Chapter 160: My fiancée fears he might rebel.
The war in the northern frontier has been deadlocked since the Xiutu people launched their counterattack a month ago, but such a thing is not enough to shake the morale of a veteran general like Yan Yue.
He seized every opportunity on the battlefield, remained calm in the face of danger, and personally led his troops to meet the enemy. After several days of fighting, he not only stabilized the situation but also, through his ingenious strategy, forced the main force of the Xiutu into a desperate situation.
During Huan Xun's time in Jianghuai, Yan Yue had sent him several letters, all of which said that the Xiu Tu people were now at their last gasp and would not last more than two months.
Huan Xun understood that this turmoil in the northern frontier would soon be completely ended by Yan Yue.
But less than five days had passed since the last communication, and the situation in the northern frontier had become clear. Why would his adoptive father send someone again in such a short time?
He wondered to himself, could the situation have changed?
Although he had doubts, he did not show them and said to Xie Cheng, "Let him in."
A moment later, the beaded curtain was lifted again, and a tall, weathered general entered, his face etched with the marks of time, but his eyes still shone brightly.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Huan Xun looked surprised and immediately stood up to greet him: "So it's Uncle Guan."
But seeing that the man he called uncle was still in armor, he knelt down to pay his respects: "This humble general greets the young general."
Seeing this, Huan Xun stepped forward and caught Guan Zheng's arms just before his knees touched the ground.
"Uncle Guan, there's no need for such formalities. You don't need these empty gestures with me."
Guan Zheng's resolute lips softened, his face remained solemn, and his clasped-fist salute was forceful and powerful.
"Your courtesy cannot be disregarded, Young General. You are now the General who leads the Southern Expedition, how can I not show you the proper respect?"
"Before you, there is no General Who Conquers the South, only Huan Zijing, whom you personally taught to draw a bow and shoot an arrow." The young man was resolute, helping the other to stand up straight: "From now on, let's skip these formalities between us, and not dwell on this."
Guan Zheng looked at the young man he had taught, and a rare look of elder's gentleness appeared on his weathered face.
But his duty as a soldier still compelled him to insist: "The rules of etiquette are of utmost importance. The young general is now renowned throughout the land, and I dare not presume to do so."
"Uncle Guan doesn't need to care about etiquette. Here, I'm in charge."
Seeing how familiar the two were, Yu Nie looked at him, whose face was filled with undisguised joy, and wondered who the other person was to him.
A moment later, Huan Xun turned around, walked a few steps to her side, and introduced her: "Qiqi, this is Guan Zheng, the military supervisor. He is an old general under my adoptive father and serves as the military supervisor in the Beiya Army. He is a very important right-hand man to my adoptive father and has been fighting alongside him for a long time, with many meritorious achievements."
"My archery skills were also taught to me personally by Uncle Guan."
After hearing his words, Yu Nie immediately understood that there was a teacher-student relationship between the two of them.
Then, Huan Xun introduced Guan Zheng: "Uncle Guan, this is Princess Shunhe, the very person I mentioned in my letter who worked tirelessly to develop gunpowder, which will help our army turn the tide of the war..."
"...My fiancée's room."
This was the first time Yu Nie had heard him introduce himself in front of outsiders like this, and she couldn't help but blush and glance at him.
The boy's expression was flamboyant, as if he wanted everyone to know about their relationship.
Gu Xiangzhi, who also heard this, looked rather displeased.
Upon learning that the person who invented gunpowder was the same person who was engaged to his "apprentice," Guan Zheng's face showed astonishment.
He stood in solemn respect, looked away, and respectfully clasped his hands in a fist salute to Yu Nie: "With such a pearl before me, I have failed to recognize it; I am truly guilty."
"I never imagined that the gunpowder would be created by a woman as noble and precious as Your Highness. Such talent and achievement are enough to put all the men in the world to shame. You are truly admirable."
"It is truly a blessing for my young general to have such a wonderful partner as you."
Huan Xun's voice was filled with undisguised praise as he continued Guan Zheng's words: "Who told me to be such a blessed person? Besides, Your Highness's abilities go far beyond this."
