Chapter 140 Caught in a Dilemma He loves you, cherishes you...you,...
With the help of Nan Yin, the Xiutu people finally found a glimmer of hope in the northern frontier. Their counterattack in the middle lane was quite successful, turning the tide of the battle somewhat.
Since the outbreak of war in the northern frontier, the Beiya Army and the Xuan Ce Army have always been victorious and unstoppable.
In terms of military strength, the Xiutu people are not pushovers. Every warrior in their tribe is fierce and skilled in battle, and their combat power far surpasses that of other alien tribes. Moreover, they claim to have an army of 600,000, of which 200,000 are elite troops.
Such a terrifying military force could crush neighboring small countries as easily as crushing an ant.
However, when they encountered an opponent like Yan Yue, whose troop deployment and military tactics were masterful, the Xiutu people's bravery became useless, and they suffered repeated setbacks, appearing vulnerable.
With the support of Nan Yin, it's only natural that the Xiutu people were able to launch such a brilliant counterattack.
Although the inner courtyard of Hongzheng Hall is not as bloody and brutal as the northern frontier, it is still another battlefield without gunpowder smoke.
Amidst the soft crunching sounds of charcoal and saltpeter being stirred together, Yu Nie was preparing a new gunpowder formula, holding a stone mortar.
The notebook spread out on the table was covered with dense markings of various proportions; the used pages alone were as thick as a book.
After tireless work, her fingers were stained black with dark brown charcoal powder, and she no longer looked like a princess with grace and nobility, but rather like someone in the palace's alchemy room helping the alchemists with chores and tending the boilers.
She has barely slept in the past few days, and there are dark circles under her eyes.
Aunt Liu saw this and felt sorry for her. She tried to persuade her several times to take a break before continuing, but she shook her head and refused.
As for Cui Miaochang, since moving into Hongzheng Pavilion, she has basically been leaving early and returning late, sometimes not even appearing for a whole day.
Like Aunt Liu, she would always remind Yu Nie to take care of her health and not overwork herself whenever she saw her working so hard.
This time, Cui Miaochang did not try to stop Yu Nie from refining gunpowder.
Previously in Huaiyuan, Yu Nie had enthusiastically described the uses of gunpowder to them.
In their minds, this tiny powder could both open up mountains and build roads, and also intimidate powerful enemies on the battlefield.
At that time, Cui Miaochang felt that this thing was too dangerous, so she tried her best not to let her study it.
But after experiencing the riots in the three states and seeing the people displaced, she has now changed her mind.
In Cui Miaochang's view, there is now a great need to develop gunpowder.
As the old saying goes, "Stopping war is true martial prowess." Only a weapon of mass destruction like gunpowder can deter those who are eager to start wars and prevent the flames of conflict from spreading, thus restoring peace and tranquility to the people.
This is also why Yu Nie told her that he had to develop gunpowder.
At the same time, Yu Nie also secretly revealed the matter of the Southern Yin's Northern Expedition to her.
Upon learning that Beiye was about to face a dilemma of being attacked from both sides, Cui Miaochang became even more worried about the orphans and widows who were still taking refuge in Lingbao Temple.
Those people were all poor souls who had lost their homes due to the banditry in the three prefectures.
Cui Miaochang took them to Lingbao Temple for resettlement. If Ahui hadn't had an accident along the way, she would still be taking care of them at this time.
Although she asked Rong Dajia to send someone to take care of her before she left, Cui Miaochang didn't like owing favors, so she eventually had to go back.
But before she went back... she had something to do.
"Princess..." Just as Yu Nie was improving the gunpowder formula, Song Ai came in from outside the gate.
Yu Nie's attention was entirely focused on the book in his hands, and he didn't look up: "When?"
Song Ai curtsied as she approached her: "Your Highness, the people from the Imperial Clan Court will be here soon to make arrangements. Do you think we should put away these things in the courtyard?"
Perhaps to allow her to focus on her work, Zhao Yunfu has bestowed Hongzheng Pavilion upon her. Soon, it will be renamed Princess Shunhe's Residence.
Establishing a residence outside the palace was generally reserved for the eldest princess, or a princess whose maternal family held immense power and who was deeply favored by the emperor.
