Chapter 127: Today with you, today drunk —— Text / Ji Jin

  Yuan You's shocking and astonishing words were barely out of his mouth when not only Xia Chuyi but also Zhao Zhuo was taken aback.

  This thing is too coincidental, it's so coincidental that it can't be understood according to normal logic.

  After a long while, Xia Qi finally came back to her senses from the shock and couldn't help but laugh. Her loud laughter didn't give face to Yuan Xiao Gongzi, "Eldest brother, you can't be mistaken, right? How could Wu Ren be in Da Yanjing?"

  "Admit mistakes? With her pointed mouth and monkey cheeks, even if she were to turn into ashes, Lao Ye would still recognize her."

  "Haha! That's not right, I remember you said that girl was lovely and charming, and you wanted to tease her. How come now she's become a sharp-mouthed monkey? Brother, maybe this is the fate between the two of them?"

  Her laughter was really too piercing for Yuan Xiao Gongzi. Staring at her vivid facial features when she was joking, he slapped the table heavily, and his narrow and long Danfeng eyes were wide with anger.

  Still laughing?

  "Hmph, I'm not laughing anymore, I'm not laughing anymore."

  In the memory of July 7th, I have never seen Yuan Xiaoye being so angry.

  She suppressed the urge to burst out laughing, quickly closed her mouth, and looked at Zhao Zhu with a serious expression, very "sincere" and "serious", "Sir, look how anxious my brother-in-law is getting, why don't you just fulfill his wish?"

  Unlike Xia's initial loud laughter, Zhao Zun had been holding a straight face. Now that he heard her words and exchanged a glance with her, he too was speechless with laughter, propping up his forehead, looking utterly exhausted.

  "Tianlu, dare you try laughing at me?"

  Yu Xiao Gongzi clenched his fists tightly, his chest heaving with rage.

  Zhao Zhu cleared his throat seriously, "Shao Hong, these past few days you haven't been taking advantage of the opportunity to get back at that girl, have you? A real man doesn't bother with petty calculations. Moreover, if you hadn't had ulterior motives, how would she have had the chance to hurt you?"

  The young master is still fuming with anger when he thinks about the pain and embarrassment from back then.

  "Nonsense! When did I ever have ill intentions towards her?"

  At the beginning of summer, on the seventh day, she slightly pouted her mouth and sneered at him, "Wasn't it you who had ulterior motives? How could your little chicken just fly onto her carriage while walking on the streets of the capital, and then let her trample and ravage it?"

  "Tianlu!" Yuan Xiaogong patted his forehead, pointing at Xia Chuyi and shouting at Zhao Zhu, "Take good care of her! Look at your wife, she's got a mouth on her like a little chicken... it's unbearable, she really thinks she's the master of the house!"

  "Hey, brother, getting angry?"

  Xia continued to mock on the seventh day of summer, and didn't dare to look at Zhao's expression.

  "Let it go, even if I don't hold a grudge against her for offending me." Yuan Xiao Gongzi rarely had an iron face, looking like he wanted to skin Wu Rensheng alive. "However, Tianlu, she is a Beidi person, the princess of Beidi, our enemy, and our captive. There's no reason to let her go, right? In my opinion, hand her over to me and watch how I deal with her."

  "What's the collection like?"

  The young master's eyes gleamed with a sinister light as he licked his lips, "I'll let her know the consequences of offending me, if I don't kill her, I'll cripple her..."

  "Still have to get pregnant?" Xia Qi Qi added with a smile, she was just teasing Yuan Xiao Gongzi, but the words came out of her mouth and saw Zhao Zun's cold face seemed to be even darker, she quickly stuck out her tongue and closed her mouth.

  Zhao Zun slightly narrowed his eyes, didn't bother to argue with this woman, then told Yuan You about how she had blown up the Beidi grain depot, and how Haxial had let her off lightly and also sent an envoy with a letter.

  "Let go of me, I must release."

  "No way! Even if it's like that, I still don't agree."

  Yu Xiao Gong Ye frowned and glared, rarely persisting like this.

  He has known Zhao Zun for many years and is a good friend, so to speak, they are bound together through life and death. Yuan You understands Zhao Zun's temperament in dealing with people, and Zhao Zun also understands Yuan You's casual and lazy nature. It can be said that in Yuan You's past life experiences, except for his treatment of firearms and military equipment, he doesn't take anything seriously, not even being adopted out as an imperial grandson, he is too lazy to care or complain, so Zhao Zun has never seen Yuan You be so persistent before.

  In almost an instant, the two people froze there.

