Xiao Yue was a man whose family had been soldiers for generations. He was very successful at a young age. He joined the army at the age of 15 and led troops at the age of 18. From then on, he won many battles and became a well-known young general.
At the age of twenty-one, Xiao Yue took over the military power and was named the Great General of Protecting the Nation by the late emperor.
Long before Prince Rong came to power, he was already a great general with outstanding military achievements.
It was for this reason that he dared to openly oppose the imperial court and was stationed at the frontier for five years without returning home once.
Similarly, because he controls a large number of troops and is feared by the imperial court, the emperor has recently written several times to summon him back to the capital for a talk.
Anyone with a discerning eye knows that this is because the emperor's regime has been stable in recent years and he is starting to use the general's military power.
In the previous summons, Xiao Yue refused on the grounds of busy military affairs or unstable borders. The court did not react much to this.
Of course, the imperial court was not without a way to recall Xiao Yue. The border garrisons relied on food and fodder shipped from the Central Plains. If they really wanted to get someone back, cutting off their supplies was the easiest way.
But no one dared to go that far.
The reason is that Xiao Yue is arrogant and undisciplined. The previous emperor and the regent could not do anything to him, let alone the emperor who is only in his early twenties.
The two sides maintained a precarious balance in this way, just missing an opportunity to destroy the balance.
—At least that's what it seems to outsiders.
This is also the reason why Gu Changzhou wants to get in touch with Xiao Yue.
However, in Qin Zhao's eyes, if Gu Changzhou really did this, he would only be asking for trouble.
Not to mention that Xiao Yue can't stand being instructed and used by anyone, this man's family has been loyal for three generations, and it is impossible for them to rebel based on a word from an outsider.
"Sir, what you mean is that we should not contact General Xiao?" Ah Qi asked.
"No." Qin Zhao said calmly, "What I mean is that Gu Changzhou can't do this, so I have to do it myself."
Ah Qi was startled: "But your body..."
"Why are you the same as my husband?" Qin Zhao smiled, "I've already told you that I... ahem..."
The door of the study was not closed tightly, and a gust of cold wind blew in. Qin Zhao suddenly inhaled a breath of cold wind and started coughing violently.
Ah Qi quickly closed the door and poured him some water to help him calm down.
Qin Zhao took a while to calm down. He took a sip of warm water and looked outside the house: "Madam is not at home?"
"No, he went out half an hour ago, saying he was going to buy some things." Ah Qi said, "The young master is also taking a nap in the house."
Qin Zhao felt relieved: "That's good."
If Jing Li heard him cough, he would force him to stay in the room. What's more, the little Yuzai has learned to complain. Occasionally when Jing Li is not around, Yuzai is left next to Qin Zhao to watch over him. Whenever he hears him cough, he will run to Jing Li and cover his mouth with his two little hands to imitate him.
The final result was that Qin Zhao was put under house arrest.
I don’t know who is the head of the family.
Ah Qi tried to persuade him: "Sir, you should take care of your health."
"Don't worry, I know what's going on. Ah Qi, you're becoming more and more nagging." Qin Zhao chuckled and asked, "By the way, has Madam been out a lot recently? Did she tell him what she's busy with?"
Ah Qi shook his head: "Do you want to follow secretly?"
"Need not."
Qin Zhao had no intention of restricting Jing Li's actions, and he was even more unwilling to have anyone follow him. No matter what Xiaoyu was doing recently, he believed that it should not be a bad thing.
As a family, we should trust each other.
"How does Gu Changzhou plan to approach General Xiao?"
Ah Qi replied: "Military supplies."
Qin Zhao suddenly realized and laughed. Yes, the garrison needs more than just food. Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, clothing are also indispensable.
The clothes and bedding sent to the front lines were always provided by Jiangling Weaving Factory, which was an imperial merchant.
Gu Changzhou invited General Xiao to come in the name of Jiangling Weaving Factory to discuss military equipment and supplies with him, which was a perfect reason.
Qin Zhao asked: "What about the time?"
"Three days later, Wangjiang Tower."
