Accompanying the Phoenix

Chapter 19: At the Ruins

The marriage delay was a hot topic of discussion in both realms. In fact it had practically become a joke. But on the tenth day of postponement a shocking event occurred. General Zi Xia, who had been sent to the borders by the emperor, had desperately ridden back and relayed news that frightened everyone. The seal over the ruins had ruptured, releasing many minor yao shou.

Fortunately the only major monster to escape the rift was a barely formed scorpion-tailed fox. However even with just the one, the army barracks and troops garrisoned suffered serious damage and injuries. General Zi Xia's condition was so poor that he couldn't even make it into the palace, taking his final breaths seated on his mount after passing on the information.

General Mo Fang remained behind to defend the border, refusing to allow any of the yao shou entrance into the demon realm. The situation was grave and urgently needed to be dealt with.

After being informed, the emperor immediately gave the order to properly bury General Zi Xia. He also dispatched a messenger to notify heaven.

Shen Li was in the palace discussing official business so it was impossible for her to not overhear. She slapped the table in anger while saying, "Why wait and inform heaven! Our troops will suffer while we wait for that useless group. Shen Li requests permission to take troops for reinforcements!"

The emperor remained silent not saying anything.

In the hall were also three veteran generals. One with white hair weighed in on the matter saying, "Your Majesty, I understand your misgivings about sending Her Highness out, what with the impending marriage, however the situation is urgent. Although there are many generals who can fight, not many of them have experience fighting the yao shou. Her Highness is one of the few who does. I would ask that Your Majesty agree to her request to bring troops to guard the boundary."

The emperor tapped his finger on the tabletop. "Shen Li."

Shen Li immediately knelt down and saluted. "Yes!"

"You are not allowed to set foot out of your residence for this month."

Shen Li couldn't believe what she just heard. She raised her head and glanced at the three old generals hoping they would intervene. They looked back at her but remained silent. Unresigned she said, "Your Majesty, the border!"

"Regarding the chaos at the border, General Shang Bei will go and investigate and if the yao shou can not be subdued, then they will delay long enough for heaven's dispatch to arrive..."

"Ah! Heaven this! heaven that! Does Your Majesty really want to be heaven's puppet?!" Shen Li exclaimed indignantly. Then she completely disregarded etiquette and slammed the door on her way out.

The hall remained in shocked silence until the emperor asked, "Three generals, do you think I made an error?"

"Your Majesty has misgivings," sighed one of the old generals. "Her Highness is young and reckless and does not take the time to consider things thoroughly, but Your Majesty should rest assured that Her Highness will one day understand."

"Hm." The eyes behind the mask were exhausted. "One day."

...

General Zi Xia's coffin had not been sealed yet so Shen Li took the opportunity to look inside. She could see blue greenish lines marking his face and black discoloration on his fingertips. The medical doctor said they were caused by the poison from the scorpion-tailed fox. With Zi Xia's ability it should not have been fatal, but because he pushed his body to the brink, refusing to rest in order to make it and relay the information, the poison was able to reach his heart and turn fatal.