Misty Rain of the Old Times

At night, in the brightly lit room, Zhou Xing abandoned the casual and approachable demeanor he had shown with Chen Xuan, reverting to his usual dignified and composed self.

In just one afternoon, Zhou Xing's desk was piled high with official documents. He processed them quickly, glancing at them and making annotations almost without stopping, and the mountain of documents visibly decreased.

While processing official documents, Zhou Xing spoke up, "Madam, after my younger sister's child is born, if it is a boy, she will be granted the title of Marquis, and if it is a girl, she will be granted the title of Princess. This is the gift that was promised before. What do you think, Madam?"

He originally wanted to tell Chen Xuan and the others about this decision, but he thought about it carefully and held back. Firstly, it would leave Chen Xuan and the others with the impression that he was trying to build a relationship. Secondly, it would be inappropriate to say it before the business was even halfway done, as it would be like making empty boasts.

In fact, from his personal point of view, no matter what level of cultivation Chen Xuan had, Zhou Xing would not deliberately try to please him or even try to win him over. It is a great taboo for a superior to have someone he cannot control under his command. However, he would not make enemies either. The bestowal of titles on Chen Xuan and their future children was only because of his brother-sister relationship with the little princess. Now that he has started his own uprising and established his own household, his 'family' is too monotonous. This way, he can make his family life less lonely.

As for why it wasn't bestowed upon his brothers and sisters from the Jing Kingdom, they were all Zhou Chen's people, and only a commoner like Chen Xuan, who was a relative of the emperor, was more suitable.

At this moment, Gao Jingyu had changed into a set of silver armor and stood like a statue to the side, conscientiously fulfilling her duty as a personal guard, never glancing to the side, never giving a second glance at the official documents that Zhou Xing was processing. Gao Jingyu always kept in mind that the harem should not interfere in politics. If it weren't for the fact that she was worried about Zhou Xing's safety because of her marital relationship, Gao Jingyu should be enjoying the life of an empress in the 'palace' in the rear.

Upon hearing this, Gao Jingyu pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty may make the decision; I have no objections."

After finishing another official document, Zhou Xing smiled and said, "Madam, there's no need for such formality. There are no outsiders here; please feel free to relax."

Her gaze softened, and Gao Jingyu asked, "If I may be so bold as to ask, does my husband wish to win over my sister and brother? In my humble opinion, their cultivation is unfathomable. If we can successfully win them over, it will be an invaluable asset, and our future endeavors will certainly proceed much more smoothly."

Shaking his head, Zhou Xing calmly said, "I have no intention of trying to win him over. After our brief time together, I've realized he's not one of us. Trying to win him over would only make us enemies. As long as we don't harm him, he won't affect our grand plan. This is just to have more family members around. If our grand plan succeeds in the future, I won't feel lonely with my family. Besides, I don't need another Grandmaster-level expert like him."

“No matter what my husband does, I will agree with it. Since my husband made the decision to start the uprising, our relatives in Jing Kingdom have been cut off, and they may even become enemies in the future,” Gao Jingyu said with a gentle gaze.

Zhou Xing sighed softly, "Yes, once you take this step, you're destined to be alone. You won't have your family's support. It's just that they haven't turned against each other yet. Sooner or later, they'll be at each other's throats. Father hates brothers turning against each other the most. If it's not necessary, I really don't want to be at each other's throats in the future. If that situation arises, as long as they're willing to back down, I won't make things difficult for them. We'll still be family, and I'll ensure they live a life of wealth and honor."

Who would willingly relinquish power? Gao Jingyu comforted her, "There will certainly be no situation that your husband would not want to see."

"I hope so. Anyway, the bestowal of titles on my younger sister's future children has been decided. It's not appropriate to announce it now. It's just a gift, and it's not really necessary for them. Whether they want it or not, it's still there. It's a token of their goodwill," Zhou Xing said with a smile.

Seeing that he had quickly finished processing the official documents on the table, Gao Jingyu nodded and said, "Well, it's getting late, husband, you should rest early and not overwork yourself."

After putting down the last official document and ordering someone to take it for implementation, Zhou Xing stood up and stretched, saying, "Let's go, it's time to rest. Pass down the order: take Ganning County first thing tomorrow morning!"

"Yes, ma'am!" someone outside the door shouted in agreement.

As Zhou Xing walked away to rest in his room, he glanced at the map behind him, a hint of ambition and anticipation flashing in his eyes. However, he quickly suppressed these emotions, thinking to himself that there was no rush and that things were already close. If all went well, he could take over the Rong Kingdom's territory within a year, and after two more years of recuperation to stabilize the situation, he could begin to take a further step and command troops in all directions!

Taking over Rongguo was just the beginning for Zhou Xing; his ambitions never stopped there.

Normally, Gao Jingyu was Zhou Xing's personal guard, but when they slept, they were like husband and wife. This was inappropriate in principle during military campaigns, but who would dare to bring it up and offer advice?

