Chapter 0135 Sightseeing (A Minor Revision Due to Food Poisoning)

Chapter 0135 Sightseeing (A Minor Revision Due to Food Poisoning)

After hearing Qu Yunmie's response, Xiao Rong was momentarily at a loss for words.

Once, his greatest headache had been Qu Yunmie's disobedience. He wanted Qu Yunmie to stay put, but he feared that it would constrain his valiant and capable nature.

They had argued, fought, and compromised. Unconsciously, Xiao Rong had taken many steps back, even accepting the possibility that if push came to shove, Qu Yunmie might drag him to his death.

Xiao Rong was reluctant but helpless. He tried to remain calm, not dwelling on the worst-case scenario. Now, after calming himself down, he was startled to realize that he wasn't the only one who had stepped back.

But there were differences in stepping back. Xiao Rong did so out of necessity, while Qu Yunmie did it willingly. Although life had returned to normal, the shadows remained, possibly haunting Qu Yunmie for the rest of his life. Xiao Rong understood this all too well.

Pausing, Xiao Rong lowered his head. The room fell silent, and even Han Qing and others far away in Southern Yong seemed less important. After some thought, Xiao Rong looked up: "Since you don't want to go, let's send someone else. How about General Wang? I think his injuries have healed enough."

Qu Yunmie frowned: "Him? In Ningzhou, he chased after Yuan Baifu and let him escape. Later, he went after Shen Yangrui and let him get away too."

With that, Qu Yunmie snorted through his nose, almost saying outright, "That useless fool."

Xiao Rong: "...It's not entirely General Wang's fault. He was injured and hadn't rested properly for nearly half a month. Besides, Shen Yangrui had a large army covering his retreat. It's quite normal that he couldn't catch him."

Qu Yunmie said angrily: "I know it's not his fault, but what angers me is that Yuan Baifu was right in front of him, and he still lost him."

Recalling that day, Qu Yunmie clenched his fist on the table. Even though he didn't move, Xiao Rong felt the table might not survive.

Staring at the celadon tea cup on the table, Qu Yunmie tried to control his temper: "If he hadn't survived by a miracle, I would have dismissed him!"

Xiao Rong: "........"

Qu Yunmie's arm tensed, his sleeves wide, hiding his arms from view, but Xiao Rong could see the veins on his hand becoming more prominent. After a moment, Xiao Rong reached out and gently pried open Qu Yunmie's fist.

Qu Yunmie instinctively relaxed his grip. Xiao Rong, as if suffering from OCD, carefully arranged each finger: "Talk if you must, but don't damage things. This table is new this year, and if you break it, we'll have to make a new one."

Qu Yunmie: "..."

He glanced at the table between them. What was so precious about a table? They all looked the same. Realizing Xiao Rong's true intention, Qu Yunmie grumbled: "Why do you always take his side?"

Xiao Rong: "..."

Under normal circumstances, Xiao Rong would argue with Qu Yunmie, but if Qu Yunmie weren't so unreasonable, he wouldn't side with others.

However, since that night in the snow, Xiao Rong no longer felt justified when facing Qu Yunmie. His injuries had healed thanks to the system, but Qu Yunmie's scars remained, constantly reminding Xiao Rong of that night and its consequences.

After a moment, Xiao Rong softened his voice: "General Wang is loyal to you, and I naturally support him because supporting him means supporting you. Of the four generals, only three remain. Qu Yunmie, your old comrades will only decrease in number. Even if new trustworthy people emerge, their bond won't be the same."

Qu Yunmie wanted to say he didn't need such bonds, that after Yuan Baifu, he wouldn't trust anyone wholeheartedly again.

But looking into Xiao Rong's round eyes, Qu Yunmie pursed his lips.

He shouldn't let Yuan Baifu influence his judgment or worry Xiao Rong over a deceitful man.

After thinking it through, Qu Yunmie paused. Though he didn't understand the bond between him and Wang Xinyong, he nodded at Xiao Rong.

Finally getting a response, Xiao Rong smiled: "Since you think General Wang isn't suitable, how about General Gongsun?"

Qu Yunmie: "...Still Wang Xinyong."

Wang Xinyong just couldn't catch people, but Gongsun Yuan couldn't even find the way.

Xiao Rong smiled slightly and dropped the subject.

Wang Xinyong was the best person to find people, given his Southern Yong background. Initially, Xiao Rong was focused on catching Han Qing, but upon reflection, he realized it would be difficult. Han Qing was slippery, like an eel. By now, he might have already escaped. As one of the four generals, Wang Xinyong would naturally pursue a traitor like Yuan Baifu or a Southern Yong general like Shen Yangrui.

But sending Wang Xinyong after Han Qing, a mere high-ranking member of an evil sect, might seem like an insult to Wang Xinyong.

Xiao Rong knew this but still guided Qu Yunmie to do it because he realized he couldn't be passive anymore.

