Harem Daily Life

Chapter 655: Unusual Movements in Yan State

He Linzhang shamelessly spent more than half an hour with his little queen before falling asleep contentedly. When he finished his lunch break, Eunuch Zhang was already waiting outside anxiously.

"Your Majesty, General Qi has returned with urgent military intelligence. The officials from the Ministry of War are waiting in the Imperial Study."

He Linzhang hurried to wash up, put on a light coat, kissed Tao Yanyan's forehead, and then left Changle Palace.

"What does the State of Yan want to do? They have already signed a ceasefire agreement, so why are they sending troops to the border now?" He Linzhang asked with a frown, holding the military intelligence sent back by Qi Yizheng.

The Minister of War's expression was serious. "Your Majesty, we must be on guard against others. Although the two countries have signed a peace agreement, Yan still harbors the will to destroy our Great Zhou. We were too lenient in not striking them hard in the past few years. After years of recuperation, Yan's national strength has greatly increased, and now it has the momentum to make a comeback."

The Minister of Revenue said, "In recent years, our Great Zhou has become rich and powerful. If we want to fight again, we are not afraid of them."

Prince Yong thought for a moment and said, "My humble brother voluntarily married Princess Qinghe for the sake of peace between our two countries. Now it seems that the Prince of Northern Yan no longer intends to care about his sister."

He Linzhang waved his hand. "The war between the two countries has nothing to do with Princess Qinghe. Even if war breaks out again this time, don't take it out on her. What I'm worried about now is who should lead the troops to the border? Do you have any suggestions?"

The Minister of War said, "I believe that General Gu is brave, knowledgeable in military tactics, and has experience in fighting against the Xia Kingdom. It would be more appropriate to send General Gu."

Minister Li said, "But the defense of the capital cannot be relaxed. I'm afraid General Gu will have trouble escaping."

"The defense of the capital can be handed over to others, but leading troops in battle is no small task. General Gu is truly the best candidate."

He Linzhang listened to the discussion, feeling unsure for a moment. He could still vividly remember Prince Changping's anxious expression when he came into the palace two days ago and mentioned that Gu Yi and Xin Lan had been married for almost two years and still had no children. He couldn't bear to let Xin Lan worry.

Prince Yong looked at He Linzhang's embarrassment and said, "This humble servant may be incompetent, but I am willing to lead the troops to support General Duan."

"This... Your Highness Prince Yong, you are a noble man, how can you go to the battlefield yourself? Or, think of another way." The Minister of War immediately advised.

Prince Yong was very persistent: "As a prince, I should contribute to the great Zhou Dynasty. Your Majesty, please send me. I will not return to the capital until the Yan Kingdom is completely defeated this time!"

He Linzhang stood up and patted Prince Yong's arm. "I understand your intentions. Please allow me a few more days to consider this. Right now, they are only saying there are signs of mobilizing troops, but the war has not officially begun. There is still time."

After saying this, he looked at the Minister of Revenue and said, "However, food and military pay must be prepared in advance. If there is a shortage, contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs and ask them to make adjustments from the imperial property."

He then said to the Minister of War, "Weapons must also be prepared. Armor and war horses are indispensable."

We must be ready to fight at any time, and every department in the Great Zhou must be on high alert.

Everyone took their leave, and He Linzhang rubbed his brows and closed his eyes to rest.

Eunuch Zhang brought him a cup of tea and then stood quietly by the side waiting for instructions.

"Has there been anything unusual since Prince Yong returned from his fiefdom?" He Linzhang asked in a low voice.

Eunuch Zhang replied, "Your Majesty, there is nothing unusual. I don't normally associate with any family in the capital. This is just a daily social interaction. However, the Princess of Yong is committed to having an heir and has chosen two of her sisters from her mother's family to marry into the Prince's household. Otherwise, there is nothing special."

"What about Princess Qinghe? Did she do anything unusual?"

Eunuch Zhang thought for a moment and said, "According to reports from my servants stationed in Prince Yong's mansion, Princess Qinghe and Prince Yong's wife often have a tense relationship. The young princess born to Princess Qinghe is very much favored by Prince Yong, but their relationship is dull. She rarely attends social events and is focused on seizing power in the harem."

He Linzhang stood up and paced for a long while before saying, "My Great Zhou doesn't have many capable generals. Although I prefer Gu Yi to lead the troops, I can't always use him. Besides, Marquis Ningyuan is not in the capital, and I really don't trust others with the defense of the capital."

The Gu family father and son are currently He Linzhang's most trusted ministers. One of them is on his secret order to go to the border of Yan State to search for the whereabouts of the treasure, while the other is guarding the defense of the capital. If Gu Yi is sent away, who will guard the capital?

Unable to think of an answer for a moment, He Linzhang sat in front of the window in boredom, as if thinking about something.

At Prince Yong's mansion, as soon as he returned, he had the little princess brought in. Princess Qinghe also came along, sitting anxiously nearby, waiting for Prince Yong and the little princess to tire of playing. Then she spoke, "Your Highness, is there something important that brought you to the palace today?"

Prince Yong had been summoned before daybreak. Qinghe, dazed, overheard something that seemed to be related to military intelligence from the State of Yan. She had been feeling uneasy for hours, and if she didn't ask, she was about to lose her temper.

Prince Yong glanced at her, had the princess carried away, and then said, "Your royal brother is not trustworthy and has sent troops to the border again. You should be able to guess what he wants to do, right?"

Prince Yong's tone was full of sarcasm, which made Princess Qinghe's face hot and ashamed.

"I don't understand these things, but please rest assured, Your Highness. Since I entered the mansion, I have never betrayed a single piece of information from the mansion or the Great Zhou."

She was a princess who was married to a foreign country and had come originally to promote long-term peace between the two countries. Now if the two countries were to go to war, her situation would be very embarrassing and she might even be killed as a sacrifice to boost morale.

But she felt very wronged. She was just a chess piece, at the mercy of others.

Prince Yong glanced at her, his face expressionless. "I know you're being cautious, and I'm not unreasonable. As long as you don't make any mistakes, no one will blame you, no matter what happens between the two countries."

Princess Qinghe finally breathed a sigh of relief, but still asked, "So, what about His Majesty? Your Majesty's heart is unpredictable, and I am truly terrified."

She had originally set her sights on the Great Zhou Emperor, but he refused to marry her, so she married the Prince of Yong as his concubine. In her opinion, the Great Zhou Emperor was difficult to control, his beauty was difficult to seduce, and his heart was too cruel.

"My royal brother is also a man who clearly distinguishes between public and private matters. He will not vent his anger on you."

After receiving Prince Yong's assurance, Princess Qinghe finally smiled and said, "Then I will not disturb Your Highness's rest. I will go down to accompany Princess Si'er."

Not long after she left, Princess Yong came back with a bowl of tonic soup. Seeing her, Prince Yong frowned slightly and said, "You've been sending me tonic soup lately. I know what you're thinking, but I'm busy lately and don't feel like going to the harem."