Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life-Chapter 1037 - 1026: The Undefeated General

"General Ye, summer is approaching, and the wildflowers in the East Suburb are in full bloom during this season. How about we ride and enjoy the flowers together?" Before leaving, the Second Prince extended an invitation with deep affection, disregarding the Crown Prince’s displeased expression.

"Since Second Brother is so interested, why don’t we go together then? I have not yet seen the flowers in the East Suburb," the Crown Prince interrupted before Ye Qiu could respond.

Although he knew Ye Qiu’s character and ambition, he was still worried that Ye Qiu might be swayed by his second brother. The Zhang Family’s influence was already significant, with Noble Princess Consort Zhang controlling the harem. If they secured General Ye and the Ye Family Army behind her, even with Father Emperor’s support, his path would only be fraught with difficulties and obstacles.

"What is the Crown Prince worried about? Afraid that I’ll get there first? Such matters depend on fate, but if the Crown Prince wants to go to the East Suburb, I naturally won’t interfere," the Second Prince said with a grin, showing no regard for the Crown Prince’s dignity.

Beside them, Tong Yingxin, who admired the Crown Prince, wanted to help him refute but was also jealous that he had feelings for Ye Qiu. She twisted her handkerchief in frustration.

Shang Wenjun was also anxious. She knew the Crown Prince pursued Ye Qiu for the Ye Family Army and her reputation. She herself was not lacking; her father was the Prime Minister and could equally support the Crown Prince.

But the problem was her father had more than one daughter. He wouldn’t risk his current power and position just to secure a Crown Princess Consort’s title for her. Plus, she had two brothers who were accomplished scholars and young talents, causing the Emperor to be cautious of her family, fearing foreign relatives’ influence if she became Crown Princess Consort.

Similarly, the Ye Family’s reputation and power rivaled that of the Prime Minister’s Mansion. However, the current head of the Ye Family is Ye Qiu, a woman. If Ye Qiu marries, she would no longer be part of the Ye Family, and the glory belonging to the Ye Family would gradually fade.

Furthermore, even if Ye Qiu cared about her maternal family, her nephew is not yet nine years old; it would take at least eight or nine years for him to gain recognition and power. By then, not only might the Crown Prince already wield authority, but Ye Qiu herself might be with child. At that time, who would be more important, her own child or her nephew?

Therefore, the Emperor considered making Ye Qiu the Crown Princess Consort, as long as she could protect the Crown Prince’s succession and help stabilize the court. She would be the most suitable choice.

As for herself, unless the Emperor passed away and the Crown Prince took power, she would never have the chance to stand openly by his side.

But how many more years will that take? She is already sixteen, and if this continues, not only will outsiders talk about her, but her youth will wither. Would the Crown Prince still have unwavering affection for her then?

Shang Wenjun dared not gamble but had no choice. She knew she couldn’t blame anyone but herself for loving the Crown Prince.

However, besides him, she couldn’t find any man better than him. She was always exceptional, so naturally only the best man in the world could match her.

Shang Wenjun reaffirmed her confidence, telling herself not to worry—everything would improve, and Ye Qiu was only temporarily in the spotlight; the Crown Prince’s pursuit was merely for advantage.

"I want to go too," Tong Yingxin interjected in the conversation between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince while Shang Wenjun was deep in thoughts about her future.

The Third Prince smiled slightly, "Why don’t we all go together? How about setting it as our plan? We shall meet again then."

Three men and three women arranged for an early summer outing to the East Suburb, but unfortunately, the plan was destined never to be fulfilled.

In early February, news came from the border that barbarians raided several towns. Unfortunately, the barbarians were cunning, evading capture each time. Great General Cheng Hu had no choice but to dispatch generals to guard vital towns.

However, this dispersed the troops. In early March, the chief warrior of the Barbarian Tribe led an attack on the border at Wuqiao Ridge. Although the soldiers suffered few losses, the stronghold was lost, and Great General Cheng Hu sustained severe injuries, nearly losing his entire right arm.

Panic spread across the border, with rumors that Zaha sought revenge for his apprentice Zha Bu, demanding Darong Dynasty hand over Ye Qiu, threatening more fierce attacks otherwise.

"Your Majesty, I request to lead the army into battle," Ye Qiu knelt in the center of the hall, asking for orders.

"This..." The old Emperor hesitated. It was hard enough to summon Ye Qiu back to court—could he send her to command the Ye Family Army again? The Ye Family’s influence was already substantial at the border; he feared the border people and soldiers would recognize only the Ye Family, not their Emperor.

"Your Majesty, I believe Zaha merely won by chance. If we truly send General Ye, wouldn’t it make us a laughingstock, suggesting we fear him? Warfare is not a simple matter; I think he’s merely bluffing." A minister stepped forward and said.

"Zaha is the foremost warrior among the barbarians and holds great prestige in their tribe. He previously seized several of our towns, which shows the war isn’t fake. Chen believes it might be better to heed Zaha’s words and let General Ye negotiate with him," another minister suggested, seeking tranquility.

Ye Qiu’s eyes grew cold—what did they mean by sending her to negotiate with Zaha? Wouldn’t that be sending her to die in exchange for border peace?

"Nonsense, a general is a key minister of our dynasty, someone who has served the nation valiantly. How can we send General Ye to die?" One comparatively upright minister rebuked the suggestion.

"Mr. Li, don’t be upset. I didn’t say to send General Ye to die. General Ye once captured Pinghu Pass for us, and surely those barbarians fear her. I suggest General Ye to intimidate them," that official from Chen said leisurely.

"If your words are so powerful, why don’t you negotiate with the barbarians? Surely you can talk your way to conquering a town."

"You’re utterly unreasonable!"

"I think you’re the one with ill intentions!"

"Enough!" The old Emperor sighed, frustrated, and looked at Prime Minister Shang, who hadn’t spoken. "Prime Minister, what do you suggest we do about this matter?"

Startled, Prime Minister Shang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe General Ye is someone who has done great service to the nation. She shouldn’t be used according to Zaha’s words."

"Cunning old man," muttered the old Emperor. "Are you suggesting that General Ye should lead the army into battle?"

At these words, Prime Minister Shang knelt in a startle, "Your Majesty, how can a subject like me make such a decision? However, with our Darong Dynasty flourishing under Your Majesty’s leadership, if a grudge arises from the border, it might diminish Your Majesty’s glorious achievements in history books."

"The old thing still won’t speak plainly, rattling on about nothing, but I understand your meaning," the old Emperor retorted with a chuckling curse, fixing his gaze back on Ye Qiu. The hall fell completely silent.