Facing the seventh prince's unconventional tactics, Han Jingyu was utterly vexed.
Ever since arriving in Tonglin, the seventh prince had completely let loose. While it was satisfying to vent his anger on the Xi Rong soldiers daily, it was merely a superficial solution.
Normally, before two armies clashed, the main commanders would meet.
Whether to fight or not, it had to be clarified face-to-face.
But now, with the seventh prince directly unleashing his forces, how could there be any negotiation?
Was he supposed to present Xi Rong soldiers to the Xi Rong commander and say, "This is the sincerity of Yu Lin"?
Xie Jingqi seemed to disregard Han Jingyu's distressed expression. He placed the newly acquired Xi Rong soldiers in the most conspicuous spot outside Tonglin City and returned with Ji Zimo.
What else could Han Jingyu do?
He could only prepare himself to be reprimanded by the old General Zhong on the way back.
However, when they returned, it was…
Surprisingly calm?
Ji Zimo, "..."
Was the old General Zhong accustomed to this?
Han Jingyu, "..."
No, I think it's more likely he was infuriated to death…
Although Xie Jingqi disliked being scolded, he found it somewhat unaccustomed not to hear the old General Zhong's voice. He went directly to the main camp tent.
To his surprise, he was informed that the old General Zhong was not in the camp.
Xie Jingqi was stunned. "The commander-in-chief isn't in the main tent? Is that proper?"
Han Jingyu, "..."
Where do you get the nerve to criticize others?
It's different.
Of course, it's different.
Xie Jingqi could disregard the authority of the Heavenly Dynasty because he knew the old General Zhong was overseeing things in the main tent. But now, being told that the commander-in-chief was also letting loose made it difficult for Xie Jingqi to accept.
As expected, when the old General Zhong returned that evening, Xie Jingqi had a loud argument with him.
Ever since everyone arrived in Tonglin, such arguments had been staged almost daily. But what was different was that the seventh prince, who used to be scolded and lectured by the old General Zhong, with his ears pulled, to behave himself, was now the one lecturing the old General Zhong.
The soldiers, "..."
It truly is the turn of fortune.
It was just a pity that the old General Zhong continued to leave the camp as he pleased the next day.
This time, it was Xie Jingqi's turn to be bewildered.
Even without fighting, there were many trivial matters to handle within the camp daily.
Previously, Xie Jingqi would head out before dawn and sleep soundly at night. How would he know?
But now, with the old General Zhong gone, these trivialities naturally fell upon Xie Jingqi.
From daily roll calls and drills to cheering up the soldiers, and finally supervising everyone's meals personally to ensure safety, he was involved in every detail.
After being tormented for several days, even an idiot would understand that fighting wasn't just about defeating the enemy but also about protecting one's soldiers.
Upon hearing of this, the old General Zhong knew that the potent medicine had taken effect.
Early the next morning, the old General Zhong led Xie Jingqi out of the military camp.
They were also heading towards Tonglin City, but unlike Xie Jingqi's usual rampages, the old General Zhong took Xie Jingqi to pose as local residents, allowing them to thoroughly experience the lives of the people there.
When the city's devastation came into view…
When the emaciated faces of the starving populace, like walking dead, entered his sight…
When he personally witnessed the dying citizens still holding onto hope for Yu Lin's rescuers…
Xie Jingqi wept.
Only now did he realize that his so-called revenge was merely delaying the lives of the people.
The old General Zhong suppressed his heavy heart and said softly, "Xi Rong is hateful, and every enemy nation that seeks to invade Yu Lin's territory is hateful. But if we only focus on the hatred before us, our supposed relief becomes merely the executioner standing on the lives of the people. Your Highness had also accompanied Ji Zi Zhao to Luo Yi; why are you acting so capriciously this time?"
The previous time, it was because Ji Zi Zhao was holding onto him.
Xie Jingqi understood this logic, but he could not voice it.
One could be shameless when acting like a salted fish.
Xie Jingqi had never cared about his reputation anyway.
But if one lost even the righteousness of the nation, one would no longer be worthy of being human.
His fourth brother said, "One who is in a position should plan for that position."
Ji Zi Zhao said, "One who holds a duty should fulfill it."
Xie Jingqi silently returned to the military camp and actively sought out the old General Zhong that evening.
He said, "From tonight onwards, I will do as you say. I want to learn to lead troops, I want to learn to fight. As long as it allows the people of Tonglin to regain their lives, my life is yours!"
The old General Zhong dared not accept the seventh prince's life.
For in the seventh prince, the old General Zhong saw the image of the Emperor in his youth.
However, looking at the suddenly obedient and sensible seventh prince, the old General Zhong's heart grew heavy, for he knew he was once again indebted to that girl.
Ji Zimo, outside the tent, "I feel like these methods are so familiar."
Han Jingyu frowned. "What do you mean?"
"My eldest sister used to torment me the same way."
Han Jingyu, "..."
Then it's quite remarkable that you've survived this long.
The old General Zhong was not one to like owing favors, but returning this favor from Ji Zi Zhao would be too ostentatious…
After much deliberation, the old General Zhong picked up his brush and wrote a letter to his family.
When Madam Zhong received the letter, she was quite taken aback.
After rereading the letter several times and confirming she hadn't misread it, she called Zhong Xinyi to her side.
Zhong Xinyi was overjoyed upon hearing the news. "Did Grandfather really say that?"
Madam Zhong was still somewhat uneasy. "Our Zhong family hasn't sought connections with others for a long time. To be honest, the Ji family now is not worthy of being compared to our Zhong family in terms of lineage."
"Grandmother, please rest assured, Zi Zhao is worthy of our Zhong family."
"You are quite confident."
"Because Ji Zi Zhao is worth it."
Seeing that her grandmother still looked unconvinced, Zhong Xinyi recounted what she and her brother had secretly witnessed outside the city before their grandfather's departure.
After listening, Madam Zhong was filled with emotion. She knew very well how stubborn her old man could be; when he truly set his mind to something, even she was helpless.
"Nanny Han."
"Your servant is here."
"Have the carriage prepared. I will personally visit the Ji family."
The arrival of Madam Zhong, who came without delay, greatly startled the Ji family.
Especially the madam, who quickly ordered Nanny Xu to help her get dressed and adorned. She chose the most valuable jewelry and the most expensive clothing. Su Dan Novel Network
After all, from a young age, she and Madam Zhong had had a clashing temperament.