The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 993 - 226: The Death of Lady Yu

Chapter 993: Chapter 226: The Death of Lady Yu

Emperor Chu Wen still wanted to lead troops and campaign in person, to personally reclaim Liaodong and flatten the Rong Clan’s inner lands. However, his health was deteriorating by the day, and at this time, the court could not do without him.

Some chancellors proposed that several princes lead the troops on behalf of the Emperor to patrol and hunt, asserting the imperial power. Although not as intimidating as the Emperor personally leading the campaign, it was certainly much stronger than what An Liefeng and Mo Heng alone could manage.

Now was the crucial time to depose the Crown Prince. No one felt at ease about to whom the military power should be entrusted.

Prince Yong’an strenuously defended the Crown Prince, pleading with Emperor Chu Wen not to believe the rumors and not to think lightly of deposing the heir to the throne. He was willing to lead the troops on a northern campaign.

Emperor Chu Wen now trusted no one. As Prince Yong’an defended the Crown Prince, whether he was involved in this affair was uncertain to the Emperor, but entrusting military power to him would inevitably increase the Crown Prince’s influence.

An Liefeng was good at warfare, and Mo Heng skilled in tactics, with the Mortar Barracks at their command. Whoever took over the military power would effortlessly achieve military merit.

Xiao Guangbi’s Advisors suggested he go to the Emperor and ask to be appointed overseer of the army. He would not seek the greatest achievements but could control the military power. Since the Emperor was now favoring him, even if there were any emergencies, he was confident that the Emperor would leave a Succession Decree.

Xiao Guangbi did not want to leave Capital Jingcheng at this time; he needed to stay and closely watch every change within the palace. If he could get news of his father’s serious illness, he believed that his other brothers might also know by now. Thus, he had the Ministry of the Army and his chancellors submit a memorial to have Bao Xun lead the troops.

Bao Xun was Xiao Guangbi’s uncle. With him in the army, even if he wasn’t as capable as An Liefeng, he could control the hundred thousand troops and the Mortar Barracks through practice, just like Mo Heng could.

Although Emperor Chu Wen favored Xiao Guangbi, Bao Xun had lost Liaodong, which was deemed more detestable than fleeing from the city. If it were not for the fact that he was Xiao Guangbi’s uncle and Consort Yu had pleaded on his behalf, just for losing Liaodong alone, Emperor Chu Wen would have taken his head—let alone allowing him to lead troops again!

He was very determined and only used An Liefeng and Mo Heng.

Mo Heng sorted out the matters at home, asking Lu Hai and Liu Feng to keep an eye on Pei Qin. The doctor was to live in his house and was ordered not to allow her to leave before she got better; any matters arising were to be immediately reported to him.

In fact, whether Lu Hai and Liu Feng reported it or not, the undercover agents he had placed around Pei Qin would keep him informed.

"I feel like I’m still not well. It’s cold as soon as I step outside, truly," Pei Qin said with utmost seriousness.

Seeing her demeanor, Mo Heng knew she was planning to act like an obedient cat when he was there and running amuck as soon as he left. He gave her a cold laugh as he pulled her into his arms, "Qinqin, don’t think about playing tricks on me. Liaodong is very close to Daxing."

Was he implying that he could come back and deal with her at any time!? Pei Qin adamantly denied it, "No! I’ve already become accustomed to being confined by you these past few months. Staying at home is also very nice! I don’t really know anyone, and other matters and people are all taken care of. I just have to stay in the house, no, in my room!"

Mo Heng lowered his head to caress her lips, smiling suggestively.

Before Pei Qin could guess what devilish idea he had come up with, she was bitten by him, the pain making her gasp.

Mo Heng looked at the bite mark with satisfaction, "Stay at home and wait for me to return."

Pei Qin cursed under her breath, what a dog! Biting her... But considering that he would soon be out of her sight, she decided not to quarrel with him over it.

The army soon set off. Emperor Chu Wen personally saw them off, pouring liquor for An Liefeng and Mo Heng and personally inspiring the army’s morale.

Yet, the morale this time, though high, was not as surging as it was during the recapture of Jingcheng. Most of them had followed Pei Qin in military campaigns from north to south. Even though they weren’t from the Mortar Barracks, they revered and admired General Pei. Now, they had heard that General Pei had died prematurely, that his killer had not been caught, and that the Emperor, for the sake of a few cities, had disregarded General Pei’s life and death, dragging him to his death. General Pei did not die in battle against the enemy, nor was he wrapped in horsehide on the battlefield. Instead, he died at the hands of the Emperor he was loyal to.

Although a subject must die if the Emperor so commands, General Pei had created mortars and hand grenades even more powerful than the Waci People’s Thunder Cannons, saving countless lives in Great Chu. He was the Deity General with immense merit, yet to fall like this was intolerable and infuriating.

Mo Heng was well aware of Pei Qin’s influence in the army. Before the army set off, he demonstrated the range and power of the mortars and hand grenades in public to stabilize the troops’ spirits.

But before the recapture of Jingcheng, a lot of ammunition and grenades had been used from the Mortar Barracks. Some believed it, others did not.

The Rong Clan was already on full alert, ready for battle.

Pei Qin finally had a chance to relax. She buried herself in deep sleep for two days, wandering aimlessly in the house and the courtyard when she didn’t feel like working.