Chapter 40: The Imperial Expedition and a Familiar Face

When Zhao Lingqian arrived, Ji Xiao observed him closely.

His gentle features, coupled with his attire and demeanor, exuded an air of refined elegance.

“You stared at his lips for five seconds,” Black Cat drawled.

A hint of amusement flickered in Ji Xiao’s eyes. ‘His lips have a pleasing shape.’

“Do you want to kiss them?”

‘I am not driven by lust.’

“Yet, you seem quite lustful when it comes to your mission targets.”

Ji Xiao’s tone was indifferent. ‘If that is what you wish to believe, then so be it.’

“Then tell me your thoughts,” Black Cat probed curiously.

‘Why would I confide in a foolish cat?’ Ji Xiao mused.

“Then I won’t hide your cigarettes anymore!” Black Cat huffed, clearly displeased.

A faint smile touched Ji Xiao’s eyes. ‘Emotional entanglements are too troublesome. With a mission target, entanglement is inevitable. We both get what we need, and we both enjoy it. He helps me complete my mission, and I offer him a lifetime of deep affection. Is there anything wrong with that?’

Black Cat fell into a thoughtful silence, then couldn’t help but say, “But your gaze always seems so clear, so detached. It doesn’t look like enjoyment to me.”

‘You wouldn’t understand.’

Black Cat huffed, “…If I don’t understand, I’ll just ask the Leader! Hmph!”

****

Zhao Lingqian, seeing Ji Xiao merely watching him without speaking, asked gently, “Imperial Brother, may I ask why you summoned me?”

“I intend to personally lead an expedition to the southeastern border to conquer Chang Kingdom.”

Zhao Lingqian disapproved. “A gentleman does not expose himself to danger…”

“I’ll merely be a mascot, protected at the rear, not charging into battle,” Ji Xiao clarified.

“During my absence from the capital, Fourth Brother shall oversee the regency.”

“Imperial Brother, I…” Zhao Lingqian began.

Ji Xiao cut him off, adopting an expression of profound trust. “You are the only brother I have left. I will expand our territory abroad, and you will secure our nation internally. Agreed?”

Zhao Lingqian sighed helplessly. “But Imperial Brother, I have never studied the ways of a ruler. I fear I might…”

“There’s no need to fear. Fourth Brother’s talents are extraordinary; he is intelligent and wise, and he will surely handle everything,” Ji Xiao said with a smile. “Should you find yourself indecisive, you may consult Minister Chen Yun.”

Zhao Lingqian considered this. “The son-in-law of the Yan family?”

“Indeed, Yan Wangchen’s brother-in-law,” Ji Xiao murmured softly. “Rest assured, though he is only a minister now, he possesses the caliber of a prime minister.”

“What Imperial Brother says, I naturally believe.”

“Come, let us begin reviewing memorials today.”

“…”

Yielding his seat to a somewhat bewildered Zhao Lingqian, Ji Xiao returned directly to his sleeping quarters.

Eunuch Hou followed behind him.

“With no consorts in my harem, it poses no great issue for my imperial brother to reside within the palace, sparing him the trouble of traveling back and forth. You are to personally instruct someone to prepare the palace closest to my chambers for my imperial brother’s residence.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

****

At the morning court the following day, Ji Xiao gave the ministers no opportunity to object.

He directly announced his imperial expedition, Prince Wen’s regency, Yan Wangchen as the chief general, and Chen Yun’s entry into the Grand Council.

Without waiting for their reactions, he immediately declared the court adjourned and departed swiftly.

After court, Yan Wangchen arrived at Ji Xiao’s chambers. “When do we depart?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Then I…”

Ji Xiao embraced him, kissing him deeply. “Go back and pack.”

“…Alright.”

****

The imperial decree had been issued; there was no turning back.

Prime Minister Lin and the others were filled with worry.

However, Chen Yun, who had just entered the Grand Council, seemed unfazed. He reassured them, “Even if His Majesty personally leads the expedition, he will not charge into battle. He merely seeks to stabilize morale. Nothing will happen.”

Prime Minister Lin sighed with concern. “You don’t understand.”

Chen Yun tilted his head. “?”

****

On the day Ji Xiao and his entourage departed, the procession was grand and imposing.

Though Ji Xiao had given no specific orders, Yan Wangchen had meticulously arranged everything.

The grain and fodder had already set off the day before.