Han Qing made moves, and Xiao Rong reacted. When would it end? Moreover, Han Qing had proven his capabilities, escaping from the dangerous Xianbei territory. In his home turf of Southern Yong, he would be even more adept.

The arrest warrant had been issued, and Di Fazeng was already on his way. Qu Yunmie was right; Wang Xinyong wasn't good at finding people. So Xiao Rong didn't expect him to capture Han Qing. Instead, he had another task for Wang Xinyong.

Using the pretext of capturing Han Qing, Wang Xinyong would enter Southern Yong's territory and contact those who were once his comrades. Previously, Wang Xinyong's appearance in Southern Yong would have been awkward, whether maintaining peace or during conflict. Now, however, he was welcome. The war was imminent, and Southern Yong was preparing for battle. Officials and civilians alike were anxious, despite efforts by Sun Renluan and Yang Zangyi to boost morale.

Those committed to Southern Yong's fate could be ignored. Xiao Rong targeted the pragmatic individuals who would seek a way out. The government strictly monitored them, making it impossible to defect. This is where Wang Xinyong would be useful.

Xiao Rong didn't need these people to pledge allegiance; he just wanted them to surrender immediately when the Northern Pacification Army arrived. If they complied, they would benefit in the new regime.

Xiao Rong wanted to hasten Southern Yong's downfall. He saw that Han Qing still harbored ambitions. Otherwise, he could have quietly slipped away under the protection of the Breeze Sect. The sect's followers could launch suicidal attacks based on his words, so why couldn't they risk their lives to help him escape?

Whether through the Western Regions or by ship to Heavenly India, Han Qing could roam freely, leaving Xiao Rong constrained. Xiao Rong couldn't chase Han Qing that far.

An easy escape was available, but Han Qing chose not to take it. His actions suggested he had other plans beyond mere escape. He wanted to challenge the Northern Pacification Army's supremacy and strike back.

Xiao Rong couldn't predict Han Qing's exact plan. Would he flee with the Breeze Sect or alone? Would he seek refuge with historical figures like He Tingzhi or someone else?

Only Han Qing knew his intentions. Analyzing them would be pointless.

Han Qing thrived in chaos, as evidenced by his past actions: luring Xianbei into Central China, plotting to assassinate Qu Yunmie, spreading rumors to incite fear among the populace. Xiao Rong knew these, but he didn't know about Han Qing's connections with Yang Zangyi, attempts to assassinate Sun Renluan, secret dealings with selfish clans, and the clandestine trade of Jinling's grain, weakening its defenses.

Even without knowing these details, Xiao Rong could see that Han Qing aimed to create chaos and eliminate key figures, positioning himself as the dominant force.

In short, if the world were peaceful and the Northern Pacification Army supreme, Han Qing would be powerless.

Revenge was secondary; the primary goal was to maintain Qu Yunmie's position and ensure he ascended to the throne.

Thinking this, Xiao Rong rubbed his face vigorously.

It seems there's never a moment of peace... After dealing with one issue, another arises. Governing the land is already so challenging; I can only imagine what it would be like to rule it. ...I'm exhausted and want to throw in the towel.

The next day, several military orders were issued from the Prince's Palace.

After recuperating for many days, Wang Xinyong went from initially not wanting to enter the Prince's Palace to now not wanting to leave it. He approached Xiao Rong with a troubled face and stayed in his room for nearly half an hour. When he came out, his expression was no longer as gloomy. Upon closer inspection, he even seemed somewhat invigorated.

How could he not feel invigorated? He was about to return home as a savior. ...

The second military order was sent to Xihai County, where Qu Yunmie summoned Jian Qiao back to the capital and appointed the governor of Zhangye County to take over Xihai.

Zhangye and Jiuquan are both cities close to Xihai County, but the governor of Zhangye is from Central China and has a strong sense of integrity. Handing Xihai to him ensures that he won't suddenly declare himself king with his clan. ...

The third military order was dispatched to Sheng Le. On Xiao Rong's recommendation, Qu Yunmie promoted the governor of Shangdang to become the governor of Bingzhou, making Sheng Le part of Bingzhou. The new governor's first task was to replace Yu Shaoxie in Sheng Le. Everyone had plenty to do, and Xiao Rong didn't want to rely solely on Song Shuo, so he asked Qu Yunmie to bring back another person.

The messengers rode their fastest horses to deliver these orders, and upon receiving them, Jian Qiao and Yu Shaoxie immediately prepared to depart.

At this time, not only was Yu Shaoxie in Sheng Le, but also Yu Shaocheng, who had arrived with a large number of prisoners to seek his brother.

Seeing his brother already packing up, Yu Shaocheng turned to the messenger and asked, "Is there any message for me?"

The messenger blinked and shook his head. "The King did not mention General Yu."

