BXBX NOVEL Chapter 198 - 198: 198. Break even
Chapter 198 - 198: 198. Break even
When he saw Su Liang again, she had already finished her demonstration and guidance for the soldiers who would be following the new training rules from today.
Lin Bojun pulled Su Liang aside, “Xiaoliang, did I say anything nonsense last night when I was drunk?”
Su Liang nodded, “No, you just cried and said you missed Yu Jin. I’ll let her know when we return to the capital city.”
Lin Bojun was stunned, “Me? Crying? Impossible!”
Su Liang said solemnly, “Second Brother Lin, can you not remember anything at all? If I say so, it happened.”
With that, Su Liang walked away briskly.
Lin Bojun frowned as he stood in place, then shook his head after a while,
“Impossible, Xiaoliang must be talking nonsense.”
Su Liang went to report the training situation to Xing Ji.
In fact, Xing Ji had been watching almost the entire process, so he already had a general understanding.
“Looking at what you wrote, it seems like the training has just changed some methods, with similar intensity. Today, I saw that many soldiers couldn’t hold on,” Xing Ji sighed slightly, “There’s indeed a big deficiency, and we need to strengthen the training.”
Su Liang’s attitude towards this was optimistic, “It’s just the beginning, they’re not used to it yet, but they’ll get better soon.”
Xing Ji laughed and said that everyone in the army had been very happy with the improved meals these past two days, and they all credited Su Liang for it.
Su Liang smiled, “It’s just a small matter. I wonder if there will be someone from Liang Country coming today?”
As soon as her words fell, a report came from outside the door, “General, a scout reports that a team from Feng City left half an hour ago and is heading this way.”
Xing Ji’s expression turned serious, “Send out more scouts!”
Soon, the generals of Xuanbei City all received the news and gathered in the Meeting Hall.
“Genius Master, Pingbei City is easy to attack but hard to defend. We can’t move all our soldiers there!” a veteran said.
Xing Ji nodded, “Indeed. But we can push our defensive line forward. The night before last, I had already sent a letter to the capital city, waiting for Emperor
Qian’s instructions.”
With that, there was nothing more to discuss on this matter.
“I want to remind you all that although it seems that Liang Country is short of food and doesn’t want to fight, nothing is absolute. As the defenders of Xuanbei City, we need to be ready for war at any time!” Xing Ji’s expression was serious, “I haven’t been here for long, but I have already found many problems in the army. From today on, we must enforce military discipline! I will not call out names today. I will give you three days to review and rectify yourselves. After three days, any violations of military regulations will be severely punished!”
At these words, more than a dozen generals in the Meeting Hall silently straightened their backs.
Before today, Xing Ji had given people a somewhat gentle impression. After arriving, he had focused on military training and meals, and had spoken privately with each of the generals, showing humble and polite attitudes.
But they didn’t expect Xing Ji to have done a lot of investigations behind their backs.
At this time, there were already two generals who had broken into a cold sweat.
Previously, no one in the room had colluded with the rebellion under the rule of the Wan father and son. None of them had had the chance to rebel before the Wan father and son lost power.
However, some of them were not entirely clean and had some problems.
“You can leave,” Xing Ji swept a glance over the generals, “General Lin, General Che, and General Su stay.”
Once the Meeting Hall was left with only Xing Ji and three young generals, his tone softened, “Once the people from Liang Country arrive, you three will be in charge of reception.”
Che Yun immediately nodded, “Yes.” As he spoke, he looked at Su Liang and smiled, “The city was conquered by General Su herself, so I will follow her instructions.”
Xing Ji smiled, “What do you think, Su Liang?”
Su Liang asked, “I wonder what our goal is? To get the Liang Country’s army and common people to leave Pingbei City?”
Moving a city’s population was no small matter.
Xing Ji shook his head, “If there are people in Pingbei City who don’t want to leave, they can stay, or move to Xuanbei City to live, becoming part of Qian Country.”
Su Liang nodded, “Alright. What if the envoy from Liang Country proposes to trade grain with Qian Country?”
“First, let’s see what price they offer, then we’ll discuss it,” Xing Ji said.
“Understood. I guarantee the task will be completed,” Su Liang said seriously.
Xing Ji did not appear in person at the beginning of the negotiations because if the person coming from Liang Country was not their main general, Wei Yao, they would not be qualified to directly negotiate with him.
Arranging someone to negotiate specifically can provide greater room for easing and bargaining negotiations.
Su Liang saw that Xing Ji valued Che Yun very much. He was indeed outstanding, both in martial arts and in his intelligence.
Today, Xing Ji’s talk about enforcing military discipline was actually arranged by Che Yun to investigate in secret, and he had done an excellent job.
“When do you expect the people from Liang Country to arrive?” Su Liang asked.
Che Yun, who was more familiar with Xuanbei City and Pingbei City, answered, “Within one hour.”
“Then let’s go to your house first,” Su Liang said, standing up.
