HBBMAWH Chapter 99

Jiang Manyue originally thought he could prevent some of the bad things from his previous life from happening again, and these things weren't particularly difficult, so he did them casually. But he never expected deviations in the course of events in this life.

Just like this time, the difference of a single word between Qingchang and Qingyang. Was it destined that this disaster couldn't be avoided?

No. Jiang Manyue wasn't a pessimistic person, he didn't believe in fate, he believed in people's ability to change destiny.

Perhaps he was just a weak individual, not possessing immense power, unable to influence the bigger picture, but if there were things he could do effortlessly, it would be too cowardly to remain indifferent.

Moreover, the soldiers who were strangers to him at this moment were once his comrades-in-arms, fighting against common enemies.

Perhaps because the world had reset, those intersections had long vanished, but the memories remained vivid in Jiang Manyue's heart. The snowy fields, the cXierliing iron armor, the thunderous drums of war, and the warmth of camaraderie over a cup of wine.

The blood shed and the roads traveled would leave traces in the heart.

Even though people said Jiang Manyue had a heart as cold as ice, as cold and hard as iron. Even if his subordinates died one by one before him, he wouldn't bat an eyelid.

But perhaps only Yan Cai knew that Jiang Manyue wasn't entirely cold-hearted. His heart was enveloped in layers of frost, concealing his tenderness and warmth.

It's just that few could feel this warmth. Only Yan Cai and his son had experienced the unique affection of Jiang Manyue.

But this didn't mean he didn't care about his subordinates. As a general, he cherished his soldiers. No general could fight alone; his success was achieved with the blood and sweat of thousands of ordinary soldiers.

Jiang Manyue could even recall some small details.

One year, he was hit by an enemy arrow. A young soldier who took care of him cried profusely. The soldier was only fifteen years old when he arrived at the military camp, and it was winter, he didn't even have a winter coat. Jiang Manyue gave him an old coat he no longer wore.

There was also a time when they won a great victory, and the smiles of victory were evident on everyone's faces. That night, they roasted lamb and drank hot wine to celebrate. Jiang Manyue rarely drank alcohol in the army, but he was persuaded by a few people and ended up drunk.

At first, they were intimidated by Jiang Manyue. Such a young commander, leading a monotonous life, seemingly devoid of hobbies, rarely smiling, always icy and distant, most people feared him. When he became severe, he showed no mercy to anyone.

There was also a time when they lost and many comrades died. The survivors wiped away their tears and carried the bodies of their fallen comrades back from the battlefield, eventually creating a mass grave without any inscription.

Beneath the tomb lay the brothers they fought alongside. Their names and identities were unknown .

Jiang Manyue also wondered if he would be hastily buried in such a foreign land after his death, forgotten by people over time as the years passed by. 

When people passed by his grave in years to come and saw the words on the tombstone, they would only sigh, "So he was a general."

It was precisely these fragments of memories that Jiang Manyue thought he had long forgotten that kept him from completely cutting himself off from those former comrades who had no connection to his current life.

In his previous, more lonely life without Yan Cai and his son, his comrades had appeared in Jiang Manyue's life amidst wind, frost, and desert.

Bang! A loud noise snapped Jiang Manyue out of his reverie. Emperor Taifeng was furious beyond measure. How dare the Beirong people act so brazenly, insulting the people of the Chen Dynasty. If they didn't retaliate, where would the dignity of the Chen Dynasty go? What about the prestige of the dynasty? How would the people view him?

In this world, there's no such thing as being insulted and not fighting back.

"Since Beirong has challenged the dignity of our nation, how can our dynasty tolerate such audacity? How can we not retaliate?! Otherwise, where is the dignity of a great nation? Others will ridicule the Chen Dynasty for being so humiliated, and how can I explain to the people? Fight! We must fight back and beat the Beirong people down! I—I will personally lead the expedition... cough, cough!"

As Emperor Taifeng became more impassioned, he couldn't help but cough, his face and neck reddening from the effort.

"Your Majesty, please take care of your health!" the people in the hall exclaimed hastily.

"It's nothing." Emperor Taifeng waved his hand tiredly. "I just choked, it's nothing serious."

"Your Majesty, please think twice. Your Majesty's life is worth more than any treasure. How can you personally venture to a distant land, disregarding your own safety? Your Majesty, please think twice!" Wang Xie, who had always been loyal to the Emperor and would die for him, knelt on the ground, bowing three times in a row, begging the Emperor not to act impulsively.

