Chapter 770: We Have to Fight for a Lifetime

Chapter 770: We Will Fight for a Lifetime

Zhao Changhe had thought the tense atmosphere of war and the urgent rush back to the capital would dominate everything, yet in the end, he spent a fine New Year with the women, along with time for cultivation, reflection, and exploration.

At first, he felt stretched thin, needing to attend to each woman’s company, but by the second or third day, things began to return to simplicity.

Everyone had their own affairs to handle; no one clung to him, and he didn’t need to seek anyone out deliberately. For women like Chi Chi Wan Zhuang, just knowing he cared was enough to bring joy. In truth, the feeling of “having him at home” meant more than anything—it brought peace and stability.

Most of the time, Zhao Changhe was in seclusion beneath the Imperial Ancestral Temple with Yue Hongling, both of them meditating in silence. Occasionally, they would open their eyes, see each other, and exchange a faint smile, bringing an indescribable tranquility.

Unlike Yue Hongling, who remained motionless, Zhao Changhe often went out, mainly to join meals and keep track of various matters.

First, the storage boxes.

The boxes could be mass-produced using molds, but the arrays carved into them couldn’t be replicated by copying—they had to be hand-engraved by monks one by one. Thus, while the boxes themselves could be produced quickly, the finished storage boxes took time.

On the fifth day of the first lunar month, the first batch of one hundred storage boxes was finally completed, thanks to the overtime efforts of Yuan Xing and others.

These one hundred storage boxes were incomparable to the low-grade rings previously provided by Sha Qi. The boxes were easier to engrave with arrays, resulting in much larger capacities than those rings. Each box was only twice the size of a cigarette case, yet inside, it had the space of a small room. And even a small room was still a room—what did it mean to have the transport capacity of a hundred rooms?

Zhao Changhe also tried to see if one box could hold another, like a nesting doll, but found it impossible—there seemed to be spatial repulsion. He gave up. Although nesting wasn’t possible, items within the same space could be bundled together. Wrapping all the boxes into a single bundle for transport was no problem; it was just the equivalent of twenty cartons of cigarettes. At most, it could be split into two or three bundles.

This meant that one person with one horse could replace the transport capacity of an entire wagon train.

In recent days, Zhao Changhe had taught the Control Crane Technique to all military commanders and Zhenmo Division officers above the Xuan Guan Ninth Level who were qualified to use it. Now, a large number of people could “open the boxes.” That very day, Wu Weiyang of the Zhenmo Division rode out with a storage box straight to Taihang, picked up the grain carts transported from northern Jin, and returned by dawn the next day.

Watching the grain instantly fill the granaries, the Three Armies Commander, Zhu Que, stared with phoenix-like eyes, unable to speak for a long time.

“If you all play it this way, it seems a part of the war knowledge I’ve studied since childhood can be burned.”

The storage boxes continued to be produced, but the shock to Commander Zhu Que didn’t stop there.

The cannon “Divine Punishment” was slower to manufacture than the boxes, but not as slow as imagined. By mid-first month, ten Divine Punishment cannons were secretly lined up before Zhu Que.

Watching the roaring gunfire, Zhu Que felt she could burn another part of her war knowledge.

By the end of the month, the weather in the north began to warm, the ice and snow in the northern frontier melted, and green grass started to sprout.

…

After the morning court session, the newly appointed Grand Chancellor of Han, Tang Wanzhuang, and the newly appointed Grand General, Zhu Que, walked side by side along the long street outside the palace.

Some elderly residents of the capital watched the two walking together from a distance, their expressions carrying a trace of distant nostalgia.

That year in the capital, that year’s two little girls, grabbing each other and rolling against the wall.

Time passed, and they still wore the familiar red and white clothes, but the tender buds of those days had fully bloomed, like roses and crabapples in full flower, one in civil affairs and one in military, supporting the beams of the empire.

Did they still fight?

“Your disciple has probably run off to the Imperial Ancestral Temple again to sneak food. Don’t you care?” The Grand Chancellor was saying this to the Grand General.

