Chapter 56 - South Empire X State Of Shu

Meanwhile, the emperor of the State of Shu also received a letter saying that the South Empire will help the Wu Empire to destroy the State of Shu in return for taking away the empress.

They didn't know how Wu Empire doted on his empress so they thought losing an empress is not a big deal for an emperor which usually has hundreds of concubines and consorts in his imperial harem. Therefore, they take it seriously the words in the letter.

...............

The next day, Yu Zhougong asks half of the soldiers to be prepared to march to the State of Shu. In estimation, South Empire has around 230,000 soldiers. South Empire also had a huge navy of thousands of ships.

Yu Zhougong plans to use the ships to transport his troops across the Yangtze River. He is confident in the naval force so he took around 10,000 of them on the ship, sail to the State of Shu. 10,000 calvaries and 20,000 infantries.

Yu Zhougong didn't feel worried even if Wu Empire suddenly attack them as Wu Empire still outnumbered thousands of soldiers. But, never they knew, even though Wu Empire is lost in number but they got the Great General who is also the best military strategist.

The decision made by Yu Zhougong to attack the State of Shu was disagreed by most of the royal court. They already conveyed their opinion and said that it is better to discuss first instead of attacking directly. This action could cause destruction to their empire.

However, their words were blatantly ignored by Yu Zhougong. Most of the ministers couldn't even ask for help from their young emperor. The military forces, the court and another half of the royal court members sided with Yu Zhougong.

The young emperor is just a 'puppet-emperor'. His only function is to hold onto the imperial seal but every single decision was made by the regent.

Yu Zhougong met with the young emperor and asked permission from him to launch a war against the State of Shu. He also said that this is a good chance to conquer that country.

The so-called 'asking permission' was just an act to show that Yu Zhougong still has respect towards the real monarch of the South Empire and to avoid getting more hate from the royal court members and also the citizen.

Yu Zhougong didn't go to the State of Shu personally but sending Zhang Yun as the commander for land forces and Cai Mao as the commander for naval forces. He didn't think that defeating an underdeveloped country is going to be that hard. He puts his trust in his men and prefers to wait for Wu Empire.

The battle with Wu Empire is what he has been waiting for all these times. For him, the more soldiers he has, the brighter chances he got in taking in Wu Empire under the reign of the South Empire.

But the moment that even more can't wait is when he captured Wu Empire's emperor and keep him alive so he could watch with his own eyes when his empress is marrying him. Whether the emperor loves his empress or not, it still gonna be an insult for Wu Empire's emperor.

All the soldiers depart to the State of Shu as soon as Yu Zhougong done saying a few "motivation" words. Yu Zhougong smiles widely as he is confident with the results of this war.

Yu Zhougong then went to the training ground to watch the other soldiers who left to battle against Wu Empire. He still got about 190,000 soldiers. 50,000 naval forces and the others are cavalries and infantries.

Based on what Yu Chenyi told him, Wu Empire only has around 180,000 soldiers. This means Wu Empire still has less than 10,000 soldiers compared to the South Empire. 10,000 is not a small number. No matter how skilled they are, it will be hard for Wu Empire to withstand their attack.

That's what Yu Zhougong thought.

Meanwhile, in Wu Empire, all shipwrights in Wu Empire were offered huge rewards if they managed to build as many boats as they can. It doesn't have to be perfect but enough as long as it can be sailed.

When Wu Zhang Wei received the news from his elite army in South Empire, he chuckles. He can't believe that old regent was so easily fooled. As long as the letter was written in Yu Chenyi's handwriting, Yu Zhougong will believe it no matter what's the content.

"We're still short of 10,000 men. You think we can win it?" Huang Fei Hong asked.

Wu Zhang Wei gives him a side glance and smiles. "No matter what kind of things we're short of, be it men or weapons, I know you can think of some ways to overcome it."

Huang Fei Hong laughs lightly. "You think of me too highly." He says that but he's glad that the emperor put such high trust in him and he won't betray it.

On the 23rd day of Xiu Ying's abduction. Everything has been well prepared. Tonight, Wu Zhang Wei and the troop will depart to the South Empire. No hesitation. Only the wills to fight and win the battle.

In the evening, Wu Zhang Wei calls for all members of the royal court to the main hall. Wearing his armor and stands on the throne with both hands on the back. The royal court is getting anxious when they saw their emperor wore that attire.

"Zhen knows all of you must be wondering when Zhen called all of you at this time and why is Zhen wearing this armor. Answering to your questions, tonight, we'll depart to the South Empire to take back Zhen's empress!"

The royal court members immediately kneel and say,

"Your Majesty, please rethink about this."

"Your Majesty, please don't be hasty."

"Your Majesty, we should think about our people's safety."

"Your Majesty, please negotiate or make a deal with them instead of war."

"Your Majesty, please rethink about this."

Most of them forgot about their manner as they are too worried about their safety. They don't think it is not worth it to sacrifice the people and also their lives in exchange to save a mere ger's life.

Only a few of them didn't say anything because they know the emperor has made the best decision, including Li Shizen. They also trust in their emperor and Great General's ability.

