Xie Jiayan’s gaze did not waver. After bandaging his wound, he slowly spoke, “If there are hardships, they are naturally not to be told to others. General, please forgive my presumptuousness.”
Xie Jiayan’s open demeanor made Lu Jingxing feel as though he had pried into someone’s privacy. After a moment’s pause, he said, “My apologies, I was too hasty.”
“There are ways for the General to refuse the arranged marriage,” Xie Jiayan said.
“Please enlighten me, sir.” Lu Jingxing cupped his hands in a respectful bow.
…
Yumen Pass
On the banks of the Zoumachuan, by the sea of snow, the vast desert stretches to the sky, tinged with yellow.
In the ninth month, the wind howls in Luntai, a river of shattered stones as large as bowls, tumbling across the land with the wind.
In the distance, a large banner flutters in the wind and sand, the character ‘Yu’ exceptionally conspicuous upon it.
The setting sun, like blood, sinks into the desert, casting the surroundings into darkness. A wild wind blows fiercely, and a swift horse gallops from afar, raising dust like smoke.
The young general at the forefront, clad in silver armor, his red cape billowing in the wind, rides like a deity.
Upon reaching the encampment, the group dismounts. Dang Kang steps forward and says, “Shizi, Uncle Zhong is here. He is in the tent.”
Yu Mingjing nods. His mother sent Uncle Zhong on this trip, indicating it must be important.
Having experienced the brutal realities of war once more, Yu Mingjing was no longer the same refined youth. The cold, murderous aura emanating from him now inspired awe.
“This old servant greets the Shizi,” Uncle Zhong bows.
Uncle Zhong, having served in the old Duke’s army, performs this bow to Yu Mingjing as a sign of respect for the future head of the family.
Yu Mingjing personally helps Uncle Zhong up, saying, “Uncle Zhong, you have traveled far. Please rise quickly.”
“Shizi, this is a letter from the Madam for the Shizi,” Uncle Zhong says, only producing the letter after seeing Yu Mingjing.
He peels away the oiled paper wrapping the letter and presents it to Yu Mingjing with both hands.
Yu Mingjing opens the letter and, after reading it, his expression remains unchanged. “When will the imperial decree arrive?”
Why would the Emperor so hastily arrange a marriage for his sister and simultaneously summon him and his father back to the capital? What was his intention?
Uncle Zhong replies, “It should be within these two days. This old servant traveled day and night, not daring to delay, hence arriving before them.”
The people in the tent are all Yu Mingjing’s trusted confidantes. They watch him quietly. Though the General rarely shows his emotions, they, as his close associates, can usually gauge his feelings. But this time, they are completely clueless.
“Shizi,” Uncle Zhong has something he wishes to discuss privately.
Yu Mingjing understands and waves his hand, dismissing everyone. He then says, “Uncle Zhong, please speak your mind freely.”
“This old servant has come for another private matter. The Madam hopes this time the Shizi can bring the Li family’s young lady back to the capital together,” Uncle Zhong says, observing Yu Mingjing’s reaction.
Yu Mingjing looks at Uncle Zhong, “Mother fears the Emperor will use my marriage to make a move?”
“When this old servant left the capital, the Emperor released news that he intends to select a consort for the Fourth Princess…” Uncle Zhong says, afraid Yu Mingjing might lose his temper.
The Shizi is young and capable, but ultimately still young. If he makes one wrong move, he might be accused of great disrespect.
Therefore, he dismissed his attendants before speaking. They are loyal confidantes who grew up with the Shizi and are deeply devoted to him, likely unable to swallow such an insult.
Yu Mingjing has become increasingly adept at controlling his temper over the years. The more angered he becomes, the calmer he appears. Thus, there is no trace of anger on his face.
“Since the Emperor wishes to test the Yu family’s loyalty, we shall cooperate!” Yu Mingjing says meaningfully.
However, the Yu family’s loyalty is only to a wise ruler. The Emperor is… old!
“Shizi means…”
“Since the Emperor summons me back to the capital, we shall prepare to return.”