“Yue Hongling is there; she won’t get to eat,” Zhu Que replied with a smile.

She wouldn’t tell you that last night he actually stayed in the Empress Dowager’s bedchamber, hehe.

But over these many days, she had thought he would continue scheming to have the Empress Dowager and the Emperor serve together, yet in the end, he wasn’t as obsessed with those things as before. There was a warm companionship that made people feel very comfortable. Instead, it was her shameless disciple who, under the pretext of “paying respects to the Empress Dowager,” ran over at night and then never left.

Once such a thing happened, there was a second time. A few months ago, in the Imperial Study, when he had pulled her and her disciple into a stacked position, she had been furious and ashamed. But by yesterday, she felt no emotional fluctuation at all, lazily saying, “Since you’re here, just stay.”

Then she pressed her disciple’s hand and let him have his way.

A teacher’s kindness, a disciple’s filial piety.

But precisely because Xia Chichi had been satisfied last night, she naturally wouldn’t run off to sneak food now. Who was that hungry?

Still, since he could teleport to the Empress Dowager’s bedchamber, he could also teleport to the Tang residence outside the palace. It seemed that over these ten-plus days, the Tang girl had also been well fed. Look at the brightness blooming from her brows and eyes—the usual frown like Xi Shi’s was nowhere to be found.

A fox spirit, indeed. Her former appearance was clearly just to seduce men.

Of course, this was on the street, and they were the Grand Chancellor and the Grand General. They couldn’t quarrel here. Both looked straight ahead with serious expressions. Tang Wanzhuang was asking, “How familiar are you with the military’s upper and lower echelons?”

“I have it under control.” Zhu Que glanced at her sideways. “Now, grain and pay are ready. But there are still gaps in weapons, crossbows, tents, bedding, and even ropes, canteens, and other military supplies. Please urge them a bit more, Grand Chancellor.”

“The gaps aren’t large. With me overseeing, rest assured.”

Zhu Que found her self-reference as “Grand Chancellor” grating and couldn’t help but say, “There’s no ‘large’ or ‘small.’ I need a specific time, not such vague assurances.”

Tang Wanzhuang didn’t argue with her, still calmly stating the facts: “Supplies don’t appear out of thin air; they need production time. Now it’s different from before. Workshops in Langya and Qinghe can start work and deliver quickly, not relying solely on the capital’s supply. That makes things much easier, so I can guarantee it. But I can’t remotely urge the progress in Langya and Qinghe; I can only rely on carrier pigeons. Asking me for a specific time is hard to answer.”

Zhu Que’s punch landed on cotton. She looked at Tang Wanzhuang with some surprise.

Although this woman’s calm tone was usual, the premise was that the troublemaker couldn’t be her, Zhu Que. Once she started trouble, this woman’s tone would change. Why was she so calm today?

“What are you looking at me for?” Tang Wanzhuang said, not turning her head. “If you want to argue, change the place. We’re on the street.”

Zhu Que: “Where?”

Tang Wanzhuang: “?”

“Forget it.” Zhu Que said, “I was really asking you about the situation, not looking for a fight. Now that spring is warming, San Niang also said that Temujin has sent envoys to widely contact the tribes of the northwest Gobi. The situation is on the verge of breaking out. I was planning to bring it up in today’s court session. Now that training is sufficient, we only need the military supplies ready to launch the northern expedition. But bringing it up would seem like I’m embarrassing you in public, and you might misunderstand, so I’m saying it privately.”

She paused and added, “We can’t passively wait for Temujin to come south and then fight a defensive counterattack. We must take the initiative. The Changsheng Heavenly God is likely at the peak of the Second Layer of the Imperial Realm. If he recovers, he won’t be comparable to Huangyang Anmie and the others.”

Tang Wanzhuang asked, “What exactly is the peak of the Second Layer like?”

