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Chapter 425: The Northwestern Front
Chapter 425: The Northwestern Front
Upon hearing the urgent news from the Northwest Frontier Pass, Prince Xing's expression changed instantly.
He didn't even have time to accompany Suixui back to Duke Ling's Manor; instead, he signaled for someone to look after Feng Xuanrui and the others, then turned around and headed towards the palace.
An urgent situation at the Northwest Frontier Pass!
Duke Ling also heard the news.
He could no longer afford to be sad; he lifted the curtain and gazed at the horses that had already traveled far away, his brows tightly furrowed. "Are they fighting again?"
Princess Qi wasn't too surprised.
She sighed softly, hugged Suixui tightly, and said in a low voice, "Prince Xing hasn't been at the frontier for almost a year now. With the autumn harvest season upon us in the Central Plains, the frontier nations probably think they have a chance. They want to take advantage of the harvest to seize some supplies for the winter, don't they?"
Every year at this time, the frontier nations would get restless.
As long as Prince Xing was at the frontier, with his reputation as the God of Killing, those small frontier nations would think twice before making a move, considering the possibility of their countries' annihilation.
But now, Prince Xing was not there.
With his absence, their intimidation was reduced, and those nations felt emboldened.
Duke Ling listened from the side, his brows still furrowed. "As for Prince Xing..."
He didn't know if he could even go to the battlefield.
But he was undoubtedly concerned about the situation at the Northwest Frontier Pass.
Prince Xing had been on the battlefield since his youth and had spent over a decade at the Northwest Frontier Pass.
He had developed an emotional attachment to every blade of grass and every tree there.
Most importantly, it was at the frontier that he had met Nian Niang.
All their shared memories were in that frontier city.
Therefore, with the current tense situation there, he would undoubtedly have to go.
However, he now had another consideration.
That was...
Suixui.
He was no longer alone and unencumbered, with nothing to worry about.
He now had a weakness and concerns.
But he still had to go to the battlefield.
On his way to the palace, Prince Xing had considered all possibilities.
He thought that if he fought quickly, the war might end soon, and he could return to the capital.
Suixui...
For now, she could stay at Duke Ling's Manor.
There, she had a familiar living environment and loving father and mother. Even if he, unfortunately, perished on the battlefield, Suixui would at least have a way out.
Prince Xing thought a lot.
Suixui was sleeping soundly, perhaps sensing the danger, her little hand reaching out in mid-air before she suddenly woke up.
Seeing Suixui awake, Princess Qi gently soothed her, trying to get her to sleep again.
But Suixui couldn't fall back asleep; her heart was filled with anxiety.
This caused Suixui to instinctively cling closer to her mother.
Duke Ling watched from the side, his heart aching as he reached out and patted her.
Indeed, a battle had erupted in the northwest.
Several small frontier nations, taking advantage of Prince Xing's absence, had formed an alliance and amassed an army of 150,000 troops for a fierce assault!
Naturally, there were generals at the frontier city as well.
Various defensive measures were in place, and they hadn't been caught off guard by the enemy.
However, the enemy's aggressive advance, coupled with the predominance of cavalry, posed a significant challenge and pressure to the soldiers at the Northwest Frontier Pass.
For this reason, the general defending the frontier city immediately sent an urgent report to the capital.
With the uncertain situation of the upcoming battle and the inability to guarantee the defense of the city, he was undoubtedly seeking assistance!
Upon hearing the news of the battle at the frontier, the Emperor was furious, and not smashing the cup was his last shred of rationality.
When he heard that Prince Xing had entered the palace, he hesitated for a moment but still allowed him in.
If Suixui were still living in Duke Ling's Manor, with no connection to Prince Xing, the Emperor wouldn't hesitate at this moment. He would directly send Prince Xing to the battlefield.
But now, there was Suixui.
That child had already lost her mother; would he let her lose her father as well?
That's not possible!
Although His Majesty values interests and the imperial authority he holds, he also values Suixui's good fortune and is quite fond of the child himself.
So, if possible, His Majesty also needs to consider Suixui's feelings.
What if the child is in a bad mood, and Heaven decides to torment him?
But the hesitation was only momentary, and His Majesty quickly made a firm decision to let Prince Qing enter.
The Northwest...
That's a place Prince Qing is familiar with, where he has his familiar battlefield and opponents. Sending Prince Qing there, His Majesty feels most at ease.
Although there were still some hesitations, it didn't hinder His Majesty's consideration and decision-making on these matters.
Good fortune is important, but the territory of Great Xia and the well-being of the frontier citizens are equally significant.
Therefore, Prince Qing must go.
Prince Qing's visit to the palace indeed indicated his intention to return to the Northwest.
Although His Majesty had already made up his mind, he still asked with concern, "You should consider Suixui."
Prince Qing had already thought things through during his journey, and upon hearing His Majesty's words, he replied in a deep voice, "Your Highness, I've considered it thoroughly."
Even with Suixui, he still has to go to the battlefield.
Prince Qing isn't impulsive or irrational, nor does he lack love for his child.
It's just that, if the nest is destroyed, how can the eggs remain intact?
If the Northwest frontier is lost, the barbarian tribes' cavalry might charge straight towards the capital.
At that time, who will protect Suixui's safety? He doesn't want Suixui to be so young and already have to experience the hardships of relocating and living a life of displacement.
Prince Qing only wishes for his precious youngest daughter to enjoy her blessings in the capital and live a peaceful life.
Even if it means sacrificing his life, it's worth it.
While he's alive, he can enjoy family bliss with Suixui.
When he passes away, he can be reunited with Nianniang and continue their spousal affection.
Prince Qing insisted, and His Majesty didn't stop him anymore.
Prince Qing wants to return to the Northwest and set off as soon as possible.
After all, the urgent report from the frontier, which killed several horses before reaching the capital, took a few days to arrive.
No one can be certain about the current situation in the Northwest, and it's better to go earlier for peace of mind.
Prince Qing is about to leave, and he actually doesn't know how to tell Suixui.
But Suixui sensed it.
Although she's just a child who doesn't understand anything, she can see through the hushed discussions of those around her and the suddenly tense atmosphere in the capital.
Seeing her father holding her several times, wanting to speak but stopping, Suixui raised her hand and gently smoothed out the crease between his eyebrows, asking softly, "Father, are you going to the battlefield?"
Her father is a general, and he's only temporarily staying in the capital.
Eventually, he will return to his battlefield.
Suixui knew this from the start.
Now, she merely asked out of curiosity.
Suixui thought that her father must be going to the battlefield. The once carefree father now has her in his heart, which is why he's hesitant about what to do.
Suixui feels she should behave well and show understanding, and she will wait for her father's return in the capital.
But Suixui doesn't want to; she has a terrifying intuition that she might not see her father again after this departure.
Suixui was frightened by this feeling.
Prince Qing soon spoke in a hoarse voice, "Father has to go to the Northwest to drive out the bad guys so they won't come and bully our Suixui."
Hearing her father acknowledge this, Suixui thought for a moment and asked cautiously, "Then, Father... can you take Suixui with you?"
Second Watch
(End of Chapter)
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