Chapter 167

Chapter 167

Actually, Qianhu Hong's age wasn't quite old enough to warrant being called "uncle."

But he was indeed no longer young—already twenty-five years old, and his face looked older than his years.

So Han Qinnian's address of "uncle" sent him over the edge again.

Qianhu Hong stared at him intently, his eyes blazing with fury!

But with the crowd watching, he couldn't lose his temper in public. Many soldiers and officers were around, some of whom were outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds with him, just waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

Qianhu Hong could only forcibly suppress the rage in his heart and force a tight, insincere smile:

"No need for me to offer guidance. I've only been in the army for a few years. Though I hold the rank of Qianhu now, I'm hardly a battle-hardened veteran. Besides, I'm only twenty-five this year—hardly deserving of the title 'uncle' from a young fellow like you."

"Judging by your appearance, young Master Han, you must be a pampered young lord at home, am I right? The military camp is no place for fun and games. Training is grueling, discipline is strict, and getting yelled at and beaten is routine. If you can't endure such hardship, young master, it would be best to return home early."

He deliberately stressed the words "twenty-five" and "uncle," practically grinding his teeth as he spoke, trying hard to emphasize that he was still young!

But Han Qinnian seemed not to notice the barbs in his words. Instead, he revealed an even more sincere smile and kept up his sweet talk, showing his white teeth as he said earnestly:

"Qianhu Hong, you needn't be modest! You're eight years my senior with far more experience. As the saying goes, age and skill deserve respect! I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, and since we'll be in the same camp in the future, I hope you'll offer me more guidance. It's only proper that I call you 'uncle'!"

"Besides, though the military camp is tough, I know that 'every man has a duty to his country.' Now that Old General Shao has graciously allowed me to train here, I shall be diligent and disciplined, and not let down my brother or the General... Still, thanks for the advice, Uncle Hong!"

Han Qinnian's words were humble, his expression sincere, and nothing could get through to him.

Every time he said "uncle," Qianhu Hong's chest tightened with frustration. It took him a long while before he finally gritted out:

"I wouldn't dare offer advice. As long as you've got ambition, young man, that's what counts. The camp has strict rules—you'd better watch yourself."

"Uncle Hong is right. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Han Qinnian remained cheerful, looking even more earnest and guileless than Qianhu Hong himself.

This made the man's blood boil. His temples throbbed with rage, and he wished he could rush forward and land a few good punches to let off steam.

It was an eye-opener for Han Zhang, who couldn't help but laugh to himself. He never expected his second brother to be not just a golden retriever, but also a sweet-talking snake in the grass.

Meanwhile, Shao Langzhou, who had been listening to their exchange, froze for a moment before suddenly realizing something...

How had he never noticed that Qianhu Hong was a full nine years older than him?

Though it wasn't unusual for a couple to have an age gap, and he didn't mind marrying someone older, this Qianhu Hong had no merit, no family name, no good looks, and no pleasant personality.

And now, calculating it, the man was nearly a full twelve years older than him... What had his grandfather been thinking back then, to have taken a shine to such an old geezer?

With that thought, Shao Langzhou's dislike for Qianhu Hong grew even stronger.

Not wanting Han Qinnian to get the wrong idea about him and Qianhu Hong, he stepped forward and said coldly:

"Qianhu Hong, Second Brother Han is a guest of our household, and my grandfather allowed him to join the army. My grandfather will handle his arrangements from now on, so there's no need for you to bother."

"As for 'Zhou Geer,' that's a nickname my family elders use for me. In the military camp, please address me as Young Commander Shao to avoid unnecessary gossip."

"After all, though the military doesn't stand on ceremony, I'm still a young gentleman of rank, and I have to think about my reputation... I have matters to attend to, so I'll be on my way now. I won't keep you any longer, Qianhu."

With that, he led Han Qinnian and Han Zhang toward the main camp, not bothering to hide his coldness toward Qianhu Hong.

Bastard!

Qianhu Hong, left standing in place, turned pale with fury, cursing up a storm in his head. Watching Han Zhang and the others walk away, he clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms.

The soldiers around couldn't help but feel awkward for him.

—They had thought Qianhu Hong and Master Shao were about to get together, and many had already privately congratulated him multiple times. But judging by what just happened, it seemed Master Shao had never been interested in Qianhu Hong at all!

And those officers who didn't get along with Qianhu Hong started gossiping outright:

"Hey, didn't they say Qianhu Hong and Master Shao were about to tie the knot? I was wondering when we'd get to drink at their wedding, but judging by Master Shao's attitude just now, he didn't even give him a second look?"

"Isn't it obvious? Master Shao never fancied him—it's just him being a fool, pining after someone who doesn't want him..."

"Then why were the rumors so convincing before? They sounded so real. When we ran into them talking last time and went over to congratulate him, why didn't he clarify? He just stood there grinning like an idiot. I thought he'd basically confirmed it!"

