Chapter 105

Chapter 105: This Woman “Yue’er, is there really no way to change this? Do you have to go?” Madam Liu asked. Although she knew this was an imperial edict issued by His Majesty, deep down, she still did not want Ling Jiayue to enlist. After all, Madam Liu had always believed that the battlefield was far too dangerous for a girl. “Mother, this is something I must do. If the country is not at peace, how can the family be secure? I will definitely wipe out the border raiders and return safely,” Ling Jiayue said firmly. “Fine, fine. Go if you insist. I can’t control you anymore. You’ve grown up, so go do whatever you want—but you must be careful.” Seeing that she could not persuade Ling Jiayue, Madam Liu gave up. She shook her head and sighed before going to prepare the things Ling Jiayue would need for the army. “Your daughter will take her leave.” After saluting Ling Taian and Madam Liu, Ling Jiayue withdrew and returned to her own courtyard. She first sent Lingxue and Lingzhu back, then slowly walked along the path through the garden by herself. It was the turn of spring and summer, and the flowers in the garden were blooming one after another, each vying to be the first. Ling Jiayue walked along, admiring the blossoms. When she thought about it carefully, time truly passed quickly. So much time had already gone by since her rebirth. She had gone from being the insignificant daughter of a prime minister to becoming a female general. “Yue’er, have you really decided to enlist?” A clear male voice rang out. Ling Jiayue looked up and saw Ling Jiaxuan. She merely nodded at him, making it clear that she was determined to join the army. Seeing how resolute she was, Ling Jiaxuan let out a deep sigh. “Yue’er, I don’t understand. As the Prime Minister’s daughter, wouldn’t it be better to live a peaceful, stable life? Why insist on becoming a County Lady and a general? Father and Mother and I only hope that you can live a safe and peaceful life. Yet you insist on loving danger. How can Father, Mother, and I possibly feel at ease?” Ling Jiaxuan asked, puzzled. “Older Brother, this is the path I have chosen, and I will definitely walk it. I was never meant to remain peacefully in my boudoir. The battlefield is where I belong. Don’t worry. Since I’ve made this decision, I naturally have the ability to see it through. I’m not going there to throw my life away,” Ling Jiayue comforted him. “Fine. Do as you wish.” Ling Jiaxuan stopped trying to dissuade Ling Jiayue. However, he secretly made a decision in his heart: he would accompany Ling Jiayue into the army and protect his little sister. When Ling Jiayue saw that Ling Jiaxuan had fallen silent, she thought she had managed to reassure him, so she said nothing more either. In her heart, she was thinking that this campaign was not only about repelling the Sheyu Kingdom. She also intended to use the opportunity to throw the situation among the four kingdoms into chaos, so that she could make her move against Chu Chaoci. She would also need to establish a power base of her own. Ling Jiayue was still standing there in thought when Ling Jiaxuan spoke again. “Yue’er, I’ll take you back to your courtyard first. The army will be setting out soon, so go back and pack. Make sure you don’t forget anything on the road.” “All right, Older Brother.” Ling Jiaxuan escorted Ling Jiayue back to her courtyard. Just then, Danyun also returned. Ling Jiayue sent Lingzhu and Lingxue away, leaving only Danyun behind. “How are things with Cheese Lord?” Ling Jiayue asked. “Reporting to Miss, everything is fine on Cheese Lord’s side. However, I heard that Miss is going to war?” Danyun said. “That’s right. I’m going to war. Are you going to try to persuade me too?” “This servant will not. I think that if Miss wants to do something, then she should go and do it. This servant will always remain at Miss’s side and help you do anything you wish to do.” Danyun rarely spoke with such determination. “Aren’t you afraid? Ever since Father, Mother, and Older Brother learned that I intend to enlist, every one of them has been terrified and tried to persuade me not to go. The battlefield has always been perilous. Once I go, I may never return.” Ling Jiayue asked curiously. Unlike when she had spoken to Ling Jiaxuan, she was not as composed now; instead, she deliberately emphasized how dangerous the battlefield was. “Miss, I was trained in the army from a young age. I don’t find it dangerous. In fact, it is the environment I know best. I will accompany you and absolutely will not cause you any trouble,” Danyun said seriously. “That’s wonderful. Danyun, you truly are the treasure Mu Yuheng gave me. If Mu Yuheng asks me for you in the future, I won’t give you back even then.” When Ling Jiayue heard that Danyun had been trained in the army, she could not hide her delight. To her, this was a tremendous asset. “This servant is willing to go through fire and water for Miss without hesitation,” Danyun said firmly. “All right, get up quickly. Since you came from the army, you know what we should prepare. Go pack our supplies for the campaign. Once you’re finished, make another trip to Cheese Lord’s place. I want him to come with me!” Danyun acknowledged her order and went off to get busy. At the same time, the Seventh Prince’s Residence was also bustling with activity. Mu Yuheng himself was sitting around leisurely, leaving Feng Yan to rush back and forth alone. After the Empress, Su Wanrong, learned that Mu Yuheng was going to war, she sent ginseng and other tonics to the Seventh Prince’s Residence in an endless stream. Mu Yuheng’s Crown Prince elder brother also sent over quite a few things. Feng Yan was busy running back and forth by himself, both packing the supplies and listening to Mu Yuheng’s instructions. “Feng Yan, bring another piece of warm jade. I’m afraid Miss Ling won’t be able to endure the bitter cold at the border.” Hearing this, Feng Yan hurried off to pack the warm jade. He had only just finished when Mu Yuheng spoke again. “Feng Yan, go bring several more cloaks. And leather boots. Pack more cold-weather clothing as well. The Northwest border frontier has always been the coldest place in Dayi. There’s no harm in bringing more.” Following Mu Yuheng’s commands, Feng Yan ran around in circles. He was practically one step away from having two self-propelled spinning tops installed on his back. After much difficulty, Feng Yan finally finished packing the supplies. Mu Yuheng carefully inspected everything and was finally satisfied. Feng Yan was so exhausted that he dropped onto the floor. This earned him Mu Yuheng’s deep disdain. “Is that really necessary? It’s only packing some supplies. Look at how tired you are. If word gets out, I’ll be the one embarrassed.” Feng Yan immediately objected. “Your Highness, that’s unreasonable. Am I not doing all this so you can win the beauty’s heart as soon as possible? And yet you’re worried about Miss Ling, while making me do all the work. You order me around until I’m running in circles, then you even laugh at me.” Seeing Feng Yan grow more and more aggrieved, Mu Yuheng laughed as well. “All right, all right. I won’t tease you anymore. Go get some rest.” After speaking with Feng Yan, Mu Yuheng left on his own, leaving Feng Yan alone in the room. As Mu Yuheng walked, he pondered various matters. He thought that Ling Jiayue truly was the boldest woman he had ever met. Ling Jiayue was independent, self-reliant, decisive, and courageous. Taken separately, these qualities were all traits one might associate with a tomboyish woman. Yet when combined in Ling Jiayue, they only made her even more captivating. He had already fallen deeply under this woman’s spell.