After he finished speaking, Guan Zheng seemed to remember something and hurriedly tried to perform the military salute to Yu Nie.
Yu Nie quickly raised his hand to stop him: "The military supervisor must not do this."
"Guan Jianjun is a pillar of the nation, who has fought bravely to defend the border and made great contributions. How could I dare to accept such a great honor in front of you?"
"Your Highness's words are too kind to this humble general. Defending the territory is a soldier's duty, how dare I claim credit? Your Highness is of noble birth and cares deeply for the country. You have created such a divine object that can save the army from danger. Your merit will last for generations. You deserve my respect."
Out of courtesy to his subject, Guan Zheng still wanted to perform the ceremony.
“General Guan, you mustn’t do this!” Yu Nie raised his voice slightly and stepped forward to stop him, his words sincere: “You and your soldiers fought bloody battles in the northern frontier, risking your lives, so that we could have peace in our rear.”
“I have only done my best and done some trivial things. How can they be compared with the bloodshed and sacrifice of the soldiers? If we are to talk about merit, it should be me who pays tribute to you and to every soldier on the border. I, Shunhe, am not worthy of this courtesy. Please rise, General.”
Seeing her resolute attitude and sincere words, without the slightest hint of arrogance befitting royalty, he was struck by her demeanor.
Guan Zheng pondered for a moment, then stopped insisting, straightened up, and lowered his clasped hands.
His eyes were filled with admiration and emotion as he sighed, "Princess Shunhe is kind and wise, and considerate of her soldiers. She is truly a blessing to the nation. This humble general obeys."
Huan Xun smiled as he looked at them. After they finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Gu Xiangzhi, and then back to Guan Zheng: "Uncle Guan, this is the famous Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Horse Administration, Gu Xiangzhi, a close minister of the Emperor."
Upon hearing his self-introduction, Gu Xiangzhi glanced over and then cupped his hands in greeting.
His stern face was expressionless, but when he clasped his hands in a salute to Guan Zheng, his movements were meticulous, showing his respect for this veteran border guard.
"I am Gu Xiangzhi. I have met with the military supervisor Guan. The military supervisor has worked hard guarding the northern frontier."
Guan Zheng returned the courtesy: "You're too kind, Junior Supervisor. This is simply our duty."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Huan Xun said to Guan Zheng, "Uncle Guan, it's best to state Her Highness's achievement in developing gunpowder here. Once you leave this place, please keep quiet and do not mention it to anyone else."
He explained, “This matter is of utmost importance, and His Highness’s safety is of paramount importance. I do not want any risk to befall His Highness, or for those who are secretly watching to harbor any improper thoughts.”
After Guan Zheng expressed his understanding and agreement, he smiled and raised his hand to indicate, "In that case, everyone, please don't stand there, please take your seats."
Everyone sat down around the round table as instructed.
The cups and plates on the table had not yet been cleared away. Huan Xun turned to Xie Cheng, who was standing to the side, and instructed him to remove them and set up a new set of food and wine.
Guan Zheng stopped him, saying, "Young General, there's no need for such arrangements. I've already eaten on the way here and am quite full. There's no need for further trouble."
His attitude was firm, so Huan Xun had no choice but to comply, only asking Xie Cheng to remove the food and replace it with some tea.
Xie Cheng responded and directed the two maids and servants to quickly tidy up.
In just a few moments, the desktop was spotless.
Another maid brought a pot of boiling water, set out the tea set, and smoothly filled the teacups in front of them one by one by scalding the cups and placing the tea.
Once the tea ball is heated by hot water, a mellow tea aroma immediately fills the air, refreshing and delightful.
Huan Xun's gaze fell on Guan Zheng's face, and he asked, "I only recently contacted my godfather, and now he has sent Uncle Guan here. What is the purpose of this?"
Upon hearing this, Guan Zheng put down his teacup, took out a letter from his pocket, and handed it to him: "This is a letter from Governor Yan in his own handwriting. He will personally deliver it to you before he dies."
Upon receiving the letter, Huan Xun, filled with questions, opened and read it.
