Chapter 70 Returning to Chang'an
The little guy is already one year and three months old, though to outsiders he's only one year old.
Children at this age change every day. When they were a few months old, you could still tell the difference in months, but now it's not so easy to tell.
Ling Xun glanced at it, not caring, and laughed, "If she likes to play, let someone take her to play. But she can't be disobedient."
He doted on Fenghuang'er, but Bai Xuerou always yielded to the children—
For example, even after being told several times, Phoenix still wouldn't listen and kept pestering her until Bai Xuerou gave in.
Ling Xun disapproved of it.
He felt that this was not good for the child, as it would lead to bad habits.
Phoenix can be spoiled and domineering, and Ling Xun can accept that because she is his child. But he cannot disobey Bai Xue Rou and upset her.
He couldn't bear to part with it, let alone the little one.
The two had discussed the Phoenix Girl matter several times, and now, as soon as Ling Xun opened his mouth, Bai Xuerou already knew what he was going to say.
Helpless, she didn't want to bring it up again, so she tugged at Ling Xun's hand and said with a smile, "Alright, alright, you're back so quickly. Is everything settled? What did you say?"
Her intention to change the subject was quite obvious, and Ling Xun couldn't help but smile at her. In the end, he gave in to her wishes and slowly began to talk about what had happened before.
Bai Xuerou listened and occasionally chimed in. Seeing that it was almost time, she called out, "Alright, Phoenix, stop playing in the water and come here."
The lake water got hot from the sun at noon, but it was still cool in the shade, so it wasn't good to play there for too long.
Phoenix could vaguely understand what the adults meant, and she was somewhat unwilling. Her big, clear eyes rolled around, and Bai Xue Rou and Ling Xun could tell at a glance that she was plotting how to make Bai Xue Rou change her mind.
But when she saw Ling Xun was there, the lovely little girl immediately quieted down and obediently called out, "Mother, Father."
Although the little one is small, she knows that her father doesn't spoil her or indulge her as much as her mother.
It's fine when Mom isn't around, but when she is, Dad gets strict.
The little girl doesn't know that it's because her father can't stand her disobeying her mother, but she has already subconsciously chosen to behave herself.
Seeing the little guy like this, Bai Xuerou couldn't stop smiling. She beckoned and said, "Phoenix, come here to your mother."
The little one can walk now, but she's still unsteady, so she tries to let her walk whenever she has the chance.
The maid then dressed Phoenix in socks and soft-soled shoes and placed her on the ground.
Phoenix was also very interested in walking, and she walked towards her parents with great enthusiasm but a wobbly gait.
Upon seeing this, Bai Xuerou instinctively wanted to get up and squat down so she could catch her at any time, but Ling Xun pressed her down and stood up himself, reaching out his hand to Fenghuang'er.
Although Phoenix was afraid of her father, she still liked him. Seeing him like this, she quickened her pace and finally, accompanied by her mother's gentle reminder to slow down, she rushed into her father's arms and sweetly called him, "Father."
Bai Xuerou watched from the side, unable to suppress a smile.
She knew she shouldn't be so soft-hearted towards Fenghuang'er, and that if she got used to it, she might spoil her. But she always thought that she was still young, and it wouldn't hurt to spoil her a little more.
It will be better when they get a little older.
Ling Xun picked up Fenghuang'er and sat down next to Bai Xuerou. Fenghuang'er then tried to rush into her mother's arms, but Ling Xun held her back.
"It's okay, let me hug you." Bai Xuerou softened and reached out her hand.
Ling Xun ignored her and distracted Fenghuang'er with toys. Once she calmed down, he turned to Bai Xuerou and whispered with a smile, "Sister, isn't your back sore?"
Bai Xuerou blushed instantly, reached out and slapped him, annoyed, "Ling Xun!"
But she was too embarrassed to speak too loudly.
Ling Xun chuckled softly.