  At the beginning of summer, she looked at him on her left and then at another one on her right. She felt that she had to take care of this matter herself. As Zhao Zhu's woman, she naturally understood his feelings. He was a man with great style and taste, and in this matter, he didn't want to be less generous than Hasaer - that was the standard for men to do things.

  Besides, leaving a single Wuren would only make the other party think he's petty and wouldn't change anything. As a woman herself, she also didn't want to see women become sacrifices of war.

  "Older male cousin!"

  She got up and walked over, sat down beside Yuan Xiao Gongzi, pulled his sleeve, smiled mischievously, "Look at you getting so angry, is it necessary? Hehe, I forgot to tell you something, recently in the army I've been idle, thinking of many schemes for manufacturing firearms and military equipment. If you're willing to let Wu Renxiao go this one time, not only can I tell you, but this time we can also research together."

  The two words "firearms" were enough to attract attention, and Yuan Xiaojun's eyebrows jumped up.

  "Really?"

  "Absolutely true!" She raised two fingers, "I guarantee."

  Looking at Yuan Xiaogong's eyes that lit up in an instant, she figured it out. For him, a woman was really not as important as firearms. Sighing, she glanced at Zhao Zun and continued to add fuel to the fire.

  "Brother, I actually have another big plan."

  "What's wrong?"

  "Uh," Xia Qi was slightly embarrassed, "it means plan. I have a great plan, I want to persuade Zhao Shijiu to set up an ordnance factory in Kaiping territory. So, Brother-in-law, you will naturally be the chief engineer of our ordnance factory."

  " Arsenal? Chief Engineer?"

  Yuan You was shocked by these new terms. Zhao Zun's eyes were also deep and profound.

  Currently, all firearms equipment in the Great Yan are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Military Affairs, one of the eight bureaus of the imperial court. The eight bureaus of the Great Yan refer to: the Ministry of Military Affairs, the Silverwork Bureau, the Laundry Bureau, the Headwear Bureau, the Sewing Bureau, the Inner Weaving and Dyeing Bureau, the Wine Vinegar Flour Bureau, and the Imperial Garden Bureau. In addition to being in charge of manufacturing knives, guns, swords, spears, whips, axes, helmets, armor, bows, and arrows for military use, the Ministry of Military Affairs also produces iron locks, scissors, and clocks and drums used in Buddhist ceremonies for the palace and royal residences. Within the Ministry of Military Affairs, there is a special department dedicated to managing firearms, known as the Gunpowder Office.

  Yuanyou was a far-sighted man in terms of firearms equipment, and he had long looked down on the things like gunpowder. With Zhao's support, he set up an armory workshop in Shenji Camp, recruiting famous craftsmen from all over the country at high prices to study new firearms.

  Now Xia Chuqi's "military factory" term may be new, but the literal meaning is easy to understand. Before Xia Chuqi could explain further, she had already grasped it herself. Dan Feng's eyes sparkled with light, "Cousin, you're referring to a military factory, which is a place specifically used for manufacturing firearms and equipment?"

  "Right, you're very clever."

  She deliberately raised her thumb and teased him, Xia Chuqi thought about it and got a little excited, automatically filling in a grand blueprint for the military industry, spitting out the scale of the military factory that would be known to future generations, until she heard the two men frowning, she realized that under current conditions, it was simply impossible.

  She rubbed her nose awkwardly and smiled, "Of course, that's a very distant prospect. Cough, let's talk about the present, we can have a large military workshop, recruit some capable craftsmen, combine my knowledge of new firearms, study the feasibility of manufacturing, and then use them in large quantities on the battlefield..."

  She said a lot, actually not without private intentions. She knew that Zhao Zun would eventually get the Beiping Prefecture as his fiefdom. He became the king of the vassal state, whether to guard the northern gate or to deal with him when Zhao Mianze succeeded one day, this northern military factory had a hundred benefits and no harm.

  Looking back on history, an old man said it right: political power grows out of the barrel of a gun, and only when production forces can be transformed into national defense forces can they be called the first productive force.

  Her idea made Yuan Xiaojun, who was infatuated with firearms, extremely excited. He immediately forgot his hatred for Wu Rensheng and had a very in-depth discussion with Xia Qi. They forgot that it was still early morning and ignored the fatigue from their long journey.

  At this time, the three people present did not expect that the "Military Workshop" which was started on a whim would stand in the north after many years and become the most powerful guarantee for Zhao's southern expedition to seize power. It also opened the historical curtain of a prosperous dynasty that became the center of the world, achieving a feudal empire where all directions came to congratulate and eight directions came to court.

