Chapter 211 Returning to Danzhou
In short, Jiang Yutang felt as if her heart had fallen into an ice cave.
She suppressed the bitterness in her heart, forced a smile, and nodded gently: "I understand... I will support you no matter what you do."
Seeing her feigned strength, Cheng Lanzhou couldn't help but laugh out loud and stepped forward to hug her tightly.
"Silly girl, what are you thinking about?"
Cheng Lanzhou whispered in her ear, "I never wanted to be an emperor. I participated in this conflict only so that the people could live a peaceful life and so that this chaotic world could end as soon as possible."
He gently patted her back and continued to comfort her, "Once this is over and the world is at peace, I will come back immediately. I will return to Danzhou, back to your side, and live a peaceful life."
Jiang Yutang nestled in his arms, listening to his firm yet gentle words, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at him.
Are you telling the truth?
"certainly."
Cheng Lanzhou gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, her own eyes filled with longing.
"I promise you, no matter how dangerous the road ahead, I will come back safely. For you, for our home."
The matter was eventually told to Cheng Daier and Jiang Huaiyu.
The four sat facing each other, and the atmosphere became somewhat heavy for a moment.
Each person wore a complex expression. Perhaps they had reached an age where they could understand the hardships of life. They did not immediately object, but the unease in their eyes was undeniable.
After a long pause, Cheng Dai'er spoke first: "You mean you're not coming back to Danzhou with us, and you're going straight to the capital?"
Seeing Cheng Lanzhou remain silent, he felt nothing but helplessness.
The responsibility for war cannot be escaped.
Cheng Lanzhou said apologetically, "The situation in the capital is urgent, and I can't delay. You should go back to Danzhou first and take care of your families. I'll go back as soon as I've dealt with things there."
Cheng Daier sighed heavily, rubbing her head in exasperation: "Why do we always have to deal with such troublesome problems?"
From the moment he was demoted to Danzhou, it seemed he never had a peaceful day.
Jiang Huaiyu suddenly looked at Cheng Lanzhou and asked with a firm gaze, "Do you need me to go to the capital with you?"
"What did you say!" Jiang Yutang and Cheng Daier were both stunned, then shouted in unison, "Why are you getting involved!"
Jiang Yutang frowned: "Third Brother, you should no longer get involved in matters in the capital."
Cheng Dai'er chimed in, "You're coming back to Danzhou with us; your family still needs someone to look after them."
Jiang Huaiyu pouted slightly, feeling a little aggrieved, and argued, "I'm going to help. There will definitely be many different factions in the capital, a real mixed bag. He'll need someone he can trust to help him. If I go with him, at least I can keep an eye on things and provide extra protection."
What he said was actually correct; in chaotic times, the importance of trusted confidants is self-evident.
Before the two could persuade her further, Cheng Lanzhou shook her head and resolutely refused.
"No need. There are already plenty of my old subordinates and confidants waiting for me in the capital, enough to handle the situation. Your greatest help is to go back to Danzhou with Yutang and your elder sister and guard the rear."
Seeing his unwavering stance, Jiang Huaiyu stopped insisting: "Alright, I understand. With me here in Danzhou, there won't be any problems."
The next morning, the camp was filled with the sounds of packing up, and the troops were divided into three groups.
A group led by Jiang Huaiyu, including Jiang Yutang, Cheng Daier, and the rest of the soldiers from Danzhou, returned to Danzhou.
The second wave, led by Cheng Lanzhou, took a short rest before heading to the capital.
The remaining third wave will continue to be stationed in northern Xinjiang.
As departure approached, Cheng Lanzhou stood at the gate of the military camp, calmly watching the departing troops.
Jiang Yutang walked at the end of the group and couldn't help but turn around to look at him.
The two gazed at each other from afar, needing no words; a thousand words were conveyed in their silent stare.
In the midst of this silent and affectionate gaze, Jiang Huaiyu suddenly shouted from behind.
"Lanzhou! You need to finish dealing with things in the capital as soon as possible and return to Danzhou! Your elder sister's wedding will be arranged when you come back!"
These words broke the solemn atmosphere, and a few low laughs rang out at the entrance of the military camp.
Cheng Lanzhou couldn't help but smile and wave in their direction.
With a command given, the troops set off, kicking up clouds of dust.
Jiang Yutang turned around again, only to see Cheng Lanzhou's figure getting smaller and smaller until it disappeared from sight.
On their return to Danzhou, they were escorted by the army the whole way. Along the way, they didn't see any bandits entrenched in the mountains or even a trace of wild animals.
Compared to the miserable and perilous journey during last year's exile, this return trip was much easier.
Several large pots were specially loaded onto the wagon. Whenever they set up camp to rest, the soldiers would split up. Some would go to dig up some wild vegetables nearby, while others would go to the mountains and forests to hunt. They would always bring back a few plump wild rabbits.
Jiang Yutang brought sauces from the modern world, and every now and then they would have a big hot pot meal. What was originally a boring journey was transformed into a pleasant outing for them.
After dinner, Jiang Yutang sat on a rock, looked at Jiang Huaiyu who was wiping his weapons, and asked, "Third Brother, how far is the Northern Frontier from the capital?"
Jiang Huaiyu stopped what she was doing and looked up at the dark night sky.
"Our team has been on the move for a week. At the speed of the Lanzhou army, they should have arrived in the capital by now, barring any unforeseen circumstances."
"oh......"
Jiang Yutang responded softly, silently calculating the distance in her mind, and slowly spoke with a hint of understanding in her tone.
"So it's so close to the capital. No wonder the court risked everything to transfer Lanzhou back to the northern frontier to fight the war. They were worried that if the city fell, they wouldn't even have time to escape."
Jiang Huaiyu clicked his tongue and patted her head: "Don't let your guard down yet. The situation is unclear. If the court realizes that Cheng Lanzhou intends to raise an army, they will definitely use his family in Danzhou to restrain him. We still need to speed up our journey and get back to Danzhou as soon as possible to stabilize the situation."
Jiang Yutang nodded, her expression also becoming serious: "You're right, we need to speed things up."
The team quickened its pace, traveling non-stop, and arrived safely in Danzhou in less than twenty days.
When I left, it was June, a time of lush vegetation; now, upon my return, it is almost September.
Sitting in the carriage, Jiang Yutang looked at the familiar scenery outside the window and couldn't help but feel emotional.
Ancient means of transportation were so primitive that even the speed of sending letters had to be measured in "months".
A person's life is both slow and short.
As soon as the returning procession reached the gates of Danzhou, a deafening cheer erupted. The people crowded around, their faces filled with joy and concern.
Seeing this, Jiang Huaiyu turned to Jiang Yutang and Cheng Daier and said, "You two go home first to let them know you're safe. I'll take the soldiers back to the barracks to report for duty and come back immediately after I've finished the handover."
"Okay, go ahead."
Jiang Yutang suppressed his excitement, then grabbed Cheng Daier's hand and ran quickly toward the mansion.
The two ran quickly to their family's small shop and saw Yun wearing reading glasses, holding a magazine, gently patting Jiang Sheng'an's back while muttering something. Their appearance was intimate and warm.
"Father! Mother!" Jiang Yutang couldn't help but shout.
The two people who were chatting heard a familiar voice and turned around abruptly. They saw Jiang Yutang and his companion rushing towards them. Their smiles froze instantly, followed by a surge of surprise and excitement.
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