“We know from the Battle of Chang’an how strong the Dao Venerable was. Five of us attacked him, and he still injured Hongling. That’s no joke. Also, there’s another key point: in that battle, whether it was Jiuyou or Changhe’s someone…” Zhu Que paused, then continued, “Anyway, the space at Louguan Terrace was sealed off at the time, so the aftermath of our battle didn’t spill outside. Otherwise, Chang’an would have been reduced to ruins.”

Tang Wanzhuang said, “You mean, once the Changsheng Heavenly God recovers and comes south, not only would the danger of Yanmen be like a decoration, but the battle would be on our Han territory, and the collateral deaths and injuries would be unbearable.”

“Exactly. The battlefield must be on their turf, so we can let loose without caring how many we accidentally harm.”

Tang Wanzhuang frowned deeply.

Zhu Que asked in surprise, “What’s wrong?”

“Originally, we had the advantage of being able to attack or defend. But from what you’re saying now, it’s become a situation where we must go all-in on the northern expedition. If Temujin knows our mindset, he can set up a net from all sides… That would be very disadvantageous in war.”

Zhu Que squinted at her. “You and your man only know how to tumble in bed; don’t you ask about practical matters?”

Tang Wanzhuang quickly glanced left and right, seeing pedestrians in the distance, and whispered angrily, “Who asks about all that during such moments! What are you trying to say?”

“Do you think he’s been training so hard to observe the world’s intent recently for nothing? It’s to hone his ability to oversee the surroundings on a large scale and to handle multiple streams of information at once. When the time comes, he’ll go on the expedition with me, aware of all changes around us. How could he easily fall into any net?” Zhu Que said contemptuously. “Your man has his mind full of the northern expedition; he knows what he’s doing. Some weakling who needs a man’s infusion to break through naturally can’t understand.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s face finally flushed red. She fumed, “Can he stay by your side all the time? Is your own ability enough!”

“Everyone is training toward the Second Layer of the Imperial Realm. With his hints, I’ve gained some insights myself. Fire elements are everywhere. What I see is beyond your knowledge. Watch and learn.”

As they spoke, the two had arrived at the Tang residence, now the Chancellor’s mansion.

Tang Wanzhuang stopped and gritted her teeth. “The Grand General is at my doorstep. Would you like to come in for a cup of wine? We can continue discussing current affairs.”

The implication was clear: change of venue. Come in, let’s tear into each other.

How could Zhu Que be afraid of her? She lifted her proud head and strode in.

When they reached Tang Wanzhuang’s courtyard, both were startled.

In the courtyard, they could see through the window that Zhao Changhe was sitting inside writing something. Baoqin stood gracefully beside him, grinding ink and pouring tea, her gaze occasionally falling on the young master’s profile, full of gentle tenderness.

Tang Wanzhuang pouted. This maid was ruined. Serving the young master at the inkstone brought her more joy than serving her own mistress. The tenderness in her brows and eyes… it was like looking at herself.

At least the scene was about writing, which, though a bit jealousy-inducing, wasn’t too provocative. Zhu Que forgot to quarrel with Tang Wanzhuang. She walked into the room with her hands behind her back, leaned over to look, and asked, “What are you writing?”

Zhao Changhe didn’t stop writing as he replied, “Using the Heavenly Dome’s divine descent, the most obvious flaw is that you can’t enter secret realms. I wanted to communicate some matters with Sisi, but she’s been in the Ling Clan’s secret realm all this time, not in Dali. I tried to find her several times without success, so I just told a few Ling clan members in Dali. But I’m not reassured, so I’m writing another letter.”

“What’s so urgent?”

“Based on Li Shen Tong’s performance, the significance of having the Miao troops press on Bashu is no longer great. We just need to keep some caution. The remaining elite should move east toward Xiangxi. Yin Kui likely rose from that area. I wonder if he left any loose ends.”

"Is it Nine Nether... you are guarding against?"

"Yes. The greatest difference between Nine Nether, along with the fiend-gods under its alignment, and conventional warfare is that they seek to inflict death and chaos for their own sake, rather than engaging in a struggle for territorial power. Thus, they will slaughter and destroy without restraint, and cannot be judged by common reason. Furthermore, Sisi's mastery of beast-taming allows her to leap across realms, reaching or even surpassing our current capabilities. For instance, using eagles to scout the terrain. I have asked her to dispatch a few reliable beast-tamers hither, which might well supplement our shortcomings. Aye, there might even be an additional benefit..."

