"I'm waiting for you!"

After saying these three words, Cheng Chuyu left.

She walked briskly, as if she didn't realize that what she said was shocking.

Her heart was beating so fast and her cheeks turned red. No matter how brave she was, she had just reached the age of 15. God knows how much courage she mustered to say these words.

She covered her hot cheeks with her hands and felt that she was still pretty good and did not blush in front of Han Qianzhi.

Cheng Chuyu's eyes sparkled, and after she spoke out everything in her heart, she felt relaxed all over.

She clenched her fists and walked away like a gust of wind.

Han Qianzhi stood there stupidly with his mouth half open, looking at Chu Yuanchen helplessly.

Chu Wuchen couldn't help but smile and said, "You decide for yourself. If you need a matchmaker, just tell your sister-in-law."

He wouldn't tell Han Qianzhi what to do.

This is Han Qianzhi's own business. He is not a person without his own opinions. He does not need others to make decisions for him on such a big matter.

Seeing Chu Yuanchen being so "cold and ruthless", Han Qianzhi looked at Sheng Xiyan pitifully and murmured, "Sister-in-law."

Sheng Xiyan said, "Doctor Zhou said that your chances of recovery are 50%."

Doctor Zhou was invited by Cheng Chuyu last time. He is indeed capable, especially his ancestral ointment and acupuncture techniques, which are truly unique.

He now lives in the Zhenbei Palace, giving Han Qianzhi acupuncture and medicine every day. Doctor Zhou's confidence has also increased from 30% at the beginning to 50%.

Sheng Xiyan added: "Chu Yu is not someone who would repay a favor with himself."

After saying this, Sheng Xiyan felt that it was enough. Marriage was a big deal, so he should consider it carefully.

However, based on her understanding of Cheng Chuyu, if Han Qianzhi really dragged his feet, she would definitely do what she said and take the initiative to propose marriage.

Han Qianzhi was silent for a long time. He couldn't help but look at his legs. It had been almost two months since he was injured, but his legs still had no feeling at all, as if they didn't exist.

This was the first time in his life that he felt so anxious and worried.

He placed his palms upward on his legs and clenched his empty hands lightly, as if he wanted to grab something but was afraid to use too much force.

Chu Yuanchen didn't say anything more, just said: "Let's go, we still have to welcome them after we go out."

A servant came in, pushing a four-wheeled cart, and pushed him out.

The table was set up in front of them. After the meal, Chu Yuanchen sent Han Qianzhi and his men away while drinking tea to help digestion. Then he said to the three young generals, "Since Commander Xiao is here, you are lucky. Let him teach you a little."

Xiao Shuo showed a hint of embarrassment. He was coaxed by Chu Yuanchen to come over for dinner, but he didn't tell him that this would happen after the meal.

Zhou Jianli and the other three felt the same way. They looked at each other.

They were far away in the northern border and had only heard of Xiao Shuo's name but didn't know who he was. Judging from his appearance, this Governor Xiao did not look like a man who could wield swords and guns.

Zhou Jianli asked first, "Prince, what are you comparing?"

Chu Yuanchen smiled and said, "Sand table."

Sandbox!

For generals, sandbox combat simulation is an important means to test their tactical and leadership capabilities.

Zhou Jianli and his men had all led troops in real life and had risen to their current positions through real military achievements, so they were not afraid of sandbox combat simulations at all.

Zhou Jianli couldn't help but glance at Xiao Shuo.

This Governor Xiao didn't say a single word while he was having dinner just now. Every movement he made, whether holding the chopsticks or raising the cup, was graceful and beautiful, just like a noble young man from a famous family. Isn't it too much of a loss for him to compete with them on the sand table?

Just as he was thinking about it, Chu Yuanchen said again: "It's too late, the three of you should go together."

The three were even more shocked.

"Someone, bring me the sandbox from my study."

Xiao Shuo felt somewhat helpless.

He was such an insightful person that he naturally understood Chu Yuanchen's intention.

The military is different from other places, where strength has always been used to determine superiority and inferiority.

Even if these soldiers of the Northern Frontier Army would trust Chu Yuanchen because of his words, there is a difference between trust and conviction.

Once the necessary time comes, any hesitation may lead to the loss of the opportunity.

The sand table in Chu Yuanchen's study was specially made, based on the model of the capital city, which was shrunk hundreds of times.

