Chapter 200 - 198. The Beginning of The End I

(A/N: This is where the fun starts.)

Third-person POV

Weisheng slammed his fist on the table while Lu Ping pinched his nose bridge in stress. They never expected so many things to happen in a span of 2 days.

Yesterday, a letter from Di Shang arrived. It said that they detected a trace of magic circles on the ice blocks that were swept along the water. They suspected that someone purposely made everything look like a natural disaster.

And from their observation, they deduced that the culprit firstly created a few cracks on the thick layer of ice. And with the magic circles they place beneath the sea, they caused the tectonic plates to move abruptly, resulting in water displacement (tsunami).

(A/N: I have a bit of knowledge about earthquakes and such but I just don't know how to explain it in English. The tsunami was caused by the tectonic earthquake.)

To add it more, a storm surge occurred at the same time as the earthquake, therefore, the area that was damaged became wider. Another update about the death had caused everyone to have a headache.

The death toll increased immensely in one day. The half of the survivors of the tsunami who managed to escape to the higher ground, climbing a tree, or even using magic to levitate themselves to the air died from hypothermia or Qi deficiency. Most of them were children that still didn't know how to use and control their Qi correctly.

This devastating news made Lu Cixi very sad. At that time, the madam of the Wei family invited all of the madams in noble families including Lu Cixi to pray at one of the most famous temples that were located on the top of Tai mountain.

At first, Lu Cixi was hesitant as she was worried about Hong er and didn't have the heart to leave her alone. But Hong er came to her and reassure her to go with the madams because it would ruin Lu Cixi's reputation if she rejects it.

Lu Cixi complied with Hong er's words and left the Royal Palace this morning. Hong er assigned Ah Li and another personnel of her elite forces to escort Lu Cixi on her trip. Lu Cixi was deeply touched by Hong er's piety, she prayed to the gods that Hong er would be safe during her absence.

Weisheng sat beside Hong er and encircled his arms around Hong er. Hong er looked at his face and worriedly asked.

Hong er: "The casualties grew."

Weisheng: "En."

Hong er sighed and unconsciously caressed her belly.

Hong er: "I wonder how father is doing."

Weisheng: "I'm pretty sure that he is fine."

Hong er: "En. I hope so."

Qiyi suddenly appeared in front of them kneeling.

Qiyi: "Your Majesty Emperor! Bei Zhou suddenly attacked us!"

Weisheng narrowed his eyes in irritation.

Weisheng: "How?"

He growled.

Qiyi: "This servant has no clue. Just when I got the news, Bei Zhou had taken down the border!"

Weisheng: "What are they doing?!" (A/N: He was talking about the soldiers that were defending the border.)

Qiyi: "It was reported that the soldiers were poisoned. And not long after, they discovered that Bei Zhou poisoned the base's only water source."

Weisheng clenched his hand, he wanted to go to the frontline and kills all those Bei Zhou but he has a wife that was pregnant and could give birth at any time.

On one side, he has to be a good husband who stayed by his wife's side during labor but on the other side, he is a ruler of 300 million people and he couldn't just turn a blind eye when his empire was attacked.

Then he could a cold palm held his big hand. He looked at his beloved wife who was smiling tenderly at him

Hong er: "You can go."

Weisheng: "But-"

Hong er: "It's fine. Remember what you promised me."

Weisheng: "I shouldn't forget my responsibilities as an emperor."

Hong er: "En. So go, protect our Da Qi and return safe and sound."

Weisheng stared at Hong er with guilt-filled his face. Hong er chuckled and pecked his lips before she pushed him.

Hong er: "Now go. Everyone is waiting for their Undefeatable General."

Weisheng: "En. I will definitely be back before our baby born."

Weisheng pecked Hong er lips before he stood up and stomped his way towards his dressing room. Hong er watched his figure slowly disappeared into the falling snow. Even though Weisheng had departed to the battlefield several times, but it always made her heartaches.

However this time, her heart was beating profusely that tears almost trickled out of her eyes.

Hong er: 'Why does it feel like this will be the last time I see him?'

Hong er gripped her chest and bit her lower lip.

Weisheng: "Is everything ready?"

Qiyi: "Yes, Your Majesty Emperor. Qier had prepared everything."

Weisheng stopped for a while before he spoke again.

Weisheng: "Leave 10 of our best personnel to protect empress."

Qiyi: "Yes, Your Majesty Emperor."

Qiyi was helping Weisheng to put on his armor when someone suddenly knocked on the door. Qiyi went to peek on the door and saw Hong er standing in front of the door. Qiyi instantly understood why Hong er was there and quickly excused himself.

Hong er stepped into the room and walked towards Weisheng.

Hong er: "Would you let me put it on you?"

Weisheng: "En."

Hong er easily lifted up the heavy armor and put it on Weisheng. Actually, he could do it on his own but if his wife volunteered to put it on him, then why not.

After a minute, Weisheng was fully dressed with armor including his helmet. Hong er smiled proudly and hugged him tightly like he was going to disappear. Weisheng hugged back and kissed Hong er's head.

Weisheng: "I have to go."

Hong er: "En."

Hong er released him and they stared at each other for a few seconds before they connected their lips. They broke the kiss and Weisheng left after giving his wife the last peck. Hong er ran to the front door and watched Weisheng galloped with his elite forces followed behind him.

Hong er: "Huayun, any news from Meiyun or father?"

Huayun: "No, Your Majesty Empress."

Hong er: "En. You can retreat."

.

.

4 days after Weisheng's departure*

*PRANG!

(A/N: I'm bad at sound effect.)

The tray on Huayun's hand dropped to the ground and shattered into pieces. Huayun's face filled with pure shock, she couldn't believe what she heard from Ah Tong.

Huayun: "Wh-what did you just say..? Master and madam were captured…?"