Chapter 39 (1/2)
The inevitable war has broken out in Lost You Forever, another war to grip the younger generation thatlike the fate that befall the parental generation But one clear indicator that things are different this time around is the motivation behind it, Zhuan Xu’s arandfather wanted, but not with the sa desperation nor with the saentlemanly skirmish and one wonders what the Grand Eaht now both Xiao Yao and Ah Nian feel like losers either way
I’ve beenbratty little Ah Nian and I didn’t even realize it until she showed up in this episode She’s really grown onherself, one of the fe and says what she thinks just like Xiao Yao It’s sad their sisterly relationshi+p looks fractured now that they don’t share the same dad anymore, but who’s to say sisterly affection can’t continue onward, especially since they are not fighting over the sa to reconcile the love of her life attacking her kingdouy she can marry even if Zhuan Xu wanted her, which we all know all he wants is the one girl he can’t get Oh LYF, do keep on being co
Chapter 39 – The Bitterness of Longing For You:
The war between Gao Xing and Xuan Yuan was now going on ten years During that tiaining an advantage and very slowly encroaching into Gao Xing territory
Living in Gao Xing for so long, e Zhuan Xu gave strict orders not to bother the civilians and any violation would be punishable by death The soldiers were extre people and every year during high tide season the soldiers would work alongside the Gao Xing people to build da, the soldiers would take their instrues to provide i war, the Gao Xing people really had no reason to hate the Xuan Yuan soldiers
Towards the end of su castle and after four days and four nights of nonstop battling Feng Long finally lost to Ru So
Zhuan Xu heard the news and wasn’t worried about the defeat at one particular castle siege but was instead worried about Feng Long He was young and proud, born froreat talent and always praised to the heavens by everyone He was unused to defeat whereas Ru So was seasoned at all types of skirmishes Zhuan Xu orried that this defeat would lead to Feng Long feeling doubt and passing it on to his troops Once the troopcan start to fall apart
Zhuan Xu mulled it over and decided to personally pay a visit to the battlefield Even if he did nothing, he would get raging drunk with Feng Long while cursing out Ru So and help hiet back on his feet
When Zhuan Xu paid a visit to Xiao Yue Peak, both Jing and Xiao Yao happened to be there
Zhuan Xu said to Xiao Yao “I need to leave for some time”
“Where to?”
“To the outside world I’ to the battlefield It’ll likely take a ’s arer?”
“There is always danger but I’ve walked through the er can ever be as scary”
Xiao Yao nodded her head “Okay, you go and I’ll take good care of Grandfather”
Zhuan Xu said “You said before that so and you can’t find it here so it’s hard to catalogue accurately Do you want to go to Gao Xing with me and take a look at those local plants yourself?”
“No!” Xiao Yao answered immediately
Zhuan Xu nodded his head with a s “I want to discuss a proposition with you Gao Xing and Xuan Yuan products are very different and the two kingdooods have been limited only to the expensive iteet to enjoy it The free flow of trade is good for the entire vast wilderness and the Tu Shan clan businesses blanket everywhere I want you to go withto the Middle Plains for trade If possible this ated to the Tu Shan clan in the future since trade is best left for private exchanges rather than governlanced at Xiao Yao and sood for the entire world and the Tu Shan clan gets a benefit from it, of course your subject I would be happy to accolance at Xiao Yao “Do you want to co?”
Xioa Yao was furious that Zhuan Xu already hooked her so pressed her lips together and insisted “Not going, not going, I said I’Xiao Xiao over to have her pack with a re for Xiao Yao
Xiao Yao went to talk to the Yellow Emperor and acted like she heard none of that
On the departure day, Zhuan Xu sent Xiao Xiao to pick up Xiao Yao She was long packed and clie with Miao Pu
Arriving in Gao Xing, Zhuan Xu didn’t hurry to the arh a toith Xiao Yao and Jing
This was a private trip so there was no official bodyguards protecting theuards kept watch
Zhuan Xu, Jing, and Xiao Yao changed into Gao Xing clothes and both Xiao Yao and Zhuan Xu spoke perfect Gao Xing dialect language while Jing easilyon the streets all the vendors saw the people
This castle had been conquered by Xuan Yuan years ago and since then the signs of battle was long gone and after being ruled well it was bustling There were people everywherearound much like it was before the war The only difference was that it was evenwith the presence of Middle Plains wo prices with the vendors
Xiao Yao asked Jing “How did it beco s for extended periods of time and His majesty worried that the soldiers missed their fae soldier faht, every month the soldiers can rotate from an active army camp back here to the town and live with their faet additional compensation to help His majesty did this and the troops are both comforted and also work extra hard to secure this territory because they are also protecting their own fa wives carrying baskets of food in one hand with a baby or child on their backs “So their kids are born in Gao Xing?”
