Hengxian County.
When Gu Qingyan arrived at the border, Chang Qing and his men looked at him as if he were their savior. The burly men had red eyes, which made Gu Qingyan's lips twitch.
"This humble general pays his respects to Your Highness."
After suffering a series of defeats, Daqing's troops were listless and showed no sign of hope.
"Get up, all of you. I have come here to exchange for my elder brother. Once he is back, you will escort him safely back to the capital."
"Escort the deposed crown prince back to the capital?" Chang Qing's expression turned ferocious. "And what about you, Your Highness? What about Heng County, which hasn't been reclaimed yet?"
"Father's idea is to send my elder brother back to the capital first, and Heng County can be recovered in the future."
In other words, after fighting for so long without success, Gu Heng understood the strength of Daqing.
"Oh shit--"
Chang Qing cursed and kicked the old tree hard. What about their fallen soldiers? Did they just die in vain?
The other soldiers also showed resentment on their faces. Gu Qingyan paused when he saw this, then strode towards the tent. "Tomorrow, I will bring back my elder brother. Everyone, let's prepare in advance."
An hour later, Chang Qing quietly arrived at Gu Qingyan's tent.
"Your Highness?"
Gu Qingyan gave a light snort, and Chang Qing immediately ran inside, eagerly asking, "How was it? Did I act well just now?"
Even the usually calm and composed Qin Wei couldn't help but cover his eyes. The prince is only ten years old this year. How can a grown man in his thirties or forties act like this in front of the prince? I can't bear to look at him for even a second!
"Well done."
Gu Qingyan tilted his head back, his expression innocent and harmless. "Your uncle is very worried about you. He asked me to come and tell you that you don't need to worry about your father's harsh treatment after you return to the capital. He will do his best to protect you."
Chang Qing was addressed as "General" repeatedly, making him feel as if he had ascended to heaven.
Even as he left, Chang Qing was still grinning foolishly. The Marquis had him in his heart! The Prince had him in his heart too!
The next day.
The two armies faced off outside the city walls of Hengxian.
Gu Qingyan walked to the forefront of the Daqing army. "I am the Prince Yan of Daqing. What you hold in your hands is nothing but a deposed crown prince, utterly worthless. How about exchanging me for the deposed crown prince?"
"King Yan?"
Zhuo Yi narrowed his eyes, his piercing gaze fixed on Gu Qingyan.
"It is indeed I, the King."
Gu Qingyan stood tall and straight, showing no sign of fear.
“My father refused all the conditions you proposed a few days ago. Instead, he deposed the crown prince. I believe you can tell in your hearts whether my position or the crown prince's is more important.”
Zhuo Yi laughed, then glanced at Gu Qingling, who was bound hand and foot. Tsk, what a world of difference.
"You brat, you're nothing more than a stepson of the imperial family. Regardless of whether you or the deposed crown prince is more important, I only ask you, why are you willing to exchange yourself for the deposed crown prince?"
Every word Zhuo Yi said made Ling Ku's legs go weak, and he wanted to kneel down on the spot.
That's the young master! What's this old man called, Yellow-haired brat?
My life is over!
"So it's Prime Minister Zhuo." Gu Qingyan recognized Zhuo Yi on the city wall. "The deposed crown prince is my elder brother, so naturally I must save him. Of course, I will also live and die with the people of Heng County."
Even though his father promised not to harm the people of Heng County, he would risk his life to protect those who had given him the "umbrella of ten thousand people".
"Okay, I'll accept."
Zhuo Yi's voice rang out, and Gu Qingling breathed a sigh of relief.
The city gates of Hengxian slowly opened, and Gu Qingling, bound hand and foot, appeared before the Daqing soldiers.
At first glance, Gu Qingyan almost didn't recognize Gu Qingling.
Zhuo Yi casually flicked his sleeves. "The prince said you are more noble than the deposed crown prince, but I find it hard to believe."
"unless......"
Gu Qingling's alarm went off, and she immediately had a bad feeling.
"According to the rules, the deposed crown prince is just a commoner. When he sees a prince, he should kneel down and pay his respects."
"How dare you!" Gu Qingling's face turned red with anger. "You have insulted me like this. When I return to Daqing, I will definitely take your heads!"
"Tsk."
Ling Ku kicked Gu Qingling, and Zhuo Yi quickly took a few steps back to avoid being accidentally injured. "It seems that you are going to put on a show for Da Ning, like a cat replacing the prince."
"Guards, take the deposed crown prince back to the city."
Gu Qingyan stood there blankly, seemingly frightened by Zhuo Yi's words.
"Wait a minute!"
Gu Qingling spoke anxiously, knowing that if he were taken back, he would have no chance of survival.
"It seems the deposed crown prince has changed his mind. Guards, untie him."
Hundreds of arrows were aimed at Gu Qingling, who trembled all over after being freed from her restraints.
One step... two steps... Gu Qingling walked up to Gu Qingyan.
But his knees just wouldn't bend no matter what he did.
He is the eldest son of the Empress, why should he kneel before a stepson?
It's unjust!
"What? Has the deposed crown prince changed his mind?"
Zhuo Yi's words made Gu Qingling's pupils shrink. He absolutely could not be taken back!
The knee slowly bent, and the moment it hit the ground, it seemed to produce a deafening crash.
"This humble subject pays respects to...King Yan."
Gu Qingling's mouth was full of blood; he would never forget the humiliation he felt at this moment.
Gu Qingyan's gaze met Zhuo Yi's, and Zhuo Yi smiled slightly: This is the first big gift.
"Big brother, get up quickly."
Gu Qingyan reached out to help Gu Qingling up, but Gu Qingling shook him off. Filled with hatred, Gu Qingling limped toward the Daqing army.
Generals Chang Qing and others dismounted, but they didn't know how to address Gu Qingling.
Gu Qingling took a few rapid breaths, then collapsed to the ground, completely fainting from anger.
......
Some soldiers from Da Ning wanted to tie up Gu Qingyan with hemp rope, but Ling Ku, who was trying to stop them, was stopped by Zhuo Yi. Seeing Gu Qingyan being tied up, Ling Ku's face turned pale.
Could he consult with the Dharma Protector and ask for a different person to carry out the task?
He always felt that his neck couldn't support his head.
Walking down the streets of Hengxian, the people of Hengxian, who should have stayed indoors, rushed out in a swarm, shouting, "Release the prince! Release our prince!"
Unarmed civilians, armed with vegetable leaves, rotten eggs, and shovels, their eyes bloodshot, were ready to fight the soldiers of Da Ning to the death.
"Everyone, put down what you're holding and go home."
Gu Qingyan couldn't help but speak loudly, "I will not be in any danger, but you all, remember to lock the doors and protect the women and children in your homes. You don't have to risk your lives for me."
"My life was saved by the prince, and dying to save him is a worthy death! Release our prince, he's only ten years old, he's a good person!"
Mei'er led a group of women, holding scissors, towards the soldiers of Da Ning, as if they were about to fight to the death at any moment.
Zhuo Yi turned to look at Gu Qingyan. Is this their... young master?
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