  They talked with great enthusiasm, and before they knew it, an hour had passed. As the sky began to brighten, Yuan Yu took a sip of water, and in his excitement, he almost called out "Brothers, let's go!" as if he were about to charge into battle alongside Xia Chuyi. He glanced at Zhao Zhuo, stood up, patted his armor, and with a flick of his phoenix-like eyes, his face was filled with heroic bravado.

  "Alright then, Tianlu, she's just a little girl after all. I'm not petty, so I'll let her go. But before I do, don't mind how I deal with her, as long as she keeps her life, that is."

  "Brother, you wouldn't have done something to him, would you?"

  Yu Xiao Gongzi gave her a faint smile.

  "We have to make up for it somehow."

  “……”

  I don't know what he wants to do, but Xia Chuqi suddenly realized that it's no wonder people say that as men get older, they still have a child in their hearts. This Yuan Xiao Gongzi's despicable appearance is clearly just to regain his male dignity. What's the difference between throwing a tantrum like a child?

  She glanced at Zhao Zun, seeing that he didn't make a sound, which meant he had no intention of stopping her. She also couldn't say anything more. Just as Yuan You was about to bid farewell and leave, a report came from outside the tent, loud and urgent.

  "Great General..."

  Let him in, Zhao Zhu said calmly.

  "Speak clearly!"

  "It's the Great General." The man swallowed his saliva, handed over a few pieces of silver, and presented a letter. He said it was just passed on by the camp gate guard. It was sent by an old farmer from Ludong Pass, who said that except for saying that he must hand it over to His Highness King Jin immediately, the old farmer also said that he would wait there for the Great General's reply.

  Zhao Zun opened the seal and took a look, the font on the letter was exactly the same as the one sent by Hasaer from the army last time. The Northern Di Mongols had conquered the Central Plains for nearly a hundred years, so it was not surprising that the Northern Di royal family could speak fluent Chinese and write well. However, the font was so strong and powerful, with strokes like dragons and snakes, which was also unusual.

  King of Jin's decree:

  At the battle of Lu Long Sai, your clever strategy broke through the city, and I was deeply impressed by your exceptional talent. At that time, we were both trapped in the war situation, and it was a matter of life and death for us to do what we did. I hope you can forgive me.

  When we met at Fan Zhuang, you gave me three or two silver coins as a gift, which touched my heart. However, now that we are on opposite sides, I dare not take it lightly, so I have asked someone to return the money to you. Also, please return my wife's jade pendant and send my sister back to me at Yao Wang Temple, thirty miles outside Lu Long Sai, where I will arrange for someone to receive her.

  Another word, you'd better think about it. Why should a great ambition be trapped in the mud? This game is not about winning or losing, but you will surely bring disaster upon yourself. If you have the intention to leap out of the dragon's gate, I dare not follow?

  Desert — Respect from above.

  Hassar didn't send his own attendant to retrieve the jade pendant, but instead found a local old farmer to deliver the message. He also didn't use his real name, but rather an alias he had used before in Dayan, "Desert". On the seventh day of summer, Xia suddenly remembered something Zhan Se had said - people with clear facial features tend to have higher IQs.

  What is he plotting now?

  "Grandfather," she asked, "do you really have to return the jade pendant?"

  Zhao Zun glanced sideways, "A Qi can't bear to part with his silver?"

  "Am I so greedy for wealth?"

  Zhao You gave her a "you have" look, saw that she was annoyed and raised an eyebrow, then gave her a soothing look, and handed the jade pendant to the guard, told him the time to "send someone", before turning to Yuan Yu.

  "Shao Hong, tonight at the third watch, you are in charge of sending someone to the Medicine King Temple."

  "But Tianlu... " Yuan You's eyebrows furrowed, full of worries.

  Zhao Zhu's voice was very solemn as he stopped him from speaking with a stern gaze.

  "No need to say more, I know. Go and handle it."

  ……

  ……

  The sky of Ludongze has brightened up.

  Another sunny day.

  At breakfast time, the whole camp was stirred up by a piece of news.

  Everyone rushed to tell each other that the Uren Princess of Northern Di was tied up by His Highness and taken to the horse stable. As a result, those soldiers who had bet on the Northern Di princess winning were filled with regret, only feeling that His Highness's mind was indeed hard to guess, as he had been passionate like fire just a few days ago, but now he was cold as ice.

  However, despite the facts being laid out before them, those who had bet on Princess Beidi winning were not convinced, saying that it was possible she was just temporarily holding back and that they couldn't declare a winner until the day of the imperial wedding.