With her background and status, she was the first person in the founding of Beiye to own an independent mansion.
Seeing that the person in front of her did not speak, Song Ai tentatively called out again, "Princess?"
After writing the last formula, Yu Nie straightened up as if waking from a dream and looked at Song Ai: "What did Ju Ling just say?"
Helpless, Song Ai had no choice but to repeat what she had just said.
Upon hearing that people from the Imperial Clan Court were about to come to Hongzheng Hall to make arrangements, Yu Nie did not stop moving for a moment, and when he looked up, there was not a trace of panic in his eyes.
In five days, it will be her wedding day with Huan Xun. This inner courtyard is full of gunpowder research equipment and blueprints, and it should no longer be displayed here.
As for where to send these items, Yu Nie already had a plan in mind.
She and Huan Xun had already discussed it, and once she sent the message, he would have his attendant Lu send people to transport everything to the Jiheng Mansion.
The Jiheng Mansion is magnificent in scale. Huan Xun has specially set aside a secluded courtyard in the backyard. At that time, she will only say to the outside world that she has nothing to do after marriage and continues to refine pills under the guise of doing so. In reality, the courtyard will still be used for her to devote herself to the research and development of gunpowder.
While pondering, Yu Nie instructed the person in front of him: "Ju Ling, go and find Sui En. Tell him to quickly inform Lu Jinshi to bring people to the inner courtyard immediately and transport all the jars and pots here to the Jiheng Mansion."
"Yes, Your Highness." Having received the order, Song Ai turned and left.
People from the Imperial Clan Court are coming; her marriage to Huan Xun has reached a point where it can no longer be concealed.
She put down what she was holding and paced back and forth, pondering how to explain everything to Cui Miaochang so that she wouldn't worry about her.
After much deliberation, she still felt that the only thing that could put Cui Miaochang's mind at ease was that this marriage was based on mutual affection between them, and not on any other reason.
So focused on explaining things to Cui Miaochang, she didn't notice Aunt Liu approaching with a cup of tea.
She only snapped out of her daze when the other person called her name.
Aunt Liu handed her a warm cup of tea, saying, "You've been busy all morning, have some tea and take a break."
Yu Nie accepted the tea, thanked her, and then took a small sip. The tea was sweet and the temperature was just right.
It was inconvenient to talk while standing, so she led Aunt Liu to sit on a stool to the side.
Aunt Liu looked around: "Where's Cuiwei?"
"She went out to buy sulfur." She replied, "But we didn't have enough sulfur, so I had to make her go again."
The numerous experiments resulted in the consumption of a large amount of materials, but now she no longer has to worry about saltpeter.
With the downfall of the Li family and the suppression of banditry by the Imperial Horse Administration, the Longxi region has been taken over by the local prefectural and county garrison. If they wanted to obtain saltpeter, it would be a piece of cake.
Aunt Liu sighed, "Seeing how hard Qiqi works day and night, I don't know when it will end. You seemed so distracted just now, were you worried about the gunpowder again?"
Yu Nie shook his head.
She knew she had to talk about her relationship with Huan Xun eventually, and she thought it might be a good idea to ask Aunt Liu for her opinion.
"What happened?" Aunt Liu pressed.
“No, Aunt Liu.” She lowered her eyes, holding the teacup in her hand, carefully considering how to begin. “It’s… Huan Xun and I…”
"You and Huan Langjun?" Aunt Liu asked, puzzled. "What... happened between you two?"
Yu Nie met Aunt Liu's eager gaze: "He and I are getting married."
To Aunt Liu, what she said was beyond shocking.
Aunt Liu was stunned for a long time, then suddenly laughed as if she had realized something.
Yu Nie: "What are you laughing at, Auntie? Do you think I'm talking nonsense?"
Aunt Liu laughed so hard she almost fell over, then waved her hand and said, "I'm laughing because no wonder when Young Master Huan came the other day, he brought so many things. He sat alone with your uncle for a while, and after he left, your uncle asked me what I thought of him. Was he reliable? Could he shoulder the responsibility of supporting the family?"
"At the time, I was wondering why she suddenly asked this question. After hearing your words, I realized that it seems that young Master Huan is asking for my hand in marriage."
