Chapter 105: We await your early return from the expedition.
The army was to depart at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM).
The sky was still pitch black, but soldiers from all directions of the city had already gathered at the north gate of Xiajing. The one sitting high on his horse at the head of the group was none other than He Zhiju, the deputy general who was leading the expedition. His bright black eyes scanned the figures at the gate, like the leader of a wolf pack.
As time passed, more and more people gathered at the city gate, but no one dared to speak loudly. The only sound in the vast open space was the scraping of footsteps on the ground.
"Alright, it's really time to go."
A long, slender finger emerged from a carriage a hundred miles from the city gate. Jiang Chen glanced at Zhu Yu, who was gesturing to him from afar, sighed softly, patted the back of the person in his arms reassuringly, and murmured gently, "If we don't go now, it will be dawn."
Compared to the grand processions of the previous two princes' expeditions, this time the crown prince personally led the expedition and set off in the dark before dawn. There was no imperial bestowal of a sword, no officials seeing him off, and no eager farewell from the people of the city. Everything proceeded quietly.
Shen Yujiao secretly hid her tears inside Jiang Chen's armor, then looked up at Jiang Chen and forced a smile: "I'll see you off too." Although there was no grand send-off ceremony this time, the Crown Prince allowed the soldiers' families to come and see them off.
When Jiang Chen and Shen Yujiao rode side by side, the crowd at the city gate was no longer there. The soldiers had returned to their respective ranks, and the army formations were as neat as tofu blocks. Behind them were their families, who were sobbing quietly.
He Zhiju was not in the ranks. He surveyed the various formations and first spotted the two approaching side by side. He immediately shouted, "Rank and file! His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Crown Princess have arrived!"
"drink--"
Upon receiving the order, all the soldiers immediately stood at attention, their eyes all fixed on the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
Stared at by so many pairs of bright black eyes, Shen Yujiao unconsciously tightened her grip on the reins. Jiang Chen noticed her nervousness out of the corner of his eye, reached out and took the reins from her, leading her to the front of the crowd.
"Soldiers! We have gathered here today, and I believe you all know where our journey leads," Jiang Chen said calmly to tens of thousands of soldiers. "For many years, our Great Xia territory has been repeatedly attacked by the Northern Barbarians. Now, the iron cavalry of the Northern Barbarians has broken through our Great Xia defenses, and the people on the border are suffering unprecedented displacement. South of the northern border are the three prefectures of the Northern Frontier, and further south of the three prefectures is the capital region, and in the capital region is the royal capital. Whether we can defend this land under our feet today depends on you all."
"Chen, as the Crown Prince, you have been entrusted by the Emperor to lead this northern expedition. However, Chen's military experience is far inferior to that of the veteran generals of our Great Xia. Therefore, His Majesty has appointed General He Zhiju of the Cloud Cavalry as the Left General and General Jiang Zhigong of the Xuande Army as the Right General. In addition, the Ministry of Works had already re-forged a batch of weapons for the soldiers before the new year. I believe that with the assistance of two good generals, the availability of elite weapons, and the unwavering loyalty of all the soldiers, our army will surely be able to withstand the thousands of iron cavalry of the Northern Barbarians. I have this confidence. Do the soldiers have it too?"
Yes! Yes! Yes!
As soon as Jiang Chen finished speaking, the soldiers before him responded loudly. Looking at the Xia army with their high morale, Jiang Chen's Adam's apple bobbed: "During this campaign, before we set up camp at each location, the generals of each battalion must come to me here daily for a meeting. Furthermore... the entire musketeer cavalry battalion, listen to my command—"
The phalanx closest to Jiang Chen immediately stood at attention, awaiting the Crown Prince's order: "The entire musketeer cavalry battalion will be led by General He when outside. In case of emergencies, General He may represent me with full authority. Everyone must obey the command of the Cloud Cavalry General!"
"yes!"
The resounding, uniform voice of the musketeer cavalry made He Zhiju's heart tremble. He turned to look at the Crown Prince in astonishment. To say these words in front of tens of thousands of soldiers before the army's departure was tantamount to placing the musketeer cavalry under his complete command.
He Zhiju's heart was burning with excitement. The Crown Prince couldn't possibly be unaware that after returning to the Northern Frontier, he would not only have the authority to command the Northern Frontier Camp as the Left General, but he would also regain command of the Heavy Cavalry Battalion. And now, the Crown Prince had entrusted him with the Musketeer Cavalry Battalion...
If any general with ulterior motives held such military power, the Great Xia Dynasty would be overthrown if he harbored any rebellious thoughts. He Zhiju lowered his head slightly and concealed his eyes; this was something that could only be done with complete trust.
