Chapter 303

"Especially now, Qingzhou is the foundation of our righteous army, and we cannot afford to lose it."

"Now that the army has returned with great power, it is a good opportunity to win over the hearts of the people."

"so……"

Fan did not continue.

It's not that she doesn't love her younger sister, but when it comes to matters of state, the bigger picture must be considered.

"Mm." Fan Xiaoxiao nodded with a smile. "I understand."

She picked up another piece of meat and handed it to her, saying, "Sister, you eat this. It won't taste good when it gets cold."

"These things happened more than two months ago. Even though I was scared at the time, I am much calmer now."

"Moreover, we did benefit from the fact that the Gan family led the way in courting disaster."

"If it weren't for that mess, our business wouldn't have developed as quickly as it has today."

Fan Xiaoxiao thought about how she had spent so much time throwing rotten eggs at the Gan family's door every day.

Like visiting tourist attractions, her husband would often use this as an excuse to imprison and whip members of his family.

I've already felt better.

“My brother-in-law is a man who does great things, so of course I support him.”

"That's good." Madam Fan nodded: "You and Madam Bai from the Xiahou family were both quite frightened by this matter."

"He was just worried that you might have some reservations."

"It's alright, I'll talk to Chaoyan about it later." Fan Xiaoxiao's expression was much calmer now, with a slight worry lingering between her brows, and her appetite had also diminished: "I'm just worried about their upcoming battles."

"Speaking of this..." Madam Fan frowned, "I heard that my brother-in-law is also going."

She glanced at Fan Xiaoxiao's belly: "The baby is due in a few months, but a few months probably won't end this war."

"Aren't you going to stop them?"

"..." Fan Xiaoxiao also wanted Gu Zhongtai to be able to see the child born.

But deep down I know it's unrealistic.

After all, the obsession and deep-seated hatred from two lifetimes can only be washed away with the blood of the enemy.

Moreover, these secrets cannot be revealed to outsiders, not even to one's elder sister.

She shook her head and smiled: "I won't stop him. He has his own ambitions and ideas."

"Besides, if we don't give it our all, how will Xiaobao and his unborn cousins ​​have a peaceful life in the future?"

There's no need for Fan Xiaoxiao to elaborate.

Lady Fan frowned and sighed deeply.

Now, we have achieved our first victory against the imperial court.

Not only did the Qingzhou army make a name for itself, but Yu Cheng, the governor, could no longer continue in his post.

Countless rebels and civilians came to join them, and as the army grew, so did the territory.

Regardless of whether Yu Cheng chooses to become king or not, he will not be spared by the imperial court or other forces in the future.

As his eldest son, Xiao Bao was destined not to escape unscathed.

“You’re right.” Madam Fan picked up the syrup and drank it all in one gulp: “Men fight, and we must also do our best.”

“That’s right.” Fan Xiaoxiao nodded with a smile: “Now many new soldiers have come to join us. Weapons, battle uniforms, stirrups, and horseshoes are all our business.”

"I am now pregnant with twins, and for the next period of time, I will have to rely on my older sister to take care of me."

...

...

Not much time passed.

This time, the Qingzhou army replenished its losses and attracted more forces that came to join them.

After the reorganization, the team grew to more than three times its original size.

With Xiahou and Yu Cheng leading the troops, this time, the situation was several times more secure than when they previously welcomed the imperial army.

Yu Cheng chose an auspicious day.

He was called King Wei.

At that time, all the surrounding areas bordering Qingzhou fell into the king's hands.

The following month, the imperial court dispatched an army to fight in a neighboring prefecture.

Zhou suffered a major defeat.

King Wei, Yu Cheng, issued a proclamation to punish the rebels.

He listed the ten major crimes of the Zhou emperor, each one unforgivable. In his hand he also held a thumb ring symbolizing imperial power, as well as a blood-written edict from the previous dynasty proving the current emperor's illegitimate bloodline.

One stone stirs up a thousand waves.

Many of the prefectures and counties that had previously put up a stubborn resistance surrendered without a fight!

When Fan Xiaoxiao heard this news, she was completely shocked.

No wonder people in ancient times placed great importance on lineage.

The emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty was not legitimate.

Yu Cheng is not one of them either.

Even if the court doesn't support Yu Cheng, there will still be loyal members of the imperial faction who want to enthrone another emperor.

This leads to discord and alienation.

It naturally falls quickly.

It can be said that war has broken out in various places.

Perhaps it will take time to pacify the world.

The time for the King of Qingzhou to declare himself emperor has not yet come.

But the long-awaited showdown between kings is also imminent.

...

...

The long horn wailed.

It was a sound that was as desolate and profound as could be.

After their tender moment, Fan Xiaoxiao couldn't sleep all night.

She held her husband tightly the whole time.

Who knows how long it will be before we meet again after this parting?

She was in a light sleep, half-asleep.

So much so that she woke up as soon as he got up.

The man gently kissed her forehead: "Did I wake you? Why don't you go back to sleep?"

Fan Xiaoxiao woke up instantly and grabbed his sleeve, saying, "No."

She lifted the covers: "I'll go make you some food."

This time, Gu Zhongtai didn't stop him.

This was the last time I would be able to eat a meal with the lady before I left.

A refreshing side dish, crystal buns, and a plate of stir-fried beans with orchids.

The congee was perfectly savory and delicious, and he couldn't bear to part with any of it.

He wanted to say something, but Fan Xiaoxiao put her arm around him and shook her head: "Tell me when you get back."

We can't let any flags pop up.

"My lord, please be careful on your journey. Do not seek coolness, and do not rush. Safety is of utmost importance, do you understand?"

"Hmm." He took Fan Xiaoxiao's hand and pressed it against his cheek: "When would I forget what Madam said?"

Even the warm and beautiful moments must eventually come to an end.

Fan Xiaoxiao did not show up.

Because Gu Zhongtai had instructed her not to deliver it.

But she still couldn't resist hiding on the city wall to watch.

Bai Chaoyan sighed and turned to ask, "Xiaoxiao, why don't you dare to come out?"

“You don’t understand.” Fan Xiaoxiao glanced down at him like a thief: “We have to give our husband face. We have to listen to his instructions, at least outwardly.”

“My husband said that I am pregnant and the military is too dangerous, so it is not good for the child to be tainted by blood.”

"Oh..." Bai Chaoyan squatted down and peeked at her with her.

"..." Fan Xiaoxiao was speechless: "Chaoyan, what are you doing? My husband doesn't allow me to come and deliver this, and I'm pregnant, so I'm hiding."

"..." Bai Chaoyan blinked but didn't say anything, but her face turned red.

The two remained silent for a long while, then Fan Xiaoxiao's eyes widened: "Could it be that you also..."

"Um……"

How many months?

"It's only been two months, it's not safe yet."

For a moment, the two expectant mothers held hands in sympathy.

...

...

As Fan Xiaoxiao had predicted, the war did not proceed quickly.

Fortunately, there were more good news than bad, so they were able to stabilize the situation.

The imperial court had far more troops than the Prince of Qingzhou; after all, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse.

But the Qingzhou swords that Master Lu led his men to forge were no joke. In addition, with the financial resources of Qingzhou and the submission of surrounding prefectures and counties, the trade route from Tianshan to the heart of Qingzhou was also opened up, and warhorses were continuously transported over.

The two sides were almost evenly matched.

(End of this chapter)