“Yes!” Jing thought about it and divined deeper into what Zhuan Xu was thinking, having Xuan Yuan next generation born in Gao Xing would encourage therate the people
A bunch of kids were playing by the castle wall and it wasn’t clear fro and as Xuan Yuan Xiao Yao stared at theht the ould be like”
Jing said “The Black Emperor is very different than the Yellow Emperor, just like the Grand Emperor was very different than Qi Yo, just like today’s Xuan Yuan Kingdodo and Xiao Yao’s conversation Since Xiao Yao entered Gao Xing she didn’t want to speak with him so he kept silent and allowed Xiao Yao to see and hear for herself
The sun started to set and the waning light cast upon the castle walls
Zhuan Xu said “The castle walls will be closing soon I don’t want to spend the night in the castle and want to stay in the village If you two don’t care, let’s exit the castle now”
Jing stared at Xiao Yao who stiffly replied “You’re the Emperor, we’ll do whatever you want”
They exited the castle and rode a cow pulled cart until arriving in a little village later that night
A fire was lit at the entrance to the village and there was lots of bustling activity as people sat on rocks and trees watching a stage Xiao Yao had the cart stop and walked over to see a stage play was being perfore his face at will This type of play based on this God allowed the perfore masks at will and act outplay was popular throughout the vast wilderness and tonight’s story was about the opening of the earth to begin civilization The story included the s, the dashi+ng and elegant Gao Xing, the well-learned and talented Xi Ling, the slyTu Shan nine-tailed fox, the physically weak but devious Gui Fang, the water-based power that was Chi Sui, the forger of all ures worked with the Great Emperor Pan Gu to slay demons and create the vast wilderness Back then the vast wilderness was one fa royal family, and especially no Xuan Yuan royal fa the play cheered and cried and hollered as the story progressed and even Xiao Yao got really into it Even though this was based on legends and h time, there was some truth to it and she believed that the sacrifices made by those ancestors were all real
Other than watching the play, Xiao Yao also understood why Zhuan Xu encouraged such performances It was for entertainment, yes, to relieve the pressure of everyday life But after watching it, over ti in the belief Zhuan Xu wanted to i or Xuan Yuan divisions From all four corners it was all people of the vast wilderness
It was very late when the play was done and the three of thee
The next e kids enacting their own version of the play story and picking characters to play happily Xiao Yao watched the didn’t kill and harrow up not to hate Zhuan Xu or the Chi Sui fae and the sounds of the kids laughter faded, Xiao Yao said to Zhuan Xu “How did you think of this idea? Even I was captivated and influenced by the play last night, ers”
Zhuan Xu replied “The play is just telling history that really happened and I simply want the people to learn it”
Xiao Yao couldn’t help herself “I hope learning this truth won’t pay the price of lives”
Zhuan Xu looked out over the hills and said “I lived in Gao Xing for over two hundred years I went out early fishi+ng with the fisher wares with peddlers in exchange for wine, I dug for lotus root by the pond and sang songs afterwards under the ht, I hunted bandits on raids with the soldiers, when I was forced into exile fro, it was the people of this land who accoh the most lonely and adrift period of randchildren and beyond still live on this land They still work hard doing all the things I did with their ancestors I know their hardshi+p and I know their happiness!”
Zhuan Xu looked back at Xiao Yao with candor in his eyes “Xiao Yao, if we’re discussing who cares for this land, I will only surpass you and will never be any less than you!”
Xiao Yao was speechless because he was right She was the Gao Xing princess but she didn’t really understand Gao Xing Zhuan Xu was the one who explored and wandered every inch of this land
Zhuan Xu said “I ad with the flow andthe entire vast wilderness is best for the people War will undoubtedly have casualties but I’ve done everything I can to avoid har the innocent Xiao Yao, I don’t hope that you will approve of what I’ all I can”
Xiao Yao turned her head to look at the scenery and said in a low voice “I see it” Her voice was as soft as a whisper but both Jing and Zhuan Xu’s hearing was excellent so they both heard it clearly
Zhuan Xu let out a relieved sigh before crossing his hands and laying back on the cart to stare at the blue sky above He rarely expressed any e what Xiao Yao said turned hih
Next ca a fisher dialect Fisherrew louder and louder
Jing was stunned, he knew that Zhuan Xu wandered the world as a coined Zhuan Xu would show that side of him at this point in his life Xiao Yao wasn’t perturbed in the least, clearly accusto Zhuan Xu like this Clearly Zhuan Xu was always like this in front of Xiao Yao and Jing just happened to chance upon it today
Jing remembered what the Yellow Emperor said to him before “Between Xiao Yao and Zhuan Xu, even I a saddened felt a frisson of unease but he couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason why His ed and both Zhuan Xu and the Yellow E Xiao Yao, Zhuan Xu never once objected
They arrived at Feng Long’s ar of the second day
Xiao Yao felt aard seeing Feng Long and whispered to Zhuan Xu “How about I change and pretend to be your secret guard?”
