After a few peaceful days of newlywed life, Bai Chuxiao's busy schedule returned. She was constantly shuttling between the Murong family, the Kong family, and the Yan Prince's residence. Emperor Wenxuan had granted them permission to return to Yongzhou, and Murong Yuan and his group also needed to return to Dingzhou. Therefore, Murong Xuan and Kong Xihan's wedding was set for October 16th, so everyone could attend.
On the fifteenth, in the Murong family's main hall, Murong Yuan held a letter with a grim expression. After reading it, he casually burned it in front of a nearby candlestick.
Bai Chuxiao frowned slightly. "Grandfather, what's wrong?"
Murong Che also had a bad feeling, after all, his grandfather rarely showed such an expression.
Murong Yuan said in a deep voice, "Xi Yue is about to get serious."
Murong Che and his companions' expressions changed drastically. The Murong family had been based in the Northwest since the initial unification of the land, so they didn't doubt that Murong Yuan knew about the Western Yue situation in advance. However, the garrison on the Northwest border only numbered 200,000, and since Murong Yuan had said he was serious, this force was clearly insufficient.
Murong Xuan's expression hardened slightly. "Grandfather, why don't you return to Dingzhou immediately? Don't worry about my wedding."
Bai Chuxiao's expression hardened slightly. "I'll go back with you."
Although the territory of Xiyue was slightly smaller than that of the other three kingdoms, Xiyue had always been united. Since it intended to send troops, the entire nation would be of one mind, making it far more complex than the previous war in the north.
After a moment's thought, Murong Yuan slowly spoke, "Why are you all panicking? Of course we have to go back, but we can't just go back like this. Just be prepared. We'll discuss this matter after His Majesty receives the news."
He then added, "Xiaoxiao, after you attend Xuan'er's wedding tomorrow, return to Yongzhou immediately and tell the Prince of Yan not to request permission to fight. Also, Xuan'er, from now on you will be with His Highness the Prince of Yan, so you can also look after your sister."
Bai Chuxiao's face was grave. "Grandfather, how can we return to Yongzhou like this? The Northwest Army is clearly insufficient."
Murong Yuan spoke calmly, "Alright, the west is difficult to attack. Apart from the northwest pass, if Xiyue is determined to attack Daxia, they might take a detour from the southwest. The Yan King's Xuanjia Army cannot be moved, so there's not much point in you following them."
After nightfall, Bai Chuxiao returned to the Prince of Yan's residence with a heavy expression. She didn't take her maternal grandfather's words to heart at all. Having grown up in Dingzhou, she had deep feelings for the Northwest. If war broke out, she would also like to return to the Northwest to contribute her strength.
Chu Tianze quickly came forward and asked softly, "Xiaoxiao, what happened?"
Bai Chuxiao slowly spoke, "Xi Yue is about to send troops."
Chu Tianze's expression hardened slightly, and he said firmly, "Don't worry, I'll volunteer." He didn't ask how she knew the news, nor did he doubt its veracity. Since Xiaoxiao said so, the situation must be very serious, far beyond the small battles of the past.
Bai Chuxiao said softly, "My maternal grandfather wants us to go back to Yongzhou."
Chu Tianze suddenly pinched her cheek and chuckled, "Then you have to be obedient and go back to Yongzhou."
Bai Chuxiao said irritably, "No."
Chu Tianze pulled her into his arms. "Xiaoxiao, you can trust your husband a little more. Have you forgotten that others call me the War God Prince?"
Bai Chuxiao couldn't help but chuckle, her brows finally relaxing. "Hmph, bragging."
The next day, the Murong family home was brightly decorated, but the Murong brothers all seemed to have something on their minds. However, Murong Xuan showed no sign of anything amiss, after all, he was the groom.
After the wedding ceremony, Murong Xuan greeted the guests outside, while Bai Chuxiao stayed inside talking with Kong Xihan.
Kong Xihan grasped Bai Chuxiao's hand, asking somewhat anxiously, "Xiaoxiao, what's wrong with you two?"
