Early on the morning of the fifth day.

The Ning'an Army and the modao army gathered outside the West City gate, ready to march.

The An Emperor led the civil and military officials out of the city to see them off.

The Xuan Emperor came too!

Everyone knew that once Ning Chen left this time, he probably wouldn't be back until next year.

"You brat, you've worked hard!"

The Xuan Emperor hated to let him go, and his heart was full of worry.

All these years, Ning Chen had been off fighting north and south for the Great Xuan. He'd never once spent New Year in the capital.

The Xuan Emperor was getting old. Any day now might be his last. He truly wished Ning Chen could stay in the capital, where he could see him often.

Ning Chen smiled and shook his head. "Father Emperor, give it a couple of years. Once the Great Xuan is settled... your child will take you to see all its beautiful sights. We'll travel all eighteen prefectures."

Last time they'd covered only two prefectures before Old General Chen suddenly passed away and they'd had to rush back to the capital.

The Xuan Emperor smiled. "All right. Father Emperor will wait for you to come home victorious."

Ning Chen smiled and nodded.

"All right, everyone, go on back! It's time I set out too."

Ning Chen walked over and swung himself into the saddle.

"Pass the order. Move out!"

With the war banners streaming, the army set off.

Two days later, Ning Chen met up on the road with Prince Wu and his hundred thousand troops.

Ning Chen ordered the army to rest.

He was studying the map in his tent when Xiao Yanxi came in carrying a meal.

"Eat something."

Ning Chen grunted, came over and sat down. "Have you eaten?"

Xiao Yanxi shook her head.

"Then let's eat together!"

Xiao Yanxi nodded, then hesitated. "Is something bothering you?"

These past few days, Ning Chen hadn't smiled nearly as much.

Ning Chen didn't hide it. "Honestly? Little Tanzi taking off so suddenly has…