Bai Xuerou glared at him angrily, then looked away, not wanting to see him anymore.
Ling Xun freed his hand, took her hand, and hooked his fingers around her wrist, making Bai Xue Rou feel a little ticklish. She tried to dodge but he held her hand, making her cheeks even redder.
The maids serving inside kept their eyes down, pretending not to see what was happening between them.
The two masters have been married for more than two years, but their love remains as strong as ever. In fact, they have become more intimate and affectionate with the passage of time, playing music in harmony and never even arguing.
They had become accustomed to these everyday occurrences.
It wasn't until Phoenix was holding up a toy and calling for her mother, wanting to share it with her, that Bai Xue Rou hurriedly pulled her hand back and slapped him.
Without time to say more, she smiled and asked Phoenix, "What is this, Phoenix?"
"Tiger." Phoenix could now pronounce the word clearly.
"Ah, it's a little tiger. How cute," Bai Xuerou coaxed Fenghuang'er.
Phoenix was holding a set of animal carvings made of sandalwood by Bai Xuerou. They were all different in style and quite lifelike, but they were made very small so that she could hold them in her hand.
Anything small looks cute, and Phoenix loves these little guys.
Phoenix was even happier to receive her mother's response, and she even started jumping on her father's lap.
Bai Xue Rou felt a headache as soon as she saw her. This little girl was quite chubby. Although she wasn't fat, she was still quite heavy. When she jumped around, Bai Xue Rou couldn't hold her down.
Only Ling Xun could tolerate her like this.
She wanted to say something, but seeing Ling Xun's indifferent expression, Bai Xuerou held back and just smiled, "Phoenix, you can only do this in your father's arms. You can't do it when your mother is holding you."
Phoenix looked at her mother with innocent eyes, not knowing what she was talking about, and called her "Mother".
Bai Xuerou smiled and touched her face, saying, "Mother can't stand you like this."
Ling Xun easily subdued the little one and said to Bai Xuerou, "The little girl is getting heavier and heavier. If she wants to carry you, have a maid do it. Don't tire yourself out."
“I know,” Bai Xuerou smiled. “Besides, our Phoenix can walk by herself now, right?”
Phoenix nodded blankly. Although she didn't quite understand what Bai Xue Rou meant, she obediently said, "Let's go, Phoenix, let's go."
As she spoke, she was about to get down from the ground.
Bai Xuerou couldn't help but laugh.
Ling Xun put the little one down and let her walk on her own.
Phoenix, carrying her calf, wobbled over to where she had politely declined, and after some picking and choosing, she replaced it with a kitten.
The couple held hands, sat side by side, and smiled as they watched, feeling a sense of peace and tranquility.
After playing for a while, Phoenix got sleepy and was coaxed to sleep.
It was lunchtime, so the two went to have their meal.
After the meal, Bai Xuerou was also sleepy and prepared to take a nap. Ling Xun went out to take care of some business and then came back to keep her company.
She slept for about half an hour, and when she woke up, she was the only one left in the bed curtains.
Just as she was about to get up, Ling Xun came in and asked with a smile, "Awake?"
Bai Xuerou gave a lazy "hmm" and leaned into his arms along his arm.
"Phoenix has woken up?"
If nothing happens, Ling Xun will stay with her until she wakes up.
Ling Xun hummed in agreement, and to reassure Bai Xuerou, he said, "I just ate something and have already gone off to play."
Bai Xuerou was relieved. She leaned against Ling Xun's chest, yawning as if still sleepy, and asked, "When are we going back to Chang'an?"
"Does Sister want to go back to Chang'an?" Ling Xun asked with a smile.
"No, I was just asking you." Bai Xuerou smiled slightly as she looked up at her and said, "As long as we're together, anywhere is fine."
Bai Xue Rou rarely said such intimate words, but every time she did, Ling Xun felt a little overwhelmed.
He tightened his grip on Bai Xuerou and lowered his head to kiss her.
