Chapter 140: Leading the Army

"Mother, why hasn't father checked on my studies recently?"

Xingxing stood in front of Su Jingyao, her little face wrinkled and her mouth pouting.

His unhappiness was written all over his face.

"Why, can't I check your homework for you?"

Su Jingyao sat upright on the couch, one hand gently holding the edge of the couch, and the other hand holding the homework written by Xingxing, reviewing it with a focused gaze.

Because the monarchy has integrated hundreds of cultures, except for the last two or three emperors who maintained the status quo and did not expand the territory, the monarchy's territory has been expanding step by step since the monarchy's ancestor emperor.

After three hundred years of rule, the monarchy unified the languages ​​of various regions, but it still retained some commonly used languages.

Therefore, Xingxing had to learn three languages ​​from a young age to adapt to different political and cultural environments.

His homework is also written in three languages ​​simultaneously.

Not to mention, Su Jingyao has not learned the other two languages, so it is no wonder that Xingxing slightly dislikes her.

"No, if your mother checks your homework, I will slack off."

Xingxing lowered her head and rubbed her toes on the ground, making a small sound with a hint of reluctance.

Su Jingyao had a gentle smile on her face and gently touched Xingxing's forehead with her finger.

He scolded, "You little brat."

Because Jun Zechen was too strict with Xingxing, Su Jingyao implemented an encouragement policy towards Xingxing and usually praised him.

Su Jingyao also understood the child's desire to be strong. Xingxing worked very hard on her homework in the hope of gaining Jun Zechen's approval.

"Your father has some important things to arrange recently, so it will be your mother who will check your homework for a long time."

Su Jingyao put away her smile and her expression became a little serious.

"The Queen Mother will no longer be lenient with you in the future."

Su Jingyao spoke seriously, with seriousness in her eyes.

When Jun Zechen is around, she can be a loving mother, but when Jun Zechen is not around, she will naturally be strict.

There was some doubt on Xingxing's face, and her big, clear eyes were twinkling.

"Mother, will I not be able to see my father for a long time?"

"In a few days, your father will go to war. When he returns triumphantly, Xingxing will be able to see him."

Su Jingyao's voice is as gentle as the spring breeze.

"Even though my father is not around, I will study hard and not let my mother worry."

Xingxing straightened his small body, looking serious and with a firm gaze.

"good."

Su Jingyao put down her homework, held his face tenderly with both hands, and kneaded it gently a few times.

Xingxing also smiled and let the queen mother pinch his face, his eyes narrowed into crescents, with happiness and enjoyment.

At this moment, Jun Zechen walked in.

As soon as Xingxing saw Jun Zechen, her originally relaxed face immediately became serious, and she even moved her mother's hand away from her face.

He bowed respectfully, "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you, Father."

"Get up." Jun Zechen's voice was low and stern.

Su Jingyao sat on the couch and did not stand up to greet. Now that they were not outside, Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen saved a lot of courtesy.

With a smile in her eyes, she watched with interest the father and son "pretending" to each other.

"Go and see your brothers and sisters, then go back and review the lessons your tutor asked you to do."

Jun Zechen's expression was serious.

He rarely showed intimacy with Su Jingyao in front of Xingxing and always maintained a stern look.

Xingxing was somewhat reluctant, her little mouth slightly pouted, like a little bun that had been wronged.

Her pink lips curled higher and she looked at Su Jingyao pitifully, seeking help.

He twisted his body unconsciously, obviously not wanting to leave.

Su Jingyao knew that Xingxing was still attached to Jun Zechen.

She chuckled, got off the couch, and walked in front of Xingxing.

She bent down and picked him up gently.

Then, she turned around and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, I can't hold you any longer."

After saying that, he handed the star to Jun Zechen.

The stars were surprised for a moment, and their eyes widened like two bright gems.

Then he looked at his always serious father with curiosity, feeling nervous. Would his father hug him?

Jun Zechen looked at her expectant eyes, his heart softened, and he reluctantly took the star from her hand.

Xingxing immediately wrapped her arms around Jun Zechen's neck and smiled contentedly at Su Jingyao.

Obviously very happy.

After hugging for a while, Jun Zechen put Xingxing down and touched his head.

Only then did Xingxing retreat happily.

After Xingxing left, Jun Zechen walked to the couch and sat down with a slightly tired look.

He put his head on Su Jingyao's shoulder, and asked lazily, "Yaoyao, what are you doing?"

"I was just checking Xingxing's homework. He did very well, but what Xingxing wants most is your approval as his father."

Su Jingyao tilted her head slightly with a gentle smile on her face.

"Xingxing does a good job every time. His average standard is the high standard for others. Therefore, I only praise him when he performs beyond his own average standard after I understand him."

Jun Zechen closed his eyes and spoke slowly.

"So as not to become arrogant at such a young age."

Xingxing has been the center of attention since he was a child. He has a very high status, and everyone around him, including the tutor, is very kind to him.

Only Jun Zechen can suppress him.

Su Jingyao nodded in agreement.

Then Su Jingyao seemed to remember something and frowned slightly.

"Your Majesty, Xu Ronghua and Yan Ronghua gave birth to princes a few days ago. Xu Ronghua's is the sixth prince, and Yan Ronghua's is the seventh prince."

This month, Jun Zechen devoted himself to the preparations for the expedition. He was so busy every day that he almost worked non-stop.

Su Jingyao seldom saw him, so he naturally knew nothing about Xu Ronghua and Yan Ronghua's childbirth.

