Chapter 80 Parting Gift: May Your Highness be safe and sound
Neither country recognized the other's legitimacy, calling the other's emperor a false emperor, and both were eager to reclaim their territories and would attack the other whenever they had the chance.
For many years, the Phoenix Kingdom and the Wu Kingdom have fought numerous wars over this issue. Hatred upon hatred has compounded, and the conflict has long since become irreconcilable.
At this moment, old and new grudges piled up, and Yuan Hao's heart was filled with deep anger, his eyes gleaming like knives.
"The Wu Kingdom is coming with great force, invading our borders... I will reward anyone who can repel the enemy. Who is willing to lead troops to meet them?"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Jing pondered in his heart.
The Phoenix Kingdom has now lost Yan Pass and has tens of thousands fewer troops than the Wu Kingdom, putting it at a disadvantage. If it loses this battle and loses Qingzhou and Youzhou, the commander will become a sinner against the Phoenix Kingdom.
She would never take on such a thankless and arduous task, no matter what others thought.
Before the generals present could speak, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Your subject is willing to go!" Yuan Yan stepped forward, his voice resounding.
This action attracted the attention of everyone inside the hall.
[Host?] The system was startled and became nervous.
This is real warfare, with flashing swords and deadly blades. One wrong move and you're dead. Are you confident...?
"Only if the Phoenix Kingdom exists will our struggle for the throne have any meaning. If we send an incompetent person and lose even one state, leaving the Phoenix Kingdom wide open, it will be in danger. At that point, the country will cease to exist, and where will we go to unify the world? No matter what, I must go this time." Yuan Yan answered the system in his heart.
Yuan Jing was surprised that Yuan Yan would stand up and suspected that Yuan Yan wanted to do something, but she still habitually contradicted her.
"Second Princess, this is not the time for you to be stubborn and competitive. At such a critical juncture, it is better to let the veteran generals of the court handle it."
Yuan Yan: "The military situation is urgent. My younger sister volunteered to go into battle only to drive out the enemy and protect the Phoenix Kingdom. Why does my elder sister immediately assume that my younger sister is just being stubborn and competitive?"
Yuan Jing's face turned ugly after being rebuked by her.
Seeing Yuan Yan volunteer, Yuan Xiao's pride was also ignited, and he stepped forward unwilling to fall behind.
"Mother Empress, your son is also willing to lead troops into battle," Yuan Xiao said, raising his head.
Just as Yuan Jing finished opposing Yuan Yan, he heard Yuan Xiao also getting involved, and he quickly stopped him, saying, "Third Princess, don't be silly."
“What are you saying, Eldest Sister? We both volunteered to lead troops, so how am I being unreasonable?” Yuan Xiao protested.
"So what if it's the Wu Kingdom's army? What's the big deal! The people of Wu Kingdom are all cowards, how could they possibly stand against my Phoenix Kingdom?"
She solemnly assured Yuan Hao, "Your Majesty trusts me. With just a single elite force, I can defeat the Wu Kingdom and uphold our nation's prestige!"
Yuan Xiao was full of confidence in the Phoenix Kingdom and made arrogant remarks.
She was brainless, but the emperor and his ministers present still retained their rationality. Yuan Hao frowned and remained silent.
How could the Third Prince, who does nothing of substance all day, be compared to His Highness Prince Qin? The ministers didn't believe it either.
Interrupted by Yuan Xiao, several more generals stepped forward, clasping their hands in greeting.
"Your Majesty, we are willing to lead our troops to aid Qingzhou."
Yuan Hao then nodded.
"Yuan Yan".
"Your subject is here!" Yuan Yan stepped forward.
"I know you are a man of great talent and strategy. I hereby appoint you as the General Who Pacifies the Distant Regions, and personally lead the elite troops and 30,000 troops stationed in the capital region to reinforce Qingzhou. Join forces with the reinforcements from Jizhou and Yanzhou to ensure the safety of the city."
"You think you can do it?" Yuan Hao stared intently at her.
"Your subject obeys."
Yuan Yan kowtowed, his words resounding and firm: "If Qingzhou is lost, I am willing to submit to the Empress's military law for punishment!"
