Chapter 62

Shen Tianxing, while kneading Yang Hongyue's hand, also used the golden dragon belt's recovery skill; soon Yang Hongyue felt no pain in her hand, and her displeased mood completely eased, seeing Shen Tianxing's earnest expression warmed her heart.

"Grandfather yesterday alone left you in the carriage, was he talking to you about Yue Qingxue? Did you happily agree?"

Yang Hongyue is straightforward, not beating around the bush; Shen Tianxing smiled.

"I said it, but I didn't happily agree; I just thought Old Man Yang made sense, and besides, some things aren't mine just because I want them—if Yue Qingxue doesn't even look at me, then you're getting angry for nothing."

"How could she not like you? Leaving aside that you're not bad, ever since we were kids we've competed over this, so she couldn't possibly be unwilling."

Yang Hongyue didn't realize her words revealed an important piece of information—Yue Qingxue loves to compete with her; thus, Shen Tianxing's chances of winning over this talented beauty seem much easier.

"I think you're overthinking; maybe she used to argue about everything with you, but now it's a lifelong happiness matter, which must be considered carefully—it can't be that blind."

"Even if I told you, you wouldn't understand; as long as she can beat me, she'd give everything—never mind, I'll just listen to grandfather; it's getting late, let's hurry on our way!"

Yang Hongyue grew more helpless as she spoke, mainly recalling what Old Man Yang said last night.

"Even if you're anxious, you should eat something, right? Sun Zhongquan won't send people to deal with us for now—he's busy plotting his coronation in two days; the capital needs enough garrison troops, and moving troops from other prefectures also takes time."

"What Shen Xiazi said is correct; Sun Zhongquan indeed has no time to deal with us now—the coronation ceremony must go smoothly. Earlier, Shen Xiazi caused a ruckus in the capital and, together with that grandmaster senior, killed thousands of imperial guards."

"Sun Zhongquan cannot possibly send troops again to chase and kill us; moreover, his top experts must stay in the imperial palace to prevent the Ninth Prince from being assassinated, which would lose this puppet."

Yang Tieqiang also came down from the second floor; today he is spirited, obviously having recovered well.

"Old Man Yang's words are sound, but we cannot be careless; he will surely send people to watch us. If he learns we're heading to Leizhou, once he stabilizes the capital's situation, he will definitely dispatch men to take our lives."

Yang Tieqiang also nodded seriously; this old and young pair seem like lifelong friends, thinking alike and cooperating seamlessly.

"How should we proceed from here? We need to discuss it properly, Shen Xiazi—come over and let's eat and chat."

"All right, Old Man Yang!"

Afterwards, the old man and the young man sat at a table, ordered steamed buns, fried dough sticks, and soy milk, and began chatting while eating.

After half an hour, they finally ate their fill and drank their thirst, still eager to talk as they left the restaurant, got into the carriage, and continued discussing.

Shen Tianxing, through conversation, learned the current situation of the Great Zhou dynasty, also grasped the world's layout, and from Yang Tieqiang heard about some key figures, then expressed his own views and opinions.

Yang Tieqiang felt he had benefited greatly from discussing with Shen Tianxing; Shen Tianxing's various ideas and opinions were things Yang Tieqiang had never dared imagine, and if put into action, they would let the people of the Great Zhou live good lives.

Although Yang Hongyue and Qin Mingyue were in the carriage, they were completely separated by Shen Tianxing and Yang Tieqiang, so they could only sit together.

At first, Yang Hongyue proactively asked Qin Mingyue some unimportant questions; Qin Mingyue answered truthfully, and gradually the two chatted very well.

Qin Mingyue also spoke of her wandering life since childhood; of course she didn't mention she was a princess. Yang Hongyue, inherently upright and caring for the people, felt sad hearing Qin Mingyue's background.

Suddenly she felt it was right for Shen Tianxing to marry Qin Mingyue, and naturally she began to accept sharing the same husband with Qin Mingyue, showing signs of becoming good sisters; even Yang Hongyue planned to teach Qin Mingyue serious martial arts.

After three days of smooth travel, the group entered Jiangzhou and arrived at Luoxia City, famed as the most beautiful city in Jiangzhou.

Over these three days, Shen Tianxing and Yang Tieqiang have become like old friends who've known each other for over thirty years; this old man often puts his arm around Shen Tianxing and occasionally tells him some stale jokes.

Yang Hongyue and Qin Mingyue also became close confidantes; even these two nights they slept together, leaving Shen Tianxing to guard an empty room alone.

"Having arrived here, it should be relatively safe—why not rest in the city for two days?"

These past days, having grown accustomed to interacting with Shen Tianxing, Yang Hongyue's temperament has softened a bit, her speech gentler, though her voice remains somewhat loud.

"That's not impossible; let's just buy more food here—assign this task to Tian Guangguang and Lingfei."

Shen Tianxing agreed, and his gaze fell on Zhao Lingfei behind; these days have been relatively stable, with no system tasks, so when he has free time he discusses with Hong Yi whether the system-summoned female guards can be brought into his chambers.

Hong Yi said there's no problem; although summoned, they are living people, possessing what Zhao Lingfei as a woman has, and they have independent thoughts—except they are completely loyal to Shen Tianxing.

However, in matters of male-female affection it must be voluntary; moreover, Hong Yi added that if Shen Tianxing truly succeeds in making Zhao Lingfei willingly become his woman, the system will give him a surprise.

Yang Hongyue and Qin Mingyue were overjoyed—being able to stay in the city meant they could go shopping for things they like, something no woman can refuse.

"You've all worked hard these days; you and Tian Guangguang go together to purchase food and other daily necessities—here is silver; split up and take your subordinates."

Shen Tianxing first gave Qin Mingyue and Yang Hongyue each fifty taels of silver. Then he approached Zhao Lingfei and Tian Guangguang, handing each a hundred taels of silver, and sent them to purchase food and daily necessities.

"Sir, rest assured, we two will certainly get the job done."

The two spoke in unison, then turned to leave, but Shen Tianxing transmitted a sound in his mind to Zhao Lingfei, making her stop.

"Sir, do you have any other orders?"

Zhao Lingfei was a little nervous; Shen Tianxing reached out and patted her shoulder, smiling as he said:

"Don't be so nervous; I have no other orders—I just want to ask a question, setting aside your loyalty to me for now: what do you think of me as a person?"

"That is, according to your own standards, do you think I'm suitable to be your husband? Speak frankly—I won't blame you whether it's good or bad."

Zhao Lingfei is upright and kind-hearted; Shen Tianxing's blunt question left her without reservations, and she bowed her head, clasped her hands, and answered sincerely:

"As a subordinate, I shouldn't comment on you, sir, but since you asked, I will speak frankly: you do not meet my criteria for a husband, not because you are bad, but because I only wish to spend my life with one person."