The sand table is so large that it requires four people to move it. It is made with great precision, and almost all the streets and alleys of the capital city are on it.

As soon as the sand table was taken out, Zhou Jianli and the others realized that they would have to fight a street battle.

Chu Yuanchen briefly explained the battle situation and said, "Zhou Jianli, you choose to attack or defend."

Attack is to siege a city, defense is to defend a city.

"Attack."

Zhou Jianli replied without hesitation.

The three of them had already discussed it just now, and the Crown Prince obviously wanted this Governor Xiao to "beat" them into submission.

They are all elite soldiers of the Zhenbei Army. It would be shameful if they could lose when three are against one.

The prince just said that the battle on the sand table would start with the attackers breaking into the capital and winning by taking the palace. The defenders have now lost the gate to the capital and all their advantages. If they can still hold on like this, they would be truly capable.

Since the prince asked them to see what Governor Xiao is capable of, they must take a good look!

"Master Xiao," Zhou Jianli bowed and said, "Please give me some advice."

Their eyes were clear and their words and actions did not show any desire to watch the show, only a pure desire to win.

"No problem."

Xiao Shuo smiled slightly, his eyes and brows were gentle.

Zhou Jianli and his friends had just arrived and had not heard of those messy rumors. They just thought that Governor Xiao had a really good temper.

The flags are divided into red and blue, representing the armies and military strength of both sides.

As the attacking side, the number of red chess pieces is nearly twice that of blue ones, and Xiao Shuo is again in a weak position.

The three men saluted Xiao Shuo and sat down opposite him. Xiao Shuo lifted his robe and sat down, his eyes fixed on the sand table.

The sand table is a small capital city. The shadow of the capital city can be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys. It is the first time he has seen the real thing. However, the map of the capital city used in this sand table was given to Chu Yuanchen by him.

Chu Yuanchen blinked at him, meaning, how about it, you did a good job.

Xiao Shuo nodded and praised: Not bad, indeed not bad.

He picked up the small blue flag and began to deploy his troops. Zhou Jianli and the other two were also discussing in a low voice.

Chu Yuanchen touched his chin with his right hand and watched with interest.

Sheng Xiyan asked quietly: "How long will it take?"

She had never seen a sandbox match, but she knew at a glance that it would not save time compared to a game of chess.

Chu Yuanchen replied: "At least until three o'clock in the morning."

Xiao Shuo was at a complete disadvantage from the start. Zhou Jianli and the other two were not incompetent, and they had the right time, place and people. Xiao Shuo would not win too quickly.

Sheng Xiyan walked out of the side hall quietly.

She stood in the corridor and instructed Xigui, "Go and ask someone to prepare some refreshing tea. Use the recipe I gave you last time. The herbs in the recipe should be available in the warehouse. Take the matching cards and go find Aunt Sun."

"And ask the kitchen to prepare some snacks that can be held in one hand and eaten in one bite. No puff pastry-like items. Put them on bamboo sticks before serving."

The puff pastry is difficult to eat, and the crumbs will fall on the sandbox. The bamboo sticks make it easy to take it without dirtying your hands.

"and……"

Sheng Xiyan gave instructions one by one, Xigui wrote them all down and went out to do them.

Sheng Xiyan was about to go back to the side hall when a steward came over and whispered, "Princess, the Madam is in the front yard."

It's not that he was specifically keeping an eye on the whereabouts of the lady, but since Xiao Shuo was in the mansion today, Chu Yuanchen asked the steward to pay more attention to him.

ah.

Sheng Xiyan raised her eyebrows slightly. The old lady rarely came to the front yard. It was already the hour of Xu. The old lady was old and went to bed early. She would have gone to bed at this time in the past.

She glanced at the brightly lit side room and said, "I'll go take a look."

The lady was in a small garden where the inner and outer courtyards intersected. When Sheng Xiyan passed by, she was sitting on a stone bench next to the rockery, looking at the bright moon in the sky.

The night in March was still a little chilly. The lady was wrapped in a shawl and had two maids serving her.

Sheng Xiyan walked over with a smile and said politely, "Madam."

Seeing her coming, the lady was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "Did I surprise you? I couldn't sleep so I wanted to go out for a walk, and I walked over here."

