Traveling through ancient times to escape famine, the prince led me to rebel

"I remember that the accompanying military doctors for this expedition were specially selected from several counties and cities along the border between Daliang and Western Xinjiang. Isn't there anyone among them who is proficient in the method of removing miasma?"

A solemn look flashed across Chen Ji's eyes. This expedition to the west was indeed of great importance, as it concerned the national prestige and peace of Daliang.

If Daliang cannot even conquer a tiny country in the western border, the Northern Barbarians, who are currently temporarily stabilized by the mutual trade policy, will probably become restless.

Emperor Tianqi shook his head and said, "I ordered the army to send a report every ten days since we set out. Now, I haven't received any news from the army for half a month."

"Your Majesty, do you suspect that... the Western Expedition Army suffered heavy losses due to miasma or other reasons?"

"Uncle Emperor!"

Emperor Tianqi suddenly stood up from his chair, quickly walked around the imperial table, came to Chen Ji, and looked at him eagerly:

"For now, I need to find someone I trust very much and have him lead another army to the southwest!"

Chen Ji understood what was in Emperor Tianqi's eyes. It seemed that not only could he not marry the princess he had been dreaming of, but he also had to go to the southwest for emergency help.

Chen Ji was angry, but protecting Daliang was his innate mission.

If things really turn out as they expected, or even get worse, Daliang will be in danger.

Thinking of this, Chen Ji closed his eyes helplessly. When he opened his eyes again, his eyes were unusually firm.

"I am willing to lead my troops to the southwest to cooperate with the Western Expedition Army to defeat the thief country!"

"only……"

"Uncle, there is no need to hesitate between you and me."

"The Princess of Yan stayed in Kyoto temporarily to take care of Prince An. Now Prince An and the eldest prince have gone to study at the White Deer Academy. The Princess of Yan... should also return to the North."

When Emperor Tianqi saw that Chen Ji was willing to lead his troops to clean up his mess, he wanted to worship him on the spot. How could he refuse his request?

"Of course. After the army sets out, I will immediately send someone to escort the Princess of Yan back to Yizhou."

……

Chen Ji led 20,000 soldiers and set out under the pretext of transporting food and fodder to the Western Expedition Army.

There are three reasons why Emperor Tianqi only assigned 20,000 troops to Chen Ji.

Firstly, the main purpose of going to the southwest is to find out the situation of the Western Expedition Army, so the marching speed must be fast, and too many people will inevitably slow down the journey.

Secondly, the Western Expedition Army had a total of 100,000 soldiers. It is impossible that all of them would be killed as soon as they reached the border. There must be quite a few left. Together with these 20,000 soldiers, it would be more than enough to conquer the small countries in the western border.

Thirdly, the expedition of 100,000 troops to the Western Frontier was originally a sure victory, and everyone inside and outside the government was watching this battle. If more soldiers were sent to the southwest, wouldn’t this be a slap in the face of the court?

The army set out, and all the officials saw them off, with Emperor Tianqi giving Chen Ji plenty of fanfare.

Luo Xiaoran was also in the farewell procession, silently watching his figure turn into a small dot, until it could no longer be seen, then she withdrew her gaze.

She now has some doubts as to whether she and Chen Ji are not suitable for marriage.

It failed once and twice. Isn't this destined?

Chen Ji, who was riding on a horse and wearing armor, suddenly sneezed. He looked back thoughtfully, but he could no longer see the city wall of Kyoto.

……

The emperor honors his promise, and a few days after seeing Chen Ji off, Emperor Tianqi sent someone to ask Luo Xiaoran when she would leave.

After Chen Ji returned from the imperial study that day, he told Luo Xiaoran the content of his conversation with Emperor Tianqi.

Upon learning that she could return to the northern border, Luo Xiaoran quickly explained various affairs in the capital, including business operations, the transfer of secret agents, and... the realization of the betrothal gifts.

Touching the phoenix peach wood hairpin on her head and playing with the phoenix bathing in fire jade pendant around her waist for a while, Luo Xiaoran didn't feel sorry for the betrothal gift being sold at all, because she had already received the best betrothal gift.

She was not very sorry that she and Chen Ji did not have a wedding, as that kind of ceremony was held for outsiders to see.

In her mind, that day, under the warm sun, next to the chili field, two people in red dresses, was already a wedding.

What I had previously complained about Chen Ji not being suitable for marriage was just a complaint.

Since all matters in Kyoto have been dealt with, Luo Xiaoran does not want to continue staying in this place that gives her a bad feeling, so she returns to the palace to do her job and will leave tomorrow.

"Then please ask Miss Luo to come to the palace tomorrow to bid farewell to the emperor."

The eunuch who delivered the message said this and left.

Farewell? Luo Xiaoran pursed her lips.

If you have anything to do with imperial power, there will be a lot of trouble!

It is still the most worry-free thing to be a small landlord with a backer.

……

On the second day, Luo Xiaoran entered the palace on time to bid farewell to Emperor Tianqi.

But she didn't expect that besides Emperor Tianqi, there was another acquaintance in the imperial study.

——Princess Qingyi Chen Lingyi!

"I will soon set off for the northern border in accordance with Your Majesty's will, and I have come here to bid farewell to Your Majesty." Luo Xiaoran said.

"Commoner girl?" Before Emperor Tianqi could speak, Chen Lingyi beside her jumped out and said, "Luo Xiaoran, you have a clear understanding of your identity!"

"Since you are a commoner, why don't you bow to this princess?"

Luo Xiaoran: “…” Stupid!

There is no point in picking on these trivial things to embarrass others.

"Your Majesty!" Luo Xiaoran bowed to Emperor Tianqi.

"Three years ago, you issued an order to add my name to the royal jade disc. According to Daliang law, I am already the wife of Yan Wang Chen Ji, so I did not pay my respects to the princess."

Emperor Tianqi is the emperor, the most powerful one. Even if Luo Xiaoran is his aunt legally, she still has to symbolically perform a bow to him.

But the Princess of Yan's rank is higher than that of the Princess, so she does not need to bow to Chen Lingyi. If the matter is to be investigated further, Chen Lingyi will have to bow to her now.

"What the Imperial Aunt said was true. At that time, the Imperial Uncle specifically asked me to do this. I thought of the Imperial Uncle's contribution in guarding the border, and I saw that he loved the Imperial Aunt deeply, so I agreed to this matter."

"The dignitaries in Kyoto probably all knew about this. It's normal that you, my sister, were far away in your fiefdom at that time and didn't know about this."

Sensing the weird atmosphere between the two, Emperor Tianqi decisively spoke to smooth things over, but Luo Xiaoran didn't want to follow his wishes.

Anyway, I'm leaving soon, and I won't let go of such a good opportunity to disgust Chen Lingyi before I leave.

"Then, Qingyi, come and pay your respects to the Imperial Aunt!"

When Luo Xiaoran said this, Emperor Tianqi and Chen Lingyi, brother and sister, were stunned on the spot.

Emperor Tianqi raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling surprised. He couldn't help but sigh once again at Luo Xiaoran's "uniqueness". No wonder his uncle was so deeply in love with her.

——In fact, what he really wanted to say was that Luo Xiaoran was "too audacious"...

Chen Lingyi was so angry that veins popped up on her forehead. She simply couldn't believe what she heard!

In front of Emperor Tianqi, Luo Xiaoran actually asked herself to salute him? This is outrageous!

"Your Majesty, you are the highest ruler in the world, yet you still treat me as the wife of the King of Yan. Am I not worthy of being called 'Imperial Aunt' by Princess Qingyi?"