When she learned that Huan Xun had mentioned this matter to Cui Miaochang when he came the day before, she was extremely surprised and her mouth remained agape for a moment.
When he arrived, she happened to be in the palace. While Langxi was in the palace, she would be summoned there every few days by Zhao Yunfu to keep Langxi company.
Zhao Yunfu was naturally unaware of their true relationship; it was Langxi who told him that he and she hit it off immediately.
She didn't know anyone in the palace, so they were told to talk to her more. This made it much easier for them to exchange information.
Because they happened to be at different times, and Cui Miaochang hadn't asked her anything else these past two days, Yu Nie assumed he was just visiting her martial uncle for a simple visit, never expecting there to be such a thing.
Aunt Liu: "In my opinion as an old woman, you two are a perfect match. Back in Lingbao Temple, you two were always teasing each other, and I could tell that Huan Langjun definitely had feelings for you."
Yu Nie, whose heart had just been stirred by the words "marriage proposal," asked in confusion upon hearing this, "How do you know?" She felt that Huai Yuan treated everyone the same.
"Oh dear, silly girl..." Aunt Liu looked at him with disbelief: "How do you know? He only spoke a few words to Lang Xi, but he talks to you all the time and even saved roast chicken for you."
Mentioning roast chicken brings back memories, and recalling everything from that time brings back fond feelings.
If you think about it carefully, it was only a little over half a year ago, but now it feels like a lifetime ago.
"Don't worry, as long as he treats you well, loves you, and cherishes you, and you are also in love with him, your uncle will definitely agree to this marriage."
"I love her..." Aunt Liu's voice filled her ears, and she couldn't help but recall the unfinished kiss from a few days ago.
Is this love? She doesn't know...
If you count the time, it has been four days since he returned from Siyi Residence. Apart from the time he came to visit her in the middle of the journey, and then she was not there, the two of them had not seen each other for quite some time.
Since the war reports from the northern frontier were sent back, Huan Xun has spent most of his days in the palace, and sometimes he can't even go back to the Imperial Household Department at night, let alone visit her.
He wasn't the only one like this; those in the palace with him included important civil and military officials such as Gu Xiangzhi, Yang Du, and Wang Chang.
Emperor Zhao Yunfu rarely gathered these people together, and there was only one reason for that.
The decision was whether to strike first and start a war between the two countries, taking the initiative from Nan Yin.
After months of continuous fighting, the Beiya Army has expanded to nearly 400,000 men, while the Xuan Ce Army, under the leadership of Duan Tingxian, is rapidly expanding to 90,000.
Although the situation on the northern frontier is still relatively favorable, not a single soldier can be mobilized to reinforce the southern region. Reinforcements can only be sent after a major victory in the north.
The troops stationed in the south number only about 200,000. According to their spies, the Southern Yin has mobilized an army of 800,000, launching a full-scale northern expedition.
The pressure from the south is considerable.
A preemptive strike can seize the strategic initiative, disrupt the opponent's rhythm, and serve as a deterrent. However, the downside is that fighting on two fronts will put enormous pressure on the domestic situation. First and foremost, the supply of food and military pay must be addressed. If both fronts collapse simultaneously, Beiye will be in imminent danger.
Huan Xun and Gu Xiangzhi belonged to the pro-war faction, wanting to first launch a limited attack on Nan Yin, rather than advancing too far and prolonging the battle lines. Yang Du, as the Grand Secretary, was unable to make a decision, while Wang Chang and other ministers belonged to the conservative faction, preferring active defense rather than launching an attack.
Historically, very few nations have ever succeeded in fighting on two fronts. Zhao Yunfu, well-versed in history, certainly knew this.
Both sides had valid points, and Zhao Yunfu was at his wit's end.
If the Northern Frontier could achieve a swift victory, he would not hesitate to attack the Southern Yin first. However, the current battle report shows that the Xiutu people have shown signs of resurgence, which puts him in a dilemma.
Unaware of the outcome of the discussions in the palace, Yu Nie was halfway through her conversation with Aunt Liu.
Cuiwei rushed in, excitedly calling out, "Princess, Princess... Look who's here!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Nie stood up and looked towards the door. A tall and familiar figure in official robes came into her view.
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