Yu Shaocheng stared at him, unwilling to believe it. "Not even a verbal message?"

The messenger: "..."

He shook his head again.

Yu Shaocheng fell silent.

He consoled himself, thinking, well, Sheng Le is so cold; it's better for my brother to go back. At least Chenliu's winters are warmer than those in Sheng Le.

Moreover, my brother always talks about the people in Chenliu. He should be happy to return. He will greet Gao Xunzhi, care for Xiao Rong, and advise Song Shuo...

He will also take care of these people just as he used to take care of me. In fact, New Year's Day is coming in a little over a month, and my brother loves the New Year. This year might be lively, and he might even drink some wine. He'll give Xiao Rong a red envelope. In the past, only I received red envelopes from my brother, but I know I'm no longer the only one in his heart.

It's good that my brother has other people he cares about. Compared to before, he is much happier and more peaceful. ...It's good. It's really good.

The messenger watched as Yu Shaocheng's expression shifted from melancholy to something more sinister. He looked at Yu Shaocheng in alarm. Then, Yu Shaoxie emerged from behind and called, "Cheng'er."

Yu Shaocheng instantly turned around, smiling brightly. "Brother."

Yu Shaoxie placed his bag on the table and comforted him, "The King ordered me to return but did not ask you to come with me. He must still be concerned about the prisoners in the city. The new governor will soon arrive, and without your help, managing the locals will be difficult. You are now the highest-ranking officer in Sheng Le. The King intends to train you, not neglect you. Don't be upset after I leave. From his recent actions, something might have happened in Southern Yong, which is why he recalled Jian Qiao. Once things here stabilize, he will likely call you back too."

Yu Shaocheng silently lowered his head, looking somewhat aggrieved but saying nothing. "Brother, last year I spent the New Year alone."

Yu Shaoxie felt pained but couldn't do anything since Qu Yunmie hadn't given the order.

After a moment's thought, Yu Shaoxie reached out, stroking Yu Shaocheng's hair while assuring him, "Perform well, and I'll try to get the King to summon you back before the New Year."

Yu Shaocheng was slightly taller than Yu Shaoxie. To avoid tiring him, he bent down a bit. Before Yu Shaoxie could pull his hand away, Yu Shaocheng rubbed against his palm and then looked up with a sunny smile: "Yes, I'll listen to my elder brother."

Seeing this, Yu Shaoxie felt relieved. He smiled at Yu Shaocheng and then went out to arrange other matters.

The messenger nearby fell into deep thought.

It was clearly a scene of brotherly affection, so why did it feel like needles pricking his eyes?...

That afternoon, Yu Shaoxie left Sheng Le. It had been snowing in Sheng Le for some time, but the snow this year wasn't as heavy as in previous years. The heavy snowfall was concentrated around Qinling and Busan Mountain, affecting the grasslands less.

Traveling on snowy roads was difficult. To take care of Mr. Yu, everyone else slowed their pace. As a result, although Sheng Le was closer to Chenliu, Yu Shaoxie and Jian Qiao almost arrived simultaneously. Their groups met halfway and naturally merged, walking together on the road home.

At the city gate, someone was waiting for them.

They found a teahouse where Xiao Rong and the others sat drinking tea slowly. When Zhang Biezhi came to report, they hurriedly went outside.

Mrs. Zhang wore winter clothes and a thick cloak. The moment she saw her husband, her eyes welled up with tears. Jian Qiao, who had been leisurely, waved when he saw Zhang Biezhi. Upon seeing the graceful figure, he seemed uncertain at first, craning his neck forward to confirm it was indeed his wife before speeding up.

He galloped to the city gate, dismounted, and knelt half-way, bowing to Qu Yunmie: "Your subordinate has fulfilled his mission and is honored to see Your Majesty again!"

Qu Yunmie opened his mouth to tell him to rise, but before he could speak, Jian Qiao preemptively said: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Immediately after, he stood up, ran to Mrs. Zhang, and looked at her excitedly: "Third Lady!"

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

He had never come out to greet Jian Qiao before, so he didn't know Jian Qiao could be like this. Feeling annoyed, he turned his head and glared at Jian Qiao's side profile, but Jian Qiao was oblivious, focused only on his wife.

After a long journey, covered in dust and cold, he dared not touch his wife.

Mrs. Zhang understood his thoughts. Overwhelmed by her husband's return, she couldn't help but shed tears. She took his hand and said: "Thank you, husband, for not breaking my heart."

Zhang Biezhi was used to this scene. In the past, after comforting her husband, his sister would come to cry on him too, though her treatment of him wasn't as gentle; she would just tug his ear and say, "You troublemaker, finally back."...

While it was good that the couple was harmonious, sometimes it was quite annoying. Zhang Biezhi wouldn't admit he was envious; he only winked at Xiao Rong, implying, "Don't you think they're being overly mushy?"

