Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince's expression turned solemn, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
“I am well aware of the significance of this.”
He said softly, "Although the Emperor bestowed the title of Marquis upon the Li family, behind this honor lies the heroic sacrifice of countless men of the Li family. It was earned with their flesh and blood and countless bones."
"yes……"
Rong Ning sighed softly, a complex emotion welling up in her heart that was hard to describe.
War, this cruel and merciless thing, not only takes away countless lives, but also tears countless families apart. Whether it is soldiers on the front lines, civilians far from the war, or even those in the high court, no one can escape its calamity.
"Big brother..."
Rong Ning changed the subject, her eyes revealing a firmness and determination, "Although I dislike war, I also know that we cannot have the slightest fear or retreat when facing a powerful enemy."
Disliking war doesn't mean we can avoid it; true fearlessness in the face of war stems from a sense of responsibility and commitment—a determination to protect everything we cherish, even if the road ahead is fraught with difficulties and obstacles.
She paused for a moment, then continued, "I do not wish that one day in the future, the Southern Dynasty will still be powerless against the iron hooves of the Great Jing, nor do I wish that our people will become the prey of others."
We must become strong to protect this land, and the foundation of this is a strong military.
The Crown Prince listened quietly to every word Rong Ning spoke, his gaze gradually becoming firm and profound. He understood that Rong Ning's words were not only an expectation for him, but also a hope for the entire Southern Dynasty.
“Ah Ning is right!” he said softly but firmly. “The matter of the army has been a topic of discussion between Father and me, but we have not been able to find a suitable opportunity. This time, you will come back with me and tell Father your thoughts.”
Rong Ning scoffed coldly, "Would Father listen to me?"
“If you say it a few more times, he will eventually listen!” The Crown Prince knew his father well. “As long as it’s the result he wants, he will listen. As things stand, what you’re asking for is largely the same as what Father Emperor wants.”
oh?
I see…
Rong Ning seemed to understand something.
Rong Ning and the Crown Prince went to the Humen Camp first.
The inspection of the camp was a sudden idea of Rong Ning's, so she didn't have time to inform General Li in advance. When they arrived at the camp, the soldiers recognized Rong Ning and hurriedly prepared to report to her.
"Don't panic. I'm just here to take a look. If your general is busy when you go to report, he doesn't need to come. I can just stroll around by myself!"
The young soldier accepted the order and left.
But when Rong Ning came to inspect the camp, General Li Xiao dared not neglect her no matter how busy he was, and soon he came over in a hurry.
With a look of urgency and respect, upon seeing Rong Ning and the Crown Prince from afar, he immediately knelt on one knee and gave a standard military salute, "This humble general greets Your Highness Princess Ningding. I am late, please forgive me."
Rong Ning raised her hand slightly, signaling him to get up. She and the Crown Prince dismounted together and said gently, "General Li, you are too kind. I came here suddenly without prior notice. How can you blame me? General, you are very busy. It is already rare for you to be able to take the time to come."
Seeing that General Li's gaze fell on the person next to him, she continued the introduction, "This is my elder brother, that is, His Highness the Crown Prince of our Southern Dynasty."
What?
General Li was startled and quickly bowed deeply. "Your Highness, I am blind and failed to recognize Your Highness. I have been disrespectful to Your Highness. Please forgive me."
Seeing how nervous he was, the Crown Prince sighed helplessly, “General Li, there’s no need to be so nervous. I’ve come all this way to the North to see how the soldiers are doing, but due to time constraints, I couldn’t give advance notice. It was my and Princess Ningding’s presumptuousness to visit you so suddenly. General Li, there’s no need to be so nervous.”
The crown prince personally helped him up.
General Li was called General Li because he was very young, only sixteen or seventeen years old.
I heard that the Li family kept their youngest son at home to study, hoping he would pass the imperial examinations and enter the court. They never intended for him to join the army.
But with his grandfather and father and brothers dying in battle one after another, he had no choice but to take up the mantle of the Li family.
Yet he became a battalion commander at such a young age, commanding the respect of the entire army. This was certainly not due to the lingering influence of his father and brothers, but rather the result of his hard-won achievements in battle after battle.
Just like Rong Ning, she could win the respect of the soldiers in the north, not because she was a royal princess, but because she led them to victory after victory.
"General Li, His Highness the Crown Prince and I will simply stroll around the camp without making a fuss. Let the soldiers train as usual."
"yes!"
General Li respectfully replied, "Your Highnesses, this way please!"
The Humen camp covered a large area, and the sounds of soldiers training echoed through the air.
It was very inspiring.
The Crown Prince watched as he walked, his eyes revealing his admiration for General Li. "General Li is a capable commander, and his soldiers are well-trained. He is truly a blessing to our Southern Dynasty."
General Li smiled modestly, looking at Rong Ning with undisguised pride in his eyes. He said, "Your Highness is too kind. In fact, the current military regulations and discipline were personally established by Her Highness the Princess. With strict military discipline, the soldiers have a set of rules for doing things, and the rest will naturally follow."
"Her Highness is not only exceptionally intelligent, but also possesses unique insights into military affairs. She once said that the army is the foundation of a nation, and only with strict discipline can one be invincible. Therefore, we, the generals, all take Her Highness's teachings as our guiding principle and dare not slacken our efforts at any time."
Upon hearing this, the prince felt a surge of pride. His mother had truly given him a wonderful younger sister who had solved many of his problems.
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