Yan Xiaojing immediately thought of his eldest son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. “I’ll arrange for someone to bring your sister in law and Tiantian back immediately.” As for his eldest son, he didn’t mention him. He knew that Yan Su wouldn’t leave the Western Frontier at this critical time.
“Father, you don’t need to worry. I’ve already made arrangements to protect big brother,” Yan Ge said. “As for sister-in-law and Tiantian, leave them to me.”
“Very well.” Yan Xiaojing was a civil official and had limited subordinates with martial skills.
“Should I tell your Mother about this?”
Yan Ge hesitated. “You decide.”
Yan Xiaojing nodded.
The news of the war between the Mai Kingdom and Great Han quickly spread, and the court didn’t hide it. Large quantities of provisions were transported outside the capital, and the common people could guess that the border was at war. However, the border was far away from them, so they weren’t too worried. The teahouses and restaurants were now filled with more customers, and discussions mainly revolved around the war between the two kingdoms. However, in the feudal society, the common people didn’t have much say, and even if they discussed, they didn’t dare to go too deep into political matters, as it was considered a grave offense.
After receiving the statistics of his properties, Yan Ge was satisfied and issued several orders to mobilize eighty percent of the stock. Whenever Xiguan Pass needed urgent supplies, they could be quickly transported there, ensuring that the soldiers had no worries during the battle.
The war had been going on for nearly a month, and there was still no clear winner. Huangfu Yuchen’s brow furrowed, and he became busier, spending most of his time in the imperial study, receiving reports and meeting with important officials.
“Report—Emperor, this is a dispatch from Xiguan Pass.”
“Present it.”
Upon reading the contents of the dispatch, Huangfu Yuchen’s face immediately turned grave. “A mysterious black-clad force with nearly a thousand members has appeared in the ranks of the Mai Kingdom, and they inflicted a loss of nearly ten thousand soldiers in a battle five days ago.”
The faces of the officials changed dramatically. How terrifying was a force that could eliminate ten thousand soldiers with only one thousand members?
“Prepare immediately. I will lead the troops in person.”
Yan Ge’s steps halted just outside the imperial study. Has Meng Xiaohun finally shown himself?
“Your Majesty, this is not advisable!” Grand Tutor You urgently pleaded, kneeling down. “You are the pillar of the kingdom. How can you risk yourself like this?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jiang Gan also frowned, “General Cao is courageous and wise, and the soldiers at the border are all valiant fighters. I believe General Cao can handle this crisis.”
“Your Majesty, I also think it’s not advisable. Please reconsider,” King Zhong looked somewhat surprised, feeling that the Emperor’s decision was too impulsive and unlike his usual style.
“No need to say more.” Huangfu Yuchen waved his hand resolutely and looked towards the closed door. “My decision is final.”
A voice came from outside the door, announcing, “Huang Guiqing is here—”
The Grand Tutor and the others were overjoyed, believing that Huang Guiqing would be persuaded the emperor to change his mind.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Yan Ge said with a smile.
Huangfu Yuchen walked over and took him to sit behind the Imperial desk. “Not at all.”
Jiang Gan said, “Huang Guiqing, just now, His Majesty mentioned leading the troops in person. We tried to persuade him, but to no avail. We ask Huang Guiqing to try to persuade him as well.”
Yan Ge knew that the formidable force of one thousand soldiers was likely led by Meng Xiaohun. Meng Xiaohun was no ordinary character, and ordinary soldiers couldn’t deal with him. Moreover, this was the karma between Yuchen and Meng Xiaohun. Yuchen had to resolve it personally; otherwise, Meng Xiaohun’s existence could become a formidable obstacle to Yuchen’s advancement.
“His Majesty must have deep reasons for making such a decision,” Yan Ge looked at Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “The appearance of this one thousand soldiers has caused significant casualties, and our morale must be low. My personal presence can boost morale, and I can gain firsthand information about the situation. As for my safety, all of you need not worry. I will take the Jingxiu Guards with me.”
