Chapter 220: My lord, are you surprised? [Seeking monthly votes]
Shen Tang could still manage a smile on the surface.
My mind started racing and I began cursing God.
Damn it!
Is it fun to tease her?
They couldn't find Lin Feng and his two younger siblings, and they also lost a whole pack of adult foxes. Wu Hui and Banbu were left in Xiaocheng, their fates unknown...
It took immense willpower for her to suppress the urge to swear.
Gu Chi: "..."
He silently sipped his tea while keeping his eyes down.
He turned to Qi Shan and whispered, "Qi Yuanliang, you've worked hard."
Qi, looking utterly bewildered, asked, "???"
Gu Ren was a kind-hearted person and offered to send someone else to search again, but Shen Tang politely declined. It wasn't that she wasn't interested, but she knew all too well how difficult it was to find someone in the current chaotic situation, and Gu Ren wasn't a local, nor did they have any particular connection…
It's probably not a good idea to accept such a big favor for no reason.
She decided to go find it herself.
Seeing that Shen Tang refused to accept his kindness, Gu Ren didn't press the matter. Instead, he smiled and changed the subject, talking about Shao Chong.
Gu Ren knew his own son's temperament and abilities better than anyone. When he learned from Chao Lian that Shen Tang and Shao Chong had exchanged hundreds of blows, he was both astonished and extremely tempted—such a talented person would be a pity to miss out on.
only--
After some probing, Gu Ren discovered that this young man, seemingly gentle and easy to talk to, even possessing a childlike charm, would always manage to quip off the topic of recruitment with a laugh whenever it came to it. After one or two such attempts, Gu Ren understood what he meant. His smile grew even wider.
Still unwilling to give up, he tentatively asked a question.
"Does Shen Lang have any plans?"
Shen Tang said, "Let's find the missing people first."
Gu Ren sighed, "This is no easy task..."
It wasn't that he was deliberately being cynical.
In these chaotic times, the chances of finding someone who has gone missing are almost zero, and the hope is slim, because no one knows whether the missing person simply didn't come across or died quietly somewhere.
Gu Ren said, "This matter cannot be accomplished in a day. I observe that Shen Lang truly possesses the countenance of a dragon among men. Have you considered your future plans?"
Whether or not we can find them, life goes on.
After a few moments of contemplation, Shen Tang shook her head and said, "It's too early to talk about these things now. Perhaps I'll find a place to settle down..."
She gets a headache just thinking about it.
Even a stealthy development requires an undisturbed environment.
She has no territory, no people... and she's lost Tanuki's gang. As for money—that batch of tax silver is a great resource for development, but she has no people, no territory, only money.
What's the point of all this? (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
Shen Tang silently gave God the middle finger in his heart.
Despite being politely rejected, Gu Ren still smiled faintly, showing no sign of disappointment or regret on his face—being rejected was normal.
People nowadays value family background and social standing. This young man is accompanied by two scholars with unfathomable literary talent. Although the martial arts master (Captain Yang) who was seriously injured is now crippled, judging from the situation, he was not weak in his prime and his foundation is unfathomable!
It must be a low-key scion of a prominent family.
Looking back at myself—
Gu Ren wasn't insecure; rather, he was keenly aware of his strengths and weaknesses. Thanks to his ancestors' blessings, although his family wasn't well-off when he was young, he was still considered a "scion of a prominent family." He was fortunate enough to study under a renowned teacher and even had his mentor personally select a son-in-law for him.
In his two subsequent marriages, both his in-laws treated him well, which earned him a good reputation. He was also fortunate enough to meet twelve sworn brothers.
To ordinary people, this is a height they can never reach in their lifetime, a wealth and glory they can never obtain. But only Gu Ren himself knows that there are still some people who secretly criticize him for getting ahead because of his wife's family, and there is even a stigma of murdering his wife.
Gu Ren didn't explain anything.
Knowing that explanations would be futile, and given his limited involvement with that circle, he chose to turn a blind eye. However, seeing Shen Tang still stirred a pang of jealousy—what he had painstakingly cultivated was merely something easily attainable for someone else.
ε=(ο｀*))) Sigh
Gu Ren felt a mix of emotions.
Fortunately, his scholarly ways shielded Gu Chi from view; otherwise, Gu Chi would have been quite amused to hear his true feelings.
Shen Tang had no idea that she suddenly had such a prestigious background. All she knew was that Gu Ren was a social butterfly, and there was almost never a dull moment when chatting with him. Before they knew it, they had been chatting for more than half an hour, until Shao Chong showed signs of impatience.
"Big brother!"
Gu Ren chuckled and asked, "What's wrong, Thirteen?"
Shao Chong asked, "Isn't Big Brother busy anymore?"
Gu Rendao said, "Busy, of course I'm busy."
