Chapter 368 - Maintain an Army and Defy Orders From the Central Government (2/2)

She felt embarrassed and reluctant.

She pursed her lips and expressed in depression, “In fact, I…”

“Fine. Don’t mention it again. I won’t allow you to.”

It was said that the father knew most about his daughter. Shi Qingxue just rolled her eyes, but Shi Junhe guessed what she wanted to do and objected to her plan in an assertive tone.

All people were confused to hear that.

Dong Hui asked in confusion, “What charade are you playing? What does Qingxue want to do?”

Shi Junhe shook his head and then stated, “Now the capital can maintain peaceful on the surface with difficulty, yet as long as the rebel army hasn’t been defeated, the country will be unstable.

“The new emperor has just taken the throne, but there are not many military officers who can be relied on. Lord Leng in the Bureau of War needs to guard the capital and maintain the public order in the city. Then the important job to go to the battlefield and crusade against the rebel army may be given to our family.”

All people present were family, so Shi Junhe didn’t hide the current situation from them. He explained to them clearly in order to tell them especially Wenren Chi to be mentally prepared.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished his words, Dong Hui and Shi Baoning looked unhappy.

Dong Hui finally saw Shi Junhe return to the capital and gather with them after waiting for a long time, yet he would leave again in only a short period.

So she protested.

“There are many military officers at the imperial court. Aren’t there several generals? Junhe, you have just returned from the northern border. Why do you have to go there again? Isn’t it unfair?”

Shi Qingxue explained, “Because Father is familiar with the environment in the northern border, and he is the best choice to defeat the rebel army quickly.”

Shi Junhe nodded at Qingxue with admiration. “Right. Speaking of which, nobody at the imperial court is more familiar with the situation at the northern border than me.”

“Even if you are familiar with the northern border, so what? Should somebody capable die? I have heard that the fourth prince has hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and they have settled at the northern border, so they occupy the area. If you crusade against the rebel army, won’t you get yourself into trouble?”

Dong Hui didn’t care about the plan with the optimal interest. She just knew that the northern border was too dangerous and that it was uncertain if he could stay alive after he went there.

Shi Baoning frowned tightly after hearing that and subconsciously scratched her sleeve. “Mother is right. Father, you are Duke Shi now. Can’t you refuse to go there?”

The mother and daughter were afraid that Shi Junhe would perform his heroics and take the hard job.

However, after hearing their words, Shi Junhe furrowed his brows tightly and even got angry.

“What are you talking about? Even a child knows that every man alive has a duty to defend his country. Should I teach you again?

“Moreover, the country is in danger and disaster now, and I and Chi are generals. If we don’t do anything, who can we expect to protect our country and family?

“Baoning, you are a daughter from the Shi family. You can’t behave like an ignorant girl.” Shi Junhe said the last words in a deep tone, with reproach obviously.

Shi Baoning lowered her head in shame after hearing that.

However, Shi Junhe didn’t soften.

According to the ancestral rules of the Shi family, all the members, including men and women were reserves even if they didn’t go to the battlefield. They should know cardinal issues of right and wrong and be able to go to war without demur when the country was in danger.

Although Shi Junhe didn’t allow Shi Qingxue to mention going to the northern border, he was just worried about her safety. He didn’t get angry but even felt proud.

Look, this was his daughter.

When they needed to go to the battlefield, she didn’t blink.

However, he and Wenren Chi sustained the Shi family, and it was not Shi Qingxue’s turn to shoulder the burdens.

Shi Baoning blushed and lowered her head, apologizing in embarrassment.

Her tears were about to fall again, while Wenren Chi hurriedly mediated. “Father, please don’t blame Baoning. She is merely worried about our safety and doesn’t forget her identity.”

“Right. I didn’t say that I don’t want you to lead the army to crusade against Mo Junhao. I am just worried that you will be in danger. Then Mother and I will…” Shi Baoning let Wenren Chi wipe the tears on her face and explained to Shi Junhe on and off.

Seeing that the young couple got along with each other in a natural and familiar way, Shi Junhe knew that their relationship was not as distant as before but they were close as a couple no matter what they said or did, so he relaxed a little.

He just stated seriously, “A military officer should fight on the battlefield till death. I don’t want to hear something like this again in the future.”

Shi Baoning leaned against Wenren Chi’s arms and bit her lower lip in the end, answering, “I see.”

Shi Junhe nodded and then turned to Shi Qingxue. “Stay in the mansion at ease these days and don’t go anywhere. Do you understand?”

Shi Qingxue hurriedly showed a flattering smile. “Father, the capital city is safe now. I want to…”

“Stop.” Shi Junhe didn’t let Shi Qingxue finish her words but denied her proposal.

Shi Qingxue looked sad and lowered her head, saying unwillingly, “I see. If there is nothing else, I am going back now.”

Afterward, she didn’t care what Shi Junhe would say but went back to the Luotong Boudoir in haste.