  So after the dispute, the outcome of the riddle and the gamble was postponed again.

  When the last rays of sunset spilled over the Lu Long Pass, the kitchen was already preparing dinner. Tonight, His Highness himself spent his own silver to add a dish for the soldiers, buying twenty or so sheep and ordering the kitchen to roast mutton for dinner.

  The soldiers were overjoyed when they heard this news.

  These days, the food in the camp has been terrible, and everyone is starving.

  Apart from the sheep for supplementary meals, there was a particularly plump and sturdy sheep prepared for Zhao Zhu and other high-ranking generals. This sheep had been slaughtered, scalded with boiling water, had its internal organs removed, and was cleaned up, waiting to be taken out by Xia Chuyi on the seventh day of the first month.

  Rolling up his sleeves, Xia Zhicheng's scalp was numb all over.

  "After all, sometimes it's better to tone down the boasting, or else you'll just end up suffering... sigh!"

  She held a small knife and cut a small mouth in the thick meat of the sheep, making it easier to enter the flavor. She was muttering to herself. Just less than five meters away from her, Zhao Zhuo was sitting lazily on a recliner, basking in the remaining sunlight, watching her performance with a lazy expression.

  "A Qi behaves well, grandfather will reward."

  "Get out of here, you big fool!"

  Before the seventh day of summer, I also roasted mutton in the army. When organizing outdoor activities, it was also done quite well. But at that time, there were plenty of seasonings? Scallion segments, ginger slices, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and fennel powder... Whatever you wanted, you had it... Now, she is rubbing salt on the mutton to let it absorb the flavor, then putting in the scallion segments and ginger slices that were hard to find. As for other seasonings like salt and monosodium glutamate, don't even think about it.

  Zhao Zhu is a big boss who only watches but doesn't act.

  Fortunately, Er Bao helped him, and he was considered half a man. He could carry the sheep's tail and help her with iron chains and other things.

  It wasn't until the seventh of July that they finally managed to get the sheep ready and hung it on the burning grill, by which time they were all drenched in sweat from head to toe, and the sky had also darkened.

  Sitting by the bonfire, she began to brush oil on the sheep and then applied the caramel color that had been simmered earlier. Slowly, the mutton started to give off a fragrant aroma, and more and more people carrying wine jars gathered around.

  Ludong Street was very lively tonight.

  They roasted lamb in a place separate from the soldiers, and only a few high-ranking generals came over to sit around, each with a smile on their face. Only she, as the head chef, had a heart that was broken into pieces by Zhao's "love", watching others have fun, but couldn't help but sniffle and sigh.

  "Zhao Nineteen, you've made a profit, haven't you?"

  She sat next to Zhao Zhuo, her voice very low, and he naturally heard it.

  "Why say that?"

  She glanced around at the people gathered around the fire pit, and saw that they were all familiar faces. She then turned to him with a big white eye roll, "Congratulations on finding the most versatile woman in the world. She can fight on the battlefield, cook in the kitchen, be a noble lady, serve as a maid, cure hemorrhoids, and roast a whole sheep!"

  "Go to bed?"

  She was lavishly praising herself, but Zhao Zhu's question was neither warm nor cold.

  ".... Zhao, ten, nine!"

  On the seventh day of summer, Xia raised her greasy hands and really wanted to leave a few greasy fingerprints on his noble and calm face. But as soon as she stretched out her hand, it was grasped by him. The hand that had been roasted by fire was very warm, but upon grasping, she found his hand was cool instead.

  "Are you cold?" she asked.

  "Not cold." He lowered his head and gazed at the sparks dancing in her eyes.

  She was afraid of being seen by others and wanted to withdraw her hand, but he held on tight, the strength in his fingertips making her fingers involuntarily go limp.

  "Your Highness has a lot of nerve, daring to cause trouble in front of so many people?"

  "It's just a little plump, don't worry about it, Ah Qi."

  He replied calmly, Xia Chuyi almost vomited blood and gave him a cold look.

  "Thick-skinned to such an extent, Your Highness is indeed unparalleled in the world. I am impressed."

  "I don't dare, I don't dare."

  Two people huddled together, whispering to each other in low tones. The others by the bonfire were not idle either, they helped themselves to slices of roasted lamb that was golden brown and fragrant, chatting and laughing without end. Xia Chuyi took a quick glance around and saw that apart from Yuan Yu, several generals and commanders were present, including the Grand Marshal of the Eastern Region.

  It's just that his mood today doesn't seem to be very good, although that beautiful face still has a smile on it. Fortunately, after using her homemade ointment, the original look was restored.

