Chapter 12: The Ever-Changing Battlefield

Li Ningyi finally felt somewhat satisfied, reaching up to touch her hairpin in a seemingly casual gesture.

“Oh, it’s just that my uncle had a few minor victories, which made Father happy, so he rewarded my mother with some nice things,” she said.
“Third Sister has never lacked such things.”

“But I suppose it’s just my lack of self-awareness,” she added, though her face was filled with pride.

The Empress had lost two sons before; her surviving one was only three years old. Her maternal family wasn’t strong enough to support her, so she acted cautiously and by the book.

How could they compare to her uncle, who would soon make Northern Yue beg for mercy?

Li Ningyi fully expected her Third Sister to follow her lead and say something like:
“Yes, General Tong is indeed remarkable,” or,
“Da Qi owes much to General Tong’s vigilance.”

But her Third Sister’s expression suddenly changed, and with a hint of pride, she said, “General Tong? He’s nothing. Xiang Guogong is the truly great one.”

“If it weren’t for him, Da Qi wouldn’t be as stable as it is today.”

“And his son, of course, has surpassed him.”

Li Ning’an recalled the military report: General Tong had acted recklessly, chasing after the prince of Northern Yue, only to be captured himself.

It was the deputy general of the Iron Cavalry who, under immense pressure, fought the Northern Yue prince to a narrow victory, preventing further loss of soldiers.

As for Li Ningyi’s so-called brave cousin, he was nothing but a coward, paralyzed by fear, begging the court for reinforcements.

In her past life, Yan Ziqi had volunteered to lead the forces. Due to his reputation as a playboy and the Tong family’s suppression, he had no choice but to sign a military pledge and venture out alone, without even taking an attendant.

Because of the Tong family’s incompetence and scheming, the conflict with Northern Yue dragged on for half a year before they finally achieved victory.

For his efforts, Yan Ziqi was granted the title of General of National Defense.

Although his rank wasn’t as high as General Tong’s, he at least held real power and took command of the Iron Cavalry.

This time, Li Ning’an intended to send him off earlier so he could reclaim everything that was rightfully his.

Li Ningyi thought her Third Sister had gone mad. That good-for-nothing Yan Ziqi, who spent all his time in brothels, eating and drinking his way to ruin—how could he possibly be more capable than her uncle?

Had he ever fought a proper battle?

“Third Sister, you used to fancy Fu Minglang, and for his sake, you blocked the Ministry of Revenue’s doors. Now you’ve set your sights on Yan Ziqi, and…”

Do you want to help him earn military merits?
Li Ningyi knew that their Third Sister was their father’s favorite. Even if all the princes and princesses combined, they couldn’t compare to her.

When she was at the Imperial Academy, she didn’t even have to study.

Even if she clashed with the academy’s president and vice-president, she wouldn’t be punished.

And now, she wanted to compete for the Tong family’s military power?

“Third Sister, I’m afraid you misspoke. Although Yan Ziqi is the son of Xiang Guogong, he is a worthless, promiscuous man.”

“If you asked him how many performers were in a brothel, he’d answer without hesitation.”

“To let him lead troops into battle would be utter nonsense.”

Li Ning’an snorted, “Then why don’t we make a bet? Either way, I’m backing Yan Ziqi.”

Li Ningyi’s temper flared. “Fine, let’s bet!”

There had to be at least one time when she could beat her Third Sister.

Li Ning’an immediately led Li Ningyi to the Hall of Heaven and Earth.

Emperor Mingde was reviewing memorials and was surprised to see the two sisters come in together.

“What’s this about?” he asked.

They both looked angry, puffed up with indignation as they entered and bowed, but neither spoke.

The Emperor knew that young girls liked to compare themselves to one another.

He and the Empress had been married for many years. Though their passionate love from youth had faded, they still had a deep bond.

As for Consort Tong, her gentle demeanor was the most relaxing for him.

He doted on Ning’an, but he also cared deeply for Ningyi.

He never minded their playful antics and would usually resolve them by giving each a few extra rewards from his private treasury, even if it left his personal funds depleted.

But this time, he wasn’t sure what had caused their spat.

Li Ning’an approached her father first, and the chief eunuch, Yan Su, skillfully made room for her.

Li Ning’an poured him a cup of tea. “What kind of conflict could we have, Father? We’re just worried about you overworking yourself.”

“Oh?” Now that was a rare statement.

Emperor Mingde waited for her to continue.

Li Ningyi opened her mouth but then closed it again.

