Chapter 877: Squeezing the Real Deal [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Zhao Wei felt wronged because her own mother didn't recognize her.
He pulled her closer to him: "I'm your daughter."
My biological daughter, Zhao Wei!
Lady Zhao Feng: "..."
Because of her military family background, Zhao Wei was as active as a mischievous monkey from a young age, and was once avoided by many spoiled young men in Tianhai. She was always one of the taller girls her age. But no matter how tall she was, she was never taller than expected.
Zhao Wei was already a beautiful young woman when she ran away from home.
At this age, a woman's height and appearance don't change much. Over the years, Mrs. Zhao Feng had imagined the heartwarming scene of mother and daughter reuniting more than once. Her daughter was flesh of her own flesh; she was sure she would recognize her child at a glance.
Countless warm and romantic fantasies shattered into dust in the face of reality.
She really didn't recognize her daughter!
That tall, well-proportioned, and spirited daughter, only half a head taller than her, had grown strong and broad-shouldered in just a few years since mother and daughter last saw each other. Not only was she much taller than her when standing, but she could also meet her eye level when half-squatting, and could hug her tightly like her father. Even the cool metal that her cheek touched when she buried her face in his arms felt similar.
For a moment, Lady Zhao Feng felt her mind go blank.
The reactions of the others present were no better.
The eldest son, who mistook Zhao Wei for a villain and thought she was going to offend his own mother, was about to stop her. His hand froze in mid-air, and his buttocks barely lifted three inches off the mat. The second son was quicker and fell to the ground before he could react. The youngest son was dumbfounded.
Everyone was startled by Zhao Wei's earth-shattering cry of "Mother!" and then frozen in place by the revelation that "I'm your daughter!" Who among them didn't recognize Zhao Feng's daughter?
Madam Zhao pushed Zhao Wei, but he didn't budge.
He snapped angrily, "Let go!"
The tone was familiarly fierce. Zhao Wei gave an "oh" and immediately let go. Seeing the red mark left on her mother's face by the breastplate, Zhao Wei instantly felt guilty and worried. She reached out to try and rub it, asking, "Mother, does your face hurt?"
Lady Zhao Feng saw Zhao Wei's current appearance clearly.
This face definitely belongs to her daughter.
His skin was in much better condition than the year he ran away from home, so smooth that there wasn't a single flaw. Only his complexion was a little darker, and his eyebrows, unkempt for days, were thick, dark, and unruly. His facial features had gained a more rugged edge, making him even more strikingly handsome, but—
Her figure is completely different from what it used to be.
Judging by her shoulders and waist alone, while she wouldn't mistake her for a grown man like Zhao Feng, it would be difficult to associate her with a young and beautiful woman. Ignoring the fleeting guilt on Zhao Wei's face, Lady Zhao Feng instantly reverted to her strict disciplining manner towards her daughter.
"Put away your armor." No one knew that as she uttered those words, her heart trembled three times, her mind replaying the arduous years she spent changing diapers and preparing baby Zhao Wei's bodily functions. She was certain she had given birth to a boy; she wasn't mistaken!
Why are there martial armor out of the blue?
Martial armor isn't something only martial artists with courage and skill possess.
Doesn't a martial artist/brave warrior equate to a man/woman?
As Lady Zhao calmed down, Zhao Wei obediently put away her armor, revealing a set of casual clothes that weren't exactly loose. Just as she was about to give her mother a flattering smile, the former reached out and pinched her shoulder, then moved down to her upper and lower arms. Even through the cloth, the muscles beneath her fingertips were full of elasticity and strength, brimming with vitality and life force.
Zhao Wei stared blankly at her mother.
Madam Zhao Feng snapped out of her daze and swiftly withdrew her hand.
He coughed lightly, adopting an authoritative demeanor almost ingrained in Zhao Wei's bones: "What's wrong with you looking like this?"
Zhao Wei quickly put the details from her mind and resumed her ingratiating smile. She half-knelt and half-squatted, trying to act like a little bird, and said coquettishly as before: "What else could it be? Well, it's just that after I ran away from home, I went to join my lord, and then I was able to condense my martial spirit. I have been cultivating diligently over the years and have made rapid progress. I have even fought alongside my father."
He spoke with a face full of pride.
He gently nuzzled his mother with his head.
From an angle she couldn't see, Madam Zhao Feng's eyes seemed to hold a hint of despair. Her hand moved faster than her brain, slapping Zhao Wei on the head with disdain: "Why are you just like your father?"
It wasn't that she disregarded the occasion, but Zhao Wei's actions were just too similar to her father's. When the couple acted like this in private, it inevitably became inappropriate for children. After a while, it became a habit. Mrs. Zhao's cheeks flushed slightly, while everyone else wore expressions of schadenfreude—they hadn't expected Zhao Feng to be so affectionate and clingy with his wife in private, failing to notice her slight unusual behavior.
She didn't use much force, and Zhao Wei didn't feel any pain.