"What benefit?"

"The nomads often use the eyes of eagles to observe distant movements, do they not? Yet their manner of taming eagles is leagues below the beast-mastery of the Spirit Race. I believe we can have our beast-tamers' eagles dominate the airspace and put all the nomads' eagles to death. Our spiritual senses will very likely clash with those of Timur Bo'e when the time comes, rendering both sides useless. In the end, we shall return to basics and rely on conventional means. If we can truly master the skies, our advantage will be secured."

Both women stared at him in a bit of a daze.

In truth, both of them had considered these matters, though they had not directed their thoughts toward Sisi's beast-mastery. They had viewed it as a question of how to contend upon the battlefield itself. Yet here he was, summoning aid from ten thousand miles away to resolve it in the simplest manner possible, as though the final remaining volume of the military treatises they had studied since childhood could now be burned.

Just as Zhuque had observed earlier, while others governed this or mastered that, he seemed to have need only of governing "us, who hold mastery over those things."

Before the war had even commenced, the truest effort was already spent far beyond the battlefield.

Zhao Changhe finished writing the letter, folded it, and handed it to Baoqin. "Have the Demon Suppressing Bureau deliver this to the King of Dali with utmost urgency."

Baoqin took the letter and cast a glance at Zhuque.

Zhuque made a gesture as if striking a mute acupoint. Holding the letter, Baoqin fled like a streak of smoke. "With that meager eloquence of yours, I do not even deign to bully you. You old women are the ones who belong in the same tier of rivalry... Aieee!"

Before Baoqin could even finish her words, she was miserably hoisted up by her collar by her own young mistress, rolled into a bundle, and tossed directly over the courtyard wall.

Miserably bullied by her own mistress, Baoqin did not even realize how high her own standing truly was now. She was visually the only maiden remaining by his side, exceedingly fragrant, whom someone could scarce bear to consume too quickly.

Zhao Changhe truly knew not whether to laugh or cry. "Why is everyone bullying Baoqin... By the way, how did the two of you happen to arrive together? Has the sun risen from the west?"

Neither of them had the face to admit they had come inside to find a deserted place to argue or fight. Tang Wanzhuang cleared her throat twice. "It is nothing. The Grand General impeached this Chancellor for dilatory military supply provisions. This Chancellor naturally ought to lay out wine and have a proper word with the Grand General."

Zhuque glared at her. "When did I impeach you? I even spared your face in the imperial court!"

"Very well, very well." Zhao Changhe reached out and embraced Tang Wanzhuang just as she was about to retort. "Since the wine is laid out, may I drink?"

Caught unawares by his embrace in front of Zhuque, Tang Wanzhuang felt a profound sense of shame. She struggled, saying, "Let go, what manners are these! Baoqin, Baoqin, bring the wine quickly..."

Before the words fully left her lips, she remembered that Baoqin had been thrown out by her own hand. Tang Wanzhuang's voice caught in her throat, leaving her thoroughly mortified with anger.

All the martial ardor in Zhuque's chest was thoroughly amused by this spectacle. "Cry out a bit more, this Palace enjoys the sight."

Tang Wanzhuang thereupon closed her mouth and glared with furious eyes.

Zhuque's eyes crinkled with laughter. "Why are you merely holding her? Touch her, I like to watch."

How could Zhao Changhe act improperly with Tang Wanzhuang before her eyes? He would surely be relegated to sleeping on the floor thereafter. Hearing this, he directly extended his other hand and drew Zhuque into his embrace as well.

"?" Zhuque struggled. "Let go, what manners are these!"

Hearing these words, which mirrored her own reaction precisely, the originally mortified Tang Wanzhuang grew amused instead. "Cry out a bit more, this Chancellor enjoys the sight."

Zhuque: "..."