“Jingxiu Guards?”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “The Jingxiu Guards are a group of ten thousand specially trained soldiers, handpicked from the best. With them protecting me, all of you can rest assured, right?”
The officials were still worried, and they looked at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge smiled confidently and remained silent.
Huangfu Yuchen continued, “During my absence, Huang Guiqing will act as a regent and handle the state affairs. I hope all of you will support him.”
Grand Tutor You and the others were surprised again, their faces filled with astonishment. While Huang Guiqing was indeed capable, it didn’t change the fact that he was a palace consort. To have a consort manage the state affairs was unprecedented.
Yan Ge was also taken aback but soon calmed down.
“Your Majesty, this…” King Zhong didn’t know what to say. He was greatly surprised. Historically, emperors were usually suspicious, but the Emperor was trusting Huang Guiqing with the state affairs. How could he trust Huang Guiqing so much?
“I believe in Huang Guiqing. I wouldn’t joke about Great Han’s survival,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
When he said that, the officials could not object.
Yan Ge smiled faintly. “Leave it to me.”
Jiang Gan was puzzled. The Emperor and Huang Guiqing had always been inseparable, but this time, Huang Guiqing didn’t propose to go with the Emperor?
Huangfu Yuchen would collide head-on with Meng Xiaohun at Xiguan Pass. How could Yan Ge not worry? However, he had to stay in the capital to coordinate and dispatch various military supplies based on the battlefield reports, ensuring they were quickly transported to the front lines. He couldn’t trust this crucial task to anyone else, as the situation on the battlefield changed rapidly. A small oversight could lead to a major disaster. Hence, he had no choice but to stay in the capital.
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at Jiang Gan, Luo Wei, King Zhong, Grand Tutor You and the others, and took Yan Ge away with him.
The two of them walked on the road leading to Tenglong Palace, not saying a word for a long time.
“My dear, I will be fine,” Huangfu Yuchen spoke first.
Yan Ge subconsciously held his hand tightly. “Please be careful.”
“Don’t worry, we still have many places to go, and we’ll be together for a long time. So, I will be fine.” Huangfu Yuchen held the back of his head and gently kissed his lips, then took out a jade pendant and handed it to Yan Ge. “Remember this?”
Yan Ge’s eyes brightened. When they saved a group of martial artists in the Mai Kingdom, they owed a favor to him and Yuchen.
“I know what to do.”
Huangfu Yuchen left that day with five thousand Jingxiu Guards. Another five thousand elite guards were already stationed near Xiguan Pass.
The common people in the capital were excited and moved when they heard that the Emperor intended to lead the troops in person. They bid farewell along the way, hoping for the Emperor and the soldiers’ triumphant return.
Yan Ge stood on the tallest tower, continuously watching Huangfu Yuchen. From a distance, he saw Huangfu Yuchen turning back and giving him a smile.
‘I’m waiting for you, Yuchen.’
Huangfu Yuchen’s lips curled, and then he turned away, urging his horse forward, “Proceed—”
After several days of continuous travel, he finally arrived at Xiguan Pass. Before entering the city, Huangfu Yuchen heard the rumbling sounds of grenades exploding on the battlefield.
Upon receiving the imperial edict, Cao Zhan sent Deputy General Ye to welcome the Emperor.
The ten-thousand-man army headed straight for the camp.
Huangfu Yuchen rode his horse towards Cao Zhan, who was intently observing the battlefield from his warhorse.
“How’s the situation?”
“Your Majesty, this humble subordinate pays his respects.”
Cao Zhan was about to dismount, but Huangfu Yuchen stopped him.
Cao Zhan said, “That mysterious force of one thousand has bizarre martial skills; our soldiers… are no match for them.”
Huangfu Yuchen unleashed his spiritual sense, his gaze turning cold. With just one look, he confirmed that this force of one thousand people was cultivated by Meng Xiaohun; their martial arts were the same as Meng Xiaohun’s.
