I Choose You(Slow Updates)

Chapter 25

Six months had passed since the wedding, but it was not a peaceful six months, not with constant reports coming in of the Wen kingdom decimating the smaller towns and sects lying along its borders and forcing the young alphas and betas to join the Wen kingdoms army. A clear sign that they were readying themselves for a war. Emperor Lan Wangji knew that the Wen king would not take what he saw as an insult lightly, but to go to war over, it sounded just a little bit dodgy. There must be something else.

They all knew how prideful and power-hungry the Wen king was. They all knew or suspected to what an extent he would go to prove his dominance and power within his own kingdom and that of others. So the Emperor sent out an additive asking all alphas and betas that were able to fight with the Imperial Palace against a war that would be unavoidable. Within two weeks, the alphas and betas started to arrive at the Palace to join the Imperial soldiers. As the Imperial army prepared itself for the imminent war, the Emperor had also sent word to the Celestial Kingdom asking for their help and not soon the Queen and her army arrived at the Imperial City and Palace.

As the Emperor and his war council discussed strategies and measurements, many guards were sent to collect those outside the borders of the Imperial City and bring within the borders and protection of the Imperial City whose wards were enforced and strengthen even more so with the threat coming from the Wen kingdom. The Empress and the Imperial Uncle Lan Qiren had worked day and night together with the help of some of the Celestial Kingdom guards and that of the Imperial Palace to ensure that the wards was impenetrable and would withstand any attack.

The Empress had been working day and night on new talismans that would be able to help them with the war, and many times, the Emperor would have to drag him away from his work shop so that the Empress could eat and sleep. Every new talisman would be tested for safety and accuracy, but there was one he had been working on a talisman that would help and protect his most dearest of persons. With one of the most powerful people within the Wen army and someone who is capable of melting one's core, the Empress is not taking any chances.

But things got worse before they even had a chance to marched out. Word came from Lotus Pier, which shook them to the core. Lotus Pier had been attacked and burned to the ground. As of yet, there were no words of any survivors, and the Empress and Jin Yanli were inconsolable as they feared the worst for their brother and Minister Jiang. The attack sent a clear message that King Wen Rouhan means business, and he did not care who he had to kill. But five days after the attack, Jiang Wayin, his father, and many or their disciples and the people they managed to save arrive at the Imperial Palace. They were tired and hungry, and they looked worse for wear.

As soon as the two siblings heard the news, they rushed towards the war room and did not care as they threw themselves at their brother who even though tired caught them in his arms and the three siblings cried and hugged each other as the rest of group look on.

"Jiang Cheng, I am sorry. I should have known or have an idea at least. I was about to send you the talismans for the wards. I got side track. I am sorry. I am sorry."

The Empress told Jiang Cheng as tears streamed down his face. The Emperor took a few steps forward and placed a comforting hand on his mates back. Jiang Cheng shook his head as he took deep breaths to control his shaky voice.

"No, do not blame yourself, please. You could not have known. None of us did. But me and father had been working hard to strengthen the wards and put up another one, but they were just too strong and powerful. By doing that, it gave us enough time to evacuate as many people as we can."

He said through breaths of air as he looked at his brother and sister.

"Mingxia, take them to cold palace to rest. Minister Jiang, I will send one of the guards to take you to your rooms to freshen up and have something to eat and rest. You can join us later."