The Whole Family is Reborn, But I Transmigrated into a Book - Chapter 40

Gu Qingjia spent five consecutive days at the military camp with Gu Qingzhe, becoming well-acquainted with the soldiers. In days without combat, the soldiers were somewhat idle, yet they cherished that boredom. No one craves war; everyone longs for peace. However, when foreign tribes invaded, as soldiers, they could not stand by and watch their people be oppressed.

“General, Prince Jing,” Liang Xu said, never one to mince words, “the brothers’ hands have been itching lately. We’re preparing for a proper competition and would like to invite you both to join the fun.”

Gu Qingzhe didn’t mind. He glanced at Gu Qingjia. “I have no objection.”

Such competitions were frequent in the army, and Gu Qingzhe participated occasionally. He wondered, however, if Gu Qingjia would adapt, considering the soldiers had challenged him on his very first day. Only a few days had passed; another competition might mean more provocations for the Fifth Prince.

“I’ve always been one to seek out excitement,” Gu Qingjia said, raising an eyebrow with a smile. “How could I miss such an occasion?”

He wasn’t lying. Since arriving in Yu City, he seemed like a different person—entirely unlike the “useless” prince of the Imperial City. Gu Qingzhe wondered if his brother had simply stopped pretending, or if he felt that here, far from the Emperor’s eyes, he could finally reveal his true nature.

“Fine. Since the Fifth has no objection, let us go.” Gu Qingzhe stood up and headed out, pulling Gu Qingjia along with him.

“I say, Second Brother, you’re becoming increasingly impolite with me lately,” Gu Qingjia joked. In truth, he was happy to show his brother a genuine face. In his memories, the Second Prince was the only one who had never plotted against him. To Gu Qingjia, the Second Brother was almost too much of a gentleman.

In the original “script” of Gu Qingjia’s mind, the Eldest Brother became Emperor. But now the Eldest had abandoned his post, and the Second seemed determined to remain at the border forever. It was fascinating, yet unsettling. If the two strongest contenders were out, would the Third Prince take the throne? The Third was capable enough, despite his philandering ways. But if the Sixth or Seventh took power, the Great Gu Dynasty would be in peril. The Sixth was petty, and the Seventh was not only sickly but possessed a venomous temperament.

As events pushed him forward, Gu Qingjia felt a sense of powerlessness. He still had no answers for the future.

“What are you brooding about?” Gu Qingzhe asked, clapping him on the shoulder. Their relationship had softened over the past few days; while not yet deeply intimate, they could finally speak to each other with warmth.

“How much time have you actually spent with me, Second Brother?” Gu Qingjia replied. “Even the Eldest, who was always at odds with me, doesn’t truly know me. You all see the surface; how could you know what lies within?” He caught himself, feeling the sentiment was too dramatic, and waved a hand. “Talking like this is a bit nauseating. Let’s just go watch the match.”

Gu Qingzhe agreed. He couldn’t imagine a world where he and the Fifth sat around discussing brotherly feelings.

The soldiers’ spirits soared when the two arrived. Gu Qingzhe, seeing the Fifth integrate so well into the camp, felt a surge of pride. Gu Qingjia turned and grinned. “Hey, don’t look at me with those disgusting eyes. I’m not your son.”

Gu Qingzhe wasn’t angry; he simply waved him off.

However, the peaceful days were short-lived. News soon arrived of a foreign tribe raiding the border. The soldiers were used to this; it was autumn, and while Yu City had plenty of grain, the nomadic tribes were desperate. If they didn’t raid now, they would starve by winter.

This was Gu Qingjia’s first experience with actual warfare. He looked even more solemn than his brother.

“I know your battles with the nomads have swung back and forth over the years,” Gu Qingjia said. “But we can’t keep going like this. They’ve arrived half a month earlier than usual—there must be a scheme.”

Gu Qingzhe stared at him. “Fifth, how do you know they are early?” Anyone else saying this wouldn’t be suspicious, but this was Gu Qingjia’s first time in Yu City.

