Chapter 7: Rebirth, A Man of Fiery Passion

Of course, they would not go! The couple sent their daughter away, intending to spare Chu Junhan from suffering with them at the border. But now, with the added implications from earlier, this journey would take on an entirely different meaning.

“Honey, our daughter ought to be raised by us. How could we let others raise our child for us?” Chu Xiong’s voice was as loud as ever, his face honest and plain, yet his eyes held a particular depth.

Xi Feng understood Chu Xiong’s meaning and nodded. “But years ago, the Emperor decreed a betrothal in the cradle. If we refuse, it may be seen as a blatant defiance of imperial will.”

Her implication was clear: the royal family would never allow their future empress to grow up in a military camp. How could someone whose life revolves around warfare manage the Six Palaces, silence the gossiping masses?

If things went as the couple wished, what dignity would remain for the royal family?

“If Yan’er does not become empress, so be it. I only hope she can grow up happily, not trapped in the secluded general’s manor in Pingzhou.”

“Then you would be defying the imperial order,” Xi Feng replied helplessly. Her husband, though well-read, could be stubborn when pressed.

Seeing Chu Xiong so troubled, like an ant on a hot pan, Chu Junhan reached out her chubby hand and tugged at Xi Feng’s sleeve, signaling her mother to let her down.

“Yan’er wants to go out and play? Mother will ask Yingdie to take you. Later, I’ll build snowmen with you, alright?” Xi Feng gently set Chu Junhan down, tenderly tapped her nose, and motioned for her to go outside.

Chu Junhan shook her head, shuffled over to Chu Xiong’s side, and tugged at his trouser leg, speaking in her childish voice, “Father, Yan’er wants to be a passionate young man like you.”

“A passionate young man…?” Chu Xiong repeated her words in confusion, about to correct her usage, when suddenly realization dawned and excitement lit his face.

Xi Feng frowned slightly and stepped closer, lowering her voice, “Husband, do you have a way to keep Ruyan with us?”

Chu Xiong cleared his throat. “I, Chu Xiong, have no daughter named Chu Ruyan, only a four-year-old son, Chu Han!”

“You mean for Ruyan to disguise herself as a boy?” Though reluctant, Xi Feng saw no other choice.

Chu Junhan furrowed her brow. In her memory, her father had fought fiercely with the Emperor of Tianwu to include the character ‘Jun’ in her name, and ultimately prevailed because he held military power.

Why, in this life, had her father not added the character ‘Jun’?

From Chu Junhan’s perspective, her father, so loyal, insisted on giving her the character ‘Jun’ not out of rebellion, but for some special purpose. So why did he not mention it this time?

As she pondered, a soldier outside reported, “General, an elder named Cen Song requests an audience!”

Cen Song?

In her previous life, Chu Junhan never left the gates of Pingzhou except to study at the Imperial Academy; her only amusement was sneaking off to hear storytelling.

Cen Song was a legendary figure among storytellers. Some even claimed he was a celestial descended to earth, that whoever gained Cen Song would rule the world! He was rumored to command immense power, with the fate of the nation in his grasp—portrayed as nothing short of miraculous.

Why would her father know a character from the stories? Was this Cen Song the mysterious master of Five Spirits Mountain spoken of by storytellers?

Chu Junhan pondered, unconsciously turning her gaze to her father.

Chu Xiong’s eyes were visibly excited, his body even trembling slightly. “Wife, quickly find a few clean boys’ outfits for Ruyan. Once she is ready, bring her to see me.”

Xi Feng was also a little excited. The couple exchanged glances, and Chu Xiong hurried away.