Chapter 367: An Enchanted Old Marshal
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Qiu Jianhan chuckled bitterly. "Of course you could rest assured, but this poses a tricky question for me. If he were at least ten years of age, at least he would be able to differentiate good and bad; it still poses problems but it won’t be as hard to handle. However, a toddler of only two and a half years…"
"The women in the palace and those of royal blood… They might be totally ignorant about the battlefield, total laymen, but they’re all absolutely vicious characters when fighting for power and plotting conspiracies. Killing people amidst laughter, carrying swords behind their backs with sweet words in their mouths, turning back against agreements, emotionless fallouts... these are all ordinary occurrences…"
Qiu Jianhan's smile was devoid of humor. "This old man is reluctant to talk about this, but now, if you decide to pass the child to me, I can't avoid the topic."
Yun Yang nodded slowly.
"The existence of this child is a direct threat to all the princes, especially the crown prince – the current emperor-to-be! This would undoubtedly trigger the anger of the entire palace."
Qiu Jianhan lifted his head to look at Yun Yang. "The most likely consequence will be all the parties combining effort to focus on him and take him down, without any reservation."
Yun Yang smiled darkly and said, "Why would this be a problem? If we were to kill all of them from the get-go, I don't see that there is an issue here."
Qiu Jianhan was dumbstruck. With his years of experience and wisdom, he had thought of at least a dozen executable solutions and constructive answers, but this cold-hearted move had not crossed his mind at all.
What an extreme maneuver!
One had to keep in mind that these parties, their men, influence, and even their troops were sizeable. The amount of manpower they wielded was a mind boggling number even if one were to disregard their combat strength. The digits would be enough to damage Yutang’s core, how could one hope to kill them all so easily?
Yun Yang smiled softly.
"I’ll come up with the solution. The most important message has been delivered." Yun Yang stood up. "The subsequent matters will all be decided wholly by Old Marshal then. I’ll come again in two or three days’ time."
The old marshal sprung up like his rear end was on fire and said, fuming, "You presume to toss such a grave matter to me and leave? Are you f*cking playing the rogue with this old man?"
Yun Yang turned around. "I am just doing the smart thing. Playing the part of a rogue with the head of the capital city’s three greatest scoundrels is one of life’s happiness; why shouldn't I enjoy myself? I, too, think that this matter is tricky, but instead of worrying about it all by myself, why not share the fun?"
Qiu Jianhan was speechless. Why not? Share the fun? F*ck! You couldn't have given me a greater shock!
"Where is the child now?" Qiu Jianhan asked.
"A very, very safe place of course," answered Yun Yang.
Qiu Jianhan replied coldly, "I mean the exact location."
"This is not something you should know at this point in time. Sorry, I can’t say more," Yun Yang replied.
The old man was obviously very close to exploding in rage.
"It’s more crucial that you sort through your thoughts and contemplate your decisions. There’s no need to think about things too far away, there’s no point. I still have matters to tend to, I shall leave first." Yun Yang left in a flash, turning into a gust of breeze right in front of the old marshal and slipping under the closed window’s gap.
"Do I report this to His Majesty now?" Qiu Jianhan was torn. This was what the old marshal was most desperate to know and hoped to obtain a definite answer.
After all, the emperor had hoped more than anyone else that his eldest prince could have left behind a descendant. If His Majesty knew about this, he would be dancing in joy.
The only answer the old marshal received was the billowing wind of winter outside the window. Lord Supreme Wind was gone without a trace.
It sent a clear message - I don't care!
I've given you the information. Go tell His Majesty if you want to, don’t tell him if you don’t want to. Do what you will.
"Bastard!"
Qiu Jianhan kicked the chair Lord Supreme Wind had just vacated and glared, huffing. "Isn’t this intentionally tormenting this old man? If Yu Peize knew then that this old man didn’t let him know about his eldest grandson’s news instantly, he’ll definitely raise hell for me…"
The old marshal was experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, actually daring to call His Majesty by his name. He then paced around his study like a headless fly; the more steps he took, the more frustrated he felt.
The old marshal’s mood had not been great. The impending war already made the old man feel like he was walking on eggshells. Now, another earth-shattering issue came to him at this point in time and the person who told him the news had just left, sashaying away, leaving everything to him!
Inform His Majesty, disregarding the consequences?
Put aside the question of whether Supreme Wind would question his unauthorized action, would the emperor really be dancing with joy when he knew about it, considering his deep remorse and guilt?
Old Marshal Qiu erupted in a cold shudder, obviously frightened by his thoughts.
Keeping it away from His Majesty? Temporarily, perhaps?
When His Majesty knew it in the future, the fact that he would be chastised to no end was secondary. What mattered more was that this would definitely affect the emperor’s final plan and decision!
The planning and decision made for a successor he was satisfied with and one that he was not would be wholly different – a direction and decision utterly different from his initial plans!
