Chapter 260 (1/2)
Chapter 260
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
”Look at that flag! The Eastern Hu Forces!” A wave of cheers resounded. At that moment, everyone was taken aback. They stared as they were so excited; their faces were flushed red.
”The Eastern Hu Forces! It's them!”
”They are armies of the Seventh Prince! Our allies!”
”Long live the Seventh Highness! Long Live the Xia Empire!”
….
Wei Shuye sat atop his horse. Never in his life did he ever expect that at this very critical juncture, Zhao Che, who was supposed to be seizing Zhen Huang City, would appear here. After he had abandoned this friendship in accordance with his family's instructions to support Zhao Yang, it was ironic that at this very moment when his family had abandoned him, when Zhao Yang had abandoned him, when the Empire had abandoned him, it was this man whom he had abandoned that turned back to save him. Biting his teeth, Wei Shuye slashed into another enemy's skull.
”Kill the enemies!” The bugle call to charge was sounded off once again. Along with the hot blood of passion, the burning will to fight was ignited once again. In the completely devastated battlefield, dusk set in as the sounds of killing finally reduced to silence. The evening breeze brought along with it the musky smell of iron.
In his battle dress, Zhao Che stood atop a dam as he overlooked this battlefield that was soaked in blood. Wei Shuye stood not far behind him as he looked at Zhao Che's figure. At that moment, it was as though they had gone back in time, as Wei Shuye recalled that time when this defeated prince had just returned to the capital. As Zhao Che knelt in Zi Wei Square pleading guilty, Wei Shuye had stood just like that, watching his back which was always straight, and his fists which seemed to always be clenched.
After so many years, after having gone through life and death, ups and downs, dangers and risks, loyalty and betrayal, everyone's eyes seemed to have aged.
Zhao Yang had turned into an ambitious man, Zhao Song gave up any form of ambitions, Zhao Qi died in Yan Bei, Yan Xun turned ruthless and decisive, Zhuge Yue finally awoke to his own stubbornness. Yet, amidst all these changes, only Zhao Che had stayed the same as he had always been. He had always been firm and decisive. He had never seemed to be weak, never even once showing any signs of weakness. This man was a born soldier, a born defender.
Walking over slowly, standing behind Zhao Che, Wei Shuye opened his mouth, and said, ”Thank you for rescuing me.”
Zhao Che did not turn around, as though he had long known that this man was standing behind him. A low voice could be heard, ”I just did not want to let down my family name.” Indeed, he was the descendent of Emperor Peiluo, with the purest of blue blood running through his veins. He was merely defending his territory and people. This had nothing to do with their respective factions, or even to save anyone.
”Look, how beautiful.” Zhao Che suddenly stretched out his hands, and using his sheath, he pointed to the grass plains that were below him. Under the setting sun, the crimson rays illuminated the barren plains that waved with the wind. It was like blood was running through a sea of gold. Truly a sight to behold.
”The worldly people had not seen the true vastness of the world, because such a world had not yet been created. There will be a day, from the Shangshen Highlands of Yan Bei to the East Coast of the Song Empire, from the Ahdu Wastelands of the Western Deserts to the Jiuwai Mountain Ranges of the Southern Borders, everyone will bow to the feet of the Empire. And that story will have its opening act written by my blade.” Turning around, with eyes glimmering in resolution, he stared into Wei Shuye as he smiled confidently before holding his fist out and firmly saying, ”The Xia Empire will not cease to exist.”
Wei Shuye looked back at him. Staying silent for a long while, Wei Shuye finally revealed a trace of a smile. The smile spread on his face, showing his eyes that were full of life. ”The Xia Empire will not cease to exist!” He stretched out his fist too, bumping Zhao Che's fist.
Under the skies of the Northwestern Region, the beautiful sun gradually set below the horizon. The army that had been rushing for the entire day finally got to rest as the entire force started to cook dinner and catch some sleep. They merely had four hours of rest. Once the time was up, they would need to continue to rush to the Southwest.
After having checked on the entire army, Zhuge Yue had just returned to his main camp when he saw that Chu Qiao had gotten ready to leave, as though she was waiting for him to come back before she set off on her journey.
Zhuge Yue stood at the door and observed her in silence without saying a single word. The spring wind was a little stronger than usual, as it lifted the veils of the entrance, letting rays of light from outside into the tent, covering them with a thin glow.
”You have made up your mind?” a low voice finally resounded. One could not tell the emotion of the voice as the tone was exceedingly calm.
Chu Qiao nodded, and she replied seriously, ”Yes, I have made up my mind.”
Hearing that, Zhuge Yue turned around and headed off, saying, ”I will prepare a war horse for you.”
”Zhuge Yue!” Chu Qiao stepped up, grabbing Zhuge Yue's hand, seeming to be in a dilemma. The atmosphere in the tent was rather heavy. Chu Qiao lowered her head, frowning. Her palms were cold like a block of ice. Finally, the man before her turned around and looked at her seriously. Pausing for a long while, he heaved a helpless sigh of relief, as he removed her sword and put his own sword by her waist. He then turned around and tied a concealed dagger to her calves. After which, he stepped out of the tent and brought in a set of soft armor which he slowly put on her. He removed his own cape and put it over her. Without speaking, he continued to help her prepare her equipment, sharpening her blade, checking her luggage, packing medicine. Chu Qiao's eyes watered up as she bit her lips, watching how he continued to buzz around.
”Alright.” After settling everything, the man stood before her and said, ”Prepare to eat. After two more hours, we will be separated. I can only see you off to here.”
Chu Qiao nodded, feeling a tinge of sadness and helplessness, along with guilt and even with a bit of fear. It had been so long since she had been so scared. As expected, one must not have too much. Once one feels too much happiness, one will fear loss.
”Xing'er, promise me, you must return in perfect shape to see me.”
Chu Qiao quickly nodded and lifted her head to look at him, asking, ”Are you not angry at me?”
Zhuge Yue smiled bitterly. ”If I were angry, would you not go?”
Chu Qiao lowered her head. Over this matter, they had already argued a few times, yet at this moment right before their departure, she did not wish to continue this dangerous topic.