Qin Zhao hesitated for a moment: "I know, I will go, you go back and tell—"
"Where are you going again?"
Jing Li pushed open the door, and the cold wind blew in as he entered. Qin Zhao tilted his head and coughed lightly twice.
He quickly closed the door and walked quickly to Qin Zhao's side: "I told you not to come to the study room. If you want to read a book, can't Qi and I read it to you?"
Qin Zhao shook his head and said to Ah Qi: "Go ahead."
Ah Qi bowed to the two of them and left the study.
Jing Li poured him a glass of water. Qin Zhao tried to pull him over, but was avoided: "I feel cold, be careful not to pass the cold air to you."
Today he was wearing a bright red cape embroidered with white plum blossoms, with a fine fur edge sewn on the collar, making him look cute and lively.
Jing Li took off his cloak, moved a stool and sat by the charcoal fire: "Tell me, what were you talking about with Ah Qi just now, where are you going now?"
"Go out and have dinner with someone."
Jing Li frowned: "Who is the blind person who wants to drag you out for a social event again?"
Qin Zhao is very famous in the capital city. He has been sick at home for the past few months, and there are always one or two ignorant people who want to invite him out for a gathering, but Qin Zhao almost always declines on the pretext of illness.
But this time Qin Zhao did not refuse.
Jing Li asked: "Is it important?"
"If you miss it, there will be no next time."
What Qin Zhao said was true. If he didn't take this opportunity to meet Xiao Yue, it would be extremely difficult to see him again no matter if he returned to the border or went to the capital.
Jing Li warmed himself up by the charcoal fire before walking to Qin Zhao, who held him in his arms: "Then go ahead."
Qin Zhao asked with a smile: "I'm not locked up anymore?"
"If you really want to go, who can stop you?" Jing Li raised his eyes to look at him and whispered, "I know you have been doing something else recently. If you have decided, it must be something very important. Just go, I won't stop you."
Qin Zhao was startled: "Xiaoyu..."
He didn't expect Jing Li to think this way.
After guessing his identity earlier, he did not choose to tell him immediately because his own memory was not complete at that time and he did not dare to tell it to make Jing Li worry. Now he gradually remembered a lot and had more and more concerns.
I was afraid that he would be scared, worried, and that he would get into trouble.
I dare not say it, and I don’t have the chance to say it.
But Jingli still believed in him unconditionally.
Qin Zhao kissed Jing Li on the cold forehead and whispered, "I'll just be back after a meal, don't worry."
Jing Li: "Well, I'll leave the door open for you."
Qin Zhao smiled and nodded. He stroked Jing Li's fingers and suddenly remembered that Ah Qi had just said that Jing Li was going out to buy something.
But he clearly came back empty-handed.
"Where did you go just now?" Qin Zhao asked.
Jing Li's body froze, and he stammered, "I, I went to the bookstore."
"Buying another storybook?"
Qin Zhao didn't think Jing Li's reaction was strange.
Life in the capital city is not as busy as in the village. Jing Li likes to read storybooks when he is bored. During this period, Qin Zhao can occasionally see new storybooks on the bookshelf in the study.
He was afraid that Jing Li would become too obsessed and lead Yuzai astray, so he warned him several times.
Qin Zhao asked: "Where is the book you bought? Can you take it out so I can see it?"
"I didn't buy it." Jing Li said, "I just went to ask them when they would release new ones. I've read all the books on the market."
"You're still so proud." Qin Zhao pinched his cheek and asked, "You didn't come up with anything new in the story you told me last time?"
"No, I still want to read it." Jing Li got angry when he mentioned this matter, "Shusi is so slow in publishing books. I urged them several times, but obviously—"
He paused.
Qin Zhao asked: "Mingming what?"
"Ming... Ming ...
After saying that, he quickly walked out of the study, his back looking somewhat guilty.
Qin Zhao frowned suspiciously.
Three days later, Qin Zhao arrived at Wangjiang Tower as promised.
He didn't let Ah Qi follow him in the open, but only let him hide in the dark. In fact, Ah Qi liked and was more accustomed to this method than showing up in public.
