I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 287 Heading Towards the Xiongnu Border

However, this presented Cao Can with a new problem. If war did not break out, wouldn't his desire to gain promotion and rank through outstanding military achievements be dashed? This truly troubled Cao Can. Now, after listening to Ying Wuyou's words again, he couldn't help but ask, "So, how does the princess plan to handle this matter?"

Ying Wuyou looked at Cao Can with a firm gaze and said slowly, "I want you to go to the Xiongnu border."

These few simple words stirred up a thousand waves in Cao Can's heart. Although Cao Can had a slight premonition of this arrangement, he still couldn't help but feel a surge of astonishment when he actually heard it. After all, the Xiongnu border had never been peaceful, and those Xiongnu people were known for their barbarity. Mentioning them made every person from the Central Plains grit their teeth and feel deep resentment.

However, Cao Shen quickly regained his composure after only a moment, clearly understanding the pros and cons in his mind. He knew that while this journey to the Xiongnu border was fraught with danger, it was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If he could successfully defend the frontier, or even wipe out the Xiongnu in one fell swoop, then his illustrious achievements would be no less than those of the renowned General Wang Jian during the Qin Dynasty! Thinking of this, a burning flame ignited in Cao Shen's heart, as if he could already see his glorious achievements and his name etched in history.

However, Cao Can quickly forced himself to calm down from his agitation. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and then looked up at Ying Wuyou, solemnly asking, "Then, may I ask what official position the princess intends to bestow upon me?"

Ying Wuyou smiled slightly and replied softly, "What do you think of the position of Captain, sir?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Shen's face immediately lit up with joy. He knew that the position of Colonel was already quite prestigious in the army, and for him to be granted such a high rank so soon after arriving showed that Princess Jiayang truly valued and trusted him greatly.

After a moment's thought, Cao Can clasped his hands in a respectful bow again and said earnestly, "Thank you for your kindness, Princess! However, my entire family has come with me to Xianyang. If I were to travel to the Xiongnu border, I hope the Princess would take good care of my family." With that, he looked at Ying Wuyou with expectant eyes, awaiting her reply.

Ying Wuyou was very pleased to see that Cao Can had so readily decided to leave his family in Xianyang. She nodded with a smile and said sincerely, "I am truly grateful that you trust me so much, sir. Please rest assured, sir, I will do my best to take good care of your family and will never let them suffer any grievances."

Upon hearing Ying Wuyou's words, Cao Can immediately bowed deeply to her, then replied with unwavering resolve, "I am deeply grateful for the princess's kindness, and I am willing to give my life to repay this favor! On this journey to the Xiongnu border, I will certainly fulfill my mission and firmly defend this territory for Great Qin!"

Ying Wuyou nodded slightly, indicating his satisfaction with Cao Can's determination, and then said slowly, "In that case, sir, you should first explain things to your family. After a few days, when everything is ready, you can set off for the front lines."

Cao Shen nodded without hesitation and replied, "Thank you for the reminder, Princess. I understand."

Afterwards, the two discussed some details for a while. Seeing that everything was settled, Ying Wuyou stood up to take his leave of Cao Can. Cao Can, noticing this, also hurriedly rose to see him off, only turning back into the house after watching Ying Wuyou's figure gradually disappear into the distance. However, at this moment, the excitement in his eyes was hard to suppress.

That evening, Cao Shen told his father, mother, and wife about his upcoming journey to the Xiongnu border. Upon hearing this news, his mother and wife immediately looked worried, expressing their deep concern for his trip. After all, the situation on the Xiongnu border was complex and extremely dangerous; how could they not be concerned for Cao Shen's safety?

In contrast, Cao's father appeared quite calm and magnanimous. He not only showed no opposition but also strongly supported his son's choice, encouraging him to forge ahead and serve the country. Faced with his mother and wife's concerns, Cao Can patiently comforted and reassured them for a long time, finally putting their minds at ease. Finally, the family sat together, offering countless words of advice and concern, their voices filled with care and reluctance.

A few days later, Cao Can received orders to set off. At that moment, he felt a great responsibility on his shoulders, but deep in his heart was an even greater ambition to achieve great things.

One morning, as sunlight streamed into the courtyard, Cao Shen, filled with both lofty ambitions and the sorrow of parting, bid a reluctant farewell to his family. His resolute face revealed anticipation for the unknown journey ahead, while also expressing a deep longing for his loved ones.

Cao Can held his parents' hands tightly, listening to their earnest admonitions. Tears welled in his mother's eyes, while his father, in a steady voice, admonished him to be brave and fearless, to protect his country. His wife, Li Qiu, was already sobbing uncontrollably. She silently helped Cao Can pack his belongings, her endless worry and reluctance evident in every small gesture.

Finally, Cao Can mounted his horse. The chestnut-colored steed, a gift from Ying Wuyou, raised its head and neighed, as if sensing the arduous journey its master was about to embark on. Cao Can glanced back at his family members standing at the door to see him off, then resolutely cracked his whip and followed the army slowly away. The sound of hooves echoed along the long street, gradually fading into the distance.

The expeditionary force was quite large, including not only numerous valiant soldiers but also Lu Jia and Liu Qi. They cleverly disguised themselves as merchants and infiltrated a caravan pre-arranged by Ying Wuyou. This caravan was so convincingly disguised, its goods dazzlingly abundant, making it difficult to detect any hidden secrets. Thus, Lu Jia and Liu Qi followed the Qin army, heading towards the Xiongnu border.

However, Cao Shen was unaware that an unexpected event had occurred at his home the moment he left. His wife, Li Qiu, fainted from excessive grief and worry. Cao's parents were shocked and immediately summoned a servant to fetch a doctor. After a careful examination, the doctor, beaming with joy, told the elderly couple, "Congratulations! Your wife is pregnant." This news was like a ray of sunshine, instantly dispelling the gloom that had hung over the Cao family, filling Cao's parents with immense relief. After all, the Cao family would finally have an heir to continue their lineage.

Meanwhile, Cao Can's army had already left Xianyang. As night fell, the exhausted soldiers chose an open area to set up camp. Although Cao Can was a colonel, being new to the region, he had neither trustworthy confidants nor any distinguished military achievements, thus facing neglect and ostracism within the army. Many soldiers harbored resentment towards his sudden "parachute" appointment, believing he had only risen to his position through connections. Faced with this situation, Cao Can knew that only by proving his abilities through action could he earn the recognition and respect of his men.