He raised his hand, “Have two thousand Qi Condensation stage cultivators join the battle.”
“Yes!”
Qi Condensation stage cultivators? Cao Zhan heard this term for the first time, but it wasn’t the time to be concerned about that. He immediately turned his attention to the battlefield.
The two thousand Qi Condensation stage cultivators rushed into the battle, directly charging towards the one thousand black-clad figures. Thanks to their black cloaks, the cultivators could identify them easily.
The addition of cultivators allowed the overwhelmed Great Han soldiers to catch their breath and discreetly deal with the ordinary Mai soldiers.
In a restaurant in the capital, Jing Cheng, Wen Xian and Weiju Shen were having a meal when they heard exclamations from the people outside. They became curious and walked to the window, widening their eyes at the scene before them.
On the spacious concrete road, ten people from the Zhenyuan Escort Bureau were riding horses, followed by a continuous line of identical carriages. Each carriage was pulled by four horses, loaded with goods covered by black rainproof cloth.
The carriages had double-sided flags, one side embroidered with “Nanyi First Company” and the other side with “Supporting the Border.” A smaller flag was attached to each carriage, with words like “Food”, “Clothing”, “Medicine,” etc… One carriage, two carriages, three carriages… there were a total of one hundred carriages stretching for miles, and two Zhenyuan Escort Bureau personnel guarded each carriage. After the last carriage was another group of Zhenyuan Escort Bureau personnel.
“The court already sent one hundred carriages of military supplies to the border yesterday, and today, Huang Guiqing sent another one hundred carriages of supplies. Great Han will surely win!” A commoner in the crowd couldn’t contain his excitement and shouted aloud.
His emotions infected others, and they joined in, shouting, “Great Han will win! Great Han will win…”
“Damn it, I’ll donate supplies too.”
“I will too.”
…..
In the imperial study, Yan Ge was completely unaware of the sensation his actions caused and efficiently gave orders.
“Minister of War, supervise the armory to increase production speed and be ready to replenish grenades at Xiguan Pass. But be mindful of the workers’ safety, even in the urgency.”
“Yes!”
“Minister of Finance, prepare the second batch of provisions as soon as possible and be ready to escort them out of the capital.”
“Yes!”
“Minister of Rites, plan for the celebration feast in advance.”
The ministers exchanged glances, feeling excited. Huang Guiqing’s confident tone boosted their confidence as well.
“Yes,” the Minister of Rites responded.
“Minister of Personnel, immediately send homing pigeons to the various relay stations along the route from the capital to Xiguan Pass, instructing them to prepare enough horses in advance for the teams transporting provisions to change horses.”
“Yes!”
“Minister of Public Works and Minister of Justice, don’t be idle either. Maintaining order in the capital is your responsibility. Even if the border is in chaos, the capital cannot be chaotic.”
“Yes, please rest assured, Huang Guiqing”
King Zhong and Grand Tutor You listened to Yan Ge’s well-organized and detailed arrangements, and their hearts were at ease.
“Gao Feng.”
Gao Feng, Gao Yun, Jun Xiang, and Lu Fei did not accompanying Huangfu Yuchen to the Xiguan Pass; they were still serving by Yan Ge’s side and were waiting outside the imperial study.
“Yes, Huang Guiqing.”
Yan Ge handed him several letters. “Deliver these letters to the company and give them to Wan Xiang. She knows what to do.”
“Yes.”
After making all the necessary arrangements, Yan Ge stretched his arms and looked at Grand Tutor You and the others with a smile. “You have worked hard these days. Try to rest in the palace as much as possible. This young lord is still new to handling state affairs and relies on your guidance.”
King Zhong replied on behalf of the group, “Huang Guiqing is too modest. We are honored to share both joys and sorrows with His Majesty and Huang Guiqing.”