"Let's not go back yet." Ling Xun lowered his voice and whispered something in Bai Xuerou's ear.
Bai Xuerou was startled and sat up instantly, all her drowsiness vanishing.
"What?" She was shocked, her brows furrowed, and anger welled up inside her.
Those people in Chang'an secretly colluded with the Tibetans and Turks, attempting to launch a pincer attack when the Zhenbei Army attacked Chen.
"Are these people crazy?" Bai Xuerou asked in utter disbelief after regaining her senses.
Even she, who wasn't very knowledgeable about political maneuvering, knew that if these people succeeded in their schemes, Tibet and the Turks would never give up such a tempting prize as the Great Qi.
Over the years, the incursions by both sides have never stopped. Bai Xuerou receives news of incursions by both sides every year, and a small portion of the Zhenbei Army's forces are consumed in defending against the two countries.
Secondly, if Ling Xun were to fall into trouble, the Zhenbei Army would inevitably descend into chaos and disintegrate, and the Central Plains, which had been so painstakingly pacified, would once again be engulfed in war.
Bai Xuerou knew that these people were doing this for the sake of Daqi. If Ling Xunru conquered Dachen, the world would be unified, the emperor's abdication would be imminent, and Daqi would be finished.
But what about the common people? What about the country that they finally managed to bring peace to?
In the eyes of these people, they are not as good as a crumbling Great Qi Dynasty that has already begun its minor studies.
Bai Xuerou didn't understand.
Ling Xun understood that patriotism and loyalty were irrelevant; they were merely about self-interest.
These people's everything depends on Da Qi, and they see no possibility of continuing this in him, so naturally they want to stop him.
Ultimately, it's all for oneself.
These are all common occurrences; even though he has come this far, it is all for his own sake.
People like Bai Xuerou, who can see the suffering of ordinary people, are truly rare.
Ling Xun omitted his own details and slowly explained to Bai Xuerou, who then understood, but still found it absurd.
Those are millions of lives.
Then came relief. Bai Xuerou nestled into Ling Xun's arms and said soberly, "It's good that you found out. Husband, you must be well, nothing can happen to you."
She belatedly felt a sense of fear; what would happen to Ling Xun if he hadn't noticed?
Ling Xun's heart immediately felt incredibly tender.
Bai Xue was gentle and reserved, and rarely uttered such affectionate words unless she was teased to the point of forgetting herself. But every time she said them, they were spoken with utmost sincerity, how could he not be moved?
"I will, I'll be fine, I still want to grow old with my sister." Ling Xun whispered, gently stroking her shoulder, thinking to himself that he would definitely be there for her in the end.
The Zhenbei Army took several months to recuperate and rebuild.
Since the death of King Chen last year, the State of Chen has been in chaos. The princes are vying for the throne. First, the fifth prince ascended to the throne, but then the crown prince took back the position. The other princes are now eager to make their move.
The country was in complete chaos.
Everyone thought Ling Xun would be eager to take action against Chen Guo, but he didn't.
The Tibetan king is old, but his position as crown prince is secure. He is a well-known wise king, with a kind father and filial son, ensuring a stable succession.
The Turkic king was in his prime. He had seized the throne from the old king a few years ago, subdued his brothers, and was ambitious.
There seemed to be no opportune moment to act, but Ling Xun was in no hurry and waited patiently.
He has never lacked patience.
And so they waited, from summer to autumn.
The court urged him several times, though they dared not speak too directly. They merely hoped that Ling Xun would conquer the Chen Kingdom as soon as possible, using phrases like "unifying the world" and "unparalleled achievement."
Ling Xun only said that the time was not right. It wasn't until September, when the newly appointed emperor of Chen died suddenly and the country was in chaos, that he led his army to attack Chen.
This was a forced march; Ling Xun remained stationed at the rear, holding the line.