When speaking to this sworn brother, you have to be direct and to the point; you can't use convoluted language or employ veiled meaning. If he doesn't understand, Shao Chong's limited patience will run out, and he'll throw a tantrum. When an ordinary child throws a tantrum, at most it's just a nuisance; when he throws a tantrum, it's like he's going to kill you.
Shao Chong said bluntly, "Then go ahead and get busy, hehe."
Gu Ren: "..."
Has his sworn brother given him the order to leave?
Before he could react, Shao Chong had already grabbed him and stood up, pushing him out step by step with both hands, saying as he pushed, "Big brother, remember to finish your work quickly and tell Sixth Brother that you've taken your medicine today... Go get busy!"
Gu Ren was pushed out of the camp.
But he couldn't bear to scold his sworn brother.
With the mind of a six-year-old, what understanding of human relationships and social customs could he possibly have?
There must be a reason for his unusual behavior today.
After seeing his elder brother off, Shao Chong still stood at the tent entrance, looking around anxiously, fearing that he might turn back.
Gu, who had this plan, Ren: "..."
This adopted brother has grown up, and now he's starting to side with outsiders.
Once he was sure Gu Ren was far away, Shao Chong patted his chest and breathed a sigh of relief. He turned around and almost bumped into Shen Tang, startling him. Shen Tang asked, "Why didn't you leave with your older brother?"
He possessed a handsome face that could make young girls' hearts flutter, with features that also carried a touch of exotic, devilish charm—the standard male protagonist look from a romance novel—yet his eyes were as clear and innocent as a child's. He put a finger to his lips and shushed them.
He whispered, "Keep it down, don't let Big Brother hear."
Shen Tang: "He's gone too far to hear me."
"No, no, no, Big Brother has many ears, he knows everything..." Shao Chong pouted, feeling wronged. "He knows if I eat an extra piece of candy, he knows if I play a little longer, he knows if I stay up late. Twelfth Brother said Big Brother puts his other ears in places I don't know... If you speak softly, Big Brother will hear you!"
Shen Tang: "..."
Chao Lian's words to frighten the child were too bloody.
Helpless, Shen Tang also lowered her voice.
What are you staying for?
Shao Chong stared longingly at Shen Tang's money pouch.
I want to eat candy.
He hadn't had it in a long time.
Seeing that Shen Tang didn't speak, Shao Chong thought she wanted to complain, and said, "Shh, don't tell Big Brother, or he'll get angry again."
Little did people know that this brave martial artist could eat so much sugar that he developed severe cavities, and Gu Ren only restricted rather than forbade him, which was very kind of him.
Shen Tang: "..."
Her eyes darted around: "Candy is expensive, and I don't have many. How about this, one candy for each question, okay?"
Shao Chong looked at her.
They seemed to be considering whether the deal was worthwhile.
After a long silence, he succumbed to his desire for food: "Fine!"
Shen Tang wanted to find out more details about the eldest daughter-in-law of the Shen family, but Shao Chong wasn't stupid—he had the mind of a six-year-old, not just the intelligence of a six-year-old—at least he knew that the more questions Shen Tang asked, the more candy he would get, so he would only answer a little bit each time.
Finally, I returned home laden with a large bag of candy.
Shen Tang: "..."
However, that bag of candy also brought about many details.
Shao Chong seems to have some connection with the Shen family. Shao Chong's mother's surname is Shen, and she should be a cousin of the real Madam Shen.
According to Shen Tang's speculation, Madam Shen came with her companions to seek refuge, but learned the bad news from Shao Chong, who was mentally impaired.
His whereabouts are unknown after that.
Taking away Shao Chong's belongings must also be due to financial difficulties.
Gu Chi knew that Shen Tang was not a member of the Shen family, but Qi Shan was unaware of the details. After Shao Chong left, he looked at Shen Tang.
Shen Tang said, "Alas, this is a long story."
There's really nothing to hide.
She then recounted her amnesia and how the dancer said she woke up in a coffin. It wasn't that she was carefree; rather, she knew that Qi Shan recognized her as a person, not the identity on her head, so there was no need to hide anything.
Qi Shan frowned upon hearing this: "In the past, you really don't remember?"
Shen Tang thought for a moment, then counted on her fingers: "No, not really. I remember I have a high alcohol tolerance, superb painting skills, a heavenly singing voice, a somewhat aloof and introverted personality, and I don't like to communicate with people... That's all I can think of for a short time..."
Qi Shan: "..."
He has a high alcohol tolerance, getting drunk after just one drop?
The drawing skills are superb; those indistinguishable scribbles are truly amazing.
A heavenly voice refers to a tone that is completely off-key.
As for being introverted, withdrawn, and disliking communicating with others...
He had never seen anyone who liked to talk nonsense more than Young Master Shen.
If Shen Tang weren't a decent person, Qi Shan would suspect that Shen Tang was playing a trick on him again—in fact, he was more inclined to believe the latter—Shen Tang's memories were too outrageous, and there must be something wrong with them somewhere.