The letter began with concern for his heavy military duties in the Jianghuai region, urging him to take care of his health, and then inquired in detail about whether the food and supplies were sufficient.
As he looked down, the look in Huan Xun's eyes gradually became serious.
Guan Zheng spoke up at the opportune moment: "The Commander-in-Chief knows that the young general is in dire need of manpower, and has specially ordered me to come and assist him. Before I left, the Commander-in-Chief specifically instructed me that the young general is young and has taken on such an important task. If he does not have capable veteran generals by his side to help him, he may be in trouble and have no one available at the moment."
As Guan Zheng spoke, Huan Xun's gaze fell on the last line.
The ink at the end of the letter was particularly deep, reading: "My godfather will personally come to Jianghuai next month to help my son complete his great southern expedition."
For some reason, looking at the profile of the person next to her, Yu Nie could sense the change in his emotions even though she couldn't see his eyes.
In a way, Yan Yue's arrival is a good thing.
Yan Yue, known as the God of War, is a master strategist. With him in charge, the chances of victory in the southern campaign will be much greater. The situation will not be suppressed by Nan Yin, and they will not have to worry that Xiao Daozun will know the truth.
But Huan Xun understood that his adoptive father was not only genuinely worried about the war situation in Nan Yin, but also about something else.
Yan Yue was afraid that his adopted son might amass power and even... turn against him.
His coming here to lend a hand was genuine, and looking at him and gripping the rope around his neck was even more so.
The aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the shadows of a few slender bamboo stalks outside cast obliquely on the threshold; the room was completely silent.
Huan Xun held the letter in his hand, and after a short silence, the corner of his mouth curled up very slightly.
Seeing this smile, Yu Nie couldn't help but feel worried, thinking that he didn't seem to be really smiling.
"My godfather is coming to Jianghuai in person." He said, raising his eyes and his smile deepening. "This is a good thing."
He folded the letter and handed it to Xie Cheng.
"My godfather's arrangement shows his consideration for my hard work in single-handedly supporting the war effort. As his adopted son, I am naturally grateful and will certainly comply." His tone was gentle, without a trace of abnormality, as if Yan Yue's arrival was a timely rain that he had been longing for.
Knowing all of Yan Yue's intentions, Guan Zheng didn't want Huan Xun to realize anything, nor did he want their father-son relationship to become estranged.
So he said, "What the young general says is absolutely right. The commander's actions are precisely because he values you. You don't know, the commander often praises you in front of all the generals for your steady military tactics and your grasp of the overall situation, saying that he is very satisfied with you."
"Furthermore, you specially sent someone to deliver those Jianghuai specialty medicinal herbs that are beneficial for chronic cough. After taking them, the governor said that they were very effective and repeatedly praised your filial piety and sincere intentions. The governor's desire to come and help you in person shows how much he cares about you."
Guan Zheng's words were perfectly watertight.
Huan Xun understood his intention; his master simply wanted to reassure him and tell him not to overthink things.
This wasn't the first time the other party had done this. Back then, when Yan Yue wanted to transfer away a portion of the Xuan Ce Army, which he had painstakingly built up, and give him back a group of new recruits, Guan Zheng had said something similar.
After listening quietly to Guan Zheng finish speaking, he replied with a rather cynical attitude, "As long as my godfather is satisfied with me, I'll be at ease." His words revealed no emotion, nor did his face.
Seeing that he had no unusual reaction, Guan Zheng felt relieved, and the sweat on his forehead finally lessened.
The group chatted for a while longer until it was getting late, at which point they all went back to their rooms to rest.
Yu Nie, who had entered Shuyu Ci, sat and waited to wash up again.
But remembering Huan Xun's reaction when he read the letter, she couldn't sit still any longer. Ignoring Cuiwei's calls, she put on her outer robe and went to the courtyard next to hers.
She rushed to the courtyard and saw the boy, who had changed into casual clothes, standing with his hands behind his back, looking up at the phoenix tree in the courtyard whose flowers had not yet completely withered.
Hearing footsteps, he turned his head, a look of surprise flashing across his face.
Then he held out his hand to her: "Come here."
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