After a night of lovemaking helped Zhou Xing relieve his stress, Gao Jingyu leaned against him and hesitated, "Husband, do you think my sister and brother are not on the same side as us, and that they will stand on the opposite side in the future?"

Zhou Xing, in a moment of wisdom, said with a profound gaze, "Yes, definitely, it's just a matter of time. If he stands opposite me then, I will give him a chance. If he insists on being my enemy, I will not be merciful, but for the sake of my younger sister and father, I will try my best to give him some dignity. If he doesn't want dignity, I will try my best not to harm his life."

"I hope that day never comes, otherwise it will be difficult for everyone. However, my husband's great cause cannot be hindered by anyone," Gao Jingyu said with a firm gaze.

With a flash of insight, Zhou Xing's thoughts drifted elsewhere as he said, "Time is running out. There are less than ten years left. If we can't grow stronger within these ten years, we'll be powerless to cope when that day comes..."

"What are you saying, my husband?"

"It's nothing, go to sleep..."

In the guest courtyard, Chen Xuan and his wife nestled together on the bed. The little princess, being pregnant, naturally didn't do anything reckless. She asked curiously, "Husband, what did you and Fifth Brother talk about this afternoon?"

"We just chatted casually. We didn't talk about military campaigns or anything like that. I don't know anything about those things and I was afraid of making a fool of myself. Your fifth brother didn't mention anything like trying to win me over or anything that would spoil the mood either," Chen Xuan said with a smile.

The little princess said "Oh," and then asked with great interest, "So, what does my husband think of Fifth Brother after spending time with him?"

"He's quite good. He's a person with ideas, and he doesn't just talk big or make empty promises. He's down-to-earth and takes steps towards his ideas one by one. I'm ashamed of myself for not being as good as him, at least for now. We haven't known each other long enough, so who knows what kind of person he really is?" Chen Xuan smiled and said indifferently.

With a slight smile, the little princess said, "My husband speaks so highly of Fifth Brother. Don't underestimate yourself. Although Fifth Brother is outstanding, you, my husband, are no less so. There are things he can't match."

"My lady, you're just extending your affection to everything related to her. By the way, didn't you spend an afternoon with the young lady? What did you think of her?" Chen Xuan asked curiously.

Upon hearing this, the little princess thought for a moment and said, "I can't really say. Overall, we got along quite well, but I always felt that she was a very calculating person with great ambitions. I wonder if that's just my imagination."

“She’s the Empress now, second only to the Emperor. What ambitions could she possibly have?” Chen Xuan asked in surprise.

"Who knows? It's just a feeling. Anyway, subconsciously I feel like she's dangerous, but I can't quite put my finger on it," the little princess said, wrinkling her nose.

He gave her a gentle hug and said nonchalantly, "Who cares about her? Go to sleep."

"Um"

Chen Xuan knew from their first meeting since childhood that Gao Jingyu was ambitious, but she had hidden it even more deeply now. Logically speaking, she had already reached the highest level a woman could achieve, so what else could she possibly want?
Then there's Prince Qing, whose ambition is even greater, to the point that Chen Xuan is somewhat terrified. He wants to ensure everyone has enough to eat, a thought that inspires admiration in anyone who sees it, but this in itself is a manifestation of ambition. What exactly does he want to do?
The map reappeared in Chen Xuan's mind, and he felt a sudden urge to exhale. If Prince Qing occupied Shanglin Prefecture in Rong Kingdom, then from there, the Qingping River would flow south all the way to the capital of Rong Kingdom. The closest point downstream to the capital was less than 300 li away. This meant that Prince Qing could lead his army south to the capital and besiege it!
No wonder he came personally to a mere Ganning County; it turns out he had this plan in mind. Once he took over Rongguo's capital, pacifying other places would be much easier, and only then would Prince Qing truly have succeeded in usurping the country.

With these thoughts in mind, Chen Xuan fell into a deep sleep and slept soundly through the night. The next morning, someone brought him food. Not intending to linger any longer, Chen Xuan prepared to say goodbye and continue his journey after the meal.

But just as they arrived at the entrance of the courtyard, before they could even ask the guards where Prince Qing was, they heard the deafening sound of war drums.

Chen Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly, thinking to himself, "What a coincidence?"

Without paying much attention, he asked the guards at the door, "Where is His Majesty now?"

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," so it's not appropriate to call someone "Fifth Brother" in front of their family members. Besides, it's only right to say goodbye in person, otherwise it would be too impolite.

"Young Master Chen, His Majesty is currently out overseeing the battle. I wonder what business you have with His Majesty? I will go and inform him immediately," the guard said, bowing.

They're at war right now, Chen Xuan waved his hand and said, "No need, that would be too much of a disturbance. Business is more important."

But this way, it's embarrassing to be seen by others, and I can't say goodbye in person. I can't just leave quietly with a word.

While he was secretly struggling with his decision, the guard said, "It's alright. His Majesty has already stated that Young Master Chen can go to see him at any time. Currently, they are attacking Ganning County. If Young Master Chen is interested, he can go and observe."

"Is this appropriate?" Chen Xuan asked, slightly speechless. This is a battle, not child's play. How can one stand by and watch the commander-in-chief?

