On the contrary, whether itās the training of the cavalry or the trade exchanges with Beirong, the Northern Region presents a great opportunity.
King Qi hesitated, "Uncle, do you mean you want me to go to the Northern Region to join the military camp?"
"Indeed, Your Highness need not worry. There will be protection for you in the Northern Region, not to mention that Master Shu is there. Beirong is currently too occupied with its internal strife to engage with us. So now is a good time for you to go." Minister Qi patted King Qiās shoulder, "Rest assured, Your Highness. Even if Prince Rong enters the capital garrison, the capitalās guards wonāt necessarily be handed over to him. With Xiao Tianhao present, eighty percent of the military force in the capital will still be under the Emperorās control."
King Qi looked at his palm, rougher than a year ago, but he didnāt dislike it, just covering the complex emotions in his eyes.
"I understand."
"However, Iāll trouble uncle to send more people to take care of my mother." King Qiās mood was somewhat downcast.
Minister Qi frowned upon hearing about Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi living in the temple, thinking of Beauty Qi in the palace who had finally been favored. Presumably, with his support, she would soon occupy a position in the palace. By then, it would be possible to bring Qi Zhao Yi back to the palace as well.
Even if itās unlikely, he wouldnāt say it aloud now, but instead gently comforted King Qi, "Rest assured, Your Highness. I have always urged your aunt to keep in touch with Her Ladyship, and will never let Her Ladyship suffer outside."
The next day.
King Qi entered the palace to see Emperor Xuanming.
Volunteering to go to the Northern Region to join the military camp for training.
Emperor Xuanming squinted slightly, looking at his third son, now grown, with a voice fairly gentle, "Sanāer, why do you want to enter the military camp? If you wish to train, you can do so at the camp outside the capital."
King Qi gently shook his head, showing no apparent desire, and softly expressed his intention, "Father, I wish to truly go to the battlefield. Without experiencing the battlefield, itās all empty talk, and I wonāt truly understand the importance of soldiers to Great Chu."
"Isnāt it said, as royal offspring, weāre born to cherish the people? I want to personally train to understand the true meaning of this statement."
"You donāt fear hardship," Emperor Xuanming said with an ambiguous remark.
King Qi remained quietly kneeling, saying nothing.
"But as a prince, you donāt have to do everything personally." Emperor Xuanming stood up, hands behind his back, speaking lightly.
King Qi paused, realizing his fatherās direct rejection, but didnāt show disappointment.
"I understand."
"However, I wish to start as a regular soldier. If I can achieve success with my own military merit, I would not be ashamed of my identity." King Qi said, as if throwing caution to the wind.
Emperor Xuanming suddenly looked at him with some displeasure, "Starting as a regular soldier..."
"Do you know how hard it is to advance military ranks in Great Chu?"
"I know, and I donāt wish to enjoy the fruits without effort."
"A fine stance of not wanting undue rewards." Emperor Xuanming laughed, though his eyes showed little amusement, looking towards King Qi with some disappointment. Waving his large hand, his voice turned cold, "Very well, then you shall secretly go to the Northern Region, join the military camp, and whatever achievements you accomplish will be your own affair."
"...I understand, thank you, Father, for fulfilling this." King Qi rose and exited the palace as Emperor Xuanming turned his back.
Emperor Xuanming sat on the Dragon Throne, tapping the table with his hand,