As soon as Qin Zhao arrived at the door of Wangjiang Tower, he heard the sound of wheels behind him.
It’s the Gu family’s carriage.
Qin Zhao stepped aside and the carriage stopped outside Wangjiang Tower.
Gu Changzhou was helped off the carriage by the servants, and Qin Zhao bowed to him politely: "Master Gu."
When Qin Zhao went to Gu's house, Gu Changzhou avoided meeting him, and even when they met, they rarely spoke to each other, so as not to arouse suspicion. This was the first time the two of them had faced each other in public.
Gu Changzhou's expression was a little stiff. He said softly, "Hmm," and said, "Go in."
It’s actually a bit strange that Qin Zhao appears here, but it’s not difficult to explain.
This man is extremely talented and is also a gentleman from the Gu family. It is no big deal for him to help Mr. Gu with some things.
Unexpected, but reasonable.
Therefore, when the waiters at Wangjiang Tower saw Gu Changzhou and Qin Zhao coming in together, they were only slightly surprised and did not cause any commotion.
Wangjiang Tower is built along the water, with several pleasure boats moored on the shore.
The waiter led them to the largest pleasure boat, where the sound of a pipa echoed, and several singing girls were playing. There were already people in the pleasure boat.
This game was ostensibly about discussing business with General Xiao, so there would definitely be more than just Gu Changzhou and Xiao Yue. Qin Zhao didn't know most of the people present, so Gu Changzhou briefly introduced them to him. Most of them were managers of Jiangling Weaving and Spinning, or wealthy merchants in the city.
Qin Zhao was a celebrity in the city, and most of the people present knew him. After a few pleasantries, the two sides took their seats.
Soon, a waiter's voice came from outside the pleasure boat: "This way."
Hearing this, everyone who was talking stopped and looked towards the entrance. The curtain of the pleasure boat was lifted, and a tall man in black strode in.
He was dressed in brocade clothes, but unlike ordinary rich young men, he did not wear any accessories, not even a sword.
But the moment he walked in, everyone present was so overwhelmed by the oncoming momentum that their breath was held.
That is the fierce and violent nature that can only be formed after having been through many battles and being soaked in countless blood.
In the crowd, only Qin Zhao took his time, raised his teacup and took a sip.
He sat on the inside, so Xiao Yue didn't notice him. In fact, Xiao Yue didn't even look at any of them. Behind him, several subordinates followed him in.
These are the people responsible for the military supplies who should negotiate with Gu Changzhou.
General Xiao was not going to participate in today's discussion. But a few days ago, General Xiao suddenly sent someone to convey that he would also come.
Only Qin Zhao knew that this was all arranged by Gu Changzhou.
The people in the painting boat finally came to their senses and stood up to greet Xiao Yue, but Xiao Yue raised his hand to stop them: "No need to be polite, just sit down."
After saying that, he really didn't care and just picked an empty seat and sat down.
When he sat down, he was sitting right opposite Qin Zhao.
Xiao Yue was not too old, he looked to be in his early thirties, and his appearance matched his fierce aura. He had sharp eyebrows and star-like eyes, with deep contours, and a light-colored old scar at the end of his eyebrows.
If people see such a person walking on the street, they will probably avoid him.
Not to mention he was sitting next to him.
The atmosphere at the table became somewhat tense, and two elderly businessmen were already secretly wiping their sweat. Xiao Yue was quite easygoing, and said with a smile: "Don't be polite, just talk about whatever you want to talk about. I am-"
As he spoke, his eyes quickly swept across the crowd and saw Qin Zhao.
The voice suddenly paused.
Everyone felt that the oppressive feeling around General Xiao seemed to be stronger at that moment.
Xiao Yue stared at Qin Zhao with his teeth clenched. His eyes, which had been sharpened by countless battles, were now a little bloodshot.
Qin Zhao looked at him calmly.
After a while, the oppressive feeling around Xiao Yue faded away. He retracted his gaze and said coldly: "I just came here to take a look. Don't pay any attention to me."