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“Why does Nanny Xu only make for Eldest Sister and not for us?”

Jiang Sijin teased as she popped a piece of pastry into her mouth, smiling at Nanny Xu.

“Oh, you cheeky one. Such ungrateful words! When have you ever been deprived of food?”

Old Madam Jiang playfully rebuked upon hearing Jiang Sijin’s words.

The atmosphere at the entire dining table was harmonious. Even Zhou Rongfang only ate quietly. However, Jiang Hong’s sudden voice stunned many people at the dining table.

“Mother, I’ve decided to relinquish my command seal.”

“What did you say?”

Old Madam Jiang asked, subconsciously putting down her cutlery. As she saw shocked expressions all around, she was sure she hadn’t misheard. Looking at her eldest son, she spoke softly, “You’re giving up your military authority?” “Yes, I’ve made up my mind.”

Jiang Hong briefly recapped the thoughts he’d shared with Jiang Peihuan and continued, “Our Jiang family is in a powerful position within the military. If we continue this way, we might eventually upset the Emperor. By taking this opportunity to voluntarily surrender the command seal, we may prevent that.” “Perhaps when the Emperor sees us willingly give up our military power, he may feel more at ease.”

“But, big brother, our Jiang family are all military people. If we surrender the command seal, we will lose all our rights,”

Jiang Ren voiced his concerns to Jiang Hong in a low tone.

Hearing this, Jiang Hong nodded.” You’re right.” Then, he looked at Jiang Ren.” Third Brother, what do you think?”

“Big brother, I support your decision.”

“All power, military or otherwise, belongs to the Emperor. We, the Jiang family, are his servants. In the future, if the Emperor needs us, we can pick up our armor again. If the Emperor truly considers us, we can live our days in peace.” “Now, the princes all became adults, and our Jiang family holds the military power. Even if the Emperor says nothing, we could become a target for these princes.”

“But, big brother, even though I’m a woman, I understand the importance of safeguarding our future generations. If you surrender the military power, what will become of our next generation?”

Ignoring Jiang Yuan’s intervention, Zhou Rongfang spoke directly to Jiang Hong.

Hearing Zhou Rongfang’s words, Old Madam Jiang frowned. The expressions on the faces of the three Jiang brothers also turned serious.

At this point, Jiang Peihuan addressed Zhou Rongfang, “Second Aunt, Eldest Brother has grown up alongside our father in battles, mastering martial arts. As long as Eldest Brother is diligent, he’ll surely make his own way.”

“As for Song Bai, he’s still young, but he’s serious about his studies. In the future, whether he takes the imperial examinations or joins Third Uncle on the battlefield, will be up to him.”

“So, Second Aunt, you should have faith in our Jiang family’s children. Even without the support of the older generation, they are capable of creating their own destinies.”

“What Huan Er said is exactly what I want to say. Father, please make decisions freely without worrying about us. We will pave our own paths with our own efforts.”

“Uncle, Father, I feel the same. If my eldest sister, a woman, can be this determined, Song Bai, as a man of the Jiang family, should be even more so.”

Zhou Rongfang brimmed with frustration as she watched the discussion unfold, wanting to speak out. However, her retort was cut short when Jiang Ruyun tugged firmly on her sleeve.

Seeing this, she bit back her words unwillingly.

The old madam cast a frosty glance at Zhou Rongfang, then turned to Jiang Hong, “Since you’ve made your decision, I have nothing more to add.”

“The safety of the entire Jiang family is more important than everything else.”

“I appreciate your understanding, Mother,” Jiang Hong responded, his eyes misting over.

After dinner, at Yanlin.

“Brother Hong, are you heading to the palace now?” Xue Yan asked, her gaze on the darkening sky.

As Jiang Hong donned his official robes, he replied, “We’ve already made the decision. To prevent any complications, it’s best to hand over the commander’s seal soon.”

“Alright, you leave early and return soon. I’ll be waiting at home.”

“Sure, once I’ve handed the seal to the Emperor, I’ll return straight away.”

Having said this, Jiang Hong left the Jiang Mansion on horseback, making his way to the Imperial Palace.

Once the palace gates were locked, the ministers couldn’t enter. But due to Jiang Hong’s special status, Emperor Qi Ming had given him the privilege of unrestricted access to the palace.

Consequently, Jiang Hong effortlessly arrived at the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

While Emperor Qi Ming was engrossed in his papers, Wang Kun rushed in, “Your Majesty, the Great General has arrived.”

“Jiang Hong? Why has he come to the palace this late?”

“Allow him in.”

As he spoke, Emperor Qi Ming had already turned his gaze to Wang Kun.

Jiang Hong entered the hall, bowing deeply when he was three steps from Emperor Qi Ming, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“Minister Jiang, you’re here at this late hour. Is there something important you wish to share?”

“Your Majesty, I have come today to return the commander’s seal.”

As he spoke, Jiang Hong took out a black token from his clothing, presenting it respectfully with both hands.

Hearing Jiang Hong’s words and seeing the item in his hands, a blend of surprise and doubt flickered in Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes.

Looking at the man before him, he spoke in a subdued tone, “You just returned from the North. Why are you relinquishing the Commander’s seal so soon? You are the Great General King of our Qi Kingdom, the seal is most effective in your hands.”

“Your Majesty, all Qi Kingdom’s soldiers, including myself, are obliged to obey you. This Commander’s seal was given to me to conquer the North for you. Now, with the North pacified, it’s only fitting that the tally be returned.”

“In the future, if you need me to battle for the Qi Kingdom again, the commander’s seal can be bestowed upon me then.”

Jiang Hong’s earnest words touched a chord. As Emperor Qi Ming studied him, he noticed the flecks of white hair at his temples, despite Jiang Hong being a few years younger than him.

With thoughts of the Jiang family’s generations-long service, a deep sense of respect began to stir in Emperor Qi Ming.

Moving closer, he assisted Jiang Hong to rise, “Given the circumstances, I’ll temporarily take possession of this commander’s seal. The Jiang family’s contributions to the Qi Kingdom are forever etched in my memory.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Watching Emperor Qi Ming accept the Commander’s seal, Jiang Hong breathed out, a wave of relief washing over him.

He had been waging battles for Emperor Qi Ming since he was fifteen. Parting with the commander’s seal stirred a tinge of sadness in him. But the actual moment of handing it over also brought an unexpected sigh of relief.

At the very least, the Jiang Family would be safe and stable for a short period of time.

“Your Majesty, the hour is getting late. I shall take my leave now so as not to impose further.”

“Wang Kun, send the general off.”

“Yes.”

When Wang Kun heard Emperor Qi Ming’s words, he hurriedly followed Jiang Hong out. However, after a few steps, Jiang Hong turned around and smiled,” Chief Steward Wang, please wait. You still have to serve the Emperor, so there’s no need to send me off.””

“If that’s the case, take care, Great General.”

Giving Wang Kun an acknowledging nod, Jiang Hong headed briskly towards the palace gate.

Inside the hall. Emperor Qi Ming picked up the commander’s seal on the table, his eyes filled with complexity.

“He left?”