Chapter 19: The General’s Pampered Wife 19

Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The General’s Pampered Wife 19

Xiao Shen returned successfully with the provisions, and the Crown Prince was already waiting in the main tent.

A general led the Crown Prince to the storehouse. Seeing the mountain of grain and abundant winter supplies, his eyes filled with pleasant surprise and relief.

"General Xiao, this is a truly great achievement! With these provisions and supplies, our army’s morale is sure to be greatly boosted!" the Crown Prince said excitedly.

The other generals also looked delighted, whispering amongst themselves and praising Xiao Shen’s bravery and resourcefulness.

Xiao Shen clasped his hands in a salute and said, "It is all thanks to the Crown Prince’s able command and the soldiers’ dedication that we were able to secure these provisions."

The Crown Prince walked up to the provisions and inspected them closely, his smile growing even brighter. "With such ample supplies, our victory over Prince Qi’s rebel army is all but guaranteed!"

"Prince Qi’s rebellion is an act of utter treason. Now that our army’s strength has greatly increased, we must annihilate them in one fell swoop and restore peace to the people!" one general declared passionately.

The others all voiced their agreement, saying that Prince Qi must be made to pay the price for his rebellion.

The Crown Prince raised a hand, signaling for everyone to be quiet.

His gaze was steady and firm as he spoke slowly, "Gentlemen, please be patient and listen to what I have to say."

His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority. The generals immediately fell silent, all turning to look at the Crown Prince, waiting for him to continue.

"Generals, Prince Qi is merciless and seeks to subvert the order of the court. We must act as an army of justice to quell this rebellion and protect the lands and stability of our Chen Country!"

"But the people of the Northern Land are also the people of Chen Country. Once war breaks out, they are the ones who will ultimately suffer."

"Although we have now seized Prince Qi’s armory and storehouse, giving us the upper hand, the widespread devastation and displacement of the common people that would follow a full-scale war is not what we wish to see."

"If we can convince Prince Qi to see the error of his ways through negotiation and avoid this conflict, it would be a blessing for both the country and its people."

"We hold the bargaining chips. Negotiating is not a sign of weakness, but a display of our benevolence and magnanimity. If Prince Qi agrees, we can preserve peace in the region."

"If he remains stubborn, then we will have a just cause when we raise our arms to attack. We will surely win the support of the people, and our soldiers’ morale will be even higher. What do you all think?"

Xiao Shen was the first to step forward. He clasped his hands and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is benevolent and deeply concerned for the people. What you say is absolutely right. I agree with the strategy of negotiation. Now that we have the advantage, Prince Qi will surely be wary. A peaceful resolution would be for the best."

Then, another general stepped out and said, "Your Highness has considered this thoroughly. I am willing to follow your arrangements. As long as we can ensure the safety of the people, negotiation is a viable option."

The other generals all nodded in agreement. "We are willing to follow the Crown Prince’s command. Peace is paramount. But if Prince Qi refuses to repent, we will fight with all our might to kill the enemy and quell the rebellion!"

Seeing the generals agree, the Crown Prince’s face showed relief. "Excellent. Then let us first send an envoy to Prince Qi’s camp to convey our intention to negotiate."

With the matter settled, the generals dispersed.

Xiao Shen, however, did not rest. Instead, he stayed with the Crown Prince to discuss defensive measures.

After all, they had seized Prince Qi’s provisions and armory. He surely wouldn’t be able to stomach it, and it was entirely possible he might launch a surprise attack tonight.

"General Xiao, you haven’t rested for a long time. I will keep watch tonight, so you can rest easy. Your little wife is still waiting for you in your tent. We can’t have her worrying too much."

Xiao Shen was still worried, but then he thought of Ji Xiaosong, unable to leave the tent all alone. ’She might be getting a little fussy.’

Although she was usually gentle and graceful, she wasn’t completely without a temper.

’It’s best to consider her feelings more.’

Besides, his tent was very close to the Crown Prince’s. ’It shouldn’t be a problem to go check on my wife.’

Xiao Shen clasped his hands and said to the Crown Prince, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. In that case, I will go back to see my wife first and return later to keep watch with you."

"Go on. Be quick."

Xiao Shen took his leave and turned, walking hurriedly toward his own tent.

