Chapter Fifty-Five: Farewell

Princess Zhaohua cast a cold glance at him, remaining silent as she lowered her gaze and stood to the side, appearing exceptionally dignified.

Just as Emperor Jing was about to step forward to exchange pleasantries with Zhao Ang, another announcement rang out: "The Duke of Dingguo arrives—!"

A fresh wave of commotion rippled through the crowd. Zhao Ang raised a brow slightly, his gaze carrying a trace of coldness as he looked toward the newcomer.

The Duke of Dingguo was dressed in deep purple official robes with a solemn expression, approaching with several trusted generals in tow.

He bowed to Emperor Jing, his tone respectful: "Your Majesty, I heard that the Heir Apparent is setting out for the northern frontier today, and I have come specifically to see him off."

Emperor Jing smiled faintly: "Lord Zhou, you have troubled yourself."

Zhao Ang, however, let out a cold chuckle from the side, saying with a smile: "The Duke of Dingguo's thoughtfulness truly flatters me. I never expected my departure to disturb such a prominent figure as yourself."

The Duke of Dingguo furrowed his brows slightly, a flash of chilliness sweeping through his eyes, though he maintained his composed smile.

"The Heir Apparent bears a heavy responsibility, and it is only fitting that I come to see him off. The northern frontier is fraught with danger; your expedition there will not only bring glory to the Duke of Zhenguo's estate, but also alleviate worries for His Majesty."

Zhao Ang deliberately rubbed his chin, wearing a half-smile as he replied: "Well said. Yet I find it somewhat curious—since the Duke of Dingguo cares so deeply for the northern frontier, why not head to the battlefield yourself to command earlier? Instead, you show such meticulous care for a novice like me here, which cannot help but move me."

His words overtly and covertly mocked the Duke of Dingguo for merely talking on paper while unwilling to venture onto the battlefield himself, yet putting on a false display of seeing him off here. The surrounding officials lowered their heads to mask their smiles upon hearing this.

The Duke of Dingguo's expression shifted slightly, though he remained unfazed, his tone neither warm nor cold: "The Heir Apparent is young and full of vigor, which is a good thing. I only hope that upon reaching the northern frontier, the Heir Apparent will direct that vigor toward the enemy rather than wasting it on court debates."

"Hahaha, well said!" Zhao Ang clapped his hands, laughing with exaggerated flourish. "Rest assured, Lord Duke, my blade has always been unsheathed solely against the enemy; I would never randomly slash at my own people."

Seemingly casual, this retort met the provocation head-on, directly deflecting several of the Duke of Dingguo's probing remarks.

Emperor Jing stood aside, watching the back-and-forth between the two, the amusement in his eyes deepening.

He waved a hand to halt their sharp verbal sparring, turning instead to address Zhao Ang: "Zhao Ang, this journey to the northern frontier is no trivial matter. Entrusting the Black Tiger Army to you is a testament to the trust I and the Zhao family place in you. I hope you will not disappoint Me."

Zhao Ang cupped his hands in salute, his tone respectful and calm: "Your Majesty, though this subject lacks talent, this life belongs to the Zhao family and even more so to Your Majesty. This subject will certainly give his utmost and never fail Your Majesty's trust."

Emperor Jing nodded, appearing quite satisfied with the response, though his gaze still retained a trace of probing intent: "That is for the best. Remember, this expedition concerns not only the Zhao family, but also the stability of the imperial court and the realm."

Zhao Ang bowed his head in salute, a quiet, cold smirk curving the corners of his lips: "Your Majesty's words are entirely correct, and this subject will keep them engraved in his heart."

After completing his bow, Zhao Ang's respectful demeanor did not linger long. He quickly resumed his devil-may-care attitude, his gaze carrying a mixture of craftiness and hidden sharpness.

He slowly raised his head, speaking in a light, conversational tone: "Your Majesty, regarding this trip to the northern frontier, this subject has no absolute certainty in his heart, seeing as it is my first time. Yet this subject has a presumptuous request, and I wonder if Your Majesty might grant it?"