She sat up straight obediently, still feeling a little disappointed at not receiving praise and recognition, but her mood quickly lifted again as her mother stroked her face, her eyes filled with tenderness, and asked if her injury hurt. Zhao Wei grinned and gave her a bear hug.
She said coquettishly, "It hurts, but when I chop someone's head off with my bare hands, it doesn't hurt anymore. We're after their heads and military merits, so suffering a little is only to be expected!"
Lady Zhao was once again enveloped by her daughter's bosom.
However, this time, beneath the plain clothes was only a layer of soft armor, which didn't feel as cold and uncomfortable as the scales on the breastplate of a martial suit. The only drawback was that it was a little hard to breathe! She playfully hit Zhao Wei again, looking at her daughter's silly grin, her heart filled with complicated emotions.
Her daughter had run away from home for several years, and upon her return, she was able to kill someone with a single punch—this exceeded her expectations, but considering the state of the world today, she felt somewhat relieved. Having the ability to protect oneself is more important than anything else!
Slender shoulders, a narrow waist, and a tall, slender figure—these qualities certainly make her attractive to the opposite sex. However, once she loses her protection, these qualities can become resources to be exploited, or even advantages with a price tag. Losing her slender shoulders and narrow waist is no problem; she still has a powerful waist and imposing broad shoulders. Strength means power, and power means being able to fend off frivolous advances.
only--
She needs time to accept and adapt to her daughter.
Whether it's on the surface or in their hearts.
Madam Zhao Feng processed these thoughts alone. Her three sons, one after another, came to their senses, almost too afraid to approach and acknowledge her. Only when they were certain that Zhao Wei was indeed their eldest sister did they accept reality with dazed expressions. The youngest son, being the youngest, needed the least to hide.
He tried to pinch Zhao Wei's muscles, just like his mother had done.
Her perpetually pale face was filled with astonishment.
"Sister, is this...is this all real?"
Zhao Wei proudly exerted his strength, making the muscle contours even more obvious: "Pinch it, this is the real deal your older sister earned through hard training! Is it hard? Is it firm? You're too light-handed, you need to eat more meat. Look at you, so skinny, like a little chick. You don't look like your father's son when you walk out the door, my brother!"
The young boy tried his best but couldn't budge the muscle.
He was still in a daze when Zhao Wei had already pulled her younger brother into her arms like a baby. The other elderly, women, and children in the hall stared at her silently for a long time. Zhao Wei called them over one by one, and they responded instinctively. Soon, the older women curiously gathered around to test if it was real. Zhao Wei generously loosened the wrist strap and rolled up her sleeves: "It's all real!"
Zhao Wei's arm was touched all over.
Some people even secretly touched her stomach.
After they had all had their fill, Zhao Wei tied the wristband back up. An old woman with white hair said worriedly, "Alas, what should we do? The eldest daughter of the Zhao family has become like this. No ordinary man has her physique. How will she find a husband in the future?"
Zhao Wei knew that the old woman was just worried, so she smiled and said, "Grandma, it's alright. My father promised to find me a few male concubines to keep for fun, so there's no need to find a husband."
The old woman said, "Yes, your father has always been decisive. It's good that he did it this way; you won't have to put up with your in-laws' temper..."
In chaotic times, someone who has lived to this age is certainly not a conservative or pedantic person; rather, she may have placed more faith in authority. Her son was a former subordinate of Zhao Feng, and he died many years ago. Zhao Feng did not abandon this old woman, always providing her with food.
In her eyes, Zhao Feng was the authority.
Since Zhao Fengdu has spoken, there must be nothing wrong with this move.
For a moment, everyone in the hall was talking and laughing.
Hehe, who got overlooked again?
Cui Xiao coughed loudly, drawing everyone's attention back to her. They, including Zhao Wei, belatedly realized that Cui Xiao had been there all along, and that her earlier display of muscle-flexing was inappropriate. Fortunately, Cui Xiao didn't seem to mind and sent someone to arrange accommodations.
Because they hadn't prepared in advance, their temporary accommodations were quite basic, but it was enough for the group who had been living in fear for months. That night was also the first time in months that they had slept so soundly, without a single dream until late morning.
Madam Zhao was awakened by the sound of drills outside. She put on her clothes and peeked out, where she saw Zhao Wei training her younger brothers.
In a daze, she thought she had returned to the most peaceful time of her family's life, when Zhao Feng was at home on leave, earnestly instructing his eldest son in martial arts. With Zhao Feng absent, Zhao Wei took on that role. The eldest son was of mediocre talent, the second son slightly better, and the third son was weak and of average build. She didn't expect her children to achieve great things; she only hoped they would have a skill to protect themselves in this chaotic world.
Zhao Wei noticed her gaze.
She smiled and asked, "Mother, did you sleep well last night?"
She smiled and said, "Very good, very good."
