Chapter 512: Realization

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Poor Emperor. He didn’t know that it wasn’t General Yuan who was plotting a rebellion, but Qi Xiuyuan.

Although General Yuan was arrogant and often disobeyed the Emperor’s orders, he only wanted to recover their country’s territory and serve the Imperial Court and leave his name in history. He had no intention of rebelling at all.                                   5

However, the young and energetic Qi Xiuyuan had his own ambitions. He appeared weak and was willing to listen to the Emperor’s orders, but he had been preparing to rebel for a few years.

When the letter was sent to the generals, everyone was first angry, then helpless.

They could understand why a general with military power outside was made to leave his family in the capital, because even they would probably do the same for a peace of mind. However, it was too much to summon their families to stay in the palace, for this demonstrated great distrust in them.

While they were giving their all at the front line for their country and the ruler, in the end, they ended up with such an outcome?

But now that their mother, wife, and children were in the hands of the Emperor, there was nothing they could do even if they were angry.

General Yuan was also furious, especially since his mother was already in her sixties. At this age, one couldn’t suffer shock, anger, and bumps. What was the Emperor trying to do?

However, no matter how angry he was, with the Jin soldiers pressing down on him, he had no choice but to put all his attention on the battle. However, after suppressing the sorrow in his heart to the extreme, it was inevitable that he would feel resentful. This was the first time General Yuan expressed his dissatisfaction with the Emperor’s actions.

After Qi Xiuyuan received the letter, he read Li Jinghua’s letter back and forth twice. Then, he smiled and caressed the letter describing Little Treasure, a hint of gentleness in his eyes.

When Rong Xuan saw this, he comforted him. “It’s good for the child to stay in the palace. Didn’t Haoran say that the West Xia army had long infiltrated the Great Zhou? If those people infiltrated Lin’an City, they would be the greatest threat to the families of the generals. Although they are now hostages in the palace, their safety is more guaranteed.”

Qi Xiuyuan nodded. “I know. Have you read Ah Ling’s letter?”

Rong Xuan smiled and nodded. “Yes, Fourth Madam is very alert. She’s telling us that this isn’t the time.”

Qi Xiuyuan suppressed the restlessness in his heart and nodded. Previously, he and Rong Xuan were tempted because this was really a rare opportunity. It was only when the news of his family entering the palace as hostages came from the capital that Qi Xiuyuan calmed down.

Although he was angry with the Emperor, he no longer had the intention to take action.

Although Qi Xiuyuan wanted to rebel, it wasn’t a must for him to obtain that supreme power right now. Hence, when his wife and family were in danger, he could still give it up for now.

If Yuan Hui hadn’t vowed that he would be the next Emperor and a wise ruler, Qi Xiuyuan probably wouldn’t have had such thoughts. Even if he was dissatisfied with the Great Zhou, he would probably follow General Yuan’s old path in the end. He would hold military power, be conferred the title of marquis, and his wife and son would be conferred a title. All he wanted was to leave his name in history.

It was also because his hidden ambition had been drawn out by others, so his ambitions were not very strong. When he needed to make a choice, although it was difficult and painful, he would still choose his family.

Fortunately, Mu Yangling’s letter arrived very quickly. Her letter was straightforward, childish and unreasonable, but Qi Xiuyuan and Rong Xuan, who were familiar with her personality and way of thinking, quickly understood. Mu Yangling wanted them to wait and see, waiting to reap the benefits.

Only then did Qi Xiuyuan feel better.

Rong Xuan saw how he had been tormented until he finally made his choice. Seeing that he had chosen his family, Rong Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. Yet, he was also a little disappointed.

He was disappointed because Qi Xiuyuan was not domineering enough. He heaved a sigh of relief because he cared about his family and was still the original Qi Xiuyuan he knew. The humane Qi Xiuyuan might not be able to go far, but it was enough for him to follow him without worry.

