Chapter 627: Setting Out

Gu Jiu Ling never imagined that her plan to follow Xiao Yin on the expedition hadn't been fully disclosed before he flatly refused.

She hurriedly composed herself: "Why? I promise not to be a burden; I might even be able to help."

"You're going on expedition—don't you need a military doctor?"

Xiao Yin rubbed her hair bun, speaking with a hint of persuasion: "The army has so many soldiers; naturally it needs doctors accompanying the troops, and many of them, but I don't need to let my woman follow into danger."

"There's no room for negotiation on this matter!"

"Prince..." Gu Jiu Ling was about to argue further, but Xiao Yin's distinct, slender fingers pressed against her lips.

His fingers were icy, as if they had frozen her lips.

Gu Jiu Ling opened her mouth but couldn't utter a word, staring at Xiao Yin.

Xiao Yin gave her a smile, yet his eyes held an unyielding calm: "Jiu Ling, you've never seen a real battlefield."

"The skirmishes we've been through together are like children playing house; the battlefield changes in an instant—I dare not gamble, especially not with you."

Gu Jiu Ling stood there stunned, moving her lips but ultimately yielding.

"Fine! I won't cause you trouble! But you must promise to come back alive!"

Gu Jiu Ling flung herself into Xiao Yin's embrace, took a breath, and said: "If you come back, I'll take your vast fortune and remarry, letting Gu Yi and Gu Er call another man father! Let a man you despise sleep with your wife, bully your children, and spend your money..."

Xiao Yin ground his back teeth and whispered: "You dare?"

He tightly encircled her slender waist and fiercely bit her lips.

Gu Jiu Ling let out a muffled groan, her lips slightly parting.

Xiao Yin seized the moment to launch an assault; his domineering, forceful kiss left Gu Jiu Ling breathless.

She couldn't help but regret provoking him; she was also mad— in this battle, she only wanted him to survive, not just to avenge the humiliation of Qi Sha Gu, but also to live well.

His life shouldn't be bound by hatred forever.

Outside, Ling Feng's hurried footsteps sounded, and then Jiu Yue stopped him at the warm pavilion; he quickly halted his steps.

But the military situation was urgent; he couldn't just stand by and let his lord and lady indulge, or else he'd delay important affairs.

Ling Feng steeled himself and gave a light cough; Gu Jiu Ling hastily pushed Xiao Yin away, her cheeks flushed as she hurried to the side.

"What's the matter?" Xiao Yin glared at Ling Feng.

Ling Feng lowered his head, almost shrinking to the ground, and raised the military order in his hand: "Report to the Prince, the rebel forces have reached Shuofang, arriving sooner than we expected."

Xiao Yin stiffened, his eyes gradually narrowing; indeed, the ambition of the eight great clans wasn't limited to lingering in Yingzhou—they likely aimed to seize the whole world.

"Heh! I wonder if they can swallow Southern Qi's magnificent rivers and mountains?"

"Issue the order—depart at dawn tomorrow!"

"We can't wait three days."

"Yes!" Ling Feng received the order, turned, and left the warm pavilion.

Xiao Yin needed to go to the eastern and western camps to muster troops; tonight he likely couldn't linger at the Rui Wangfu. He firmly looked at Gu Jiu Ling, walked over, embraced her, and held her tightly.

"When I return! It's time to give that pair of little rascals a younger brother or sister."

Having said that, he loosened his grip on Gu Jiu Ling, turned, and walked out of this tender enclave, worried that if he sank deeper, he might not even be able to lift his Longquan Sword.

Gu Jiu Ling took a few steps, leaned on the windowsill, watching that tall silhouette gradually exit the courtyard gate, turning into a dark shadow in the bleak night.

Gu Jiu Ling slowly turned, leaning against the railing; her heart pounded wildly, unable to calm for a long time.

She couldn't imagine what she'd become if she lost Xiao Yin; she didn't know from when this domineering, sinister man had inch by inch taken over her heart, leaving her unable to make rational decisions.

She stood there by the window for a long time without moving an inch; Jiu Yue worried the night wind would chill her, approached gently and advised: "My lady, the night wind is strong; take care not to catch cold."

Only then did Gu Jiu Ling regain her senses, a flash of resolve crossing her eyes.

"Jiu Yue, tidy up those things outside! Prepare more medicinal herbs."

The departure date of Xiao Yin's Azure Dragon Army had been moved up; although troop mobilization was somewhat hasty, the main force of the Azure Dragon Army, rebuilt by Xiao Yin, now stood in mighty numbers behind him, stretching all the way to the city gate.

The Regent Crown Prince personally led civil and military officials to see them off.

Gu Jiu Ling also brought the people of the Rui Wangfu and stood in the farewell procession.

Bai Xiaosheng had escorted Xiao Yin all the way to the city gate, arriving at the ten‑li pavilion.

By now it was early spring; the harsh late‑spring cold had finally ended, and willow branches began to sprout tender green buds.

Bai Xiaosheng broke off a willow branch, slowly raised it with both hands to Xiao Yin's face, his expression growing more solemn, and declared loudly: "Imperial Uncle, you must be extremely careful on this journey; I hope you return victorious."

"I, the Crown Prince, await your good news."

Xiao Yin accepted the willow branch, thanked him, passed it to Ling Feng at his side, then turned his horse to look at Gu Jiu Ling.

Gu Jiu Ling's eyes looked slightly red, whether from staying up all night or because she was on the verge of tears.

Xiao Yin felt a twinge of guilt; since marrying this girl, he had repeatedly gone through trials, each time making her follow him in anxiety and fear.

But after this battle, he would surely give her a peaceful life.

Gu Jiu Ling stepped forward, and Xiao Yin leapt down from his horse.

The surrounding officials murmured, "The general dismounted just for a woman—what's he saying before the great battle?"

But Xiao Yin's favoritism toward his wife was notorious throughout Shang Jing; even if they thought it improper, what could they do?

Xiao Yin firmly grasped Gu Jiu Ling's hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, and whispered: "In a moment I'll send someone to take you to the manor; don't return to Shang Jing for now."

Gu Jiu Ling knew Xiao Yin was worried that the people in Shang Jing might harm her.

However, those people in Shang Jing had already been entirely replaced by the time Xiao Yin left; they wouldn't be able to stir up any major turmoil in the short term.

Gu Jiu Ling smiled: "I understand, my lord; please rest assured."

Xiao Yin could delay no longer; he held Gu Jiu Ling tightly, then mounted his horse and rode away.

At that moment Gu Kang approached, stood before Gu Jiu Ling, and said: "Elder sister, take care!"

Gu Jiu Ling looked at the masked, upright youth before her—utterly different from the previous good‑for‑nothing second‑brother.

Now he had changed into military attire, looking even more dashing and heroic.

Gu Jiu Ling never imagined that Gu Kang used to be Shang Jing's well-known trash pastry; now he also has a day to go to war for the country and serve the nation, and for a moment she felt somewhat dazed.

She nodded at Gu Kang, and had the accompanying Jiu Yue deliver some socks, hair ribbons and such, which she handed to Gu Kang.

Gu Kang nodded, was about to turn around when Gu Jiu Ling called out to stop him.

"Gu Kang, I still have something I want to ask you.