Zhuan Xu said “You’ve been avoiding hi to do it for the rest of your life? All you did was run off fro care anyo?”
Zhuan Xu didn’t lower his voice when he said that so both Jing and the just arriving Feng Long heard it Both felt a tad aard but Zhuan Xu acted like he didn’t see it and pushed Xiao Yao in front of Feng Long and said with a s, do tell her that you don’t care any bowed to Zhuan Xu and when he straightened he said “Froht, all I think about is Ru So I even think about Ru So in“Do you care that Xiao Yao ran away fro stared at Xiao Yao and said clearly “Not one whit”
Zhuan Xu said “Did you hear that? One long ago forgot and the other doesn’t care at all Can you let it go now?”
Xiao Yao knehat Zhuan Xu did in forcing this issue out in the open to be discussed directly She could avoid Feng Long forever but he was Jing’s best friend and she couldn’t let their friendshi+p be strained because of her so she bowed to Feng Long “Great General”
Feng Long politely returned the bow “Miss Xi Ling”
Xiao Yao retreated behind Jing and Zhuan Xu
Feng Long asked Jing curiously “Why are you here with His one and he was back to hiht you would never meet someone who could best you Who knew Ru So would serve you three defeats in a row so of course I had to co acted all hurt “Your majesty, did you hear that!”
The threeimportant matters and Xiao Yao quietly went off to wash up She believed it now that Feng Long had let it go but men and wos are easily washed aith ti would be upset three months later, but three years later he wouldn’t feeltens of thousands of soldiers, he could care even less that Xiao Yao ran off fro princess anyhter, likely the a her
Zhuan Xu sent so to provide a source of business information he needed The person turned out to be Jin Xuan and Xiao Yao was very happy to see a familiar face She called for some food and wine and sat down to catch up with her
Xiao Yao asked “How did you end up in Gao Xing?”
Jin Xuan said “His ht now so I’ to collect inforht you and Xiao Xiao would become His majesty’s consorts but who knew both of you continued to serve him in the same capacity as before I saw the way you feel about hi on Zhi Jin Su for so, I did fall for him Because I really fell for him that is why I requested to leave”
Xiao Yao was perplexed “Why?”
“IfI do can receive a coradually want ive me all I ant and I would be hurt and then co and disdaining me I would rather leave when I can still be sensible about it If I keep my distance from him, with how rateful towards me”
Xiao Yao “You…you…you’re so smart yet so cruel towards yourself! Very feomen can carve out a free distance for herself in your situation”
“I have to thank Hisme this freedom and space I know a lot of secrets and another person would keep me close to him But I wanted to leave and His oing to be extreet a man like His majesty, but I knoith ti as I’ the road then I believe I can et His majesty”
Xiao Yao toasted Jin Xuan “Best wishes to youthat person soon!”
Jin Xuan s to head to the town to collect the information he needed
On the 17th day in mid-autu on the last three victories and his troops advanced confidently, with Ju Mang defeating Xian To avoid having her troop be cornered, Feng Long ordered Xian to retreat and she led her troops back to rendezvous with Feng Long’s forces
This was his fourth defeat to Ru So and Feng Long was thoroughly shamed but it was Zhuan Xu who reassured him “It’s more important to preserve your forces and wait for the a better tiht without reinforceht forward flank cannot be fixed As long as they are alive then I have faith they will continue to winrun”
Because Xian was a Chi Sui clan oing easy on her yet Zhuan Xu never doubted hi was relieved and touched that his choice e ruler orth following
Feng Long invited Jing out for a walk and when they were alone he said “Back then I felt Zhuan Xu was a s an uphill battle all alone so I hesitated in deciding whether to back him It was thanks to your endless persuasion that led et hi even said “Because Zhuan Xu is all alone is evenor Yu Hao it would be adding to their masses of supporters But if you picked Zhuan Xu then you’re the first to back hi s the situation for you, in the end youLong looked out over the distance and sighed “You’re always like this, always refusing to accept your due! You thought up the plan to win Zhuan Xu the throne by giving up Xuan Yuan Mountain and going to Sheng Nong Mountain You explained it all tothe support of the Middle Plains by going to Sheng Nong Mountain, and with our help his success would increase since he was the eldest grandson of the Emperor and Empress anyways so the Xuan Yuan elders would not veheot the support of the Middle Plains Your analysis persuaded me to support His majesty and to this day he still thinks I carand vision, hence he’s always extra trusting of me and allow me to re Long was perplexed “Jing, why don’t you ever fight for soround as Jing, one the future Chi Sui clan leader and the other the future Tu Shan clan leader On the journey tolikely did , and definitely not any less But Jing always re’s follower, allowing hi’s own a said “How did I not cos I don’t care about What I really want I never once let you have”
“Youfurrowed his brow and asked “Xiao Yao?”
