Xiong Jinshui couldn’t help but nervously glance at Pang Xiao. This was Prince Zhongshun’s domain—with just one word from him, his life or death could be decided.

Pang Xiao’s expression remained calm, showing not the slightest trace of emotion. This situation made Xiong Jinshui most terrified. If Pang Xiao were willing to express his anger, at least it would show he wasn’t so enraged as to be speechless.

But what choice did he have? His Majesty had issued the decree—who would dare question even half a word? Did they not value their heads?

“Alright, everyone please remain calm.” After a long silence, Pang Xiao finally spoke. The noisy scene gradually quieted as everyone turned to look at Pang Xiao, waiting for his instructions.

Xiong Jinshui swallowed hard. At this moment, he deeply felt that with just one word from Pang Xiao, these soldiers under his command would immediately rebel regardless of consequences! And he would become a soul under the blade!

“His Majesty has issued a decree, and as subjects, we must accept it. His Majesty’s decisions surely have their purpose—how can subjects question them? All of you must speak no more!” Pang Xiao scolded sternly, then received the decree with both hands and kowtowed in gratitude to the Emperor.

Xiong Jinshui breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling the lightness of surviving a catastrophe and escaping death. He hurriedly performed his salute and rushed outside, as if hungry wolves were chasing behind him.

Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi stood on either side of Pang Xiao. Seeing Xiong Jinshui leave, they couldn’t help but worry and sigh simultaneously.

“When Eunuch Xiong returns, he might embellish and exaggerate what happened here. Who knows how the Son of Heaven will misunderstand or how he’ll treat Your Lordship.”

“Let him be.” Pang Xiao gripped the imperial decree, his fingertips white from the force. “We’ve already reached this point. Even if I do nothing, I’ll still be suspected of having ulterior motives.”

“Your Lordship, with the Son of Heaven making such a decision, he’s truly disregarding Great Zhou’s safety. What’s most urgent now is that the Tatars are about to breach the capital. We should lead our army through the city gates, pass directly through the capital to the north and join forces with the Marquis of Dingbei to discuss how to repel the Tatars—that’s what’s most important.” Xu Weizhi frowned.

“This prince also knows that’s what should be done now, but perhaps the Son of Heaven is waiting for me to commit another act of defying imperial orders.”

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this.

If they defied orders this time, it would be different from before. Previously, defying orders was to save his own wife, and it didn’t harm others’ interests—he simply refused to return to the capital when summoned. But now, if they defied orders and directly led the army into the capital, it would clearly appear as forcing the palace and usurping the throne. History books would condemn them, inevitably leaving stains on him and all who followed.

Pang Xiao absolutely could not allow himself to leave such a stain.

Fortunately, Ji Zeyu used troops like a god. Pang Xiao was quite clear about his abilities—he could hold out for a while longer, enough time for him to march rapidly around Jiashao Valley.

As Pang Xiao consulted with his advisors, news of His Majesty’s decree gradually spread through the army. Upon hearing that His Majesty had made them wait so many days only to give orders to take a detour, everyone was quite puzzled.

Those with more straightforward temperaments had already begun lamenting.

“Isn’t it because he fears our prince? Our prince brought us to the capital to kill Tatars, yet His Majesty is so petty, guarding against us like guarding against thieves. It’s truly disheartening.”

“Enough, these aren’t words we can say.” More cautious ones came forward to stop this, changing the subject: “What does our prince say? Are we really taking the detour through Jiashao Valley?”

“When the ruler demands a subject’s death, the subject cannot refuse to die. What choice does our prince have?”

Everyone fell silent for a moment, with some already unable to help thinking it would be good if their prince were willing to lead them charging into the capital.

Such conversations were taking place in every corner of the Pingnan Army camp.

Qin Yining reclined on the wooden couch in the tent, wrapped in blankets, staring blankly at the entrance.

With Li Qitian issuing such an decree, it showed he truly had never trusted Pang Xiao even a little. If Pang Xiao really had to detour to Jiashao Valley, he probably wouldn’t bring her along.

Rationally, Qin Yining knew that as a woman, following to the front lines would be no help and might even become Pang Xiao’s burden and weakness. But emotionally, she had grown accustomed to days spent together with Pang Xiao. Now that they would separate again, she truly felt reluctant.

When Pang Xiao returned, he saw Ji Yun and Bingtang quietly doing needlework by the entrance while Qin Yining lay on her side wrapped in blankets.

Thinking Qin Yining was asleep, he immediately made a shushing gesture, excusing Ji Yun and Bingtang from their salutes as he tiptoed to the wooden bed.

Hearing footsteps, Qin Yining immediately looked over.

“Did I wake you?” Pang Xiao smiled as he sat down.

Qin Yining shook her head. “Not at all, I wasn’t sleeping—just thinking about things.” She turned and sat up, casually gathering her disheveled long hair. “When do you plan to depart for Jiashao Valley?”

“With the imperial decree issued, we must depart tomorrow morning to fulfill our duties. Otherwise, people might misunderstand that I’m intentionally defying orders and rebelling.”

Qin Yining nodded, worried: “Time is urgent, and with so many people, provisions are also a problem. Can you manage it all?”

