Before Yi Shangkun could finish speaking, Yi Shangjun hurriedly interrupted him, cutting off all the remaining words.
"Father should know that Jun'er is no longer the idle boy he once was."
Recalling all the experiences he had in the military over the years, he felt greatly encouraged and full of passion.
"Over the years, whether training in the army or fighting on the battlefield, His Highness the Prince of Qin has always demonstrated to all the men of Western Qin through his actions that a good man should have a broad mind, aspirations, and a sense of responsibility. He should be willing to risk his life to protect this beautiful land, and also to protect the people he wants to protect."
Upon hearing his words, Yi Shangkun suddenly felt a bad premonition and asked, "Jun'er, what do you want to do?"
Yi Shangjun said quietly, "Recently, there have been reports in the army that 200,000 troops from Dongning Kingdom will soon arrive at our border, intending to invade our Western Qin. However, the Emperor seems to be underestimating the enemy and has not yet ordered preparations for war. I wonder what the reason is?"
Upon hearing this, Yi Shangkun and Nian Shi looked at each other in surprise and exclaimed.
"What did you say?"
"Two hundred thousand troops?"
Yi Shangjun had been pondering this matter repeatedly: "Based on everything we've experienced in the palace these past few days, Jun'er is certain that the Emperor has already harbored ill intentions towards our royal army. Once this battle begins, it will certainly be detrimental to His Highness Prince Qin. But Jun'er really can't fathom what the Emperor's last trump card is, having laid such a tight net?"
The thought of being threatened by a petty person in the palace, despite being a general, seemed to leave Yi Shangjun with no other choice but to do so for the safety of his family.
What troubled Yi Shangkun was: "I really didn't expect that Jun'er would be so loyal to Prince Qin, Xuan Yuanhan! But as the saying goes, when the nest is overturned, can any eggs remain intact?"
At this point, he could no longer judge whether Yi Shangjun's decision was right or wrong.
Yi Shangjun exuded a spirited and indomitable aura.
"Right now, Your Highness is in dire need of manpower. Although I can no longer accompany you as a general and share your burden, I have decided to go back to the battlefield incognito. I will fight alongside the royal army against the enemy to the death, so that I will not be discovered!"
Faced with such a sudden and dangerous decision, Yi Shangkun dared not think about the consequences. As a father, he could only instinctively want to persuade him again: "Jun'er, shouldn't you think about it again..."
However, Yi Shangjun had already made up his mind and reached out to stop Yi Shangkun: "Father, there's no need to persuade me anymore. I have been thinking about this matter for a long time these past few days. Only in this way can Jun'er live up to His Highness's careful teachings and also live up to the expectations of the world!"
Yi Shangkun was heartbroken: "My son..."
Yi Shangjun instructed, "If His Highness the Prince of Qin sends someone to inquire about Father in the future, please tell Father that Jun'er has gone south and his whereabouts are still unknown. Remember, under no circumstances should you reveal that Jun'er is hiding his identity in the army."
Hearing this, Madam Nian could no longer contain herself and became anxious: "Jun'er, think it over! This is no ordinary matter. That's an army of 200,000. Swords and spears have no eyes on the battlefield. And you still want to hide your identity? If there really is someone... In short, this trip is too dangerous!"
Yi Shangkun nodded repeatedly, then tried asking again, "Jun'er, is there really no other way?"
Yi Shangjun shook his head: "These past few days, my father and I have been together. They wouldn't treat us like that without a reason. Although nothing has happened yet, it's better to be safe than sorry!"
Yi Shangkun thought about it carefully and could only encourage him in the end: "I know, my Jun'er has really grown up. I am proud of you!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Nian still couldn't understand, and questioned Yi Shangkun: "Master..."
Father and son looked at each other and gazed at each other silently for a while.
Finally, Yi Shangjun suddenly lifted the corner of his robe, knelt down with a thud, and apologized to Madam Nian: "Auntie, I'm sorry! I was ignorant before. My two children and I did so many things that hurt you and my elder sister. I sincerely apologize to you, Auntie!"
Then, caught off guard, he actually kowtowed.
Mrs. Nian quickly helped him up, and could only carefully instruct him, "Get up quickly, it's all over now! If your eldest sister knew from beyond the grave, she wouldn't blame you. But you, you must be extra careful in everything you do while traveling alone!"
Yi Shangjun nodded, and finally solemnly promised Yi Shangkun, "Father, I swear, I will definitely come back safely!"
With tears in his eyes, Yi Shangkun nodded vigorously and agreed: "Your father believes in you, we are all waiting for you."
Yi Shangjun looked slightly troubled and said, "I'm afraid my mother and Xue'er will worry if they find out, so I won't go to say goodbye!"
Yi Shangkun said, "Your father will speak to your mother on your behalf!"
Having explained everything, Yi Shangjun turned and left without looking back.
Yi Shangkun and Nian Shi chased after them together.
Snowflakes were falling heavily from the sky.
