"Your father's concern is noted," Chu Chenyi said indifferently. Ever since he could remember, he had never felt any concern from Emperor Xuanwen.
Perhaps in his father's heart, there was only Chu Yanxi, for he was the child of the person he loved, and thus loved everything related to her.
"Since Chenyi's leg has healed, you shall lead the troops and make haste for Yingzhong Commandery to support General Ling in defeating the rebels."
Although the Empress Dowager had not involved herself in court affairs for many years, her authority remained undiminished.
"Your subject obeys!"
"Your grandson obeys!"
After leaving the Empress Dowager's palace, Emperor Xuanwen summoned Chu Chenyi to the Imperial Study.
Emperor Xuanwen sat on the dragon throne, scrutinizing Chu Chenyi. He realized he had not paid much attention to this son in many years.
Since Chu Chenyi's leg injury, he had felt a sense of regret. After all, Chu Chenyi had once been the most outstanding among his sons, and he had even considered making him the crown prince. However, after Chu Chenyi's leg injury, this idea had been shelved.
As Chu Yanxi grew up and handled matters with meticulous care, Emperor Xuanwen had inadvertently forgotten about Chu Chenyi's existence.
Now that his leg had healed, then... the matter of succession would have to be carefully considered.
"Chenyi, has the injury to your leg truly healed?"
All the renowned physicians in Dongchu had asserted that Chu Chenyi's legs could never recover. This sudden recovery, as if normal, truly made him find it incredible.
"Reporting to Father Emperor, it suddenly healed."
Emperor Xuanwen looked him up and down, unable to discern any clues, and finally believed him. "Which renowned physician cured your leg? I shall reward him handsomely."
"Reporting to Father Emperor, it was General Ling's wife, Princess Jianing."
"Fengjin?" Emperor Xuanwen was slightly surprised. Fengjin had cured the Empress Dowager before, and he had thought it was a fluke.
Being able to cure Chu Chenyi's legs was sufficient proof of genuine skill.
"It was indeed Fengjin!" Chu Chenyi confirmed. Fengjin's treatment of him was under the Empress Dowager's secret decree, and it was not meant for others to know.
However, now that his leg injury was known to his Father Emperor, and he was to lead troops into battle tomorrow, it could not be hidden. It was better to announce it openly so that the world would know of Fengjin's excellent medical skills.
Emperor Xuanwen's expression darkened. He surmised that the Empress Dowager had ordered Fengjin to treat Chu Chenyi's leg.
The Empress Dowager, on one hand, prevented him from establishing Chu Yanxi as the crown prince, and on the other hand, had Fengjin secretly treat Chu Chenyi's leg. The Empress Dowager's intentions were already clear.
By bypassing his actions in this manner, the Empress Dowager was truly wary of him. Emperor Xuanwen's heart churned like waves, and a sense of bitterness spread through his chest.
"It is fortunate that your leg has healed. I will find an opportunity to reward Fengjin. Be careful in all things when you lead the troops tomorrow."
"Your subject obeys!"
Emperor Xuanwen sighed, his face showing exhaustion. "I am tired, you may leave now."
"Your subject withdraws."
In the vast Imperial Study, Emperor Xuanwen was left alone, the silence as desolate as his current state of mind.
"Guards, go find the Third Prince and bring him back."
His cold voice echoed in the empty hall. A dark shadow knelt before Emperor Xuanwen in the darkness. "This subject receives the decree!"
No matter how much he favored Chu Yanxi, there could be no mistakes in matters of state.
If, as the Empress Dowager claimed, Chu Yanxi had deliberately delayed the march, causing Yingzhong Commandery to be isolated and helpless, and if he had made a grave error, then he would not be forgiven.
...
"Reporting to Young General, the rebel army has gathered hundreds of thousands of troops and has reached the city gates."
Ling Mohan, clad in silver armor that accentuated his cold demeanor, his thin lips tightly pursed, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
"Order the three armies to defend the city gates to the death!"
They had defended Yingzhong Commandery for over a month. After several fierce battles, the soldiers within the city had suffered heavy casualties. The remaining forces were less than ten thousand. Now, with the rebel army amassing a hundred thousand troops, all they could do was defend Yingzhong Commandery to the death and await reinforcements.
"Lu Shi, where is Prince Jing's army?"
"They will arrive in two more days."
Two days... With the current strength, it was not enough to hold out for two days. In all his years of leading armies, this was the first time he had been cornered to the point of breathlessness. Ling Mohan felt a fire burning in his chest with nowhere to vent it. This battle was truly frustrating.
Ling Mohan fell silent for a moment, then rose to the city walls to supervise the battle.
"Young Madam, Young Madam... something is wrong... something is wrong." Cai Qing rushed in from outside in a panic.
"What has happened?"
Feng Jin couldn't help but grow anxious and quickly asked.
"Your servant heard... heard that the rebel army has gathered a hundred thousand strong and is attacking Yingzhong Commandery. The Young General is on the city wall supervising the battle."
One hundred thousand troops. Feng Jin's hand, holding the tiger-head hat, tightened abruptly. The troops within the city were less than ten thousand. How could they resist a hundred thousand rebels? The reinforcement army was delayed. Could Yingzhong Commandery still be held?
Feng Jin stood up abruptly and started to walk out. She had to find Ling Mohan. Only by seeing him unharmed with her own eyes could she be at ease.
"Young Madam, everyone outside is in panic, and you are pregnant. You cannot go out!"
If she were to be bumped again, it would be disastrous. Cai Qing quickly followed her.
Ling Muzhu, who was chopping firewood, saw Feng Jin rushing out in a panic with Cai Qing anxiously chasing behind her. He quickly put down his work and strode forward, blocking Feng Jin's path.
"What are you doing? Elder Brother said you are not allowed to go out without permission. Go back to your room."
"Ling Muzhu, move aside! I must go find Ling Mohan!"
"You cannot go. Elder Brother will be fine. If you go, you will only distract him."
Ling Muzhu blocked the doorway tightly, refusing to budge an inch.
"You..." Feng Jin pushed him forcefully, but he did not move.
"Cai Qing, why are you standing there? Hurry and take the Young Madam back to her room!"
"Young Madam, please come back with me first."
Cai Qing carefully helped Feng Jin back to her room. "Young Madam, the Young General is a victorious general. His title as God of War is not just for show. The Young General will surely be fine and return safely."
Feng Jin gazed out the window, lost in thought, and murmured, "One can only hope."
The rebel army had a hundred thousand troops, while they only had ten thousand soldiers. Fighting against ten, what were their chances of victory?
...
"Your Highness, a secret report from Yingzhong Commandery."
Chu Chenyi took the letter and his expression changed drastically. He spoke in a deep voice and ordered, "Order the three armies to hasten their journey and arrive at Yingzhong Commandery by tonight without fail."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The march of a hundred thousand troops naturally had its delays. Chu Chenyi, worried about the battle in Yingzhong Commandery, led the vanguard soldiers on horseback, leaving his deputy to supervise the main army.
At sunset, Chu Chenyi arrived at Yingzhong Commandery with his soldiers.
"Young General, Prince Jing has arrived." A soldier reported.