"Ha, who knows what he was thinking... But honestly, isn't it only natural that Master Shao didn't like him back? He's the son of a marquis—what good match couldn't he find? Why would he settle for some Qianhu Hong?"

"Because he's old? Because he's ugly? Because he's flat broke?"

Several officers burst out laughing.

Though Qianhu Hong had built a decent reputation in camp with his 'simple and honest' act, he hadn't fooled everyone. Some had seen through his disguise and disliked him, and now they seized the opportunity to kick him while he was down.

What pissed Qianhu Hong off most was that everything they said was true!

He was indeed no longer young, his looks were so plain that the best you could say was 'decent,' and as for money...

Though he was a Qianhu and should have accumulated some property by now,

he had spent a fortune silencing relatives and neighbors back home to hide the fact that he already had a wife and children. So calling himself penniless was indeed accurate.

But facts were facts—having them exposed was another matter entirely.

The whispers around him pierced his ears like needles. Qianhu Hong's face burned with shame and humiliation, his hatred for Shao Langzhou and Han Qinnian gnawing at him.

Yet he couldn't go out and argue, knowing full well the truth of the matter himself.

In the end, all he could do was rage impotently inwardly, once again resolving that once Shao Langzhou married into his family, he would teach him a proper lesson!

...

On the other side, after Shao Langzhou led the Han brothers some distance away and confirmed they were out of Qianhu Hong's sight, he let out a slight sigh of relief.

Then he looked at Han Qinnian somewhat urgently, with a hint of apology and embarrassment, and quickly explained:

"Second Brother Han, I'm truly sorry you had to witness that. That Qianhu Hong is just an ordinary minor officer in the camp—stubborn and rigid, not good with words. You needn't take anything he said to heart."

The explanation was admittedly weak, especially since Qianhu Hong's hostility as a rival in love had been all too obvious. But Shao Langzhou wasn't good with words and didn't know how to explain properly, so he could only offer this dry statement.

In any case, he couldn't let Second Brother Han misunderstand him!

Han Qinnian naturally wouldn't misunderstand him. Even if the two had some history, Han Qinnian would only blame Qianhu Hong for being scheming and leading Zhou Geer astray.

Though he knew nothing about Qianhu Hong, that didn't stop him from being biased—whatever his beloved did was always right!

Han Qinnian immediately defended him: "Zhou Geer, there's no need to apologize. This isn't your fault. He's just an insignificant person—I won't take it to heart."

After a pause, he casually asked, "But speaking of which, I noticed from Qianhu Hong's words and actions that he seems quite attentive to you? Is there some misunderstanding between you two?"

His tone was light, but his eyes sparkled as they locked onto Shao Langzhou, the anticipation in them giving away what he was really asking.

Shao Langzhou wasn't slow on the uptake either. When their eyes met, he couldn't help blushing and snapped, a little annoyed, "What misunderstanding? There's nothing to misunderstand!"

"It's just... well, a few days ago, my grandfather happened to mention that he seemed honest and might make a decent... decent son-in-law... Anyway, it was just a casual remark, and I shot it down right away! Who knew some busybody would spread it around, and it just got more and more out of hand!"

"I didn't want to deal with those rumors at first, but I didn't expect him to take it seriously. He kept giving me that... that look, and acted all ambiguous in front of other people, always leaving me feeling awkward. It drives me crazy!"

"Bottom line: I've got nothing to do with him. Never did, never will. I... I don't like him at all."

By the end, even his ears were bright red.

Han Qinnian's heart soared. He just knew Zhou Geer could never like a guy like Qianhu Hong!

Overjoyed, he couldn't stop himself from blurting out, "Then who do you like?"

Shao Langzhou: "..."

Shao Langzhou said nothing, only quickly glanced at Han Qinnian before hastily looking away. He just stood there, frozen, his face burning red.

Honestly, Second Brother Han! How could he ask a young lady or lad something like that!

And Han Qinnian regretted it the second the words were out, secretly annoyed at himself for being too hasty. What if Zhou Geer thought he was being a creep and got mad at him?

But then, seeing Shao Langzhou's red face and that look he gave him, it clicked. His heart slammed, and joy flooded through him—

The way Zhou Geer looked at him just now... could it be that he also had feelings for him?

Yes, Zhou Geer must like him too, right?!

Suddenly, Han Qinnian was a mess—face red, hands flailing, stammering:

"S-sorry, Master Shao... I was out of line. I, I, I..."

But he kept going "I, I, I" and couldn't get anything else out. He paced around frantically, limbs all over the place, like a golden retriever chasing its tail.

That made Shao Langzhou laugh, and still blushing, he bailed him out: "It's fine, I know Second Brother Han didn't mean any harm. It's getting late—let's go see Grandfather now."

"Oh, right, right! Let's go see the Old General! We've got important stuff to do!"

Han Qinnian felt like he'd been let off the hook, nodding fast and trotting after him with a huge grin.

Han Zhang, totally forgotten: "..."

So this is what it's like to be the third wheel?