Chapter 198 - Goodbye to Scholar Wong (2/2)

Suddenly, everything made sense to Xiao Baozhu. “I see! No wonder so many people said they want to take revenge on you. I heard that you even wrote a letter of divorce to Sister Ye.”

Xiao Baoshan didn’t answer.

She asked, “Why are you a general again? Did the imperial court forgive you or let you redeem yourself?”

He replied with a smile, “Not yet.” Then, he told her all about what he had experienced in the past.

After hearing his story, she became more than upset. “So the imperial court still thinks you’re a traitor? Did you dispatch the troops without the court’s permission? Although I know very little about politics, I guess this isn’t a trivial matter. Will you be doubly guilty?”

“Maybe. But it’s my duty to beat back the enemy. I only do what I think is right.” he said.

She felt very restless and worried. “You…”

But he gave her a rea.s.suring smile. “Don’t worry. I will protect you and won’t get you involved.”

At this moment, she felt as if she was sitting on pins and needles. For one thing, she was worried about her brother. For another, she was afraid that she would not be able to be with her mom, Little Ye and Baofeng again.

…

After leaving some soldiers in Qinghe county, Xiao Baoshan led the troops back to Baoning city. Although he had recaptured two counties, he had no right to station the troop there. Otherwise, the imperial court would think he or the sixth prince was ambitious for the throne.

At the same time, Qian Qi received a secret letter from the imperial court. After unfolding the letter, he was stunned by its contents.

Does the imperial court really want me to do this? Must I attack Baoning city and kill the sixth prince and Xiao Baoshan?

The letter explained that the sixth prince had shown his ambition by enlarging his army. He might pose a great threat if he attacked the imperial court to take the throne one day.

Qian Qi stared at the letter for a while before he gave an order. “Have everyone get ready. We will go west.”

…

At this moment, Qian Qi’s army was in Zhengwu county and Xiao Baoshan’s had just left Qinghe county. As such, it was likely they would meet in Dinghe county.

If Qian Qi moved faster, he would reach Baoning city before Xiao Baoshan. Their defenses there would be the weakest, which would enable him to kill the sixth prince easily. Then, he would just need to wait for Xiao Baoshan to put his neck into the noose.

However, his army advanced very slowly along an unimpeded official road. When it poured with rain, he even let everyone stop to take shelter. His deputy general was totally confused. In theory, the rain wasn’t a big deal for the strong soldiers. Instead, frequent rests would consume unnecessary provisions. The way to Baoning city was very far, but the provisions might not be enough. But the deputy general didn’t dare to ask anything and just obeyed Qian Qi’s order.

…

Xiao Baoshan received a message halfway that Qian Qi was leading his army to Baoning city. Immediately, he told his soldiers to move faster.

It rained heavily as they approached Dinghe county, but they did not slow down. Xiao Baozhu was sitting in a carriage and went with the troop. Biao was responsible for taking care of her. Only during the rest period did Xiao Baozhu have a chance to see her brother. But he was holding a stern face, lost in deep thought. His serious expression forced her to restrain her curiosity.

One day, he suddenly asked her to follow Biao and listen to all that he said. If any accidents happened, she could go with this man who would then protect her.

“Brother, what happened?” she asked.

Xiao Baoshan stroked her forehead gently. “It’s not a big deal. Don’t worry. Just keep my words in mind.”

“Brother, I’m not a kid anymore,” she protested.

After experiencing so much in the Wong family, she was not that silly girl anymore. She was now steady, prudent and observant. She had learned how to read someone’s thoughts by their expressions.

Xiao Baoshan still smiled softly. “No matter what happens, I will come back to you. Look, although I’ve left so many times, I’m still back here again.”

“Brother…”

When she wanted to say something more, Xiao Baoshan rea.s.sured her. “Baozhu, don’t worry. You’ll meet Mom, Sister Ye, Baofeng and me again.”

“When?” she asked.

“Soon!” he replied calmly.

…

When the rain came down in a torrent, Xiao Baoshan took off his armor and wore a raincoat as well as a bamboo hat. Then, he mounted a tall, white horse.

Biao looked very worried. “Do you really want to meet Qian Qi alone?”

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