Chapter 842: Victory Celebration? Breakup Banquet? (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
Qin Li had known Zhao Feng for so many years, and this was the first time he felt that his partner was completely oblivious to social cues, always bringing up topics that were best left unsaid.
He took a deep breath and said, "The greater good."
Zhao Feng's face was also wrapped in several bandages, which made his eyes look even clearer, more innocent, and foolish: "Gong Su, you speak!"
Qin Li said, "That's extremely rude."
The two had known each other for many years, and even though Qin Li's tone wasn't serious, it still sent a chill down Zhao Feng's spine. He wisely shut his mouth, sat up straight, and looked away from Qin Li, instead silently counting how many grains of corn were in the soup bowl.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight...
Zhao Feng muttered to himself, while Gu Chi, diagonally opposite him, rested his chin on his hand, grinning so wide his back teeth were almost showing. His shoulders occasionally trembled, making him stand out conspicuously among the group of elegant scholars. At that moment, someone transmitted a message telepathically.
His voice was completely flat: [What are you laughing at, strategist?]
Gu Chi recognized the voice and turned to look at Lin Feng.
Lin Feng raised his hand and pointed in another direction.
Gu Chi looked in the direction she pointed, his smile fading. He coughed lightly, covering his mouth with his fist, and then replied using [Secret Telepathy]: [I was just laughing because I thought of something really funny, not because I was laughing for no reason, cough—don't misunderstand.]
Lin Feng responded with an "Oh".
He leaned over and whispered something to Yang Ying, whom he usually got along well with. Yang Ying listened intently, then smiled and whispered in Bai Su's ear. Before long, whispers started coming from that area as well. To avoid being impolite in front of others, Lin Feng even cast a spell to prevent eavesdropping.
Of course, this incantation was just something he did on a whim.
You can guard against honest people, but not against scoundrels.
Even though Gu Chi was curious, she couldn't very well eavesdrop. The area around them was full of female soldiers, and it would be too offensive to eavesdrop in public.
but--
Gu Chi regretted not choosing a spot closer to that side, not for any other reason than the fresher air there! This wasn't him being indecent; it was because they had taken care of some basic hygiene for the celebration banquet. Those with better conditions washed their faces and hair and changed clothes, while the more particular ones even applied some perfume to mask the lingering smell of blood and sweat, which was very pleasant to the sense of smell.
Looking at the people around me...?
Only a few scholars were relatively respectable and clean-cut; those from better backgrounds, like Kang Shi and Xie Qi, even wore sachets at their waists. As for the burly male martial artists, well, you couldn't even smell their various odors from a meter away.
The stench of blood couldn't mask the odor of sweat, feet, and even armpit odor. You can only imagine how unpleasant it would be to eat with all those smells. Didn't you see that Ning Yan, despite being a scholar-official, voluntarily sat on the women's side?
ε=(ο｀*))) Sigh
He was originally a sickly man who was weak and prone to illness, and needed to be carefully cared for.
Thinking of this, Gu Chi lost all interest in watching the drama unfold. Her mind was filled with thoughts of why she wasn't Qi Yuanliang—so that she could rightfully distance herself from these shameless men around her by transforming into a delicate woman at a time like this. Gu Chi looked utterly miserable.
Chu Yao and Jiang Sheng are communicating telepathically.
After all, they would be demanding Wu Xian's return during the banquet, and their own side needed to provide support; they couldn't let their lord suffer a loss in silence. Naturally, he needed to inform all his colleagues of this. Jiang Sheng had no objections. He had a decent impression of Qin Li, but his colleagues were all incredibly difficult to deal with: [What's wrong with Gu Wangchao? Every time he acts like he's living a life of celibacy…]
It's a good thing that new people are coming under the lord's command.
But Gu Chi's jealousy is inexplicably intense.
No, could it be that he has ulterior motives towards the lord?
As the thought crossed his mind, Jiang Sheng's relaxed expression tightened, becoming serious and rigid. He thought this in his heart, and he asked Chu Yao the same question. The two of them stared at Gu Chi, who also looked constipated, forcefully joining in via [telepathic transmission]: [Don't you two try to frame me!]
What decent person would develop romantic feelings for their boss?
He's currently being exploited by his lord, working 996 hours a day and still getting his due pay. If he were to lose his mind and develop those kinds of feelings, he'd be working for his lord for nothing. He gets up earlier than the rooster and goes to bed later than the dog, and every now and then he gets secretly bullied by Chu Wuhui and a few others.
【What do you mean I'm jealous? Don't you all reflect on yourselves? Are you raising a daughter?】
The next second, Chu Yao forcefully kicked him out of the group chat with his refined demeanor.
Gu Chi: "..."
His colleagues all seem to enjoy playing the roles of wicked fathers-in-law, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law—they're clearly out of their minds! It's obvious he's the only normal person in the lord's inner circle. This family would fall apart without him!
Gu Chi was cursing and swearing from below.
