Chapter 85

The Crown Prince of Liaoliang fell off his horse and died after just a few struggles. Wei Ji, with his keen eyesight, saw it from afar and immediately shouted loudly: "The Crown Prince of Liaoliang is dead! Liaoliang is doomed to defeat!!!"

The soldiers echoed: "Liaoliang is doomed! Liaoliang is doomed to defeat!"

In an instant, the morale of the Great Chu soldiers soared. Wei Ji ordered everyone to switch back to the Eagle Formation, not needing to follow any particular rules, just directly slashing with their blades.

Lian Yu was on Wei Ji's right wing. Upon hearing that Wei Ji had killed the Crown Prince of Liaoliang, let out a reluctant "hey", then roared: "The Crown Prince of Liaoliang is dead, brothers, kill quickly! Ten taels for killing one, a hundred taels for killing ten, promotions and nobility await in this battle!!"

Chu Shaoling, hearing the news of Wei Ji's accomplishment from behind, was overjoyed. He turned his head to Wei Zhan beside him and smiled: "He truly lives up to being the Cavalry General."

"He just has brute force, still relying on the Grand General's guidance." Wei Ji once again made a great contribution, making Wei Zhan happy too. He slightly nodded, "This subordinate congratulates the Grand General, with the Crown Prince of Liaoliang gone, Liaoliang has no hope of rising again."

Chu Shaoling smiled: "Of course, soldiers listen up! Follow me and kill, Liaoliang sent 50,000 troops to meet us in battle, today we must kill 30,000 of them!"

Everyone bowed their heads in acknowledgment. The flag bearer beside Wei Zhan waved the battle flag, and the officers supervising the battle from behind received the order. The horn and drum sounds rang out one after another!

In the Battle of Karakash, Chu Shaoling didn't really come to the front lines. This time, seeing Chu Shaoling personally picking up a long spear, the soldiers couldn't help but feel a surge of bloodlust. Chu Shaoling's eyes showed no fear as he declared: "Soldiers! For many years the Liaoliang barbarians have been slaughtering our border people. Today, let's teach them a lesson! Kill a few more barbarians on Liaoliang soil! Avenge the people of our Great Chu who have suffered foreign invasions for generations!!"

The soldiers all cheered and surrounded Chu Shaoling as he charged to the front. Chu Shaoling raised his eight-foot long spear and killed his way into the Liaoliang army. Chu Shaoling had no particular technique when killing, charging left and right, wherever the barbarians were fleeing in disarray, he would kill in that direction. After just half an hour, he had surprisingly charged to the front of Wei Ji's squad. When Chu Shaoling saw Wei Ji, Wei Ji was in the midst of a killing frenzy, his still somewhat childlike face splattered with blood, the tip of the saber in his hand dripping with blood, like a reincarnated Asura.

Many years later, Chu Shaoling still remembered how Wei Ji looked at that time. Before seeing it with his own eyes, Chu Shaoling never imagined that the gentle half-grown boy by his side could be so valiant and heroic.

Wei Ji was also stunned for a moment when he saw it was Chu Shaoling. He quickly killed a Liaoliang soldier and galloped over. The two squads rapidly merged into one. Wei Ji rode close and said urgently: "Why did Your Highness come here?! This subordinate will protect Your Highness to return!"

"Return where?" Chu Shaoling smiled. After killing for a while, his body was also splattered with blood, the black cloak dotted with ink-like spots. Chu Shaoling slightly turned and grasped Wei Ji's left hand. The two touched briefly before separating. Chu Shaoling declared: "Everyone follow the Cavalry General's command! Do not act recklessly!"

Wei Ji's heart swelled with emotion for a moment. He composed himself and ordered: "Flying Geese Formation! Prepare to surround!!"

Everyone received the order. Chu Shaoling still guarded by Wei Ji's side. An hour later, the encirclement was successful. The Liaoliang soldiers, with their Crown Prince dead, had already lost heart. Once surrounded, they surrendered in droves without waiting for threats. Chu Shaoling ordered Wei Zhan to organize the prisoners of war, disarm them and imprison them one by one.

In this battle, Cavalry General Wei Ji killed the Crown Prince of Liaoliang and slew over a thousand enemies.

After returning to camp and bathing, the two changed clothes and came out. Chu Shaoling, not wanting to be burdened in the army, ordered the prisoners to be quickly tied up and transported to Xian'outuo. The heavily wounded soldiers were also bandaged up and escorted the prisoners. Chu Shaoling then ordered one of the cavalries to quickly notify the soldiers stationed in Karakash to send 10,000 troops to make up for the losses in this battle. The entire army set up camp on the spot, resting for a night before continuing north to attack Retong the next day.

"We must catch the Liaoliang people off guard." Chu Shaoling unfolded the map and pointed to Fenghe in the north, "Another 300 li north and we'll reach Fenghe. By then, with the army at the city gates, the Liaoliang King will agree to any treaty."

