched tightly inside his mouth. It was a fan.
Ji Chengning took two deep breaths to calm down, rubbing his itchy throat. "Ayao, it would be good if you could come with me," Cui Yao looked at him quietly, "but the situation in the area is unclear and too dangerous. I hope you can stay in the capital."
Cui Yao was about to speak.
Ji Chengnin sighed softly, looking at Cui Yao expectantly, "Only A-Yao won't make me worry, right?"
Cui Yao: "...Yes."
He didn't want to agree, but those two words, as they rolled on Ji Chengnin's lips, became incredibly moving.
Ji Chengning smiled and said, "I knew it," the little liar who was good at sweet talk said, "A-Yao is the best."
Cui Yao stared at his upturned lips.
How does it compare to Zhou Yu?
If Zhou Yu and I were both in front of you, would you still say without hesitation that A Yao is the best?
Cui Yao thought coldly.
You won't.
But he didn't ask.
He would never go there, lest he bring shame upon himself.
Ji Chengning tilted his head to look at Cui Yao, his fan swaying with his movements.
The little rabbit pendant swayed along with it.
Fan, fan, fan, rabbit, rabbit—the things Zhou Yu gave you are so beloved that you want to hold them in your hand all the time.
Cui Yao took a silent breath, raised her lips, and revealed a perfectly curved smile. "It's getting late, Your Highness, I'll head back now."
"I send you."
“No need.” Cui Yao’s tone was so gentle it was almost dripping with tenderness, yet for some reason Ji Chengning sensed a gritted-teeth tone in it. “Your Highness, please wait.”
Having taken only half a step, Cui Yao suddenly remembered something, turned her head, and asked in a gentle voice, "I wonder if I would have the honor of arranging your luggage, Your Highness?"
Ji Chengnin: "Huh?"
What should my cousin do for him?
Cui Yao stared at him intently with those eyes, a mixture of resentment and sorrow flickering within them, veiled in her pale eyes as if shrouded in mist.
Cui Yao said softly, "Is it not even enough to express my feelings? Or does the young master think that I am of low status, not as noble as those in the palace..."
“I had no such intention!” Ji Chengnin said resolutely.
How did things suddenly escalate to the palace?
"So, Your Highness," Cui Yao asked tentatively, seemingly a little uneasy, "is it alright?"
Ji Chengning couldn't stand his subservient manner and quickly said, "Alright, alright, whatever you want, do as you please."
A fleeting glint of light flashed in Cui Yao's eyes. "Okay."
With Ji Chengnin's permission, Fang left, satisfied.
Wait, satisfied?
Ji Chengning got goosebumps from the way he described A Yao; it sounded so strange.
But, he tapped his brow with his fan in confusion. What's wrong with A-Yao?
He got angry because he wouldn't let him go to Luanyang with him?
On second thought, given his cousin's easygoing and indifferent nature, she probably wouldn't be upset about such a small matter. If he thought that way, he would be underestimating Cui Yao's character.
Not long after Cui Yao left, Ji Lin arrived.
Upon hearing the message, Ji Chengnin practically leaped to Ji Lin's side, exclaiming, "Second Uncle!"
Ji Lin said with a half-smile, "Now it's General Ji."
Ji Chengnin knew that his second uncle did not like him getting involved in military affairs, so he scratched his head as if he was very ashamed and unworthy of the honor, "Not at all, not at all, second uncle, you flatter me."
Ji Lin snorted, "Don't pretend." After a pause, he spoke, "Atu, you have to be careful."
Ji Chengning suddenly took several steps back, his face contorted in a grimace, as if he had just eaten something sour and bitter and was about to vomit but couldn't.
"I appreciate your kindness, but could you please not call me that, Second Uncle?"
To Ji Chengning's surprise, Ji Lin actually nodded and said, "I understand." Before Ji Chengning could recover his expression, he heard his second uncle say with a smile, "Atu."
Ji Chengning rubbed his arms vigorously.
“Furthermore,” Ji Lin said, “besides you, General Ruan Min will serve as your deputy to assist you in handling affairs.”
Ji Chengnin gave a dry laugh.
On the one hand, he was pleased that the court had not completely ignored the matter and still knew to assign a deputy general to him, a newly appointed "general". On the other hand, he was unhappy that the document did not contain even a few useful words!
He actually had to be told about this by his second uncle.
Seeing the strange change in his expression, Ji Lin said, "You were supposed to find out tomorrow."
Ji Chengning understood, but was still listless. "If you had told me earlier, it would have been better to get to know each other and work things out sooner."
At the very least, he can get to know his deputy general better, which will make future official business easier.
Ji Lin ruffled Ji Chengning's hair, a cold smile involuntarily creeping onto her lips.
