Published at 5th of January 2026 9:04 am

Chapter 1991: Jingkong and Prime Minister Liu (Jingkong Side Story)

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Xuanyuan Xi was temporarily unaware of his conferral as Champion Marquis; the internal strife in the southwest had been quelled, and he was preparing to return.

Before leaving, he went to Simapo, riding on Little Shiyi’s horse, standing atop the high hill and gazing at the distant vast whiteness.

Guo Mang rode his horse alongside him.

Seeing him silent for a long time, Guo Mang couldn’t quite grasp what he was thinking.

Through these days of interaction, Guo Mang had developed a new respect for this young boy who was even younger than his son. He possessed the passionate fervor of youth without the impulsive immaturity; he was brave and intelligent, with a calm and stable disposition.

Guo Mang often marveled that this young man seemed born for the battlefield.

The cold wind howled, and Guo Mang felt a bit of chill. He looked at the side where the boy stood, his lips cracked, his eyes resolute, and finally, he asked, "Sir, what are you looking at?"

Xuanyuan Xi replied, "Looking at the mountains and rivers of Yan Country."

Guo Mang thought for a moment and asked, "And... what do you see?"

Xuanyuan Xi said lightly, "Liang Country, they deserve a beating."

How did the topic suddenly shift to Liang Country? The subject changed rather quickly!

Xuanyuan Xi was not stingy in offering explanations: "Where did the rebel army’s armor and weapons come from? And the funds for raising the army? Zhou Chongyue is just a common military man, how could he have such great capabilities?"

Guo Mang’s face changed: "You mean... the turmoil in the southwest was fueled by Liang Country behind the scenes?"

A dead leaf swirled by and gently fell into Xuanyuan Xi’s palm.

Xuanyuan Xi clenched his hand, eyes cold as he said, "Liang Country."

He released his hand, and the leaf turned to powder, scattering it into the swirling snow.

...

The turmoil in the southwest came to an end, and Xuanyuan Xi set off for the capital.

"The roads are still blocked, maybe you should wait a few more days before returning?" Guo Mang advised sincerely.

"No need."

He wanted to rush back to spend the New Year with Jiaojiao.

He deftly mounted his horse, the red cloak of his silver armor billowing in the wind behind him, full of spirit and handsome.

Guo Mang was stunned.

This child is just too good-looking...

Of course, when killing enemies, he showed not a shred of mercy.

It was hard to imagine that such a dazzlingly beautiful young man was the little killing god that frightened all the rebels on the battlefield just a few days ago.

"General Guo, farewell." The youth said, patting the warhorse’s neck with a smile, "Only thirteen days left, Little Shiyi, it’s up to you."

The adult king among horses raised its front hooves, muscles tensed, mouth wide open as if laughing wildly.

Here I come!

The entire military camp’s horses were knocked over by it!

It darted like an arrow off the bowstring into the endless snow and wind.

...

A man, an eagle, and a horse, braving the biting snowstorm, traversed over mountains, passed through cities, and crossed dense forests.

Finally, they arrived in Shengdu on New Year’s Eve.

The snow in Shengdu was also heavy, yet today there was no wind. The goose-feather-like snow fell silently, few pedestrians on the street, and shops closed.

The only sound through the entire street was the hurried clattering of hooves and the loud cries of an eagle circling high above.

Xuanyuan Xi hadn’t seen Jiaojiao for a year, and he missed her so much it pained him. He was impatient to return to her side.

"Little Shiyi!" He tightened the reins.

The horse king and the youth on its back had grown up together, having an understanding, lifting its already fast speed even further.

The horse king actually wanted to return sooner too.

Human younglings were good, but taking them on walks was troublesome.

This time, it had taken a year off; it really didn’t want to walk him anymore.

It wanted to return to walk Jiaojiao.

...

This year Gu Jiao and Xiao Hen were spending the New Year with their children in Yan Country.

Firstly, to visit Duke An and Shangguan Yun, secondly, because the political situation in Yan Country was tense, Xuanyuan Qi had been stationed at the border pass for two years without returning to the capital.

Gu Jiao might have to set foot on the battlefield.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair strolled in the snow-covered Imperial Garden, with the sound of children’s laughter coming from the flower bushes ahead from time to time.

Innocent and carefree.

A trace of tender indulgence flickered in Shangguan Yun’s eyes.

The longer she ruled as emperor, the stronger her stern aura grew, and few palace maids had seen her soft side.

Shangguan Yun sighed, "This time, during the turmoil in the southwest, Jingkong made a great contribution. Do you know, he volunteered to go to the southwest? He said if he didn’t go, you would."