  Looking at him, Xia Chuqi suddenly felt a little regretful.

  Why didn't I think of swindling him first when I was taking the medicine?

  "Chu Shang Wei, what are you staring at me for?"

  She thought about the silver and took a few more glances, then Dongfang Dazong seemed to have received an order, and he came over directly, his smiling tone making Zhao Zun's face suddenly look bad. Before Xia Chuyi could respond, he "drew his sword" and cut him down.

  "Master Dongfang, today's whole sheep banquet was made possible by the efforts of myself and Ah Qi. As for the matter of paying in silver, I'm afraid it will have to be handled by the Grand Commander."

  Lightly uttering an "oh", the Grand Commander blinked his phoenix eyes in confusion. "What do you mean, Your Highness?"

  Zhao Zhu looked at him and said calmly, "Not to deceive the Grand Commander, when I let Zheng Erbao buy sheep, it was in the name of the Grand Commander. And... on credit!"

  Looking at the unusual color that suddenly appeared on Dongfang Qingxuan's pretty face, Xia Chuyi let out a snort and laughed unscrupulously. Zhao Shijiu, ah Zhao Shijiu, he not only did such an unscrupulous thing, but also did it with such a sense of righteousness, leaving the beautiful Dongfang...

  "Your Highness..." Dongfang Qingxuan sat down beside Zhao Zhu, letting out a low sigh: "I'm grateful for the opportunity to dine with Your Highness, but next time, could you please inform me in advance? That way, I can prepare some silver and avoid being known as someone who buys things on credit?"

  Zhao Zun looked at him and lowered his voice, "Dongfang sir is wrong. I said you pay the silver, but that doesn't mean you're treating me to a meal. The guest is still me, of course. My family's Ah Qi's golden wound medicine is worth more than a thousand taels of gold. Exchanging it for a few sheep is already very cheap."

  "Haha!"

  Xia Qi Qi couldn't help but laugh. Many times, she really enjoyed watching Zhao Shi Jiu and Dong Fang Mei Ren duel, it was an indescribable feeling of cuteness. Forgive her for being a fujoshi, but if they were to get together, they would really be a perfect match.

  She thought for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly, and handed Zhao Zhu a sentence.

  "Does this silver count as what you owe me?"

  Zhao didn't want to be at a disadvantage. He gently took the piece of mutton she had just cut off from her hand, put it in his mouth, and then reached out to touch her head, giving a low, cold laugh. "You are already mine, let alone the silver?"

  “……”

  "Father just helped you get back the silver that was owed to you, can't let outsiders take advantage."

  “……”

  Rolling her eyes, Xia Qiuzi looked at him and shook her head, unable to help but laugh. Meanwhile, the rest of the crowd by the bonfire had already gotten slightly drunk and their voices grew louder.

  "Brothers, come, drink wine, drink wine."

  "Come on, finish this bowl."

  "Grandma's leftovers, eaten tonight, who knows if there will be any left for next time."

  "Let go of your stomach!"

  Listening to the loud laughter, reflecting the warm sparks, Xia Qi looked up at the sky. The weather has been good recently, and the moonlight on Ludong Pass is very beautiful. It was originally located between two mountains, with Meishan on the left and Yunshan on the right. At this time, silver light covered the ground, and the campfires were everywhere, with wine fragrance and the aroma of roasted lamb enticing everyone's appetite. The firelight scattered throughout the camp, and the laughter continued for several miles.

  She found it had been ages since she'd felt so carefree tonight.

  Since crossing over, she has experienced too many things. She has witnessed conspiracies and killings, experienced the cruel war, and suffered from others' pursuit and assassination. She has fought wits with people, and also fought bravely with people. In the future, there may be more variables waiting for her to overcome, but tonight, she should drink heavily and eat meat boldly, clearing her mind of distractions.

  She took the wine bowl, her eyes shining like stars, brightly gazing at Zhao Zun, smiling and raising her cup to him, then seeing Dongfang Qingxuan beside him, she also smiled at him and raised her cup.

  "Come, you two, today there's wine, today we get drunk."

  "No." Zhao Zun suddenly lowered his voice, "Today with you, today drunk."

  At the beginning of summer, Seventh Month was a bit shy and secretly tugged at his sleeve, but he turned around and grasped her hand. Her heart racing, she looked down in embarrassment. Dongfang Qingxuan saw their clasped hands, smiled slightly, raised his long sleeves to cover his face, and tilted his head back to drink.

  "You're also not afraid of being laughed at."