She was naturally perceptive, and although Murong Xuan tried his best to hide it, she still noticed the solemn expressions on the faces of the Murong family members today.
Bai Chuxiao smiled slightly, "It's alright, Second Sister-in-law, don't let your mind wander on such a joyous occasion."
Upon hearing the title "Second Sister-in-law," Kong Xihan's cheeks flushed slightly.
Bai Chuxiao blinked. "Sister-in-law is shy."
Kong Xihan said coquettishly, "You little rascal, you're always teasing me. I still prefer to hear you call me Sister Xihan."
Bai Chuxiao smiled and said, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to Sister Xihan."
Two days later, Chu Tianze was suddenly summoned to the palace for a meeting.
In the imperial study, the Crown Prince, the Prince of Yan, the Prince of Qi who had just returned from Bei Yan, the Left and Right Chancellors, the Minister of War, the Duke of Zhenguo, and even Murong Yuan, who held no official position, were present.
Emperor Wenxuan glanced around and said in a deep voice, "There are reports that the Western Yue will soon lead an army of 400,000 to attack the northwest of our Great Xia. What do you all think?"
Chu Tianze remained expressionless, while the Crown Prince and the others were somewhat puzzled. For a moment, no one spoke. After a while, Murong Yuan stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, Xiyue has been lying low for many years; we must be on guard."
Minister of War Lü Yuan jumped out and said sternly, "Your Majesty, Murong Yuan has no official position. What right does he have to speak here?"
The Lü family had already pledged allegiance to Prince Qi and the Duke of Zhenguo, so naturally they didn't have a friendly attitude towards the Murong family.
Chu Tianze said calmly, "General Dingxi has guarded Dingzhou for many years, and the Murong family has always been devoted to the country. What right does Lord Lü have to criticize them?"
Emperor Wenxuan spoke in a deep voice, "Enough. Minister Murong was summoned by me. I have called you here today to discuss how to deal with the Western Yue."
Chu Tianze cupped his hands and said, "Father, the northwest is a long way off. Please send troops to support us as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportunity to fight and repeating the mistake of losing two cities in the north."
Upon hearing this, Wei Junyan's face darkened. This young upstart was actually trying to sow discord between him and the enemy. He immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, if the news is untrue, wouldn't the Prince of Yan's actions be a waste of resources and manpower? We have a large army stationed in the Northwest. Even if the Western Yue really invades, we will have time to deal with it."
Chu Tianze's eyes turned slightly cold. "Is taking precautions more costly and wasteful than losing two cities?"
Wei Junyan was slightly annoyed. "Your Highness, please be careful with your words. Bingzhou was only temporarily defeated because Liu Qingshan betrayed the country and leaked military intelligence."
Emperor Wenxuan's eyes flickered slightly. He did not consider himself a foolish emperor; he had ascended to the throne through countless battles. He was indeed prone to paranoia, but this matter concerned the very foundation of the nation, and therefore, he had to be wary of it.
After a moment's thought, he stopped hesitating and said in a deep voice, "Alright, what Seventh Brother and Minister Murong said makes sense. We should send troops to reinforce the Northwest as soon as possible. Who do you all think is the most suitable to send?"
Chu Tianze and Murong Yuan both stepped forward simultaneously, saying, "Your subject is willing to lead the troops there."
Chu Tianling, standing to the side, blinked slightly and stepped forward, saying, "Father, I am also willing."
Chu Tianyou was taken aback. Seventh Brother volunteering was one thing, but why was Sixth Brother getting involved? It made him seem less enthusiastic. However, he really didn't want to fight, so it was best to remain silent.
Emperor Wenxuan turned the ring on his finger and slowly spoke, "Minister Murong is getting on in years, and I cannot bear to see him go to the battlefield again..."
Murong Yuan quickly bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister is in good health. With this old minister here, we will not allow Xiyue to set foot in our territory."
Emperor Wenxuan nodded slightly, "I naturally believe in Minister Murong's abilities. I regretted it for a long time when Minister Murong resigned from his post. Since that's the case, I will restore your title of Marquis of Xibo."
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