"No, the Northern Frontier Army came today, and Achen brought a few young generals to the mansion to welcome them. They just finished the banquet and said they wanted to simulate a battle on the sand table. I was just bored. The steward said you were here, so I came over to chat with you."

Sheng Xiyan said this openly.

"The Northern Frontier Army is here?" the lady said happily.

"Yes." Sheng Xiyan said, "Achen went out to meet him early in the morning."

The lady sighed: "These military commanders are like this. When it comes to the art of war, they even forget their last names..."

She looked nostalgic as she told some past events, many of which Sheng Xiyan had never heard of. Curious, she asked a few more questions. Seeing that she was interested, the lady spoke even more openly and also pointed out some taboos in the army.

It turned out that the lady had indeed gone to bed by now, but for some reason she couldn't sleep.

The same thing happened on Chu Yuanchen's wedding day. Suddenly, her heart started beating faster and she couldn't sleep. Because she couldn't sleep, the lady went out for a walk and unknowingly walked to the front yard. Then, she saw a silhouette.

At that moment, she seemed to see her daughter and son-in-law. However, when she wanted to look for them again, they were gone.

Having the same feeling today, she couldn't help but come out again.

The lady was very clear-minded and could actually see that the two children were hiding something from her.

However, she also believed that they did not tell her not because it was "for her own good" but simply because they could not tell her.

The lady looked towards the front yard, then silently withdrew her gaze, patted the back of her hand, and said, "I'm sleepy."

"I'll take you back."

Sheng Xiyan sent her back to Wuhetang and checked her pulse. After she rested, she went to the side hall in the front yard.

She had been gone for more than half an hour.

The refreshing tea she ordered was also served. Chu Yuanchen's eyes had been on the sand table, but when he saw her come in, he looked over with a smile, raised his hand and pulled her to sit next to him, picked up a piece of red bean cake with a bamboo stick and fed it to her mouth without asking her where she was going.

The sandbox was covered with red and blue flags. It didn't look like a chess game. Sheng Xiyan didn't quite understand it, so Chu Yuanchen whispered to her, "They've already fought several times head-on. Zhou Jianli has lost nearly 30% of his troops."

"They underestimated the enemy. When my eldest brother showed weakness, they thought he was really weak."

"The main force has been dispersed, and now it all depends on how we turn things around."

He spoke briefly and pointed out a few key steps to her, keeping his voice very low so as not to disturb them.

As soon as he explained, Sheng Xiyan understood it and her eyes were glued to him. When she encountered something she didn't understand, she asked Chu Yuanchen.

Zhou Jianli and the other two looked more solemn, and for a long time they did not make any next move. They discussed in a low voice for a long time, analyzing the situation over and over again on the sand table.

They were defeated miserably in the two street fights, not only losing many soldiers and generals, but also almost losing all the advantages they had in the early stages. If they don't make a comeback, it will be a huge disgrace.

Zhou Jianli secretly glanced at Xiao Shuo sitting opposite him, and saw that he was slowly and leisurely stirring the foam in the tea with the tea lid, looking very relaxed. This made them feel a little uneasy. Could it be that he had another trick up his sleeve?

The three of them discussed in a low voice.

Xiao Shuo looked calm and composed, but in fact he had already memorized the entire sandbox in his mind, and was constantly reviewing and deducing it. In a very short time, he predicted every step they might take.

Finally, Zhou gradually left.

The red flags scattered on the sand table began to gather, but they did not concentrate at one point. Instead, they were divided into eight groups, with order in chaos and dispersion in order.

"nice."

Chu Yuanchen chuckled and praised, "Zhou Jianli became smarter after his trip to Beiyan."

His voice was so low that only Sheng Xiyan, who was standing nearby, could hear it. He continued, "Zhou Jianli is pretending to advance."

"The topography of the capital is not suitable for large-scale encounters. Once the troops are dispersed, they will be defeated one by one. Therefore, the Red Flags were not dispersed too much at the beginning." But if they are too concentrated, it will be difficult to maneuver.

"In the first two street battles, not only did we suffer heavy casualties, but our forces were also dispersed. In the subsequent clashes, we also suffered heavy casualties."

"Now Zhou Jianli and his men have reorganized their army. They appear to be advancing towards the palace, but in fact they are using the previous four routes as bait to encircle Big Brother's main force..."

After Chu Yuanchen’s explanation, Sheng Xiyan understood.