The imperial court was unwilling for them to get along and work things out.
For the court, it is the way to ensure long-term stability and security if military generals in the field can monitor and restrain each other.
"Ruan Min once served as a captain under the Marquis of Yongning. Later, because he violated military discipline, he was given twenty lashes by your...your father and sent back to the capital."
Ji Chengnin: "Ah!"
Before he could understand, Ji Lin continued, "Ruan Min has maintained contact with the Ji family for many years, so he won't harm you." Ji Lin's thin lips curled up, "But you shouldn't have too much contact with him either."
Ji Chengnin nodded, and after a moment's thought, he immediately understood what Ji Lin meant.
The imperial court intentionally sent He Yongning—no, his father—a general with whom they had an old grudge, not to see the two of them working together harmoniously to achieve great things.
However, "Why does Ruan Min still have dealings with our family even after being beaten by my father?"
Ji Lin looked at him with a puzzled expression. "You've been punished by Mr. Li quite a few times, so why do you still visit him so often?"
Ji Chengnin: Alright, Second Uncle, stop talking.
But Ji Chengnin didn't dare to talk back, and could only look at Ji Lin with a mournful expression.
"By the way, you're going on a long trip this time. Things outside will definitely be different from home, so you can't be too pampered, but you also shouldn't be too frugal. I'll send someone to pack your things."
Ji Chengning hurriedly said, "Ayao is already tidying up for her nephew."
Ji Lin's gaze suddenly sharpened.
He seemed not to have heard clearly, "What?"
Ji Chengning felt inexplicably nervous, as if it were the first time his second uncle had discovered him. He seemed to prefer men to women. "I said A-Yao is already tidying up for her nephew."
Under Ji Lin's gaze, Ji Chengnin's voice grew weaker and weaker until it was almost inaudible.
"This is outrageous!" Ji Lin said in an unfriendly tone. "You and Miss Cui are both young. Although you are cousins in name, you are not blood relatives. If word gets out, will you both lose your reputations?"
Ji Chengning touched his nose.
Such matters are usually handled by the wives and concubines.
“I wasn’t famous to begin with,” he muttered.
Ji Lin raised an eyebrow. "What about Cui Yao?"
Before Ji Chengnin could answer, Ji Lin seemed to suddenly realize something and asked bluntly, "You really like Miss Cui?"
Ji Chengnin said frankly, "Ayao and I are about the same age and have similar personalities. We get along better than most people." Suddenly, he sensed something unusual and asked with a grin, "Second Uncle, are you very reluctant for me to be close to Ayao?"
Ji Lin said calmly, "If it's just a normal visit, I'm glad you have another friend."
Whether Ji Chengnin was serious or his wicked nature prevailed again, he asked, "What if it's unusual?"
Ji Lin was silent for a few seconds. “Cui Yao’s close relatives are still alive, and he will be of marriageable age soon. He may get engaged or married soon. He will not stay in the Marquis’s mansion for long. I’m afraid that you will get too close to him. If he leaves in the future, you will only be saddened.”
Was it genuine, or just a lie to appease him?
Ji Chengning didn't have the ability to fathom his second uncle's thoughts.
If he couldn't guess, he wouldn't think about it anymore, so he smiled and said, "Second Uncle, you're thinking too much about me."
Ji Lin's response was to vigorously ruffle Ji Chengning's hair twice.
...
The next day.
It's windy in Luoyang.
The wind howled, the banner billowed in mid-air, the sky was high and the clouds were light, the sunlight was dazzling, and the dark flag looked like a torrent of iron.
The officials who came to see them off, along with Ji Chengnin and Zhou Yan, all stood on the city wall. As far as the eye could see, there were only orderly and imposing troops.
Perhaps the sunlight was too strong, as it seemed to coat Zhou Yu with a light golden edge, making his face appear less pale.
He proclaimed, "By order of His Majesty, I have come to give you all a send-off. Our army will surely advance with unstoppable momentum and return in triumph!"
Ji Chengnin and Zhou Yan were the first to kneel down, saying, "We will certainly not fail in our mission, may Your Majesty live ten thousand years!"
"May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!"
In an instant, shouts echoed across the countryside.
The sound of drums and gongs filled the air, and military music soared into the sky.
Zhou Yu bowed and helped Ji Chengning up with both hands.
This was the first time he had seen Ji Chengnin in military uniform.
The young marquis was full of vigor, and with his cold, gleaming black armor, he exuded an indescribable arrogance.
It was so beautiful that Zhou Yu almost felt a sense of unease.
In a daze, she couldn't help but grab Ji Chengnin's arm tightly.
Ji Chengnin was taken aback, and whispered, "Your Highness?"
Zhou Yu snapped out of his daze and laughed, "I was momentarily flustered; please forgive my rudeness."
