The Great Zhou army and the South Lan army were engaged in a fierce battle near the Ji River. The fighting was exceptionally brutal, with heavy casualties on both sides.
On the list of fallen soldiers, Emperor Jingming suddenly discovered a familiar name: Jiang Zhan, son of the Earl of Dongping.
Emperor Jingming abruptly closed the long list, the image of that young man floating before his eyes.
A handsome face, bright eyes, and that radiant smile.
When he had asked the young man in the great hall what reward he desired, the young man had said that a true man should not spare himself in protecting the lands of Great Zhou.
It was precisely this that had moved him, causing him to nod and grant the young man’s request.
But now, that young man’s name appeared on the list of fallen soldiers. And he was the only son of the Earl of Dongping, the elder brother of Prince Yan’s wife… Emperor Jingming felt a headache coming on. He closed his eyes and pondered for a long while before opening them and looking at Pan Hai.
Pan Hai bowed slightly, “Does Your Majesty have any instructions?”
Emperor Jingming was silent for a moment before speaking, “First, summon Prince Yan to the palace.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Yu Jin received the summons and felt rather puzzled.
He hadn’t done anything lately, so why was he being called to the palace out of the blue?
Unable to guess the reason, Yu Jin appeared particularly well-behaved when he saw Emperor Jingming this time.
“Your son greets Imperial Father.”
Emperor Jingming gave Yu Jin a deep look, his voice slightly low, “You’re here.”
Hearing this, Yu Jin felt increasingly uneasy. He lowered his gaze and asked, “May I ask why Imperial Father has summoned me? Do you have any instructions?”
Emperor Jingming’s gaze fell on the list placed on the table. After a long moment, he handed the list to Yu Jin, “Take a look.”
Taking the list, Yu Jin suddenly felt an ominous premonition. He quickly scanned through the names and soon saw a familiar line of characters.
Those ordinary few characters felt like a sharp blade piercing his body, causing his face to suddenly turn pale.
The hand that usually gripped swords so firmly began to tremble.
Emperor Jingming remained silent, quietly watching Yu Jin.
After a long while, Yu Jin’s gaze finally moved from the list to Emperor Jingming.
Emperor Jingming spoke, “Regarding the Earl of Dongping’s household, I will send Pan Hai to offer condolences. As for your wife, you should tell her.”
Yu Jin’s lips moved, feeling an urge to stay in the palace and not leave.
What should he say?
How could he tell A’Si that Jiang Zhan had died in battle?
“Hmm?”
Yu Jin clenched his fist tightly and frankly said, “Your son cannot bring himself to say it.”
Emperor Jingming nodded in understanding and sighed.
Who could bring themselves to deliver such news about someone’s only son?
The father and son stared at each other, both falling silent.
The atmosphere became incredibly tense. Pan Hai secretly wiped away his sweat.
Prince Yan’s wife’s brother had died in battle – this was truly a devastating blow.
Although Emperor Jingming deeply regretted this, he had experienced many storms in life. He had even recently ordered the death of his son. In comparison, this was one step removed. So he spoke first, “Go on. You should tell your wife than for her to receive the news from the Earl of Dongping’s household.”
Yu Jin bit his lip and gently handed the list back to Pan Hai, “Your son takes his leave.”
He turned and walked to the door, but suddenly turned back.
Emperor Jingming was slightly startled, “What is it?”
“Imperial Father, your son wishes to know the detailed circumstances, and when brother-in-law’s remains can be brought back to the capital.”
To just go back and bluntly tell A’Si that Jiang Zhan was dead – not only would A’Si be unable to accept it, but he couldn’t accept it either.
How could that foolish, guileless man who saw good in everyone just die like that?
This was very strange. He had secretly sent people to protect him…
Hearing Yu Jin’s words, Emperor Jingming looked at Pan Hai.
Pan Hai said, “Currently, we only have this much information reported. The specific details may take another two days to arrive.”
Emperor Jingming looked back at Yu Jin and slowly said, “Go back. As soon as there’s news from the south, you’ll be informed.”
Yu Jin remained silent for a long time before cupping his hands, “Your son takes his leave.”
Leaving the palace gates, a cold wind blew, chilling Yu Jin’s cheeks.
Winter had arrived, and each day was colder than the last, but it couldn’t compare to the iciness in his heart at this moment.
How should he tell A’Si when he returns?
The sun only showed half its face, the other half hidden behind thick clouds. Though it was morning, the sky was gloomy, as if night was about to fall.
Returning to the prince’s mansion, Yu Jin didn’t immediately go to Yuhe’s courtyard. Instead, he summoned Leng Ying.