The emperor had actually gone to the army, and Chu Jinyao, the Crown Princess, didn't even know about it. Chu Jinyao was shocked and frightened. If Qin Yi hadn't come tonight, Chu Jinyao would have thought that she had been deposed and was now imprisoned in Changhe Garden.

Qin Yi's expression was very pleasant, and it could be seen that he was really happy that he didn't have to attend the morning court. Qin Yi suddenly noticed that Chu Jinyao's eyes were not right, raised his eyebrows and asked: "What's wrong, what do you look like?"

Chu Jinyao felt mixed emotions, she shook her head and said: "Nothing, I'm just very surprised. I thought that for such a big thing as leading an expedition in person, there would at least be a departure ceremony, I didn't expect that I, the Crown Princess, would be like an outsider and know nothing."

"What outsider?" Qin Yi frowned and tapped Chu Jinyao's forehead lightly, "Another person is imagining things."

Pregnant women are sentimental and their moods change at any time. Chu Jinyao also knew that she was thinking too much, but she couldn't control it. Living alone in a place that was almost isolated from the world, and only seeing Qin Yi once every few days, Chu Jinyao instinctively felt uneasy and panic.

"Your Highness." Chu Jinyao said, "I want to go back to the palace."

Qin Yi's face slightly condensed: "Why do you suddenly want to come back? Is there someone here who makes you unhappy?"

"No." Chu Jinyao paused for a while, and then said very softly, "Everything here is good, but you are not here. I don't want to live here anymore."

Qin Yi was surprised, and his pupils shrank uncontrollably. He thought that these people outside disturbed Chu Jinyao's pregnancy. He really didn't expect that this was the reason.

If Qin Yi used to sneer at such words as "a perfect match", now he believed it. There really was someone in the world who seemed to be born to restrain him.

Three years ago, Qin Yi couldn't hold back Chu Jinyao's tears. He violated his own principles for the first time and told her to stop crying. Once he opened his mouth, he could never turn back. Now Qin Yi heard Chu Jinyao say softly, "Everything here is good, but you are not here." He appeared calm on the surface, but in his heart he had already retreated thousands of miles and was defeated.

"Okay." Qin Yi hugged Chu Jinyao and held her to his chest. That was the place closest to his heart, the safest, but also the most deadly. "If you want to come back, come back. I'll clean up the palace and pick you up soon."

Chu Jinyao knew that Qin Yi's "clean up" was not just about cleaning up the Ciqing Palace, but more about cleaning up those restless people in the palace.

The emperor had just left Beijing, and Qin Yi was left behind to supervise the country. Chu Jinyao didn't know if it was a good thing to start a war at this juncture, but Qin Yi said so, Chu Jinyao was relieved and waited for him wholeheartedly.

Maybe it was because of pregnancy, or maybe it was because she was getting more and more demanding in the past year of marriage. Chu Jinyao deeply felt that his brain was going to fail. Whenever she encountered a problem, Chu Jinyao's first reaction was to go find Qin Yi.

Since she and Qin Yi agreed to return to the palace, Chu Jinyao's mood suddenly improved. Not only did she smile more, but she could even eat half a bowl more every day.

Chu Jinxian was very surprised: "What's wrong with you? You suddenly became energetic."

"Nothing, I just feel that it's not good to be depressed all day like I did some time ago. I'm not alone now, I should be more cheerful."

Chu Jinxian thought about the changes outside during this period of time. She thought that the emperor had left Beijing, and the prince was legitimately in charge of the country. Chu Jinyao was happy for the prince, so she was in such a good mood. Chu Jinxian only touched upon the affairs of state. She just sighed casually, "The emperor left so quickly this time. I didn't even have time to react before he left with his men."

"That's right." Chu Jinyao also thought so. It must be a big deal for the emperor to go out. It didn't seem real to go out so quickly. However, there were many talented people among the entourage. These adults would not do anything stupid. Chu Jinyao thought for a moment and said, "Going out to war is different from offering sacrifices to the gods. The soldiers must move quickly. Perhaps this is a common practice in the military. Besides, there are many talented people among the entourage. The adults in the army know much more than us."

"That's right." Chu Jinxian nodded. "I heard that many princes, nobles and dukes will be accompanying the emperor. It's no wonder that everyone in the capital is vying to go. I'm afraid that after returning, new powerful people will rise again."

This is true. The emperor brought 300,000 elite troops. Anyone with a discerning eye can see that this is a battle of gold. Since ancient times, the battlefield has been a place to fight for merit and career. What's more, there is an emperor in the army this time. If you make military achievements and get the emperor's attention, this is a great opportunity to make a name for yourself. So when going to the expedition this time, many noble families in the capital desperately stuffed their own children into the team, reversing their previous attitude of shirking responsibility. This situation is not very favorable to the East Palace. In the already balanced chess game, there are several new rising stars promoted by the emperor. No matter from which angle, it is not a good thing for the prince's line.

