Chapter 132: Setting Forth

Upon finishing the last word, the youth’s expression grew complex. With a faint, weary sigh, he lamented in the tone of an old man, "My third brother is truly remarkable! Truly remarkable!" As he spoke, he shook his head as if he were an elder.

"What is it?"

"My third brother has staged a coup and is now the second monarch of the Qiande Kingdom. See for yourself how things have turned out!" Chu Junhan shoved the letter toward the young man beside him and looked up at the sky with a long sigh. "It is truly a season of many troubles."

Chu Junhan gazed at the stars for a while, a strange glint passing through his eyes. With his hands behind his back, he stood straight, his small frame radiating spirit and vitality. "Brother Ziyun, it’s one thing that my eldest brother ascended the throne a few years ago, but my third brother... I really do have a knack for swearing brotherhood with people."

"Indeed," Tang Chen nodded earnestly, sighing, "I never imagined the Seventh Prince would be the one to claim the throne of the Qiande Kingdom. It is truly astonishing."

Chu Junhan scoffed, his eyes fixed on the stars. "It is quite unexpected. Given the schemes my third brother harbors, I should have stabbed him when we were back in that bandit den... By keeping him around, I've only created a formidable rival for myself!"

"The Qiande Kingdom lies to the west of the Tianqing Kingdom, while our Liaozhou is in the far south. Little Brother Junhan, do not worry needlessly; perhaps we shall never cross paths in this lifetime."

We will cross paths!

A gleam flickered in the youth's eyes. He lowered his head and forced a smile. "Brother Ziyun is right; how could we ever cross paths with my third brother?"

"Handsome Brother, Yi'er said he wanted to go, too. Will you take me? I've never been to such a prosperous place. I hear Pingzhou is beautiful." Yun Yi leaned in again, his expectant little eyes fixed on Chu Junhan.

Chu Junhan reached out with a delicate hand and gently pinched the young boy's nose, teasing him dotingly, "What is it, Yi'er? Are you dissatisfied with our Liaozhou? Liaozhou is quite beautiful as well."

Yun Yi pouted. "I didn't say Liaozhou wasn't good; I just want to go and see Pingzhou..."

"Very well, I will take you."

Upon hearing this, the young boy happily grabbed Chu Junhan’s hand, shouting with excitement, "Really?!"

"I promise." Chu Junhan patted Yun Yi’s small hand and winked, sealing the vow.

Even though she knew what lay ahead was a den of dragons and a nest of tigers, she still agreed to the boy's request.

Because it was time for Yun Yi to grow up.

……

Not long after the letter arrived, an imperial decree from Pingzhou was delivered, summoning Chu Xiong’s family to the capital to receive their enfeoffment.

As a regional commander, Chu Junhan did not need Chu Xiong's permission to mobilize fifty thousand troops. He set off with a mighty, sweeping force.

Had it not been for the regulation in Pingzhou that restricted border garrisons to fifty thousand troops when returning home for visits during times of peace, Chu Junhan might have brought several hundred thousand.

"Father, Han'er will take his leave now. Do take care of yourself and Mother." The youth, dressed in green armor and a red cloak, sat atop a sturdy horse. He pulled the reins, his spirit soaring.

Though Chu Xiong was still in the prime of his life, facing the departure of his child made him seem like a man in his twilight years. His eyes grew misty, and he gave his instructions with the heart of an aging father. "Be careful on the road, Han'er. Your mother and I will follow shortly."

"I will. Take care of your health, Father." With those words, the youth nudged the horse’s flanks, turned the mount, and rode toward the horizon.

Father, Ruyan will do her utmost to resolve every overt threat and hidden arrow before you arrive in Pingzhou. Ruyan will surely protect you all!

The youth’s figure grew distant. By the time Xifeng arrived, the boy was already gone. While Xifeng beat his chest in frustration, Chu Xiong could not avoid the bitter sting of parting.