Protect Our Chief

It was quite apparent that his retirement life with the Wang Family had rejuvenated his body and soul, making him much younger.

This was naturally credited to the abilities of Wang Lixian and Wang Shouzhe. As the Tree of Life, Wang Lixian had a remarkable effect on prolonging life. Over these five years of gradual nourishment, the physical condition of Emperor Longchang had significantly improved. Although it’s hard to calculate how much lifespan was extended, it is conservatively estimated that lasting for three to four hundred more years should not be an issue.

Emperor Longchang was also very satisfied with his current retirement life, except for two matters that remained thorns in his side.

The first matter was, of course, the issue between the beloved little Princess Wu Xue Ning of the Imperial Family and Wang Anye.

Wu Xue Ning seemed determined, firmly believing she would marry no one but Wang Anye, which made him extremely headache-inducing.

This matter, once spread, naturally caused a stir within the Imperial Family.

Even Emperor’s Son An was so enraged by this that he ignored Wang Shouzhe for a full three months, scolding Wang Zong’an multiple times in letters, and even Wang Shizhao, who stayed by Emperor’s Son An’s side to assist, got caught up in it, suffering quite a few ’small shoes’ from Emperor’s Son An.

However, the Prince Rong’s Mansion seemed invigorated, particularly supporting this matter. He even secretly spread the word that Little Princess Xue Ning and Wang Anye had been childhood sweethearts, innocent playing together since they were children.

His intentions were quite evident.

They knew that the rise of the Wang Family in the future was unstoppable, and the line of Prince Dexin had thoroughly offended both the Wang Family and Emperor’s Son An. When Emperor’s Son An ascends the throne, Prince Rong, as a prince of Prince Dexin’s line, would find his position very awkward, inevitably facing exclusion and suppression from other branches within the Imperial Family.

If there could be a chance for Little Princess Xue Ning and Little Princess Yiluo to ’serve one husband together,’ naturally it would ease relations with the Wang Family and greatly enhance their future survival space.

Of course, all this was premised on Wu Xue Ning’s own will. She was determined to marry Wang Anye, and only then did the Prince Rong’s Mansion go with the flow, fanning the flames.

With the Prince Rong’s Mansion’s stance, Emperor’s Son An also sensed some "crisis," ending the cold war with Wang Shouzhe immediately and swiftly taking action.

Half a month later, Little Princess Yiluo appeared in the Wang Family and began to pursue further studies at the Wang Clan Academy.

In the same month, Little Princess Xue Ning also entered the Wang Clan Academy, similarly engaged in further studies.

The two Little Princesses thus started their ’happy’ life residing at the Wang Family.

This matter naturally also caused quite a headache for Emperor Longchang.

Although he quite liked Wang Anye, having the two most outstanding Little Princesses of the Imperial Family of the same era both marrying the same person, and to Wang Shouzhe’s great-grandson no less, wasn’t this benefiting Wang Shouzhe?

He was truly unwilling, and every time he thought of it, he felt as if his heart were pricked by needles, causing discomfort.

The other thorn in his heart was naturally the issue of the Southern Border campaign.

Emperor Longchang could never have expected that Wang Shouzhe’s so-called "about to take action" would drag on for a full five years without much progress. Even Emperor’s Son An hadn’t issued an order for the troops to prepare for battle...

This was called "soon"?

One day, Emperor Longchang finally couldn’t hold back any longer, caught Wang Shouzhe, and then harshly lectured him with a game of black and white pieces before asking, "Wang Shouzhe, when are you and Emperor’s Son An planning to start the Southern Border expedition?"

"In response to Your Majesty," Wang Shouzhe replied respectfully, "Earlier, I also discussed this matter with Emperor’s Son An. It’s soon~soon~just the last bit of preparations left. Your Majesty just needs to patiently wait a while, and you will reap the fruits of victory."

"Hmph~~ If it weren’t for the several times you’ve helped prolong my life... forget it, forget it, you and Emperor’s Son An need to hurry," Emperor Longchang impatiently dismissed Wang Shouzhe.

A month passed.

At an Imperial Manor in the suburbs of Gui Long City.

Prince Dexin sat fishing by the Lingshui Lake, his old face even more weathered.

Over five years ago, he had heard that Emperor’s Son An was preparing for the Southern Border campaign, so he had prepared everything, waiting to deliver a crucial blow to Emperor’s Son An at the critical moment.

The result...

He had waited for more than five years.

The mental journey of Prince Dexin had evolved from initial excitement to mental tension, gradually growing impatient, until now he was completely disappointed.

Now, Wu Chengsi’s situation in the Cannon Fodder Camp was not good; he nearly died at the hands of demons twice and was now injured. If no action was taken soon, Wu Chengsi could die in the Cannon Fodder Camp, rendering everything for naught.

"Your Highness, my lord."

At this moment, Prince Dexin’s close personal attendant burst in, beaming with joy.

"It’s happening, it’s happening! We’ve received news, this time Emperor’s Son An is finally starting the campaign against the Southern Border, and the Border Army has already begun shifting defenses!"

"Good!"

Prince Dexin suddenly stood up, his despondency and aged demeanor seeming to vanish instantly, energetically declaring, "As the saying goes, ’success will come to those who persevere,’ I finally waited for this day! Chengsi, Chengsi, you must hold on."

"Give the order, proceed with our preparations according to plan. Emperor’s Son An, this time you’re definitely doomed!"

"Hahaha~" A burst of laughter echoed once more within the Imperial Manor.

...

Time flew by.

In the blink of an eye, Emperor Longchang had already been ’staying’ with the Wang Family for ten years, and the year had reached 3258 of the Great Qianlong Chang era.