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment. Neither of them struggled further, staring at each other without a word like a pair of fighting cocks.

In truth, Zhao Changhe merely wished to mediate the quarrel, harboring no other intentions. Seeing them grow quiet, he smiled. "Very well, shall we dine together? A Chancellor and a Grand General, yet squabbling like young maidens... The two of you..."

Tang Wanzhuang bit her lower lip, suddenly recalling a promise she had long defaulted upon.

At that time, he had set forth for war with a single horse and a solitary blade under the watchful gaze of the gods and demons of the realms. Filled with immense anxiety, she could only incentivize him by saying that if he returned safely, she would contend with Venerable Zhuque upon the bed for his amusement. That was nothing more than a hope that he might preserve himself, that his blood would not run hot and drive him to throw his life away lightly against others, reminding him that someone in the capital still awaited him, possessing that which he desired.

Times had changed, the impulse of that moment had passed, and she had continually delayed fulfilling such a shameful promise. Yet he was about to set forth for war once more.

They had not fixed the date of the northern expedition in advance for fear of spies. Now that all was prepared, they could set forth at any given moment. Judging from today's discussion, it was possible they might depart even on the morrow.

This was a war for the nation's destiny, involving not only the nomads, but also Guanlong, and Kunlun... with the most formidable fiend-god, Nine Nether, watching from the shadows. Even though Zhao Changhe had made every possible preparation before the war—pacifying the Miao territories, securing Bashu, disrupting Guanzhong, improving logistics, and producing cannons—even now, no one dared claim how great their chances of victory might be. One could only say they would exert every ounce of effort.

Then why not fulfill his long-cherished wish before he departed? He must have thought of it for a very long time... and it would prevent her from becoming a person devoid of faith.

Tang Wanzhuang heard her own voice, like a somnambulist's whisper. "What is there to dine upon? Consume her instead, I shall assist you."

"Eh?" Zhao Changhe's eyes widened.

Zhuque nearly leapt into the air. "You, surnamed Tang, you..."

"You do not wish to? Then watch from the side." Tang Wanzhuang smiled faintly, stood on her tippets, and pressed a kiss upon Zhao Changhe's lips. "Kiss me."

Zhao Changhe was no saintly gentleman. No matter how unplanned it had been beforehand, at this moment, unless his mind were broken, he would never refuse. He instantly followed the tide and kissed her deeply.

Zhuque stared with wide eyes as the man and her nemesis kissed with wet fervor right before her, her hair nearly standing on end like flames. "You two..."

In truth, Tang Wanzhuang felt far more shame in her heart than she did... Their ideologies differed; once a demonic cult temptress like Zhuque cast off her restraints, having been with both Sanniang and Chichi together, she harbored no great resistance. Yet for Tang Wanzhuang, this was truly the first time since she had followed Zhao Changhe that she shared him with another, and not even Baoqin had ever participated.

Seeing that Tang Wanzhuang had clearly taken the initiative to provoke yet her body remained rigid as iron and her eyes were squeezed shut, afraid to open, Zhuque, though initially filled with vexation, suddenly grew amused as she watched. "Is this all you amount to? Very well, excellent, a fine sight... Would you have me lend you a hand, to make it an even finer sight?"

Saying this, she extended her hand, lightly catching Tang Wanzhuang's silk ribbon and giving it a tug.

The fragrant sachet was darkly unfastened, the silk ribbon lightly parted, and flawless white jade was revealed within the chamber. Giggling, Zhuque made to flee. "Do continue, I shall watch from without..."

Before her words could fall, Tang Wanzhuang, who had seemed so rigid she knew not what she was doing, suddenly extended her fingers. Her consummately mastered Green Wave Clear Ripple capturing technique brushed past the vital acupoints at Zhuque's waist. Zhuque suffered a moment of numbness, and was instantly carried behind the curtains by the tacitly understanding Zhao Changhe.

The curtains closed, the final image being Tang Wanzhuang pinning down Zhuque's hand.

"As I have said, the contention between you and me is to be fought for a lifetime..."