Jian Qinwan, while generally grasping the core of the story, couldn't help but want to hear Liang Xiao's explanation.
"The southern lands are hot year-round, when can one see a snowfall? How can a snow pine grow amidst volcanic magma? That immortal is the snow pine, the woman is the flying snow. The immortal is not heartless, it's just that their meeting was ill-timed, thus destined to have no outcome."
"I tell them this story precisely to let them understand that I do not disdain their origins, nor do I wish to trample on their dignity. It is simply that we met at the wrong time."
Jian Qinwan mused, as if immersed in the scene, seeing the woman smile back at the immortal and depart willingly...
"What a tragically beautiful story, and how did you come to know of it?" Jian Qinwan asked softly, momentarily lost in thought.
Liang Xiao replied with a composed expression, "Of course, I made it up."
"You!" Jian Qinwan snapped back to reality, giving Liang Xiao a sidelong glance, "Utterly tiresome, tricking girls again..."
Following Liang Xiao back to the courtyard, Jian Qinwan gazed at his retreating figure, a nameless sadness welling up in her heart. "Will he and I, like the woman and the immortal, have no outcome?"
Jian Qinwan did not care about what the world thought of her, moreover, the Great Gan dynasty encouraged men to marry wives and take concubines, as long as they could afford it.
But she carried the name of the Three Sages, the only daughter of the Two Sages, and a disciple of the Zither Sage. If she were to become a concubine, the Three Sages would inevitably become a laughingstock!
Yet, she was even more unwilling to snatch the titles of Princess Ning Shuang and Luo Qingxue...
"I deserved this outcome for taking my anger out on him back then. Maintaining the status quo seems rather good," Jian Qinwan mused to herself.
The more outstanding Liang Xiao became, the less she could bear to make things difficult for him.
Only when Liang Xiao entered his room did Jian Qinwan return to her own to find Zhen Mi writing.
"Didn't you want to write about your Brother Xiao's stories, Mi'er? That fellow just told a very tragic story to the楼主 of Baichun Tower and their top courtesan. Quickly jot it down..."
"The楼主 and Miss Yirou have returned!"
The two peerless beauties finally returned to Baichun Tower, their elegance undiminished. The crowd, both men and women, rejoiced and stepped forward to greet them, expressing their longing.
Ye Qingyi bowed to everyone with a sincere tone, "Young Master Liang Er did not disdain Miss Yirou and myself. It is just that we temporarily have fate but not connection with him. Miss Luo Qingxue is also an excellent woman, dignified and generous, not prone to jealousy. I hope everyone will no longer trouble Miss Luo in the future."
The crowd nodded in a daze.
This was the first time they had seen Ye Qingyi so sincere and dignified, her every move lacking any hint of seduction.
Among the dignitaries present, some still expressed their discontent, "Ye Louzhu and Miss Yirou are so outstanding, Marquis Anguo truly has no discerning eye!"
Ye Qingyi's expression changed, and she stated sternly, "Marquis Anguo is an unparalleled man in this world, unparalleled throughout history! I hope that henceforth, there will be no voices of criticism against Marquis Anguo within Baichun Tower."
Everyone was startled and became even more envious.
However, at least they now had another chance to pursue the two beauties!
Ye Qingyi and Yirou, composed and self-possessed, returned to a secret chamber.
Zuo Wushang, with a grim expression, listened to Ye Qingyi recount the events and fell into silence.
Ye Qingyi lowered her head in shame, "This person's will is firm and cannot be tempted by beauty. Marshal, we can only wait for our opportunity..."
Zuo Wushang nodded helplessly and sighed, "I will personally seek him out. You must absolutely not reveal your identity as remnants of Great Heng. My promise to you still stands; just focus on getting close to Liang Xiao and becoming his woman. Even if you betray your allegiance because of Liang Xiao in the future, I will not resent you."
The two women's hearts grew solemn, and they nodded silently.
The grand endeavor of restoring their nation was to be undertaken with the utmost caution. All remnants of Great Heng could afford no mistakes!
After the two women departed, Zuo Wushang gazed at the portraits of his comrades, clenched his fists, and his gaze gradually sharpened. He muttered to himself, "No matter what, at least I must reclaim Her Highness the Princess!"