Chu Jinyao saw it clearly, but avoided saying anything. Anyway, the Marquis of Changxing did not go with the army. Since it has nothing to do with her family, Chu Jinyao just watched the excitement.

It is shameful to say that Chu Jinyao is the daughter of a noble family. Her great-grandfather started his family with military merits, her father was also a consul in the military camp, and even her own life experience is inextricably linked to the war, but she still has a vague understanding of marching and fighting. Chu Jinyao's only understanding of the army is probably Qin Yi's military exploits of forcing the Tatars to retreat and turning defeat into victory two years ago. Chu Jinxian didn't care much about these things. The two talked about the brothers and husbands of the ladies in the capital who went to the battlefield, and talked about the dynamics of various families in the capital, and then they changed the subject.

Chu Jinyao's words that day can be said to have touched Qin Yi's heart, and it hit the softest spot. Chu Jinyao's words seemed to have turned on a switch, and Qin Yi suddenly couldn't help wanting to take Chu Jinyao back. If it weren't for this incident, Qin Yi wouldn't know that he had suppressed this idea for so long.

But Qin Yi is a rational and cautious person after all, who grew up with the most stringent education of the heir of the empire. Even if he thought about it in his heart, Qin Yi was not at ease to bring Chu Jinyao back before all the dangers were eliminated. Chu Jinyao was already fragile enough, and now she was carrying another more fragile little life in her belly. Qin Yi really didn't dare to take any risks. When

the emperor went to war, the crown prince was in charge of the country. This was the orthodoxy of ancient etiquette. Moreover, Qin Yi was old and had been in charge of government for many years. It was legitimate for him to take over the power of the government. However, being in charge of the country was really a thankless task. If he did a bad job, he would lose the support of the people, but if he did too well, it would be a troublesome thing when the emperor came back.

The things Qin Yi had to deal with increased several times at once, and the friction between him and the various forces in the court also increased sharply. Managing government affairs from the sidelines and supervising the country during wartime are two completely different things. Now that the emperor is gone, Qin Yi needs to make decisions on his behalf. The emperor of this dynasty has not been involved in government affairs for many years. It is conceivable that when it comes to the actual interests of various parties, Qin Yi will face great resistance.

The most virtuous princes in history are those who died before they ascended the throne. Because they did not issue any policies, they are the most perfect future kings. Once he really seizes power and touches or harms the interests of all parties, Qin Yi's good reputation in the court and the public will immediately disappear.

The situation in the court was complicated, Qin Yi was caught in the situation, and the forces around him became more and more complicated. Under such circumstances, how could Qin Yi dare to bring Chu Jinyao back. Qin Yi could arrange his own people in Changhe Garden, but he could not do so in the palace. In this way, Chu Jinyao would be safest if she stayed in Changhe Garden.

Although this was the truth, Qin Yi was still full of apologies to Chu Jinyao, as he had clearly promised her. On the contrary, Chu Jinyao was very considerate and comforted Qin Yi in return. Qin Yi was so busy now, Chu Jinyao only hated that she could not help, so how could she bear to urge him.

The weather is getting colder and colder, and the days are getting shorter. Today the weather is not very good, with dark clouds and cold winds. There are many plants in Changhe Garden. Although spring and summer are prosperous, they are not very pleasant in late autumn. The withered branches made a humming sound in the wind, and the silver charcoal in the house burned silently. Chu Jinyao sat on the bed of Luohan and coaxed Lu Ge'er softly: "Lu Ge'er, don't cry. Fifth Aunt will ask someone to bring you milk soup."

Lu Ge'er likes to eat this the most on weekdays. Chu Jinyao scooped a spoonful of milk soup and carefully handed it to Lu Ge'er's mouth, but Lu Ge'er still cried and cried until his face was red and he began to hiccup.

"What happened?" Chu Jinxian was also very anxious. She took Lu Ge'er from the wet nurse and walked around on the ground holding the child herself. Perhaps because he smelled a familiar smell, Lu Ge'er gradually stopped crying, but his neck was still twitching slightly, and his eyes were closed from crying.

At least the child stopped crying. Chu Jinyao was sweating while coaxing him. She handed the hot milk soup to the maid behind her and breathed a sigh of relief: "Raising a child is really tiring. What's wrong with Lu Ge'er? Why is he crying suddenly?"