In addition, Jun Zechen had specifically instructed An Shun not to bother him with matters in the harem and to leave everything to the empress to handle.

So even if An Shun knew about this, he did not mention it.

Jun Zechen heard the news from her and knew that he had two new princes, but his face did not show any emotion.

He said "hmm" softly.

"Although only a concubine can raise an heir to the throne, I do not want Xu Ronghua and Yan Ronghua to be separated from their mother and son. In this case, I would like to change this rule."

Su Jingyao slightly turned sideways and looked at Jun Zechen with a questioning look in her eyes.

"I am ready to promote the two Ronghuas to the position of the head of a palace. As long as they are the head of a palace, they can personally raise the heir. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

"Well, Yaoyao can make the decision."

Jun Zechen was probably really tired. He rested his head on Su Jingyao's shoulder and held Su Jingyao's waist affectionately with one hand.

Her eyes were slightly closed, with her long eyelashes lightly covering her eyes, as if she was resting her eyes.

"Yan Ronghua's father is the Guanglu doctor, and the Yan family is also a prominent family. Although she is a concubine's daughter, she has made great contributions by giving birth to an imperial heir. She is worthy of being the head of the nine concubines, Zhaoyi, and can live in the main hall of Yuqing Palace."

Su Jingyao's voice was soft and calm.

Yuqing Palace was originally the palace of Concubine Lan, but a few days ago Concubine Lan was deposed and imprisoned in the Ministry of Punishment, so Yuqing Palace became empty.

"Xu Ronghua's family background was not good, so he was named Xiurong and lived in the main hall of Changle Palace."

Changle Palace was previously where the guilty concubine Lin lived, and the main hall happened to be vacant.

Among them, Princess Yafu of Yuelin Kingdom, also known as Yajieyu, lived in the Zi Lan Hall of Changle Palace.

I don’t know if Jun Zechen listened carefully to what she said, he just nodded slightly.

Since he had no objection, Su Jingyao would go to the study to write the imperial edict later.

A few days passed, and today was finally the day that Jun Zechen set out for the battle.

Su Jingyao, dressed in gorgeous and solemn attire as a queen, came to the top of the city gate.

She wore a dazzling phoenix crown with swaying pearls and jade, sparkling with brilliant light, and every step she took seemed to be pouring out with brilliant light.

The phoenix robe on her body fluttered gently in the wind, but it could not hide the worry and concern between her brows.

Outside the city gate, hunting flags fluttered wildly in the wind, making a loud noise, as if telling of the coming bloody storm.

Jun Zechen was wearing heavy and shining armor. The patterns on the armor shone with a cold light under the sunlight, like cold stars.

He stood as tall and straight as a pine tree, and looked heroic, like a god of war descended to the earth, intimidating.

The warhorse under his crotch seemed to sense the upcoming journey and its hooves kept stamping the ground.

He was restless, snorting, and exhaling white breath, as if he couldn't wait to go to the battlefield.

Jun Zechen raised his head slightly and looked at Su Jingyao who was high above the city gate.

His eyes were as deep as the sea and as firm as iron, revealing his deep reluctance and attachment to Su Jingyao.

When I went to war as a young man, I only brought with me dreams and the joy of being away from the gossips of the capital.

But now because she is in the capital, I feel particularly reluctant to leave.

Su Jingyao always had a gentle smile on her face, the corners of her mouth raised to just the right angle, and her eyes were shining.

She and Jun Zechen looked at each other. No words were needed. Their feelings were conveyed to each other through their eye contact.

Jun Zechen could feel that she admired his determination to expand the territory, and he would definitely return triumphantly to bring her honor.

Afterwards, Jun Zechen turned his head suddenly with a decisive movement and looked at the high-spirited soldiers behind him.

He held his sword high, his arm stretched out, the blade gleaming in the sunlight.

He shouted loudly: "My fellow soldiers! We are going to fight to expand our territory and enhance our country's prestige! I will lead you back in triumph!"

His voice was loud and powerful, like a huge bell, full of inspiring power, and every word seemed to carry a vital force.

The soldiers responded in unison: "We are willing to follow Your Majesty and be invincible in battle and invincible in attack!"

The sound was deafening and reached the sky, as if it was going to tear the sky apart.

Jun Zechen was seen pinching the horse's belly with great force.

The warhorse neighed, raised its front hooves high, and then galloped away into the distance, raising a cloud of dust.

Miaoyun followed her master out of the palace to bid farewell to His Majesty, and saw the sadness of parting on her master's face.

With the slightly drooping mouth corners and dull eyes, Miaoyun didn't know how to comfort him.

Over the past year, Your Majesty has been so kind to the master.

Miaoyun also seemed to feel that her master had developed deeper feelings for His Majesty.

But before Miaoyun could figure out how to comfort her master.

Su Jingyao immediately said, "Let's go, Miaoyun, let's go to the carriage and change into our palace clothes."

Her tone was light and the worry on her face seemed to disappear instantly.

Miaoyun looked confused.

"Master, aren't we going back to the palace?"

"And did the master bring any clothes with him?"

How could she not know?

"Well, I asked Miaoxia to prepare some folk women's clothing. Let's play around outside the palace today before going back."

There was a hint of excitement in Su Jingyao's eyes, and she was a little excited.

Miaoyun looked at her master's slightly suppressed happiness, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but twitch.

She thought her master was really reluctant to let her go!