Yan Xiaojing immediately thought of his eldest son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. “I’ll arrange for someone to bring your sister in law and Tiantian back immediately.” As for his eldest son, he didn’t mention him. He knew that Yan Su wouldn’t leave the Western Frontier at this critical time.
“Father, you don’t need to worry. I’ve already made arrangements to protect big brother,” Yan Ge said. “As for sister-in-law and Tiantian, leave them to me.”
“Very well.” Yan Xiaojing was a civil official and had limited subordinates with martial skills.
“Should I tell your Mother about this?”
Yan Ge hesitated. “You decide.”
Yan Xiaojing nodded.
The news of the war between the Mai Kingdom and Great Han quickly spread, and the court didn’t hide it. Large quantities of provisions were transported outside the capital, and the common people could guess that the border was at war. However, the border was far away from them, so they weren’t too worried. The teahouses and restaurants were now filled with more customers, and discussions mainly revolved around the war between the two kingdoms. However, in the feudal society, the common people didn’t have much say, and even if they discussed, they didn’t dare to go too deep into political matters, as it was considered a grave offense.
After receiving the statistics of his properties, Yan Ge was satisfied and issued several orders to mobilize eighty percent of the stock. Whenever Xiguan Pass needed urgent supplies, they could be quickly transported there, ensuring that the soldiers had no worries during the battle.
The war had been going on for nearly a month, and there was still no clear winner. Huangfu Yuchen’s brow furrowed, and he became busier, spending most of his time in the imperial study, receiving reports and meeting with important officials.
“Report—Emperor, this is a dispatch from Xiguan Pass.”
“Present it.”
Upon reading the contents of the dispatch, Huangfu Yuchen’s face immediately turned grave. “A mysterious black-clad force with nearly a thousand members has appeared in the ranks of the Mai Kingdom, and they inflicted a loss of nearly ten thousand soldiers in a battle five days ago.”
The faces of the officials changed dramatically. How terrifying was a force that could eliminate ten thousand soldiers with only one thousand members?
“Prepare immediately. I will lead the troops in person.”
Yan Ge’s steps halted just outside the imperial study. Has Meng Xiaohun finally shown himself?
“Your Majesty, this is not advisable!” Grand Tutor You urgently pleaded, kneeling down. “You are the pillar of the kingdom. How can you risk yourself like this?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jiang Gan also frowned, “General Cao is courageous and wise, and the soldiers at the border are all valiant fighters. I believe General Cao can handle this crisis.”
“Your Majesty, I also think it’s not advisable. Please reconsider,” King Zhong looked somewhat surprised, feeling that the Emperor’s decision was too impulsive and unlike his usual style.
“No need to say more.” Huangfu Yuchen waved his hand resolutely and looked towards the closed door. “My decision is final.”
A voice came from outside the door, announcing, “Huang Guiqing is here—”
The Grand Tutor and the others were overjoyed, believing that Huang Guiqing would be persuaded the emperor to change his mind.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Yan Ge said with a smile.
Huangfu Yuchen walked over and took him to sit behind the Imperial desk. “Not at all.”
Jiang Gan said, “Huang Guiqing, just now, His Majesty mentioned leading the troops in person. We tried to persuade him, but to no avail. We ask Huang Guiqing to try to persuade him as well.”
Yan Ge knew that the formidable force of one thousand soldiers was likely led by Meng Xiaohun. Meng Xiaohun was no ordinary character, and ordinary soldiers couldn’t deal with him. Moreover, this was the karma between Yuchen and Meng Xiaohun. Yuchen had to resolve it personally; otherwise, Meng Xiaohun’s existence could become a formidable obstacle to Yuchen’s advancement.
“His Majesty must have deep reasons for making such a decision,” Yan Ge looked at Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “The appearance of this one thousand soldiers has caused significant casualties, and our morale must be low. My personal presence can boost morale, and I can gain firsthand information about the situation. As for my safety, all of you need not worry. I will take the Jingxiu Guards with me.”
