Chapter 9: General Cui

   

 Chapter 9: General Cui

“To speak of the Xuanzhe Army established by the late Crown Prince, it truly is the greatest divine army of our Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty!” 

 

Upon mentioning this, the waiter became quite enthusiastic but couldn’t help but sigh in lament, “The late Crown Prince was merely eleven or twelve years old when he first entered the battlefield, unafraid of life and death, willing to risk his own safety, which forged him into such a miraculous young talent in military strategy. It’s just a pity…”

The sound of tea pouring into the bowl was melodious, with steam rising in clouds.

Chang Suining gazed at the hazy tea mist and continued the conversation, “Over ten years ago, in the battle against the Northern Di, was it also the Xuanzhe Army? I wonder what the outcome was?”

“Over ten years ago…” The waiter recalled. He was quite young at the time and did not remember much, but from what he had heard, he responded fluently, “You mean the critical battle led by General Chang Kuo twelve years ago? It was indeed a great victory! That battle forced the originally arrogant Northern Di to kneel and beg for mercy, leaving them in disarray and subdued for many years thereafter.”

Chang Suining’s lips curled into a slight smile.

A great victory—

That was wonderful, truly worthwhile.

“Speaking of that crucial battle, the reason for the great success, aside from the bravery of the Xuanzhe Army, also greatly depended on our Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty’s courageous and just Princess…” the waiter remarked with emotion. “During the conflict, that Princess Chongyue, who went to the Northern Di for a marriage alliance, before the battle—”

“Waiter, more water, more water!” A customer shouted impatiently.

“Coming, coming!”

The waiter hurried off with a tea tray, while Chang Suining sat there, raising her cup. 

She likely knew better than anyone what the waiter hadn’t finished saying. 

Yet, it was astonishing that it had already been twelve years in the blink of an eye. 

She looked out at the long street again.

That earlier team of Xuanzhe soldiers was clearly scouts sent to report, and the red ribbon tied to their military flag symbolized a great victory. 

They must have won and were returning to court.

Passing through Hezhou, traveling along the Southern Mountains and Western Roads, it was likely related to the battles in the south.

The southern border had never been stable, with constant small and large skirmishes. 

But victories were always something to celebrate. 

Chang Suining raised her head to drink tea, watching the bustling long street outside, her curiosity gradually growing. 

How could she not be curious? Twelve years was enough time for countless unexpected events to unfold. 

For instance, the question that currently piqued her interest the most was— 

“I wonder who is currently leading the Xuanzhe Army?” 

She ordered two more plates of snacks, and when the waiter arrived, she casually asked. 

“Of course it’s General Cui Jing!” 

Faced with the waiter’s “how could you not know this?” expression, Chang Suining understood—this Cui Jing seemed to have quite the reputation.

However, Cui Jing… 

Chang Suining mentally repeated the name, feeling it was somewhat familiar, yet she had no impression of it. 

But since his surname was Cui, how could he easily engage in military affairs? 

She couldn’t help but ask, “How old is General Cui now?” 

The waiter replied, “Only twenty-two. He’s quite young. Furthermore, General Cui hails from the prestigious Cui family of Qinghe; he’s an outstanding talent and the direct descendant of the main branch—”

Chang Suining felt it was rather odd.

Twenty-two years old… When she died, this General Cui was only ten. 

She had rarely stayed in the capital, so it was normal for her not to have heard of him. 

Yet, the Cui family was at the top of the gentry, extremely proud. Although many from the family held important positions, they typically served in civil offices. The family head, Cui Ju, had disdain for the position of prime minister, so how could they allow their heir to serve the court in a military role? 

Surely the Cui family hadn’t fallen to such a degree in just twelve years? 

Yet, even if a family was temporarily down on its luck, they would still hold on to their dignity— 

The idea of General Cui leading the Xuanzhe Army felt quite strange no matter how she thought about it.

“This time in the battle against the Southern Barbarians, General Cui and General Chang have been leading the troops for almost two years, and they’ve finally returned victorious,” the waiter said, a hint of excitement in his tone. “The triumphant army might pass through Hezhou; perhaps in a few days, we might even catch a glimpse of General Cui’s remarkable presence!” 

Was General Chang also among this victorious army returning to court? 

Chang Suining’s expression turned somewhat expectant.

She hadn’t seen General Chang in a long time.

