Chapter 96

At the outset, the court began mobilizing grain supplies and soldiers in preparation for a major battle. Due to the Crown Prince’s strong recommendation and support from many generals, Duke Gu Chengye was once again appointed as the Grand Marshal of the Army, tasked with leading the campaign against the Northern Liang army to redeem himself through merits.

Emperor Jing appointed Gu Ci as the Piao Yao Colonel and accompanied his father to the battlefield.

Day by day, Gu Ci grew increasingly busy. During this process, he developed a deeper understanding of the hardships his father and brothers faced, as well as the immense responsibilities resting on his shoulders. His two older brothers had already sheltered him, allowing him to grow up with ease. Now, it was his turn to protect his family.

Thus, even though he often lingered near the Wen residence, he never dared to step inside. Such a heavy burden of responsibility was not something Nianxi should bear. She was born to live a life of luxury and prosperity, surrounded by love and care. He even stopped visiting Fusheng Banzhan. Although whenever he stopped to rest, his thoughts were always filled with her, tainted by dark and selfish desires, he restrained himself. Until he could make a commitment, he neither could nor should disturb her again.

This was the last thing Gu Ci could do for Nianxi—A gentle act of not disturbing her.

Before his departure, Qin Lang came to see him off. It was still the four of them, still the same restaurant from the Qixi Festival night.

The atmosphere was heavy.

The last time, Pei Jian had gone mad, deliberately provoking Gu Ci into a fight. Back then, Qin Lang thought the sky was about to fall. But at this moment, he would rather have Pei Jian lose his temper every day than bear the heavier weight of seeing Gu Ci off to the battlefield.

“What’s this? Why the long faces?” Gu Ci, however, remained as cheerful as ever, laughing as he said, “I’m going to the battlefield, where military merits are gained much faster than waiting for seniority in the capital. When I return, I might even be an officer.”

Qin Lang refused to stay gloomy either, raising a toast to Gu Ci with a smile. “When you return victorious, we’ll all have a powerful backer! You’ve got to work hard!”

Wen Qingheng, however, spoke in his usual subdued tone, “Why so sudden?” He wanted to mention that Nianxi had also lost weight recently, but the words stopped at his lips, and he swallowed them back.

What was the point? It would only add to the sadness.

Gu Ci smiled faintly. “There will always be a day when I return.”

“For now, I won’t be in the capital, and my mother will be the only one left at home. If anything happens, I ask all of you to look out for her.”

After finishing, he drank the wine in his cup.

Not to mention Wen Qingheng, but ever since Qin Lang entered the Imperial Academy, he had lived in the same courtyard as Gu Ci, studying together for years. Hearing Gu Ci speak like this now and thinking of how the sons of the Gu family had all gone to war for the country, with their home ceasing to be home, made him feel even more bitter.

Pei Jian followed suit, drinking his wine as well. It was only then that he spoke his first words of the day: “Don’t worry.”

With Pei Jian’s assurance, Gu Ci no longer had any concerns. Any promise made by Pei Jian was as good as done. When it came to Nianxi, however, he had never compromised with himself.

Gu Ci lowered his eyes, and something came to mind. He chuckled, removed the longsword from his body, and placed it on the table. “This sword of mine—isn’t it impressive?”

Wen Qingheng and Qin Lang looked over, but Pei Jian didn’t so much as glance at it. He knew Gu Ci too well and wouldn’t give him even the slightest chance to show off.

However, Wen Qingheng and Qin Lang, following Gu Ci’s lead, dryly praised it. Gu Ci, seeing Pei Jian’s lack of reaction, remained unbothered. Stroking the blade, he said, “Nianxi gave this to me. She said, ‘A precious sword is a gift for a hero.’ I am the hero in her heart, after all.”

Wen Qingheng and Qin Lang exchanged a glance, sighing deeply in their hearts—He just can’t keep it calm, even when leaving.

Wen Qingheng felt a pang of irritation at these words. On any other day, he would’ve snapped back and thrown a jab at Gu Ci. But with Gu Ci about to leave… forget it. He’d hold back this time and pretend he hadn’t heard it.

As for Qin Lang, this was the moment he ought to humor Gu Ci and give some compliments about how his sister has good taste. But after secretly observing the others, he noticed Pei Jian’s face had darkened, and Wen Qingheng also looked like he was barely tolerating himself. So Qin Lang wisely kept his mouth shut.

Gu Ci, of course, had done this on purpose.

Even though he no longer appeared in front of Nianxi, that didn’t mean he wasn’t bothered by Pei Jian’s interest in her.

To Gu Ci, brothers are brothers, but when it comes to Nianxi, she’s in a league of her own.

Coincidentally, Pei Jian thought the same way. “If you’re such a hero, then stay in the northern frontier, guard its peace, and uphold justice.”

In simpler terms: Don’t come back.

Gu Ci’s expression stiffened, and he stared straight at Pei Jian. “Keep dreaming!”

Pei Jian wasn’t one to back down. He met Gu Ci’s gaze, smirking coldly. “Hero, huh~”

“Some people—you better not even think about.”

“Let’s see what you’ve got.”

“Pei Shizhang!”

“What are you afraid of?” Pei Jian calmly refilled his cup and provocatively looked at Gu Ci. “If you’re scared, you’d better hurry back. I won’t hold back.”

Gu Ci froze for a moment. Pei Jian’s pitch-black eyes were locked onto him, filled with depth and complexity. Just as he was about to respond, Wen Qingheng suddenly spoke up. “Hey—if you two are planning to fight, let us know in advance so we can be prepared.”

“The furniture in this restaurant doesn’t come cheap,” he added softly.

Interrupted by this sudden remark, Gu Ci found his lingering sadness and rivalry-driven emotions fading away, replaced by a long-missed sense of ease. He turned to Pei Jian and, despite knowing the answer, asked, “Still want to fight?”

Pei Jian lowered his gaze as he poured himself another drink. “Forget it.”

Wen Qingheng wanted to say more but was yanked back by Qin Lang. Annoyed, he asked, “What are you doing? Didn’t you tell me to remind those two?”

Qin Lang nearly facepalmed. “My dear brother, can’t you tell they’ve already called a truce?”

Wen Qingheng looked skeptically at Pei Jian and Gu Ci, who maintained a tense and combative posture. He turned back to Qin Lang, utterly convinced: “Hell no, they haven’t!”

On the day of the expedition, His Majesty personally bid farewell to the army in front of the command platform.

At midday, the troops moved slowly, passing under the platform and through the city gates. Gu Ci, mounted on a majestic steed at the forefront, had the golden autumn sunlight illuminating his silver armor, and his vigorous figure exuded an air of sharp resolve.

Nianxi stood under a long pavilion outside the city gates, watching the army wind its way forward.

Gu Ci hadn’t told her, nor had Nianxi let him know she had come to see him off. Only when that tall and commanding figure turned his horse around to look back she couldn’t resist waving her arm with all her might, hoping he might spot her small figure.

Even if he didn’t, it didn’t matter.

In her heart, Nianxi silently told him: “Safe travels, my General Gu.”