"...South of the northern frontier lies the entire Great Xia Dynasty. Behind us are countless people. Therefore, we have no other choice but to embark on this expedition. The Xia army will surely win if it marches north!"
By the time he realized what was happening, Jiang Chen's mobilization speech had already ended. The soldiers had been deeply moved by his words and were now filled with fervor, eager to reach the northern frontier and fight on the battlefield the next day. The entire army shouted in unison, "Victory! Victory! Victory!"
In such a situation, not only the soldiers in the ranks were excited, but also their relatives behind them. Going to the battlefield was originally a very worrying thing for them, but after listening to His Highness the Crown Prince's words, they were also inspired. Their children, husbands, and fathers were heroes who went to war for the country!
The eyes of countless soldiers, yearning for their return, were glistening with tears. Shen Yujiao looked at these families of soldiers, her gaze growing even more resolute. She rode forward, passing through the middle of the formation, and stood before the families of the soldiers, saying in a firm voice, "Everyone, you have all gathered here today to see off your soldiers. I am no exception."
"I know everyone is deeply worried about this expedition, but wars must be fought, and nations must be defended. Like everyone here, I am concerned for my husband and do not want him to be in danger. But like everyone else, I have come here. I believe it is because we share a common understanding: if our loved ones do not go to the battlefield today, our next generation will stand on the battlefield tomorrow. Only by resolving the crisis in the northern border as soon as possible can our children grow up without worry, and only then can Great Xia usher in a time of peace and prosperity!"
Shen Yujiao turned and pointed to the soldiers standing in neat rows, but her gaze met Jiang Chen's deep eyes: "They are heroes who went to war for the country, and you are the last line of defense to protect them. Today, I hereby swear that all the families of the soldiers who went to war can come to the Eastern Palace for help if they encounter any difficulties. The spirit of the Great Xia army will surely protect all the soldiers who are fighting abroad, and will also protect all the families who stay in the capital and wait for the heroes' triumphant return."
The civilians standing guard behind the soldiers were already in tears. Hearing the Crown Princess's words, their hearts were filled with even more emotion. Some couldn't help but weep aloud. An old man, pressing his chest, choked back tears, saying, "Kang'er, did you hear that? The Crown Princess said that with the Eastern Palace protecting us, you mustn't worry. Fight well, serve Great Xia, and come back soon..."
"Father! Ayou is waiting for Father to come home!"
"My lord...with Her Highness the Crown Princess here, don't worry about us. Please stay safe and sound!"
Cries and shouts rose and fell, and even suppressed sobs could be heard from within the ranks. Shen Yujiao rode forward to Jiang Chen's side. Their eyes met, both filled with clear understanding. The surrounding noise was deafening, but at this moment, no words were needed between them. The countless worries of the previous night and the reluctance of just now had transformed into unwavering support.
You protect the Great Xia, I guard the Eastern Palace, waiting for your return.
Everything in the capital is now in your hands; I will surely return in triumph.
In the darkness of night, amidst the dim light and shadows, the two stood between the departing families and soldiers, in a blind spot for everyone, gazing at each other for a long time.
But he was reluctant to leave, knowing that parting was inevitable. Estimating that it was about time, Jiang Chen nodded to Shen Yujiao, raised his hand to cover her face, and lovingly stroked it a few times before whispering, "I'm leaving."
"Um."
Shen Yujiao nodded slowly, watching as he turned his horse around again, his grip on the reins tightening. Finally, she couldn't resist and pulled him back just before Jiang Chen was about to return to the front of the column—
The warm kiss was slightly damp. Jiang Chen's eyes were covered by her soft little hand, and the sensation between their lips and teeth was gradually amplified. He felt her trembling, unease, and reluctance, and finally, he also moistened the palm in front of him with a layer of moisture.
Jiang Chen, I love you.
The obstruction in front of him suddenly disappeared, and the black horse beneath him was slapped. Before Jiang Chen could react, he was out of the shadows. Just as he was about to take another look at her, he heard a voice behind him, trembling with suppressed sobs: "Don't turn around!"
"Alright..." He gripped the reins tightly and squeezed the horse's flanks with his legs: "Let's go!"
At his command, tens of thousands of soldiers set off. Shen Yujiao stood behind all the soldiers, separating them from their families who came to see them off. Because she was standing there, no one stepped forward to pull them across the line. They simply supported each other and shouted words of encouragement for a safe return. It wasn't until the army had gone far away that the farewell party, led by the Crown Princess, finally saw the rising sun.
The army marched north, a route Jiang Chen was familiar with, having traveled it before when he went to the northern frontier to provide reinforcements. As for He Zhiju, he could reach the northern frontier military camp with his eyes closed. Therefore, apart from the scouts, Jiang Chen led the left and right generals at the very front.