  Xia Chi's voice was low and stern, and as soon as he raised his head, he saw Yuan Xiao Gongzi approaching, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. In his hand, he was holding onto a woman. To be precise, it was "holding", that woman had restored her Northern Di Princess attire, and it was indeed Wu Ruo Xue Xue.

  Her body was tied up with ropes, and her mouth was also blocked. One end of the rope was clenched in Yuan Xiaojun's hand, pulling her to stumble, looking very disheveled. But Yuan Xiaojun seemed not to have seen it, ignoring her angry stare, with a spring breeze on his face, elegantly sitting down beside Xia Qiqi, then wrapping the rope around his own arm.

  "A Qi, give me a piece of mutton."

  Xia Zhi Qi watched him with a faint twitch in his facial muscles, and then glanced at Wu Ren Xiao Xiao. Seeing her being humiliated by Yuan Yu like this in front of so many "men", as a princess, he suddenly felt a little unbearable.

  "Older male cousin..."

  She handed him mutton and lowered her voice to persuade him.

  "What's wrong with that? She is a girl after all."

  "Miss?" Yuan Xiao Gongzi glanced at Wu Ren's angry eyes and said in a low voice, "That was when you didn't see her true self. Cousin, believe it or not, if I fell into her hands, she would use methods ten times, a hundred times more ruthless than mine to deal with me."

  "Got it, you're so fierce, how could it fall into her hands?"

  This flattery was right on the money, Yuan Xiao Gongzi sneered and raised the corner of his lips. "A Qi, you don't know how ruthless that woman is. She almost ruined my whole life, do you understand? What's wrong with me getting revenge?"

  Xia knew that men always treated *'s affairs as a big deal, and could only helplessly sigh, deciding to shut up about it.

  Ke Yuan Xiao Gong Ye obviously didn't intend to let things end like this, he violently tugged on the rope, causing Wu Ren to stumble and fall to the ground with a thud. Only then did he get up, smiling, and walk over to pull her up, tearing off the rag that was covering her mouth, his pair of bright phoenix eyes gleaming with amusement.

  "Want to eat? Call me grandpa and I'll reward you."

  "Ugh——"

  Wu Ren splashed a mouthful of saliva onto his face. Yuan You's expression changed, and he was furious to the extreme, taking advantage of the situation to stuff a large piece of mutton into her mouth, covering it tightly with his hand, his eyes cold to the extreme.

  "Are you looking for trouble?"

  "There's something that wants to kill me... Hmm..."

  Wu Ren's whole body trembled slightly, and his awkward Mandarin was not very clear.

  "Can't I still handle you?"

  Yu Wei's eyes were filled with murderous intent, her grip growing tighter and tighter. Wu Ren's hands were bound behind her back, her body tied up like a rice dumpling. Now, her mouth was stuffed with mutton, the meat thrust deep into her throat, making her feel nauseous. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she couldn't spit them out, so she could only glare at Yu Wei with intense anger, as if she wanted to tear his flesh apart.

  "Little Master!"

  Seeing that none of the men sitting around stopped him, Xia Chuyi couldn't help it anymore. She shouted and walked over to grab Yuan Yu's arm, then lowered her voice.

  "Brother, can you give me some face? Just this once! Please, okay?"

  Yuanyou's eyes still held a hint of anger, but Xia Zhi's expression was serious on the seventh day of summer, and his meaning had been conveyed. He knew her, she usually didn't ask people for help, now she humbled herself to ask him, he wanted to refuse, it would indeed not give her face.

  Slowly letting go of his hand, he wiped off the saliva on his face and pointed at Wu Ren.

  "Considering it's Ah Qi's sake, I'll spare you this time."

  He turned his head and sat back by the bonfire, never looking back. Wuren spat out the mutton in his mouth, staring at the back of his head, furious and trembling all over.

  Xia Chuiqi sighed and said something in a low voice to Zhao Zhu, then took Wu Ren and walked towards the horse stable.

  From Kai Ping, Wu Renyuan and her two maids were detained in the horse stable. When Xia Chuyi sent them over on the seventh day of summer, the two girls were still sitting on the straw, with several soldiers guarding them. Seeing Wu Renyuan return, they rushed over, shouting loudly "Guo Jiao", and fell to tears and sobs.

  Wu Ren looked up at Xia Chuqi with his chin raised, but didn't cry.

  "I won't thank you, it was you who caught me."

  "It's every man for himself, you can't blame me."

  "I won't blame you either, you just did what you were supposed to do. If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same, and even worse."

  "Hmm" a sound, Xia Qi Qi didn't know what to say, only smiled faintly, "My brother's personality is like that, you don't have to mind him. Fortunately, General will send you back tonight..."