“I heard the men talking a few days ago,” Gu Qingjia replied casually, having prepared a story. “They said nomads usually provoke the border at the start of winter when they lack food and women. If they break Yu City, they’ll live like kings.”

He continued, “Second Brother, your methods treat the symptoms, not the cause. If we could strike them so hard they couldn’t recover for ten years, it would be worth the cost of supplies to buy Yu City a decade of peace.”

“You don’t understand Yu City or our enemies, Fifth,” Gu Qingzhe sighed. “Even if we sacrificed our men for ten years of peace, we wouldn’t be in any better shape once the dust settled.”

Gu Qingzhe was a realist. He had requested a physician not on a whim, but because he knew the nomads grew desperate and ‘mad’ when the snow began to fall. He had guarded this city for years; he knew the cost of every victory.

Gu Qingjia realized he had been impulsive. War required more than just boldness; it required meticulous strategy. “You’re right, Second Brother. I spoke without thinking.”

“The fact that you thought of it at all is impressive,” Gu Qingzhe smiled. “None of our other brothers have ever come to Yu City or cared for its people. Even if Father sent you, the fact that you were willing to come is enough.”

Gu Qingzhe felt a weight lift. He no longer worried that no one from the Imperial family would guard the border after him. His greatest regret in his past life was leading his army back to the capital, leaving the border—and the empire—to suffer. He refused to walk that blood-soaked path to the throne again.

“Second Brother, you really aren’t suited for sentimentality,” Gu Qingjia said, patting his shoulder. He knew his brother was the most responsible among them. “Let’s focus on the enemy. We can be sentimental after the battle.”

Gu Qingzhe asked, “The fighting will start soon. Will you stay at the manor or remain here in the camp?”

“I need to return to the manor today to tell the Princess Consort, so she doesn’t worry,” Gu Qingjia said. “From tomorrow on, I will eat and sleep here in the camp with you.”

Gu Qingzhe looked at him for a long time. “I didn’t realize you were such a family man. I misjudged you.” He had assumed the Fifth only married to satisfy the Emperor’s decree, but the man was surprisingly attentive.

“Why do you think Father sent me here now?” Gu Qingjia asked seriously, dropping his playful act. “He wants me to see the world and test my abilities. Is there a single ‘waste’ among the Gu family? I practiced martial arts alongside you, the Eldest, and the Third. If I turned out to be a total failure, why would I have endured all that hardship?”

Gu Qingzhe lowered his head. “My apologies, Fifth. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s fine. I’m used to it,” Gu Qingjia said, before leaning in. “Second Brother, I have no experience leading men. Everything I know is from books. I’ll need your guidance.”

“Deal,” Gu Qingzhe replied firmly. He finally believed in his brother.

In the Capital

In the capital, Emperor Yongchang sat in his study. He knew exactly what his sons were doing. While the Eldest’s rebellion was unexpected, the Emperor didn’t see it as a bad thing. The Eldest had spent his life obsessed with power; perhaps this “escape” would allow him to live for himself.

As for the Fifth, the Emperor was pleased he had sought out his brother. Sending him to Yu City was a risk, but he believed his two sons could overcome the challenge.

“Your Majesty,” his attendant, De Quan, whispered. “I hear there is a… misunderstanding between the Third Prince and the daughter of Minister Wei…”

“Just children playing,” the Emperor waved it off. He knew Gu Qingyi was a flirt, and Wei Shangzi was currently trying to slap his face. “The Third has been reckless for years. He needs someone to keep him in check. If Minister Wei’s daughter can manage it, I wouldn’t mind decreeing a marriage.”

De Quan smiled inwardly. Even if you are willing, Your Majesty, I doubt Minister Wei is! Minister Wei was a “Pure Official”; marrying into the Third Prince’s chaotic life would force him to take a side in the succession.

“The Third Prince is young,” De Quan said diplomatically. “He likes to play, but his work is always meticulous.”

The Emperor laughed. “You always know how to please me, you old fox.”

“It is only because Your Majesty is willing to listen to me,” De Quan replied, knowing his place perfectly.