Emperor Taifeng felt helpless. Wang Xie, who was usually obedient, was being stubborn at the moment. However, Emperor Taifeng also regretted his own words. He was getting old and couldn't bear the strain of such journeys anymore. Sooner or later, his bones would scatter.

The idea of personally leading the expedition was just boasting.

Getting old... Emperor Taifeng couldn't help feeling bitter. If he were twenty years younger, he wouldn't care about anything else. He would give those Beirong people a good beating right now, let them know that the Chen Dynasty was not to be trifled with. Those who dared to violate it, no matter how far away, would be punished!

Fortunately, everyone was persuading him. As long as Emperor Taifeng followed everyone's advice, this matter would pass. The idea of personally leading the expedition was indeed still there, but encouraging the soldiers didn't necessarily mean he had to personally take action

Emperor Taifeng's gaze fell on his sons. Apart from the Fifth Prince, who was young and hadn't participated in political affairs, the other princes were already cultivating their ability to manage political affairs.

Jiang Manyue had already sensed that something was amiss. While everyone else was kneeling and advising the Emperor to think twice, Jiang Manyue had already pondered the Emperor's intentions. At this moment, he understood the Emperor's gaze.

But none of the three princes made a move. Normally, it would be common for them to express loyalty to the Emperor at this moment and offer to go on behalf of their father. But all of them remained silent as if they were mute.

The Emperor's eyes showed a hint of disappointment.

He was waiting for one of his sons to step forward and express willingness to go on his behalf. But evidently, none of them wanted to.

Emperor Taifeng understood their thoughts, and Jiang Manyue immediately understood as well. Even the thoughts of the Emperor and the princes were clear.

Emperor Taifeng wanted to test the loyalty and filial piety of his sons, but the three princes were genuinely afraid of going to war.

Apart from the possibility of dying on the battlefield, there was another thing that worried them enough.

That was Emperor Taifeng's health... The way he coughed just now made them all doubt whether he might suddenly pass away while they were fighting outside. If that happened, it would be a huge advantage for those remaining in the capital. 

Who knew if there would be any problems at that time, and even if the decree left behind specified the one who was outside, it would be difficult for him to return and inherit on the designated day.

So no one wanted to speak up first. So, obviously Emperor Taifeng became angry, and the others noticed it too. So, they reluctantly spoke up, saying they were willing.

However, their initial reaction had already been seen by the Emperor. Even if they declared their willingness now, they couldn't win a shred of trust from the Emperor.

The Emperor only felt a cXierli in his heart. Were these people all looking forward to the day when he dies?

The imperial edict giving instructions to the border has long been issued. Regardless of whether there was a personal expedition, the battle had to be fought. However, Emperor Taifeng didn't fully trust Liu Neng's ability, so he wanted to find another trustworthy person to serve as the Grand Marshal.

Originally, the most suitable candidate for this position was to choose one of the princes. Since ancient times, most Grand Marshals had been chosen from among the princes. Emperor Taifeng had even figured out that whichever son went, he would be conferred the title of a named prince.

So far, none of the princes had been conferred the title of prince. But now, Emperor Taifeng was very disappointed in them.

Unbeknownst to them, the reward was far away from them.

However, in the afternoon, Emperor Taifeng suddenly received a self-recommendation.

Frowning, he was somewhat amused and puzzled. Why would Yan Cai volunteer for this task out of the blue, without seeing any of his own sons willing to do it? Were they all avoiding danger and afraid of death?

"Silly child, with your small stature, why would you go to the battlefield? Aren't you afraid that when the time comes, swords and spears won't have eyes and might injure you?"

Yan Cai raised his slender arm and said very seriously, "No, I'm very capable. They can't beat me." Including Jiang Manyue.

The Emperor looked at his arm and felt even more uncertain. Wouldn't he be easily overpowered with just a finger?

"What's going on with Jiang Manyue, asking you to do this errand?" The Emperor instinctively felt that Jiang Manyue was behind this, thinking he cared a lot about it.

Unexpectedly, Yan Cai quickly shook his head.

"No! It's not! Manyue doesn't know. I volunteered on my own initiative."

The author has something to say:

Yan Cai raises his slender arm: I'm very capable!

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