Northern territory commander Guan Changliang had been turned by the Qi people.

With his betrayal, the Qi army easily captured a Great Zhou city.

The urgent report arrived at Emperor Tai’an’s desk by eight-hundred-mile express, making his expression colder than the first heavy snow falling outside the hall.

With so many recent incidents, the court actually had some preparation for warfare, but Guan Changliang’s sudden defection to the enemy was not within expectations. The consequences were difficult to accept.

Emperor Tai’an urgently summoned important ministers from various departments, deploying military forces to prepare for the northern campaign. This northern expedition army had actually been planned early on, including the cavalry battalion that had been in training. The commander had also been decided—General Xu Jing, who had distinguished military achievements.

However, before the northern expedition army could depart, urgent reports came that conflict had erupted at the Great Zhou and Yuliu border.

At the same time, Emperor Pingle’s faction hiding in the southern territories suddenly appeared. Taking advantage of nearby small cities before they could react, with lightning speed they seized the area and raised banners proclaiming restoration of legitimate rule, conscripting militia to increase their strength.

In an instant, the Great Zhou was besieged on all sides, tottering in wind and rain. Especially in the northern territories—two more commanders led their personal troops to defect to Northern Qi. The blow to morale this dealt was greater than the bloody chaos of violent rebellion.

Emperor Tai’an, who usually maintained composure before his ministers, smashed two teacups in succession, venting his inner fury.

Although war had been anticipated early on with some preparations made, when that day truly arrived, they discovered no amount of preparation was sufficient.

Human hearts often exceeded expectations.

The northern situation was dire. The Minister of Personnel offered a suggestion: “Prince Jing guarded the northern territories for many years and is familiar with the northern commanders. In the current situation, this minister believes Prince Jing could be stationed in the north to jointly resist the great enemy with General Xu…”

Although the princes had entered the capital over ten years ago, veteran ministers in court still remembered that when Prince Jing was in the northern territories, the Qi people had been relatively well-behaved. Those frictions and troubles had all been minor.

Emperor Tai’an deliberated at length before accepting this suggestion.

The northern situation was too dire. The Qi army势如破竹 (advanced triumphantly like splitting bamboo). Their own side’s military morale was unstable. They needed someone familiar with that area who commanded prestige to take charge. Without question, the most suitable person was Prince Jing.

Since the chaos began, Emperor Tai’an’s decisions had become increasingly swift and decisive. He immediately summoned Prince Jing to the palace.

“I don’t know what matter Imperial Elder Brother summons this younger brother for?” Prince Jing asked respectfully.

Emperor Tai’an examined his younger brother, several years his junior.

He still remembered when Prince Jing first entered the capital—wasp-waisted and ape-backed, tall in stature. Afterward, he had visibly grown plump, and the more he looked, the more pleasing he found him.

Examining him carefully today, he seemed thinner than in his impression.

“Fifth Brother has lost weight.”

Prince Jing’s face showed bitterness: “When war begins, soldiers and generals shed blood, and common people suffer. Thinking of these things, this younger brother cannot eat.”

Emperor Tai’an sighed: “Making Fifth Brother share this worry.”

Prince Jing’s heart stirred. He vaguely had a guess but showed not the slightest trace as he consoled: “The more times like these, the more Imperial Elder Brother must broaden his heart. You are our Great Zhou’s anchor stabilizing the sea.”

“The Great Zhou’s anchor stabilizing the sea?” Emperor Tai’an smiled self-mockingly. “With an anchor stabilizing the sea, could things become this chaotic? Take Elder Brother—I truly didn’t expect he was still alive and would raise banners proclaiming restoration of legitimate rule to recruit soldiers and buy horses…”

As he said these things, he stared fixedly at Prince Jing.

The instant Emperor Tai’an mentioned Emperor Pingle, Prince Jing frowned: “He has the nerve to mention restoration of legitimate rule? The Great Zhou nearly ceased to exist from his tormenting…”

Prince Jing’s reaction was primarily to ease Emperor Tai’an’s heart, but it also contained his true feelings.

