Chapter 970

If Lingshouzhou had nothing at all to do with the Snake Staff Elder, Chen Wuji simply wouldn't believe it.

That old fellow these past years seems to have been making arrangements around Shenxian Ling.

And judging from his memorials, it seems he only moved to Nan Jun after completing his layout in Nanyue Jun.

He seems to intend to take advantage of Shenxian Ling's terrain, coordinating north and south, to raise troops.

In Chen Wuji's mind appeared a map of Shenxian Ling's north and south; after placing the Snake Staff Elder's known movements on it, his conviction grew stronger.

"Husband, you seem a bit off..."

Qin Zhanhong pouted, her expression resentful.

Chen Wuji came back to himself, gave an embarrassed laugh, "I was thinking too deeply; I'm fine now, you continue."

"Hmph..."

Chen Wuji chuckled; indeed, when one's mind wanders, it does affect certain things.

These matters are too crucial; he really can't put them off until tomorrow.

"How goes the battle between Cao Lin and Li Yu?" Chen Wuji asked.

Qin Zhanhong snorted, turned her head, "I'm not telling you; you're not serious at all. If I told you, you'd drift off again later, and I'd feel worse."

"Don't worry, it won't happen; there's not much to consider about the battle between Cao Lin and Li Yu—I just need to know the general situation." Chen Wuji assured.

"Affecting the experience—this is indeed a matter; he can well understand it."

Qin Zhanhong looked doubtful, "Really?"

"Indeed it is; I guarantee it."

"Well, Li Yu's situation isn't optimistic; his troops compared to Cao Lin's are vastly inferior in both numbers and strength, having suffered day-and-night attacks from Cao Lin, already showing decline. I don't understand battlefield judgments, but Master Kong thinks that if Li Yu continues to hold out, he might be breached within half a month."

Chen Wuji looked thoughtful, "Li Yu is actually going to lose—have the Uyghurs made any move?"

"They're still watching, refusing to help either side!"

"It shouldn't be—how could the Uyghurs refuse to help both sides? There's probably a trap in this, nine times out of ten; we'll see who falls into it." Chen Wuji muttered, "But if that's the case, the troops in Guiling Xian should see some movement—this fight really opens one's eyes."

Qin Zhanhong shook her head, "I don't know that. However, we've basically completed our personnel deployment in Nanyue Jun; from Shendu, central Qiang Land to Nan Jun and Nanyue Jun—such a vast region—any sizable place, if you want news, we should be able to get it in the shortest time."

Chen Wuji stroked Qin Zhanhong's soft waist, "You and Wanwan have worked hard these days."

"Doing things for our own family—what's hard about that? I rather like it."

Chen Wuji hummed, then suddenly looked at Qin Zhanhong.

"Husband, why are you staring at me like that? …Did you drift off again?" Qin Zhanhong asked.

Chen Wuji's gaze made her suddenly feel a bit nervous.

Even a commander who has cut his way out of a myriad‑troop formation, if his gaze shifts only slightly, his aura is immensely strong. Even though Qin Zhanhong is equally veteran of battle formations and her aura is not weak, facing Chen Wuji she still falls far short.

"Nothing." Chen Wuji shook his head.

He had wanted to ask the Qin Clan about any recent movements, but after thinking he decided to let it be.

The Qin Clan earlier sent a piece of news about the Court Army grain route as a friendly gesture, which he ignored; logically they'd surely have further moves, but seeing Qin Zhanhong like this, perhaps she doesn't know.

Let's leave it at that for now.

Such scheming dragging Qin Zhanhong in has made Chen Wuji quite annoyed.

For now we can only use the delaying tactic, watching the Qin Clan's attitude.

Qin Zhanhong eyed Chen Wuji suspiciously, "Husband, if you have something to say, just say it straight—why are you beating around the bush?"

"Really, nothing—I'm just thinking about the Uyghurs."

"... Oh."

Qin Zhanhong withdrew her gaze, her slender waist swaying gently again.

That answer, she obviously didn't believe, but she didn't press further.

……

Outside the study.

Several women pressed their heads together, holding their breath and focusing, each pricking up her ears, faces flushed, yet none wanted to leave.

Hua Yin stood nearby holding hot water, attending, her expression inscrutable.

The hou mansion's inner quarters are truly too harmonious.

The harmony made her feel utterly unbelievable.

Although she grew up in the deep palace, she has heard of such matters.

The dark scheming within the noble household's inner quarters is no less than that of the harem.

"I can't take it anymore—this low‑life is really too much!" Yu Yan Chu suddenly shouted, kicked open the study door, and dragged Huo Sanniang in with a fierce air.

"Surname Qin, I ask you—do you even put the eldest sister in your eyes? The husband returns victorious, the eldest sister hasn't spoken yet, yet you dare to privately claim her—you're outrageous!"

"As this Elder Princess newly arrived, I won't blame you for not knowing etiquette, but how could you toss the eldest sister behind your back?"

On the bed, Chen Wuji and Qin Zhanhong both froze.

"Wait, how does what you're saying sound so off to me?" Chen Wuji sat up and asked.

This guy seems to be treating him like an object.

Shouldn't this sort of thing be up to him to decide?

Yu Yan Chu's momentum suddenly weakened, she chuckled, "But if this is the husband's arrangement, I have nothing to say—it's just not very fair, this bowl of water is tilted terribly."

"But I'm not speaking up for myself—this sort of thing I could take or leave, it doesn't matter. I'm speaking up for the eldest sister, for our San Niang; she is so gentle and virtuous, never contention, always considering us first, yet some people… don't consider the eldest sister at all, just saying nice things."

Chen Wuji: ……

He suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed.

Yu Yan Chu, no wonder she's an Elder Princess who grew up fighting in the deep palace—she opens her mouth and shows her skill.

"Change rooms, let's go together!" Chen Wuji waved his hand and said decisively.

Yu Yan Chu laughed and said: "Husband, I'll just forget that, I'm shy!"

Shyness my ass, get lost!

Chen Wuji had already risen, threw his clothes on, and was preparing to shift his position.

Yu Yan Chu saw the situation was unfavorable and prepared to slip away, but Qin Zhanhong grabbed her arm and teased, saying: "You were just so righteous and bold—now what are you running for? I know what you're thinking, stop pretending— in your own home, who are you trying to show off to?"

"Hey hey hey, don't wrongly accuse me—I'm speaking up for the elder sister!" Yu Yan Chu shouted.

"Cut the nonsense, if you keep talking I'll beat you— you know you can't beat me!"

"You bandit! This is the marquis's inner residence, not your bandit hideout— restrain yourself!"

"Not even a bit! Hurry up and leave— today I'll personally strip you of your skin!"

"Oh dear, be gentle... okay okay okay, go, don't pull, I only have this one decent piece of clothing."