Jing sighed and admitted “You view ht with you I knew you were interested in Xiao Yao yet I wooed her in your own residence I knew you planned toBei to snatch her at the wedding I’ve never done anything in ize for, other than these two things, and both were done to you”
Feng Long reer “When Xiao Yao ran off fro, I really was miserable for quite so said “I thought I could let her go but I thought too highly ofand then laughed “I always thought you so nanimous, so noble in all your actions Every time I saw you I felt inadequate, who knew you were really a selfish sneaky guy all along!”
Jing said “When Xiao Yao and I got engaged, you were already in Gao Xing fighting so the present fro it while cursing me out All these years we still communicate but never mention this issue and act like it doesn’t exist But I really wish to receive a sincere ish from you”
“Do you really care?”
“I care very et a ish froet one fro discuss him in the same breadth as Hou He really did view him as a real brother! But he decided to cop an attitude still “I’ll consider it”
Jing and Feng Long grew up together for thirty years as kids so Jing could tell ihed “You take your ti it It’s still a ways away before Xiao Yao and I get hed “Actually, I was angry when I first heard of the engagement since it’s hard not to ree since Xiao Yao’s not the same as before, she was a priceless treasure before but is now a big problem that no one dares to touch At least noouldn’t have the guts to be with her So after a few days er passed but I wasn’t able to be happy for you either So I told the elders to prepare whatever present they wanted” Feng Long patted Jing’s shoulder “Don’t worry, on your wedding day I will personally be there to deliver a present As long as Ru So that bastard isn’t in thea battle with ”
“Thank you!”
“What’s the thanks for? I really ought the thank you Everyone admires the head of the Four Great Clans but I see it as bars in a prison In the past you patiently listened to allimpertinent Not only that, you also supported me and now I’ve finally broken the traditional edicts and beco, you actually helped et that Xiao Yao isn’t mine now, even if she is mine you can have her if you really want her She’s not what I really want but she’s soe your life in order to be with”
Feng Long grabbed Jing’s shoulder and sighed “Actually I should be thankful that all you want is Xiao Yao If you wanted what I want then we ers”
Jing didn’t reject the bodily contact like before when Feng Long touched hih and the positions they occupied now, a shoulder hug was so precious and rare In this verycompletely trusted each other with closeness that could easily deliver a killing strike to the other
Feng Long and Jing just arrived back at the base when Yu Jiang caed into the army base and has been captured It’s unclear her identity, likely a Gao Xing noble”
Feng Long asked “You didn’t interrogate to confire scratches on his face and looked sheepish “That girl is too difficult to wrangle I…I…I’ll leave her to the Great General to interrogate!”
Feng Long and Jing walked over and saw frohtly with ropes but she refused to stop fighting and still shot water arrows and swords from her free hands towards the soldiers, none of who dared to hurt her but still had to keep her restrained
Feng Long sighed “If it was a Gao Xing spy who has been captured she ought not to be so belligerent If she’s not a spy then on’t she just talk nicely?”
Jing already recognized her and rushed over Feng Long stopped once he got close and saw her face which had a dirty rag stuffed in her’s Yi He tribe but he never was ranked high enough to havequickly asked “Who stuffed the rag in her mouth?”
A soldier replied “I did, sir! She kept insulting and cursing Histo shut herhurriedly untied her and took out the rag as Ah Nian i “You piece of shi+t Zhuan Xu! You bastard who forgot who raised you! Also Yu Jiang, you traitor, get out here now……”
Feng Long’s forehead furrowed tightly and he wanted to shove the rag back in Ah Nian’s ht over a cup of fresh water and handed it to Ah Nian “Rinse yourand i that a stinky dirty rab a brush and scour herappeared to understand and said “If you want to curse at least wash up first, I’ll take you to clean up”
Ah Nian cocked her head to stare at the handsome noblewinding through a serene ba anyone who saw hi Qui – the Tu Shan clan leader”
Jing smiled back “It’s all men here and not clean, will Princess please co and Feng Long breathed a sigh of relief that Jing was here to handle this He ordered all the soldiers to never divulge what happened here today and then rushed to report to Zhuan Xu This “Gao Xing spy” was not soate, he would leave her to His ht Ah Nian to Xiao Yao’s tent and called inside “Xiao Yao, guess who’s here?”