Qi Shan asked again, "Your skills are amazing?"
Shen Tang shook her head and said, "I don't know either..."
Qi Shan: "..."
He suddenly felt a little flustered.
Because of his madness, that young man only has the mental capacity of a six-year-old. Could it be that his own young master Shen is only the mental capacity of a twelve-year-old because he is skilled in both literature and martial arts? Qi Shan only regrets that Chu Yao is not here at this time, otherwise he could share his worries about "young master Shen becoming a fool".
Shen Tang: "..."
She felt that Yuanliang's gaze towards her was strange...
Gu Chi: "..."
It's because I'm worried you're an idiot.
Shen Tang and his group rested briefly before heading out to search for their lost comrades. However, things didn't go as planned. As evening approached, the camp's outpost spotted over ten thousand people approaching. They initially thought it was another fierce battle with the rebels, but it turned out to be several other forces arriving one after another.
They also encamped near the camp and were preparing to hold a meeting.
From the fleeing civilians, they already knew the devastating news of Xiaocheng's fall. After some hesitation, they decided to gather troops from several directions to retake Xiaocheng. The rebel army in Xiaocheng was the elite force under the command of the King of Pigs. If they could capture it, it would be equivalent to cutting off the King of Pigs' left and right arms.
Everyone was eager to get started, but Shen Tang, as a guest "staying overnight," shouldn't have been entitled to know these things. Even with Captain Yang and two soldiers, there were only six of them, hardly constituting a force. But she never expected...
A short figure rushed over like the wind.
"My lord!"
The familiar voice made Shen Tang pause in her steps.
He then added, "It really is my lord!"
Shen Tang was grabbed and held tightly by the dark figure that pounced on her.
She looked down.
The newcomer was dressed as a boy, and his face was much thinner and more haggard, but she recognized the face. She was overjoyed!
"Lin Feng!"
Yes, it was Lin Feng who jumped out from the group of people.
Not only Lin Feng, but also Tu Rong, who jogged up to catch up.
Tu Rong is no longer a chubby little boy.
He was several sizes thinner than the last time they met, his face wasn't as chubby, his features seemed to have matured, and he'd grown a little taller. Shen Tang didn't react immediately and asked, "What are you two doing here?"
She searched high and low but couldn't find him...
Lin Feng didn't answer, but just hugged her with tears in his eyes.
It felt like I had a thousand and one grievances I wanted to express.
But in the end, she swallowed it back silently. Her experience over a short period of time made her realize that tears are the most useless thing.
A thousand words can be summed up in one sentence: "My love, I miss you so much. I truly thought I would never see you again..."
She tried her best not to cry, but glistening tears were already streaming down her face.
Shen Tang patted Lin Feng on the shoulder. His arm was noticeably thinner than before, the bones clearly visible, a testament to the hardships he had endured. Just then, a burly figure emerged from the crowd—it was Li Li, whom they had recently searched for but had lost contact with.
"Lili? You—"
This is developing a bit too fast; she needs to sort it out.
Actually, it wasn't complicated. Not long ago, Lin Feng and Tu Rong were sent back, and Li Li realized something was wrong. Worried about the safety of the deep mountains, she decided after much deliberation to take her men and hide elsewhere. After taking stock of their manpower and assets, they set the village ablaze.
He didn't expect that someone would come looking for him just half a day later.
It was just bad luck.
As for why he associated with those different factions?
Haha, what bad luck.
They ran into each other not long after descending the mountain, and their scouts mistook them for a small force working together to attack the Pig King. Li Li wanted to deny it, but she wasn't sure what kind of people these were, especially since they were transporting several carts of treasures and pulling so many fat pigs.
If we deny it, will they turn their backs on us?
What if they mistake us for bandits and rob us?
Admitting to being a small force "acting on behalf of Heaven" would grant them the title of "alliance," ensuring their safety for the time being. These forces also have a sense of shame; they can't openly rob their alliance of its resources.
So, Tanuki vaguely admitted it.
Only then did that group put away their malice.
Finally, more than a hundred people came with them.
Just as he was worrying about what to do in the war, he heard Lin Feng's joyful shouts and rushed straight towards his beloved, whom he hadn't seen for many days.
Lili: "..."
Ah, now he doesn't have to worry anymore.
Shen Tang: "……(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻"
She doesn't want to worry!
Shen Tang slapped her face, never expecting things to turn out so dramatically.
Even more dramatic is—
She now seems to be mistakenly considered the leader of a tiny, insignificant force, someone with such a small fortune wanting to get involved.
Shen Tang: "..."
Six people and more than a hundred people...
For the rebel army led by Gong Xichou, they were not even enough to fill a tooth gap! Before the battle began, a mobilization meeting had to be held.
_(`」∠)_
Ah, time is passing so slowly...
Tangmei, after this battle, you'll have a small piece of territory...
Ah, that was really tough...
(End of this chapter)
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