  "Are you kidding me?" Wu Ren interrupted her, his eyes flashing with anger and hatred, "Do you know what he did to me?"

  She didn't know about this until the seventh of summer, she shook her head, and in an instant, unhealthy words like "binding, whip, dripping wax" appeared in her mind.

  But she was full of curiosity, Wu Ren's face was pale with rage, his teeth clenched, his lips trembling, but he couldn't say a word, only his small white face flushed red, his eyes reddened, "He is a devil, a bastard, a killer. If one day he falls into my hands, today's humiliation, I will definitely return it to him a thousand times, ten thousand times."

  "Uh..."

  The seventh day of summer seems to be a stiff smile.

  She wasn't the one involved in this matter, so she couldn't just let it go with a smile and forget about it. After all, not everyone can just say they've forgotten and actually forget. However, after thinking about it for a moment, she felt that the chances of Yuan You falling into Wu Ren's hands weren't very high, so she just smiled perfunctorily, had her bindings removed, ordered the soldiers to take good care of her, and left the horse stable.

  But no matter how she thought, she couldn't have imagined that Wu Ren would be so straightforward.

  Later on, Yuan You really fell into her hands, but she fell into his heart. Even later, they unexpectedly gave birth to a lovely child named "Yuan Xiao", who was also round and cute, just like a Yuanxiao (a traditional Chinese sweet dumpling). Xia Zhiyuan recalled today after the seventh day of summer and got drunk again.

  ……

  ……

  At midnight, the wine is gone and the meat is finished.

  At midnight, in the commander's tent, Zhao Zhuo was waiting with a thoughtful expression, still wearing his armor from the day. Before long, the curtain of the tent was lifted from outside, and the person who entered walked quickly, their dusty figure mixed with the cold night wind. Without saying a word, they first bowed and paid respects, then looked up at Zhao Zhuo.

  "Your Highness, I have arrived late."

  "It's too late, all the mutton has been eaten up."

  Zhao Zhu's complexion was bright and dark under the candlelight.

  He beckoned Chen Daniu to sit in the chair beside the desk.

  "Is everything all right?"

  Chen Daniu smiled, then furrowed his brow again, looking at him with a puzzled expression. "Your Highness, I have led the 100,000-strong army to station in Karakorum, waiting for your order. Why is there no movement?"

  "Now is different from the past, let's talk about it when the imperial edict arrives."

  "I'm still very clear, my Northern Expedition Army has been on the expedition for two months. Your Majesty gave you the Tiger Tally and also gave you the power to make decisions. Now, Haxial is in Danning, we are attacking from both sides, surrounding Danning. Even if we can't annihilate them all, driving Haxial back to the grasslands would be a great victory!"

  Zhao Zun did not answer immediately, instructing Zheng Erbao to come in and pour him a cup of tea. Only after dismissing the crowd did he glance at Chen Dabull and say indifferently, "Dabull, let's not mention that Hasar is not as easy to defeat as imagined. Even if we fight to the death and win, he can still retreat to Huai Water, with his back against the Northern Di. At that time, the Northern Di army's supply lines will be endless, but our military supplies and equipment will be too slow!"

  Chen Daniu wasn't a fool, startled, he looked up at him.

  "What does Your Highness mean by that?"

  Zhao Mianze is now in charge of the government, and Emperor Hongtai has the idea of cultivating him. He uses people without suspicion, and suspects those who are not used. He rarely asks about government affairs. Chen Daniu also knows that the grain, grass, and military supplies that were supposed to arrive at Kaiping last month have not arrived on schedule. At this time, it is indeed unwise to advance northward rashly.

  He was still thinking when Zhao Zhu suddenly asked again.

  "Have you taken stock of the arrows and provisions in the camp?"

  Chen Daniu furrowed his brow, his dark face somewhat solemn. "If we were to engage in a decisive battle with the Northern Di right now, it's also possible. However, if the grain and fodder supplies don't arrive soon, at most we can hold out for two months, and the food and drink of the soldiers will become a problem. Nevertheless, after two months, no matter what, they should have arrived. If not, we can't just go and demand grain from the common people."

  "Do ordinary people have grain to pay taxes?"

  "Yes, the common people in the war zone have fled or escaped, and those who remain are so poor that they can't even afford to tie their pants... Your Highness, do you have a memorial to request grain?"

  Zhao Zun's eyes were complex with emotion, "The memorial has been submitted, waiting for a response."