Qi Xiuyuan put Li Jinghua’s letter aside and read Mu Yangling’s letter again. He sighed and said, “I wonder if there will be such a good opportunity in the future…”

Rong Xuan said hesitatingly, “If we let our death warriors sneak them out of the palace…”

Qi Xiuyuan shook his head. “It’s too difficult to leave the palace in one piece. Just as Ah Ling said, we should focus on resisting the Jin soldiers and listen to the Emperor’s orders. Let him lower his guard first before contemplating this in the future.”

At this point, Qi Xiuyuan smiled and said, “That brat Haoran always says that Ah Ling’s sixth sense is very accurate. As a bystander, she sees things clearly. Perhaps there will really be a better opportunity later.”

Rong Xuan nodded. “If we start a rebellion now, I’m afraid we’ll become the target of public criticism. General Yuan’s 260,000-strong army is right next door. Moreover, the Jin Kingdom is also attacking us. If we start a rebellion now, the commoners won’t understand…”

With this thought in mind, it didn’t feel that terrible to give up this once-in-lifetime opportunity. Qi Xiuyuan perked up and smiled. “In that case, let’s focus on resisting the Jin soldiers. Since we’re guarding the Jingzhao Prefecture, we can’t lose our city and land like we did more than 20 years ago, right? That would be embarrassing.”

“Then Fourth Master…”

“I’m not too worried about that kid. There are forests everywhere in the south of Jinghu. As long as he enters the forest, there will be very few opponents who are his match. He’s excellent at escaping, too. However, I still have to do what I have to do. Since Ah Ling specially wrote a letter to ask for help, I’ll ask the Emperor to send a team of people to reinforce him. This way, the Emperor will be at ease.”

Rong Xuan nodded with a smile. “Then I’ll go draft the memorial now.”

Qi Xiuyuan nodded. After Rong Xuan left, he picked up Li Jinghua’s letter and read the interesting news about his son. Perhaps he should consider telling Li Jinghua about this. After all, she was his wife. With her support, even if she couldn’t give him much help, she could at least make him feel more at ease. At least then she would know what she could and couldn’t do…

Qi Xiuyuan wondered if he should let Mu Yangling tell Li Jinghua and let her do her thinking.

Fortunately, now that they had a son, Li Jinghua probably wouldn’t object.

Qi Xiuyuan picked up the pen and thought for a while before putting it down. Because these letters would definitely be checked by the Emperor, he did not dare to be too explicit in his words. He only told Li Jinghua to be at ease and take good care of the child, take good care of his sister-in-law and nephew for Haoran. He also told her to discuss things with Mu Yangling and get along with her…

When mentioning Mu Yangling, Qi Xiuyuan asked her to tell Mu Yangling that he had already sent the Emperor to send someone to look for Qi Haoran. He told her not to worry too much and to take care of the child in peace. If she had nothing to do, she could read more books and not go out to cause trouble. Qi Xiuyuan used a few specific words. This was what they had agreed on back then. If he wrote this, it meant that he wanted to let Li Jinghua know about this. As the closest person to Li Jinghua, Mu Yangling was the best messenger.

Qi Xiuyuan hinted to Mu Yangling that there was no hurry, that she could tell Li Jinghua about it after they left the palace. Also, she could also slowly reveal It to Li Jinghua. In short, it was fine as long as she didn’t expose anything to others.

The letter was handed to the Emperor’s messenger to take away, along with Qi Xiuyuan’s memorial. This was not bad. At least the letters came and went much faster. Not everyone could make use of such speedy delivery.

At this moment, Qi Haoran, whom Qi Xiuyuan and Mu Yangling were missing, was sitting on a burly man in a sorry state. Seeing his fierce gaze, Qi Haoran simply raised his butt and sat down hard again, hitting the other party’s stomach. The man spat out a mouthful of blood. Qi Haoran patted his face and said, “I don’t have time to waste on you. I’ll ask you again.. Are you going to confess or not?”

Chapter end