Wei Zhan shook his head: "I'm afraid before we reach there, the Liaoliang King will already agree. This subordinate previously estimated with the Cavalry General that the soldiers Liaoliang City can deploy now will not exceed 100,000. With our army killing all the way from the east, if they fully engage in battle, Fenghe City will be empty. The Liaoliang King still needs to guard against the Tartars eyeing greedily from the north, he won't fight us to the death."

Chu Shaoling looked at Wei Ji with appreciation and smiled: "Both General Weis have good strategies. Today the Cavalry General made a great contribution! I will first reward 10,000 taels of gold. After returning to the Imperial City..."

Before Chu Shaoling could finish, they heard the guard outside the tent loudly report: "Grand General! An urgent report from the Imperial City has arrived!"

"Come in."

A commander brought in a secret letter from outside the tent. Wei Ji took it and handed it to Chu Shaoling. Chu Shaoling opened it and smiled: "A letter from the Empress Dowager, Fuyi has given birth! It's two boys!"

Everyone hurriedly congratulated Wei Zhan. Wei Zhan was first overjoyed, then turned to look at Chu Shaoling. Chu Shaoling looked deeply at Wei Zhan and chuckled: "Congratulations, Guardian General, this isn't just your own joyous occasion..."

Wei Zhan's heart trembled. Chu Shaoling's words were out in the open, and as it happened, Fuyi really gave birth to two boys. Wei Zhan sighed inwardly. Forget it, even if it wasn't boys this time, who's to say it won't be next time, could he still change Chu Shaoling's mind?

Wei Zhan bowed: "Yes, this subordinate understands."

Chu Shaoling smiled with satisfaction and continued: "I didn't finish what I was saying earlier. For the Battle of Karakash, I already requested to confer Wei Ji the rank of First Class Duke. Who knew Wei Ji would make another great contribution in this battle. Now there's no higher rank to confer, so we can only grant favors to his descendants. After returning to the Imperial City, I will personally petition His Majesty to bestow the title of Marquis Changping upon Wei Ji's eldest son."

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this. When did Wei Ji have a son?

Wei Zhan almost blurted out a refusal, but realizing this child was already registered under Wei Ji's name, he managed to hold back. Chu Shaoling smiled at Wei Zhan. Taking someone's son, he had to compensate with something. Since it was Wei Ji's child, bestowing a marquis title was nothing much.

"I've seen the bravery of all the officers with my own eyes. The petitions for conferment have all been sent up. After His Majesty decides, there will naturally be rewards." Chu Shaoling's words carried a deeper meaning. "Even if the Emperor is temporarily indisposed and can't attend to it, I will make arrangements after returning to the Imperial City. I definitely won't let everyone's hard work go unrewarded."

The Emperor was now bedridden, and when Chu Shaoling returned, it wouldn't be long before he ascended the throne. Everyone knew this in their hearts and agreed repeatedly. After making arrangements, they all left the tent to dispatch their soldiers.

Wei Ji hadn't yet come to his senses. Just now, Chu Shaoling had said it in front of so many people that he didn't dare refute. Now that it was just the two of them, he hurriedly asked, "Your Highness, when did I have a son?"

Chu Shaoling smiled, "This is your elder brother's idea. After the imperial physician diagnosed that Fuyi is carrying twins, your elder brother told me that if both children are boys, he would let you adopt one. It seems your elder brother also knows about our relationship. He pities that you have no heir, so he proposed this. Seeing his sincere words, I agreed on your behalf."

Chu Shaoling lied without blinking an eye, smiling, "Your elder brother means well. Don't refuse, or you'll hurt his feelings."

Wei Ji also knew that Wei Zhan had probably noticed his relationship with Chu Shaoling. But he didn't expect Wei Zhan to have thought so far ahead for him, even wanting to let him adopt a child. Instantly, his eyes reddened. Chu Shaoling quickly embraced and comforted him, "What's wrong? Are you unhappy?"

"No," Wei Ji held back his tears. After a while, he said, "Elder brother has considered things too thoroughly for me. I..."

Chu Shaoling felt a little regretful. If he had known Wei Ji would be so moved, he should have said it was his own idea. Chu Shaoling kissed Wei Ji's forehead and laughed, "You're a grown man, yet you still cry. When you return, your son will laugh at you."

Wei Ji shook his head and said softly, "I'm too happy. I have a child now. This child has both your blood and mine flowing in him. He's my child."

Hearing this, Chu Shaoling's heart suddenly ached. He sighed and coaxed, "Yes, this is our child..."

The two talked for a good while. Wei Ji, thinking of Wei Zhan, went to speak with him again. With Chu Shaoling's instructions beforehand, whatever Wei Ji said, Wei Zhan just agreed to, as if it was his own idea. Wei Ji was very excited, holding Wei Zhan's hand and planning non-stop, "The children are still young. It's fine to raise them with the princess for now. Your Highness told me that when the two children are older, they'll be brought into the palace to study with the princes. Your Highness also said that at that time, he'll have me teach the children horseback riding and archery..."

