16 Chapter 16
◎There is no such extra emotion.◎
Of course, Li Hengqing didn't think of himself as the dog.
It's just an unnecessary emotion, and it's better for her not to have it at this moment.
Thinking of this, she calmly took a half step back, met his gaze calmly, and said, "Khan must have traveled all the way here, exhausted and tired. How about I give him and all the warriors who have come from afar a welcome before we talk?"
"Okay." Helian Xiao nodded, his voice still calm, "I'll follow the Khatun's arrangements."
*
That night, in Silver Moon Valley, in front of Li Heng’s green tent.
The bonfire was lit, illuminating the night sky. The weather was getting hotter, so this time we didn't make barbecue, but traditional hand-pulled meat, simmering in a large pot, bubbling with tempting flavor.
Though Helian Xiao was known for his bravery in his youth, he wasn't a particularly harsh monarch, simply possessing a natural sense of majesty. Lang Yue, following Li Hengqing, gradually came to understand the Khan and felt that he wasn't as intimidating as his own princess. While Li Hengqing spoke softly and politely to everyone, he was decisive and unwavering in his actions, lenient in small matters but unyielding in major ones.
Therefore, although Lang Yue was close to her, he did not dare to be too presumptuous. Normally, they would make a fuss, but this time, something went wrong and she was really scared.
But Li Hengqing did not punish her, nor was he in a hurry to investigate the matter. Instead, he leisurely entertained Helian Xiao and his group, who were exhausted from the journey.
The main course was a bowl of oat noodle dumplings, steamed and then rinsed in cold water for a more supple and chewy texture. Several sauces were placed on the side, the most popular of which was the garlic sauce, which was a bit new to them. The freshly ground garlic was white and delicate, glossy like jade, and topped with vibrant green and red chili rings, along with a host of other condiments. Then, a sizzling drizzle of boiling sesame oil washed over the dish was a truly captivating aroma, the spiciness so intense it made one's mouth water, and someone nearby sneezed repeatedly.
Pour the sauce over the oatmeal rolls, then carefully scoop a spoonful of the lovely pink pickled turnips. These were the ones Li Hengqing had Langyue plant a few days ago. They didn't take long to soak, so they were sweet and sour but not too salty. They were just the right amount to eat on their own, and children especially loved them.
Under the guidance of Li Hengqing, special grass seeds are used to make a bowl of crystal clear ice jelly for everyone. After being cooled in spring water, it is springy and smooth. Pour a spoonful of sea buckthorn jam mixed with multi-flower honey on it, which has a sweet and sour fruity aroma and a rich floral fragrance, making it a great way to beat the heat.
The kumis was also cooled in spring water. It was not too strong and had a sweet and sour taste. The fine and dense bubbles danced on the tip of the tongue and then burst with a crackling sound after flowing into the throat, which was very refreshing.
Li Hengqing did not touch the big pot of stewed hand-held meat, but asked the maid to bring a clay pot that was simmering over low heat to Helian Xiao and herself.
When the lid was lifted, a strange, hot steam rose, a blend of meaty aroma and sweet fruity fragrance. Inside, I saw lamb ribs, each fat and lean, stewed to a tender, boneless consistency. The broth was a clear, light milky white. And alongside the ribs, surprisingly, were dozens of diced apples.
"This is..." Helian Xiao had never seen such a combination before.
"Apple stewed ribs," Li Hengqing poured him a bowl. "It's hot in summer, and eating some acidic fruit can stimulate your appetite. I asked someone to bring these apples from far away, you should try them."
Helian Xiao took a bite and found that the richness of the ribs was perfectly balanced by the sweet and sour taste of the apple. The meat was fragrant but not greasy, and the soup was extremely sweet.
He was about to praise, but found that Li Hengqing was a little dazed and distracted.
From the corner of his eye, he followed Li Hengqing's line of sight and caught a glimpse of Cen Yu not far away, who was being surrounded by several enthusiastic centurions who were urging him to drink.
