Liang Qiang’s hand at his side clenched as he heard the girl say softly, “Return quickly and find the best physician. Be extremely careful with treatment to avoid leaving any aftereffects.”
Liang Qiang couldn’t help but lift his head. “Even with one hand, I can still wield a blade and kill enemies.”
That was true. In the previous life, one-armed General Liang Qiang’s fame spread throughout Da Xia. After Uncle Zhong’s death, Liang Qiang and his father took over the border army, stabilizing half the realm for Xiao Xun, allowing the Liang family to return to court, and enabling the Liang family’s daughter to replace her as Empress. Chu Zhao sighed softly.
“If you can keep both arms intact, you will surely be even more valiant,” she said, looking at Liang Qiang. “Young Master Liang, life inevitably brings trials. Please set aside family feuds and private grievances. Serve the country and people, protect Da Xia’s peace, and the nation will surely not fail you.”
Was she trying to make peace with him? Liang Qiang turned his gaze away. “The law has determined guilt. This subject dares not harbor resentment—only to wholeheartedly strive to atone through meritorious service.”
Chu Zhao naturally didn’t believe he harbored no resentment, but there was no need to say more.
This time, by fortunate accident, she had saved Liang Qiang, preventing him from losing his arm. She hoped Liang Qiang would remember her kindness. It would be best if she and the Liang family could coexist peacefully. If not, in this life, she would absolutely never let the Liang family take away what was hers.
“Military Marquis Liang, it’s getting late,” Chu Zhao said. “Depart quickly to return to camp for treatment.”
Liang Qiang didn’t respond, seemingly still thinking about something—
What he’d said earlier had been too stiff.
Regardless of the truth, this girl had preserved his arm.
He should thank her.
And apologize to her. When they last met in the capital, his attitude hadn’t been very good.
What was wrong with her being friendly with the Xie family? Everyone seeks advantage—wasn’t he the same?
That they could meet on the battlefield today was rare. This was probably heaven’s will too.
Since heaven willed it, he couldn’t let the opportunity pass.
At this moment, there was no one else. They had been old acquaintances. Just now she had called him Young Master Liang repeatedly. In her eyes, he was still Young Master Liang. Then in his eyes, she was still Miss Chu.
“Chu—” He turned his head, about to speak.
A female voice louder than his: “—Miss, A’Jiu has returned!”
A’Jiu? Liang Qiang’s voice was drowned out. He stopped as well, watching the girl’s eyes light up like stars.
“Why so slow? Did pursuing the remnant soldiers take this long?” she said, lifting her feet to leave. After a few steps she turned back. “Military Marquis Liang, rest and recuperate well. Although there were some incidents with the vanguard, your merits will still be truthfully reported.”
Liang Qiang lowered his head. “This humble general thanks Your Majesty for your grace.”
Footsteps hurried away. The girl’s voice didn’t come again. Liang Qiang raised his head, seeing someone striding forward through the flickering light and shadows ahead.
Whether in the capital’s dim alleyways or the border battlefield’s dusky night, Liang Qiang recognized that young commander at a glance.
Xie Yanlai.
Xie Yanlai resembled a flying swallow—black armor, pale face, tall and straight-backed, standing with hands clasped behind him.
The girl stood before him, looking him over from left to right.
Even without hearing their voices, Liang Qiang could guess what she was saying: Are you injured? Are you alright?
But she probably wouldn’t say “go quickly and have a physician look”—instead she would want to examine him herself.
Sure enough, the girl reached out to pull Xie Yanlai’s arm—
Someone stepped in front of him, blocking his view.
Liang Qiang started, seeing it was a woman wearing worn military robes. She seemed to be searching for something, muttering, “Is there anything we’ve overlooked?”
Then she looked at him.
“Why is there still a wounded soldier here?” she said in surprise. “Young man, you’re so badly wounded! Come with me quickly for treatment.”
This was one of Chu Zhao’s female attendants, Liang Qiang knew. He had personally witnessed these women wielding weapons and fighting alongside Chu Zhao. After the battle ended, they followed Chu Zhao to treat the wounded.
This woman had already enthusiastically reached out to support him.
Doing the same thing didn’t make them the same person. Liang Qiang said coldly, “No need.” With that, he turned and left.
“See that?” Xiao Man walked over, pursing her lips. “The people she knows all have bad tempers.”
Mu Mianhong watched the young man’s retreating figure with a slight smile. “A bad temper is nothing—what matters is one’s character.”
Not far away, Chu Zhao was also watching Liang Qiang’s retreating figure, pointing him out to Xie Yanlai.
“It’s Liang Qiang, Liang Qiang. Remember?” she said.
Xie Yanlai looked overhead. “Don’t remember. What do the people you know have to do with me?”
Chu Zhao laughed heartily. “What do you mean ‘people I know’? You were engaged to his sister!”
“I still don’t know him—not like you—” Xie Yanlai lowered his gaze to look at her, sneering coldly. “You fought with his sister, yet you can still be familiar and intimate with him.”
“How am I intimate with him?” Chu Zhao laughed, then grabbed him, eyes dancing with excitement. “Let me tell you—I saved his life!”
She recounted what had happened earlier.
Xie Yanlai looked past her into the distance. Liang Qiang’s figure had already disappeared—he had seen the boy before he’d even approached. Hmph.
“The refined young gentleman has fallen so low that he needs you to save his life,” he said, then looked down at the girl before him. “Do you think he’s grateful to you, or hates you even more?”
Chu Zhao shook her head. “Yanlai, don’t always be so dark. You’re so young—think more happy thoughts.”
Xie Yanlai chuckled twice. “Your Majesty is beautiful, kind-hearted, and dwells in the light. Yanlai is different—doesn’t have Your Majesty’s good fortune.”
Chu Zhao raised her eyebrows with a grinning smile. “So you do know I’m beautiful and kind-hearted, A’Jiu!”