Standing at the door, Mr. and Mrs. Yi Shangkun, with tears in their eyes, reluctantly and silently bid farewell to their son.
Seeing the deep reluctance in his eyes, Ms. Nian reached out and tightly took his arm.
As Yi Shangkun watched Yi Shangjun walk away alone, his figure gradually disappearing, he slowly asked, "Tell me, did I do something wrong?"
Thinking that Yi Shangkun always adhered to the doctrine of the mean, while Yi Shangjun was true to his nature, Madam Nian replied, "I don't know if Master is wrong, but Jun'er is right. A good man should have a broad mind, aspirations, and a sense of responsibility. He should protect this beautiful land with his life, and also protect the people he wants to protect."
Although Xuanyuan Han failed to keep his promise to protect Yi Shangyun, seeing the changes in Yi Shangjun, Nian Shi had to admit in her heart that he was indeed a remarkable military talent.
Then he paused for a moment, and then said, "That's what a real man should be like!"
“Madam…” Looking at Madam Nian’s profile, Yi Shangkun had so much he wanted to say to her, but he couldn’t say a single word.
If Yi Shangyun is indeed the descendant of the legendary lost guardian, then the consequences are something he doesn't even dare to imagine.
The Prince of Qin's Mansion in the east of the city.
It's a rare day off, and I don't have to attend court.
After finishing his early morning practice, he had just come out of Lin Yuexuan and was on his way to Chenghua Palace with Cheng Liang.
A guard came to report: "Your Highness, Yi Shangkun and his son Yi Shangjun returned to the residence yesterday!"
Before Xuanyuan Han could speak, Cheng Liang, who was beside him, said happily, "They've already returned to the manor! It seems we were indeed overthinking things!"
However, Xuanyuan Han did not seem to think so, and his expression became even more somber as he continued to stride forward.
Seeing that his master had been cooped up in the manor for quite some time, Cheng Liang glanced at the sky and suggested, "The weather is nice today. Now that you've returned to the manor, General Yi must be at the military camp. How about I accompany Your Highness to the camp for a look? I never imagined that Yi Shangjun would be such a fierce general, now quite renowned on the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of the enemy!"
If he stayed idle at home, it would only make him miss Yi Shangyun more. So, taking advantage of Yi Shangjun's return, Cheng Liang suggested that Xuan Yuanhan go to the military camp to inspect and distract himself, which would be a good idea.
Unexpectedly, Xuanyuan Han actually did not refuse. Thinking that a great battle was imminent, he should also reorganize his troops.
So the two of them quickly rode their horses to the military camp, which was dozens of miles away from the suburbs.
Under the blue sky and white clouds, flags fluttered in a rather open area.
The soldiers are training hard outdoors, sweating profusely and making the most of every minute.
Upon seeing Xuan Yuanhan's arrival, at his command, they immediately lined up in neat rows, each one greatly encouraged and filled with enthusiasm, cheering in unison.
"Always be in combat readiness!"
May our army achieve a resounding victory and triumph!
May our land be free from the smoke of gunpowder and the chaos of war!
May the people of Western Qin live in peace and prosperity, and enjoy a peaceful world!
One sound after another,
Again and again,
Its sound was deafening and carried very far...
Seeing such an inspiring and magnificent team, Xuan Yuanhan felt extremely gratified.
"My lords and soldiers of Western Qin, I hereby swear: I will stand with you to the death, to protect this great land behind us, to protect our wives, children and elderly parents, and to secure for them a peaceful and tranquil place for all eternity!"
Upon hearing this, everyone responded in unison: "Long live His Highness the King of Qin! Long live His Highness! Long live His Highness!"
Back in the tent, Xuanyuan Han asked Cheng Liang, "Didn't you say that Yi Shangjun had already returned to the manor? Why didn't I see him in the ranks just now?"
Cheng Liang was also puzzled: "This..."
Just then, a guard in the tent paused for a moment, as if he had suddenly remembered something. He then took out an envelope and handed it to Xuan Yuanhan with both hands.
"Your Highness! This was delivered to the military camp just before Your Highness arrived."
Upon seeing the words "Resignation Letter" on the envelope, Xuan Yuanhan recognized the handwriting and immediately opened it. He exclaimed in surprise, "This resignation letter...it's him!"
So he hurriedly asked the guard, "Who delivered this letter?"
The guard said, "The man left the letter at the door and left. When I went down there, I only saw the letter and not the person who delivered it."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Liang was instantly stunned: "How could this be? What exactly happened?"
Xuanyuan Han immediately muttered to himself with absolute certainty, "Something must have happened. They must have done something in the palace."
With that, he hurriedly walked out of the tent.
At that moment, Cheng Liang hurriedly caught up and asked, "Where is Your Highness going?"
Seeing Xuan Yuanhan and Cheng Liang hurry out one after the other, a soldier suddenly appeared slowly from the corner.
Cheng Liang vaguely sensed a familiar aura, so he turned around to look, but the figure had already disappeared at some point.
He frowned, then turned back and quickly followed again: "Your Highness, wait for me..."
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