Days later, Hee Qingshan left first, followed by Xun Zihuai who joined the main troops with Yun Yong'an towards Feng City.
More than half a month later, upon their arrival in Feng City, they learned that Hee Qingshan had not yet arrived.
Yun Yong'an felt a bit frustrated: "If I had known, I would have taken the small road with him, to better watch over Qingshan."
Qiann Yan: "Maybe he's been delayed on the way, I'll arrange for someone to search for him."
Yun Yong'an sighed, feeling guilty, while Qiann Yan didn't bother explaining that her father would eventually understand that Hee Qingshan wasn't anything good. Hee Qingshan's disguise was perfect, no amount of explanation would convince anyone.
Once others had left, Xun Zihuai approached Qiann Yan: "General, do you want to know where the Great King is?"
Qiann Yan leaned casually on a soft chair, glancing faintly at Xun Zihuai; Hee Qingshan had been captured, what was he so excited about?
Oh… Could it be he's excited about no longer having someone compete for the position of an Imperial Husband?
Let's just say he's overthinking; she has no intention of marrying an Imperial Husband, nor of accepting a concubine. This person shouldn't be daydreaming.
Once she trains those two children and hands them the kingdom, her task will be complete; the remaining days could be spent enjoying this splendid kingdom, isn't that delightful?
Men, troublesome beings.
Xun Zihuai felt uncomfortable under Qiann Yan's gaze, yet couldn't help drawing closer to say: "The Great King should be in Prince Chang's hands; my calculations point to Prince Chang's Capital City."
"General, Prince Chang might try to use this to coerce you into submission, it's best to plan ahead." Xun Zihuai cautiously said, "The General is brave and invincible, do not let emotions lead to peril."
"What do you suggest we do next?" Qiann Yan already had plans but remained silent, wanting to see what was brewing in Xun Zihuai's mind.
"For the peace of the world, even if Prince Chang captures the Great King, the General should not succumb. Prince Chang is violent and greedy, utterly incapable of governing the nation. If the General were to forfeit the unity of the realm because of this, it would plunge the people back into turmoil once more. So, if it truly comes to that, for the entirety of the world, and for the soldiers who have fought alongside you, you may have to sacrifice the Great King."
"The Great King would perish for the sake of all, to be remembered by the world."
Hmm? Wouldn't that benefit the other side? Dying with a good reputation.
Qiann Yan propped her chin, her beautiful eyes gazing at Xun Zihuai, making him a bit anxious. Although he trusted Qiann Yan coveted that position, he wasn't sure if she'd make the tough decision to sacrifice Hee Qingshan at the crucial moment.
In fact, he believed Hee Qingshan wasn't anything good.
If he could die with a purpose, it would be his final contribution. If he lived, he'd be troublesome and a burden to her.
She is the future Bright Monarch, he wouldn't want anything to thwart her path.
"You make a valid point." Qiann Yan's calm voice sounded, finally allowing Xun Zihuai to breathe a sigh of relief; she was willing, and that's all that mattered.
"There are five cities remaining; once we seize those, the entire world will be in my hands. Yet, there's been no movement from Prince Chang's side, can you guess what's going on?"
Xun Zihuai's eyes darkened, his refined face in thoughtful silence, before speaking shortly: "Using the Great King to threaten us should be their final bargaining chip. Before that, I suspect they might have other plans."
"When does the General plan to siege the cities?"
"In three days." Qiann Yan responded without hesitation.
But saw Xun Zihuai already calculating on his fingers, his expression suddenly changed, clearly indicating he'd discovered something unsettling.