Before the King of Zhou returned to the capital to report, the King of Chen had already been appointed as the commander-in-chief of the three armies and went to personally conquer the Western Rong. The Xu family was quite uneasy, so when they went to the palace with a sign to meet Xu Qingrong, they raised this idea.

Xu Qingrong was of course unwilling to let Prince Chen go to take credit, but she remembered that King Zhou had mentioned the Western Rong, and that Dalin's troops might not be able to resist them. If Prince Chen died on the battlefield, it would be a good thing. Of course, if Prince Chen succeeded in the battle, he would just be running errands for his husband.

Therefore, she said to her family, "Our dynasty has always established the eldest son as the heir, and Prince Chen is our prince's brother, so don't say these things."

Madam Xu said, "What the princess said is true, but it is rare for the royal family to get along well with each other. The eldest prince is a lesson for us."

"I know that, but the prince is out there doing disaster relief and can't come back in time." If Xu Qingrong wants to do disaster relief, there's nothing wrong with winning the hearts of the people. On the contrary, if King Zhou is sent to the battlefield, it would be tantamount to committing suicide. He is actually not good at leading troops in battle.

The eldest sister-in-law of the Xu family could not help but say, "When Dalin was first established, the king had the responsibility to lead the army in person. If he did not win a battle in three years, he could not enter the ancestral temple. In recent generations, our dynasty has surpassed the military with civil power. There are many people who can fight. Why do we need the prince to take action? It shows that he has ulterior motives."

"So what if he has ulterior motives? He is different from the eldest prince. He has no nobles to support him. There are many factions in the army, and they may not be willing to listen to him." Xu Qingrong also wanted to save face.

She was the Princess of Zhou after all, but her family kept boosting others' ambitions and destroying her own prestige, which made her lose face.

After hearing what she said, the Xu family felt that it made some sense.

Mrs. Xu said, "What the princess said is very true. War is no joke. Last time, Prince Chen went with Prince Jinyang, but this time Prince Jinyang is not going. How can he make the soldiers listen to him if he is alone?"

Just because you are the emperor's son, it doesn't mean others will listen to you.

Xu Qingrong thought, it would be nice if you said so.

Prince Chen was about to go to war again, and Yao Niang specially embroidered a safe sachet for him: "You want to travel light and armored, so it is inconvenient for me to prepare anything for you. This sachet contains the soul-returning incense. According to the "Records of Natural History", this incense was offered by the Ruoshui West Country. It can eliminate plague and even bring people back to life. Of course, I know that this is definitely not possible, but I thought that just in case, I kept reading the classics these days, and finally found it in a book."

Gao Xuance opened the sachet and saw something as big as a date inside. He didn't expect that he could actually see the so-called "soul-returning incense". Only Yao Niang could have such thoughts.

"thank you."

Yao Niang shook her head: "It is not necessary to do so. As husband and wife, you have the country in your heart. But when you are in the palace, you are just my husband and Chengyun's father. We are eagerly waiting for your return."

"I will be yours all my life." Gao Xuance's originally eloquent mouth now only spoke in a hushed voice.

Yao Niang has always known this kind of person. He is usually smart and capable, but he is always childish in his bones. This childishness makes Yao Niang always feel sorry for him.

She couldn't help but touch his head. "This time you are going to the battle alone, not with King Jinyang. Making achievements is a small matter, but staying safe is a big matter. I know you must think that if you can't win, there is no point in going. But since ancient times, many things are 70% human, and 30% depends on luck. Don't force it."

The strength of the Western Rong surpassed that of many of the Eastern Hu. Now perhaps many people think that the Eastern Hu are the biggest threat, and the Western Rong are just a small barbarian country. Although they are somewhat brave, people still think that they will not be a big deal.

But many people still don't understand this. At present, the Donghu has been beaten so hard that they dare not come over. Instead, the Xirong is like a child making trouble. Even if they really make trouble, it won't cause much trouble.

When Gao Xuance saw her like this, he always felt that her hands were so affectionate and gentle, full of tenderness. He was immersed in it and suddenly didn't want to get up.

Wenrou Township is also a hero's grave, and this is true.

