Chapter 52

The house was bustling, but it didn’t affect the cook. As soon as she got the news, she started chopping and mixing to make a big pot of hot dumplings, letting the young men take turns filling their stomachs before setting off.

Dinner at home was also moved up. If possible, the family would have a meal together to see them off. After Yang Yanzong went to the camp and returned home, a temporary feast was already prepared.

The chaotic hall in the main courtyard had been cleaned up, and a round table was set. The family hurriedly gathered together. Yang Yanzong and his brothers, Yang Yanzhen and Yang Yanxin, were in full military attire. Even Su Ci had changed into a fitted leather short robe, looking clean, neat, and spirited.

Mrs. Yan glanced at her but didn’t say anything for once.

The atmosphere at home was a bit strange today. Yang Chongying had tried to calm his emotions but still seemed different from usual. “Safe travels, I’ll be waiting for you at home!”

“And you two, listen to your brother, and don’t act on your own.” He raised his cup and clinked it with Yang Yanzong’s. The father and son drank, and then he said a few words to Yang Yanzhen and Yang Yanxin.

It was very brief. Previously, Yang Chongying would have given some advice, such as “don’t be greedy for merit, be cautious, and let go better than wrongfully accuse.” Now, there was none of that, showing that Yang Chongying’s pride had been hurt, and he still minded it.

The once harmonious family atmosphere had turned into this. Su Ci silently cursed and then smiled brightly, “Father, thank you for your hard work. There are many things to handle at home, in the camp, and in the medical camp, too. I’m afraid you’ll have to keep an eye on Imperial Physician Huang from time to time.” She always had a radiant smile and was young and likable.

Yang Chongying smiled, “It’s nothing. I’ll remember. It’s not hard,” he sighed, “Now that my health isn’t good, I can only do these kinds of tasks.”

Being very clever, Su Ci quickly said, “Father, don’t be modest. My father said that you’ve been meticulous since you were young. Now, managing the records and accounts, you’re very organized and meticulous, much better than the previous deputy general! We still have a lot to learn from you.”

Yang Chongying couldn’t help but laugh, “Your father loves to praise people.”

Su Ci giggled and sweet-talked a bit more, making Yang Chongying’s expression much more relaxed.

When it came to smooth-talking, the three Yang brothers together couldn’t match Su Ci. Yang Yanzhen was glib, but he didn’t dare to say much in front of his father and brothers. He secretly gave Su Ci a thumbs-up, and Su Ci proudly raised her eyebrows. Under her playful banter, the atmosphere finally eased.

Since time was of the essence, the family quickly finished their early dinner.

In the end, Yang Yanzong put down his chopsticks and turned to Yang Yanxin, saying, “Yanxin, stay behind this time. Your wedding is approaching and shouldn’t be delayed any further.” He then looked at Yang Chongying, “Father, what do you think?”

Usually, Yang Yanzong wouldn’t add that last sentence. He was used to giving orders at home and usually made such decisions directly.

Su Ci thought to herself, “Mrs. Yan really causes a lot of trouble.”

If this continues, even the most filial son won’t be able to endure it.

Yang Chongying nodded, “That’s fine. The wedding has already been postponed twice; it can’t be delayed any longer. Yanxin should get married first.”

Father and son stood up, and Yang Yanzong walked with his father to the courtyard. After a while, Yang Yanzong said, “Father, don’t take mother’s words to heart. She speaks without thinking.”

He continued, “Father, your teachings over the years, from training me in martial arts to battlefield tactics, have been invaluable. I still remember them clearly.”

Yang Chongying let out a long sigh. To be honest, he did have some mixed feelings, but his son’s honesty and respect were not his son’s fault. His son’s competence had always been his pride, something many envied. He patted Yang Yanzong’s shoulder, “Alright, I understand. You can go without worry.”

The father and son talked for a while, and Yang Chongying felt better after turning things over in his mind. Their relationship returned to normal.

Yang Chongying gave a few more words of advice, and Yang Yanzong cupped his hands, “Father, I will be leaving now.”

“Be cautious and careful in everything.”

“Yes!” Yang Yanzong turned and walked away quickly, his dark green cloak billowing behind him. By the time he reached the front courtyard, Yang Chongying’s figure was no longer visible. He slowed his pace slightly and pressed his fingers to his temples.

It was hard not to have a headache. But it was resolved, and this episode had come to an end.

He turned and beckoned to Su Ci, “Get in the carriage.”

Su Ci, carrying two large bundles, was followed by A Zheng and a few young men, each carrying several bundles. She threw her bundles onto the carriage, and Yang Yanzong, supporting her waist and hips from behind, helped her leap onto the high carriage shaft. She climbed inside, turned, and gave Yang Yanzong a thumbs-up.

Yang Yanzong flicked her forehead, making sure she was seated properly. He mounted his horse and commanded, “Move out!”