Seated at the head of the table, the newlyweds and the woman at the center of the storm exchanged glances, their hearts entwined. Chen Tang, the woman at the center of the storm, smiled and clinked glasses with Wu Xian. She drank water instead of wine, while Wu Xian drank real liquor. After several rounds, Wu Xian's cheeks were flushed red, and the two shared many heartfelt words. At the most emotional moment, Wu Xian burst into tears in front of everyone, sobbing uncontrollably.
Why are you shedding tears, Brother Zhaode?
"When I think of all the right-hand men who died in this battle, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion! They all fought alongside me for many years, and losing them is like a blind man losing his cane or a good runner losing his footing. Whenever I think of the days when we walked arm in arm together, and then think of how we are now separated by life and death, my heart is almost broken."
Wu Xian cried so earnestly, tears streaming down his face, that anyone who saw him would be moved. He patted his chest, causing the wound under the bandage to burst open and bleed, staining the wound red.
The accompanying military doctor turned pale with fright.
Shen Tang raised her hand and channeled her spiritual energy into him to suppress his injuries.
He comforted him, saying, "Brother Zhaode, don't be too sad."
She thought to herself that Wu Xian's tear ducts were quite sensitive; tears were streaming down his face. If he kept crying, things would get complicated. It wasn't that she was worried Wu Xian would faint from anger, but rather that he might gain too much sympathy, making Qin Li and the others' decision to leave at this moment seem like kicking someone when they're down. Shen Tang was extremely protective of her own; she couldn't stand seeing her people suffer.
So she forcibly interrupted.
He ordered his men to bring up the spoils of war, including Huang Lie's head.
When the guards lifted the white cloth covering Huang Lie's head, everyone present couldn't help but crane their necks to look and catch a glimpse of his remains. In literature, there's no first place, but in martial arts, there's always a clear winner. Seeing the enemy leader's head taken, some secretly felt a sense of injustice and wanted to compete, wanting to see who the hero who had taken that head was. Shen Tang grinned, looking quite proud of himself.
The feeling was like when your child is receiving an award, and the mother is beaming with pride: "The one who killed Huang Lie was none other than Shao Xuan under my command."
I have to say—
Bai Su not only has the ability but also the luck.
Shen Tang nearly lost herself in the pursuit of Huang Lie, but Bai Su boldly and accurately predicted the movements of Huang Lie's troops, setting up an ambush in the water beforehand. Her Martial Courage Totem, once in the water, became virtually invincible in naval warfare. Huang Lie's troops, after several rounds of relentless pursuit, were already exhausted. Severely wounded, Huang Lie was dragged into the water by the Martial Courage Totem, until he was utterly defeated and beheaded!
Bai Su was called out and stepped forward, clasping his hands in a fist salute: "This humble general dares not shamelessly claim credit for himself. If it weren't for the many colleagues who forced the bandit leader into a panic and made one foolish move after another, and also caused the loss of several of his trusted generals, this humble general alone would never have achieved what he has today."
This is both humility and telling the truth.
The faint sour smell in the air gradually faded away.
Seeing this, Chen, the mother of the child, said a few humble words to avoid drawing too much hatred to Bai Su. She would reward her properly later when the merits were recognized! Wu Xian had an impression of Bai Su. Although he was slightly jealous, he did not hold back his praise.
In return, Shen Tang also wanted to praise Wu Xian.
For example, Qin Li and Zhao Feng.
If it weren't for Qin Gongsu's intervention, using the methods of scholars to hinder the raiding troops and buy precious time for Wu Xian's army to organize a counterattack, it's questionable whether Wu Xian's camp could have held out until reinforcements returned. Even if they had, it would have been a scene of utter devastation.
It can be said that—
Qin Li indirectly preserved Wu Xian's foundation; it was the difference between being in the ICU and being out of danger and able to be transferred to a regular ward. As long as most of the elite troops remained, the ordinary soldiers who were lost could be recruited and retrained later.
It hurts, but it's not fatal.
In terms of merit, Duke Su of Qin can be considered the greatest contributor.
Upon hearing Shen Tang mention Qin Li, Wu Xian's expression initially stiffened slightly—probably because he had been neglecting Qin Li's faction lately, causing them to suffer injustice, yet they had fought without complaint. Sigh, in the end, he felt guilty.
After feeling guilty, Wu Xian's expression became much more natural.
He was thinking about going back and making it up to Qin Li and the others.
Gu Chi wanted to laugh when he heard these thoughts.
Jiang Sheng glanced at him: "What are you laughing at now?"
Gu Chi relaxed his tense, aching cheeks and chuckled, "I suddenly thought of a great idea that I can use in my next book. What, you're interested in a dialogue book too?" A scumbag character written like Wu Xian would definitely resonate with readers!
Jiang Sheng: "..."
With Shen Tang fanning the flames from the sidelines, Wu Xian naturally couldn't publicly shun his meritorious official, so he spoke to Qin Li with a warm and affectionate tone. Qin Li's reactions were all indifferent, except that he suddenly bowed deeply as he was about to leave.
Wu Xian was bewildered: "What is Gong Su doing?"
