Chapter 44: Depart To The Border

Despite taking as much as his time to spend it with his wife, Wu Zhang Wei still didn't neglect and forget his responsibility as the country's monarch. Regardless of what the ministers said about him, he let them be. He got no time to deal with them at the moment. The most important thing for him right now is Xiu Ying and the problems that haven't been settled yet.

Xiu Ying has entered the second trimester but his stomach didn't show too much. Adding with layers of the robe, his slightly bulging tummy could be hidden well. Only his face has a little bit of baby fat on his cheeks and it has become Zhang Wei's one of the favorite parts of him.

Xiu Ying's cheeks will be pinched, smothering with kisses, or sometimes bitten by his husband. His angry face and glares only have reversed effect as it looks so cute in Zhang Wei's eyes.

The loving couple lives in happiness every day. Xiu Ying did know that the empire is having issues at the farm, port and even the border. Xiu Ying tried not to take much of Zhang Wei's time and asked him to not check on him all the time. His pregnancy is in a stable state due to extreme care from all the people around him so he doesn't want to disturb Zhang Wei with the trivial matter.

Sometimes, Xiu Ying came to the imperial study room to help Zhang Wei. At first, Zhang Wei strictly against the idea of Xiu Ying helping him out as he doesn't want to tire out his wife. But Xiu Ying insisted on staying and giving an excuse that faster they settle the problem, the more time they can spend together.

Hearing this, Zhang Wei can't help but agree. He also wished all the problems to be gone in flicked of his fingers so he could cuddle with Xiu Ying all day.

When Xiu Ying came to the imperial study room, Huang Fei Hong feels rejoice as Jing Yi also tagging along. Long ago before they were an item, Jing Yi would wait outside the room. But now, Jing Yi will wait inside the room. And most of the time, he'll be pulled to stand or sit beside Huang Fei Hong.

Jing Yi feels embarrassed at first but later on, he is already used to it. Wu Zhang Wei and Xiu Ying also didn't mind and the two couples at times tried to compete who is the sweeter couple.

However, their happiness doesn't last long. A guard who was stationed at the border came to report that five thousand armies are marching towards their border.

BANG!

Zhang Wei slams the table, making Xiu Ying flinches. Zhang Wei immediately strokes Xiu Ying back but at the same time glaring at the kneeling guard.

"Who are they? And what's their purpose?" Zhang Wei lowers his voice but the coldness still makes the guard tremble.

"Th- They are from the State of Shu. The representative said they want us to agree with their proposal. If not, they'll declare war." The guard reported.

"Hmph! This clearly shows they're trying to take advantage of us. What do they propose? And for what reason they suddenly proposing to us? It's not because they suddenly want to avenge their loss in the previous war, isn't it?" Fei Hong interrupts.

The state of Shu was one of the countries that were defeated by the Wu Empire a few years ago. They were almost totally crushed by the late emperor and Wu Zhang Wei but in the end, they raise the white flag in order to save their people and not to lose their country.

However, in the next few years, the State of Shu was struggling to stand on its feet again. Improve their economy, strengthen their army, nourish their country's resources. Until now, they're in their glorious state but not as rich as Wu Empire.

"They said... people from Wu Empire was caught sm- smuggling kids and women from the State of Xu to be slaves and prostitutes in Wu Empire. Many children and women from the State of Shu had been caught and brought to Wu Empire. That's why they want us to agree to their proposal or they'll declare war as they won't allow their people to be treated like that," The guard recite every bit of the letter that he remembered, that was sent by a representative of the State of Xu to the border.

At the moment, people from the State of Xu are camping somewhere, waiting for Wu Zhang Wei's answer.

Zhang Wei pondering for awhile before saying, "Send someone to inquire what they want. Zhen is going to listen to it first before blindly agreeing."

The guard's lips tremble. He steals a glance at Zhang Wei with an unspeakable reaction.

"What else?! Spit it out!"

The guard flinches but immediately regains his composure, "They said they will only mention the terms and conditions in front of Your Majesty. They said they won't say anything towards a mere representative. So...Your Majesty's presence is needed at the border."

"What an excuse! They could send a representative to tell us all these then why we can't do the same thing? They clearly have hidden intention!" Fei Hong shouts.

Being suppressed by the Great General, added with the emperor's domineering aura, the guard feels like crying. He inwardly cursed the captain of his team for sending him to report to the emperor.

Both Jing Yi and Xiu Ying holding tight their partner's hand or arm, calming them down.

Zhang Wei releases a sigh. He waves his hand, motioning the guard to leave. The guard immediately kowtows and turns to leave as fast as he can. He unconsciously breathes a sigh of relief when he stepped out of the room.

Zhang Wei slumps onto the chair, kneads his temple.

His wife is pregnant but now he has to leave for the border. How he wishes this matter could be settled as soon as possible but from the looks of it, things could be dragged until weeks or even months.

Right now, Zhang Wei totally despised the State of Xu. Part of him wants to crush them completely but it will cost the lives of his people so he will find the safest method that will not cost his people's lives and also not to disturb the peace in their country.

Xiu Ying is lost for words. He doesn't know how to comfort his husband. He knows how important for Wu Zhang Wei, as the emperor to go to the border but deep in his heart, he doesn't want to be apart from his husband, especially with his current condition.

But as an empress himself, he needs to care more for the people than prioritize his selfish needs. Xiu Ying sighs.

He puts his hand on Zhang Wei's shoulder and musters up his courage to say, "Your Majesty, go on. You need to hear them. I'll be fine. Lots of people taking care of me here, so worry not and...go."

