Chapter 50: A Clash of Two Princes
"Do you really think the Southern Wolf Tribe will attack this morning?"
Rong Shuyan took a slow breath before meeting his gaze. "Second Imperial Brother, whether they attack at dawn or not, we can’t afford to let our guard down, especially since you’re the General of the Cavalry. You must stay alert at all times. If the enemy attacks, you’ll need to lead your troops into battle immediately."
Rong Yunzhou narrowed his eyes. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Rong Shuyan was deliberately lecturing him.
A mocking smile slowly spread across his face. "Oh? Since when did a man who spends his days sitting in a wheelchair become qualified to teach me how to command an army?" he asked with a chuckle. "I’ve fought in battles too, Sixth Brother. I don’t need a cripple to remind me how to do my job."
The Command Tent instantly fell silent. Several generals lowered their heads, while others silently glanced at Rong Shuyan, worried about how he would react.
But Rong Shuyan remained calm. His expression didn’t change in the slightest as he rested one hand on the armrest of his wheelchair.
"My legs may not work," he said evenly, "but my mind still does."
Rong Yunzhou snorted. "Is that so? Then perhaps you should stay behind and play strategist instead of telling the real generals what to do."
"The reason I’m here," Rong Shuyan replied, his voice steady, "is because Imperial Father ordered me to assist in defending the border. Whether you like it or not, we share the same goal."
"Our goal?" Rong Yunzhou laughed loudly. "No. My goal is to defeat the Southern Wolf Tribe. Your goal is simply to avoid slowing everyone else down."
General Zhao and the other officers exchanged awkward looks. No one dared to interrupt the argument between two princes.
Rong Shuyan slowly rolled his wheelchair forward until he was directly facing Rong Yunzhou.
"If protecting the border is less important to you than protecting your pride," he said, "then you’re already making a mistake as a commander."
Rong Yunzhou’s smile disappeared. "And if hiding behind careful plans is all you can do," he shot back, "perhaps you’re simply afraid because you can’t even stand on a battlefield anymore."
Both princes stared at each other without backing down, and for a moment, it seemed as if the argument could turn into something much worse. Even the soldiers standing nearby instinctively held their breath, afraid that one wrong word would push the situation over the edge.
Rong Shuyan held Rong Yunzhou’s gaze for a few more seconds before calmly looking away. "I’ve given you a strategy to deceive the Southern Wolf Tribe. Half of the supplies have already been moved to the eastern warehouse, while the original warehouse remains guarded to make the enemy believe nothing has changed."
He paused before continuing. "I’ve also ordered several scouting teams to monitor the hidden trail day and night. The moment the Southern Wolf Tribe makes a move, we’ll know."
Rong Shuyan rested both hands on the armrests of his wheelchair and said nonchalantly, "The rest is up to you. You’re the General of the Cavalry. Leading the army and winning this battle is you and the other Generals’ responsibility."
Without waiting for a reply, Rong Shuyan turned his wheelchair toward the tent entrance. "Eunuch Shen."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Let’s go."
Eunuch Shen immediately stepped forward and pushed the wheelchair toward the exit.
As Rong Shuyan reached the entrance, he stopped without turning around. "Oh, and one more thing."
"If you’re so confident in your abilities," Rong Shuyan said evenly, "then prove it on the battlefield instead of wasting time arguing with me."
With that, he rolled out of the Command Tent. The generals instinctively stepped aside to let Prince Rui pass, each of them secretly admiring how composed he had remained throughout the argument.
Meanwhile, Rong Yunzhou’s face darkened. "Damn cripple..." he muttered through clenched teeth.
General Zhao slowly cleared his throat. "Your Highness..." he said carefully, trying to ease the tense atmosphere. "Prince Rui’s arrangements have already been completed. Shall we continue discussing today’s patrol routes?"
Rong Yunzhou let out an annoyed snort before dropping into the main seat. "Fine."
He slammed one hand onto the table. "Continue the meeting."
Even so, the anger burning inside him refused to settle. Instead of embarrassing Rong Shuyan, he somehow felt like he had been the one dismissed from the conversation and that realization only made him even more irritated.
===
On the other side, Lin Xueyi was in the medical tent to meet Physician Liu. However, she found that three other physicians were there as well.
One of them was a young woman, probably a few years older than Lin Xueyi, while the other two were men who looked to be in their late thirties.
The four physicians looked up as Lin Xueyi stepped into the tent. Physician Liu immediately smiled. "Princess Consort."
Lin Xueyi returned the greeting with a polite nod. "Physician Liu."
The other three physicians also bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Princess Consort."
Although their manners were proper, the brief glances they exchanged did not escape Lin Xueyi’s notice.
The older of the two male physicians gave her a small, courteous smile.
"We’ve heard that His Highness asked the Princess Consort to assist in the medical tent," he said calmly. "With your noble status, this place may be a little... uncomfortable. The wounded soldiers can be difficult to deal with."
His words sounded considerate, yet they also carried a suggestion that someone like her did not belong here.
The younger woman beside him added with a gentle smile, "There will also be blood, broken bones, and all kinds of injuries. Many noble ladies find it hard to bear such sights."
She wasn’t mocking Lin Xueyi. If anything, she sounded as though she was trying to spare her from unnecessary hardship.
The other physician nodded in agreement. "Princess Consort, if you simply wish to observe, that would already be more than enough. We wouldn’t want you to tire yourself."
Lin Xueyi blinked. [So... they think I’m just here to watch?]