Seeing this, General Jiang Zhigong couldn't help but speak up and advise, "Your Highness is a general on this northward journey, traveling at great speed. You don't need to ride like us. Why don't you return to your carriage first? This way you can conserve your energy."
“Uncle,” Jiang Chen smiled helplessly, “Now that we’ve set out on the expedition, I am a soldier. Since you and Ziwang can ride horses all the way, why can’t I?”
Unlike when King Huan was hampered by his left and right sides during his campaign, Jiang Chen's left and right generals on this northward journey were his brother-in-law He Zhiju and his maternal uncle Jiang Zhigong.
Jiang Zhigong was the Empress's younger brother and the only soldier in the Jiang family, a scholarly and powerful clan, who had served on the battlefield. He had served in the army for over a decade and had previously risen to the rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry. If it weren't for the fact that the Old Madam of the Jiang family missed and worried too much about her youngest son, Jiang Zhigong might have been able to stand shoulder to shoulder with his brothers in the court based on his military achievements. However, since retiring from the front lines three years ago, he had not held any military position. The fact that the court was able to reinstate him this time shows the Jiang family's determination to protect the Crown Prince.
Therefore, upon hearing Jiang Chen's reply, Jiang Zhigong hesitated, "Your Highness..."
Before his sister went to war, she repeatedly told him to protect her nephew and ensure his safety, even saying, "If Chen'er loses even a single hair, you better watch out, I'll skin you alive!"
His elder sister, who was the empress and held a high position, had never played or joked with him since she came of age. The fact that she could put aside her status and say such things now was only because she was too worried about the crown prince.
"Uncle, don't worry, I won't be stubborn. If I really can't take it, I'll go back to the carriage."
Jiang Zhigong turned his head and looked back at the road he had come from, shook his head and sighed. Oh well, we're already out of the capital anyway. What the Crown Prince said makes sense. The battlefield is far more dangerous than this. It's good to get some exercise on the way.
"Your Highness, please follow General He in front. I will go and inspect the rear."
"good."
Jiang Chen still had a smile on his face, and Jiang Zhigong couldn't do anything about it, so he turned his horse around and rode away.
No sooner had Jiang Zhigong left than Jiang Chen's smile vanished. He glanced at He Zhiju and asked coldly, "What's the deal with that kid Qi Zheng?"
Upon hearing this, He Zhiju's lips twitched slightly, and he turned around stiffly: "He...it was my fault for not keeping an eye on him..."
Jiang Chen's face showed a rare anger. He poked He Zhiju's side with the handle of his riding whip several times: "This child doesn't even need to go to the northern frontier. The army will be watched as soon as it reaches Anqing Prefecture. Once it reaches Beiding Prefecture, he will be a ticking time bomb. How can you feel at ease bringing him out here?"
The reason Shen Yujiao lingered in the carriage for so long before leaving wasn't entirely because she was reluctant to let him go.
Just as the two left the East Palace, Shen Yujiao was about to get into the sedan chair when Chu Rou, who had chased after her from inside the gate, grabbed her. Chu Rou told Shen Yujiao in a panic that Qi Zheng had gone to the North Gate with the army and begged her to plead with the Crown Prince not to blame Qi Zheng.
Although Shen Yujiao was surprised, she understood the child's thoughts. Every day that Qi Zheng could not see his father was torment. No one could empathize with the child, and no one could understand how much pain and suffering he was going through. Moreover, Chu Rou's request for her to plead with Jiang Chen instead of bringing Qi Zheng back seemed to represent Chu Rou's position, or rather, it was under He Zhiju's tacit approval.
The thought of this made Jiang Chen furious. If the expedition went smoothly and they could storm the Northern Di royal court and rescue General Qi, that would be fine. But if they couldn't rescue General Qi and lost his young son, he couldn't believe how he would explain it to the Qi family and the Northern Frontier camp after the battle.
Knowing he was in the wrong, He Zhiju gently advised, "Your Highness, please don't be angry. Since he has come along, I will definitely keep an eye on him and won't cause Your Highness any trouble."
His words suddenly reminded Jiang Chen of what Shen Yujiao had said to him in the carriage: "Don't be angry. You and your brother are here. He's just a little kid. He just misses his father. Why don't you take him with you, okay? Hmm?"
Jiang Chen's anger had already subsided considerably after Shen Yujiao said those words. Plus, how could he refuse when Shen Yujiao kissed him with every word she said?
What a clever escape, combined with inside and outside cooperation, and finally a honey trap! Jiang Chen said fiercely, "Since you're such a capable strategist, let's see how you perform after we get to the Northern Frontier. Even if you lose a battle, I won't let you off the hook!"
"yes!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