Che Yun was puzzled, “My house?”
“Today is the day to give your father acupuncture,” Su Liang hadn’t forgotten.
Che Yun slapped his forehead, “When I saw General Su earlier, I was thinking about asking you when you were going to do it after talking about official business, but I forgot it for a moment.”
Lin Bojun was about to follow suit, but Xing Ji stopped him.
Seeing Su Liang and Che Yun leaving one after the other, Xing Ji asked Lin
Bojun, “Why do you always follow Su Liang?”
Lin Bojun said solemnly, “I have to help my family’s Ajing watch her, in case someone abducts her.”
Xing Ji held his forehead, “That makes sense, but it’s not necessary. Su Liang has a clear mind about this kind of thing and will handle it well.”
Lin Bojun laughed, “That’s true.” Ning Jing was in Xuanbei City keeping an eye on Su Liang, so he didn’t need to worry.
“The emperor intends to cultivate you, so put more effort into military training,” Xing Ji instructed.
He had already arranged for Lin Bojun to be in charge of military training.
On the way, Su Liang asked, “I heard that General Che originally had a younger brother?”
Che Yun was not surprised that Su Liang knew about this and sighed, “Yes, he went missing when he was young. If he is still alive, he would be about the same age as General Su. My parents have never been able to let go of the loss of my younger brother over the years, and their health has deteriorated as a result.”
“What’s your brother’s name? Are there any distinctive features? My fiancé has businesses in various places and might be able to help look for him, ” Su Liang said.
Che Yun was stunned for a moment, and then his expression brightened,
“Really? General Su, you’re so kind-hearted!”
Su Liang sighed softly, “I can only say we’ll try.”
“That alone is a great help!” Che Yun said emotionally, “Finding my younger brother and bringing him home is my greatest wish in this life. My parents are here, and their health is not good. I can’t leave this place, otherwise, I would search the ends of the earth and the corners of the seas for him!”
“What’s your brother’s name?” Su Liang asked again.
Che Yun hurriedly said, “Oh, right, I was too excited and forgot to say! My brother’s name is Che Xiao, like the Xiao in Yuxiao! Appearance wise… my mother said he looked a lot like me,”
Su Liang looked at Che Yun’s face with a big beard, “Actually, I’m not quite sure what General Che looks like.”
Che Yun tugged at his own beard, “Actually, I grew it on purpose because people always laughed at me when I was younger for looking like a girl.”
Su Liang was truly surprised and curious now, because Che Yun’s current image was very masculine.
But to tell the truth, Che Yun’s eyebrows and eyes were indeed very delicate.
However, after growing his beard, anyone who saw him would pay attention to his beard.
“When my younger brother was born, I already had memories, and I think he didn’t look like me at all, even better looking than me!” Che Yun laughed, “He has a fist-sized red birthmark on the left side of his neck!”
Su Liang looked at the fist that Che Yun raised, and the birthmark should be quite obvious.
“Okay, I’ll keep an eye out. If there’s any news, I will let General Che know.” Su Liang said.
“Don’t be so polite, just call me by my name.” Che Yun smiled and said, “I know that General Su has a heart full of roses and absolutely no improper thoughts. I simply admire General Su! I am also grateful for your medical treatment for my parents!”
Su Liang liked straightforward people, so she changed her address to call Che Yun by his name.
When they were about to arrive at Che’s house, Che Yun started, “Before General Su came, I met a little brother in Xuanbei City who reminded me of my little brother as soon as I saw him. His name is Wen Liang, and he is from Pingbei City to do business. He definitely comes from a big family. Have you heard of him, General Su?”
Su Liang listened and realized that Che Yun had found out that she was Wen Liang.
Before she could speak, Che Yun laughed, “I don’t know why, but I feel that
General Su and little brother Wen Liang give me a similar feeling.”
Su Liang nodded, directly admitting, “It’s me.”
Che Yun paused in surprise, then broke into hearty laughter, “General Su is really a straightforward person! I guess General Su first went to Xuanbei City secretly to deal with the Wan Shan father and son, right? Otherwise, the change of the generals wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.”
“Since you guessed it.” Su Liang said that there was nothing that couldn’t be mentioned now.
“Stop praising me. My ears are getting calloused.” Su Liang said as she dismounted at the door of Che’s house.
When she met Mr. and Mrs. Che again, their complexions hadn’t improved much.
Mrs. Che was preparing incense and candles. The fifteenth day was tomorrow, and she was going to burn incense and pray to Buddha at Ping’an Temple.
Che Yun didn’t mention Su Liang’s offer to help find Che Xiao.
Su Liang administered acupuncture to Mr. Che and took Mrs. Che’s pulse, reminding her to drink her medicine. After everything was done, she and Che Yun left the Che residence and returned to the military camp together.
On the way, Che Yun asked Su Liang who “Wen Gu” was, the person who had been with her at that time.
Su Liang said he was the master hired by Ning Jing to protect her and also her friend.
