Chapter 310 Good news from the front lines, he'll be back soon.
Chapter 310 Good news from the front lines, he'll be back soon.
"What a fine son of Princess Anyang!"
Duan Qingye's smile faded, his gaze becoming intense.
"You certainly have your mother's backbone!"
"Your mother was the same way back then. She knew my feelings, but she still chose to be loyal to her country."
He turned around, his eyes flashing with a complex light.
"However, I respect your choice, just as I respected hers back then."
Gu Junze was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "General, the war has lasted too long, causing immense suffering. If we can stop the war now, the people of both countries can live in peace and prosperity."
"Ha!" Duan Qingye scoffed. "That's easy for you to say! If you hadn't threatened me with that poison, would I have given up so easily?"
Gu Junze raised his eyes and looked directly into Duan Qingye's eyes.
"No matter what method is used, as long as it can prevent more people from dying, it is worthwhile."
Duan Qingye narrowed his eyes, his expression turning serious.
"We both know that this is only a temporary compromise."
He paused, then said, "But I promise you, I will not go back on my word regarding the return of the six cities and the surveying of the border."
"As for that poison," Duan Qingye's voice turned cold, "if the Eastern Jin dares to play tricks, the Zheng Kingdom will not sit idly by and wait for its demise!"
Gu Junze nodded and stood up to straighten his robes.
"I will bring the ceasefire agreement tomorrow."
Just as he was about to turn and leave, Duan Qingye's voice came from behind him.
"I really want to know how much of your personality comes from her."
Gu Junze paused slightly, but did not turn around.
"No matter who I resemble, I am still myself."
After saying that, he strode out of the tent, his figure quickly disappearing into the thick night.
Duan Qingye stood alone inside the tent, his gaze fixed on the dead warhorse, his expression complex and unreadable.
"Yes, you are still yourself in the end," he murmured softly, as if talking to himself.
The next morning, the two armies faced off.
Gu Junze and Duan Qingye met in a makeshift tent and signed a ceasefire agreement.
Wang Wu's expression was uncertain, clearly showing both surprise and confusion at this sudden turn of events.
But faced with a situation that was already set in stone, he could only accept reality.
Gu Cheng'an, however, looked puzzled on his way back to the camp.
He couldn't help but ask, "Brother, Duan Qingye was so aggressive yesterday, why has he suddenly softened today? And even offered to return the city?"
Gu Junze glanced at his younger brother and said in a deep voice, "Cheng'an, knowing too much about some things won't do you any good."
Gu Cheng'an was stunned. He wanted to ask more, but Gu Junze's gaze stopped him.
"Return to camp to reorganize military affairs, and depart for the capital tomorrow," Gu Junze ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Gu Junze handed over all subsequent matters to Commander-in-Chief Wang Wu.
He is now eager to return home.
His wife is still waiting for him...
On the way back to Beijing, the soldiers were filled with laughter and joy, their happiness evident in their words.
But Gu Junze remained frowning and looked grave.
"Brother, what's wrong with you?"
Gu Cheng'an rode closer and asked with concern, "Didn't we win?"
Gu Junze shook his head. "This is not a victory, but only a temporary peace."
Gu Cheng'an was puzzled. "But we reclaimed the city and protected the border. Isn't that a victory?"
Gu Junze did not answer, but gazed into the distance with a deep look in his eyes.
He knew that an even bigger storm was brewing in the capital.
News of the army's triumphant return quickly reached the capital, where officials offered their congratulations in the imperial court, creating a joyous atmosphere.
Only Prince Su's face gradually turned ashen as the report unfolded.
"What? A ceasefire?" The emperor looked at the report in his hand in surprise. "The State of Zheng has voluntarily returned the city?"
Prince Su stood aside, suppressing his anger and trying his best to remain calm.
“Father, this matter is suspicious,” he said in a deep voice. “The State of Zheng would not show weakness without a reason; there must be a trap.”
The Third Prince raised his eyes, glanced at Prince Su, and a deep meaning flashed in his eyes.
“Amitabha,” he murmured, “the end of the war is a blessing for the country and a boon for the people.”
King Su sneered, "Third brother, what do you mean by this? Do you perhaps have some shady dealings with the State of Zheng?"
The Third Prince remained unmoved, saying, "The killing has stopped, and everyone is happy."
The emperor waved his hand, stopping the two from arguing. "Enough! In any case, a ceasefire is a good thing."
"As for why Zheng Guo suddenly changed his attitude, there will be a detailed report when Gu Junze returns to the capital."
After the court session ended, Prince Su hurriedly returned to his residence, his face grim.
"Damn it!" He slammed his fist on the table. "I finally got a chance to kill Gu Junze, and this unexpected turn of events ruined everything!"
A trusted aide in the manor quietly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, please calm down. I have just received news that Gu Junze went to see Duan Qingye alone the night before the ceasefire."
Prince Su's eyes lit up, a cold glint flashing within them.
"Oh? It seems there's more to this than meets the eye."
He sneered, "Pass on my orders to investigate the meeting between Gu Junze and Duan Qingye. Don't overlook any details!"
"Yes!"
The trusted confidant accepted the order and left, while the Prince of Su's eyes flashed with murderous intent.
"Gu Junze, do you think you can rest easy after your triumphant return?"
Jing'an Residence, within the capital city.
Chu Ruohan had just received the good news from the front lines, and the weight that had been hanging over her heart finally lifted.
These days, she waits in agony, fearing that the poisonous smoke will actually be deployed to the battlefield, causing an irreparable tragedy.
"Young Madam, the young master will be back soon." Yu Ling said with joy.
"Mmm." Chu Ruohan nodded, her hand unconsciously touching her slightly protruding belly, her eyes full of anticipation.
This period of separation made her realize even more how much she missed him.
She stood by the window for a moment, sighed softly, and turned to Yuling, saying, "Let's go back to the Chu family."
"Yes. This servant will go prepare the carriage immediately." Yu Ling responded and withdrew.
The early summer sun shone on the carriage, and Chu Ruohan looked out the window at the bustling street.
The people's faces were filled with joy as they talked about the news of the victory at the front.
Chu Ruohan's lips unconsciously curled up... She might have learned about Princess Anyang's persistence back then.
The carriage stopped in front of the Chu residence, and Chu Ruohan, supported by Yu Ling, slowly got out of the carriage.
As soon as she stepped through the gate, a small figure stumbled and ran towards her.
"Mother...mother..."
With a joyful, childlike voice, Xuan-ge opened his little arms and rushed straight towards Chu Ruohan.
Chu Ruohan knelt down, hugged her son tightly, and kissed his soft hair.
"My dear Xuan'er, Mother misses you too..."
Chu's mother rushed over from the inner courtyard and saw this scene.
"This child calls for his mother every day, as if he knew you were coming today, and he's been waiting at the door since early this morning."
Chu Ruohan picked up Xuan Ge'er and felt his warm little body pressed against her.
"Yes, Mother and Xuan'er are of one mind."
"Let's go inside and talk."
Looking at her daughter's belly, Chu's mother said with concern, "You can't overwork yourself."
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