Chapter 244.2: Hello Chang’an
Chapter 244.2: (continued): Reuniting
According to the deputy general, since the enemy only brought 30,000 troops, this battle was not impossible to fight!
Yet Xu Zhengye could not think so simply.
Thirty thousand troops was the standard garrison of Xuanzhou. Any more would suggest unauthorized troop accumulation. This woman’s actions seemed reckless, but she had never given others cause to find fault…
But that was likely only the surface. After managing Xuanzhou for so many years, could she really be as simple as she appeared?
Moreover, if he tore ties with her today, it would be tantamount to offending the entire Jiangnan West Circuit. Should they rise together against him, how could he respond?
Additionally, the banner she carried today did not claim to act for the court against him, but for Xuanzhou’s private interests. She did not aim to stop his greater plan. If he became her enemy now, it would contradict his proclaimed loyalty to the Li dynasty.
It would invite doubts about his loyalty and true intentions, leaving him unable to explain himself to loyal scholars, gentry, and officials.
This battle… he could not fight it.
A single misstep would undo all prior efforts.
Facing the Marchioness of Xuanzhou’s domineering words, the vice general, unable to restrain himself, cupped his fists and requested, “Great General…!”
This woman, relying on the Li family name and wielding some power, was utterly overbearing!
Xu Zhengye suppressed his resentment and frustration, raising his hand toward the Marchioness: “Today, I am willing to retreat for Your Highness and Xuanzhou back to Jiangning! I hope the Marchioness remembers this day, and understands my loyalty to the Li family!”
The Marchioness of Xuanzhou raised her chin slightly, neither confirming nor denying: “General Xu, see yourself out.”
Xu Zhengye, restraining himself, commanded, “Withdraw!”
Though some subordinates were dissatisfied, none dared to defy orders.
Turning his horse, Xu Zhengye’s face was as calm as still water, but his eyes were dark and menacing.
Today he had yielded for the sake of the larger plan. Tomorrow, when his ambitions succeeded, Xuanzhou would be the first prize he would seize.
The Xu army retreated like flowing water.
“Don’t worry, they won’t come again!” Li Tong turned to the Hezhou soldiers.
The soldiers finally seemed to regain consciousness, some shouting in celebration.
Chang Kuo ordered the army back to the city.
Behind the army, the city gates were wide open.
Soldiers tended to the aftermath, searching through snowdrifts and corpses for familiar comrades, tears streaming as they brought them home.
Tonight’s heavy snow could not allow fallen comrades to lose their way.
The city lights were bright, awaiting the triumphant soldiers. Fires scattered in the snow offered warm hues—joy from repelling the enemy, relief that the city was saved, and indescribable grief.
Chang Suining, on horseback, glanced back at the battlefield, as she had after countless battles before.
Starting a war was easy; repairing a city and mending hearts afterward was much harder.
Hezhou was both unfortunate and fortunate: unfortunate to be caught in someone else’s ambitious war, fortunate to still have the chance to heal and rebuild.
As Chang Suining looked at the battlefield, Chang Kuo’s gaze was on her.
A crisp, curious voice rang out: “Are you General Chang?”
Chang Kuo turned, thinking, “You are…”
The young girl in a fox-fur coat’s eyes sparkled: “My name is Li Tong!”
Chang Kuo’s voice came out softly, “Oh… so it’s you. You’ve grown!”
The girl was pleasing to the eye—probably because she did not resemble her mother.
Li Tong stared at him: “Have we met before?”
Chang Kuo looked ahead, pretending to think: “Seems so… perhaps somewhere… I can’t remember clearly!”
Li Tong grinned: “I know you—I often hear my mother speak of you!”
Chang Kuo barely raised his brows: “Is that so…”
“Tell me about it?”
Li Tong was about to continue, but a displeased voice called from nearby: “Li Tong, come here!”
She responded and rode over to the Marchioness of Xuanzhou.
Chang Kuo: “…!”
Why mention him and leave it hanging?
He glanced sideways at the Marchioness.
Chang Suining also rode over, following Li Tong to thank the Marchioness.
She had written a letter to the Marchioness, and with Xuanzhou bordering Hezhou, there was still time. Given the Marchioness’s authority over Xu Zhengye, she was the best choice to request troops.
This newly formed bond was now put to use. Though aided by her elder brother, she was grateful that the Marchioness personally sent troops.
“…Look at all your injuries. Stop talking for now. Say what you need later!” the Marchioness of Xuanzhou looked at Chang Suining with concern.
Seeing her like this, Li Tong sighed. She wanted to ask why Chang Suining risked the battlefield instead of staying in the city, but seeing the devastation, the question died on her lips.
Even without ties to Hezhou, Chang Suining had gone to such lengths to defend it.
Li Tong suddenly realized that some truly risk life and limb for others.
If before it was admiration, now she truly respected Chang Suining.
Rarely leaving Xuanzhou, Li Tong had never witnessed such selflessness firsthand—this was the first time she felt moved.
Snowflakes fell on her eyelashes, making her eyes sting. She removed her fox-fur coat and, without asking, wrapped it around Chang Suining.
Chang Suining said it would soil her coat, but Li Tong, eyes red, adjusted the hood tightly, smiling: “To be stained by a hero’s blood is its honor.”
The Marchioness of Xuanzhou commented: “The Chang family ancestors must be smoking incense from heaven.”
Though the family was of humble rural origin, to have such children, deserving of special recognition—even under her blind eye—was surely heavenly blessing.
Chang Kuo glanced at them talking and, like the Marchioness had done, called out: “Suining, come here!”
The Marchioness of Xuanzhou glanced, lightly snorting.
Chang Suining rode back: “What is it?”
Chang Kuo shivered: “…!”
Apologies—this reunion was for the elder Chang and the Marchioness…
Everyone longing for Xiao Cui, wait—there will be a proper moment for her later.
Today’s update: 4,300 words. Good night!
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