The guard faithfully carried out Zhou Xing's instructions, saying, "His Majesty has given the order, so there is nothing wrong with it."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan hesitated for a moment. He had never actually witnessed a scene of thousands of troops fighting and conquering territories. He thought it would be good to see it, to broaden his horizons. After all, they wouldn't cause any trouble. He could also take his leave at an appropriate time. So he nodded and said, "Alright, but please wait a moment."

He immediately returned to the courtyard and asked, "Wife, there's an attack on Ganning County outside. Would you like to go and take a look?"

"Husband, you can go if you want to see it. I won't go. Fighting and killing are never a good thing, and it's not appropriate for a girl to be in such a place," the little princess said, shaking her head. Besides, she was pregnant and would also avoid such occasions.

Chen Xuan thought about it and agreed. If she didn't go, Yun Lan and Yun Xin naturally wouldn't go either. Xia Mei, as her personal bodyguard, would also have to stay. The little girl thought about it and refused. However, Du Juan planned to go and take a look together.

Considering that it was inappropriate for Du Juan, a girl, to appear in such a setting, Chen Xuan temporarily asked the guards at the gate for a set of armor for her to change into. Even if it was just wishful thinking, it was better than a girl appearing in such a setting in the first place.

Soon, led by the guards, they left the manor and arrived at the command post on the hill outside. After reporting their arrival, they went to the command post next to Zhou Xing.

At this moment, he was dressed in black armor with a long sword at his waist, looking majestic and domineering, while Gao Jingyu, who served as his personal guard, was dressed in bright silver armor.

"Brother Xuan is here. I hope I haven't disturbed your rest? The time is ripe, so I have to take command of the central army. I couldn't join you for a meal, so please don't take it to heart," Zhou Xing greeted with a smile as he stood with his hands behind his back. It was clear that he was confident of victory in this siege, otherwise he wouldn't be so relaxed.

Chen Xuan stepped forward slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Greetings, Fifth Brother. I hope I haven't disturbed your business."

"It's alright, it'll start soon. I won't have time to entertain Xuan-di, please bear with me and make yourself at home," Zhou Xing laughed heartily.

With a smile, Chen Xuan nodded and said nothing more, standing quietly to the side and looking around.

The area around the command post was heavily guarded with flags waving, but the atmosphere was not oppressive. Clearly, everyone thought that taking the county town ahead was already a sure thing.

At this moment, the sun was just rising, and the red sun illuminated the county town in front of it, turning it into a fiery red, as if it were stained with fresh blood.

The atmosphere on the command post atop the hill was relaxed, but below, troops had already been deployed, and the grim atmosphere of clashing swords and galloping horses made one's heart sink.

Looking out, the army stretched out in a vast, dark mass. Tens of thousands of people would be considered a sea of ​​people, and tens of thousands of troops gathered together like a surging wave.

Chen Xuan was no stranger to grand scenes; he had witnessed the almost endless beast tides in the underground cave. However, that was different from the gathering of thousands of troops. Tens of thousands of troops were poised to attack, and their rising fighting spirit, even if it wasn't directed at him, still made his heart tighten.

It's not a question of whether you're afraid or not, but rather that your personal strength seems insignificant in the face of that aura.

At this moment, Chen Xuan truly understood why, even in this world of extraordinary martial arts, imperial power still reigned supreme. No matter how strong an individual was, capable of defeating ten, a hundred, or a thousand men, what could they do against a tidal wave of soldiers who were ready to die for their cause? They were human beings, not cabbages standing there to be chopped down. They could cooperate, wear equipment, and form formations, which was enough to make up for the difference in martial prowess.

Perhaps for grandmaster-level experts, numerical superiority is no longer of much significance, but how many people dare to challenge imperial power? Jiang Yuan last year is a living example. He was very strong, but he was still easily defeated by a few Dark Dragon Guards and then beheaded with a single blow.

No matter how powerful a grandmaster is, it doesn't mean they can do whatever they want. If the imperial court is determined to target them, it will have its own means of suppression.

'Perhaps these tens of thousands of troops before me are nothing, but they are heavily armored and arrayed. If they were targeting me, annihilating them would be quite a task. However, these troops below are not aimed at Grandmaster-level experts. The truly formidable force lies around Zhou Xing at this moment. Their auras are subtly connected, and together they seem poised to unleash Grandmaster-level combat power at any moment!'

Chen Xuan considered himself to be quite capable, but he never thought he could act recklessly; he still had the proper sense of awe.

Ultimately, an army is not a disorganized rabble or a beast driven by instinct. Well-equipped and fearless, it can make up for any shortcomings in individual combat skills.

Take innate masters for example. A single sword strike from them can kill dozens or even hundreds of ordinary people. But if hundreds of ordinary people were to wear armor, they would probably be chased and killed instead. Grandmasters are strong, but what if an army were equipped with better armor?

Dong dong dong~!

Just as Chen Xuan was secretly imagining things, the war drums sounded again... (End of this chapter)