Gu Jiao’s expression paused.

Shangguan Yun sighed, "He said, in the future, he doesn’t want you to go to battle anymore. He will fight all the battles. Let the Grand Marshal and me not inform you of any military intelligence, just tell him. He can definitely win, he promises."

Gu Jiao felt as if something heavy had hit her heart.

She suddenly recalled what Jingkong said to her when he first came home.

"Jiaojiao, you’re amazing!"

"I want to become amazing too! Even more amazing than Jiaojiao! So Jiaojiao doesn’t need to be amazing!"

She was puzzled.

Three-year-old Jingkong looked up, his eyes as clear as a pure spring, unwaveringly looking into hers, "Jiaojiao, you’re very tired, aren’t you? Master said, all amazing people have suffered a lot and will continue to suffer even more."

Because amazing people are destined to climb mountains! Climbing mountains is hard, coming down is comfortable!

"Jiaojiao, wait for me to grow up. When I grow up, I’ll carry you up the mountain!"

If amazing people must climb mountains, then he would carry Jiaojiao up the mountain!

Jiaojiao won’t have to walk, and her suffering, he will bear!

Back then, Gu Jiao didn’t quite understand a three-year-old bun’s words about climbing and descending mountains, but she gradually understood later.

She finally understood why, at the age of twelve, he suddenly joined the army.

He didn’t forsake literature for martial arts because of repeated misfortunes, losing confidence in the imperial examinations; he wanted to fight in her place.

To establish a heart for the world, to establish destiny for the common people, to continue the knowledge of past sages, to create peace for all ages.

She hadn’t had a chance to teach him these things yet; his thoughts were simple.

He just wanted to give her an era of peace and prosperity.

"He didn’t even say goodbye to me when he left." She said softly.

"If he had, you wouldn’t have let him go." Shangguan Yun said, glancing at Gu Jiao, "The chaos in the southwest is settled, Jingkong will be back soon. He will be very happy to see you."

Gu Jiao nodded.

She missed Jingkong, missed him dearly.

"Additionally," Shangguan Yun paused, "the situation among the Six Nations might change again."

Ever since the last war against Jin Country, the Six Nations had been at peace for several years, but recently, this delicate balance was broken.

Shangguan Yun proposed establishing waterways among the Six Nations, which was opposed by each country.

The reasons were bizarre, some saying they didn’t want to damage their country’s feng shui, others saying they didn’t want to burden the folks.

But ultimately, it was actually for an island called Baoshan Island.

Baoshan Island is located in Jin Country, part of its territory. When Jin Country was defeated, they ceded many cities for peace, including Baoshan Island.

However, Baoshan Island was a deserted island; back then, no one wanted it, and Yan Country claimed it.

Who would’ve thought the reclaimers would discover a gold mine on the island, causing dissatisfaction among the other countries, all believing Yan Country had deliberately concealed the veins, misleading everyone into thinking it was a deserted island.

Now, each country wants a share.

But that is not possible.

Shangguan Yun will not budge.

However, this isn’t the only reason the situation among the Six Nations is tense; there’s another major reason: the Tugruq.

Tugruq’s situation has changed.

Tugruq originally split from Jin Country, consisting of thirteen tribes, each governing itself and constantly fighting over the years.

No one managed to unify the thirteen tribes until three years ago when the weakest Tugruq tribe suddenly rose, swallowing the remaining tribes one by one.

It took less than three years to unify the thirteen tribes, split for hundreds of years.

Two months ago, Tugruq established a country, naming it Wei.

Regardless of whether the Six Nations recognize it, it’s a new era.

The ruler of Wei Country hasn’t claimed the title of emperor yet, only king.

"Perhaps he intends to wait for the Six Nations’ emissaries to arrive, witness his coronation ceremony, and then officially rule the world," Shangguan Yun said, taking out an edict from a wide sleeve, "A handwritten letter from the King of Wei, inviting the royal families of each country to attend his coronation ceremony."

Gu Jiao received it, not understanding Jin Country scripts. She asked, "Are you planning to go, Mother?"

Shangguan Yun said, "Qingqing said he wants to go, but I’m a bit worried, so I hope you and Ahen can accompany him."

"Additionally, I need to remind you of something."

"What is it?" Gu Jiao asked.

Shangguan Yun frowned, "It’s rumored that the King of Wei managed to rise from the son of the weakest tribal leader to his current status, all due to a resourceful chancellor under him."

Gu Jiao instinctively asked, "What is his surname?"

Shangguan Yun said, "Liu."

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