Pang Xiao pinched her cheek with his large hand. “Don’t worry, I can handle all this. My only concern is you. Yi Jie’er, I can’t bring you to the front lines. If it were like before, I’d want to take you everywhere, only feeling at ease with you before my eyes. But this time there’s bound to be a bloody battle with the Tatars, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to protect you completely.”

“I know.” Qin Yining smiled. “I’m not foolish. I’m already four months pregnant—what help could I be following you to the battlefield? It would be inconvenient for recuperating, and I’d worry about affecting my child.”

Pang Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing her so understanding, choosing the most reasonable path without needing his persuasion, he felt both pleased and admiring. But with Qin Yining about to separate from him, he truly felt reluctant.

“Yi Jie’er, where do you plan to go?”

Qin Yining thought for a moment: “I want to go to Jingang. Administrator Chen there is upright, we lived there for a while and got along well with the people. Plus it’s by the sea—if anything happens, we’ll have options. Also, it’s a hub to the south and a necessary passage for dispatching provisions. You’ll be leading troops to outflank the Tatars from behind, so provisions will be even more crucial. You just focus on going—leave the provisions to me to handle.”

Pang Xiao looked at Qin Yining in surprise: “You’ll manage provisions and military supplies?”

“Don’t you think I can do it?” Qin Yining raised an eyebrow and tilted her head to look at him.

Her dewy eyes and fluttering long lashes truly made his heart itch.

Pang Xiao couldn’t help but embrace her, laughing: “I naturally trust your abilities. I’m worried about your health. Originally I planned to have Scholar Xie stay behind to manage provisions and military supplies for me. Since that’s the case, how about I entrust this to you while leaving Scholar Xie to assist you? You can consult together, and when difficulties arise, you won’t have to worry alone.”

Qin Yining smiled: “That would naturally be good. Scholar Xie is resourceful and thorough in his work. This way I won’t tire myself much and can peacefully find a place in Jingang to await childbirth.”

“Yes.” Pang Xiao gazed at Qin Yining, then after a long while sighed as he grasped her hands and brought them to his lips for a gentle kiss. “This time for the birth, I’m afraid I can’t be by your side. During the most difficult time, I won’t be able to accompany you, yet I must…”

“Don’t say that.” Qin Yining touched his lips with her finger, smiling: “You’re going to do important work, not sightseeing. Don’t worry, I know how to take care of myself. Next time we meet, you’ll have another son or daughter.”

Pang Xiao nodded repeatedly, his mouth turning up in a smile he couldn’t suppress.

Qin Yining was amused by his silly expression, comforting herself that this was just a brief separation—they could reunite once the war ended. Pang Xiao used troops like a god and should come to no great harm.

Pang Xiao then lay down beside her, speaking quietly as they analyzed the current situation and discussed possible future developments.

As for Bingtang and Ji Yun, they had already gone to pack Qin Yining’s luggage.

Pang Xiao assigned ten elite Tiger Guards to Qin Yining. She also had people from the Azure Sky Alliance and Silver Mask spies around her, so her safety was guaranteed.

The next morning, Qin Yining changed into a stone-blue fine cotton cloak. Her raven-black long hair was loosely arranged in a chignon as she stood smiling beside the carriage, looking up at Pang Xiao.

“Alright, you have important matters to attend to, and the Pingnan Army will depart shortly. Don’t linger here—I’ll get in the carriage and depart now.”

Pang Xiao nodded, instructing quietly: “Don’t overwork yourself. If there’s anything, let Scholar Xie handle it. Everything should prioritize your health—all else is secondary. Don’t worry about me either. This time I’m cooperating with Ah Lan, so I’m confident.”

“I know. I’ll also do my utmost to prepare your provisions.”

Pang Xiao smiled: “I know your abilities, but don’t be too anxious. Perhaps for the sake of face, His Majesty will have someone else handle provisions.”

Qin Yining chuckled: “I don’t believe that for a moment.”

Seeing her like this, Pang Xiao couldn’t help but laugh along.

Pang Xiao lifted Qin Yining and carefully placed her in the carriage, then arranged her hair, smiling: “It’s getting late—you should depart quickly to avoid delaying lodging along the way.”

“You should go back too.” Qin Yining straightened his collar, smiling: “Winning battles is important, but your life is more important. Take care of yourself, don’t get careless and injured, don’t try to handle everything yourself when trouble arises, and absolutely don’t do anything like sacrificing yourself to save others. Promise me—don’t make me worry constantly.”

Pang Xiao grasped her hand: “Don’t worry, I promise.”

The two gazed at each other, sharing a smile, as if engraving each other’s appearance in their hearts.

Xie Yue and the Tiger Guards approached the carriage.

Pang Xiao nodded to Xie Yue, his entrustment clear in his eyes. Having followed Pang Xiao for so long, Xie Yue naturally understood and solemnly cupped his hands in salute.

“Your Lordship can rest assured.”

Only then did Pang Xiao nod, looking at Qin Yining: “Go then, take good care of yourself. We can also exchange letters frequently.”

Qin Yining agreed. Seeing that Pang Xiao had already stepped down from the carriage yet still gazed intently at her, her feelings were both happy and bitter. Better a short pain than a long one—she lowered the warm curtain and urged: “Let’s depart.”