She had been about to accuse her Third Sister of being poor at judging character, overly sentimental, and picking the wrong people.

Why wasn’t she speaking like before?
Without the usual sharp retorts, Li Ningyi felt strangely uncomfortable.

“Fourth Sister and I both know the situation at the border. We’re very concerned about General Tong. The Northern Yue people have always been deceitful and treacherous.”

Li Ning’an knew that making a fuss in front of their father would only be seen as childish behavior. However, shifting the conversation toward border issues and political affairs would make their father take it seriously.

Sure enough, Emperor Mingde sipped the tea Ning’an had poured for him, clearly approving.

“At last, your focus isn’t just on clothes and jewelry, but on matters that concern your father. It’s good to see you worrying on my behalf.”

Li Ningyi had no choice but to follow her sister’s lead. “Yes, Mother is constantly worried about the harsh conditions at the border. She often thinks of my uncle and cousin, hoping they are doing their duty to guard the border and not burdening you with their safety.”

She wasn’t as comfortable speaking with their father as her sister was—she was still a bit scared of him.

Li Ning’an continued, “Father, I’ve been thinking that Xiang Guogong used to face Northern Yue in battle. Though he has passed away, I’m sure his son, Yan Ziqi, has inherited his legacy. His father terrified the enemy, and maybe Yan Ziqi can do the same. Even if he just assists General Tong, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.”

Li Ning’an was already skillfully massaging her father’s shoulders as she spoke.

Emperor Mingde turned to Li Ningyi. “What do you think, Ningyi?”

Li Ningyi instantly felt the weight of his gaze. “Father, I believe my uncle and cousin are fully capable. They never forget the responsibility of serving you. As for Yan Ziqi, losing his father must have affected him deeply.”

After all, Li Ningyi was still somewhat partial to the Tong family—they were her mother’s family.

“Father, even if he just served as a low-ranking soldier, it would be something. Right now, he doesn’t seem to be doing anything useful. How am I supposed to marry him?” Li Ning’an pouted playfully, showing no fear of their father.

“I can’t be expected to support him forever, can I?”

In her previous life, Li Ning’an had made some foolish mistakes. This time, she wasn’t about to repeat them.

“You…” Emperor Mingde sighed with both exasperation and affection, telling her to stop with the shoulder massage.

“The fact that you two are aware enough to help ease my worries already makes me happy. But as for matters of the court, leave them to be handled by those in charge.”

“Otherwise, why would I bother paying them a salary?” he chuckled. “Now, off you go, don’t bother me any longer.”

Li Ning’an didn’t want to give up, but she knew that pushing the matter any further would only annoy him.

“Your daughter will take her leave, Father.”

The two sisters exited the Hall of Heaven and Earth.

Li Ningyi was about to say something, but Li Ning’an waved her hand dismissively. “I’m heading out of the palace to have some fun. You do what you want.”

Without looking back, Li Ning’an left the palace with her maid Hongxiu.

She headed straight for the Duke of Xiang’s mansion, where the steward grimaced at the sight of her arrival.

“Princess, the young lord isn’t here.”

“Where did he go?”

She was trying to pave the way for him, and he was out playing.

Come to think of it, he really did care quite a bit about that Cold Frost girl from the Drunken Spring Pavilion.

Fu Mingying had even goaded her into visiting the brothel once to see what special talents this Cold Frost woman possessed.

In her past life, Yan Ziqi had apparently redeemed Cold Frost, possibly the day after Fu Mingying married him.

When she looked back, Fu Mingying had cried about it for a long time.

Since it was Li Ning’an who had begged Yan Ziqi to marry Fu Mingying, she was too ashamed to confront him over the matter.

Thus, Li Ning’an had ignored it entirely.

It wasn’t until Fu Mingying couldn’t find Cold Frost anywhere, and realized Yan Ziqi hadn’t even taken a concubine, that she stopped complaining about it.

Knowing Yan Ziqi’s personality, if he had truly been interested in Cold Frost, there’s no way he would have married Fu Mingying.

Li Ning’an asked, “Did he go to the brothel again?”

The steward nodded. The young lord was a regular at the Drunken Spring Pavilion, particularly during the daytime.

At least he never messed up his sleep schedule.

“Got it, thanks, Uncle Steward,” Li Ning’an said, using the same title Yan Ziqi did.

“Oh, you’re far too kind, Princess,” the steward replied, not daring to fully accept the address.

Li Ning’an didn’t argue with him.

She made up her mind to go to the brothel and drag Yan Ziqi back herself.