CHAPTER 457: CHAPTER 457: THE HEAVENLY FAMILY’S WARMTH

Back in the court, most of the military generals had some entanglements with the Marquis of Northwest.

Therefore, they were not suitable to lead the expedition.

To protect their families in this crisis and retreat unharmed,

was already a great fortune.

Naturally, the one to lead this expedition was the Fourth Prince.

Since the escape of the Marquis of Northwest, he had been reorganizing the Imperial Armor Army, and now he was preparing for battle.

On the sixth day of the second month, he officially set off.

Outside the West City Gate of Shengjing City.

The Emperor personally bid farewell to the three armies.

The Fourth Prince, in full armor, knelt on one knee and addressed the Emperor aloud.

"The Liu family’s traitorous heart will not die; they intend to usurp the throne. The Northwest Army blindly follows the rebel leader, a crime even more heinous. This old minister will surely eradicate the rebel faction and ensure peace in the Northwest! Restore tranquility to Da Wei!"

"Good! On behalf of the people of the world, I thank the Fourth Prince Uncle. I will wait here for the triumphant return of the soldiers, and by then, will reward the three armies generously!"

The Emperor’s voice travelled along the city walls to the soldiers’ ears.

They raised their flags and spears, waving as they shouted.

"Kill the rebels!"

"Secure the rivers and mountains!"

"Maintain peace!"

Thus, the soldiers’ morale was raised to the highest level.

They were originally a righteous army, so going to suppress the rebels was only natural.

On the city tower, the Emperor stood immovably.

After the three armies set out, the yellow smoke billowed behind them, like turbulent waters, endlessly stretching.

After a long while, when the figures gradually disappeared from sight,

Dong Yuzhong beside the Emperor spoke up.

"Your Majesty, the weather is still a bit cold. Why don’t we return to the palace first?"

"Hmm, let’s go."

Descending from the city tower, the Emperor boarded the imperial chariot.

Heading towards the Imperial Palace.

Originally, he planned to return to Qian’an Hall to review the memorials, but his mood was somewhat fluctuating.

Thinking it over, he changed direction.

Before long, he arrived at the gates of Yihua Palace.

Before he even entered, he heard the laughter of children playing tag.

His previously tense mood instantly relaxed.

Throughout the palace, only here could he find some peace of mind.

Thinking of this, he threw all his worries behind him and walked straight in.

Since entering February, the wind and snow had stopped considerably.

Occasionally it was a bit cold, but it was just a feeling in the wind.

Therefore, compared to the snowy and icy first month, February wasn’t much fun.

With spring buds yet to sprout and winter snow gradually departing.

After the Lantern Festival, the Second Prince resumed his early morning training.

So, he didn’t have much time to play with them.

Therefore, the Second Princess had to take her younger brothers and sisters to play simple games like catching chickens or throwing handkerchiefs in the palace.

When the Emperor walked in, he happened upon this scene.

The Fifth Prince, blindfolded, was trying to catch the "chickens".

He was calling out "good sister" loudly, from who knows where he learned that, and watching, the Emperor couldn’t help but twitch the corners of his mouth.

For some reason, he felt this son was growing less and less like him and Lin Wanyi.

Though he was the Emperor, he was never this mischievous.

Lin Wanyi was gentle by nature, never causing trouble.

Yet their son seemed to have grown "crooked".

It’s often said you can see a child’s character by age three, and now he was a year and a half, looking more "unreliable".

Immediately, the Emperor thought, while ordinary princes started enlightenment at four,

this Fifth Prince might need it earlier.

To prevent him from wreaking havoc in the palace, not corrupting his siblings.

Thus he decided to arrange for a Grand Tutor for him ahead of time.

Just as he was thinking this, the Fifth Prince stumbled forward.

"Good sister," he was about to say when he felt this leg was long and sturdy indeed.

So he tugged off the band, and upon seeing it was the Emperor, he sniggered.

Then cheerfully pounced towards the Emperor, warmly calling out,

"Father Emperor."

The other three, hearing him speak, naturally ran out from their hiding places.

Upon seeing the Emperor, they gathered around.

All sweetly calling "Father Emperor," "Father Emperor,"

instantly dispelling the Emperor’s initial irritation.

"Alright, it’s still cold, stop blowing in the wind outside all day, follow me inside, drink some milk to warm up."

"Yes."

When the Emperor spoke, they were naturally happy to obey.

In truth, they didn’t much like running around outside.

But they couldn’t bear it, since their mother the concubine now felt drowsy every day.

They didn’t want to disturb Lin Wanyi, so they played outside.

Otherwise, staying by her side every day, they feared even speaking too loudly would startle her.

As father and sons stepped into the main hall,

they saw Xia An and Qiu Ming come to pay respects.

"This servant (maiden) greets Your Majesty."

"Hmm, rise, where’s the Imperial Consort?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, the lady is still resting."

"Not up at this hour?"

The Emperor glanced at the time outside.

Then asked,

"I haven’t had time to check on the Imperial Consort due to busy state affairs, is she unwell, why is she still asleep till now?"

Since the incident in the Northwest, the Emperor had been busy with the Fourth Prince arranging troops,

so he hadn’t had time to attend to Lin Wanyi’s side.

Only until today, when the army set off, did he gain a moment’s respite, so he came to see her.

Unexpectedly, she was still asleep.

Xia An, aware of the Emperor’s concern, immediately stepped forth and replied,

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the prescription from the Second Madam contains many herbs for peaceful sleep, the lady hadn’t fully recovered, so the Second Madam suggested more rest for a safe and smooth childbirth."

Hearing this, the Emperor was relieved.

Since it was suggested by the Second Madam, then it should be followed.

So he instructed,

"In that case, let the Imperial Consort rest well. You few follow me to the left wing to play."

"Alright."

As they entered, they left again.

Though a bit troublesome, none found it bothersome.

After all, in their hearts, Lin Wanyi’s sleep was most important!

In the left wing, there were many things they usually played with.

Originally the children were a bit tired of them, but now with their Father Emperor here, everything seemed fresh again.

Since the last time the Emperor showed his skill in kneading dough before them, each remembered it.

Now that the Emperor came, the dough was certainly put to use again.

The father and sons enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

The Heavenly Family finally had some familial warmth.

The warm atmosphere continued until near noon.

Lin Wanyi, having slept for a long period, naturally awoke by now.

Hearing her turning, Xia An immediately went in.

"Lady, have you woken?"

Lin Wanyi murmured softly, then sighed and said,

"I used not to be so fond of sleep."

Speaking, she stretched out her hand, and Xia An, accustomed to it, supported her waist, gently helping her sit up, and spoke,