Chapter 34: Falling Into the Ice Cave

On the one hand, there is hatred of the country and family feud, on the other hand, the peace and happiness of all the people, and Xiao Xu is Xiao Yan's uncle after all, which shows that Xiao Yan has a difficult choice.

This was a Hamlet-like tragedy, and Zhou Shengchen had no choice but to wait quietly for his emotions to stabilize.

But no matter what, Xiao Yan was determined to avenge his father.

"The so-called revenge for killing my father is irreconcilable! In addition, after he insulted my mother, he deceived all the people and usurped the throne to conquer the world." He said bitterly, "If I cannot avenge this revenge, I will not be able to live up to my parents and ancestors. I’m sorry to the people of the world!”

Zhou Shengchen listened in silence for a long time before asking again: "How does the prince want to take revenge?"

Yes, not to mention avenging his father, even Xiao Yan himself could only endure the humiliation and escape from Nan Xiao alone.

After lowering his head and sighing for a long time, Xiao Yan looked up at Zhou Shengchen. After looking at each other, he prostrated himself on the ground and said: "Your Highness's reputation for bravery and kindness spreads all over the world. If I can get His Highness's help, I will be willing to die in repayment!"

Zhou Shengchen hurriedly helped him up and sighed: "It's not my little brother who won't help me, but I also made an oath and don't dare to send troops easily."

Xiao Yan was stunned for a moment and murmured: "So, the rumors about His Highness's oath are all true."

Zhou Shengchen nodded silently, and Xiao Yan sighed again.

Later, he said with pleading eyes: "Your Highness, since we are sworn brothers, can you really bear to watch me die as a monk for the rest of my life?"

Xiao Yan has great ambitions, coupled with his father's hatred, it can be said that the fire in his body is full of fire, and he is unwilling to be extinguished. But he really couldn't think of anyone else who could help, so he had no choice but to say this.

Zhou Shengchen stopped talking and just lowered his head in silence.

The war horses in the stables nearby seemed to understand the conversation between the two people, and they all seemed restless. Or snort, or neigh a few times, and then stamp on the ground.

This voice aroused Xiao Yan's passion even more, making it difficult for him to calm down: "Your Highness, it was not Xiao who deliberately provoked you - even if you made an oath, or even if you made more oaths, how could those people trust you?" And you?!"

Zhou Shengchen was secretly happy, but still looked at him expressionlessly.

"Let's not mention the previous ones. You formed an array in the north of the Yangtze River, swept through Yiyang County, Ruyin County, and Huaiyang County, raided Zhongli, and then besieged Shouyang. Later, you fought thousands of miles away, quelled the chaos in six towns, and raided Qingcheng and Shuiyanjiang. Prefecture, fierce battles in Shuo Prefecture, six out of Dai Prefecture, powerful Taiyuan County..." Xiao Yan said excitedly, "For such a great achievement, which emperor can reward you more, and which emperor dares to keep you!"

After saying that, he prostrated himself on the ground and burst into tears again.

Zhou Shengchen was as motionless as a sculpture, but his heart was already rolling like huge waves.

"Except for my unwillingness to help you, I really can't bear to have all the people displaced because of this." Zhou Shengchen said silently.

Xiao Yan heard that his tone had softened, and he quickly raised his head and said, "If your highness can use me to lead the troops south, he will not dare to damage the people's foundation. That thief is kind to the people, and he is also knowledgeable. If he sees the heavenly soldiers coming, he will definitely Raise the white flag and come down bare-chested!"

Seeing that Zhou Shengchen was still silent, he continued in a low voice: "Nanxiao has been pacified. I will send my troops north to rescue His Highness!"

After hearing his words, Zhou Shengchen couldn't help but smile: "Is this king using you to save me?"

Xiao Yan was surprised and immediately guessed what he meant: "What did your Highness mean?"

"The affairs of the world are decided by the people of the world. What Brother Xiao just said has actually been made clear." Zhou Shengchen said with a smile.

Xiao Yan looked at his meaningful smile and couldn't turn around for a while.

Zhou Shengchen said no more, stood up and left.

Xiao Yan sat alone in a daze, secretly thinking about the conversation with him.

At some point, Feng Qiao sat back next to him and asked, "Just say you are a fake monk, you don't chant sutras, you are just in a daze."

After coming back to her senses, Xiao Yan said something casually to her again. Seeing that he was absent-minded, Feng Qiao could only say, "Go and sleep. I, the general, will be sitting next to you to take care of you."

After hearing her words, Xiao Yan couldn't help but smile and said: "I won't run away. If you are worried, you can tie me to the horse post with an iron chain."

"You are His Highness's friend, how could I do this to you? Even if I am more troublesome, I have no choice but to do this." Although Feng Qiao was also sleepy, she still said this.

Xiao Yan was moved and had to walk aside. Lying down on the haystack, his mind was naturally still restless, and he continued to think about Zhou Shengchen's words.