The soldiers accompanying them had all been carefully selected.

Once past the capital’s city gates, Ji Xiao lifted the carriage curtain and addressed Yan Wangchen outside. “It is truly dull for me to be alone in this carriage, General. Do come in and play a game of chess with me.”

Yan Wangchen responded, “…Yes.”

He entered the carriage, finding the chess board already set. Ji Xiao leaned back languidly, watching him.

As Yan Wangchen was about to sit opposite him, Ji Xiao reached out and pulled him into his embrace.

Yan Wangchen’s stern face showed a flicker of surprise.

The soldiers outside, all hand-picked by him, possessed considerable martial prowess, and their hearing was naturally sharper than ordinary folk.

‘Could His Majesty possibly intend to… in the carriage?’

Ji Xiao’s hands clasped his waist, his chin resting on Yan Wangchen’s shoulder. “Let’s play like this.”

Yan Wangchen grasped Ji Xiao’s hands to prevent him from moving restlessly, murmuring, “This makes it difficult to play. Please release me, Your Majesty.”

“That’s precisely the point of making it difficult for you, so my chances of winning are greater.”

“…”

Ji Xiao whispered into his ear, “Just play like this, I won’t do anything, alright?”

“…Alright.” ‘Play then, play!’

The convoy traveled onward, occasionally pausing for rest and meals, reaching the first post station before sunset.

Ji Xiao was not wearing imperial yellow robes but rather common attire. Although his striking appearance still drew attention, it was preferable to being a conspicuous target in yellow.

He had brought neither attending eunuchs nor specialized guards, only Shadow Grass and Shadow Wind, two hidden guards.

Though he didn’t know how they kept up, he knew they would always ensure he remained within their sight.

****

That night, Ji Xiao arrived at Yan Wangchen’s room.

Noticing the small bundle Ji Xiao carried, Yan Wangchen looked up. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Our court cannot be entirely clean; news of my personal expedition has likely reached foreign spies,” Ji Xiao said, raising the bundle in his hand.

“Though I have sent people to intercept them, there will always be a few who slip through. Therefore, we should separate from the main force and travel lightly ahead.”

Yan Wangchen’s usually cold expression softened slightly.

He had assumed Ji Xiao hadn’t considered this possibility.

It was precisely for this reason that he had selected only the most skilled soldiers. With him present, even if an assassination attempt occurred, he could ensure Ji Xiao’s safety.

He hadn’t expected Ji Xiao to also think of traveling lightly.

“Traveling lightly will be more arduous, not as comfortable as being with the convoy.”

“What foolish talk is that?” Ji Xiao placed the bundle on the table, then led him towards the bed. “On a military campaign, where is there comfort? However, tonight, we can certainly find some ease and comfort.”

“…”

****

At first light, the main army had breakfast and continued their journey.

Two individuals, similar in build to Ji Xiao and Yan Wangchen, boarded the carriage.

Ji Xiao and Yan Wangchen, however, were still asleep.

They awoke when it was almost noon.

Yan Wangchen’s throat felt dry. “Your Majesty…”

“I’ll pour you some water.”

Ji Xiao poured the water and handed it to him.

Yan Wangchen silently drank the water. “Has the main army already departed?”

“If nothing went awry, they left at dawn.”

“Then we should also prepare to set off.”

“Indeed, let’s change our clothes first.”

“Alright.”

They changed into the attire of ordinary noble young masters. The two individuals left behind by the main army served as their guards.

Shadow Grass, the hidden guard, had already procured a comfortable carriage for them in a nearby town the previous night.

Due to their late departure, they failed to find lodging before sunset.

“It seems we will have to camp outdoors tonight.”

Upon hearing Ji Xiao’s words, Yan Wangchen said, “I apologize for the hardship, Your Majesty.”

Ji Xiao smiled. “With General here, I feel no hardship.”

Yan Wangchen looked up at his smiling face and extended a hand towards him.

“Whoa—”

Guard Ashan’s voice rang out. “Young Master, there’s a person lying on the road ahead.”

Yan Wangchen withdrew his hand. “Go and see.”

“Yes.”

Ji Xiao lifted the carriage curtain and stepped out, hoping to stretch his limbs.

He immediately saw the person lying on their side on the ground.

Though the face was covered in dirt, it did not prevent recognition. It looked strikingly similar to… Wei Xiuyuan’s face.

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