Arriving at his tent, Xiao Shen took a deep breath before lifting the flap and stepping inside.

Xiao Shen entered the tent and saw Ji Xiaosong lying on the cot, seemingly asleep.

He tiptoed to the side of the cot and, by the faint candlelight, gazed at Ji Xiaosong’s sleeping face.

Then he sat down gently on the edge of the cot and tenderly brushed the stray hairs from her forehead.

Ji Xiaosong’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, but she didn’t open her eyes.

In truth, she wasn’t asleep yet.

She had been worrying for a long time, afraid that Prince Qi would gather his forces for another battle.

Ji Xiaosong slowly opened her eyes and looked at Xiao Shen, her eyes heavy with sleep. Pretending to have just woken up, her voice was a little groggy. "Husband, you’re back?"

"Did I wake you?" Xiao Shen asked gently when he saw her awake.

Ji Xiaosong shook her head lightly and pushed herself up into a sitting position. "No, I was only sleeping lightly. I was worried about you."

She reached out and took Xiao Shen’s hand, her gaze full of concern. "Did everything go well today? Were you hurt?"

"Don’t worry, everything is fine."

"Then... is there any movement from Prince Qi’s side?"

"The Crown Prince already has a plan to deal with it. You don’t need to worry, just rest easy."

Hearing this, Ji Xiaosong felt a little more at ease.

She leaned into Xiao Shen’s embrace and said in a low voice, "I just hope this war ends soon so we can live a peaceful life."

Xiao Shen held her tighter and said softly, "We will. It will be over soon."

He, more than anyone, wanted to avoid war.

If he had to go on a campaign, he would have to leave his wife alone in the Capital City.

’What if she gets worried and runs off again in the future?’

He truly didn’t dare to imagine what the consequences of that would be.

This time, Ji Xiaosong had been lucky and hadn’t been hurt.

’But what about next time?’

’Who could guarantee that nothing would go wrong?’

The thought of the wife he cherished so dearly made Xiao Shen’s heart clench.

He couldn’t imagine how he would face it if some misfortune were to ever befall Ji Xiaosong.

It would be an unbearable weight in his life. Just the fleeting thought of it was enough to make him feel a suffocating pain.

"Song, from now on, you must never leave by yourself. You must have guards with you. When we go back this time, I’ll arrange for a few female Hidden Guards for you."

Hearing Xiao Shen’s words, Ji Xiaosong frowned slightly and said, "Husband, I don’t need so many people following me. I’ll be careful. There’s no need for such trouble."

Xiao Shen’s expression darkened as he said domineeringly, "No. This is not up for discussion. I cannot allow you to be in any danger. You must listen to my arrangements."

Ji Xiaosong had wanted to argue further, but seeing his firm yet worried gaze, her heart softened. She knew he was genuinely thinking of her well-being.

So she nodded gently and said, "Alright, Husband. I’ll listen to you."

Then, she snuggled deeper into his embrace and said softly, "Husband, will you lie with me for a little while? You’ve had a long day."

Xiao Shen nodded and lay down with Ji Xiaosong.

Before long, Xiao Shen fell into a deep sleep.

Looking at Xiao Shen’s exhausted face, Ji Xiaosong’s heart ached for him.

She secretly mobilized her small amount of Spiritual Power and slowly infused it into Xiao Shen’s body.

A faint blue-green light flickered over Xiao Shen’s body. The furrow in his brow gradually smoothed out, and his breathing became steady and deep.

Seeing the change in Xiao Shen, a relieved smile touched Ji Xiaosong’s lips.

She leaned gently against Xiao Shen’s side and slowly drifted off to sleep as well.

But less than an hour later, a sudden clamor of shouts and the clash of weapons erupted from outside.

A soldier ran up in a hurry to report, "General! It’s bad! Prince Qi’s army has launched a sudden attack!"

Xiao Shen was instantly awake, and the commotion startled Ji Xiaosong into sitting up.

"My lady, stay here and don’t move. I’m going to check on the situation," Xiao Shen said to Ji Xiaosong, his expression grim as he swiftly rose and put on his armor.

"Husband, be careful."

Xiao Shen nodded, then followed the soldier out of the tent at a quick pace, ready to face the enemy.