"I have given it thought and find General Bai’s request not without reason!" Xiao Zhanping spoke with solemn gravity throughout, "When trouble besets the realm, it’s every able man’s duty, not to ntion you princes. My lineage is thin, the Crown Prince has passed early, leaving but you two and Xiao Jinyu. But Jinyu is younger and naturally incapable of shouldering military command! Only you two are left."
Xiao Zhanping said so much.
To put it bluntly.
Today he will certainly choose between Xiao Jinsen and Xiao Jinxing to lead the war at the border.
The army’s morale is scattered, and if its might is not reinstated promptly, we will be defenseless against foreign enemies. The stability of Daxuan Kingdom is at risk!
Inevitably.
Xiao Zhanping could not conceal his anxiety.
In the grand hall.
It remained exceptionally quiet, the atmosphere tense.
"I have pondered back and forth," Xiao Zhanping said, "yet I cannot make the decision as to which of you two shall be dispatched to the frontier. Both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh of mine; I am unwilling to put you at risk or to bear the sorrow of a parent outliving his child."
Xiao Jinsen and Xiao Jinxing neither dared to speak; they could only silently observe the unfolding situation.
"I have decided to leave this decision up to you to choose," Xiao Zhanping continued.
Clearly, he was deliberately throwing the difficult choice to Xiao Jinsen and Xiao Jinxing.
Volunteering proactively would naturally please Xiao Zhanping more, but once gone, no one knows what may transpire in the court.
Not volunteering would naturally displease Xiao Zhanping, and there might be no good days ahead.
Whoever becos the emperor.
Is certainly no ordinary person.
There was a deathly silence.
Xiao Jinsen and Xiao Jinxing both refrained from initiating a conversation.
As if both were waiting for the other to speak.
And then to look for an opening.
Xiao Zhanping was not one to be trifled with; he knew well what both were thinking.
But he indeed had his own conflicts.
Initially, when he received General Bai’s request, his first choice was Xiao Jinxing.
Though Xiao Jinxing had sowhat changed his impression over the past year, he was not the best candidate for the Crown Prince; Xiao Jinsen had been by his side for many years, so he naturally favored Xiao Jinsen.
But that day, it so happened that Qin Junsheng was attending him.
Which made him hesitate for a mont.
He used to be sincere towards Zhao ngyu, considering her his confidante, one who understood his thoughts and desires. However, after he had the right to favor other concubines, he began to grow alienated from Zhao ngyu.
At her age, he, of course, had no desire to favor Zhao ngyu; in the harem, there are three thousand beauties young and fair. Although Zhao ngyu still looked radiant and beautiful, in Xiao Jinsen’s eyes, she was as good as a faded flower, a withered willow. Thus, not only did he lose the feelings he once had for Zhao ngyu, he even found her sowhat irritating.
Always hovering before him, making it uncomfortable for him to favor other concubines.
She even audaciously requested him to not indulge in the harem.
An Imperial Concubine had the gall to criticize him, yet considering the years Zhao ngyu had spent by his side, he still tolerated her sowhat.
But it was just tolerance.
His fondness for Zhao ngyu was vanishing day by day.
And as Zhao ngyu’s son, Xiao Jinsen was also implicated, drawing so discontent from Xiao Zhanping.
He felt that it wouldn’t be inconceivable for Xiao Jinsen to leave for the war.
Such was his conflict.
Qin Junsheng, who spent more ti with Xiao Zhanping daily, noticed his displeasure and suggested allowing the two princes to make the choice themselves.
Xiao Zhanping had an epiphany.
He instantly settled on this thod.
Also to see, how his two sons would handle their responsibilities in the face of this situation.
Should anyone show cowardice.
He would certainly punish them severely!
"This matter is of great importance; I understand your feelings and do not require a reply today. Tomorrow at the morning court, in front of all the civil and military officials, give your answer!" Xiao Zhanping said with seeming consideration.
"Yes," Xiao Jinsen and Xiao Jinxing could only accept.
Xiao Zhanping did not need to guess their thoughts, and continued, "Bai Wenwu’s letter also ntioned that he himself was seriously injured in this battle, and Bai Mowan’s injuries were not minor either."
Upon hearing the na Bai Mowan.
Xiao Jinxing’s expression subtly changed.
Others might not notice.
But Ye Qichi, standing right beside Xiao Jinxing, saw it clearly.
Of course, she was not jealous.
She never thought that Xiao Jinxing’s change would have any impact on his feelings for Bai Mowan.
It’s just that she didn’t quite understand.
National affairs.
How co she had also been brought to the Imperial Palace.
This Xiao Zhanping really doesn’t treat her as an outsider.
Yet, Princess Consort Xie Ruiyao was not present.
"Now I have ordered Bai Moyi in Xun City to prepare to depart. After confirming your matters tomorrow, he will head to the border the day after. The situation is urgent; we cannot afford any delay!" Xiao Zhanping declared his arrangents.
"Yes," Xiao Jinsen and Xiao Jinxing bowed and responded in unison.
"Princess Consort," Xiao Zhanping suddenly shifted the topic.
Ye Qichi promptly replied, "Your Majesty."
"I have summoned you to the palace today for another matter," Xiao Zhanping revealed his purpose.
Ye Qichi suddenly understood.
She thought so.
Xiao Zhanping would not possibly involve a re woman in court affairs.
"Yes."
"Concubine Qin is pregnant," Xiao Zhanping announced.
Ye Qichi was sowhat surprised.
She couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Jinxing.
Xiao Jinxing never ntioned it.
Xiao Jinxing’s lips were tightly sealed.
Of course, he had known all along.
Zhao ngyu’s face had turned considerably darker at this mont.
Concubine Qin carrying the royal heir was naturally infuriating her.
This despicable woman, how dare she conceive the emperor’s child.
If it weren’t for the emperor favoring Qin Junsheng excessively lately, she would have sabotaged the child in Qin Junsheng’s womb long ago.
"Concubine Qin has had a poor appetite these past few days; you go and take her pulse for , see how her health is. I am quite concerned," Xiao Zhanping said.
"As your son’s wife commands, I will go to Concubine Qin right away," Ye Qichi said and was about to leave.
"I will accompany you there," Xiao Zhanping stated, "It just so happens I have been preoccupied today and have not visited Concubine Qin yet."
"Yes," Ye Qichi said respectfully.
Thinking to herself.
Xiao Zhanping seems to visit Qin Junsheng every day.
This is bound to infuriate Zhao ngyu to death.
She has been favored for so many years, and at this critical mont, when she might be conferred as Empress, when her son might be declared Crown Prince, she gets kicked back to square one at the last step.
It would be strange if she weren’t fuming.
"Your Majesty, let your concubine accompany you to see Sister Junsheng," Zhao ngyu, barely restraining herself to the point of exploding, said with an outward appearance still very gentle and considerate.
"There’s no need," Xiao Zhanping flatly refused, "Concubine Qin has had no appetite these days and is also in a bad mood; she dislikes disturbances. You may visit her in a few days."
"...As you command," Zhao ngyu said, trembling with suppressed rage, "Your concubine respectfully bids Your Majesty farewell."
Xiao Zhanping left with Ye Qichi in tow.
Clearly, he had deep concerns for Qin Junsheng.
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