Chapter 1611: Unexpected Turn of Events
Chapter 1611: Chapter 1611: Unexpected Turn of Events
As Song Ci entertained guests with a feast, Niu Pan’er was kneeling in Yangxin Hall, her head buzzing.
"Last year, the snow in the Turkic region fell heavily, killing many sheep and horses. As a result, before spring even arrived this year, the Turkic tribes launched a significant border invasion, led by Meng Jue from the Turkic Camp. Your father disregarded advice and went to the battlefield..." Emperor Chu handed over an urgent eight-hundred-mile secret report.
Eunuch Zhou received it with both hands before presenting it to Niu Pan’er.
Niu Pan’er took it, opened it, and felt her heart drop as she lay prostrate on the ground, saying, "Emperor, my father is already advanced in years. With both new injuries and old ailments, I’m afraid he can’t lead troops to battle anymore. I humbly ask the Emperor to grant my father retirement from military duties and allow him to return to the fields. I am willing to guard the Northeast for life in my father’s stead."
The secret report stated that although Prince Dingbei went to the battlefield, he was unable to defeat Meng Jue. Fortunately, loyal soldiers protected him with their lives, allowing him to narrowly escape death, but he was seriously injured, and his tendons were severed.
Everyone understood what it meant for a military general to no longer be able to wield a weapon.
Niu Pan’er straightforwardly requested a favor on behalf of Prince Dingbei.
For families like theirs, if the father can’t continue, the next generation must take over, and thus it has always been.
"Indeed, Prince Dingbei is quite old. He wanted to retire last year, but I selfishly thought he was still vigorous and capable of contributing, so I held back the matter. But now..." Emperor Chu touched the Jade Lion Paperweight beside him, saying, "Dongyang, though you are loyal, you are also a mother, and the Princely Heir is still young. If you are absent..."
Niu Pan’er trembled slightly but prostrated even lower, saying, "From ancient times, loyalty and righteousness are often hard to fulfill simultaneously. From the moment I entered the military camp, I vowed in my heart to put the country first. As for my son..." She bit her lip lightly and said, "Though my son is young, he has always been nurtured by his father. If I guard the Northeast, my husband will take good care of him."
Emperor Chu looked at her steadily and said, "You’ve spoken this far, so I will grant Prince Dingbei the return to the capital for recuperation. After all, the climate in the capital is better than the Northeast, and there are more imperial physicians. It’s perfect for him to recover from injuries. As for you, you will temporarily oversee the North Camp as Grand Marshal, leading the Niu Family Army until the Princely Heir is grown enough to succeed you."
Niu Pan’er bowed deeply, saying, "I will obey the decree."
"Additionally, I appoint Zhang Yuanchang, the General of Shengjing, as the Governor of the Fengtian Province to assist in managing the affairs of the three northeastern provinces," Emperor Chu said. "The Northeast is of utmost importance to our Great Qing, and I hope you protect every inch of it with your lives. If anyone intends to infringe upon the land of our Great Qing Country, kill without mercy."
Niu Pan’er felt a jolt in her heart and said, "I will obey the order."
"You may rise." Emperor Chu lifted his hand slightly, watching her stand up, saying, "You are still young, and to me, like a niece. I cannot bear to separate you from your husband. When Prince Dingbei returns, I will allow your husband to go to the Northeast to reunite with you, and Prince Dingbei will personally nurture the Princely Heir. I am also looking forward to Prince Dingbei raising another loyal and brave successor."
Niu Pan’er was filled with gratitude and knelt down again, saying, "Thank you, Emperor, for your grace."
Emperor Chu waved his hand: "It is now April, everything has already rejuvenated, and the Northeast is far away. Today is your mother-in-law’s birthday. Go back and reunite with the Song Family. Start your journey tomorrow; Prince Dingbei is probably already on the way back to the capital."
Niu Pan’er felt a chill in her heart but did not show it on her face. She expressed her loyalty before bowing and leaving the Yangxin Hall.
Standing outside, she looked up to see the sun obscured by a cloud, a bit dim, seemingly about to rain. She couldn’t help but sigh.
This change is not a good thing for Prince Dingbei Mansion.