On the surface, Zhou Jianli and his men were continuing their rapid advance, but in fact, they had already given up their hasty desire to win and were luring the enemy deeper into their territory.

The two sides kept fighting and clashing, while also making their own arrangements and forming their own battle arrays.

Zhou Jianli and the others looked solemn and were more cautious with every step they took.

Xiao Shuo never reveals his emotions in front of others. The flag he is playing with in his hand can always take the most important step at the critical moment.

Hongqi's advantages are growing.

As soon as the third watchman's bell rang outside, Zhou Jianli and the other two admitted defeat.

The victory is decided.

Zhou Jianli stood up from them, saluted Xiao Shuo earnestly, and said, "We lost."

After admitting defeat, they said excitedly, "Master Xiao, please help us review the situation."

The eyes they looked at Xiao Shuo were full of respect, not just the respect they had before because of Chu Yuanchen.

Xiao Shuo could naturally see it as well.

Before he was six years old, he always thought that his life would be spent on the battlefield, just like his father, grandfather and grandfather-in-law, riding on horses and fighting on the battlefield.

And now, he has stepped into this dark hell for so many years, playing with power, controlling people's hearts, calculating everyone and everything including himself, his hands have long been dirty... Even so, he still can't forget the time when he was six years old, lying on his father's desk, watching him and his grandfather playing with the sand table.

Xiao Shuo's eyes grew darker and darker for a moment, and then he gently placed the flag he was holding on his fingertips back on the sand table.

Xiao Shuo knew Chu Yuanchen's intention very well. In his opinion, Chu Yuanchen's behavior was not wise.

An army has only one leader. Chu Yuanchen is the King of Zhenbei and the backbone of the Zhenbei Army. He should not let these soldiers worship him.

All I have to do is make everyone afraid of me.

"Ayan," Chu Yuanchen said gently, "Are you sleepy? Do you want to go back and rest first?"

Sheng Xiyan shook her head. She was not sleepy. She wanted to see how they reviewed it.

Chu Yuanchen did not insist and said with a smile: "Brother, please review the game for these guys, otherwise they will not know where they lost."

The "boys" were all older than Chu Yuanchen. Upon hearing this, they had no doubts at all and nodded hurriedly, with anticipation on all three faces.

"All right."

Xiao Shuo responded, his voice somewhat cold.

He glanced at Chu Yuanchen without saying a word, but the look in his eyes told him not to be lazy.

He didn't believe that Chu Yuanchen couldn't see the key steps that determine the outcome of the battle. Moreover, bystanders can see more clearly than those in power.

Chu Yuanchen touched his nose and walked away with a wry smile.

He stood on Xiao Shuo's side, and after reviewing the situation, he and Xiao Shuo spent an hour to beat up the three guys again.

This time, even Sheng Xiyan understood that the two of them joining forces would simply be an overwhelming victory.

After being brutally beaten, Zhou Jianli left the other two. There was no anger or frustration on his face. Instead, he became more excited.

Even though they had traveled a long distance from the northern border to the capital, running day and night, they were tireless and said enthusiastically, "Master Xiao, Your Majesty, let's play another round."

"Torture us to death!"

"It doesn't matter if you kill us like a madman."

Then there was another round of nodding.

Sheng Xiyan smiled.

Chu Yuanchen glanced at them with disdain: "Get lost, you are such a loser, yet you still want to compete. If I were you, I would quickly squat in the corner and reflect on my actions. Get out one by one! Don't even mention that you are from the Northern Frontier Army. This prince cannot afford to lose face like this."

Zhou Jianli laughed shamelessly: "We are not good at cooking because you, Lord, didn't teach us well."

"That's right. Your Majesty, you praised me last year for my military prowess and bravery. How come you changed your tune so suddenly?"

"You also said that it was because of your good training that we were able to win every battle and force Beiyan to flee in panic."

Then there was a burst of laughter.

Xiao Shuo couldn't help laughing. Even if he hadn't been to the Northern Frontier Army, he could easily feel how good the atmosphere of the Northern Frontier Army was.

Pledge allegiance until death during war.

After the war, they became as close as brothers.

A hint of envy inadvertently flashed in Xiao Shuo's eyes, but he quickly concealed it perfectly.

After they finished laughing, Sheng Xiyan said, "I've asked someone to prepare breakfast, let's go eat first."