Suddenly, his closed eyes couldn't help but open, and he seemed to understand what Zhou Shengchen meant: If he could help Xiao Yan avenge his great revenge, Xiao Yan should support Zhou Shengchen!

Xiao Yan couldn't help but tremble at this thought. After all, Nanxiao was a kingdom conquered by the late emperor and other previous emperors, and was it transferred to Zhou Shengchen for revenge?

Isn't Zhou Shengchen determined to be loyal to Beichen? He also swore not to take wives or concubines, nor to leave any heirs?

…

These problems troubled Xiao Yan and made it difficult for him to settle down.

If Zhou Shengchen breaks his oath, let alone the crusade from the princes of the world, wouldn't that mean that he will make the world laugh at him?

With his personality, he probably wouldn't do this. But he made it clear that he wanted to get Nan Xiao.

Xiao Yan thought about it again and again, and finally understood: there are only two points. One is that Zhou Shengchen is dissatisfied and is worried about being harmed, so he has to have a long-term plan; the other is that he may go to Nanxiao to avoid Beichen's infringement.

No matter what, it is certain that Zhou Shengchen will get Nan Xiao.

Xiao Yan then thought: If this is the case, then I can just send my troops north to seize the territory of Beichen, which will still satisfy my wish and live up to my ancestors; while Zhou Shengchen, even if he becomes the emperor of Nan Xiao, Also because he is benevolent and loves the people, he is not worth the suffering of the people in Jiangnan...

After thinking about it, Xiao Yan still couldn't decide.

Feng Qiao was sitting alone there, occasionally looking over. Seeing him tossing and turning, she couldn't help but smile and said: "If General Xiao can't sleep, I can still talk to you for a while."

Xiao Yan could only sit up with a smile, and then sat next to her. Because he had some insights in his mind, he directed the conversation to King Xiao Nanchen.

When it comes to King Xiao Nanchen, Feng Qiao, who has been following him all the time, naturally has countless topics and kind words to say.

From his bravery in marching and fighting to his kindness to the people and subordinates, she talked about it with great interest.

Xiao Yan listened very patiently, not even letting go of his care for ordinary soldiers in the army, and his generosity and consideration for everyone from nobles to ordinary people.

The two talked for a long time, and Feng Qiao finally couldn't help but said: "Okay, let's not talk about it for now. If you want to listen, I will tell you tomorrow. You have just arrived here after all, so you need to rest more."

Seeing how caring she was, Xiao Yan thanked her again and walked over to lie down.

This time, he fell asleep quickly because of his inner peace.

At dawn, when the rooster crowed, Xiao Yan rubbed his eyes and sat up, immediately regretting his carelessness.

I saw Feng Qiao sitting in the corner, holding a waist knife in her arms and dozing off. Xiao Yan, who had a very pleasant exchange with her, was immediately ashamed and gently stood up and came closer.

Feng Qiao heard this slight movement and immediately held the knife in her hand and opened her eyes vigilantly.

Xiao Yan quickly saluted and apologized: "I was originally a prisoner, but I made General Feng work so hard."

Seeing that there was nothing abnormal, Feng Qiao was relieved at first. Saying "It doesn't matter", when she wanted to stand up, she couldn't because her legs and feet were numb.

Xiao Yan quickly stepped forward to help, but Feng Qiao felt embarrassed about this.

Having lived in the military all year round, she got along well with a group of male generals and soldiers, and even fought fiercely. She had never been in such a shy mood before, and was surprised by her strange thoughts at the moment.

"Okay, I, the general, will take you to dinner right now." Feng Qiao said, returning the sword to its sheath and stepping forward.

Xiao Yan saw that she was still speaking loudly, but her face was already blushing, and she felt a little embarrassed.

The two of them washed and ate separately, and then went to see King Xiao Nanchen together.

Zhou Shengchen sat upright and said to the two of them: "Brother Xiao, there is no need to go to the stables again."

Xiao Yan wanted to refuse, but then he thought that Feng Qiao was having a hard time taking care of her, so he couldn't decide for a moment.

"Come, I will take you to have a look. I wonder if Brother Xiao is satisfied." Zhou Shengchen said with a smile, got up and walked out. Although Xiao Yan and Feng Qiao didn't know why, they quickly followed.

Walking through the courtyard where Piao Shiyi lived, she happened to be coming to perform morning and evening rituals and met her. Several people immediately moved forward together and arrived at a small courtyard nearby.

Pushing the door open, Zhou Shengchen led a few people to the door of the main hall, pointed at the door and said: "Brother Xiao, please go and check it yourself. If you are not satisfied, I will rearrange it for you."

Xiao Yan walked into the room with Feng Qiao with full of doubts.

The main hall is clean and tidy, and the layout is no different from that of an ordinary house. It is just a table and chairs. When he went to the bedroom next to him, Xiao Yan immediately clasped his hands in praise, with tears in his eyes.

