Chapter 284: The Emperor Leading Troops Into Battle

Putting Xiaoshis matters aside, the emperor had finally made the decision to personally lead his troops into battle. Of course, he put a few senior officials in charge of taking care of his usual national responsibilities before departing. These five senior officials had been working for three generations of emperors. They would be in charge of making any decisions together, much like the parliament in todays modern society.

Bai Xiangxiu felt that people from the olden days did not lack in wisdom. After all, her husband had already guessed who these five people were beforehand! She knew this because shed been right beside him when he had been analyzing the information!

Yes, Long Heng would often analyze the current situation with his wife whenever he had some free time. It didnt even matter that she might not understand some of the things, he just liked to talk to her about it. Bai Xiangxiu was the person he trusted the most in the world. There was no one else in this world which he could do this so freely with. Bai Xiangxiu enjoyed this feeling. It was as though they were a couple that had been married for many years.

What made Long Heng the happiest was the fact that he could finally tell Bai Xiangxiu about how that butt-for-brains emperor was going to personally lead the troops to battle in Shu County. The emperor believed that his generals were very well-trained, but the only thing that theyd trained well was their ability to bootlick. Their abilities wouldnt be worth meager coin on the battlefield. Their armchair strategies were truly impressive, but even Bai Xiangxiu would probably be more useful when push came to shove.

Do you really think that Im that dumb? Bai Xiangxiu was angry because Long Heng had started comparing her to the emperor. She was just about ready to throw her shoes at him! However, she then began to worry about Xiao Lin and the old madame. I wonder how Xiao Lin and Old Madame are doing. We were supposed to join them in Shu County, but the emperor just wouldnt give us a chance to do so.

Dont worry. You just focus on taking care of yourself. I will soon travel to Shu County. They should be fine, especially since Ah Quan and his wife are taking care of them.

Its all thanks to the fact that shed saved both their lives. I never imagined that theyd end up being so much help. It seems like showing kindness does bring some benefits once in a while. Of course, kindness should only be shown to certain people.

Right. Has Miss Lin escaped from that place?

She is doomed to live the rest of her life in that place.

Ah? Bai Xiangxiu couldnt understand. Didnt he say that hed made a deal with Minister Lin? Actually, Minister Lin was truly an admirable father for doing so much for her daughter, even during such trying times. But why hasnt she been rescued from that place yet? Did Long Heng go back on his word?

Long Heng flicked Bai Xiangxiu in the forehead. Hed been packing his things lately in preparation for his journey to Shu County. The servants were normally supposed to help him pack his things, but since he was now dead, he had to keep a low profile. He wouldnt even take a walk in the manors garden. There werent that many that knew the prince was alive since the servants didnt normally enter the princess consorts residence without permission. Miss Lin has fallen in love with one of her customers, and is waiting for him to retrieve her to be his concubine. Considering the fact that shes been waiting for almost two months, I fear that nothing will come out from this.

She decided not to leave because of this reason alone?

Yes. We couldnt convince her no matter how hard we tried. In the end, Minister Lin had no choice but to give up and abandon all thoughts of rescue.

Hah! As expected of Miss Lin and her logic. I really cant comprehend how she was raised. All she thinks about is love and love thats nothing but a deception at that.

Its fine that she cant live without love, but cant she at least try to pick and choose a little? Isnt she just trying to torture herself? Bai Xiangxiu only spared Lin Qianzi the barest thought before her mind threw itself into other matters. Compared to the matters at hand, Lin Qianzi just simply wasnt worth a full thought. Ive already tried to mend our relationship when you were still the female lead. Unfortunately, all you wanted to do was run yourself into the ground and chase after a wretched fate. How is anyone supposed to convince a person like you? Are we supposed to follow you when all you want to do is jump off a cliff?

Forget about her. Take good care of yourself when Im gone. Dont go out unless you really have to.

Mm. Why would I leave the manor when my stomach is only getting bigger and bigger?

It should be the dawn of a new era by the time he is birthed into the world.

Yes. I hope everything goes smoothly.

It will. I will pay extreme caution to my every move now that I have the both of you to take care of. Ive definitely stopped being as hot-headed as I was before.

You said it yourself. You must remember to arrange a safe place for Xiao Lin and everyone else when you arrive at Shu County. Just in case the enemy breaches the defenses and reach Shu County.

They wont be able to. Even though my men might seem to be disorganized, they have not been standing idle when they stand guard over the place. I am only allowing the enemy nation to come near the border so that we can realize our plan. Otherwise, the enemy wouldve been struck down a long time ago.

Fine, fine, fine. Youre the best. One really couldnt stop a man when hed begun to boast. He would only become more boastful if you try to take him down a notch. For example, Long Heng had just dragged Bai Xiangxiu into his lap and asked, You dont believe me?

Of course I do. Have I ever said otherwise?

Then why dont we make a bet?

Sure. What bet? How could Bai Xiangxiu not say yes? He might do other things to her if she didnt say yes!

How about you give me another son if I flatten the entire monarchy within two months?

Youre already ordering the next one before this one is born! What, do you think Im a sow? Bai Xiangxiu faked anger and pinched Long Heng without putting much strength into it.

Long Heng burst into laughter and then hugged her tight. What Im looking forward to the most right now is taking my sons out to battle with me! After I raise them to become men amongst men, who could possibly stand to rival our army?

Haha Do you really plan on taking them into battle? Are you sure youre not just trying show off your ability to give birth to sons?

What are you laughing for? I am about to leave tomorrow. Princess Consort, why dont you let me tonight

Let you what? Bai Xiangxiu asked despite knowing the answer. Her shimmering eyes had raised an inferno in Long Hengs heart.

You are torturing me on purpose, right?

When did I? Haha! Stop tickling me! Hahaha, stoppit! Long Heng, youre being indecent!

Bai Xiangxiu was actually asking him to act decently even though they were husband and wife. However, the more Bai Xiangxiu wished for Long Heng to be decent, the more indecent he became.

Long Heng finally departed after two days with his men in tow. Bai Xiangxiu hit the bed with her hands while holding her back. She talked to the baby that was growing in her stomach. Your daddy is an utter bastard! See, hes capable of all sorts of wicked deeds! Wuuuuu my back really hurts

Bai Xiangxiu continued to act as a young widow after Long Heng had departed. Truth be told, she was actually living a very carefree and comfortable life during these past few days. Because rumors had stated that Long Heng had been assassinated by the enemy nation, the entire Prince Li Manor was actually treated very well by everyone. Even the emperor kept up appearances.

Bai Xiangxius younger brother, Bai Xueru, had also come to visit this poor sister of his. After they received news of Long Hengs death, his mother and that second sister of his nearly hung up red cloth in celebration. If his father hadnt stopped them, they mightve even come to condemn her and scam some money off her. According to what they said, since a young widow had nobody to rely on, why not take the money for themselves before it falls into somebody elses hands? Bai Xueru couldnt help but sigh at his sisters misfortune. After becoming princess consort, she mustve thought that she would live a life of luxury. Unfortunately, Prince Li suddenly passed away, and left two mouths to fend for themselves in this manor. How will they survive without him?

Bai Xiangxiu allowed her younger brother to enter since she had a good impression of him. Bai Xueru thought that hed be greeted by a pale and pitiful-looking sister that was wearing her mourning gown. However, things were not what he expected. While Bai Xiangxiu was definitely wearing her mourning gown, the saying that women looked their best wearing a white mourning gown was definitely true.