None of the ministers present dared to laugh; they all said, "His Highness the Crown Prince's concern for state affairs is a great fortune for our dynasty."
Zhou Yan desperately resisted the urge to spit.
Zhou Yu smiled, turned around and got the wine.
The first cup is naturally offered to Heaven, Earth, and our ancestors.
The second cup was then naturally handed to Ji Chengnin.
Zhou Yan: "..."
Although the crown prince did nothing wrong, he still felt a sense of dissatisfaction at being ignored.
He glanced at Ji Chengnin's face out of the corner of his eye.
What a treacherous minister! He was full of malicious speculation, but little did he know how long the Crown Prince's sickly body could protect him.
The armor covered his tall body; it was extremely thick, yet it did not appear bulky, and its lines made him look even sharper and more attractive.
Zhou Yan's Adam's apple bobbed silently.
After the Crown Prince dies, Ji Chengning will inevitably turn against him. If it pleases him, Ji Chengning will reluctantly accept it.
“I respect Ji Chengning,” Zhou Yu said, a smile appearing on his pale face. “I wish you great success and that you will be invincible in every battle.”
Ji Chengnin took the wine cup with both hands, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Zhou Yu picked up the third cup of wine.
Zhou Yan quickly came to her senses.
"This is the third cup of wine, a toast to Prince Rui," Zhou Yu said, a smile still playing on his lips, but his eyes were weary. He spoke in a low voice, "Prince Rui is away, so I must give him a few words of advice. The countryside is not like the capital. You must not act on your own initiative or follow your whims."
The only thing that's written all over your face is that you need to behave yourself and not cause trouble for Ji Chengning.
Zhou Yan understood perfectly.
His fourth brother, the crown prince, may seem sickly and harmless, but he is actually the most ruthless. The fact that the second prince was stripped of his title and confined to his quarters might very well be his doing!
Zhou Yu lost his mother at a young age and had no powerful in-laws to protect him. His ability to secure the position of Crown Prince among a group of brothers who were eyeing him covetously was by no means due to good fortune.
This is a warning.
Zhou Yan gritted his teeth, then gave a cool smile, "Thank you for your instructions, Your Highness."
However, birth, aging, sickness, and death are beyond human control. He wanted to see how long this Crown Prince would live!
A strong wind blew, and Ji Chengnin knelt on one knee, looking up as he said, "Your Highness, I am leaving."
Zhou Yu felt a strange burning sensation under his ears.
Perhaps he was also moved by the atmosphere at the moment, his heart surging with emotion. "Take care," he said solemnly.
The crowd saw Ji Chengnin and Zhou Yan off downstairs.
The young general mounted his horse.
The bugle call rang out sharply.
The army set off, raising clouds of dust.
Zhou Yu stood there, staring intently at Ji Chengnin's retreating figure.
Xiao Ning...
Xiao Ning is all alone.
Over there, Zhou Yan got into the car, feeling utterly disgusted.
Both he and Ji Chengning had cars to facilitate handling urgent official business.
He lifted the carriage curtain and saw that the general's back was tall and slender, almost like a knife.
It stung his eyes.
He angrily slammed down the carriage curtain.
Ji Chengning then looked around at the armored soldiers.
Their armor was neat and their military appearance was fairly orderly, but their discipline was not yet apparent.
Although their steps weren't exactly synchronized, they weren't unsteady, clearly indicating that they practiced regularly.
Ruan Min met Ji Chengning from a distance, separated by a group of people.
He was a middle-aged man with a cold and unapproachable appearance. Although he looked young and handsome, his gray hair made him appear even more serious.
He nodded slightly to Ji Chengning and then rode away.
Ji Chengning didn't care at all. He circled around twice before returning to his car.
The carriage was extremely spacious, but the interior was not luxuriously decorated. There was only a pear wood table and a screen behind it, which seemed to be specially set up for him to rest. His writing implements, ink, paper and inkstone were all placed in boxes to prevent them from being scattered everywhere during the bumpy ride.
The military boots stomped on the ground, "thud."
Something seems off.
There's a figure behind the screen!
Ji Chengnin's expression suddenly turned cold. Although he was wearing armor, he moved almost silently.
He approached.
He drew his dagger with a backhand and stabbed it fiercely towards the figure.
"Sizzle—"
The razor-sharp blade instantly pierced the screen, splitting a pair of wild geese flying side by side into two pieces!
The hand covered in black iron pierced through the crack and yanked it violently to both sides.
A cold light flowed.
What he saw first was a face that was serene and beautiful, far surpassing the moonlight.
The owner of the face looked up at him.
Ji Chengnin abruptly stopped, exclaiming in disbelief, "Ah, Ayao?"
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