It was already bright outside.

Seeing that there was really no one to bully them, Zhou Jianli left for dinner with his head down.

After breakfast, Xiao Shuo said goodbye.

Chu Yuanchen and Sheng Xiyan went to see her off in person, but before they even reached the ceremonial gate, Han Qianzhi, who was sitting on a four-wheeled vehicle, came running after them in a hurry: "Sister-in-law, please help me propose marriage."

There was a purple spot under his eyes, obviously he hadn't slept all night.

He looked at Sheng Xiyan pitifully, as if he would cry in front of her if she didn't agree.

He has thought it through.

From a rational point of view, he might fail and should not implicate Cheng Chuyu.

However, Cheng Chuyu always firmly believed that he would get better.

Even Cheng Chuyu believed it, so what else did he have to doubt? He would be fine, he would definitely be fine!

He would make himself worthy of her.

"Sister-in-law."

His voice was changing and he looked at Sheng Xiyan eagerly.

Sheng Xiyan understands Cheng Chuyu.

Cheng Chuyu never does things based on her momentary likes and dislikes. She must have thought it through clearly when she said that.

Han Qianzhi must have already considered it.

Sheng Xiyan respected their well-considered determination.

Sheng Xiyan and Chu Yuanchen exchanged glances and said with a smile, "Okay, I'll ask the princess to propose marriage for you."

Han Qianzhi was so overjoyed that he completely forgot that he was disabled. He stood up with his hands on the handle of the four-wheeled vehicle, smiled foolishly, and bowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you, sister-in-law."

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed that all their eyes were on him. He was startled and then realized that he was standing.

Stand, stand?

His brain was several beats slow to react, and he looked down at his legs in a daze. Then his body fell forward uncontrollably.

Chu Yuanchen reached out and caught him in time, and put him back on the four-wheeled vehicle.

Han Qianzhi held onto the handrail with both hands and tried to stand up again, but he found that his legs were still completely out of control, just like before.

"Sister-in-law." Han Qian looked at Sheng Xiyan consciously, with some expectation and some panic. In the past, he didn't care whether his legs could be healed or not, but now, he really hopes to recover.

Sheng Xiyan reassured him and said, "You can stand up, which means your spinal cord is not completely damaged. Let's go and ask Doctor Zhou to take a look first."

Han Qianzhi nodded hurriedly.

She asked someone to call Doctor Zhou and the good doctors in the mansion, and asked the servant to push Han Qianzhi back first.

After Sheng Xiyan bowed to Xiao Shuo, she hurriedly followed him, and Chu Yuanchen saw Xiao Shuo out.

Originally, Xiao Shuo said that he could go back, but then Xiao Shuo said seriously that he didn't know any medical skills, it would be useless to go back, and it would be the same if he went back later, so Xiao Shuo didn't say anything more.

"Achen." Xiao Shuo was silent for a while, then said, "There is only one master in the army. Don't do this in the future."

Chu Yuanchen smiled, and his smile was very loud, and he took it for granted: "Wu Erzhu refers to outsiders, and you are not an outsider."

Xiao Shuo: “…”

Chu Yuanchen patted his shoulder and said without question: "We are not outsiders. The Zhenbei Army is in my hands, just like it is in your hands."

Chu Yuanchen also hopes that the soldiers of the Zhenbei Army know this.

The Zhenbei Army has followed him for so many years, they will not submit easily. Letting the big brother beat them down is more effective than saying a hundred words by themselves.

Chu Yuanchen put his arm around her shoulder and said, "Stop nagging me. Look at you. You're not even that old, but you're still so nagging."

Xiao Shuo was so angry that he laughed and almost wanted to hit someone.

I only said one sentence and he was the one doing all the talking, and he still thinks I'm being too long-winded? !

Just as his hand was raised, Chu Yuanchen flexibly changed direction and said seriously: "Don't hit my face, otherwise Ah Yan will be disgusted! If Ah Yan is disgusted, I will turn against you."

Xiao Shuo: “…”

Finally, she just patted him on the shoulder.

His horse was already at the Yimen Gate, and Wu Ning was waiting beside the horse. When he saw Xiao Shuo coming out, he stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Sir, Zheng Zhongming is in the Silijian, and would like to see you, Sir."

Chu Yuanchen and Xiao Shuo exchanged glances.

It's finally here.