The group quickly turned onto the dirt road and headed towards the fields, joining the main force and moving north.

The sound of marching boots was clear and somewhat exhilarating, but after a while, Su Ci couldn’t take it anymore. The carriage was too bumpy.

The carriage’s suspension was poor, and the countryside march didn’t always have roads. Even the thick cushions she had prepared were useless. After half an hour, her butt was numb.

Yang Yanzong, in black armor, rode his warhorse with a cold, stern look, his features appearing even sharper and more heroic. His presence exuded a fierce and murderous aura. Noticing Su Ci peeking out from the carriage, he slowed his pace to ride alongside it and leaned down slightly, “What’s wrong?”

Su Ci said, “I want to ride a horse.”

“Alright, then ride,” Yang Yanzong replied. He had thought she would be more comfortable in the carriage, but if she preferred riding, that was fine. The horse was already prepared.

With a command from Yang Yanzong, her horse, a gentle chestnut mare, was quickly brought over. Yang Yanzong reached out, pulled her up, and with a turn and a lift, Su Ci was securely seated in the saddle. She was delighted and flashed him a bright smile.

Yang Yanzong smiled slightly in return. They rode side by side for a while until someone came to report to him. He then pulled the reins and headed back.

Su Ci watched his figure recede into the distance, blinking. Huh? He didn’t seem angry anymore. Their interactions seemed to have returned to normal since he came home today. Not just seemed—it was true.

Su Ci pondered for a while but couldn’t figure out the reason for Yang Yanzong’s change. Was he provoked by his mother? But the two things didn’t seem related!

Oh well, as long as things were back to normal.

Unable to understand, Su Ci decided to let it go. She was happy that Yang Yanzong was back to normal. After observing him for a while and confirming he had no intention of settling scores, she cheerfully put the matter behind her. Then, she rounded it off and acted as if the previous incident had never happened.

—

Since they set off in the late afternoon, they were marching through the night. As dusk deepened, Yang Yanzong asked her, “Are you tired?”

If she was tired, she could sleep in the carriage. Besides their personal belongings, the carriage was also meant for Su Ci to rest if needed.

But Su Ci wasn’t tired. It was her first time marching with the troops, and she was excited. “No, I’m not tired.” She looked around eagerly, “Shouldn’t we be moving faster?”

She didn’t quite understand, but the current marching speed didn’t seem fast, and the troop size wasn’t very large, about twenty to thirty thousand.

Yang Yanzong said calmly, “We are the second batch.”

So they weren’t in a hurry. On the first day of receiving General Xu’s military report, the Yangdu elite troops had already set off.

“The supplies are a step behind us.”

Moreover, Yang Yanzong was going as a military advisor, so there was no rush.

“Oh.” Su Ci suddenly understood, “When will we arrive?”

Yang Yanzong replied, “The day after tomorrow.”

It would be quick. Without heavy supplies, the light troops could cover about eighty to a hundred miles a day. Yangdu was very close to the northern border town of Gaobian, just over two hundred miles away. The significance of establishing this secondary capital by Emperor Taizong was to “guard the nation’s gate,” and he left instructions that each emperor must spend at least half their time in Yangdu unless there were special circumstances.

The fear was that the capital’s proximity to the gentle and prosperous Jiangnan region would erode the emperor’s will, making him unaware of dangers, leading to weaker generations and eventually resulting in an emperor who couldn’t even ride a horse, as in the late previous dynasty.

The current emperor wasn’t weak, much better than the previous dynasty’s ideal, but for some reason, he had no sons, causing chaos and bloodshed and losing control more than once.

After marching with the main force for two days, they arrived at Gaobian on the afternoon of the third day. The sun was scorching, and lush summer vegetation was present. Suddenly, someone ahead shouted, “We’ve reached Da Gaoling!”

She rubbed her sleepy eyes and curiously peeked out of the window, exclaiming in awe.

Ahead, the sky was a clear blue, and under the azure sky, a majestic mountain range stretched endlessly from left to right like a barrier. A long, black wall resembling a natural chasm was built along the mountain ridge, extending continuously. At the center of the view was Gaobian City, built on the mountain, firmly wedged in the gap between two mountains. The entire city wall and visible buildings were constructed from large black stones. At the forefront was a massive square tower resembling a tiger’s head, with fully armed soldiers standing guard, solemnly watching. The entire Gaobian City looked like a fierce tiger crouching in the mountains, its grandeur and imposing presence awe-inspiring.

Su Ci quickly dismounted and got on her horse, her eyes wide with excitement. After three inspections, they entered Gaobian City and soon saw the renowned General Xu Shigong.

Upon seeing him, whether it was Yang Yanzong, Ji Yuanhao, or any other general, even the supervising officer Tong Jien, they all dismounted to pay their respects.

