Chapter 628 - Leaving on a Journey
When Yu Xiaocao appeared in the middle of the crowd sending off the army, with dark circles under her eyes and her eyes red-rimmed from staying up the entire night, Zhu Junyang, who was seated on top of Fierce Wind, immediately spotted her.
Today, the emperor had personally come out to send off these troops. Just as he finished his speech, he saw the newly anointed Great General Zhengxi jumping off his horse and striding towards a certain area. The emperor looked in the direction the youth was headed towards and immediately spotted a familiar face.
"That stinky brat!" The emperor growled in amusement.
Su Ran lightly chuckled and stated, "Since ancient times, even heroes have a weakness for beautiful women. This is something that is quite natural for humans."
Su Ran also looked in that direction and spotted Xiaocao, who had a worried and anxious expression on her face. The little lass had just been engaged to Royal Prince Yang, yet the prince had to enter the battlefield right now. It wasn't surprising that she was worried. The foreign invaders at the northwestern borders were all fierce and vicious warriors who weren't afraid of death. Although Royal Prince Yang was incredibly brave and strong, the battlefield was full of hidden dangers. Who could guarantee that nothing bad would happen to him? If the prince had met an untimely end, the little lass would naturally be quite heartbroken and would likely decide to stay alone for the rest of her life...Su Ran's heart suddenly felt uncomfortable at this thought and an idea sprouted in his head.
"Imperial Majesty, this subject asks to be sent to observe the army this time!" Su Ran suddenly bowed with his hands together as he volunteered himself.
Zhu Junfan was caught by surprise by this request. He didn't understand what his chief steward was asking for and instead thought that Su Ran was afraid that his younger cousin might have disloyal thoughts after gaining so much power. He hurriedly said, "Chief Steward Su, we have full confidence and trust in Royal Prince Yang. There's no need for you to keep an eye on him and the army, right?"
Su Ran replied solemnly, "This subject also believes that Royal Prince Yang is loyal to the bones. However, recently, the hidden soldiers have gotten information that there are some people who are quite unhappy with how the army was arranged this time. Imperial Majesty, you currently don't have any other projects for me, so there's really no point in me staying in the capital. It's probably better for me to also go along this time!"
"Those so-called generals who helped to establish the empire all have too much idle time on their hands. All they do is gossip and grumble all day, like a bunch of gossipy old women. Alright, then go along with the army ah! Our younger cousin is truly like an unstable bomb that could explode at any time. Although he's had Xiaocao keeping him in check these last two years and hasn't lost control, there's no guarantee that he might not lose himself in the bloody environment of the battlefield. With you there, there will at least be someone who can control him! In actuality, I was thinking about letting that lass Xiaocao go along as that would be more secure..." The emperor suddenly came up with an absurd idea of wanting to send Yu Xiaocao, who was Great General Zhengxi's special medicine, along with the army.
Su Ran hurriedly interjected, "Don't, please don't! Although that lass is braver than most, she's still a maiden. The battlefield is full of vicious sights and scary beasts. I'd be surprised if she wasn't scared silly after seeing something like that. If you gave out the order, I'm pretty sure Royal Prince Yang would have a falling out with you right then and there. What do you think?"
The emperor rubbed at the tip of his nose and recalled just how much his younger cousin liked the little lass. It was very likely that the prince would cause a ruckus if he did exactly that. Zhu Junfan coughed and said, "We were just mentioning a thought. What are you so nervous for? Could it be that you..."