“Jingxiu Guards?”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “The Jingxiu Guards are a group of ten thousand specially trained soldiers, handpicked from the best. With them protecting me, all of you can rest assured, right?”
The officials were still worried, and they looked at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge smiled confidently and remained silent.
Huangfu Yuchen continued, “During my absence, Huang Guiqing will act as a regent and handle the state affairs. I hope all of you will support him.”
Grand Tutor You and the others were surprised again, their faces filled with astonishment. While Huang Guiqing was indeed capable, it didn’t change the fact that he was a palace consort. To have a consort manage the state affairs was unprecedented.
Yan Ge was also taken aback but soon calmed down.
“Your Majesty, this…” King Zhong didn’t know what to say. He was greatly surprised. Historically, emperors were usually suspicious, but the Emperor was trusting Huang Guiqing with the state affairs. How could he trust Huang Guiqing so much?
“I believe in Huang Guiqing. I wouldn’t joke about Great Han’s survival,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
When he said that, the officials could not object.
Yan Ge smiled faintly. “Leave it to me.”
Jiang Gan was puzzled. The Emperor and Huang Guiqing had always been inseparable, but this time, Huang Guiqing didn’t propose to go with the Emperor?
Huangfu Yuchen would collide head-on with Meng Xiaohun at Xiguan Pass. How could Yan Ge not worry? However, he had to stay in the capital to coordinate and dispatch various military supplies based on the battlefield reports, ensuring they were quickly transported to the front lines. He couldn’t trust this crucial task to anyone else, as the situation on the battlefield changed rapidly. A small oversight could lead to a major disaster. Hence, he had no choice but to stay in the capital.
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at Jiang Gan, Luo Wei, King Zhong, Grand Tutor You and the others, and took Yan Ge away with him.
The two of them walked on the road leading to Tenglong Palace, not saying a word for a long time.
“My dear, I will be fine,” Huangfu Yuchen spoke first.
Yan Ge subconsciously held his hand tightly. “Please be careful.”
“Don’t worry, we still have many places to go, and we’ll be together for a long time. So, I will be fine.” Huangfu Yuchen held the back of his head and gently kissed his lips, then took out a jade pendant and handed it to Yan Ge. “Remember this?”
Yan Ge’s eyes brightened. When they saved a group of martial artists in the Mai Kingdom, they owed a favor to him and Yuchen.
“I know what to do.”
Huangfu Yuchen left that day with five thousand Jingxiu Guards. Another five thousand elite guards were already stationed near Xiguan Pass.
The common people in the capital were excited and moved when they heard that the Emperor intended to lead the troops in person. They bid farewell along the way, hoping for the Emperor and the soldiers’ triumphant return.
Yan Ge stood on the tallest tower, continuously watching Huangfu Yuchen. From a distance, he saw Huangfu Yuchen turning back and giving him a smile.
‘I’m waiting for you, Yuchen.’
Huangfu Yuchen’s lips curled, and then he turned away, urging his horse forward, “Proceed—”
After several days of continuous travel, he finally arrived at Xiguan Pass. Before entering the city, Huangfu Yuchen heard the rumbling sounds of grenades exploding on the battlefield.
Upon receiving the imperial edict, Cao Zhan sent Deputy General Ye to welcome the Emperor.
The ten-thousand-man army headed straight for the camp.
Huangfu Yuchen rode his horse towards Cao Zhan, who was intently observing the battlefield from his warhorse.
“How’s the situation?”
“Your Majesty, this humble subordinate pays his respects.”
Cao Zhan was about to dismount, but Huangfu Yuchen stopped him.
Cao Zhan said, “That mysterious force of one thousand has bizarre martial skills; our soldiers… are no match for them.”
Huangfu Yuchen unleashed his spiritual sense, his gaze turning cold. With just one look, he confirmed that this force of one thousand people was cultivated by Meng Xiaohun; their martial arts were the same as Meng Xiaohun’s.
