Chapter 98: Amidst The Rolling Red Dust, Two Dragons Emerge To Steal A Pearl (1)

After the incident, Zhou Xiaoxiao went to visit Gongsun Yu a few times.

Although she weakly laid in bed trying to recuperate, she was in a fine state of mind.

Gongsun Yu displayed a sense of persistence that contrasted her weak and pale appearance. Zhou Xiaoxiao had never seen her cry at all.

But one time, Gongsun Yu held Zhou Xiaoxiao’s hands and placed her moist and wet face against the back of her hands, softly saying, “Sister-in-law, I know my faults. If I get through this crisis, I will change my habits in the future.”

Zhou Xiaoxiao had observed for multiple days and knew that Gongsun Yu’s mother must’ve handled this matter secretly and appropriately, comforting her at last.

…

One day, Prince Yan, Cheng Shizhao, came to visit. Because he visited frequently, the servants would just lead him towards the yard where Yu Xingzhi’s study was.

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Once they arrived in front of the yard, they heard a resounding guqin music playing.

They watched as Yu Xingzhi wore black clothes and sat under the Chinese parasol tree, playing the guqin.

His fingers plucked the strings rapidly and the notes were pleasing to one’s ears.

A mixture of notes rang and it created a calm and soothing atmosphere.

Along with the guqin, Zhou Xiaoxiao was dancing with a pike.

The sparkling silver light contrasted the stars while the Heavens listened to the guqin being played.

Cheng Shizhao leaned against the door and clapped without emotions or effort.

“Males are the one performing sword-dances while the women are playing the guqin. But you guys end up doing the opposite.”

“Your highness, you won’t be happy if you go one day without bickering?” Zhou Xiaoxiao asked.

Sweat covered her forehead from training and seeing that Yu Xingzhi came over with a towel, she naturally moved her head over.

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Yu Xingzhi carefully wiped off the sweat from her forehead.

Cheng Shizhao remained silent, not being able to bear looking at their interaction.

Xingzhi, your wife doesn’t even listen to you; this is losing us, men’s faces!

…

The three sat down around the tea table.

Cheng Shizhao came back a few times to visit Yu Xingzhi and after a moment of silence, he said slowly, “Xingzhi, the Emperor has intentions of expanding to the North, wanting to give me the title of generalissimo and take over the army. You…”

When Zhou Xiaoxiao heard them talking about military matters, she decided to get up and step back from the conversation.

Cheng Shizhao stopped her and said, “Sit by the side and listen.”

Yu Xingzhi and Zhou Xiaoxiao exchanged looks and the latter nodded.

Then, Yu Xingzhi said, “Since this is the case, I’ll go with you.”

Cheng Shizhao glanced at Zhou Xiaoxiao and said, “You…you don’t have any objections?”

Cheng Shizhao couldn’t help but be annoyed and reproach himself. I’ve become a useless person like Yu Xingzhi. Why should men care about women’s opinions when it’s their jobs to participate in wars?

Zhou Xiaoxiao blinked her wide and innocent eyes, shrugging. “I have no objections.”

Cheng Shizhao sighed heavily in her heart. Who knew that this woman at least understood the situation, despite being lively and careless.

In the 18th year of the Jin Dynasty, the Emperor bestowed the golden military seal, making Prince Yan, Cheng Shizhao, as generalissimo of the army. He led a troop of 200,000 soldiers and expanded towards the North.

At this time, Prince Yan, Cheng Shizhao, was already 26.

He was on duty as generalissimo, allocating soldiers from all around the world, summing up to 200,000 soldiers. They separated into three paths and went on an expedition towards the North.

Yu Xingzhi, who was given the title as Marquis, was 24 at this time; he was the co-commander with Prince Yan and also led the midway troops.

The day of the expedition, the flags hid the sun and the elite soldiers wore their armors, ready for battle.

This was the first time Cheng Shizhao was given the title of generalissimo, so he felt incredibly proud but also a bit hesitant.

The troops had set up a camp while Cheng Shizhao led the co-commanders to Yu Xingzhi’s camp in order to discuss about their military matters.

Yu Xingzhi was reading a book on the art of war and a guard stood behind him.

The guard didn’t have a distinctive figure, but their eyes were bright and radiant, looking extraordinary.

Cheng Shizhao casually glanced at the guard and was flabbergasted.

He pointed at the person and said, “You…you…”