Chapter 290

A few days later, Li He's stratagem began to be implemented step by step.

The light cavalry unit employing the tactic of besieging Wei to rescue Zhao, under Lü Gu Yun's leadership, set out from the night, moving like ghosts through the enemy rear.

The envoy sent to lure the tiger away from the mountain, carrying a peace letter, headed for Wenzhou Prefecture City, while secretly elite forces lay in ambush.

The war flared up like a raging fire, and Shangguan Lie's great army, under Li He's strategic guidance, advanced with unstoppable force.

Long Jun Zuo, after successive blows, finally realized he had fallen into a dire predicament.

He had no choice but to abandon most of Wen Prefecture's territory, leading the Sparrow King's great army to stubbornly defend Wen Prefecture's capital in order to preserve the army's effective strength.

However, under Li He's scheming, Longjun Zuo's predicament did not get alleviated.

He was forced to engage in a fierce war of attrition with the allied forces of the feudal princes, losing precious troops and resources every day.

Yet Li He's linked stratagems were like a great net, tightly ensnaring Longjun Zuo and leaving him no escape.

In the night study, Shangguan Lie and Li He sat opposite each other again.

This time, both of their faces showed a relaxed smile.

However, Li He knew in his heart that this war's victory was only temporary.

"This victory is entirely thanks to the lord's wisdom and the soldiers' devotion; I, He, have merely contributed a trifling effort."

"This linked stratagem is truly marvelous, catching Longjun Zuo off guard."

An opportunity to utterly defeat Longjun Zuo and the Great Yong Dragon Sparrow Army!

He gently pushed aside these vines and sat up from the warmth of the blankets.

Shangguan Lie sincerely praised.

"Yun Yi is truly a divine person!"

When the time comes, it will be their opportunity.

And just as war raged in Wen Prefecture and the situation shifted tumultuously.

The two raised their cups and drank together, and the atmosphere in the study reached its climax.

Shangguan Lie shook his head and said, "Sir, there's no need for excessive modesty. Without your wisdom and strategy, how could we have won so easily?" He lifted his tea cup to toast Li He, saying, "The future is long; let us share this cup today to celebrate our victory!"

By his side, four soft lotus-root arms, like gentle vines, lightly entwined around him.

Su Ye had just crawled out of the gentle village.

Then Longjun Zuo inside Wen Prefecture's capital must be in utter disarray.

"My lord, you overpraise me."

Once the Sparrow King suffers a loss in Sparrow Prefecture.

Su Ye slowly opened his eyes in the warm sunlight, his gaze shimmering with the morning's haze and languor.

As the first light of Azure Spirit City peeked out like a shy maiden, golden sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, dappled and falling upon the exquisite bed, adding a touch of warmth to this tranquil chamber.

Li He maintained his humility and spoke gently.

Next, we'll have to see how things are going on the Sparrow King's side in Sparrow Prefecture.

Beside him, Item, who currently serves as Su Ye's personal guard, and the personal maid Wei Zifu, lay with their bodies exposed, still lost in dreams.

As Su Ye rose, the two on the bed also began to stir.

Item first rubbed his sleepy eyes, lifted his head to look at Su Ye, and his face showed deep fatigue.

Needless to say, as a grandmaster peak expert, Item far surpassed the frail Wei Zifu.

Obviously, she was the main force last night.

Wei Zifu, meanwhile, lazily turned over, opening her watery eyes with sleepy heaviness.

In her eyes lingered a hint of waking confusion, like a bud about to bloom, appearing especially lovely in the morning sunlight.

"Your Highness, you've awakened."

Wei Zifu struggled to sit up, her body still weighed down by deep fatigue, yet her face bore deep concern for Su Ye.

She lightly tidied her disheveled hair, then struggled to rise from the bed and walked elegantly to Su Ye's side.

"Sir, let me attend to your attire."

Her voice was soft and sweet, like a gentle spring breeze that lightly brushed over one's heart.

Saying this, she began to tidy Su Ye's disordered clothing.

Her movements were gentle and practiced, as if she were caressing a precious artwork.

Her fingers nimbly slipped between the folds of Su Ye's collar.

Su Ye watched her silently, his eyes flashing with satisfaction.

Having a virtuous queen of all ages as my personal maid, I've enjoyed a taste of Emperor Wu of Han's treatment for a while.

At this moment, Wei Zifu seemed to have forgotten last night's fatigue and toil, devoting herself entirely to serving Su Ye.

Every minute movement of hers seemed to speak of her reverence and affection for Su Ye.

As Wei Zifu's skillful hands danced, Su Ye's attire was arranged neatly and impeccably.

He rose, stretched his limbs, and felt the comfort brought by the fresh clothing.

Then he turned his head to look at Wei Zifu, revealing a satisfied smile.

"You've worked hard, Zifu."

Su Ye spoke gently.

Although Wei Zifu's identity was implanted.

But it must be said.

Over this period, this woman's care for him has been meticulous, and her presence has made his life more comfortable and orderly.

During this time, Su Ye constantly felt that he was being spoiled into uselessness by her.

He didn't have to worry about any mundane affairs himself.

Wei Zifu always appears before Su Ye in time whenever Su Ye needs him.

As for Su Ye's sigh, Wei Zifu himself let out a light laugh.

Then he bowed deeply, and silently stepped aside to wait for Su Ye's next instruction.

As the sunlight gradually rose, the bedroom also became brighter and warmer. Su

Ye stood by the window, gazing into the distance at Azure Spirit City.

The early morning sunlight fell on both of them, as if draping them in a golden halo.

Then Su Ye walked slowly to the desk.

Today is when Li Jing returns to Azure Spirit City to report on his duties.

Over this time, the various places in Qi Zhou have gradually been pacified.

Beside him, the Tiger King also temporarily had no movement.

So Li Jing naturally cannot keep holding heavy troops and not return.

Although Li Jing now bears heavy responsibility and holds elite troops, he cannot stay outside for long.

His trust in Su Ye is deep as the sea, but knowing and acting are ultimately two different things.

Even if there is a legitimate reason, he clearly knows in his heart that Su Ye trusts him.

But knowing or not knowing is one matter, and doing or not doing is another.

Just like this time, Li Jing could actually not return.

Having to garrison Qi Zhou and defend against the Tiger King is this legitimate reason.

Actually, no one can really find fault with it.

But even with myriad reasons, Li Jing clearly understands in his heart that trust is not maintained by words, but by actions.

This return to the capital, although garrisoning Qi Zhou and defending against the Tiger King's threat is perfectly justified, no one will criticize it for that.

But in Li Jing's heart, what he cares about is not the world's gaze, but Su Ye's opinion.

Su Ye perhaps does not mind his garrisoning, but Li Jing deeply knows he must show his loyalty.

Such subtle feelings and considerations are like the fine rain of early spring—though not showy, they are enough to nourish all things.

Even if Su Ye does not mind, Li Jing himself still needs to show an attitude.

This tendency cannot continue.

Therefore, after multiple probes confirmed that the Tiger King would temporarily take no action against Qi Zhou.

Li Jing then left Xue Ren Gui, Qin Qiong, and a few others to garrison Qi Zhou.

He himself then took his personal guards and sped back to Cangzhou.

(End of chapter)