The old general, over seventy years old, looked robust and spirited, his eyes sharp. He wore armor and carried a sword, his graying beard and temples not diminishing his iron will.

The old general wasted no words, finding an excuse to dismiss Tong Jien, then led Yang Yanzong and the others along the city wall.

Turning to the other side, they saw another scene. The strong wind blew, and the vast grasslands were faintly visible at the end of the winding mountains, now occupied by the Northern Rong camps. The Northern Rong army had already taken the ancient pass and launched two attacks on Gaobian, though neither was large in scale.

“The people north of Gaobian who could evacuate have returned. The current battle isn’t very intense,” the Northern Rong had faced poor conditions for the past two years and were reluctant to waste resources. “If we can decisively defeat the Northern Rong one or two more times, we should gain the upper hand.”

The old general had spent most of his life guarding the northern border, making him highly experienced. So why did his urgent military report make the situation sound so dire if the battle wasn’t that intense?

General Xu, with one hand on his sword, turned to Yang Yanzong and the others, saying, “There aren’t many capable fighters left, and even fewer young ones with experience against the Beirong.”

Looking at Yang Yanzong, General Xu, who had collaborated with the Northwest Army several times, had high regard for him. “I don’t want the young talents of Da Qing to be wasted in internal conflicts.”

If all the good generals died, what would they rely on to fend off the fierce invaders once the older generation was gone?

The old general wasn’t concerned with anything else. He knew that the young and strong generals before him, regardless of their factions, were all against the Northern Rong. When the invaders attacked, they would unhesitatingly fight back, and that was enough.

Even Ji Yuanhao couldn’t help but be impressed, and they all cupped their hands in respect, “Thank you, General Xu, for your high principles!”

“Hey,” the old general waved his hand, “Don’t flatter me. I’m telling you,” he glanced at Yang Yanzong, “You can cause trouble, but don’t let it affect the war.”

The old general was sharp and aware, glancing at Tong Jien. He understood the political situation well. He couldn’t stop everything, but on his turf, they had to follow his rules. They could cause trouble, but not too much.

With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the idea of being advisors and reappointed Yang Yanzong and the others as leading generals. “You’re here to fight, not to be some ceremonial officials!”

Su Ci couldn’t help but smile. The old general’s loud and hearty voice, combined with his straightforward and generous nature, made her instantly like him.

General Xu noticed her too. He coughed twice, then spotted the pretty young girl and exclaimed, “Why is there a girl here? Who brought her?”

His eyes widened like saucers, making Su Ci laugh. Before Yang Yanzong could explain, she stepped forward confidently, cupped her hands, and said, “General, I’m a military doctor.”

“A military doctor?” The old general looked her up and down, “I don’t keep women in my camp, but a military doctor can be an exception. Tell me, what can you do?”

“Treat injuries, sword and knife wounds, and I’m especially good at various difficult and complicated cases.”

Su Ci blinked, “I’ve even treated the Emperor and Prince Zhao.”

Hearing this, the old general immediately recognized her. Initially skeptical, he burst into laughter, “Alright, if you’re a good military doctor, you can stay! I’ll make an exception for you.”

He had a special waist tag made for Su Ci on the spot, and she thanked him with a smile.

She glanced at Yang Yanzong, who smiled slightly and glanced back at her.

After that, they each familiarized themselves with their tasks. Su Ci visited the military medical camp where she would work, escorted by Yang Yanzong. By the time they finished and settled down, it was already dark.

Yang Yanzong arranged for Su Ci to stay in a small room next to his, but the rooms were connected, so they were still sharing a space.

A Zhao lit the lamps and brought up the food box. They had a simple dinner and washed up, and by the time Yang Yanzong finished handling some temporary matters and returned, Su Ci was already lying on the bed in her white nightgown. She propped her chin on her hands, her bare feet with round, white toes peeking out. Seeing Yang Yanzong return, she gave him a sidelong glance, “I have a feeling it’s not that simple.”

The previous matters, are they just over like that? Then why did Tong Jien come over?

The old emperor finally seized a good opportunity; he wouldn’t let go of the three princes’ residences so easily, right?

Moreover, the old general’s words today clearly had a deeper meaning.

She was itching with curiosity. As soon as Yang Yanzong returned, she eagerly jumped down and, acting very obsequiously, poured him a cup of hot tea, looking at him with big expectant eyes, hoping he would clear her doubts.

Yang Yanzong, however, smiled slightly, took her tea, and with his other large hand, grasped both of hers in his palm.

“Don’t worry about that for now. He didn’t address her question but instead raised an eyebrow with a slight smile and said, “I’ll take you somewhere tomorrow.”

In the dim candlelight, his expression had an indescribable softness. He held both her hands in his, gently rubbing them, looking down at her.

Su Ci: “…”

She blinked. Something felt off.

Su Ci: Big brother, what are you planning? It felt strange, making her a bit uneasy.