The Whole Family is Reborn, But I Transmigrated into a Book - Chapter 38

Ren Songyan remained convinced that Gu Qingzhe held a grievance against her; otherwise, why go through the trouble of transferring her to a military camp? However, logically speaking, it seemed a bit much for a prince to exert such significant effort just to make a minor official miserable. Regardless of her internal turmoil, she could only grit her teeth and swallow her frustration.

“General, rest assured,” Ren Songyan said, her voice firm. “Since I have come to the camp, I shall fulfill my duties with the utmost diligence and will not disrupt military discipline. But I ask that you remember your words today—that you brought me here solely because you lacked a physician.”

Though not said directly, her meaning was clear: she was drawing a line. Had she truly been a man, it wouldn’t have mattered, but her greatest fear was Gu Qingzhe discovering her true identity. Should that happen, she wouldn’t just be worried about his petty revenge—she would be fighting to keep her head on her shoulders.

Gu Qingzhe understood her concerns. His actions were, in truth, difficult to justify. Yet, it was a fact that he needed a doctor, and it was equally true that he wanted her here.

“Physician Ren, I have said all that needs to be said. Go and rest. My men will lead you to your quarters.” Gu Qingzhe waved her away. He was still preoccupied with Gu Qingjia and could not spend more time debating with her.

As she stepped out of the tent, Ren Songyan ran straight into Gu Qingjia.

“Physician Ren, don’t mind the Second Brother; that’s just his temperament,” Gu Qingjia said smoothly. “Just focus on your work. He isn’t the type to fly into a rage over trifles.”

Although Gu Qingjia’s relationship with Gu Qingzhe was lukewarm, he understood his brother better than most. Ren Songyan noted how easily he referred to the General as “Second Brother” or even just “the Second” rather than using his formal titles. She simply gave a submissive nod. Whatever the nature of their brotherhood was, it was not for her to investigate.

“Then I shall see you later. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask,” Gu Qingjia said with a casual wave.

Ren Songyan watched him go, feeling that Prince Jing was strange—he certainly didn’t seem like the “useless waste” the rumors suggested. Still, she kept these thoughts to herself. In this camp, there was no one she could trust; a single slip of the tongue could cost her life.

Gu Qingjia walked back into the main tent. “Second Brother, finished so soon? You didn’t even keep Physician Ren for a meal.” His tone was half-disappointed, half-teasing.

Gu Qingzhe frowned, choosing to ignore the jab.

“Second Brother, you’re far too serious. You treat everyone with that same stern face; how will you ever manage once you take a wife?” Gu Qingjia leaned lazily against a post, looking as if he didn’t have a single bone in his body.

Usually, Gu Qingzhe couldn’t stand such slovenliness, but since it was Gu Qingjia, he didn’t want to waste energy arguing. He noticed that since they had reunited, the Fifth’s wit had sharpened considerably.

“Try to be serious for once,” Gu Qingzhe finally muttered. “I’m taking you out to see the camp. Stay close to me and watch your tongue in front of the soldiers.” He gave him a warning glare.

“Don’t worry, Second Brother. I won’t lose face for you,” Gu Qingjia replied, straightening his robes and following him out.

Word had already spread through the camp that Prince Jing was in Yu City, but today was the first time the men had seen him. In the army, they worshipped strength. Upon seeing the Prince, many felt the urge to test his mettle.

“General, I’m sure Prince Jing wouldn’t mind,” said Liang Xu, a deputy general known for his bravery but lack of tact. “We are men of the sword. Besides, I heard the Prince studied martial arts alongside you in his youth; surely his skills are refined.”

Before Gu Qingzhe could intervene, Gu Qingjia had already stepped forward.

“Very well, let us proceed. But I ask that you all show some mercy—it’s been a while since I’ve fought with ‘real’ weapons,” Gu Qingjia said with a laugh, conveniently “forgetting” the assassins he had fought off during his journey.

The soldiers, seeing him accept the challenge, grew enthusiastic. Gu Qingzhe, however, was worried. He hadn’t seen his brother in years, only catching glimpses of him during the New Year festivities. Gu Qingjia looked lean, almost like a frail scholar; he didn’t look like a fighter.

Even the aide, Zhao Lin’an, expected a quick defeat. But Gu Qingjia surprised them all. While he might not have been a match for the Second Prince, he held his own quite well against the seasoned soldiers.

“It seems he hasn’t been as idle as he claimed,” Gu Qingzhe noted with a satisfied nod. In his heart, he thought: If there comes a day when we stand on opposite sides and I fall, at least my brothers have the strength to carry on. Now, more than the throne, he desired peace for the people.

“General…” Zhao Lin’an sighed. He couldn’t understand why his master looked so proud of a potential rival for the throne. He didn’t know that the man standing beside him no longer cared for the crown, but rather for a peaceful empire.

“Lin’an,” Gu Qingzhe said quietly. “You came here because you disliked the schemes of the court. You are brilliant at strategy, but when it comes to playing mind games, you aren’t the Fifth’s match. He is doing well because we underestimated him, thinking he was a waste.”

As evening fell, dinner was served. The camp’s fare was simple, yet Gu Qingjia adapted to it instantly, eating and drinking alongside the common soldiers. This earned him a new level of respect from Zhao Lin’an.

“I didn’t expect Prince Jing to be so down-to-earth,” Zhao Lin’an remarked. “General, you were right. We knew too little of him.”

“The Fifth will be in Yu City for some time. You will have plenty of chances to see the man he truly is,” Gu Qingzhe replied. He looked at his brother and added, “Treat him well. If the day ever comes… perhaps he will treat you well in return.”

Gu Qingzhe knew that the struggle for the throne usually ended in blood. But if he were to die, he wanted his men and the people of Yu City to be cared for.

“Go join them for a drink,” Gu Qingzhe said, waving his aide away. He wanted to think. Why was the Fifth so unremarkable in my past life? Was he hiding his brilliance all along because he never wanted to compete for the throne?

He didn’t have long to ponder before a voice broke his thoughts.

“Second Brother! What are you doing sitting there all alone? Come and drink!”

Gu Qingjia had a high tolerance, but even he was struggling against the tide of soldiers trying to toast him. He wanted to drag Gu Qingzhe down with him. If someone was going to be dead drunk tonight, they were going to do it together.

“Enough,” Gu Qingzhe called out, though his voice lacked its usual bite. “This is a military camp. Even at night, we cannot drink excessively. Today is an exception, but two cups are the limit.”

The soldiers immediately settled down. Even without a war, they knew the General was right.

“See? Your General has spoken,” Gu Qingjia joked, skillfully pivoting the atmosphere. “Let’s use tea instead of wine. When you all return to the capital one day, I’ll host a feast you’ll never forget.”

Gu Qingzhe watched him stir the crowd, a sudden thought occurring to him: The Fifth actually knows exactly what he’s doing. It was a startling realization, but for the first time in a long time, Gu Qingzhe felt he could let things take their natural course.