Li Qiji was unaware that the Japanese Emperor had already joined forces with the Shogunate army to launch an attack on them.
They were already turning their boat around and heading towards Guantao County.
****
Ningjian Kingdom.
"Your Highness, I have learned that the Southern Kingdom possesses some divine weapons and has already set sail to attack the Japanese. They have been at sea for about twenty days," Su Ming reported.
Yuan Ningsu sat up from the reclining concubine, looking incredulous, and said, "You're saying that the Southern Ding Kingdom already has divine weapons? Is that reliable?"
“This is quite reliable; it’s a message from General Chen Qing.”
"So that's what Li Qiji got by kneeling and begging at the temple?" Yuan Ningsu suddenly remembered the news he had heard a few days ago and couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, that's what people in the martial arts world say." Su Xuan nodded in agreement.
Yuan Ningsu was a man who didn't care about gods or ghosts, so how could he believe such rumors? He was becoming more and more interested in the Empress. What kind of opportunity did Xiao Yue'er obtain back then?
"It seems necessary to go and meet my childhood sweetheart."
Su Xuan and Su Ming were puzzled. Where did their crown prince get some childhood sweetheart? It was a bit unbelievable and they didn't understand.
Yuan Ningsu stood up from the bed, stretched her neck, and twisted her waist. Her long hair flowed freely, making her look like a fairy descended from heaven.
"You two go and prepare. I'll go tell my father that I want to go and see what those so-called divine weapons are."
Su Xuan and Su Ming were speechless, utterly speechless. Was their crown prince out of his mind?
However, he still dared not say anything, after all, that was the Crown Prince, his master, so he could only bow his head and clasp his hands in response.
——
The Imperial Palace.
"Oh, Ning Su, it's rare for you to come see Father Emperor. What brings you here today?"
The current emperor of Ningjian Kingdom is very fond of his child. After all, the child is intelligent and brave, and his reputation in the martial arts world is quite renowned. Naturally, he loves him very much.
So he designated him as the crown prince early on, the successor to his throne. However, it was a pity that his son did not marry the crown princess, which prevented him from becoming a grandfather, causing him great distress.
Although he had children with other princes, he still wanted to see the child of the one he loved most.
"Father, are you not busy today?"
The emperor said, "What ruler of a country isn't busy? I told you to pick up the government affairs quickly, but you insist on making me do it."
Yuan Ningsu smiled and said, "Father is in his prime now, the perfect time to take charge of the government. I am too young to take the position. I should hone my skills for a few more years before I can come and share the burden for Father."
The emperor was speechless; he felt like vomiting blood.
What brings you here?
Yuan Ningsu said, "I have come today to request an imperial decree from my father."
"Oh, what are you up to now?"
"Hehe, no one understands me better than Father. I've heard that the Southern Kingdom has acquired some kind of divine weapon. I'm curious and want to see what it is!"
When the emperor mentioned this, his brows furrowed. "I have also heard about this matter. It would be good for my son to go and see for himself. Nan Ding has certainly made quite a splash these past few years!"
"From the high-yield grains of earlier years, to glass, to asphalt roads, and grain tools, it's all dazzling."
"That Empress is quite talented, but I wonder if my son knows that woman?"
Yuan Ningsu smiled and said calmly, "We had some interaction when we were young, but we haven't had any contact since leaving Guiling Valley."
"Could it be that you've encountered some kind of fortuitous opportunity?" the emperor asked.
Yuan Ningsu shook his head, indicating that he didn't know, or perhaps.
"It seems this matter needs further consideration."
"Alright, go ahead! Be careful!"
After getting what he wanted, Yuan Ningsu quickly clasped his hands in a respectful bow and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to your expectations and see for myself."
The emperor waved his hand, "You, you, go, go!"
As Yuan Ningsu emerged from the palace, he looked up at the darkening sky and a faint smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.
"Little Yue'er, I'm here!"
*****
Ten days later.
Guan Zhiyue and her group finally returned to the shore of Guantao County today. The boat was already emitting a stench of decay, and they needed to find a place to bury it as soon as possible.
"General Chen, quickly order the soldiers to bury all the dead soldiers on the spot. If we delay any longer, disease will spread."
"As required by the military doctors, the soldiers who carry the bodies must cover their mouths and noses. Also, wash the entire warship with wood ash water. And this is disinfectant developed by the Imperial Medical Academy. Take it down and spray some after you finish cleaning."
Li Qiji gave instructions one by one, and then quickly disembarked. A month had passed between the two trips, and he felt light as a feather when he walked on the ground.
"Yue'er, are you getting used to it?"
Guan Zhiyue laughed and said, "There's nothing to be unaccustomed to. I just feel a little uneasy. After drifting at sea for a month, I feel like I'm floating when I walk on land."
Upon hearing Guan Zhiyue's words, Li Qiji immediately smiled and said, "I thought I was the only one who reacted this way. It turns out that Yue'er and I are the same."
"Um!"
After returning to their tent, the two quickly went to wash up, washing away all their fatigue. They felt so comfortable.
At night.
A bonfire party was held in the military camp, and everyone gathered together. There were performances by the soldiers, as well as performances by courtesans hired from outside, to entertain everyone, after all, everyone had worked hard for a month.
The month we spent adrift at sea was incredibly tough. We ate dry rations every day because we left in a hurry and only brought dry food with us, without preparing any fresh vegetables or anything like that.
Looking at the pots and pans, I realized I couldn't cook anything, and I hadn't showered for a month, so I smelled terrible.
"My stomach isn't feeling well, I need to go to the restroom first," Guan Zhiyue whispered in Li Qiji's ear, clutching her stomach.
Li Qiji nodded. "Do you want me to go with you?"
"No need, it will be quick. They'll talk about it if you leave, and that would be so awkward."
"Okay, then hurry back. I'll have Jiwu go with you."
Guan Zhiyue stopped refusing because her stomach was hurting too much. She quickly left the banquet with one hand covering her stomach and ran towards the outhouse not far from the camp.
Ji Wu followed not far away. After watching Guan Zhiyue go in, he found a spot and started pacing back and forth with his sword in his arms.
Unexpectedly, Guan Zhiyue had just entered and hadn't even had time to loosen her belt when she was knocked unconscious and carried away. Meanwhile, Ji Wu outside was pacing back and forth with his head down, completely unaware of the unusual situation.
——
A secluded courtyard.
"Wake him up!"
The man in black placed something under Guan Zhiyue's nose, and Guan Zhiyue slowly woke up.
Hello, Xiaoyue'er~~~
Guan Zhiyue looked at the person in front of her, and before she could say anything, she clutched her stomach and cried out, "I need to use the restroom! Hurry, my stomach hurts so much!"
Yuan Ningsu: .....
He then had someone take Guan Zhiyue to the outhouse to take care of his important life event.
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