  "My goodness, this would have been absolutely impossible in the past." Chen Daniu cursed and glared at Zhao Zhu angrily, "Before, everyone said that the Crown Prince was kind and would be a good emperor to govern the world. Now I see that he doesn't have any good intentions. If it were you, Your Highness..."

  "Great!" Zhao Zhu cut him off, "Don't talk nonsense."

  Chen Daniu was a straightforward man, and upon hearing this, he put down his tea cup with a clang, knelt down on the ground with a thud, and his armor made a "clanging" sound in the tent. His words were also very sincere.

  "Your Highness, I've followed you all these years, and you know what kind of person I am. I've never thought about wealth and glory, nor am I afraid of death. Today, I'll say this: Chen Dabao is in whatever position he is, forever looking up to Your Highness. With just one order from you, not to mention attacking the Great Ning, even if you want the entire world, I'll fight to the death to help you take it down."

  Zhao Zun's expression was slightly solemn, and he didn't speak for a good while.

  After a long time, in the soft explosive sound of the candle flame, he walked to Chen Daniu's face, helped him up and sat down, his voice sinking.

  "I hope that day will never come."

  Chen Daniu sighed, "What should I do now?"

  "Stay put and wait for further instructions."

  Chen Daniu nodded in agreement and didn't say anything more about that matter. After chatting for a few more sentences about other military affairs, Zhao Zun thought for a moment, reached out to take an envelope from the case and handed it over to Chen Daniu.

  "This was brought by the courier yesterday, a letter from home in the capital, for you."

  Chen Daniu took the letter, turned it over and examined it carefully, scratched his head in embarrassment, then handed it back to Zhao Zun.

  "I'm illiterate, Your Highness, would you please read it for me..."

  Zhao Zun glanced at him and his eyes sank slightly.

  The Chen Daoniu in front of him was no longer the young man who dared to fight and kill on the battlefield years ago. Nowadays, he has been granted a marquis title, named "Xiang", becoming a person who can take charge of one side, and also gained the skills to conquer one side, but his nature has not changed, and his trust in him is still the same as before.

  He didn't say much more and tore open the letter.

  "It's a letter from Xin Hua."

  "What did she say?"

  "All is well at home, don't worry!"

  Zhao Yu finished reading in a low voice, and glanced at her. Chen Daniu seemed to have not seen it, and silently read it again by himself, frowning, "Is that all?"

  He put the letter back in the envelope and handed it back to Zhao, "It's gone."

  "Oh. Well, Your Highness, I'll take my leave." Chen Daniu's face didn't look too good, and his emotions were also a bit off. He seemed to have even forgotten the proper etiquette, and with a huff, he hung his head low and left the tent without even bowing to Zhao Zun.

  Looking at his back, Zhao Zun slowly lowered his eyes.

  "Zheng Er Bao!"

  Zheng Er Bao hastily lifted the curtain and entered, "Master, what are your orders?"

  He glanced at him faintly and Zhao Zun ordered in a low voice, "Go tell Yuan Yu to follow the plan and send the person to Yao Wang Temple."

  "Yes!"

  Zheng Er Bao was about to leave when Zhao Zun hesitated, called him back and whispered a few words, saying: "Bring more people and be on guard."

  The night was dark and deep, the campfires had been extinguished, and even the few torches that patrolled at night could no longer illuminate the entire camp. After the wine and meat, the fragrance still lingered in the camp, and in a tent in Ludong Pass, a slender figure stood with his back to the light, his robe illuminated by the candlelight, looking elegant and refined.

  "Are you all ready?" he asked.

  "Yes, I have already sent someone to lie in ambush at Yaowang Temple."

  One knee bent beside his feet, very respectful.

  "Good." The man's voice was cool and calm, yet carried a hint of amusement. "Kill her, leave no survivors."

  Digression

  Today is Thanksgiving Day, thank you to all the big girls and little daughters-in-law for following along!

  It's been four months since the official serialization started on July 24th. Looking back, I let out a sigh and suddenly have nothing to say. Apart from writing well, I don't have a better way to repay you all. I want to personally thank each and every one of you, and also say that in the future, let's work hard together, take care of our bodies, and live each day well and sincerely. I want to say many things, but suddenly my mind is left with only one sentence - My heart has a fierce tiger, delicately smelling roses.

  Fall back!

  By the way: Today a girl asked, can't understand why Jingyi County's identity cannot be exposed... Is this question really hard to understand?

  ——

  Special thanks to the following people:——

  Dear [lcxboy] has been upgraded to become a member of the club.

  Dear [Lunwen], [13916677642], and [15353602611] have been upgraded to become contributors!