In the secret chamber of the Dugu family, Ito Masamune looked at the pale-faced Dugu Qun, his expression growing increasingly grim, "Marquis Wanling, are you simply going to let Liang Xiao humiliate you like this?"
Originally, Dugu Qun had promised to speak a few good words for Ito Hideyoshi, Ito Masamune's subordinate. However, upon attending court, he was extorted three million taels of silver by Liang Xiao, which enraged him to the point of spitting blood and falling unconscious, completely forgetting his promise!
"That foolish emperor now thinks only of that Liang Xiao scoundrel in everything; he no longer listens to my words!" Dugu Qun gritted his teeth.
Ito Masamune sighed, "You said before that you esteemed families could unite and make whomever you wished emperor!"
Dugu Qun glared angrily at Ito Masamune, "There are too many variables. First, there was the Heavenly General who broke through the barbarian cavalry, and now Liang Xiao has risen to prominence. That foolish emperor already has the confidence to veto our proposals!"
Dugu Liang, Ouyang Ji, and He Wanli, standing nearby, trembled with anger.
Without the Heavenly General, Great Gan would have long since fragmented into pieces, rife with conflict. Then they could have taken advantage of the chaos and furthered their families' power, completely controlling this land!
Even if the barbarians were defeated, the Great Gan dynasty was so corrupt internally that it was bound to disintegrate sooner or later.
Instead, Liang Xiao offered the suggestion of the Officials and Clan Diagram and presented several national policies, showing a spirit of propping up a falling edifice!
After becoming a deity, the Heavenly General still protected Liang Xiao, deterring internal and external malcontents, preventing them from acting rashly for fear of being entangled by the Heavenly General's heroic spirit and exposed!
Dugu Qun said gravely, "We cannot allow ourselves to be slaughtered! Contact the King of the South and the Grand Tutor as soon as possible. Then, send assassins to contact the various barbarian states. Your Izumo country must also prepare early. With the barbarian forces alone, it is difficult to conquer Great Gan. We need the combined efforts of all nations to divide Great Gan's forces on multiple fronts, making it impossible for them to reinforce each other. Then, the great endeavor can be achieved..."
At night, in the West Palace Villa.
Xiao Qing, disguised as Princess Ning Shuang, couldn't help but throw herself into Liang Xiao's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Liang Xiao looked at her with heartache, stroking her dark hair.
"Will Brother Xiao dislike me and my royal brother for crying so much...?" Xiao Qing asked weakly.
Liang Xiao said softly, "Cry freely in private. Holding it in is bad for your health. I just feel sorry for you."
Xiao Qing was touched and wiped away her tears.
She couldn't bear to make her Brother Xiao worry about her all the time.
Liang Xiao looked around, ensuring "Little Shuangzi" was not present, then whispered, "Shuang'er, you must keep an eye on your royal brother. If he goes astray, tell me, and I'll spank him!"
The young woman in his embrace trembled, raised her head, and gazed at Liang Xiao with a pout. She pecked his cheek, then shyly buried herself in his arms, her voice barely a whisper, "I know..."
Thinking of Liang Xiao wanting to "discipline" her, Xiao Qing felt both shy and indignant, shouting inwardly.
This guy is too wicked! I'll tame him sooner or later! I'll pin him down and bully him a hundred times to see who disciplines whom!
Returning to her senses, Xiao Qing said softly, "Brother Xiao, since you have offended the Dugu family so much, it would be better to recruit your troops in your hometown of Yanzhou, to avoid too many members of aristocratic families infiltrating the army..."
Liang Xiao chuckled softly, "I had this idea, but not because of the Dugu family. When recruiting soldiers, one should go to places with robust folk customs. How can the bustling capital compare to Yanzhou?"
The people of Yanzhou, having endured years of war, harbored immense hatred for the barbarians. This hatred, combined with Liang Xiao's method of military governance, was enough to forge an invincible army. As infantry, they could compensate for the flaws of the White Robe Army in the future of Great Gan!
Xiao Qing asked curiously, "My royal brother mentioned that in the blueprint you planned, Great Gan will eventually need an army that can defeat the barbarian cavalry with infantry. How can this be achieved?"
Liang Xiao mused for a moment, and said with a serious tone, "The Que Yue Formation!"