He raised his hand, “Have two thousand Qi Condensation stage cultivators join the battle.”
“Yes!”
Qi Condensation stage cultivators? Cao Zhan heard this term for the first time, but it wasn’t the time to be concerned about that. He immediately turned his attention to the battlefield.
The two thousand Qi Condensation stage cultivators rushed into the battle, directly charging towards the one thousand black-clad figures. Thanks to their black cloaks, the cultivators could identify them easily.
The addition of cultivators allowed the overwhelmed Great Han soldiers to catch their breath and discreetly deal with the ordinary Mai soldiers.
In a restaurant in the capital, Jing Cheng, Wen Xian and Weiju Shen were having a meal when they heard exclamations from the people outside. They became curious and walked to the window, widening their eyes at the scene before them.
On the spacious concrete road, ten people from the Zhenyuan Escort Bureau were riding horses, followed by a continuous line of identical carriages. Each carriage was pulled by four horses, loaded with goods covered by black rainproof cloth.
The carriages had double-sided flags, one side embroidered with “Nanyi First Company” and the other side with “Supporting the Border.” A smaller flag was attached to each carriage, with words like “Food”, “Clothing”, “Medicine,” etc… One carriage, two carriages, three carriages… there were a total of one hundred carriages stretching for miles, and two Zhenyuan Escort Bureau personnel guarded each carriage. After the last carriage was another group of Zhenyuan Escort Bureau personnel.
“The court already sent one hundred carriages of military supplies to the border yesterday, and today, Huang Guiqing sent another one hundred carriages of supplies. Great Han will surely win!” A commoner in the crowd couldn’t contain his excitement and shouted aloud.
His emotions infected others, and they joined in, shouting, “Great Han will win! Great Han will win…”
“Damn it, I’ll donate supplies too.”
“I will too.”
…..
In the imperial study, Yan Ge was completely unaware of the sensation his actions caused and efficiently gave orders.
“Minister of War, supervise the armory to increase production speed and be ready to replenish grenades at Xiguan Pass. But be mindful of the workers’ safety, even in the urgency.”
“Yes!”
“Minister of Finance, prepare the second batch of provisions as soon as possible and be ready to escort them out of the capital.”
“Yes!”
“Minister of Rites, plan for the celebration feast in advance.”
The ministers exchanged glances, feeling excited. Huang Guiqing’s confident tone boosted their confidence as well.
“Yes,” the Minister of Rites responded.
“Minister of Personnel, immediately send homing pigeons to the various relay stations along the route from the capital to Xiguan Pass, instructing them to prepare enough horses in advance for the teams transporting provisions to change horses.”
“Yes!”
“Minister of Public Works and Minister of Justice, don’t be idle either. Maintaining order in the capital is your responsibility. Even if the border is in chaos, the capital cannot be chaotic.”
“Yes, please rest assured, Huang Guiqing”
King Zhong and Grand Tutor You listened to Yan Ge’s well-organized and detailed arrangements, and their hearts were at ease.
“Gao Feng.”
Gao Feng, Gao Yun, Jun Xiang, and Lu Fei did not accompanying Huangfu Yuchen to the Xiguan Pass; they were still serving by Yan Ge’s side and were waiting outside the imperial study.
“Yes, Huang Guiqing.”
Yan Ge handed him several letters. “Deliver these letters to the company and give them to Wan Xiang. She knows what to do.”
“Yes.”
After making all the necessary arrangements, Yan Ge stretched his arms and looked at Grand Tutor You and the others with a smile. “You have worked hard these days. Try to rest in the palace as much as possible. This young lord is still new to handling state affairs and relies on your guidance.”
King Zhong replied on behalf of the group, “Huang Guiqing is too modest. We are honored to share both joys and sorrows with His Majesty and Huang Guiqing.”
