Chapter 17 — Pregnant Exterior Forced to Confess, Queen Mother Only Says Two Words: Husband

Returning to a place full of struggle, like a cage with no way out? I shook my head slightly.

"No need."

“This place… is very good.”

Trung Dung Hau looked at me, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but more of an understanding. He nodded slightly, not advising any further. After he left, I sat alone in the courtyard for a long time. Raise your head and look at the bright moon hanging high. A spark of enlightenment suddenly arose in my heart. In this life, for the royal family, for the royal brother... I have done enough. The remaining days... I want to live for myself. I am no longer anyone's princess. I'm just Chieu Duong. That's all. Spring turns to fall, cold and hot change. In the blink of an eye, three years have passed. During these three years, I remained in the mansion next to the royal mausoleum, next to my mother, living a life almost separate from the world. The capital city seems to be very far away from us. The royal brother occasionally sent someone to send letters. In the letter, most of it is just everyday things. He said that after the selection, the harem now has two princes and one princess. People say, the dynasty is peaceful, the country is peaceful and the people are safe. The speaker... misses me very much. Ask me and my mother when we will return. Every time I respond to a letter, I only reply with one word of peace, without reciting it. As for returning to menstruation, it was absolutely not mentioned. I used to think that the days would just pass quietly like that. Until one day...a military report came from the border, breaking all that peace. In the north, the barbarians suddenly gathered 300,000 troops, tore up the alliance, and rushed south. The border generals could not resist and lost three cities in a row. Border in danger! The whole Dai Luong fell into panic. When the royal brother received the news, he immediately became angry at court. He issued an order, ordering the Minister of Infantry to mobilize a large army to fight against the enemy. But the problem immediately appeared. Who will be the one holding the command seal? After An Vuong's treason, in the court, veteran generals who were experienced in battle, some lost their lives, some became old and weak. The newly promoted generals were loyal, but most lacked experience commanding large armies. Facing those thirty thousand ferocious ironclads...no one is sure they can win. The court argued endlessly. The civil and military officials divided into factions and exchanged words, but still could not determine a suitable commander. Because of that, the royal brother was so worried that his mind was exhausted. This news was brought to me by Trung Dung Marquis personally riding his horse day and night.

“Princess…”

He looked at me, his expression heavy.

“Right now, there is a national crisis in front of us… in the court, there is no longer anyone who can use it.”

I looked at the war report in my hand and couldn't help but frown. This time, the barbarians were clearly prepared in advance. Their leader is a young man named "Thac Bat Hoanh". This person is brave, good at fighting, and extremely cunning. He has unified all the tribes on the northern steppe, his ambition is burning, he has long been watching the Central Plains like a tiger stalking its prey. This time, he used all his strength to attack, obviously intending to swallow half of Dai Luong mountain range in one go.

“Your Majesty… how do you plan to handle it?” I asked.

"Your Majesty... wants to personally go to the throne."

Trung Dung Hau sighed softly.

"But the entire civil and martial arts court in the court was stopped."

“Your Majesty is the precious body and foundation of the country family, how can you venture into the desert by yourself?

I gently nodded. The royal brother... really can't go. Once a person has any fate, Dai Luong... will truly collapse.

“Princess…”

Trung Dung Hau looked at me, with a trace of expectation in his eyes.

“Do you… have any way?”

I know, he came to me, hoping that I could take the place of his brother and come up with a countermeasure. Or to be more precise... he came because he wanted me to come back and take charge of the situation. After all, in the eyes of the world, I have always been a person with deep thoughts, deep calculations, and unfathomable to the very end. After the incident of An Vuong, that reputation and prestige were even more deeply engraved - everyone witnessed with their own eyes, I could single-handedly turn the situation, quell the storm, and determine the life and death of an entire big game. That's why, when the situation is deadlocked like the present... they suddenly think of me. I'm quiet. It's been more than three years... I left the court. Do... do I really have to turn back and step into that murky puddle again? I looked out the window. Lush green mountains, white clouds float by. Here, there is everything we ever wanted—quiet, peaceful, no fighting, no taking. But if the country is tilted and the society is in danger... how can we be alone and pretend we don't see them? I closed my eyes. In my head, the advice from my mother appeared in my mind.

"Chieu Duong... must preserve the Ly family's country... must support your brother and me"

I am the daughter of the Ly family. Maintaining this country...is our responsibility, and also our destiny. I... can't escape. I opened my eyes. In the depths of his eyes, the last ray of hesitation had completely disappeared.

“Master Marquis,” I looked at Trung Dung Hau, my voice was calm but firm:

“He returned first.”

"Tell it to your royal brother... so he can rest assured."

“In three days… I will definitely present a person… capable of taking on the position of commander.”

Trung Dung Hau looked at me, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.