ITVCFITB CHAPTER 56

Chapter 56 – Entering the City!

In the end, Emperor Tiansheng still had men prepare the talents, seeds, and supplies written on Li Mingjin’s list. He indulged his willful son this once, and seeing Mingjin’s elated expression, he even felt it worthwhile. After all, the north was different, while the capital would soon be enjoying the warmth of early spring, the frontier would still be buried in frost. The more prepared they were, the more secure he felt.

As the New Year atmosphere faded, more and more people learned that Luo Shuyu would accompany Li Mingjin north. Even Luo Renshou personally visited the Third Prince’s residence. Outside, rumors spread that the journey was more like a “northern outing.” Servants of the Third Prince’s mansion were constantly buying this and that, loading carts with all manner of goods. Not to be outdone, Luo Renshou dragged along a wagon of supplies of questionable usefulness and presented them with fanfare.

To Luo Shuyu’s surprise, the items weren’t jewels or baubles, but practical provisions, worth keeping. He accepted them all. Even the old madam of the Luo family sent a thick winter robe and a pair of fur-lined deer leather boots for Li Mingjin.

Having accepted their gifts, Luo Shuyu’s attitude toward Luo Renshou softened ever so slightly.

Luo Renshou was flustered to earn even a faint smile. In truth, he was merely riding the winds. If not for the Emperor’s open favor toward the Third Prince, he would never have hurried to ingratiate himself so eagerly.

He also “returned the favor,” revealing Shen Mingyun’s latest movements: come spring, Shen Mingyun would accompany the Fourth Prince south.

South? With the Fourth Prince?

Luo Shuyu hadn’t expected that. Shen Mingyun had just miscarried, his body couldn’t have fully recovered. Yet already he was chasing after points, switching settings, changing theaters. His affection for the Fourth Prince wasn’t as deep as it seemed. And once cracks appeared in their bond, especially since the loss of the first child, tensions would only fester.

But what would Shen Mingyun do once in the south? If the system guided him to amass reputation as before, or rack up political achievements, it might give them leverage.

When Luo Renshou left, Luo Shuyu immediately told Li Mingjin.

The Fourth Prince’s southern expedition was no small matter. After some thought, Mingjin shared his own judgment:

“Our men are already embedded by Fourth Brother’s side. Besides, the south is no easy posting. Lin Guifei’s clan rules the local lands, domineering for years. Local officials and merchants collude. My fourth brother will likely face assassination before even reaching Tong’an. Whether he makes it there alive is another question.”

The book had only detailed the northern campaign. Luo Shuyu knew little about the famine and unrest in the south. In his previous life, the Lin clan must have buried the chaos before it reached the Emperor’s ears. If his rebirth had changed the path and if the Fourth Prince was to be sent south, then perhaps it carried greater meaning.

Still, Luo Shuyu worried. Shen Mingyun was a wild card. With that system feeding him information, he could always turn crises into opportunities, earning fame and fortune.

“Don’t fret,” Mingjin reassured. “Our people will report back regularly.”

He, too, found it odd, his consort cared less about the powerful Crown Prince and Eldest Prince, yet fretted over Fourth Brother and his strange spouse. Was Shen Mingyun truly that capable?

But worrying changed nothing. Soon they would go north, while Fourth Prince and Shen Mingyun marched south. Two paths, two fates, only time would prove who seized destiny’s hand.

If Fourth Brother succeeded, he’d strike at the Eldest Prince’s faction and win the Emperor’s trust. If he failed… that would be to their advantage.

The day of departure drew near.

On the final night, an unexpected visitor arrived: a eunuch claiming to serve Virtuous Consort Wei, bearing a letter and the personal command token of the Northern General.

Luo Shuyu recognized the man. Mingjin asked bluntly: “What does His Highness mean by this?”

They’d never met General Wei in person. Why send such a token now?

The eunuch relayed: “His Highness said that he and Third Prince Consort are of like mind. The road north is perilous. This token will safeguard your lives.”

The north was General Wei’s domain, all commanders his protégés. To them, Mingjin was still a green youth. They’d hardly obey his orders. With this token, however…

It was a gift like fire in winter.

Luo Shuyu and Mingjin exchanged glances before replying: “Tell His Highness, Shuyu thanks him for his grace and understands his intent.”

When the eunuch left, Shuyu still voiced unease: “Why would General Wei entrust this to us?”

Mingjin answered:

“Because the tree that grows too tall catches the wind. The Wei clan has fought for the throne for generations, but another step up and he’d be a king in all but name. Already, the people in the north revere the General more than Father. He never chose a faction, and His Highness bore no heirs, leaving themselves an escape. But he’s old now. His sons are capable, too capable. That breeds suspicion. To avoid suppression, they must reach for balance. Giving us this token is their way of extending a hand.”

Shuyu sighed: “So many layers of intrigue.”

In the book, the Fourth Prince had suffered General Wei’s men’s disdain, leading him and Shen Mingyun to retaliate. Wei’s sons paid dearly, one dead, one maimed. The family fell.

But now, in this life, things were different. Perhaps the Wei clan had placed their bet on them instead.

At last, it was time.

The Emperor personally consulted the astrologers for an auspicious day. And when departure came, he himself escorted them to the gates.

Luo Renshou came too, hoping for a touching display of father and son. Shuyu stood at Mingjin’s side the whole time, denying him even that.

The hour struck. Shuyu boarded the carriage, Mingjin mounted his horse. Before the Emperor and all the ministers, they rode out of the capital.

Pulling aside the carriage curtain, Shuyu gazed out. For the first time in two lives, he was truly leaving the capital, truly leaving behind Shen Mingyun. He felt a rare ease in his chest.

But he would return. To claim what was theirs.

North they rode.

The farther they went, the colder it grew. Even swaddled in furs inside the padded carriage, Shuyu felt the bite of the wind. Snow clung thick on the mountainsides, unmelted even in March.

The first three days he’d leaned out often to watch. After that, the novelty wore thin. Beauty dulled with repetition. They were traveling, not hosting snow banquets.

By the seventh day, the routine had set in. Scouts reported a flat plain a Li ahead, good for camp.

Mingjin had begun with five thousand men, but after his petitions the Emperor granted two thousand more. Still, few among them had northern experience. Every halt meant drilling discipline.

When they camped, even the Prince himself lent a hand, helping pitch tents, shovel snow, tend fires. Shuyu too carried bedding and shared the plain rations. Rabbit one night, cabbage soup another. Soldiers saw it all. Their lord and his consort endured what they endured. No tantrums, no airs.

Rumors back in the city had painted a spoiled prince and a delicate spouse. The reality shocked them. Thus, respect grew.

Even the unwilling officials, shoved into this journey as punishment, found themselves silenced. If the Prince and his consort bore hardship without complaint, what excuse had they?

A month later, at last, the northern frontier came into sight.

Mingjin lifted Shuyu before him on horseback. Shuyu leaned back against his chest.

“We’re here, Your Highness.”

The land was bleak, harsher than the capital. Mingjin asked, “Are you afraid? We don’t know how long we’ll live here.”

Shuyu shook his head. “I’m not afraid. I believe we’ll make it better.”

This would be their first battlefield.

Mingjin’s eyes gleamed. He raised his hand. “Into the city!”

Shuyu had never heard his voice so loud, so alive. Like a bird breaking from its cage. Mingjin was a hawk who had finally found the sky that belonged to him.

No chains could hold him now.

Fly, Your Highness.

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Author’s Note:
Third Prince: Wife, onto the kang bed!
Luo Shuyu: …

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Little note(s):
Li: 500 meters or a third of a mile/0.31 miles