The system was greatly alarmed. [Wait, host, don't make promises you can't keep!]
However, upon hearing this, Yuan Hao's eyes revealed a hint of satisfaction amidst his solemnity.
"Good, this is my good princess!"
Immediately afterwards, Yuan Hao appointed He Hanwu, an official of the Ministry of War, as military supervisor to oversee the operation. Chen Dingshan, a veteran general of the court, led troops to reinforce Youzhou, where they joined forces with reinforcements from Bingzhou to meet the enemy.
Furthermore, at Yuan Xiao's insistence, Yuan Hao finally appointed her as the military commander to assist General Chen in handling military affairs.
Yuan Hao: "I hope all generals will cooperate and work together to defeat the powerful enemy. Anyone who disobeys military orders will be dealt with according to military law!"
...
They left the palace.
Time was of the essence. Yuan Yan returned to the palace, removed his court robes, donned his armor and sword, and ordered someone to fetch his beloved horse, Jingxue, before rushing to the military camp.
At this time, everyone in the Prince's Palace knew that His Highness Prince Qin was about to lead his troops into battle.
Upon hearing that Yuan Yan was about to depart immediately to join the other generals in fighting against the Wu Kingdom's army of over 100,000, Yang Lingyi knew that this journey would be fraught with danger. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed, and she felt unable to breathe.
Yang Lingyi rushed over and met with Yuan Yan.
"Sister Yan." Yang Lingyi's heart was filled with worry.
"His Majesty has already issued the decree, is there no room for change? This battle news is exceptionally urgent, the Wu army is advancing fiercely, I'm so afraid something might happen to my sister..."
His eyes filled with tears, he bit his lip, and in his panic, he didn't even know what he was saying.
Yuan Yan understood his worries. Looking at Yang Lingyi's slightly pale lips, his expression softened, and he gently took his hand.
"Yi'er, I personally requested permission from the Empress Dowager to lead the troops this time. Only with a country can there be a home; this is my responsibility as a princess."
The tears that had been welling up in Yang Lingyi's eyes finally fell.
How could he not understand this principle?
But as Yuan Yan's husband, Yang Lingyi simply couldn't be rational. At this moment, all that remained in his heart was anxiety and worry. He didn't care who led the troops; deep down, he just didn't want his wife to take any risks.
Yuan Yan wiped away his tears.
"Yi'er, be strong. Don't you believe in your wife's abilities? With my martial arts skills, nothing will happen."
Yang Lingyi knew, of course, that these were just words of comfort.
But once his reason returned, not wanting Yuan Yan to worry, he forced himself to calm down, suppressing his tears, and managed a weak smile.
"Yes, Your Highness is the most heroic in Yi'er's heart."
"Yi'er was just too flustered to say that."
Yang Lingyi struggled to control the turmoil within her heart. "Your Highness's act of protecting the country is heroic, and I should not stop you. I hope Your Highness can defeat the enemy soon and return to the capital safely."
Shen Lianzhou personally led Jingxue over to Yuan Yan.
"Your Highness, I ask for nothing more than your safety and a triumphant return," he said softly, his eyes also a little red.
"I promise you, I will definitely return safely to see you again," Yuan Yan said, taking the reins from the two men.
Lu Lingyue appeared in front of the mansion at that moment. He walked hurriedly, with a little sweat on his forehead. He finally arrived with the things before Yuan Yan set off.
Lu Lingyue silently watched Yuan Yan bid farewell to the two men, knowing that she could not have a heart-to-heart talk with Yuan Yan like they did. Her eyes stung slightly, and she walked towards Yuan Yan carrying a heavy object.
“Your Highness, this bow was something I prepared to give you, but I haven’t been able to deliver it to you yet.”
"Now that Your Highness is about to embark on a campaign, I have nothing of value to offer but this bow. I hope Your Highness will accept it and carry it with you to fight for the Phoenix Kingdom and overcome all difficulties..."
Lu Lingyue's throat tightened, and her voice became somewhat hoarse.
Yuan Yan was slightly surprised that Lu Lingyue would give her something. But at this critical moment of launching an attack, she couldn't think about it too much, so she gestured to Yu Liu to accept it for her.
