Chapter 50: A General Dies in a Hundred Battles

When Jiang Jingchen heard this, he looked pleased. Once the border was secure, he could finally deal with Pei Ji freely.

As long as Pei Ji was eliminated, there would be no more serious threats. From then on, he would have full control over everything.

“Your Majesty, there is also a secret letter,” said the kneeling messenger, taking a wax-sealed letter from his robes and presenting it with both hands.

Everyone looked puzzled. Since a military report had already been delivered, why was there another letter? It was certainly strange.

Su Xiangwan had a vague premonition—this letter might contain news of Xiao Qingrong’s death on the battlefield.

With a signal from Jiang Jingchen, Eunuch Yu took the letter and brought it over.

As soon as Jiang Jingchen saw the seal, grief flashed across his face. He said solemnly, “General Xiao has sacrificed his life.”

“Your Majesty, please accept our condolences,” the officials bowed their heads in sympathy.

In a corner of the hall, Chu Nanxi clenched her fists tightly when she heard this, her heart filled with disbelief. How could this be? He was so capable—how could he die?

Pain flickered in her eyes as she turned her gaze toward Su Xiangwan.

Noticing Chu Nanxi’s stare, Su Xiangwan realized that the one who had died was her nominal husband. She should appear heartbroken.

She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve, blinked gently, and tears slid down her cheeks.

“General Xiao died gloriously for his country. I grieve deeply. I posthumously confer upon him the title of Duke Dingguo and will ensure he is buried with honor,” Jiang Jingchen said with sorrow.

After speaking, he remembered Xiao Qingrong had a wife, so he asked, “Is the general’s wife present?”

Su Xiangwan stepped forward upon hearing this and walked to the center of the hall. “This humble woman greets Your Majesty.”

Seeing her tear-streaked face, the officials couldn’t help but sigh. What a pitiful fate—married just before her husband left for the frontlines, and now widowed so soon. The future would surely be hard for her.

“Madam, do not grieve too much. If you need any assistance with the general’s funeral, just speak up,” Jiang Jingchen said comfortingly.

Su Xiangwan, though she had never met Xiao Qingrong, genuinely admired him. Since ancient times, all who defended their country deserved respect.

“This humble woman obeys. Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern.” She bowed deeply.

Jiang Jingchen nodded, then glanced outside at the dark sky. “It’s late. Let us adjourn.”

Upon hearing this, the ministers rose to their feet. “We respectfully see Your Majesty off.”

Jiang Huaiyue heard the news of Xiao Qingrong’s death the next day. Even though she had known it would happen, when the moment finally came, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret.

He had guarded the border for years, protecting the country—a true hero worthy of respect.

She silently wished him peace on his journey and hoped he would be reborn in a peaceful era.

Due to the great victory at the border and the general’s death, the hunting event ended early.

Back at the manor, Jiang Huaiyue began studying maps, preparing to escape at any moment.

The border was tens of thousands of miles from the capital, and transporting Xiao Qingrong’s coffin back would take more than ten days. There wasn’t much time left.

Meanwhile, Su Xiangwan had been busy preparing for Xiao Qingrong’s funeral.

That day, Jiang Huaiyue had finished her supply of contraceptive medicine, so she took Qiu Chan with her to Huichun Hall.

After waiting a short while upon arrival, she was brought inside. As before, a curtain blocked her view of the inner chamber, making it impossible to see the person behind it clearly.

Jiang Huaiyue sat down and rested her hand on the pulse pillow, waiting for the doctor to take her pulse.

As she looked at the doctor’s delicate, fair hand, she couldn’t help but think, What a pale and beautiful hand—it’s no worse than mine. She mused whether this might be some young lady from a noble family who loved medicine and snuck out to be a doctor.

“Young lady, let me offer you a word of advice: taking too much contraceptive medicine will harm your health,” Chu Nanxi said softly as she felt her pulse.

Jiang Huaiyue pressed her lips together. “It’s alright, Doctor. Please trouble yourself to prescribe me some more.”

Hearing her words, Chu Nanxi felt puzzled. The Princess was already married to the Prince, so why was she still taking contraceptives? It was truly strange.

But this was their private matter—no place for her to interfere.

“Very well,” Chu Nanxi responded and withdrew her hand.

Jiang Huaiyue suddenly remembered something and asked, “Doctor, I’d like to ask—if someone is born with a congenital weakness, is there a way to treat it?”

Chu Nanxi paused and then asked, “What symptoms does the patient have?”

“She was born prematurely, so her mental development is incomplete—like a child’s. Her body requires constant tonics, she coughs often, feels cold, and suffers nightmares at night.”

Jiang Huaiyue listed all the symptoms she could remember about A-Yuan. No matter what kind of person Pei Ji was, she genuinely cared for A-Yuan.

“It’s hard to make a precise judgment without seeing the person, but all medicine is toxic to some degree. I’d suggest using medicinal cuisine to gently nourish the body over time. As for the nightmares, I can prepare some calming incense for you to take back. It should help a little.”

Chu Nanxi, in accordance with a doctor’s duty, mentioned all possible approaches she could think of.

“Thank you, Doctor,” Jiang Huaiyue said politely with a smile.

Chu Nanxi replied, “No need for thanks.”

Just as Jiang Huaiyue stood up and was about to leave, a voice came from behind: “Miss, has the Gu poison in your body been removed?”

At the mention of this, a trace of worry flashed in Jiang Huaiyue’s eyes. “Not yet.”

Ever since learning her identity, Chu Nanxi had already guessed who had planted the Gu poison in her—likely the Emperor.

The court was unstable, with the regent holding all power. The Emperor viewed him as a thorn in his side, and marrying Jiang Huaiyue to him had likely been a way to spy on him.

Naturally, if the Emperor wanted to control the Princess, he’d need a means to keep her in check.

Chu Nanxi’s eyes wavered slightly. Perhaps this marriage could be undone—and the key lay with her.

“I have a way to remove the Gu poison in your body,” Chu Nanxi said clearly.

Jiang Huaiyue was immediately happy to hear that. She asked quickly, “Really?”

“Truly,” Chu Nanxi replied.

“But didn’t you say before that only the mother Gu can cure it?” Jiang Huaiyue asked, now more composed. From behind the curtain, Chu Nanxi looked at her silhouette. “Miss only needs to know that I can cure it. But I have one condition.”

“What condition?” Jiang Huaiyue grew increasingly suspicious. This doctor seemed oddly familiar to her, and she had a strange feeling that she might know her true identity.

“I’ll tell you after the Gu poison is removed,” Chu Nanxi said seriously.

She wasn’t lying before—the Gu poison could indeed only be cured with the mother Gu. So the only real solution was to obtain it.

Jiang Huaiyue thought for a moment. “Alright. But let’s be clear—I won’t do anything involving murder, arson, looting, or anything beyond my capabilities.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t make things difficult for you,” Chu Nanxi replied, relieved that the agreement was made.

After this conversation, Jiang Huaiyue’s expression carried a hint of caution. She asked, “How long will it take to remove the poison?”

She was about to leave the capital soon, and if it took too long, she wouldn’t be able to wait. “Come back here in seven days,” Chu Nanxi said after some thought.

“Alright, I’ll take my leave now,” Jiang Huaiyue responded and turned to go.

After picking up the medicine from Huichun Hall, she bought some pastries and trinkets, planning to bring them back for A-Yuan.