Not just during these fleeting twelve years; even before that, she hadn’t seen General Chang and the others for quite a while. 

The anticipation of meeting old friends allowed her to ask the question she most wanted to know yet subconsciously wanted to avoid— 

“Who is the current ruler of the Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty?” 

As soon as the question left her lips, she saw the waiter’s previously cheerful face turn to one of confusion and shock.

Not surprised at being regarded as foolish, Chang Suining felt indifferent. 

After all, she wouldn’t be coming here tomorrow.

“Of course it’s the Holy Emperor…” 

The waiter mentioned an era name that Chang Suining had never heard of.

Since she had never heard of it, it was likely not the Li Bing of twelve years ago.

Who was it? 

Chang Suining asked, “Is it Empress Ming?” 

“Of course…” The waiter lowered his voice, “But the Sage is currently only ruling behind a curtain… Once the Crown Prince can govern, he will—” 

However, this was something he absolutely could not discuss, and he made an excuse to leave. 

Chang Suining lowered her gaze, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.

The Holy Emperor.  

Indeed. 

Ming, she had indeed become the ruler of the Da Sheng Dynasty Dynasty. 

After finishing a cup of tea, her mood gradually calmed down. 

News in teahouses was always accurate and varied. She listened quietly until the sky darkened, then put down her payment and left. 

“My lord, it’s getting late. Are you hungry?” The boy followed behind her and said, “I just heard in the teahouse that there’s a roast chicken shop up ahead—”

“I’m not going,” Chang Suining replied, “I don’t have any silver.” 

The boy quickly understood—oh right, the meals in that other courtyard are plentiful and do not charge the lady! 

So… was this the reason the lady agreed to stay there temporarily? 

At that moment, looking at the figure ahead, the boy suddenly realized. 

“Do you have a name?” Chang Suining asked casually. 

The boy thought for a moment, then shook his head. 

He had a name, but he was reluctant to mention it. 

“Please give me one, my lord,” he said in a small voice filled with hope. 

Chang Suining turned her head slightly to look at him. In the dusk, the boy of about eleven or twelve, with round clear eyes and long eyelashes fluttering, suddenly reminded her of that boy she had once been closest to, someone deeply connected to her from birth. 

A slight ache tugged at her heart, and she turned her gaze back to the front. 

After a moment, she said, “Let’s call you Ah Che.” 

... 

“Oh? She went out—”

“Yes, my subordinate had no reason to stop her, so I had someone discreetly follow her,” Chang Ji was reporting to Wei Shuyi, who had just returned from outside. “She left after lunch and returned just in time for dinner; her timing was quite precise.” 

Wei Shuyi exclaimed, “It sounds like she’s treating this other courtyard like a dining hall!” 

“Not without that possibility,” Chang Ji speculated. “That maidservant said this lady from the Chang family loves meat, and her appetite rivals that of a man.” 

It’s common for ordinary families to have meat only once a month, and the poorer ones have to wait for festivals to eat meat. This Chang lady must have craved it for a long time after being abducted, and she likely saw that my lord’s place had plenty of food and no cost. 

Understanding this, Chang Ji felt somewhat complicated: “There are countless young ladies eyeing my lord, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone eyeing his food…” 

For a moment, he didn’t know whether to feel pleased or otherwise. 

Wei Shuyi closed a file and smiled, “That’s good. Before returning to the capital, we should fatten her up a bit. When we report back to Lord Yu and General Chang, we can also gain more favor. Speaking of which… General Chang and that Cui Jing should also be marching here; we need to hurry and fatten her up since time is running out.” 

Chang Ji’s lips twitched.

So it seems the situation is quite urgent?

 

Recalling the scene earlier today when Prefect Magistrate Zhao’s fat, piggish son confessed in tears, claiming he had been tricked and was not responsible for the tragedy that befell the Zhou family couple, Wei Shuyi asked, "Has Lady Chang mentioned wanting to see me?"

Straightening his back, Chang Ji proudly replied, "I didn’t give her the chance. I told her you were busy with official matters and not at the villa. I also assured her there was no need to thank you. Rest assured, I’ve nipped any potential trouble in the bud."

"...” Wei Shuyi smiled lightly at him. “You really do enjoy meddling.”

(End of Chapter)

VISIT OUR |🔴 Patreon Now

►►CLICK HERE FOR ADVANCE CHAPTERS◄◄

Next Chapter▶▶