Although these days seemed to pass in calm waters, in fact, Chu Qing's heart had been in a constant state of unease.
It was all because of what the little meatball had said last time about a catastrophe awaiting her and Wei Ying. When she tried to ask for details, the little meatball said that the secrets of heaven must not be revealed.
The secrets of heaven?
Chu Qing sneered.
Such things as the secrets of heaven were truly laughable.
But just as she was about to say something, the little meatball fell silent again.
If only she could reach it now, this little thing's life would surely be in jeopardy!
After that day, since the little meatball had so irresponsibly told her this, she started to be extremely cautious in everything she did.
There was nothing she could do. As people got older, they became rather afraid of catastrophes.
Although she had already forgotten that she was now in the prime of her youth.
...
In short, from then on, every time she and Wei Ying had a meal, she would carefully check the food with a silver needle to see if it was poisoned. Or every time they went out, she would drag Wei Ying along with a large group of secret guards, fearing an assassination. Or every time she talked to Wei Ying, she would speak softly and tenderly. Even if she had different opinions, she would try her best to find common ground. After all, quarrels could also be considered a kind of... catastrophe, right?
Even...
In some inevitable matters, Chu Qing was extremely careful, fearing any misfortune. After all, in the intimacy of the bedchamber, there could also be some unexpected accidents...
However, this really gave Wei Ying a hard time.
A person who had tasted the pleasures of love was bound to be somewhat addicted to such things. Every time he tried to arouse Chu Qing, she didn't refuse, but often did some strange things.
For example, she insisted on keeping the lights on.
Another example was that she only limited them to a few... fixed... positions. If Wei Ying wanted to try something... new... he would be gently refused by Chu Qing.
Yet another example was that she would always... focus on some strange points.
If it weren't for his strong heart, his performance in certain aspects would surely be affected to some extent. If this got out, the once glorious reputation of the Prince of Ning would be ruined...
"You've been so strange these days..." Finally, Wei Ying couldn't help but ask.
Chu Qing forced a smile and replied, "Hmm... Strange? I don't think so!"
How could Wei Ying miss the evasion in Chu Qing's eyes? He pretended to be a little angry and said, "You're hiding something from me."
It wasn't a question but a statement.
Seeing that she couldn't hide it from him, Chu Qing could only half - truthfully say, "Well, a few days ago, I met a fortune - teller on the street... He said... I might have a catastrophe in the near future..."
Wei Ying leaned closer to Chu Qing, raising his eyebrows and asking, "Really?"
"Absolutely true." Chu Qing looked serious.
"So that's why you..."
"Just taking precautions." Chu Qing looked matter - of - fact.
Suddenly, Wei Ying took Chu Qing's hand. His voice was gentle: "With me here, everything will turn out for the better. You don't have to worry too much."
Chu Qing blushed and then lowered her eyes to hide the deeper worry in them.
Who was she worried about? It was clearly him, not herself!
Yet this silly boy still wanted to protect her. It really made her like him more and more uncontrollably.
Seeing Chu Qing's obedient look with her head down, Wei Ying couldn't help but reach out and touch her hair.
Chu Qing's hair was soft and smooth. He always couldn't resist touching it a few times.
And while enjoying this feeling, Chu Qing was also secretly despising herself.
Why did she like this feeling of being treated like a child more and more? Could it be that as she got older, this kind of psychology would become stronger?
This increasingly childish psychology was really driving her crazy.
...
Everything seemed calm on the surface.
After a few more idle days, Chu Qing and Wei Ying were suddenly summoned to the palace. After entering, Wei Ying directly took her to the emperor's imperial study.
After pushing open the door, the figure in bright yellow slowly turned around.
"You've finally come." The emperor sighed and said.
Wei Ying frowned and got straight to the point: "You sent me a secret letter. Has something serious happened?"
"The Western Liang suddenly launched a night attack on Hengshan and has captured Chuanzhou. In a few days, they may attack Qingzhou."
"What?!" Chu Qing and Wei Ying exclaimed in shock.
How long had it been since Hu Yan Longhao left? It seemed that he had just arrived in the Western Liang and then turned around to attack their Great Yan?
However, the possibility was extremely low.
The most likely scenario was... While Hu Yan Longhao was in their capital, the Western Liang had already started to stir!
Hu Yan Longhao's so - called visit and the idea of a marriage alliance were probably just a cover. He should have colluded with his always - feuding elder brother, Hu Yan Longchang!
Hu Yan Longhao blinded their eyes, while Hu Yan Longchang led the troops to launch a surprise attack!
They all thought that the two were in a hostile relationship and would not cooperate, but... they were wrong after all!
Chu Qing knew a little about the main cities of the Great Yan. In her previous life, although she had never traveled far, she often studied local history records.
The Great Yan was located in the Central Plains, while the Western Liang was to the west of the Great Yan, said to be in a high - altitude area. To the north of the Great Yan were the nomadic tribes on the grasslands. There were many tribes that had not yet united into a country. These nomadic tribes were busy with tribal wars, so they rarely participated in the disputes between the Great Yan and the Western Liang.
Finally, there was the coastal country in the east of the Great Yan, Dongyi.
Dongyi was rich, and the Dongyi people were extremely gentle in nature.
Therefore, Dongyi and the Great Yan got along well and even had trade relations.
Now, the Hengshan captured by the Western Liang was the border area between it and the Great Yan. To the east of Hengshan was Chuanzhou, which could be said to be the most important city on the border of the Great Yan. Once it fell...
The emperor's face was extremely ugly at this time, and Wei Ying also looked gloomy.
They had underestimated the Western Liang after all!
Once Hu Yan Longhao and Hu Yan Longchang joined forces, their strength should not be underestimated. Hu Yan Longchang was brave and good at fighting, while Hu Yan Longhao was good at scheming.
"Presumably, one or two months ago, these two had already reached an agreement on cooperation. Hu Yan Longchang was responsible for a slow surprise attack, while Hu Yan Longhao was responsible for creating some small disturbances to divert our attention. Even Xu Han before might have been just his pawn. He knew our personalities, so he deliberately sent Hu Yan Zhuoyi to the Prince of Ning's mansion, making us have to suspect his motives." Wei Ying analyzed coldly. The more he spoke, the stronger the killing intent in his eyes became.
"So..." Chu Qing couldn't help but frown and said, "His goal from the beginning to the end was only one: to disrupt our sight."
"I really underestimated him!" The emperor coldly continued.
"Your Majesty, time is of the essence. I'll set off for Qingzhou tonight. With my speed, I should be able to arrive before them."
Hearing Wei Ying's words, the emperor nodded.
He was quite confident in Wei Ying.
Perhaps thinking of something, the emperor continued, "General Huo will go with you, but his speed may be a few days slower than yours."
Wei Ying raised his eyebrows and said, "He's at such an old age. How could Your Majesty bear to let him go to the battlefield?"
"He voluntarily submitted a letter asking for battle."