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Zhang Wei lifts his head and looks at Xiu Ying's face with a faint smile plastered on his lips. He releases a heavy and long sigh. He turns to Fei Hong and Jing Yi, pointing the door with his chin, asking them to leave him and Xiu Ying alone.

As soon as Fei Hong and Jing Yi left the room, Zhang Wei pulls Xiu Ying onto his lap. With a pair of arms circling Xiu Ying's waist tightly, he said, "But...I'm worried about you. I don't want to leave you here alone but I also can't bring you along. I-"

His words were stopped when he felt soft lips land on his forehead. He blinks his eyes repeatedly. Puzzled with the sudden peck.

"I told you I'll be fine. There are guards everywhere in the palace. Guo Wei and Chang Ming are always with me. Imperial Mother also always here, can take care of me. So, there's nothing to be worried about. Right now, you have to worry about how to handle the people from the State of Shu. Try as best as you can to avoid any bloodshed. We don't want innocent people involved due to some selfish people's greediness. The lives of millions of people depend on you. So, do your best to protect our people, our country so our baby can be born into a peaceful world."

Zhang Wei looks down at the little bump on Xiu Ying's tummy. He gently strokes it and his lips curved.

He sighs with a faint smile. "Then, promise me. Never going anywhere alone. Never stay outside without being accompanied by Guo Wei and Chang Ming. If you feel any discomfort, tell the imperial mother and physician quickly. Don't delay even if it's just slightly uncomfortable, directly tell the physician. Eat on time and never skip meals. Never forget to take your medicine and tonic. Got?"

Zhang Wei said with a serious face but Xiu Ying can't help but chuckles.

"Alright, my husband. I got it. Worry more about the border. The faster you handle it, the faster you'll come back to me and our baby, okay?"

Zhang Wei pulls Xiu Ying closer and tightens the hug. They're cuddling for quite a long time, feeling reluctant to let go of each other.

In the next moment, Zhang Wei announced that he'll march to the border as soon as possible. He will bring along about four thousand troops.

Since the armies were trained by Huang Fei Hong, four thousand in enough to handle the enemy even though they're less by one thousand. He doesn't want to bring along more than that.

The capital and the palace need more protection, in case some people tried to use lure him out to attack the palace. That's why he was being cautious.

With him and Fei Hong at the border, nothing can stop them. But at the palace, his wife, family and their unborn baby, can't be left without being protected. In fact, they're worried more about the one who was left at the palace instead of themselves.

Without any delay, the very next hour, Zhang Wei, Huang Fei Hong and four thousand armies getting ready to march to the border.

Zhang Wei ordered ten of his special elite guard, like Wei Min, to protect his empress. These elite guards were personally trained to be merciless assassins. They usually stay hidden and protect the royal couple in secret.

Zhang Wei and Xiu Ying embrace in a tight hug, the same goes for Fei Hong and Jing Yi. Both couples couldn't bear to be apart from their partner and can't help but worried about their safety after their departure.

Xiu Ying and Jing Yi stand at the main gate of the palace, send off the troop with heavy hearts. Xiu Ying stands at the same spot until the troop is out of sight.

But vice versa, Zhang Wei once he turned around, didn't look back. He knows, if he steals even one more glance at his wife, for sure he'll forget his intention to go to the border and send Huang Fei Hong only.

"Ying-er, let's go inside. It's getting chilly outside so it's not good for the baby if you stay out too long," Empress Dowager Wu Jiaying said.

She also came to send off her son. She also has promised Wu Zhang Wei to take good care of Xiu Ying. Since Wu Zhang Wei is no longer around, Xiu Ying is now in good hands.

Wu Jiaying supports Xiu Ying walking back to his courtyard. Xiu Ying still has the strength to walk but he didn't push away his imperial mother and appreciated her good intention.

With the emperor being away, the state affairs were handled by Prime Minister, Lord Li Shizen. Wu Jiaying also sometimes will come and lend a hand since she knew how some other ministers and officers didn't respect Li Shizen as a superior and elder.

Meanwhile, Princess Xiaoqing came to visit Xiu Ying almost every day to accompany him. Every time she came, she saw Xiu Ying was in a daze, staring into the air.

Being a considerate girl, she didn't mention about his brother at all. She came with various desserts that will distract Xiu Ying's thoughts for a moment. Then, she'll share her experience when she traveled to other countries.

Xiu Ying enjoyed her company. But as soon as he retired at night, he feels the night is too long, cold and lonely. Lying on the big bed and no a pair of arms warming him up, Xiu Ying starts to hate the night.

At the border

It took seven days to reach the border. Wu Zhang Wei and the troop quickly settled down at their base camp. As soon as they arrived, Wu Zhang Wei didn't even return to his tent and take a rest after a long journey but directly went to see the Commander in charge.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, Greetings My Lord," said Commander Li Jun as he kowtows.

"Rise," Zhang Wei said as he and Fei Hong walk past him and went directly to the wooden table where the map was flat laid.

"Tell me the situation. What makes them suddenly accusing us of smuggling their people for slaves and prostitutes? We never allow smuggling things, whats more people, especially from our enemy's country." Fei Hong said.

Commander Li Jun stands opposite Wu Zhang Wei and Huang Fei Hong. He sighs. "Forgive me, My Lord, Your Majesty but people from the State of Shu didn't intend to tell anything to us. However, we have sent our people to sneak into their camp. Every three days, they'll send us the report. Tonight, they will return here to report everything they know." Commander Li Jun looks down, apologetically.

"Alright. It's fine. Just tell your men to be ready. Seems like they seriously got hidden intention for luring Zhen out here. It doesn't seem like a simple negotiation for a truce.. They have something else they want from us," Zhang Wei shot a deathly stare at the mark on the map that showed the State of Shu's position, clenching his fist.

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