Qin Li raised his head: "I have a favor to ask."
Wu Xian suppressed his unease: "Gong Su contributed a great deal in this battle. I would agree to do it even if it were five or ten, let alone one."
Who among us isn't a shrewd and calculating person?
They all realized that something was wrong.
Those in the know were already grinning with amusement, waiting to see what would happen. Those still in the dark were also shrewd; their intuition told them that what Qin Li was about to say wouldn't be anything good.
As expected—
Qin Li untied his official seal from his waist. Wu Xian sat up straight and said in a harsh voice, "Gong Su, what are you doing?"
"Naturally, I bid farewell to Lord Wu."
The crowd erupted in uproar.
Countless gazes fell upon the haggard-looking scholar—some were onlookers, some were puzzled, some were bewildered, some were astonished, and some were questioning… Although resigning and taking office was a normal thing, the timing was wrong, and the person was wrong too! How could it be Qin Li!
Yes, how could it be Qin Li?
This question also echoed in Wu Xian's mind.
How could it be Qin Gongsu?
After a long pause, Wu Xian finally found his voice, his eyes filled with hurt and confusion: "Gongsu, why is this? We've known each other for so many years, supporting each other to get to where we are today... Why would you leave me at this moment? If it's because of what happened before..."
He can reflect on his actions!
He can correct it!
They can open up and resolve their inner conflicts!
Qin Li sighed softly, "Our fate has ended because of you."
Humans are not plants or trees; how can they be without feelings?
He had assisted Wu Xian for many years, and the effort he had invested was immeasurable. Those years couldn't be easily severed. Even Qin Li felt a pang of sadness and bewilderment, but these emotions weren't enough for him to continue to accommodate Wu Xian.
Wu Xian could not accept this.
He shouted, "How can our缘分 (fate/destiny) have ended?"
They did make a mistake recently, and things got very unpleasant between them, but they had a much longer period of harmonious friendship in their early years.
He was so anxious that he stood up abruptly.
Shen Tang sat there, continuing to watch the spectacle with a bewildered expression, but inwardly she was overjoyed. Wu Xian's question caused Qin Gongsu's face to darken. He remained unmoved, his eyes filled with a chilling aura: "Lord Wu, do you still remember the officials who served Da Yi?"
Bringing up the old matter again, Wu Xian's expression turned grim: "Of course I remember, but wasn't that matter already over?"
"His death is over, but the grudges that followed his death are not." Qin Li suppressed his last bit of warmth, and the resolute light in his eyes pierced Wu Xian like a needle, causing him to instinctively look away. "Does Master Wu know that his entire family was murdered and killed?"
These words caused another uproar among the crowd.
Not many people on Shen Tang's side knew the inside story, but they could deduce a lot from the literal meaning of the words alone—Zhao Feng's subordinate official died, naturally for Wu Xian, fighting bravely to the death, but his family and relatives back home were secretly murdered, which was heartbreaking to hear...
Could Wu Xian have done this?
They turned their suspicious gazes toward Wu Xian.
The food on the table lost its flavor.
They just want to understand this whole situation!
On the other hand, Wu Xian's subordinates were generally aware of the conflict between Zhao Feng and the civil and military officials of Tianhai's faction, and they also knew that there was something fishy about the death of that subordinate official that had angered Zhao Feng. However, they were unaware of the murder of the subordinate official's family, and for a time they suspected each other.
His eyes held a questioning look—
Did you do something so stupid?
During the questioning, some people looked away and seemed uneasy, but then they felt relieved when they realized there was no evidence.
Wu Xian's cheeks burned as if he had been slapped in public.
He said, "I truly know nothing about this matter."
Qin Li's gaze swept over his former colleagues, a mocking smile playing on his lips: "Lord Wu, there's much more you've been kept in the dark about. Your family members were lucky; they unexpectedly escaped an assassination attempt..."
Before he could finish speaking, Wu Xian felt a weight lift from his shoulders.
Thank goodness!
As long as the person is still alive, that's all that matters.
Qin Li continued, "The family fled to Dayi Prefecture seeking refuge, but someone was relentless and surrounded Dayi Prefecture with troops... Hehe, forgive me for speaking bluntly, but the last time I saw such a spectacle was when their home was ransacked. Dayi has served the Lord for many years without such a thing... Why would their home be ransacked? I suppose Lord Wu is unaware of this matter."
At that moment, a former colleague looked up in astonishment.
Wu Xian's face also turned from red to blue.
He naturally didn't know about this.
but--
Ignorance can be just as deadly.
As the lord, he was completely unaware of the internal strife within his ranks and the fact that a highly decorated general had been surrounded and his property confiscated. This only proves that Wu Zhaode was incompetent!
For a moment, Wu Xian's breathing became heavy and rapid.
Even worse news was yet to come.
|ω`)
I need to buy a new chair, sob sob, this one's broken. I was typing tonight and wanted to change my posture when the chair suddenly broke down and fell to the ground with a huge thud, scaring the neighbors.
(End of this chapter)
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