As expected, the Turks and Tibetans launched an attack, but the Zhenbei Army anticipated this and intercepted them. They even caught the erroneous information relayed by their spies and captured a Tibetan prince and a young Turkic Khan, who was the current Turkic king's half-brother.
Meanwhile, the Chenbei Commandery, which had invaded the Chen Kingdom, advanced with unstoppable momentum, successfully capturing the kingdom and taking Chen's royal family and nobles prisoner.
It took a total of one and a half months.
Everything seemed easy.
But hidden behind it all is a power struggle between Ling Xun and the forces in the shadows; if he had made even one wrong step, the outcome would have been very different.
Those who were holding out for the Great Qi tried to join forces with the Tibetans and Turks to ambush the Zhenbei Army. Seeing that Ling Xun did not understand, they persuaded the people of Chen to cooperate.
All I think about is removing the rough edges.
Ling Xun's abilities were so great that even the Tibetans and Turks were wary of him; no one wanted their neighbor to be too powerful.
They had mocked the people of Qi for being forced into this situation, yet they were also pleased that Qi had such people who were willing to give up even such outstanding and powerful individuals.
As Ling Xun said, the people of Qi only wanted to maintain their wealth and power for another ten or twenty years, generation after generation.
But in the end, Ling Xun won.
In the end, he was the one who was more skilled.
Now, it's time for reckoning.
When the news of the great victory reached Chang'an, Wei Yi went to court and revealed that several people had joined forces with the Tubo and Turkic peoples to frame the Prince of Zhenbei. These people were involved with several noble families in Chang'an, including the Lang family.
The young emperor was bewildered and helpless. Wei Yi, relying on the solid evidence in his hand, surrounded all the families involved in the case in the mansion, saying that if it was found that they had nothing to do with the case, he would personally come to apologize.
Chang'an was suddenly filled with unease and panic.
For the first time, Wei Yi, the usually amiable General of the Northern Army, revealed his tough methods to the nobles of Chang'an.
At first, the rumors were hard to believe, but the Zhenbei Army was very good at spreading rumors and soon the news spread.
The implication was that the Qi court was worried that the Prince of Zhenbei's achievements were too great and that they wanted to take this opportunity to get rid of him.
Incidentally, it mentions the consequences if the Prince of Zhenbei were to pass away, such as the country, which had just been pacified, falling into chaos again.
The common people are the ones who know best whether the people in power are good or bad, since it concerns their own lives, so they immediately became united in their hatred of the enemy.
Gradually, rumors began to circulate that the Prince of Zhenbei wanted to ascend the throne and become emperor.
When this rumor appeared, everyone in the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion was stunned.
They haven't progressed to that point yet; this rumor was just something that ordinary people brought up spontaneously.
In my surprise, I thought to myself, this is what everyone has been hoping for.
Of course, there were many rebuttals to these rumors, such as the principle that the ruler is the guide for his subjects, and that if the Prince of Zhenbei wanted to become emperor, he would be a traitor.
Amidst these rumors, Ling Xun finally returned to Chang'an.
It's already December.
Surrounded by the Zhenbei Army, the cart moved slowly forward, and from it came a girl's clear and lively voice calling out, "Mother, the city wall!"
Phoenix leaned against the car window, pointing to the towering city wall that stretched into the distance.
A year has passed, but Chang'an remains unchanged.
“Mother sees it, Phoenix, this is Chang’an.” Bai Xuerou looked over and said to her daughter with a smile.
She was filled with many emotions. Although she had only been away from Chang'an for a little over two years, seeing him again felt like an eternity.
"Chang'an?" Phoenix repeated with some confusion, but didn't care. Instead, she looked at her father and continued, "Father, the city wall."
Ling Xun was looking down at the news about the recent situation in Chang'an that had just been delivered. Hearing this, he looked at his daughter and said, "I saw it. How about Father takes Phoenix to the city wall to take a look later?"
His thinking was simple: since the child was interested, he would go and take a look.
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