The wet nurse who served Lu Ge'er was scared to death when she heard it. She hurriedly said: "Your Highness, I have done my best to take care of the young master and have never been lazy."

"I know, I'm not blaming you." Chu Jinyao was helpless. This wet nurse was hired by the Zhao family. She usually took care of the child cleanly and attentively. Chu Jinyao was just questioning, not doubting her. Chu Jinyao never thought that she could scare others so much with just one sentence. She considered herself a wise and reasonable person, and her tone of voice just now was very gentle.

Chu Jinxian came to the rescue and said, "Children are difficult to take care of. Maybe the bedding is uncomfortable and he didn't sleep well." Chu

Jinxian carried the child for several more laps. Lu Ge'er finally fell asleep, but he still held Chu Jinxian and refused to let go. Chu Jinyao has learned a lot of tips on taking care of children from Chu Jinxian these days, but after seeing this scene, she still feels that raising a child is not easy. She couldn't help but put her hands on her belly. Will this child torment her like this in the future? No matter how others coax him, it doesn't work. He will only be quiet when his mother holds him?

If this is really the case, what kind of expression will Qin Yi have when he sees this scene? Chu Jinyao smiled slightly when she thought of this scene. She stood up and walked to Chu Jinxian's side, looking at Lu Ge'er carefully: "You just like to trouble your mother."

Chu Jinxian smiled lightly at this, looking tired but relieved. Chu Jinyao looked at the child, and for some reason, she felt a little strange in her heart: "Lu Ge'er is not a troublesome person. He was fine before, why did he suddenly cry?"

The wet nurse was very superstitious. Hearing this, she lowered her voice and said in a mysterious way: "Crown Princess, I heard that children's third eye is not closed, so they are very psychic. Lu Ge'er suddenly burst into tears. Maybe he felt that something was wrong, so he wanted to find the eldest young lady."

Without waiting for the palace servants and eunuchs in the room to react, Chu Jinxian glared at the wet nurse: "What nonsense are you talking about? How dare you mention these mysterious things in front of the Crown Princess."

The wet nurse looked embarrassed and apologized with an apologetic smile. Chu Jinyao didn't believe in these things at first, but at this moment, she suddenly felt a palpitation.

Chu Jinyao's heartbeat was abnormally fast, and she covered her chest with her hands. Before she could figure out what was going on, she heard footsteps outside the house. Even though Changhe Garden was a detached palace, it was still the royal territory after all, and rushing was a taboo. Once such footsteps appeared, it often meant that what had happened was far beyond imagination, and the people below did not even care about etiquette and taboos.

"Crown Princess." The eunuch who delivered the message ran away in a dishevel, his face was extremely pale. "The frontline troops were defeated, and the emperor was captured in Xuanfu!"

Chu Jinyao seemed not to understand these few words. She paused for a long time, as if she had used up all her strength, and asked, "What did you say, the emperor was captured?"

The eunuch knelt on the ground, crying and shaking uncontrollably: "Reporting to the Crown Princess, I dare not lie, this is indeed the news sent back from the front line, and I guess the capital has also known it by now."

The sound of utensils falling to the ground suddenly rang in the rich and warm palace. The emperor is the sky of the entire dynasty. The emperor was deceived, and this was the sky of the entire empire falling.

Chu Jinyao's face turned pale, but he managed to keep himself together and asked quickly, "The emperor brought an army of 300,000, including elite soldiers from the Shenji Battalion and the Huoqi Battalion. What are they doing?"

How could an army of 300,000 allow its commander-in-chief and emperor to be captured by the enemy?

The young eunuch cried and said, "The 300,000 elite troops on the front line were completely wiped out. Half of them died in the battle, and the other half were either captured alive or escaped."

"What about the Duke of Ying, the Deputy Duke, the Governor-General, and the other lords who accompanied them?"

"Two dukes, General Chai, and the Minister of War died in the battle, and the rest of the lords are unknown whether they are alive or dead."

Chu Jinyao's eyes went dark, and she took two steps back. Linglong and the others, who were frightened out of their wits, hurriedly supported her: "Crown Princess..."

What do you mean by unknown life or death? In this situation, if the king is captured, these accompanying civil and military officials will have to die. Chu Jinyao took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down, but even so, she couldn't help but tremble slightly.

The front line was defeated, the emperor was captured, and the battlefield Xuanfu was only a day's journey away from the capital. If the troops were to march quickly, they would probably be at the gates of the city in the afternoon. And Changhe Garden was in the western suburbs, right on the route to the capital! As the crown princess, she was a woman, far away from the palace, and pregnant. What's more, the news that she was in the western suburbs was not a secret.

The author has something to say: Emperor: Let me show you what a qualified tyrant is. Thank you.