85: Chapter 85 A New Beginning

1. Family Dinner

The day after Emily returned, Li Ling decided to host a family dinner.

He cooked himself, preparing a table full of dishes. Although his culinary skills were average, it was the thought that counted. The Princess, Empress Su Wanqing, and Emily sat around the table, watching him bustle about, unable to stop smiling.

"My husband, are you sure you can handle this?" the Princess asked with a smile. "Would you like me to help?"

"No need!" Li Ling said, wearing an apron, not turning his head. "Today, you just need to eat; I will do the cooking!"

He made braised pork belly, sweet and sour pork ribs, steamed fish, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and stewed a pot of chicken soup. Although the presentation was average, the taste was quite good. The three women ate and praised the food endlessly, especially Empress Su Wanqing, who kept serving him dishes.

"Brother Ling, when did you learn to cook?" she asked curiously.

"Self-taught," Li Ling said shamelessly. "I am a person with innate talent; I learn everything quickly."

"Host, you burned your instant noodles last time," the System remarked in his mind.

Shut up! Li Ling retorted in his heart.

"My husband, I heard you are preparing for the Northern Expedition recently?" the Princess suddenly asked.

Li Ling put down his chopsticks and nodded. "Yes. The United Fleet has been destroyed, and the foreign powers are temporarily unable to interfere. This is the perfect opportunity to unify the country. I plan to complete the great cause of unification within three years."

"Three years?" Emily said in surprise. "So fast?"

"Not fast," Li Ling shook his head. "I have waited for a long time. The Northern Warlords have carved up the land, and the common people are suffering. The sooner we unify, the sooner the people will live a good life."

"My husband, I support you," the Princess said earnestly. "But you must promise me that you will take care of your safety. You are the leader of the army, and you cannot afford any mishaps."

"Don't worry," Li Ling laughed. "I have a tough life; I won't die."

The three women glared at him simultaneously. "Don't say such unlucky things!"

Li Ling quickly raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I won't say it, I won't say it."

The family chatted and laughed, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

After the meal, the three women cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks together, while Li Ling sat in the courtyard drinking tea.

Watching their busy figures, a warmth surged in his heart.

This was the life he wanted. To have a home, to have love, to have warmth.

"System, tell me, can I continue to be this happy?"

"Host, happiness depends on your own efforts," the System said. "As long as you do not give up and do not retreat, happiness will always be with you."

"Thank you, System."

"You are welcome."

2. Looking to the Future

At night, Li Ling sat alone in his study, looking at the map on the wall.

It was a huge map of the Qingxia Kingdom, marked with the locations of provinces, mountains, rivers, cities, and ports. He used a red pen to circle the territory of the Northern Warlords and a blue pen to mark his own sphere of influence.

"Three years," he muttered to himself. "Within three years, I want to turn all these red circles into blue circles."

"Host, do you have confidence?"

"Yes," Li Ling nodded. "But it is not blind confidence. I have made a detailed plan, and every step has been repeatedly simulated. The Northern Expedition is not an impulse, but the result of careful consideration."

"The System believes in the Host."

Li Ling smiled, stood up, and walked to the window.

In the night sky outside, stars were twinkling. That reconnaissance satellite was orbiting in space, overlooking this blue planet.

"System, tell me, hundreds of years from now, how will history judge me?"

"Host, this question should be asked to future generations," the System said. "But the System believes that as long as what the Host is doing now is the right thing, future generations will definitely give a fair evaluation."

"The right thing?" Li Ling muttered. "What is 'the right thing'?"

"Making the country strong, making the people happy, and making civilization progress," the System said. "This is 'the right thing'."

Li Ling was silent for a long time, then slowly nodded.

"You are right." He turned around and walked back to the table. "Therefore, I must continue to work hard. Not for fame or wealth, not for status, but for this land and for the people here."

He picked up his pen and wrote a few lines in his diary:

"Autumn, 1899. The United Fleet has been destroyed, Japan has surrendered, and the foreign powers have temporarily retreated. The Northern Expedition is imminent, and unification is in sight. I shall take this as an opportunity to govern diligently, strive for strength, and create eternal peace for the Qingxia Kingdom."

After writing, he put down his pen and let out a long sigh.

Outside the window, the night was deepening, but the eastern sky was already beginning to turn a pale white.

A new day was about to begin.

And he, too, was already prepared.

3. A New Journey

Early the next morning, Li Ling summoned all the core generals to hold the final military meeting before the Northern Expedition.

In the conference room, the generals sat around a long table, the atmosphere serious and enthusiastic.

"Everyone," Li Ling stood in front of the sea map. "After the destruction of the United Fleet, the foreign powers are temporarily unable to interfere with our actions. This is the best time for the Northern Expedition. I have decided that in one month, we will formally launch the Northern Expedition to unify the country!"

The generals stood up one after another and shouted in unison: "We are willing to die for you, my Lord!"

"Good!" Li Ling pressed his hand down, signaling everyone to sit. "I have already formulated the specific combat plan. It is divided into three stages..."

He elaborated on the combat plan for the Northern Expedition in detail, including force deployment, attack routes, logistical support, emergency plans, and other aspects. The generals listened attentively, occasionally asking questions, which Li Ling answered one by one. The meeting lasted the entire day. When the sun set, the Northern Expedition plan was finally finalized.

"Everyone," Li Ling raised his teacup. "Let us use tea instead of wine to wish you all a triumphant start!"

"A triumphant start!" everyone shouted in unison.

After the meeting, Li Ling stood alone by the window, watching the sunset in the distance.

"System, tell me, what difficulties will the Northern Expedition encounter?"

"There will definitely be difficulties," the System said. "But the System believes that the Host will definitely be able to overcome them."

"Why are you so confident?"

"Because the Host is not fighting alone," the System said. "The Host has the System, the army, friends, and family. With so many people supporting the Host, what does the Host have to fear?"

Li Ling smiled, a very warm smile.

"You are right." He turned around. "Therefore, I must continue to move forward. No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, I will press on without hesitation."

He walked out of the conference room and strode towards the military camp.

Behind him, the afterglow of the sunset shone on him, stretching his shadow very, very long.