Chapter 763: World Affairs Can Be Discussed at the Dinner Table

Chapter 763: Affairs of the World Can Be Discussed at the Dinner Table

Here were gathered some of the finest women of the age, each with her own temper and thoughts, none dependent on another for survival. To expect these women to coexist without strife, harmonious and joyful, even willing to stack up in any combination for your pleasure—these days, not even novels dared dream such dreams.

Even the master and disciple who had already stacked behind closed doors still muttered, "Stinky disciple, what a little waste," and "Old hag, so out of style."

Don’t think Sisi, that exotic enchantress, was especially free with such matters—she stacked willingly only because it was Yue Hongling. With anyone unfamiliar, Zhao Changhe even feared she might slip them poison; the openness of the foreign tribes wasn’t all virtuous…

To this day, Zhao Changhe dared not name a primary wife, lest it spark a world war. He dared not even think of the future, hoping to play dead and muddle through with the excuse of no hierarchy.

But though each had her temper, none was unreasonable or disruptive regardless of the occasion. Through Zhao Changhe’s deft maneuvering, he managed for the first time to bring the women from three rival factions together for a harmonious New Year’s feast.

Not all were present, but it was a rare rehearsal.

When Xia Chichi called them to eat, she hadn’t expected such a scene. She imagined it would start with fiery taunts, then a truce for "his sake," and might even escalate to blows… Yet it turned out so calm.

His control was now so strong, and his martial prowess was nearing the peak among them. If this continued, perhaps one day he could truly unite this whole family.

Dishes flowed in like a stream. Zhao Changhe was picking food for Baoqin, then grabbed a wet napkin from the table to wipe her face, laughing, "Little dummy."

Baoqin snapped out of her daze, bared her teeth, "You’re the dummy."

Zhao Changhe roared with laughter: "Good, keep up the output, don’t switch to the fifth position."

Baoqin: "?"

Zhao Changhe turned and picked a bite for Xia Chichi, asking casually, "What you said just now seemed to miss the two most important military reports?"

Xia Chichi came back to herself: "You mean news from the senior uncle’s side?"

"Yes, and Hangu Pass, Yangyang’s side."

"No changes on either side. Batu was rescued by the senior uncle and fled west with remnants; Temür couldn’t easily annihilate them, so he tried isolation, hoping Batu would starve or freeze in the winter wilderness. But the senior uncle is from the Bandit Brotherhood, so he contacted Ying Wu directly. With Ying Wu’s help, Batu pulled through." Xia Chichi laughed. "Adversity tempers people. When Batu was in a good position, his cultivation barely improved, but this time he surged ahead—the senior uncle says he’s reached the first secret vault."

Yue Hongling remarked, "Batu’s in the secret vault too… Speaking of the Hidden Dragons of yore, quite a few have risen. The Chaos Chronicle doesn’t deceive."

Though a first-level secret vault seemed like a novice to these people, it was still rare in the world, no easy feat. Those recorded on the Hidden Dragon List rarely turned out poorly—even that Young Master Dai wasn’t bad, highlighting Blind’s sharp eye.

But the perceptive sensed something off about the Chaos Chronicle in recent years. Tang Wanzhuang said, "Since Cui Yuanyang was listed, the last addition to the Hidden Dragon list was Ji Chengkong. It’s been about a year and a half without a new Hidden Dragon. That’s never happened before; the longest gap in history was under a year. Is it because the younger generation generally doesn’t catch the Celestial Book’s eye, or is there something wrong with the Celestial Book…"

Zhao Changhe silently shouted in his heart, "Blind, my wife is worried you might be sick."

A distant thought echoed in his mind: "You know the Celestial Book is growing more complete, and universal cultivation is advancing. Judging potential by past standards is outdated. I’ve been observing the youths these past months; I have at least thirty names under consideration. Don’t bother me, you mortals."

Knowing the voice was distant and Blind was definitely busy elsewhere, Zhao Changhe deliberately said, "I don’t believe it. You’re definitely into me, following me all day, no time to watch others."

"Scram."

"Who doesn’t know you? You’re definitely bluffing. If you’ve got the guts, give me a list to see."

Soon a list appeared in his mind.

Zhao Changhe announced it right at the table: "Lin Yongle of the Lin family in Minzhong, Zhang Ziyun of Longhu Mountain, Zhong Pei of Foshan… Oh, Yang Bu’s younger cousin Yang Buzui, Wei Zhijie of the Jingzhao Wei clan…"

The women were stunned: "Where did you get those names?"