However, it was better sooner than later, regarding this matter. It was better that he decide early, and put an end to it.
"Sigh."
No matter how the old marshal wished to stop sighing, he had still done so. With a long face, he put on his robe and was about to head out, only to realize that it was already much later in the night.
Even if the old man had the power to enter the palace at this time, he had to watch out still, especially to avoid the attention of those with ill motives…
"Let’s just go tomorrow morning."
"Let me think properly… how do I phrase it so the effect and shocking can be reduced to the lowest level possible?"
Qiu Jianhan sat in his study and sighed throughout the entire night. He did not manage to figure it out even when dawn arrived, causing him to be drowsy throughout the morning assembly.
…
It was during the morning assembly when it started.
The emperor had a ruddy glow, looking spirited and very energetic, despite facing the constant provocation at the border from Empire of Dongxuan.
The news of recruitments in Dongxuan indicated the arrival of a war! This time, Han Sanhe was obviously being forced to the edge of a cliff, desperate for a victory to save his reputation. He would definitely give it his all, and would not return without a victory in hand!
This was a massive challenge to the Empire of Yutang!
The warfare report of Fu Baoguo had reached the court and all the officials, civil and military, were listening to it quietly.
"…Dongxuan is deploying the entire nation, a difficult war is imminent. Dongxuan’s deployment this time will be unprecedentedly large in scale. Due to pressure, Han Sanhe will work on this war wholeheartedly. This official can only accept that war is upon us."
"The conditions of this war will be harsh, this official dares not assert victory. This official shall fight with my life, only stopping when death takes me."
"This official might be safe if this war is won; if not, the day the enemy charges through our fortress will be the day this official dies!"
"Dongxuan will come with great momentum. This official is reluctant to say words that lower the morale of our army, but this official asks the nation, with reticence, to be prepared…"
The short letter did not speak a word of request for assistance. Only lion-hearted patriotism and staunch loyalty burned through the script. Just by reading the letter, one could understand Fu Baoguo’s determination to fight for his life!
When the letter was done being recited, the imperial court was silent for a long while. Even some civil officials who were usually affronted by military officials wore a serious face.
The atmosphere was filled with a sense of valor and sacrifice – no one, no group, no influence could point fingers at each other.
"Mobilize the army, be prepared for deployment at any time."
The emperor made his decision quickly and announced, "Yutang’s hundreds of millions of men would rather all perish in the battlefield than to watch the eastern defense be defeated and the defense line collapse!"
A few generals stepped out together.
"This official requests to be deployed!"
"This official requests to be deployed!"
"This official requests to be deployed!"
"Fu Baoguo will not be the only militant who quits upon death in Yutang’s military!"
"This official requests to be deployed, with the courage of death!"
…
The golden hall was brimming with emotions that radiated passionate loyalty.
The surging patriotism that promised retreat only upon death in the letter spurred the passion in all the military men in the court. The generals who had long been in battlefields and experienced hundreds of war were pumped with enthusiasm.
"Yutang has more loyal men than just Fu Baoguo!"
"The Empire of Yutang has countless men! We have never cowered before anyone!"
"For the nation, for the people; it matters not if we die fighting!"
"We swear to guard the nation and protect our homes with this body, only stopping upon death!"
Qiu Jianhan lifted his eyes to look around blearily amidst the noise and was bewildered. "What are these people so worked up for? Why are they all so crazed and passionate? Sigh, how should I tell the emperor this… I’m going to die in worry…"
The old marshal felt as if he was enchanted.
His Majesty raised both his hands in a gentle gesture; the imperial court went silent at once.
"Dongxuan has deployed its entire nation to attack us, with Han Sanhe leading the army personally and giving his all. So what?" The emperor looked at his officials proudly. "We, Yutang, have hundreds of millions of lion-hearted men! Men who fear no death! What challenge in this world are we afraid of?"
"The entire nation is called together, to fight to the death against Dongxuan’s Han Sanhe!"
"To fight to the death with Dongxuan’s Han Sanhe!"
The crowd cheered after the emperor, feeling the dedication to their country burning in their blood. For a long time, the sentiment lingered.
There was only one person who was bleary and unfocused like his soul had left him. His eyes were occasionally trained at the ceiling of the hall like he was daydreaming. He lowered his head occasionally as if he was worried about the country and its people…
More than a few men were puzzled.
Why had they not heard the old marshal’s holler today?
Was he not in?
The assembly was dismissed.
The emperor kept Qiu Jianhan and Leng Daoyin behind for a discussion. His Majesty was so heavy-hearted that he did not even notice Qiu Jianhan was brought in like a zombie, much more somber than his usual character.
Leng Daoyin was only thinking of the warfare and he did not realize it as well.
Only the palace’s eunuchs and guards had noticed.
It was like Qiu Jianhan was floating, drifting along soullessly like a doll, and was brought into the royal study without much to say.
The guards were certain that Old Marshal Qiu did not even know where he was right now!