Rebirth of a Lost Nation: Princess, Please Respect Yourself

Chapter 257 The War Breaks Out

Jiang Lige was stunned. "Yun Xiao already has a solution?"

Ning Yunxiao didn't answer directly, but asked Jiang Lige, "How many years has it been since Nanchu experienced war?"

Jiang Lige calculated carefully, and it seemed that there had never been a war in Nanchu since he could remember. He didn't have an exact number at the moment, so he could only say it vaguely.

“It must have been many years.”

"Nearly sixty years."

Ning Yunxiao gave an accurate number, "Since your grandfather's generation, there has been no war in Nanchu. The Emperor of Nanchu has been suppressed for a long time, so it's not surprising that he wants to try."

Jiang Lige understood what she meant and raised his eyebrows, "You mean..."

Ning Yunxiao nodded and smiled.

"According to my investigation, your father's intention to raise an army is partly due to his own ambitions, and partly because the Han family is secretly instigating the Southern Chu Emperor in order to replace the Xu family's position in Southern Chu. If this war is unavoidable, we will fight him head-on. After he loses one or two battles, we can then try to mediate. At that point, the Southern Chu Emperor can simply push the Han family out, and an explanation can be reached between the two countries, avoiding a situation where both sides will be destroyed."

Jiang Lige didn't know that in just these few days, Ning Yunxiao not only came up with a countermeasure, but also planned a way out for Nan Chu.

For a moment, my heart felt as sweet as if I had eaten honey.

Then she said, "Thank you, Yun Xiao."

"Why be polite? Nanchu is your hometown. As long as you are not in dire straits, I will not kill you."

Ning Yunxiao gently pulled her hand and made a serious promise.

"No matter whether the two countries are at peace or in chaos, I will protect you, even if it costs me everything."

Jiang Lige tightened his palm, clasped Ning Yunxiao's hand, and said with a smile.

"But I don't want to stand behind you forever, because... I also want to protect you, so I will try my best to be the one who walks shoulder to shoulder with you."

I could hear Ning Yunxiao's soft chuckle, and there was a gentle smile in his words.

"We're walking side by side, as we always have."

Jiang Lige smiled and belatedly remembered something.

"It suddenly occurred to me that there's something I really need Yun Xiao's help with."

"What's the matter?"

"Bohyun."

Jiang Lige gave the answer concisely and then added.

"If war breaks out between the two countries, Bo Xuan, as a hostage, will surely be troubled by the officials of Sheng Ling. Imprisonment is the least of his worries; I'm afraid his life will be in danger."

Ning Yunxiao nodded in understanding, "Don't worry, Bo Xuan is your younger brother, and also my family. I will find a way to protect him."

A hawker walked past me shouting, leaving the sweet aroma of candied haws in the air. The smell made me feel sweet inside.

In the sweet night breeze, Jiang Lige suddenly took a step forward, threw himself into Ning Yunxiao's arms, and hugged his waist.

"Yun Xiao, you are so nice."

"Not as good as A-Li treats me."

The two of them hugged each other tightly in the night wind, regardless of the clamor of the world and the rush of the mortal world. He and she only had each other at this moment.

If time could be frozen at this moment, it would definitely be the most beautiful picture in the world.

……

This unavoidable war came faster than Jiang Lige and the others had expected, and...

Even more tragic.

During the Lantern Festival, the Emperor of Southern Chu took advantage of the national celebration in Shengling and personally led the Southern Chu army to attack the border of Shengling and achieved an unexpected victory.

Attacking other countries' territories by surprise during the New Year holidays forced the generals, who were originally immersed in the joy of family reunion, to go from heaven to hell in one moment.

On this beautiful day...

Closed my eyes forever.

The Southern Chu Emperor's action completely angered Sheng Ling. Not only were the officials in the court passionate, but even the common people were cursing him.

It's so unkind and unjust, and the way he eats is really ugly.

Sheng Ling naturally couldn't swallow Nan Chu's behavior, and the peace that he had carefully maintained for many years was broken.

It was a foregone conclusion that Sheng Ling would send troops to attack, but the selection of generals became a problem.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Ning Yunxiao volunteered to lead the troops, and the Crown Prince's faction, led by Censor Ye, naturally strongly agreed.

After all, Ning Yunxiao has only been on the throne of the crown prince for a short time and has no achievements to his name. He should naturally seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make great achievements.

But Emperor Shengwu didn't think so. Perhaps Ning Yunxiao's experience of escaping death twice frightened Emperor Shengwu so much that he would not agree to Ning Yunxiao leading the troops to war this time.

If Ning Yunxiao could not go, Prince Xiaoping, who stayed in Beijing, would become the popular candidate to go to the expedition.

King Xiaoping went on the expedition at the strong recommendation of General Weiyuan.

As long as Emperor Shengwu nodded, the dignified General Weiyuan would even be willing to serve as the deputy general of Prince Xiaoping. That would be quite impressive.

And it has to be admitted that Xiao Ping Wang had the Ping Wang Army left by his father, a battle-hardened team, which was more convincing than anything else.

But for Emperor Shengwu, it was not a good choice if Prince Xiaoping led the troops to war.

After all, King Xiaoping also participated in the selection of the crown prince.

If King Xiaoping achieved military merit because of this, he might use it as an excuse in the future.

This would also be disadvantageous for Ning Yunxiao in securing his position as crown prince.

While Emperor Shengwu was hesitant, he arranged for the army to be reorganized first, prepare the necessary supplies, and be ready to march to the border city at any time.

The day when military supplies are fully prepared is the day when the candidates to lead the expedition will be announced.

Ning Yunxiao was very troubled by the fact that Emperor Shengwu was determined not to let him lead the army. After the court session, he went straight to Jiang Lige's Qingge Cottage.

Compared to Ning Yunxiao, Jiang Lige could probably understand Emperor Shengwu's thoughts.

It is common to cherish your son who has finally returned home.

But understanding aside, Ning Yunxiao leading the troops into battle was a necessary choice for both Jiang Lige and Ning Yunxiao.

King Xiaoping wanted the opportunity to go on an expedition, and all he wanted was a glorious achievement.

But Ning Yunxiao and the others wanted a way out.

A retreat for Southern Chu is also a retreat for the world.

Emperor Shengwu's refusal left the two men at a loss. They gathered together to rack their brains, hoping to come up with a solution.

Jiang Lige thought about it and walked over to ask Ning Yunxiao.

"General Weiyuan seems to have a close personal relationship with Prince Xiaoping?"

Ning Yunxiao was slightly stunned and thought for a moment before speaking.

"I can't quite figure it out, but they do share a lot of political views."

Jiang Lige is a woman after all, and she is always more careful than men in these aspects, so she shook her head.

"But I find it strange. It seems that these two have been particularly familiar with each other since Prince Xiaoping participated in the selection of the crown prince. Moreover, General Weiyuan has repeatedly spoken up for Prince Xiaoping, which makes it hard not to be suspicious."

Ning Yunxiao was silent for a moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up and he smiled.

"You are right. Since His Majesty has to weigh the pros and cons, as long as the pros outweigh the cons, that is enough for him."

Jiang Lige blinked in confusion, but Ning Yunxiao showed no intention of explaining. He stood up, waved his robe, and hurried away.

All he left was a sentence, "Just wait and see the show."