Zhao Changhe grinned: "Listen to me, send people to check their character, recruit the suitable ones quickly… Ouch, damn it…"

Everyone watched him jump up clutching his backside, baffled.

From the void, Blind withdrew her little foot, huffing as she vanished. Not only do I serve as your radar, but now I’m your talent scout? Is that what your deepest desires are for—cheating?

Xia Chichi snapped to attention and immediately ordered the attendants, "Quickly write down the list King Zhao just recited."

The attendants obeyed and scribbled. The women stared at Zhao Changhe for a long while, their gazes strange and unfathomable, wondering if they should ask him to curry favor with the Celestial Book next time to get a better write-up for themselves.

They said the Celestial Book had nothing to do with you—no wonder you’re the top flatterer. Who knows if the book spirit is male or female? If female, maybe you’ve already flattered other parts… Never thought they might end up as sisters with a book. The expressions at the table were a riot of colors.

Blind saw their thoughts and her own expression was even more colorful.

Zhao Changhe said, "What’s with those looks? It’s just information I gathered while wandering the world…"

Realizing he couldn’t bluff his way out, he quickly changed the subject: "So Batu pulled through—does that mean he can coordinate an attack?"

"Well, he can, but his tribe has little strength now. A sneak attack is possible, but don’t expect him to be the main force in a pincer like before." Xia Chichi said, "This time, the main force has to be us."

"How many troops?"

"Quite a few. The Langya surrendered soldiers, Hebei troops, Central Plains troops—all in training now, including the former capital army—total about 150,000. Add the original Yanmen forces, and we have over 200,000 combat-ready troops. The Jianghuai and Jiangnan troops might not adapt to the frontier, so I didn’t bring them. Instead, I transferred the Central Plains troops and sent them to reinforce Hangu Pass."

"To clear the cage for the Cui and Yang forces?"

"Partly. Anyway, after what you did in Guanlong, I doubt Li Boping has the spirit to break out, but better safe than sorry." Xia Chichi ate casually. "As for the Hu, they’ve been still. Based on intelligence from me and Minister Tang, it might not just be waiting for the snow to stop—there could be internal issues."

Tang Wanzhuang interjected, "The Chaos Chronicle stirred things up earlier, putting Temür above Bo’e…"

She couldn’t help glancing at Zhao Changhe, who pretended not to understand. Tang Wanzhuang smiled and continued, "Bo’e originally held a crucial position in the Northern Hu; even Temür respected the temple’s opinions. Infiltrating Chang’an like that shouldn’t have been Bo’e’s personal mission. Since he did it, it feels like there’s a real problem—he might be building his own power."

Xia Chichi nodded. "So the Hu are internally unsettled. Our idea is that we don’t necessarily have to wait for them to come south. If conditions are right, we might consider taking the initiative to go beyond the frontier. We can split into two forces: one still led by General Huangfu out of Yanmen, and the other we can circle out from Beimang. I thought of having you lead the army, with Cui Yuanyong, Huangfu Shaozong, and the Langya surrendered generals—experienced in battle—to assist you. What do you think?"

Zhao Changhe waved his hands so fast they blurred: "I can’t lead troops. No assistant can help; this isn’t a joke. It’s better for someone else to lead, and I’ll assist them."

Xia Chichi said, "No one is qualified for you to assist; it would create a strange atmosphere in the army. Besides, their cultivation hasn’t caught up. Are you going to be their bodyguard? That’s ridiculous. You can take the nominal command, and let others handle the marching and formations."

Zhao Changhe looked around for opinions. His eyes fell on Huangfu Qing, who was eating slowly, her gaze distant.

Zhao Changhe’s heart stirred: "Qing’er."

Huangfu Qing snapped out of it, smiled, "What?"

"You’ve been very quiet. Why aren’t you speaking?"

"Nothing much. I just came back from outside with you; I don’t know much about the various matters yet. Let me listen first."

"If I remember correctly, you trained in your father’s army when you were young. You’re a general’s daughter, learned military strategy and tactics from childhood."

"Yes."

"Have you ever thought of being the commander yourself, leading the expedition? I’ll assist you. The Vermilion Bird Venerable should soar in the sky, not be trapped in the palace."

Everyone was taken aback. A gleam flashed in Huangfu Qing’s eyes.