Xiao Rong: "……"

He glanced at the young couple beside him without showing any obvious emotion. Looking away to avoid suspicion, he unexpectedly met Qu Yunmie's gaze.

Qu Yunmie didn't wink at him; he simply looked down at him. Despite showing no expression, Xiao Rong somehow understood his meaning.

— If you hadn't come to me that day, would you have waited for me like this upon my return?

Xiao Rong: "…………"

He wanted to look away with a cold expression, telling him, "I don't know. For something that hasn't happened, how can I know how I'd react?"

But Qu Yunmie's gaze was too intense. Looking into those eyes, Xiao Rong realized that somehow, he could no longer deceive him.

There are reasons for Qu Yunmie's growing strength and also reasons for my own weakening.

Xiao Rong's eyes flickered as he lowered his head. He still avoided Qu Yunmie's gaze but nodded slightly after a moment.

—Probably, because every day after you left, I worried it might be our last meeting. ...

This thought popped into Xiao Rong's mind, surprising him. He had assumed his daily worry was about Qu Yunmie's death implicating him, but could there be another reason?

Xiao Rong's feelings instantly became complex, feeling both embarrassed and more than just that. His whole body felt uneasy, wanting to look at Qu Yunmie's reaction but fearing it would make him even more embarrassed.

Without lingering too long in this dilemma, he lifted his head. After all, while face is important, curiosity is more so.

Then he saw Qu Yunmie smiling widely, happier than the newlyweds Jian Qiao and Zhang Shi beside them.

Xiao Rong: "......"

On the left were Qu Yunmie and Xiao Rong; on the right, Jian Qiao and Zhang Shi. None of these four spoke, yet it felt impossible to interject. The rear group had arrived, but without orders, they waited outside the city.

Not everyone was so obedient. Some dismounted their horses, observing the somewhat odd scene before them. Yu Shaoxie's voice wavered, "......Ah Rong?"

What are you doing with the King?

Yu Shaoxie's call startled Xiao Rong, as he hadn't known Yu Shaoxie returned with Jian Qiao. Xiao Rong turned his head instantly and pushed Qu Yunmie back two steps with a slap.

He walked over joyfully, completely ignoring Yu Shaoxie's strange tone, "Brother Yu! You returned with General Jian! I thought we'd only meet you at dusk!"

Xiao Rong grabbed Yu Shaoxie's hand. In his life, Yu Shaoxie had never seen Xiao Rong so enthusiastic towards him and remained suspicious despite this warmth.

Feeling guilty, Xiao Rong wouldn't let him scrutinize him further. He immediately invited everyone into the city and pulled Yu Shaoxie along with him.

Yu Shaoxie followed but kept glancing back. Behind them, Qu Yunmie was already emitting dark aura.

Xiao Rong pushed him away for Yu Shaoxie, and Yu Shaoxie still dared to call him Ah Rong.

Qu Yunmie laughed in anger. Fine, new grudges and old ones, let's settle them all together.

At this point, Qu Yunmie didn't realize the severity. Since he was fourteen, he had been the sole descendant of the Qu family, with no relatives or in-laws, so he didn't understand the intricacies of family dynamics.

Thus, he didn't know how terrifying a brother-in-law could be. ...

Xiao Rong went out to greet people, leaving Gao Xunzhi to handle official duties. So, Gao Xunzhi didn't notice anything unusual about Yu Shaoxie. He was pondering what Qu Yunmie had asked him to do.

From his persistent observations over recent days, he realized something: Qu Yunmie wasn't delusional; what he said that day was likely true. Xiao Rong's attitude towards Qu Yunmie had indeed changed.

Even when Qu Yunmie followed him everywhere, Xiao Rong never got angry. Such indulgence couldn't mean anything other than affection, right?

Realizing this, Gao Xunzhi felt both happy and annoyed, wanting to kick Qu Yunmie but also eager to contribute and help fulfill his dream sooner.

However, he wasn't sure how he could help. Since his exile, he hadn't dealt with romantic matters. Pleasing a man should be similar to pleasing a woman, right?

As an elderly strategist who often led troops into battle, Gao Xunzhi knew the importance of speed. Upon hearing Xiao Rong had returned, he immediately sought him out.

"Ah Rong, after much thought, I believe you should rest more. You haven't slept well these days. How about this: tomorrow, I'll take over your duties, and you can go out with the King for some leisure time. What do you think?"

Before Xiao Rong could respond, Yu Shaoxie, who had just washed his hands, approached and asked, "If he hasn't slept well, why not let him rest for a day and sleep in?"

Going out for a stroll isn't really relaxing, and leisure time? Two grown men going out together?

Yu Shaoxie looked at the speechless Gao Xunzhi and then at the silent Xiao Rong, narrowing his eyes.

Something feels off. What are they hiding from me? What could it be...