Lu Lingyue felt a sudden sense of relief when she saw that Yuan Yan had finally accepted the gifts.
His worries and reluctance were no less than those of Yang Lingyi and Shen Lianzhou, weighing heavily on his heart like a boulder, making it hard for Lu Lingyue to breathe.
But fearing that Yuan Yan would show the same disgust as before, Lu Lingyue's lips moved slightly, but in the end she couldn't say it.
"Alright, you can all go back now." Yuan Yan then bid farewell to the group, picked up his soldiers and weapons, and rode away at full speed.
On the way, Yuan Yan discussed the marching route with generals such as Yuan Shi, and ordered the soldiers to travel light and quickly, and sent out scouts on fast horses to explore the route ahead.
When Yu Liu came to report, he also brought the bow over.
“Your Highness, this bow is quite heavy,” she said, handing it over.
Yuan Yan opened the bow case, revealing the bow in its entirety.
The bow was entirely lacquered black, its surface smooth as ink. The bow tip was inlaid with bronze, engraved with cloud patterns. The bow arms gradually narrowed, their curves flowing smoothly.
“It’s a fine bow,” Yuan Yan said admiringly.
The system told her: "Host, you don't know that this bow was custom-made by a renowned craftsman at Lu Lingyue's expense. He knows you are strong, so he specifically instructed that only the best and most durable materials be used, and that you shouldn't worry about the cost..."
"Not bad, this bow is very handy. Lu Lingyue has finally done something that pleases me."
Yuan Yan tried drawing the bow, feeling the extension of his arm. He really liked this new weapon, and his brow relaxed slightly.
...
In the capital city.
Upon hearing that Yuan Yan had been ordered to lead troops to rescue Qingzhou, the eldest prince was filled with anxiety and rushed to the palace to meet Yang Lingyi.
"I finally got such a good son-in-law as Yan'er, how come I suddenly have to lead troops into battle..."
Because Yang Lingyi and Yuan Yan had a very close relationship, he had long regarded Yuan Yan as his own daughter. Now, upon suddenly learning this news, he couldn't help but feel worried.
“Father, His Highness has the country at heart, and naturally he cannot sit idly by upon hearing such news.”
Yang Lingyi was uneasy after hearing what the eldest prince said, but he forced himself to calm down and reassure the eldest prince.
The husband and wife were of one mind; no matter what his sister wanted to do, he would silently support her.
“Yi’er, everything should be done for the sake of the country. As the eldest son of the emperor, how could your father not know this? But as your father-in-law, I really feel sorry for Yan’er. This child has only been married to you for a few months and is going to go to war. He hasn’t even left any children yet. What if something happens to him? Alas…”
The eldest prince looked worried, and after thinking for a while, he spoke again.
"Are there any efficacious temples in the capital? Let's go and pray together tomorrow, Yi'er!"
Upon hearing this, the attendant immediately said, "Your Highness, I have heard that Yongfu Temple in the suburbs of the capital is very popular, and the fortune sticks drawn there are very accurate."
After Yuan Yan led his troops out, Yang Lingyi was preoccupied with worry and had no intention of going out.
However, upon hearing that Yongfu Temple was very effective, he changed his mind about to refuse, asking, "Is this really true?"
“It is absolutely true. Every day, countless believers flock to Yongfu Temple to pray for blessings and fulfill their vows. How could the barbarian dare to deceive his master?”
“Alright, then let’s go to Yongfu Temple to draw lots and pray for Yan’er’s well-being.” The eldest prince made the decision immediately.
Yang Lingyi and the eldest prince went to the temple, donated silver to offer a perpetual lamp, and prayed to the Bodhisattva to bless Yuan Yan and dispel his misfortune.
“Your Majesty, look, we’ve drawn the best possible fortune. His Highness will surely be safe and sound,” Qinglan said.
"May everything turn out as this divination says, and may the wife turn misfortune into good fortune and return safely."
After interpreting the fortune slip, Yang Lingyi finally felt a little calmer. Upon returning home, she placed the slip in her amulet pouch, kept it close to her body, and prayed for her wishes to be fulfilled.
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