Entering the palace means entering a high position; I'm His Majesty's cousin, who am I afr

The first day of the twelfth month of the eleventh year of the Zhaoqi reign.

The Emperor issued an edict in the Chengguang Hall to celebrate the Consort's pregnancy and to grant a general amnesty to the entire realm.

Within the territory of the Jing Dynasty, taxes were reduced by 30%, corvée labor was exempted, and the three armies were rewarded. The tribute paid by the vassal states was halved, and all rejoiced in this.

When the imperial edict was sent to all the prefectures and counties, the people spread the news with great joy and excitement, and competed to celebrate.

Ordinary people in the city don't understand the rights and wrongs of the imperial court; they only know that they are grateful to whoever brings them good fortune.

For a time, many people prayed for Consort Chen's well-being. Even those who couldn't afford to offer incense would silently pray for her.

The news caused a sensation when it reached the inner palace.

The Imperial Concubine Chen has not yet given birth, and it is unknown whether it will be a prince or a princess, yet His Majesty attaches such importance to it.

A general amnesty is usually a grand ceremony held only when a new emperor ascends the throne. Now, it has been granted to Consort Chen's unborn child, which is truly an unparalleled honor.

This truly made everyone in the palace envious.

Ten days had passed before the news reached the Duke of Zhenguo's ears.

The message from Kyoto to Shuolin City was delivered by fast horse. It should have only taken seven days, but it took so long because the Duke of Zhenguo had already stationed himself in the heart of the Northern Qiang territory.

Over the past six months, the Jing army has been advancing relentlessly, achieving victory after victory.

Now that our troops are at the heart of the Northern Qiang territory, we are just one step away from capturing the Northern Qiang capital in one fell swoop, which would be a great victory!

With the capital city fallen, the cities further north surrendered without a fight.

Upon hearing the news of the general amnesty, the Duke of Zhenguo was overjoyed.

Before marching towards the capital of the Northern Qiang, the Duke of Zhenguo, in front of tens of thousands of soldiers, simply declared: "If you win this battle, you will be ennobled and appointed a general!"

These eight words alone are enough to ignite everyone's fighting spirit and ambition.

The army roared and set off in a mighty procession.

By mid-December, an army of 100,000 men had besieged the capital of the Northern Qiang, launching a fierce attack from all sides.

Knowing that their cause was lost, the Northern Qiang sent envoys to negotiate peace, offering to cede territory and become vassals, paying tribute annually in order to survive.

The Duke of Zhenguo didn't even see the envoy; he ordered him executed and the body sent back.

Five hundred years of grudges, how can they be resolved so easily?

Over such a long period of time, the people of the Great Jing Dynasty, their withered tombs and white bones, their blood and tears, all became nourishment for the Northern Qiang, supplying them with their high status, glory, and power.

This is a blood feud, and it must be repaid in blood.

The Duke of Zhenguo coordinated day and night, deploying troops and generals, and captured two city gates in succession. On the night of the 22nd of the twelfth lunar month, the three armies moved together to launch a general offensive.

The Duke of Zhenguo led three thousand light cavalry, circled around the city, and ambushed them at Hanti Mountain behind the capital of the Northern Qiang.

Once the capital falls, the Northern Qiang King might flee. Hanti Mountain is the only place he can pass through during his retreat. He will wait there to ambush the king, take his head, and offer it as a sacrifice to his deceased friend.

I stayed for two nights in a row, but did not see any trace of him.

The Duke of Zhenguo was filled with doubt: "Damn it, the capital has fallen, we've searched three times, and we still haven't found him. We can't find him here either. Could it be that this guy grew wings and flew away?"

The lieutenant replied with a smile, "General, you jest."

The Duke of Zhenguo stood up and paced back and forth, his tone slightly impatient: "I know it's impossible, but I just don't want to wait any longer!"

If it gets any later, will he still be able to accompany Yu'er during childbirth?

What if he wasn't there when Yu'er gave birth? What if Yu'er was scared?

The thought of it made him restless.

The lieutenant, knowing why he was in such a hurry, reassured him, "We've made thorough preparations. If anyone flees, they definitely won't escape. General, let's wait patiently for a few days. If things really get too bad, you can return to the capital first, and I'll keep watch here."

How could the Duke of Zhenguo be at ease? He waved his hands repeatedly, "Forget it! I won't return to court until I personally apprehend the man!"

The lieutenant sighed helplessly, speechless.

Feeling annoyed, the Duke of Zhenguo lifted the tent flap and strode out, saying, "I'm going to get some fresh air."

Three thousand light cavalrymen were stationed in a valley at the northern foot of Hanti Mountain. At this time, the valley was completely silent and pitch black.

The Duke of Zhenguo walked alone, his mind churning with thoughts.

Thinking of old friends, and missing his wife and daughters in Beijing.

Before he knew it, he had arrived near the supply depot. He went in and asked questions about the grain reserves.

Before the question could be finished, a commotion arose outside, with hurried footsteps.

"There's trouble five miles ahead!"

"Judging from their clothing, they are Northern Qiang nobles who fled from the capital."

"Where is the general? Where is the Great General?"

The Duke of Zhenguo stood up from his desk, a surge of joy in his heart. "Damn it, I've finally waited for this!"

He was about to rush out and order the encirclement and annihilation, but in the next instant, a chilling dark light fell down behind his ear.

*

When news of the Duke of Zhenguo's disappearance reached the palace, the emperor was in the Fengxian Hall offering sacrifices to his ancestors.

Upon hearing this news, Pei Yan's expression changed drastically. "What happened?"

Qing'an knew this was no small matter, and quickly said, "A secret report sent urgently from the border says that when attacking the capital of the Northern Qiang, the Duke led his men to outflank the rear and camped at Hanti Mountain in the rear. After two nights, they encountered the fleeing Northern Qiang nobles. The Duke's whereabouts are unknown. The deputy general led his men in pursuit, but after capturing them and returning to look for the Duke, they still couldn't find him. News came from over there that they are still searching."

Pei Yan's heart sank to the bottom of the abyss.

He did not utter a word.

He abandoned half of the sacrificial rites and hurriedly went to Cining Palace.

It was just past noon when Shen Jiayu fell asleep. The Duchess, having nothing to do, came to Cining Palace to chat with Empress Dowager Shen.

The two were sitting facing each other on the couch when they were both taken aback when the emperor, dressed in his imperial robes and with a solemn expression, entered.

"go out!"

The emperor gave a cold rebuke, and all the palace servants in the hall withdrew. Even Li, the old nanny who had been serving Empress Dowager Shen, noticed that the emperor's expression was not right and quickly withdrew to stand guard outside the hall.

Empress Dowager Shen frowned slightly and asked, "Your Majesty, what has happened?"

Pei Yan glanced at Empress Dowager Shen, then at the Duchess, and said in a low, hoarse voice, "My uncle has run into trouble in the Northern Qiang territory."