Two years! That wastrel elder brother—in just two short years after ascending, he lost ten cities. One city was even given away during peace negotiations after a battle he had won.

Learning the negotiation results, he simply couldn’t believe his ears. If he hadn’t personally fought that battle, he would have thought they’d lost. It angered him so much he nearly took his blade to chop off the heads of their own negotiating officials.

Especially being in the northern territories where天高皇帝远 (the heavens are high and the emperor far away), with heavy troops in his grasp, he had even felt the impulse to charge to the capital and overthrow that great wastrel.

However, he only thought about it. Staying in the northern territories with his family in harmony and freedom was more comfortable.

Overall, Prince Jing on one hand found Emperor Tai’an’s heavy suspicions tiresome, but on the other hand had some understanding for this ambitious elder brother.

Prince Jing’s reaction undoubtedly pleased Emperor Tai’an.

“Fifth Brother understands Us best!” Emperor Tai’an sighed deeply, his voice growing low. “Fifth Brother, We have a matter to entrust to you.”

Prince Jing’s expression immediately grew grave: “Sharing Imperial Elder Brother’s burdens is this minister-brother’s duty.”

Emperor Tai’an immediately spoke of having Prince Jing go north.

Prince Jing’s heart was clear as a mirror. Emperor Tai’an had played the emotional card for so long to have him go north and do well. If he thought there was room for refusal, that would be lacking tact.

He had no intention to refuse anyway.

In the northern territories were his old friends and former subordinates, common people he had protected, and moreover, the Qi people whose brutality he had witnessed firsthand through years of dealings.

If he coveted the capital’s prosperity and didn’t go, and the Great Zhou fell to Qi, that would truly be living hell, with regrets coming too late. Even if this trip resulted in the worst outcome in the end, at least he would have tried his best. As for how to account to their father-emperor in the underworld after losing the realm—that was something for Elder Brother and Fourth Brother to handle.

Prince Jing immediately expressed his position.

The two brothers ended this conversation in an exceptionally friendly and harmonious atmosphere. Prince Jing returned to the manor and called his family together, announcing that he would be going north to resist Qi.

“The Prince is going north to fight?” Princess Jing panicked immediately upon hearing. “I’ve heard that up north, the Qi people’s situation is excellent while our people are suffering severe casualties. It’s too dangerous for the Prince to go fight. Can you not go?”

Seeing Princess Jing’s eyes redden, Prince Jing quickly brought out Emperor Tai’an: “This is His Majesty’s intention. If I don’t go, wouldn’t that be defying the decree?”

“But—” Princess Jing was full of reluctance yet had no solution. She took out a handkerchief to wipe tears from the corners of her eyes. “We’ve been at peace for so many years—how did everything become chaotic? The Prince is already at the age of being a grandfather. How can he endure the hardships of the battlefield…”

Prince Jing was displeased hearing this: “The children haven’t even married yet—it’s still early to become a grandfather. There are plenty of military commanders at my age campaigning in the south and north.”

He was only just past forty—how could he not take the battlefield!

Princess Jing’s crying-reddened eyes glared: “How do I hear the Prince is quite willing?”

“Cough, cough, cough—no such thing. It’s just that the sacred command is difficult to disobey. There’s no choice.” Prince Jing hurriedly gave his three children a look, signaling them to properly persuade her.

Qi Huan silently retreated a step.

His words carried little weight. The heavy responsibility of persuasion should be left to Elder Brother and Little Sister.

Qi Shuo spoke up: “Mother, we all understand your worry for Father. Not to mention your worry—we siblings also don’t feel at ease with Father going north to campaign.”

Princess Jing nodded repeatedly, thinking that Shuo’er was still the sensible one.

“This northern expedition—let your son accompany Father. Your son will certainly protect Father well and not let Mother worry.”

“Mm… mm?” Princess Jing reacted, her voice rising: “Shuo’er, what did you say?”