Thinking of this, he seemed very distressed and buried his head in Yao Niang's arms, feeling unusually warm.

Yao Niang's face was flushed red. She was often troubled by the surging waves, so this place was particularly sensitive. He buried his head like this, but it was not that kind of romantic feeling, he just wanted to do this.

"Xuan Ce, you..." Yao Niang pushed him.

Gao Xuance saw that Yao Niang's face was as red as rouge, and realized what he had just done, and his face turned red instantly.

"Niang Yao, what should I do? I really want to take you with me so that we can go together, but it's a pity that we can't. At least you gave birth to Chengyun, and I can rest assured that he is with you." Gao Xuance said emotionally.

Yao Niang herself is not a person who likes sweet talk, but Gao Xuance always does this. At first, she thought it was nice to hear, but after a while, she said, "Don't be so hypocritical. You have things you want to do, and this is nothing. If I can be like you and do what I like, it would be the same."

It's a pity that as a woman, she can't become a general or a prime minister. The only thing she can do is to cultivate Cheng Yun well.

As for assisting Gao Xuance in his great cause, she had never thought about it, because Gao Xuance was too powerful and he had his own way of doing things. It might not be a good thing for her to interfere.

As the saying goes, there is no two suns in the sky, and no two rulers in a country, this is probably what it means.

She is the one in charge at home. Gao Xuance respects her very much and will not object to her decisions. But outside, Gao Xuance has the final say.

Gao Xuance didn't expect that Yao Niang would actually dislike his pretentiousness. He blew on his hands and tickled Yao Niang.

Yao Niang was afraid of being tickled, so she ran all over the house when he chased her, laughing uncontrollably.

"What are you doing?" She pushed Gao Xuance.

At this time, Gao Xuance realized that Yao Niang was running quite fast, and quickly asked her to stop: "Silly girl, why are you running so fast? Be careful not to scare the baby in my belly."

Yao Niang said coquettishly: "What nonsense are you talking about? What child?"

"It's been a while since I came back. We sleep in the same bed all day long, so it's normal to have a child." Gao Xuance looked at Yao Niang's belly curiously, secretly calculating whether he could come back by then.

Yao Niang spread her hands and said, "This is destined by heaven, not what I want."

Gao Xuance embraced her and said, "I will go to your mother's house tomorrow. Is there anything I can bring? I am going to the war, so I must listen to my father-in-law's advice and ask him to look after you for me."

"My father likes elegant things. I have collected some and will have someone pack them up later. You can take them over." Yao Niang said.

"Um."

After reporting to Emperor Jianzhang the next day, Gao Xuance went to Luo's house again. It was normal for a son-in-law to visit someone's family, even though Luo Zhizheng still had a good relationship with Wang Zongmu.

There is also Shi Yu's husband Jiang Hongpei, who frequently visits the Luo family.

Unfortunately, the princes were not allowed to make friends with outsiders at will, so Luo Zhizheng, who originally liked Yao Niang the most, was very unfamiliar with his son-in-law, Prince Chen, and had to keep a distance from her, especially after he entered the palace.

But this time, Luo Zhizheng was doing this for Gao Xuance, so he came back early and had a feast with him. Yu even went into the kitchen and cooked a dish herself.

The father-in-law and the son-in-law drank several cups fluently. They were both heavy drinkers with a good alcohol tolerance.

Gao Xuance was also a sensible man. He hardly mentioned the affairs of state, but only mentioned Cheng Yun and Yao Niang. He seemed to be confident about everything, which made Yu feel relieved. Otherwise, if something really happened to her son-in-law, her daughter would be doomed.

When everyone was drunk, Luo Zhizheng suddenly dismissed everyone and said to Gao Xuance: "Prince Chen, you are at the front. If you have any problems, you can write to me first to make arrangements. I will support you in the inner cabinet, but remember that the Ministry of Revenue does not have much money, so this battle must be fought and resolved quickly."

Gao Xuance pretended to be a junior and immediately poured wine for Luo Zhizheng: "Old Taishan has been very kind to me. I want to settle down first in Xirong and reclaim wasteland. I heard that the land bordering Xirong is all black soil, which is very easy to grow grains. When the grains are ripe, I will decide to make a move. Although this will take a long time, I don't need the Ministry of Revenue to give me money. As for seeds, I have asked Gao Jian to get seeds from Champa and U-Tsang. Don't worry, father-in-law."

