Chapter 522

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

The Emperor of Beilin Kingdom had not yet received the new information, because the imperial capital of Beilin Kingdom was separated from the Northern City by more than a dozen cities; even with fast horses and whips, transmitting the message back without sleep or rest would take three days and three nights.

And this was an excellent opportunity for Ouyang Chengren; after resting for one night he directly began attacking cities, and by the time the news reached the ears of Beilin's Emperor Li Aotian, three cities had already been captured.

Li Aotian immediately ordered Crown Prince Li Jing to lead troops on a personal campaign; first, because Li Jing was a man with ideas and ability,

second, because Beilin Kingdom had cultivated quite a number of troops and soldiers over these years, and its national power should currently be stronger than Xishang Kingdom's; if this battle was won it could raise the Crown Prince's prestige in everyone's hearts. On the very night Li Aotian received the news he had Li Jing muster troops and set out; Beilin's army also knew the matter was urgent, they departed through the night, without sleep or rest.

Time flew; in the blink of an eye two days had passed. Finally, Beilin's army arrived at Bei Tu City as expected, meeting the Qi Family Army on a narrow road.

The Qi Family Army pitched camp outside Bei Tu City, arrayed in strict formation and awaiting the enemy; while the Beilin army chose to rest briefly inside Bei Tu City, conserving their strength.

Simultaneously, in distant Dachang Kingdom, upon receiving Qianqian's letter An Wang did not dare have the slightest delay, and immediately rushed to the Imperial Palace without stopping.

His expression was grave, tightly clutching the letter in his hand, as if it bore a weight of a thousand catties.

After entering the Imperial Palace, An Wang walked straight toward the Emperor's Qin Gong. Upon seeing the Emperor, he respectfully presented Qianqian's letter.

The Emperor unfolded the paper and read it carefully. The contents of the letter clearly surprised him considerably, but he did not hesitate much, and decisively said: "We must send troops! Just let Wang'er lead the army there. We help neither side; we only need to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, and can then reap the fisherman's profit."

An Wang expressed agreement with the Emperor's decision; he nodded and replied: "Mm, Imperial Elder Brother is wise. However, this matter still requires cautious handling, to prevent leaks. Better that Imperial Elder Brother issue a secret decree, letting Wang'er quietly take men there."

The Emperor acknowledged An Wang's proposal, then ordered Eunuch Sun to draft the imperial edict, and handed it to An Wang.

An Wang received the imperial edict, as if receiving a priceless treasure.

He deeply understood the importance and confidentiality of this mission; before departing, he solemnly assured the Emperor: "Imperial Elder Brother rest assured, I will strictly guard the secret of this matter, and absolutely not leak a single word."

The Emperor watched An Wang's departing back, and could not help but feel a trace of worry; he couldn't help asking: "Is Qianqian currently in Xishang Kingdom? How is she doing lately?"

An Wang turned and replied: "Replying to Imperial Elder Brother, Qianqian is currently touring Xishang Kingdom. Her lightness skill is superb; presumably no one can catch up to her."

Hearing this, the Emperor felt slightly more at ease, but still admonished: "After all this is a time of war; a young girl alone outside, it would still be best if she wandered less; if she can return, let her return."

An Wang said with a helpless face: "It was Shi Er who came back to deliver the message to me, but he didn't even know where Qianqian is right now. This child, ever since she was little has been like an unbridled wild horse, simply impossible to rein in. Let her go then!"

The Emperor listened, and also helplessly shook his head, powerless against Qianqian's willfulness. He couldn't help sighing: "Truly don't know what kind of person she will marry in the future; what kind of person could possibly control her?"

An Wang echoed: "Perhaps she will find a man she controls completely; who can say for sure?" The two looked at each other and smiled, both filled with sympathy and worry for Qianqian's future husband.

Subsequently, the conversation ended there; An Wang hastily bid farewell to the Emperor and hurriedly left.

He was frantic with anxiety, afraid that going late would delay matters. After leaving the Imperial Palace, An Wang swiftly mounted his horse and shot straight for the military camp like an arrow leaving the bow.

At this time, the sun had already slanted westward; the afternoon sunlight spread across the earth, draping everything in a layer of golden afterglow.

Yan Wang was sitting upright in the camp tent, listening intently to Shi Er recount Qianqian's affairs.

As it turned out, after delivering the letter to An Wang, Shi Er had not returned immediately, but came to the military camp, because Qianqian had also written a letter to Yan Wang.

Originally, Shi Er only intended to deliver the message and leave at once, but Yan Wang was extraordinarily concerned about Qianqian's situation, and couldn't help asking him a few more questions.

Shi Er naturally did not dare conceal anything, and told Yan Wang everything he knew about his Master in full detail.

However, after hearing it all, Yan Wang's worry grew even stronger.

He truly could not set his mind at ease about Qianqian, so he decided to write a letter to her, expressing his concern.

Seeing this, Shi Er could not urge him, and could only stand quietly to the side, waiting for Yan Wang to finish writing the letter.

After Yan Wang finished the letter, he carefully folded it. He handed the letter to Shi Er, and solemnly instructed: "You must protect Qianqian's safety; under no circumstances can you let her suffer the slightest harm. All matters have me and Father King backing you from behind; you only need to ensure she returns safely."

Shi Er accepted the letter, feeling the weight of Yan Wang's words. He nodded forcefully, indicating he would certainly complete the mission.

Just as Shi Er turned to prepare to leave, a sudden commotion came from outside the camp tent. A guard rushed in hurriedly, and reported to Yan Wang that An Wang had arrived.

Hearing this, Yan Wang's brows furrowed slightly. He glanced at Shi Er, as if thinking about something. After a moment, he said to Shi Er: "Don't rush off yet; wait a bit and see what Father King has to instruct." Shi Er acknowledged, and stood in place quietly waiting.

The tent flap was lifted, and An Wang strode in with large steps. His figure was tall and imposing, inspiring involuntary awe.

An Wang scanned the people inside the tent, finally settling his gaze on Yan Wang and Shi Er.

An Wang beckoned Shi Er to come over. Seeing this, Shi Er hurriedly stepped forward to An Wang, bowed and saluted: "Paying respects to An Wang."

An Wang looked at Shi Er, smiling: "You hurry back; don't forget to tell Qianqian to return early. A young girl, running around outside all day, what kind of appearance is that!"

Shi Er hastily replied: "Yes, Subordinate will go at once." Finished speaking, Shi Er turned and left, steps hurried.

An Wang watched Shi Er leave, then turned his gaze to Yan Wang. Seeing this, Yan Wang hurriedly stepped forward, bowed and paid respects: "Father King, what matter does you seek your son for?"

An Wang took an imperial edict from his bosom, handed it to Yan Wang, and said: "This is His Majesty's decree; you have a look."

Yan Wang received the imperial edict with both hands, carefully opened it, and read the contents within carefully. After reading, his face did not reveal much surprise, because it differed little from his previous guesses.

An Wang saw Yan Wang finish reading the edict with no unusual reaction, then admonished him a few more words, and turned to leave.