The scholar was obviously not good at drinking. After drinking a few bowls of mare's milk wine, his face was red, but he still maintained the dignity of a scholar and refused the drink by citing classics.
Helian Xiao raised his broken eyebrow, picked up his wine bowl, and walked over before Li Hengqing.
"Mr. Cen," he said, his stature barely taller than Cen Jue, and now he looked down at the scholar with a cold gaze, "I've heard that gentlemen in the south are very particular about maintaining proper etiquette. I see you're already a little tipsy, and if you drink any more, you might lose your manners in front of others. I'll drink this cup for you."
After saying this, he drank the bowl of wine in one gulp without waiting for Cen Yu's reaction. The centurions around him cheered and praised the Khan for his compassion for his subordinates.
Cen Yu was both embarrassed and grateful, and quickly stood up and bowed: "Thank...thank you very much, Khan."
Helian Xiao just glanced at him indifferently and then turned and walked away.
Li Hengqing took in the entire scene and shook his head helplessly.
The moonlight is bright, and people on the grassland sit on the ground under the tent, drinking and eating meat. This is the most enjoyable time for them.
But somehow, Lang Yue couldn't let go, wandering absentmindedly around the crowd. Helian Xiao had arrived in person, Li Hengqing had hosted a banquet, and most of the prominent figures in Silver Moon Valley had come. Even that pretty boy scholar was drunk, his face flushed. Altan huddled in a corner, but it felt like someone was missing...
Who's not here?
Tana!
At the edge of sight, a wisp of smoke suddenly ignited in the dark night.
The bonfire swayed in the wind and burned even brighter.
*
boom!
Time goes back three hours, the Black Hawk Tribe——
Sparks exploded, and the suddenly jumping flames made Burke's face, which was distorted by pleasure, look even more hideous.
The guards turned their eyes away silently. Seeing a beautiful woman under a lamplight was an added pleasure; but seeing an ugly person under a lamplight, with a face covered in fat and wrinkles, was even more unbearable to the eye. It was truly cruel to anyone with even a passing interest in aesthetics.
"...I just received a letter from Tana Gege via a falcon," Hu Shan said, his eyes tinged with an unfathomable smile. He walked into the tent with a letter tube in hand, leaned towards Burke, and whispered, "She said that the witch had indeed fallen into her trap.
"Tonight, she will hold a welcome banquet for Helian Xiao in Silver Moon Valley, and the security in the camp will be the most relaxed."
Burke slammed his fist on the table, his eyes filled with bloodthirsty excitement. "Good, good... Great! This time, I will definitely catch them all in one fell swoop and hang the heads of that witch and Helian Xiao in front of my tent!"
Hu Shan smiled and added, "Chief, Tana Gege has also sent word that she has persuaded that witch to place our men in the outermost tents of the camp tonight, so that we can coordinate with the outside forces. She will also light a smoke signal at the appointed time."
"Hahaha—" Burke laughed triumphantly, "Tana, this girl, finally did something smart!"
These days, his tribe was really devastated by the scheme of that witch. Many cowards fled, and those who stayed looked like they were in the Wei camp but their hearts were with the Han. They were distracted and felt like they were suffering from lovesickness when they heard the news about how good life was in the new camp.
Although he came to power illegitimately, and was able to become the leader by killing his father with his own hands to some extent thanks to that witch... Fortunately, heroes and those who have accomplished great things throughout the ages have never had to worry about trivial matters. This insignificant stain, after he has unified the country and has embellished it with the style of the Spring and Autumn Period, who in history can tell the difference?
Now all he had to do was pick up his best bow and massacre the witch's base!
He laughed wildly for a long time, almost bursting into a violent cough. His personal guards hurriedly helped him to calm down. After a while, he continued, "...Ahem, pass on my order. All warriors who can still draw a bow, prepare your horses immediately. Tonight... we are going to massacre the Canglang Tribe!"
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