In addition to grain, there is also trade. Gao Xuance does not think that brute force is important. What is more practical is to provide soldiers with enough money before fighting.

Luo Zhizheng had never thought that Gao Xuance, a young man, would know about Jiaxuan's affairs, and he looked at him with even more respect: "Since Your Highness said so, I don't have to worry. Here, I wish you immediate success."

On the surface he seems impatient, but in fact he has great ambitions and is quite patient. This is what it looks like to accomplish great things.

"Thank you, Old Taishan." Gao Xuance also raised his glass and drank.

Although he drank a lot of wine, Gao Xuance was very sober when he went out. After entering the palace, he called for a sedan chair and sat back in the palace. At the door of the prince's residence, he met the Fourth Prince and his wife.

The fourth prince quickly stepped forward to greet him. Gao Xuance had never taken Gao Xuandu seriously. After all, he had committed suicide to avoid disaster. He was too cautious. Who would dare to do anything to the prince? If you were really honest, no one would take you seriously.

Just like the concubines in the harem, who would target those who are not favored?

If I disfigure myself and refuse to serve the king, and instead want to take care of myself and plan for my future, then it would be just as Yao Niang said, and I'm afraid I'm planning something big.

"How can Fourth Brother give me such a great gift? I cannot bear it. Please get up quickly." Gao Xuance helped him up.

The Fourth Prince certainly had something to ask for. In the past, he and everyone else felt that the court valued civil officials over military officials. But when Gao Xuance proposed restoring the ritual of the emperor leading the army in person, he took the lead for his father, and the Fourth Prince also started to take action.

He acted humble, as if he was willing to surrender, and waited for Gao Xuance to make the conditions.

Yao Niang was about to welcome Gao Xuance in, but she heard the Fourth Prince's words from inside the door. She thought to herself, could it be that Mu Wantong seems to be on good terms with me these days? But I have had a grudge against her for a long time, especially when she was pregnant and about to give birth. Mu Wantong treated her like that, and it was completely malicious.

But if Gao Xuance really wants to win over the Fourth Prince for the sake of the overall situation, wouldn't he be forced to interact with Mu Wantong?

Being with someone you don't like makes every moment painful, but Mu Wantong was thinking that if the Fourth Prince could successfully follow the Third Prince to the battlefield and gain some military merit, her sacrifice would be nothing.

Gao Xuance smiled and said, "It's a good thing that Fourth Brother is willing to get close to me. When I come back from Xirong, I will have a drink with you."

This is a clear refusal.

Yao Niang heaved a sigh of relief and welcomed him in. Gao Xuance whispered in her ear, "You told me yesterday that you and your fourth brother's wife didn't have a good relationship. How could I really do what they wished? Compared to brothers from different mothers, you and I are closer."

"But will this make things difficult for you?" Yao Niang asked.

Gao Xuance shook his head: "How could that be? A real man should act in harmony with the heaven and earth, just like the Yangtze River flowing eastward to the sea. I am a king and I am also planning a great cause. I just want you to live a better life. If I ask you to compromise for my own sake, then you are really useless. If he wants something, he can just go and ask my father for it. I won't stand in his way."

"Also, in the desperate meeting you mentioned last time, King Zhuang of Chu actually tolerated his woman being molested for the sake of a general. Yao Niang, you are my beloved, and I will never do that. If I fail, it means that my luck has run out. Otherwise, I will protect you and Cheng Yun as long as I am here."

When Yao Niang heard this, she felt grateful and touched her rosy face, thinking that the kind words were still very pleasant to hear.

Mu Wantong was the only one left. Seeing that Gao Xuance did not agree, she went back angrily and smashed the cups and plates. The Fourth Prince even tried to persuade her: "Why are you doing this?"

"We have been so humble, but she still doesn't know what is good for her." Mu Wan trembled childishly, thinking that Gao Xuance was a person without foresight.

Didn't he want a friend instead of an enemy?