The large interior is not paved with smooth wooden boards, but with a gravel floor mixed with small pebbles. When you step on it, it's about three fingers thick. Although going barefoot will sting your feet, it suits Xiao Yan's wishes.

There is also a thick straw couch placed in the corner of the room. In addition, there are several large potted pine and bamboo plants, which are full of greenery and highlight Aoi's character.

What particularly touched Xiao Yan was that there were two huge maps hanging on the wall, with the words Beichen and Nanxia clearly marked on them.

In a moment of emotion, Xiao Yan stepped forward and immediately bowed to the bottom of Nan Xiao's map.

Seeing that he was lying on the ground crying and unable to move, Feng Qiao walked to another small room next to him first. Inside were normal beds and bedding, which looked extremely warm and comfortable.

There were colorful floral patterns on the quilt. It was obvious that this was specially prepared by King Xiao Nanchen for her.

Looking happy at first, Feng Qiao blushed again: Is this for guarding Xiao Yan? It always felt like it was for his wife.

Xiao Yan over there calmed down from his excitement and came to this room to check.

Seeing the layout inside, he couldn't help but smile and said: "King Xiao Nanchen is really considerate, this is specially prepared for General Feng." After saying that, he felt embarrassed himself.

"Well, actually, it's not necessary." After saying that, he quickly exited the room.

Thinking of thanking King Xiao Nanchen for his concern, he came out of the house, but only saw a few guards at the entrance of the courtyard.

After asking, he heard the words "His Royal Highness took Miss Jiao to study and teach", and found it interesting again.

Returning to the house, he saluted Feng Qiao once more and said invitingly: "Although I feel guilty, I still have to accept the kindness of King Xiao Nanchen. I can't make General Feng work any longer. I am willing to live here."

Her face was hot, and Feng Qiao couldn't help but spat softly: "You feel very comfortable, and you still need me to take care of you personally!"

Xiao Yan saluted again and took the initiative to make tea for her.

Feng Qiao was not interested in drinking tea, but she still wanted to know more about this determined person, so she sat next to him.

The two drank tea and talked about their past.

Feng Qiao didn't know why, but she suddenly mentioned this matter: "You ran out alone, where is your wife?"

Xiao Yan was filled with emotion when he mentioned his wife's family.

He stood up, and as he spoke, he walked to the next room to check Nan Xiao's map.

"I practiced hard for a while and no longer got along with my wife. Even though my children were lovely, I only wanted revenge and did not dare to put them in danger for this. Later I made up my mind to reconcile with my wife and my children would naturally be free. Let them raise them..." He said to himself.

Suddenly, he felt no one responded. When she turned around, she didn't see Feng Qiao.

Immediately anxious, he quickly left the house and looked around.

The beautiful female general was nowhere to be seen in the house or courtyard. Xiao Yan quickly walked to the entrance of the courtyard and asked the guard, "Have you seen General Feng?"

"General Feng ordered us to guard General Xiao. She has gone to His Highness." The guard replied.

Xiao Yan suddenly felt disappointed and had to walk back to the house.

Sitting cross-legged on the grass pier, he closed his eyes and thought, and then he understood why Feng Qiao left quietly.

Feng Qiao didn't understand love before, but Xiao Yan was someone who had been through the environment of a spoiled wife and concubine, and had children.

He immediately understood that Feng Qiao might have some secret affection for him, but she was embarrassed to hear him talk about his former wives, concubines, and children, so she left in shame.

He regretted his negligence, but Xiao Yan knew that it was all the truth, and it could not be hidden or hidden from others.

He had no choice but to stop thinking about it and rethink how to cooperate with King Xiao Nanchen.

Feng Qiao over there was just as Xiao Yan thought, because she was embarrassed by hearing him talk about his wife.

She did have a good impression of this man, Feng Qiao thought that the occasional impulse in her heart was indeed because she had feelings for him.

But when he talked about his wife and children, Feng Qiao suddenly felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar. She felt embarrassed and at the same time ashamed and angry.

She was not allowed to tell anyone about this matter, so she had to come to Zhou Shengchen, hoping to get some comfort.

Entering the study, she saw the master and apprentice discussing poetry. Feng Qiao, who knew nothing about this, naturally found it boring and wanted to come back later.

"General Feng, please take a seat. I am about to ask you for a question." After Zhou Shengchen said this, the sensible Nao Shiyi immediately bowed and exited.

The room was quiet, but Feng Qiao lowered her head and remained silent. Zhou Shengchen looked at this female general who was usually aggressive and aggressive, but now she was as shy as a lady, and he roughly guessed in his mind.

Although Xiao Yan left Nan Xiao alone, because he was both a member of the royal family and a general who personally led troops into battle, he naturally had an extraordinary bearing.

This kind of demeanor is what Feng Qiao, who is quite good at martial arts, loves and respects the most. The two of them competed when they met, and then had close conversations and contact. It was normal for them to have feelings for each other.