Zhao Wei said, "Uncle Cui sent word last night that he had news of Father. Let's wait until he has some free time, and then I'll take some time off to go see him. Then the whole family can be reunited."
The Kang Kingdom has weathered its most chaotic period, and the internal turmoil is gradually subsiding. However, its long border and the need for border troops to guard its neighboring countries put it under considerable pressure. Zhao Feng, as one of Shen Tang's most capable subordinates, possesses a well-trained and elite private army. After discussing with Qin Li, Shen Tang dispersed Qin Li's faction into several groups, sending Zhao Feng and his troops to the areas under the most pressure. Since things are still somewhat chaotic there, Zhao Wei plans to send more people there once the situation improves.
Madam Zhao Feng nodded: "There's no rush."
Now that she can see her beloved daughter, she's not in such a rush anymore. The mother and daughter can take this opportunity to make up for the years that have passed. Zhao Dayi? Let him wait.
Zhao Wei's eyes lit up: "My mother still loves me the most."
She was transferred here by her lord, and besides gaining experience, she was also tasked with helping the border army establish a women's battalion; she couldn't leave at will. In fact, keeping her under Uncle Cui's command was an extra favor; normally, they would have to avoid suspicion. Transferring her to her biological father's side was practically impossible.
In other words, with her mother and brothers going to be with their father, she would be all alone, not seeing him for months or even a year. Naturally, she hoped her family could stay by her side for as long as possible. Overjoyed, she gave her mother another strong bear hug.
Unsurprisingly, he got slapped.
Inside the simple courtyard, the sounds of several people playing around could be heard.
——
After escorting the people to their destination, Wu Xian's elite troops immediately returned to Tianhai without lingering, unaware of the ongoing turmoil in Tianhai. Even Wu Xian was overwhelmed and increasingly felt the pressure from the Tianhai family, finding it difficult to cope.
The more this is the case, the more I think about how good Qin Li is.
Under Wu Xian's leadership, Tianhai has been the center of conquests and territorial expansion over the years. No matter how fierce the fighting outside, Tianhai remains peaceful. Because of this tranquility, many people have even been blinded by the peace before their eyes.
To put it simply, when people have too much free time, they get carried away.
Previously, with Qin Li by his side and other members of Qin Li's faction keeping him in check, many troublesome matters were dealt with before they could even escalate, so Wu Xian wasn't bothered at all. Over time, Qin Li became like Wu Xian's two hands, a presence he had long been accustomed to. Even though he rationally knew that Qin Li was important, he would occasionally drift off.
You only realize how important something is when you actually lose it.
What's done is done. Wu Xian and Qin Li's breakup was hardly amicable, and the latter has found a new partner. Any further regret from him would only make him a laughingstock. However, he still feels a pang of heartache occasionally.
The only saving grace was that Wu Xian had enough health and deep roots; even without Qin Li, he could find someone to fill the gap and stabilize the situation. Once he had mostly dealt with the tedious matters, he was finally able to free up his energy to handle other things. For example, Shang Nan, whose future was still uncertain, and how so many families of Qin Li's faction had been quietly transferred—this must have been Qin Li's doing or someone was helping them.
Qin Li was always on the front lines, and his influence was too far to reach him.
Their entire elite force was mobilized, leaving only the elderly, women, and children behind. Even if they had the brains, they wouldn't have the ability to deceive everyone. Therefore, only one possibility remains.
There was someone providing cover; there was a mole within.
Wu Xian had a guess about the identity of the mole.
To verify this conjecture, he sent a letter to the River Governor, claiming that "the Xu family had rendered him great service," and that now that he and Shen Tang had divided the Northwest, neither side intended to fight again. For the time being, the two countries could coexist without any problem.
The country is about to be founded.
Xu Jie, as a meritorious official, also wanted to come and discuss the matter.
If Xu Jie dared to come, then he wouldn't be the mole, and there might still be a chance for the Xu family and Tianhai to reconcile. If Xu Jie didn't dare to come, it would basically confirm that he was the mole, and the Xu family would also turn against him and side with Shen Tang. Because only Shen Tang could protect the Xu family, who had become the mole, from Wu Xian's wrath. The process of waiting for the answer was long and agonizing, and Wu Xian received two messages one after the other.
morning--
News came that Xu Jie had fallen ill and had sent an elder of the clan to Tianhai.
Wu Xian raised an eyebrow and sneered: "Claiming illness? How serious is your illness?"
The reply stated that he had broken his leg while drunk, hit his head and suffered a deep wound, nearly losing his life. He had been unconscious for over ten days, and the arrangement for the clan elders was made by Xu Jie's wife. The messenger who delivered the letter also saw Xu Jie lying on his sickbed, half-dead, which seemed plausible.
"Not like it's fake? Ha, the timing is quite coincidental."
It happened at just the right time, not too early, not too late.
The people sent to infiltrate Shangnan also sent back news.
Similarly, this is also bad news.
|ω`)
(End of this chapter)
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