Emperor Jing was slightly taken aback; the smile remained on his face, but his gaze grew more probing: "Speak your mind and let Us hear it."

Zhao Ang cupped his fists, smiling irreverently: "It matters little if this humble subject leaves on this expedition, but back home there is still the old patriarch! I happen to have a flaw—I am naturally filial, and before leaving, my grandfather is the one who weighs heaviest on my mind. The Black Tiger Army was forged by his own hands, and now that the troops are handed over to me, he will surely worry day and night."

At this, a glint of earnestness flashed in Zhao Ang's eyes, though his tone remained playfully flippant: "Your Majesty, this subject boldly entreats you: since my grandfather is advanced in years, you must take good care of him on my behalf. You simply cannot let anyone bully him!"

As these words fell, everyone in the hall froze.

Everyone knew that Zhao Ang was accustomed to dissipation and always behaved improperly in word and deed, yet this speech sounded quite unusual.

Though his tone was casual, he was clearly issuing a warning.

The Duke of Dingguo might take advantage of his absence to plot against the Duke of Zhenguo, Zhao Rong.

The Duke of Dingguo's expression sank instantly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"The Heir Apparent may rest easy. The Duke of Zhenguo is a pillar of virtue respected throughout the court—who would dare show him disrespect?" The Duke of Dingguo spoke unhurriedly, his tone carrying a hint of gloom.

Yet Zhao Ang acted as though he had missed the underlying threat, smiling broadly: "Then this subject is entirely at ease. With the Duke of Dingguo in the imperial court backing my grandfather up, my mind will be all the more settled while fighting this campaign!"

The Duke of Dingguo's expression grew even more unsightly, but he could only let out a cold snort and say no more.

Emperor Jing lowered his head in a soft chuckle, his gaze shifting between Zhao Ang and the Duke of Dingguo, seemingly finding their covert clash highly amusing.

He nodded slowly, his tone gentle yet laden with deep meaning: "Zhao Ang, your filial piety is commendable, and it warms My heart. The Duke of Zhenguo is a vital pillar of our dynasty; naturally, I will look after him well, so you may set your mind at ease."

Only then did Zhao Ang offer a respectful bow, his face full of gratitude: "Then this subject thanks Your Majesty. With those words from you, no matter how arduous this trip to the northern frontier may be, it is entirely worth it!"

The farewell ceremony concluded, and Zhao Ang returned to the formation of the Black Tiger Army. He looked over the neatly arrayed soldiers, then turned his gaze toward the spot where the Duke of Zhenguo, Zhao Rong, stood, a fleeting, imperceptible complexity washing through his eyes.

Zhao Rong stood not far away, staring at him with a torch-like gaze. Though his face revealed little expression, his eyes held deep reluctance and worry.

"Rest assured, Grandfather, this grandson will surely return in triumph."

Across his horse's back, Zhao Ang called out to Zhao Rong, his tone brimming with sincerity.

Zhao Rong was silent for a moment before nodding slowly, his voice deep yet resolute: "Remember, the Black Tiger Army is the lifeline of the Zhao family. No matter how great the storm, you must protect it."

Zhao Ang flashed a wide grin, waving a dismissive hand: "Grandfather, the way you put it makes it sound as though Zhao Ang were someone who would bring disgrace upon himself. This time, not only will I protect the Black Tiger Army, but I will also make those barbarians of the northern frontier know that the Zhao family's blade remains the sharpest in this world!"

Zhao Rong was slightly startled, followed by a faint smile blooming across his features, the reluctance in his eyes quietly transforming into a sense of gratification.

Looking at Zhao Ang, he said in a low voice: "Ang'er, Grandfather will wait for your return."

Zhao Ang vaulted onto his horse, his gaze sweeping over Princess Zhaohua standing amidst the crowd, and suddenly spoke in a loud voice: "Your Highness the Princess, I am deeply grateful that you came to see me off today. When I return in triumph, I ask that Your Highness remember to keep a cup of warm tea waiting for me to catch up on old times."

Princess Zhaohua was momentarily stunned by this sudden remark, then let out a cold huff and turned away, failing to notice that her pace was somewhat faster than usual.