"Silence!"

The roaring voice makes all of them shut their mouth immediately. Wu Zhang Wei squinted, eyes scanning every each of them who dares to defy his decision.

"Are you trying to question Zhen's decision? Are you trying to say Zhen is making a mistake for trying to save Zhen's empress? Is that what you all think?"

The way he talks In a low and deep voice makes them shudder. It is scarier than the emperor shouted at them.

All of them immediately kneel with their forehead on the ground. Didn't dare to lift their head. Wu Zhang Wei loudly scoffs making them flinches.

"This is Zhen's country and the one who was taken away was Zhen's wife! If your wife was taken away, are you all gonna stay silent and let it be? Oh! Zhen forgot. Not like you really love your wife. Then let Zhen rephrase. If your SILVER and GOLD were stolen, are you all gonna let the thief spending your money happily?"

All of them can only swallow their saliva. They feel ashamed when the emperor mentioned how materialistic they are. But they cannot retort because it is true. If their wife died or was abducted, they could care less. They still got a line of mistresses that are waiting to be promoted as the madam of the household.

"Cat got your tongue?" Wu Zhang Wei smirks.

"Zhen doesn't care about your opinion. Zhen already decided this. When Zhen is gone, Lord Li Shizen will take over. Whatever happened, consult with Lord Li first. And one more thing, be prepared. As soon as all these over, Zhen will do a little bit of "cleaning" in the royal court."

Without waiting for their response, Wu Zhang Wei walks out of the main hall. A few ministers including Li Shizen followed behind. The others still in a daze when they heard the word "cleaning" just now. It gives a bad omen, for them.

At the same time, Huang Fei Hong is sitting on his bed in his chamber with his lover straddling on his lap. They are embracing each other tightly, with no intention of breaking the hug.

Jing Yi wraps his arms around Fei Hong's neck and leans his head on Fei Hong's shoulder. "Please, be very careful. Don't get hurt. Even if you get hurt, please get treatment as soon as possible. I know your priority is Her Majesty's return and the safety of His Majesty but please, think of yourself too."

Fei Hong inhales Jing Yi's scent which gives him a calming sensation. "Okay, baobei. You too, take good care. If there is something happened, please tell Her Majesty Empress Dowager or Madam Feng. I've told Her Majesty Empress Dowager to help me to look after you and Her Majesty she will. If you feel lonely in here, you can go back to Li's Mansion. His Majesty already told Lord Li and Madam Feng and they gladly welcome your presence."

Jing Yi breaks the hug and pushes Fei Hong's shoulders, making a distance between them. "H- Her Majesty? How c- could you ask an Empress Dowager to look after a servant like me?!"

Huang Fei Hong chuckles. He gently pinches the soft cheek. "You're not a servant. You are the Great General's future wife. Remember that. Plus, Her Majesty has taken a liking to you."

Jing Yi pouts. How can he fight back when he is so happy to hear the words "future wife".

The room suddenly fell into silence. They stare into each other's eyes. They already missing their partner even when they're not apart yet.

Huang Fei Hong grabs on Jing Yi's nape, pulling his head closer until their lips touched. The deep but slow kiss makes them feel more reluctant to be apart.

After a few minutes of passionate smooches, Huang Fei Hong breaks the kiss. Connecting their foreheads and eyes shut. Only heavy panting could be heard.

"I love you, baobei. I'm gonna miss you so much. Please wait for my return." Fei Hong says.

Jing Yi pecks on Fei Hong's temple. "Love you too and I'm gonna miss you too. Be safe. Me.... and our baby are gonna wait for you. So, make sure you come back to us."

Huang Fei Hong's eyes bulge. He looks between Jing Yi's flat stomach and Jing Yi's face, asking for confirmation.

Jing Yi smiles widely and nod. He takes one of Fei Hong's palm and put it over his tummy. "There is our baby in here."

"W- When did you kn- know? I- I didn't expect..." Fei Hong stutters.

"Well, I just know this morning. I usually got morning sickness and these past few days I keep feeling dizzy. So, I went to the imperial pharmacy and have a check-up. The physician said I'm eight weeks pregnant."

Fei Hong pulls him back into his arms. "Oh my. I'm so happy! Thank you, baobei. Thank you so much!"

Jing Yi just hums.

It is time to depart. Huang Fei Hong walks out of the chamber hand-in-hand with Jing Yi. They went to in front of the main hall where the troop is waiting. As they arrived, Wu Zhang Wei just walked out of the main hall.

Huang Fei Hong stops beside Li Shizen. "Lord Li, please look after my future wife."

Li Shizen's lips slightly curved and he nods. "Don't worry. I've thought Jing Yi as my own son. He can come to our home anytime he wants."

"Thank you."

Huang Fei Hong gives the last hug. When he breaks the hug, he pecks on Jing Yi's forehead while caressing the flat tummy. "I'm going. Take care. I love you." He whispers.

Trying to hold back his tears, Jing Yi replies, "Love you too. Be safe."

Huang Fei Hong and Wu Zhang Wei mount the horse.. Huang Fei Hong leads the troop and starts their journey to the South Empire.