“As long as you don't mind my old age, girl. Your father has been extremely busy this year. He only sent a letter when he got injured and had some time off. He even asked me to take care of you. I was surprised at that time because you were in the capital and I thought there was no way I could reach you. Who would have thought we'd meet today?”
No wonder, Su Wan'er sighed. As the main general in the northwest, her father was naturally busy every day, and it was inevitable that he had neglected his old friend. However, since Uncle Han had brought this up, it was obvious that he intended to help her in the future, which made her feel much more at ease.
“I do need Uncle's care. I just arrived and know nothing. I encountered such a thing on my first day. I never thought there would be someone like Lieutenant Su.” Feeling at ease, Su Wan'er just spoke her mind.
“Wan'er has grown up. You did a great job just now. Your words convinced everyone, and by mentioning General Gu, you boosted our morale. It was really good. In my opinion, that old fool has lived for so many years but is not as calm as you.”
Naturally, Su Wan'er was happy to hear such praise. When she was a child, she often felt that she knew nothing, but Uncle Han seemed to know everything. Sometimes he was even more capable than her father.
“Uncle, you're making me blush with your praise.”
“Hey, I'm not the only one praising you. When the late emperor was alive, he also praised you highly in front of me and your father.” General Han laughed heartily. But Su Wan'er sensed something amiss. Since Uncle Han often entered the palace to meet the emperor, how could he not know that she was the daughter of the Su family who had married into the palace as the queen?
Or... was he deliberately avoiding the topic?
“By the way, I can see that General Gu is very kind to you.” General Han looked at her, as if trying to gauge her reaction.
“Yes, we've grown up together since childhood, so of course we're close.” Su Wan'er had to be cautious and gave a vague answer.
“You're not young anymore this year. I've seen that he's put in a lot of effort these days waiting for you. He has good intentions and is a good candidate.” General Han seemed to be playing matchmaker, but Su Wan'er always felt that he was probing for something.
“Er, cough, Uncle, you've misunderstood. I only see him as an elder brother. I have no such feelings for him.” Su Wan'er answered truthfully.
“Hey, such a good young man, you shouldn't miss him. Or do you really have no such intentions towards him?” General Han pressed further.
“Yes. A great battle is approaching, and both my father and elder brother are injured. I don't want to think about this now.”
“Is that so...”
After chatting with General Han for a while, Su Wan'er went back to discuss future strategies with Gu Jingtian. But she wasn't sure if the current Uncle Han was still the same as before.
“Wan'er did a great job today. I originally thought that you should first go and have a small battle to gain some fame. It would be easier to take power after that.” Gu Jingtian looked at her with a smile in his eyes. His younger sister Wan'er had never let him down.
“Hmm...” Su Wan'er was deep in thought.
“Judging from today's situation... Well, Brother Jingtian, why don't you just keep the position of marshal? I'll assist you by your side. It'll be the same.” If she said she wasn't afraid, that would be a lie. Just a collateral uncle from the Su family could shout and try to take power today. The most crucial thing was that not a single person could firmly support her.
“Absolutely not. You saw it too. When the Su family was mentioned today, everyone thought it was reasonable. Even Lieutenant Su was more popular than me.” Gu Jingtian said self - deprecatingly.
“Wan'er, only after you establish your prestige and then take power can you stabilize the army. The most important thing now is not how to fight against the Southern Border. We must first settle our internal affairs before dealing with external threats. Otherwise, even if we defeat the Southern Border, the Su family's army may fall into chaos, and there's even a risk of someone proclaiming themselves king.”
“...” How could it be like this? When the reality was presented in front of Su Wan'er, she suddenly found it cruel. In the past... the Su family and the Su family's army were her reliance, the things she trusted and was most proud of. But now, she had come, leaving everything behind, yet the reality told her that the Su family's army might rebel at any time.
“Okay! I'll do my best to return a complete Su family's army to Big Brother before he comes back.”
“Who's there!” Gu Jingtian suddenly noticed a dark shadow flashing past the window.
Su Wan'er used her light - footed skill and rushed out like the wind.
But there was no one outside. The two of them searched around the tent but found nothing unusual. Not far away, General Han and several other generals seemed to be assembling and training the troops.
“Generals, sorry to bother you.” Su Wan'er clasped her fists in salute. “Have you seen any suspicious people?”
“No.” “No, we haven't.” Everyone answered in unison.
“What's going on? Is there a situation?” General Han came out and asked. “Could it be someone from the Southern Border? The Yuwen family has been very active recently.”
“Maybe I was mistaken?” Su Wan'er asked Gu Jingtian. She didn't think it was the work of the Southern Border people.
“It's okay. We won't disturb the generals' training anymore.” Gu Jingtian pulled Su Wan'er away.
Both of them sensed that something was very wrong. When General Su had an accident, it was because he led the elite troops to raid the enemy's camp and was ambushed. Even the stupidest people from the Southern Border wouldn't come deep into the camp for this reason. After all, there were our troops everywhere here. Once they came, they wouldn't be able to get out.
“Now, what about Uncle Han? How has he been these years?” Su Wan'er couldn't help but inquire about him.
“He's always been an honest and loyal person. But when I was acting as the marshal, he showed a little dissatisfaction. However, as soon as the imperial edict came out, he became a supporter.” Gu Jingtian carefully recalled General Han's performance these days.
“It's okay if he's loyal, but Uncle Han has always been very talented. He was very outstanding back then. He can't be called just an honest person, right?” Su Wan'er was puzzled.
“No... Since Uncle Su was transferred away and Big Brother Su took over as the marshal, I've also been wondering. General Han seems to have suddenly become the most ordinary one. He never likes to take the lead when something happens. At first, Big Brother Su and I noticed this. Later, Big Brother Su said that maybe he was getting old and couldn't do as much as before. But judging from his fighting stance today, he still seems to be in good shape.” Only now did Gu Jingtian realize that this veteran general had been hiding his edge for the past few years. Although he was in a high position, he was not very noticeable.
“Let's not talk about him for now. In my opinion, I'll assign five thousand elite soldiers to you tomorrow. Before your elder brother left, he always wanted to capture their grain and forage camp, but unfortunately, he was poisoned by a gu. You can go and accomplish what he couldn't. Then you'll naturally establish your prestige.”
“Great. I have a way to deal with the gu worms. The gu of the Yuwen family in the Southern Border has no effect on me. I'll go and meet them.” Su Wan'er was immediately filled with enthusiasm. She was finally going to lead troops again!
“Wan'er, do you want to rest for a day? Think it over clearly. This time, you have to lead the troops alone. I can't help you, or else it will be hard to convince the masses.” Gu Jingtian was full of worry.