“Young Master Ning and General Su are truly a match made in heaven.” Che Yun exclaimed.
Su Liang had a good impression of Che Yun. She had just thought of asking him about his younger brother at that time, and since she had said it, she really intended to help him find Che Xiao.
The Liang Country envoy entered the city and was invited to the General’s Mansion where Su Liang stayed.
The leader was an old general from Liang Country named Peng Wei, who was Wei Yao’s father-in-law.
When Wei Teng was captured alive by Xing Ji, leading to heavy losses in that battle for Liang Country, he returned home and Peng Wei took over.
After Peng Wei’s son was injured and disabled, Wei Yao, his son-in-law, naturally took over as the main general when he became older.
Although they were in the weaker position, Peng Wei had a violent temper and didn’t show much politeness. After taking a seat, he saw three young people sitting opposite him and snorted, “Where’s Xing Ji? Is he looking down on me?”
Su Liang smiled, “Why didn’t General Wei come? Is he looking down on Qian
Country?”
Peng Wei was choked for a moment, squinting at Su Liang, “So it’s you, the one who defeated my grandson?”
Su Liang nodded.
“I didn’t expect such a yellow-haired girl to be so powerful. At first, when I heard that Qian Country chose a young girl as the Martial Arts Champion, I thought it was the Emperor Qian’s little princess who had fallen into exile!” Peng Wei said as he laughed at himself, “You really have skills, and I respect you for it!”
Su Liang was very calm, “Let’s start the negotiation.”
“Do you want Nanfeng City or not?” Peng Wei immediately got to the point. Su Liang nodded, “Of course we want it.”
“Deal! Our soldiers can withdraw, but if the common people leave Nanfeng City, they will become homeless. What are your plans for that?” Peng Wei asked.
Su Liang replied as Xing Ji had instructed her.
“That’s good!” Peng Wei nodded, “Many people in Nanfeng City cannot afford food. You have to take care of them!”
Su Liang maintained her smile, “That’s not for General Peng to worry about.”
“Give us three more days, and then you can go to Nanfeng City!” Peng Wei said.
Su Liang agreed, “No problem.”
“I heard that your husband is the largest tea merchant in Qian Country? Is his money yours?” Peng Wei looked at Su Liang and asked.
A corner of Lin Bojun’s mouth twitched slightly.
Che Yun coughed lightly, “General Peng, General Su has not yet married. That Ning gentleman is her fiancé.”
“I’m talking to her, why are you interrupting? It’s all the same!” Peng Wei said to Che Yun displeasedly.
“Yes, General Peng. What do you want to teach me?” Su Liang asked.
“Business with you!” Peng Wei said, “One hundred thousand stones of grain, name your price!”
Su Liang had indeed said that night that if she lost, she would pay one hundred thousand stones of grain to Liang Country.
“I heard that the horses in Liang Country are not bad.” Su Liang smiled, “How about exchanging horses for grain?”
Peng Wei frowned, “No other options?”
Su Liang shook her head, “No.” Although Xing Ji had also mentioned ore, Qian Country didn’t lack ore for the time being; what they needed were good warhorses.
“I can’t make this decision. I’ll go back and discuss it with my people and send you a message later.” Peng Wei stood up, “The negotiation is over, let’s go! No need to send me off!”
Su Liang was actually surprised that the negotiation went so smoothly, and Peng Wei didn’t even drink a sip of water.
However, even if they were in an adversarial relationship, Su Liang still admired Peng Wei’s straightforward temperament.
“By the way!” When Peng Wei reached the doorway, he suddenly turned back and asked Su Liang, “Who gave you your sword?”
Su Liang’s Luoying Sword was on the table, but she didn’t expect Peng Wei to notice it. She simply said, “An elder.”
Peng Wei furrowed his brow but didn’t inquire further. With a group of people, he strode away like the wind.
“Che Yun, go and see them off and make sure they leave the city.” Su Liang said.
Che Yun nodded and followed.
“You’re already calling each other by your names? It seems you get along well.” Lin Bojun said.
“He’s an alright person.” Su Liang casually responded, “Let’s go to the military camp and report to Uncle Xing.”
However, before she could leave the courtyard, a small stone hit her back.
Lin Bojun didn’t notice it, and Su Liang glanced back at the fallen stone, then told Lin Bojun, “I’d like to change my clothes before going. Second Brother Lin, you go ahead.”
Lin Bojun didn’t suspect anything, so he left.
Su Liang picked up the small stone that had hit her and returned to her residence in the General’s Mansion. She went straight into her room, closed the door, turned into the small study, and saw Ning Jing standing there. She threw the stone at him.
Ning Jing could have caught it, but he let the stone hit his chest. His thin lips opened slightly and he said, “We’re even now.”
“What do you want?” Su Liang asked.
Ning Jing’s expression was indifferent, “That Peng Wei, his hall of fame turns black. He might die soon..”