Wei Zhan originally felt somewhat guilty towards Wei Ji. Not to mention the treasures Chu Shaoling had bestowed upon Wei Ji over the years, just the weight of the hereditary title Wei Ji could pass on was heavy enough. These couldn't be passed to Wei Ji's own biological sons but would be passed to his own children instead. However Wei Zhan thought about it, he felt he had wronged Wei Ji. But now seeing Wei Ji so happy, Wei Zhan's heart was convinced. Forget it, Chu Shaoling could always find ways to make Wei Ji happy.

Wei Ji was still planning, "Big brother, don't worry. In the future, I will take care of everything for this child..."

Wei Zhan nodded, thinking to himself that of course Wei Ji would take good care of the child. The child hadn't even opened his eyes yet but had already been conferred the title of Marquis of Changping. His future prospects would certainly not go wrong.

Seeing that Wei Ji was truly happy, Wei Zhan patiently chatted with him for a while. Finally, when they talked about whether the child would pursue civil or military affairs in the future, Wei Zhan couldn't help but laugh, "You're thinking even further ahead than me. People say a child's character can be seen at three years old. The child isn't even three months old now, what are you anxious about?"

Wei Ji smiled. Just as he was about to say more, Chu Shaoling's personal guards came calling from outside the tent. Wei Ji glanced at the hourglass and smiled, "I've disturbed big brother's rest. I'll go back first. Big brother, sleep early. There are still many things to do tomorrow."

Wei Zhan stood up and suddenly said, "Wei Ji, you... being with the Crown Prince like this, do you not have any regrets at all? After returning to the capital, the Crown Prince will likely ascend the throne very soon. At that time, in the imperial court and harem, there will be many things that are unsatisfactory. As long as you have the slightest unwillingness..."

"I don't regret it at all." Wei Ji's face was slightly red, but his voice grew even more resolute. "Back then, I wholeheartedly entered Bitao Palace just to be able to stay by Your Highness's side. I don't know which divine being blessed me, but my great wish was actually fulfilled. How could I have regrets?"

This was the first time the brothers openly discussed Wei Ji and Chu Shaoling's relationship. Wei Ji simply said a few more words, "I know the future won't be easy. The day His Highness appointed me as a first-rank guard and let me live in the Bitao Palace rooms, he said he wouldn't take a wife or concubines, that there would only be me. Actually, at that time, I didn't really believe it. I felt that even if His Highness truly cared for me, his identity wouldn't allow him to treat me like this. At that time, I had already thought it through. If in the future His Highness took a wife and had children, I would still remain as his attendant. Before, I was guarding only His Highness. In the future, I would guard His Highness's entire family."

"But now, after these few years, there is still only me by his side." Wei Ji looked at Wei Zhan steadily. "I'm not ignorant of worldly affairs. But in this lifetime, only His Highness has treated me like this."

Wei Zhan was silent for a long time before saying, "I understand. You may go."

Wei Ji nodded and left.

When he returned to Chu Shaoling's main tent, the lamp inside was still lit. As soon as Wei Ji entered the tent, Chu Shaoling embraced him and pressed him onto the bed. Before Wei Ji could react, he asked in a low, urgent voice, "Your Highness, what's wrong?"

Chu Shaoling's eyes were slightly red. Without a word, he lowered his head and kissed Wei Ji. His hands firmly locked Wei Ji's arms, not allowing him to move an inch. Chu Shaoling had always been gentle with Wei Ji and rarely acted so aggressively. Wei Ji only felt a slight sting on his lips, but he didn't dodge. He let Chu Shaoling kiss him. After a while, Chu Shaoling raised his head and said hoarsely, "Do you believe me now?"

Wei Ji realized and said in a daze, "Your Highness heard what I said to my elder brother?"

"Do you believe me now?" Chu Shaoling's phoenix eyes were compelling as he stared fixedly at Wei Ji. "You still want to guard my entire family? Where would I have an entire family?!"

Wei Ji turned his head away. After a while, he said softly, "I've long believed you."

Chu Shaoling's indestructible, invulnerable heart suddenly softened, leaving only a clear spring.

Chu Shaoling lowered his head and kissed Wei Ji's forehead, saying softly, "After returning to the capital, it's true that I will ascend the throne before long. But don't worry, in the imperial court and harem, there will only be you, and there can only be you."

Wei Ji's heart warmed. He nodded, "I know."

Chu Shaoling bit Wei Ji's lips again, not too lightly or heavily, as if venting his anger. It was just this foolish person, but he could always provoke him to lose his composure.

Wei Ji, pressed under Chu Shaoling and subjected to kisses and bites, was worried that Chu Shaoling would torment him again. He pleaded in a low voice, "Didn't Your Highness say you wanted to sleep early today? We have to break camp at dawn tomorrow. Your Highness, Your Highness..."

Chu Shaoling closed his eyes for a moment, thinking to himself that if this silly thing keep teasing him with "Your Highness", "Your Highness", then he really won't be able to sleep early. Chu Shaoling sat up and took off their outer robes. Both of them had gotten a few scratches today. After applying medicine to each other's wounds, Chu Shaoling pulled over a blanket to cover them, holding Wei Ji and letting him lean against his chest, once again showering him with tender love and affection.