Chapter 598: 683 The world is big, I want to go see it.
Chen Mo is now in the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment and also possesses the Top Grade Magical Artifact, the Nine Thunder Profound Celestial Spear. The first technique, Spear Emerges Like a Dragon, of the Profound Celestial Dragon has reached Perfection. With such strength, he truly isn’t afraid of Zhao Jiang taking this opportunity to attack.
Moreover, he has left some red-barreled cannons behind, Xiao Jiu is also by his side, and people like Wu Lu are staying in the Capital. There’s no need to worry about a lack of manpower.
"It’s good that you’re confident." Seeing that Chen Mo is prepared to deal with King Yan, Zhao Qianyi didn’t need to worry about the Capital and could wholeheartedly focus on the expedition to Jizhou.
Seeing the concern on Zhao Qianyi’s face, Chen Mo smiled and took her hand, saying, "But you, Qianyi, the battlefield is ever-changing and full of crises, so be extra careful."
Zhao Qianyi nodded, her red lips lightly pressed together, hesitating to speak, she said, "Then... I’m leaving."
Though she said that, her hand didn’t pull away from Chen Mo’s.
Chen Mo raised his hand to caress her cheek and whispered in her ear, "Remember to freshen up, I’ll come find you later..."
Zhao Qianyi’s face flushed, a hint of shyness in her eyes, she gave a soft hum.
...
The news of the army’s deployment also reached the women in the backyard. For confidentiality, Chen Mo hadn’t told them in advance. When he returned to the backyard, before he had time to change his outer robe, a group of young women surrounded him.
They chirped, asking how long Chen Mo would be gone this time.
Chen Mo pulled Zhao Jiangning, who leaned into him, into his arms, his large hand gently stroking her black silk-clad legs. The young women were used to this and found nothing strange about it.
Chen Mo said, "I’m not leading the troops this time; I’ll be staying at the rear."
Zhao Jiangning, Wu Xin’Er, and the others immediately looked delighted.
Leading troops to war could mean being away for at least a month or two and carried the danger of life. The women were quite dependent on Chen Mo, so naturally, they preferred him to stay by their side.
Wu Xin’Er understood the situation, whispered softly, "Husband, if you’re not leading the troops this time, who will be the commander?"
"The Princess." Chen Mo said, "The Princess has been guarding Hu Lao Pass for twelve years, with more experience in commanding troops than I. The attack on the rebels is a multi-pronged approach, and she’s more adept at it than me.
By the way, Ruoqing and Old He will be joining the battle this time."
"Master is going too?" Yi Yao, holding Jiang Ruoqing’s hand, looked at Chen Mo and said, "Then, Master, can I go with you?"
"What do you think?" Chen Mo cast her a glance.
Yi Yao stuck out her tongue, just saying it casually, then turned to Master saying, "Master, I’ll help you pack."
"Let’s go together." Sensing Jiang Ruoqing glancing at him, Chen Mo said.
Jiang Ruoqing: "..."
Zhao Jiangning also sneaked along.
...
In Jiang Ruoqing’s room.
The lights were out, the spacious room’s inner section veiled with curtains, silk skirts, bellybands, and black silk scattered on the ground, with the black silk torn, conversation faintly audible:
"Master, why are you pressing on me?"
"I’ve told you many times, don’t call me Master at a time like this..."
"Ruoqing, be good..."
"Lord, you’re so perverted, actually kissing Sister Ruoqing’s feet..."
The conversation continued for a long while before calming down.
On the bedding, Chen Mo lay back, exhaling deeply.
Jiang Ruoqing turned onto her side, laying inward, her cheeks slightly moist, hair clinging to her face without caring, she didn’t want to move at this moment.
Perhaps potentially not seeing Chen Mo for a long time motivated Jiang Ruoqing’s enthusiastic conversation.
Zhao Jiangning had already recovered early on, laying outside, her face slightly red, sneaking a glance to ensure Yi Yao wasn’t paying attention, she snatched Chen Mo’s arm, placing it under her cheek as a pillow, but in the next second, Chen Mo withdrew his arm.
"Lord, it’s so late, where are you going?" Zhao Jiangning asked, surprised, seeing Chen Mo get up.
"I have some military matters to discuss with the Princess, and I might forget them after a night’s sleep." Chen Mo said.
Zhao Jiangning gave a meaningful "Oh," then lightly patted Yi Yao’s bottom, laughing softly, "Yaoyao, get up and help the husband get dressed."
Yi Yao moved inward, hugging Master’s arm, discontent evident, kicking Zhao Jiangning lightly: "You sleep outside."
"No need, just sleep." Chen Mo didn’t let Zhao Jiangning help him dress, saying, "Jiangning, help Ruoqing pack up..."
Coming into the room, they started making a mess, nowhere left to pack things orderly.
...
The silver moon hung in the air.
September nights were somewhat stifling.
On the glazed tiles of the roof of the Princess’s Mansion, Zhao Qianyi, dressed in a splendid palace gown, sat leaning against a nearby auspicious beast statue, holding a bamboo flute in her hand, gently playing as the flute’s sound drifted in the night sky.
"Why are you up here?" Chen Mo landed beside Zhao Qianyi.
It was Chen Mo’s first time seeing Zhao Qianyi dressed so beautifully; it was a sky-blue splendid palace gown, the collar opened low, revealing an ample white curve at her chest, with the long skirt’s slit showing a stretch of fair leg.
Her red lips were fresh, gleaming, evidently made up in advance.
Zhao Qianyi’s usual attire was more valiant, without makeup, never as "feminine" as tonight.
"Waiting for you." The bamboo flute moved from her lips, Zhao Qianyi’s gaze swept to Chen Mo, a slight smile on her face: "Do I look... beautiful?"
Chen Mo sat beside her, raising a hand to embrace her, but she leaned on him, putting down the flute, and picked up the jug of wine long ready at the statue, lifting the red cloth, took a sip, and handed it to Chen Mo: "Strong wine."
Chen Mo accepted with a smile, drinking without hesitation, laughed loudly, "Good wine."
Zhao Qianyi said, "I brewed it personally before leaving the city twelve years ago, buried under the peach tree in the mansion, just remembered tonight and dug it out."
Hearing this, Chen Mo drank another sip, its preservation was good, without the taste of soil.
"When I buried it, I thought there’d be no chance to drink it." Zhao Qianyi laughed, head tilted, Chen Mo handed her the jug, she drank a sip, her expression complex as she said, "Turns out things are unpredictable..."
Chen Mo understood her meaning, smiling, "Let the past be the past, people must look forward."
Zhao Qianyi tilted her head towards Chen Mo, their eyes meeting steadily, she spoke, her voice melodious and long: "I... only have you."
Chen Mo lowered his head, kissing her forehead: "I’ve always been here."
"After the domestic turmoil ends, what do you plan to do? Do you intend to ascend to that highest position, or retire?"
"Neither, I want to go over there."
"Why? Here, you can summon the wind and rain freely, but over there, you might have to look to others’ moods."
"The world is vast; I want to see it." Chen Mo stood, issuing an invite: "Will you join me?"
