Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 263 Take care of yourself

To be honest, Jiu Que's actions on the border over the past month have been far too significant. While they might have been concealed within the Northern General's camp, the chicken farm and wool mill are frequented by the soldiers' families—a large and gossipy place where it's impossible for any information to leak out. Furthermore, everyone was previously busy building heated kang beds; in this day and age, everyone has relatives and friends, and a heated kang bed can be a lifesaver in winter. It's perfectly normal to want to share this good news with family and friends. Therefore, the entire Northern Border is now grateful for Jiu Que's actions.

Perhaps this is why Jiu Que is so conspicuous. She was already favored by the current emperor, her rise to prominence unparalleled. It was precisely because of her unparalleled glory in court that she aroused even more jealousy among her colleagues. Just as Jiu Que herself chose to serve in the northern border, with countless people appearing before the emperor daily, she deliberately chose this time to distance herself from the court. It would be strange if the ministers didn't seize this opportunity to completely oust her. Having already placed a woman in the position of earl, did they really intend to let her rise even higher? What did she take the men of the court for?
In addition, there is the unknown mastermind behind every case, who is always involved. Asagao, who appears from time to time, is really a headache.

But if she chose to go back now, Jiu Que would really be reluctant. Although she hadn't stayed in the Northern Frontier Army camp for long, she had gotten along very well with these lovely soldiers. Compared to the cunning foxes in the capital, these soldiers were simply adorable, and she genuinely wanted to do something practical for the people here.

The factories that Jiu Que set up here have just gotten on track and haven't really started generating profits yet. It would be a real pity if we couldn't see them earn money for the Northern Frontier Army.

However, His Majesty has already sent a secret letter urging her to hurry up, and given that this place is so close to the grasslands, it's understandable that His Majesty is worried about her.

“Chunyu, but I want to stay here. I want to do something that is truly worthwhile for everyone, instead of going back to the court and fighting with those men over women. If there is still danger in the camp of 20 troops, then I really don’t know where in the world is safe.”

"puff!"

Chunyu Shuang was initially quite saddened, but upon hearing these words, she couldn't help but laugh out loud. If the ministers in the court were to hear Jiu Que's words, they would probably be furious and impeach her again. What does "jealousy and rivalry" even mean? However, upon further reflection on the ministers' eagerness to show off in front of His Majesty, Chunyu strangely felt that this term was quite apt.

However, the most important thing now is to ensure the safety of Jiuque.

"Your original purpose in coming to the Northern Border was to carry out the tasks His Majesty had ordered. Now that you have safely transported the grain to the Northern Border, it is indeed time for you to return. After all, you are an official in the capital, and if you do not return, who will know the grievances suffered by the Northern Frontier Army? Only if you speak up for them in the court and fight for them will they receive what they deserve."

"This……"

That seems to make sense.

Moreover, if you were to ask where in the world the money is easiest to make and where the richest people are, it would naturally be the capital. Before, she had no great ambitions and lived a carefree life, content with her salary and the gold and silver bestowed by the Emperor. But now she wants to help support an army of 20, and this amount of gold and silver isn't even enough to fill a tooth gap. This time, she could open a few shops and make some money off the high-ranking officials and nobles of the capital.

Hmm, now that I think about it, I'm not so opposed to going back.

However, once we return, it will be difficult to see such a vast sky and free grassland again.

Despite her sadness, Jiu Que still decided to return. The Northern Frontier Army was naturally reluctant to part, but all good things must come to an end. However, as long as everyone was alive and well, they would meet again someday. That night, the entire Northern Frontier Army camp was bustling with activity, hosting a grand farewell banquet for Jiu Que. The camp, which had been somewhat somber due to the traitor, became lively again, and everyone's low spirits lifted, though still filled with reluctance. Their way of expressing their sorrow was to take turns toasting Jiu Que.

The alcohol content of the wine in this era was not high, and Jiu Que even had the constitution of being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, so drinking it was just like drinking water, without any pressure.

In short, everyone had a great time drinking that night. When Jiu Que saw Lin Chongshan rushing back, she couldn't help but tear up. Even though she was back in the capital where she had lived for over a decade, Jiu Que felt as if this was her true home. Lin Chongshan was also deeply saddened. She had been busy with military affairs all these years, and coupled with her unwillingness to have children, she had no children of her own. Like General Yuchi, she looked at Jiu Que as if she were her own child.

"Don't cry."

Having endured decades of wind, frost, and swords on the frontier, Lin Chongshan's fingers were somewhat rough. At this moment, he gently brushed away the water droplets beneath Jiu Que's eyes, his expression one of tenderness.

This is Sister Ying's daughter, but she's just like her own child. She's destined to die on the frontier, but deep down she still hopes that Jiu Que can spend the rest of her life peacefully and happily in a warmer and more prosperous place.

After all, life is only so long, and more than a decade has passed in the blink of an eye. In these fleeting days, she hopes that this child can be happier than anyone else.

"After you return to the capital, you must take good care of yourself. You are stronger than me. No woman in the world has ever held an official position like yours. Keep up the good work and don't give up. Remember, no matter when or where, I will always be there for you."

Jiu Que nodded emphatically. Her voice was a little hoarse, as if there was a piece of wood stuck in her throat, making it ache.

“I’ve got it. Aunt Lin, you must take good care of yourself too. Swords have no eyes on the battlefield, so you must take good care of yourself and live to be a hundred. I will come back, and I want to see you all whole again.”

"……understood."

Lin Chongshan wasn't a man of many words. At this moment, he simply wiped away the tears from Jiu Que's eyes and held her tightly in his arms. No wonder people say a mother worries when her child travels a thousand miles; this child hadn't even set off yet, and her heart was already aching as if it were being torn apart. She wanted to say that the court was treacherous and unpredictable. Those men had trampled women underfoot for centuries, and it would be difficult for them to accept that a woman who had always been docile and obedient was now standing above them. This was a profound insult to them, and it could easily unite the men who were previously at odds with each other to target Jiu Que alone. The court was full of talented people, yet only Jiu Que faced this malice head-on. Lin Chongshan thought and thought, there were so many things he wanted to say, but in the end, he could only utter a short, strained sentence.

"Take good care of yourself."

(End of this chapter)