The Slender Waist-Chapter 176 - 128: Blocking the Way to Question the Heart
"If that’s the case, I won’t try to persuade you any further,"
Feng Yun lifted her teacup, passed one to Wen Xingsu’s hand, and then filled the cups of the two generals.
"Today, as Ayun, I speak recklessly of the world, and I hope my elder brothers won’t laugh at me. Although a woman, I do not desire to support the state with supreme authority in my hands, nor do I wish to glorify my ancestors and bring splendor to my family name; nor do I aspire to leave a lasting legacy for the blessings of future generations. I only wish to live in the present, to be a person, a real, tangible person..."
Everyone was silent.
Feng Yun: "I hope that in days to come, we can still sit and discourse on the state of the world."
She drank the tea in one gulp.
Exceptionally hearty.
Wen Xingsu said nothing and looked downcast.
Shentu Jiong smacked his lips, as if savoring the tea in his cup, yet seemed to be pondering Feng Yun’s words.
"Shi’er Niang is kind in her speech and brave in her actions. She didn’t directly mention offering guidance for the country, yet it’s all about the country. After some careful thought, it seems..."
He paused slightly, put down his teacup, and gave her a salute with a smile. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦
"The wise ruler Shi’er Niang speaks of is currently trapped in Bingzhou, while the Qi Army is heavily reinforcing Hengqu Pass. The new emperor acts decisively and his intentions are clear—to encircle and starve Pei Jue in Bingzhou..."
He laughed heartily, his smile bright and open.
"I must speak frankly. Pei Jue is likely unable to overcome the present difficulties. This defeat in the battle is solely because he overestimated himself and was reckless for merit... Compared to this, whether the new emperor or Pei Jue is the wise ruler is now up for debate."
"Brother Shentu, your words are misplaced," Feng Yun said with a faint smile, "Pei Jue is not one to recklessly covet achievements, nor should he be mocked for being betrayed by his brethren."
Taking a slow breath, she looked at him and Yang Qi.
"Who the wise ruler is, we shall wait and see."
Once she finished, without waiting for their reaction, Feng Yun rose to take her leave.
"Seeing my brother in good health, Ayun’s worries are settled. I shall take my leave now, to deliver medicine to the General."
Wen Xingsu was shocked, "You’re going to Bingzhou?"
Feng Yun smiled faintly, "Yes. I must go."
Wen Xingsu looked at her composed expression, felt heartache that was hard to bear, and sighed worriedly.
Knowing he couldn’t persuade her, he stopped trying and resignedly said:
"I’ll accompany you."
Feng Yun’s eyes sparkled, "Elder brother, you’re wounded. You don’t have to trouble yourself."
"I’m mostly healed," Wen Xingsu said lightly.
Feng Yun thought he was lying, but Wen Xingsu glanced at Shentu Jiong and Yang Qi, actually rose from behind the desk, stood firmly on the ground, and walked towards Feng Yun.
Confronted with everyone’s surprise, he said warmly:
"I’m unwilling to serve the Beiyong Army, nor do I wish to fail Pei Jue’s kindness, so I had no choice but to adopt this strategy."
Feng Yun hadn’t expected to worry for so long only to find that he had feigned his unrecovered injury, leaving her not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
"You’ve hidden this so well from me, elder brother."
Wen Xingsu gave a wry smile, "I had no other choice."
-
Hongye Valley.
It is currently the only passage from Xinzhou to Bingzhou.
Along the way are checkpoints set up by the Beiyong Army.
After the smoke of battle had cleared, there were hardly any farmers or merchants to be seen on the road.
The token of the General who broke through the enemy ranks was more useful than Wen Xingsu had imagined.
In the past, they thought "Breaker of Enemy Ranks" was a term of mockery from Pei Jue, and soldiers of the Northern Yong Army in the camp didn’t take it seriously.
However, as Wen Xingsu showed the token, the soldiers he encountered on the way, despite giving him an extra glance, showed nothing but respect and obedience, and none dared to ask any questions.
Wen Xingsu didn’t react much.
Shentu Jiong and Yang Qi, who traveled with him, were filled with emotions.
"With such honors, General Pei’s command is commendable. Only now do I realize where previously the Qi Army actually lost..."
They fell silent again.
Sometimes, silence is indeed the best answer.
At that moment, Ye Chuang suddenly spoke up.
"Hongye Valley’s path is narrow, the slopes steep and cliffs on either side make it hard to pass; Zhu Cheng and Ao Qi here encountered the main force of the Qi Army, Green Flame Army led by Han Xu changed sides in the midst of battle, the Azure Dragon Army under Hu Yi defected... the Red Armor Army fought for two days unsuccessfully and broke down and fled; Zhu Cheng died in battle, Ao Qi led the remnants towards Qijing Slope..."
This was the battle report that reached Xinzhou.
What Ye Chuang said was what he heard in Xinzhou.
Wen Xingsu, who paid attention to military affairs, had also heard this news.
With a sigh upon hearing this, "Afterwards, General Pei led the troops to recapture Hongye Valley, forcing Han Chuhu and the others with the Green Flame and Azure Dragon to retreat to the left and right flanks. Unfortunately, General Pei didn’t take advantage of the victory to retreat back to Xinzhou to regroup; instead, he led the troops straight into Bingzhou, and despite fighting for three days and taking Bingzhou, he lost the chance to retreat in one piece, allowing the Qi Army to encircle them like dumplings..."
Feng Yun’s gaze extended toward Hongye Valley.
"Is that Qijing Slope up ahead?"
Ye Chuang’s throat suddenly felt choked, "Yes."
It was an exceedingly long steep slope, and at its base was the nameless river leading to Bingzhou.
