CHAPTER 299: CHAPTER 296 BLUSHING

Xie Liangchen heard Song Xian speak: "How is Miss Xie? I heard from the medical worker that Miss Xie’s foot is injured."

Chen Yongsheng was startled and quickly turned to look at Xie Liangchen: "Injured foot? When? Was it when we encountered Cai Rong’s troops blocking the way, and you stayed behind that time?"

Xie Liangchen shook her head, "No."

Chen Yongsheng frowned, "Then it was when the mule cart was going uphill, and you dismounted to help push the cart."

Xie Liangchen wanted to refute, but was afraid that Chen Yongsheng would say more: "Traveling such a long distance, there are bound to be some injuries. It will be fine in a couple of days."

Chen Yongsheng was then relieved.

Song Xian said, "Chen..."

Xie Liangchen silently glanced at Song Xian.

Song Xian said diligently: "Chen Lizheng, you have had a hard journey from Xinzhou, let’s talk in the military tent."

Chen Yongsheng nodded and followed Song Xian. Just as Chen Yongsheng was about to step forward, Song Xian intentionally paused his steps, allowing Chen Yongsheng to pass, aligning himself beside Xie Liangchen.

Xie Liangchen thought Song Xian wanted to say something, and was ready to listen carefully, but her fingers touched something warm; Song Xian’s hand extended over, lightly tugging at her fingers.

Xie Liangchen’s hand instinctively curled back, but was wrapped in a warm palm, and Song Xian’s voice sounded in her ear: "Why are they so cold?"

Song Xian didn’t speak further, but all his actions said: I’ll help warm them up.

Under Chen Yongsheng’s watchful eyes, Xie Liangchen’s hand was held tightly, making her heartbeat a little unsteady. She looked up at Song Xian.

Song Xian’s eyes slightly curved upwards as if smiling.

Arriving at the tent entrance, Xie Liangchen withdrew her hand.

It was hard for Chang An to keep talking with Chen Yongsheng, so he had no notion of what was happening around him.

Chang An lifted the curtain, and Song Xian, as if nothing happened, walked in upright.

Chen Yongsheng couldn’t help but exclaim silently. No wonder General Song, at only twenty years of age, became the Western Expedition General. His aura is unmatched, and this edge of his must strike fear in enemy generals from afar.

While Chen Yongsheng was deep in thought, this imposing Western Expedition General stood still and respectfully saluted Chen Yongsheng.

"Thank you, Chen Lizheng, for sending the military resources."

Chen Yongsheng was momentarily stunned, then cold sweat trickled down his forehead: "How can we allow this, General Song, you absolutely mustn’t. We didn’t do anything."

Song Xian said: "The establishment of the charitable granary in Zhenzhou is all thanks to Chen Lizheng."

Next to him, Chang An slightly raised an eyebrow, knowing clearly that the charitable granary arrangement was Miss Xie’s doing. By saying this, his master just wanted to find an opportunity to praise Miss Xie in front of Chen Lizheng.

Previously, he thought his master was cold-hearted. The old lady even worried about his future marriage prospects. The things Mr. Cheng mentioned—well, his master might not know them, but when he sets his heart entirely on one person, it’s quite possible.

Chen Yongsheng hurriedly said: "This is not related to me; it was all done by Liangchen. She stored the medicinal materials and organized the charitable granary; it was all Liangchen’s doing. When trouble arose in Zhenzhou, it was also Liangchen who led people to Yingzhou to help."

Having stayed beside Old Mrs. Chen for a long time, listening to her praises of Liangchen daily, Chen Yongsheng had no intention of keeping the family jewel hidden and was truthful in front of Song Xian.

Song Xian seemed to hear this for the first time. He was slightly stunned, then bent down toward Xie Liangchen: "Song Xian thanks Miss Xie greatly and hopes that one day he can contribute some effort to her."

Xie Liangchen composed herself and returned the salute as usual: "General Song overpraises. These military resources were gathered jointly by the people of Zhaozhou and Zhenzhou."

Chen Yongsheng nodded in agreement: "The intention of General Song for the people is what makes them willing to do everything possible to gather military resources at this time..."

Listening to Chen Yongsheng’s words, Xie Liangchen sighed silently in her heart, knowing that when her second uncle finds out, he will feel that the current Song Xian is somewhat different from the General Song he imagined.

Song Xian said: "Although we have taken Xinzhou and Dai State, there is still much to be done. It would be best if Chen Lizheng and Miss Xie could stay and help."

Chen Yongsheng nodded: "We will certainly do our best if we can be of use." This is the Eight States, formerly under Prince Guangyang’s domain, and naturally, Chen Yongsheng wishes to stay. Though he doesn’t know what to do yet, first, he needs to acquaint Liangchen with it, perhaps finding a chance to unravel Liangchen’s identity in the future.

Even if Liangchen is not a man and cannot return to family roots, she is still of Prince Guangyang’s bloodline.

Song Xian said: "I will lead the troops south. The Pseudo King of the former dynasty is now stationed in Taiyuan Prefecture. By breaking into Taiyuan and capturing the Pseudo King, this battle would be concluded."

Chen Yongsheng felt a thrill in his heart and instinctively looked at Xie Liangchen.

Back then, it was this Pseudo King who forced Prince Guangyang to his death. Now, after more than a decade, finally, it’s time for retribution.

Song Xian continued: "Did you see refugees along the way from Xinzhou to Dai State?"

Chen Yongsheng sighed: "Yes, when we were escorting military resources, there were refugees trying to seize them." Those refugees were long-starved to a wretched state; saying they seized was just showing their utmost desperation to rush at them. They couldn’t bear to be harsh to such people, so some villagers secretly handed over their rations to them."

But there were too many refugees; there were many dead bodies along the way, some even devoured by wild beasts in the mountains.

Back when Zhenzhou had wars, it never reached such a state.

Song Xian said: "The northern war of Daqi should soon be quelled, and when it is, military supplies will be sent over. I will report to the court to use some grains to aid the Eight States."

All military supplies are supposed to be supplied to the Song Family Army, and sparing some grains from it won’t be easy.

Chen Yongsheng looked at Xie Liangchen; if anyone could manage this arrangement, it would be Miss Chen.

For reasons unknown, Chen Yongsheng was somewhat dazed, recalling the things about Prince Guangyang mentioned by Old Mrs. Chen back then—how the late emperor was fighting outside, and Prince Guangyang stabilized the common people, arranging numerous military resources for the late emperor.

The situation now reminded him of how it was during Prince Guangyang’s time, only now it was Miss Chen.

Song Xian said: "The Pseudo King has much wealth and Ao Cang in Taiyuan Prefecture. I will attack the city early, as the Pseudo King killed Prince Guangyang’s family. Now we return to the Eight States, I will find a way to capture him alive and let him kneel to apologize to Prince Guangyang."

Hearing the words "apologize," Chen Yongsheng couldn’t help but feel his nose tingle, and were it not for needing to keep composure in front of Song Xian, his eyes would surely redden immediately.

"Okay," Chen Yongsheng said after a while, "We will follow General Song’s arrangements."

Xie Liangchen looked at Song Xian: "General Song, you must not overlook your injury."

Song Xian replied: "Thank you, Miss Xie, for your concern."

Thinking about Song Xian’s earlier gestures made Xie Liangchen’s cheeks flush slightly. From speaking to gestures, it was all methods to take advantage.

Upon leaving the tent, Chen Yongsheng noticed something strange about Miss Chen beside him and whispered: "Liangchen, are you sure your injury is fine? Why do I feel like your face is a bit red?"