Chapter 274 (1/2)

In the wind, the grass swayed as the young general clad in light green armor opened the letter in his hand while sitting atop his horse. A horse trotted over from the back. It was Wei Shuye. Seeing how Zhao Che's expression seemed to reveal that he was in a dilemma, Wei Shuye lifted an eyebrow and asked, ”Did Zhuge Yue send another letter?”

”Yes.” Only after waiting a while did Zhao Che lift his head and chuckle, saying, ”He has a daughter now and is seeking me to bestow her with a title.”

”Oh?” Wei Shuye chuckled sincerely. ”He is pretty lucky to have both a son and daughter. We should send some gifts over.”

”Think no more. He personally requested a list of presents.”

Wei Shuye was slightly taken aback upon hearing that before laughing yet again. ”He is already the father of two and he is still so awkward.”

Zhao Che's gaze was gentle as though he had remembered some things from the past. He smiled and said, ”Since young, he has always been like this. Do you remember back when we were in Shangwu Hall, everyone would hold a banquet and others would prepare presents, yet he was the strange one as he never told us anything. Once he treated the 13th brother to a meal, and it just so happened that it was his birthday. After that, the 13th brother boasted about how he was treated by Zhuge Yue. But in the end on the very second day, over 20 shops went to the 13th Brother's butler to collect a debt. Apparently, Zhuge Yue bought a bunch of things using the 13th brother's name.”

Wei Shuye laughed. ”Yes, I definitely remember that. That time the 13th Prince really spent a lot. He spent half a year worth of allowance on one meal and had to borrow money from me three months in a row. Even now he still has not returned it to me.”

”Haha, they all say the 13th brother was the most earnest person, but he is actually the most cunning. Since young, he was always the one who would not return money that he borrowed.”

As they chatted, they walked back. Zhao Che's main palace was situated at Shuanghan City, next to Beiluosi. The area covered was huge, on the scale of Zhen Huang City. In the past few years of developments, the population was increasing rapidly and was quickly becoming the number one commercial hub in the north.

Before they even entered the city, they could hear a wave of horses trotting over. The lady that was at the very front donned a large red cape as she wore boots made of fox fur. Her face was slightly red, and her beautiful features were like the gods painted her themselves. Looking at her carefully, one could tell that her stomach was slightly bulging, indicating that she was pregnant. Seeing Zhao Che, her eyes lit up as she whipped her horse, dashing to him. Zhao Che could not help but frown, yet Wei Shuye was hiding his stifled laughter on the side.

”You did not tell me anything even though you have come back. Hmph, in the end, weren't you still discovered by me?” The woman was already the mother of two, and even the third kid was about to be born, yet she still did not have a single tinge of maturity as she thrashed the whip around as she raised her chin and looked at Zhao Che with her narrowed eyes full of pride and happiness.

”You are pregnant, why do you still ride a horse? Do you not remember my words?”

”Tch!” Wan Yanrou clicked her tongue and brushed off his comment. ”I was born to my mother on a horse. We women of the East Hu are not as weak as the Xia woman.” Just as she said that, she jumped off the horse and ran over to Zhao Che's side and tried to mount his horse. It was apparent that she wanted to share the ride with Zhao Che.

”Pull me! Pull me up!” Wan Yanrou went on her tippytoes and wailed. Having a big stomach would indeed hinder her movement.

Seeing her stubborn face, Zhao Che finally gave in and with a sigh, he pulled her onto the horse. He didn't dare to dash anymore and merely controlled the horse in a brisk walk.

Wan Yanrou who said that the Xia women were weak and gentle ultimately obediently cowered in the embrace of her husband, smiling like a cat who had just eaten a fish.

Just as they returned to the palace, servants immediately crowded over reporting about the latest intelligence from inland. Wan Yanrou was so furious, she went back to the back palace, supposedly to play ball with her son.

Zhao Che informed the servants to take good care of her as he walked to the main palace. The afternoon sun was bright as it shone on the ground, turning everything a golden hue.

The news that was sent was from Zhao Yang. The content was roughly the same as the information given by Zhuge Yue but was more detailed. Zhao Yang had been rather active in the northern borders, and being able to provide more details was only natural. In the first place, Zhuge Yue's letter was sent out half a month ago. At that moment the battle had not intensified. Being able to identify the situation in advance was already a feat on its own.

Wei Shuye knew that Zhuge Yue would not write a letter to merely report on his family issues. It was that he had just returned from a campaign in the Tuyuhun and that Zhao Che did not want to worry him too much. As such, Wei Shuye went home and gave his greetings before heading back to the palace. The moment he entered the palace, he saw that Zhao Che had gathered a group of military advisors and was discussing military matters.

The discussion lasted for four entire hours until dinner time. Wan Yanrou had sent servants to hurry them for dinner multiple times. In fact, she was about to personally barge into the meeting to argue with the ministers. It was then that the ministers finally relented and dismissed the meeting. Zhao Che invited Wei Shuye for dinner, and Wei Shuye accepted. The only problem he faced was that he was stared down furiously by Wan Yanrou, who hoped to finally have her husband to herself.

After eating, they entered the study room. Zhao Che got straight to the point and asked, ”What says you about this matter?”

Wei Shuye smiled gently and said, ”Your Highness should have already had an idea long ago, why ask me?”

Zhao Che frowned. ”I had not made up my mind yet.”

”Your Highness, when you are hesitating, you have essentially made up your mind.”

Zhao Che slowly sat down and rubbed the teacup in his hand, deep in contemplation.