Shen Miao was drinking tea unhurriedly.
At this time, the wind outside was blowing strongly while she was sitting at the corner of the hall, as she waited for the hot tea that Jing Zhe handed over before slowly sipping it. It was as if she was an innocent and delicate Young Lady, who was waiting for the slices of mutton to be prepared by the kitchens for the meal later.
Luo Ling’s expression darkened. Luo Sa noticed that he was not right and followed Luo Ling’s gaze to Shen Miao, and his expression also got somewhat serious as he asked, “What had happened?”
Luo Ling ignored him and also did not instruct the guards on any action, but instead got up and walked over to Shen Miao, “Biao Youngest Sister, would like to have a word with you.”
“Older Brother Luo can say whatever words needed to be said here.” Shen Miao set aside the teacup from her hands and smiled slightly at him, “If something really happened, it cannot be hidden.”
When Luo Qian and Luo Tan saw the situation, they also walked over. This time the actions were rather big and Madam Ma and Madam Yu noticed. They thought that Shen Miao and Luo Ling had some dispute and at this time, they naturally would be biased towards the female. Madam Yu immediately went over and glanced at Luo Ling before shaking her head with disagreement, “Ling-er, do not scare Jiao Jiao.”
Luo Sa heard this and laughed loudly, “Who is scaring who?”
“Eldest Brother, what exactly happened?” Luo Qian was the youngest and normally spoke whatever was on this mind, so he asked whatever doubts that were in his heart.
Luo Ling looked at Shen Miao and Shen Miao smiled gently at him, as if she was crystal clear as to what he was going to say. That kind of confidence and calmness made Luo Ling slightly startled. After a moment he sighed and said in frustration and helplessness, “The guards had come with news that the Tu Jue almost entered the city.”
“What?” Luo Tan exclaimed loudly and then seemed to be aware that her voice was a bit too loud, and quickly covered her mouth. When they spoke, the servants were further away and thus did not hear. The most taboo thing in this work was the morale of the troops, at this moment everyone was gathered here to hide from the hailstorm, but if others were to know that the Tu Jue people had entered, one fear that the morale of the troops would be affected. Even if Luo Ling and Luo Sa were not up in chaos, there would at least be panic.
Madam Yu and Madam Ma were born in ordinary families and naturally had no natural abilities to protect themselves, so they blanked out when they heard the information. Madam Ma immediately said, “Ling-er and Sa-er, is it that now we need to first protect Jiao Jiao and the rest. How long can our Luo family withstand and when would your Father and the rest return?”
No matter how smart or capable a woman was, in the face of such a situation, one would not be able to help but panic. Even the words were somewhat incomprehensible, Madam Yu still unconsciously said, “Why not go and hide first?”
Luo Tan’s and Luo Qian’s faces turned somewhat white. They had been living in the Xiao Chun City since birth, and even though they had heard stories of the battlefields from Luo Sui, they felt that those were things that were very far away from them. The Tu Jue had never entered the city before, and novels would not indicate or elaborate what happened to a city when they were attacked. Even when the Ming Qi captured a city, there would be a massacre at times, much less with the cruelty of the Tu Jue.
“Biao Youngest Sister’s words really came true.” Luo Qian murmured.
Madam Ma and Madam Ye were startled. Madan Yu looked at Shen Miao, “Jiao Jiao hit the target.”
“Previously Biao Younger Sister mentioned that it was possible that the Tu Jue would attack the city.” Luo Ling looked at her and an unknown feeling appeared in his eyes, “One think that Biao Youngest Sister presumably have countermeasures and if one do not mind, please tell me as this is a time between life and death.”
Luo Ling had placed his bearing to the lowest, perhaps the Luo family would not be like other families that put up airs. But with Luo Ling’s seniority and status, he did not need to put himself so low to consult with a little girl.
When Luo Ling’s behaviour was seen by Madam Ma and the rest, they were very surprised. Luo Ling was the most outstanding of their younger generation, but now actually had to consult Shen Miao.
Shen Miao said, “Older Brother Ling also have not told me about the current situation.”
Luo Ling waved his hand to the guard who came over to report. The guard felt a bit surprised upon seeing Luo Ling asking an unfamiliar young lady but still replied honestly, “Replying to Young Lady, someone at the Guards saw that the Tu Jue are gathering outside the city gates, the Generals are not back yet and the city guards are short-staffed.” At the end of it, he was so embarrassed he could not continue.
Shen Miao ignored his embarrassment and asked, “What is the number of troops? Are the Tu Jue scattered or uniformed?”
Luo Sa’s gaze was still staring at Shen Miao. That guard thought for a moment before speaking, “There are a lot of people. Even though they are scattered but there are horses neighing, so there would be backup.”
The few people present suck in a mouthful of cold air, and Luo Ling’s and Luo Sa’s faces suddenly became extremely ugly. At this moment the seriousness of the matter sunk in. Horses meant army and the army that could contend with the Tu Jue was currently fighting in the grasslands, so there was almost no real force in the Xiao Chun City, but at this time another Tu Jue’s army had caught up.
What Shen Miao said was true, make a declaration for the east and strike the west, and moving the tiger away from the mountain. These Tu Jue had eventually became cunning and even secretly developed another army, it was perhaps not as strong as the one Shen Xin was facing, but it was more than enough to wash the Xiao Chun City with blood.
Madam Ma and Madam Yu realised that matters were not good and Madam Ma said, “Why not recall all the help that can be used, and protect these younger generation first.”
The Luo family’s tradition since ancient times, was to let the younger generation leave first during times of trouble and sacrifice the older generation, leaving hope with the younger generation. Luo Tan’s eyes immediately turned red and tugged onto Madam Ma’s sleeves, “Mother, I do not want.”
“If it does not work then just fight them to the end.” Luo Qian gritted his teeth and was so angry that his eyes were spurting out fire, “Our bones are flowing with the blood of Generals, so one is not afraid of those Tu Jue. The very most, either the fish dies or the net splits.”
“Qian-er.” Madam Ma angrily said, “What nonsense are you saying? Do you want to die?”
“If it does not work then Eldest Brother and me will cover your escape.” It was Luo Sa that spoke and said seriously, “There is still a horse carriage in the residence, flee from the back doors of the city, there is a mountain road that is hidden and would not be found.”
“No.” Shen Miao interrupted their conversation.
Luo Sa looked at her, “You have a way?”
Shen Miao shook her head.
A trace of disappointment flashed on Luo Qian’s and Luo Tan’s faces. They did not know why, but they had always think that Shen Miao had great abilities. Even though she look delicate and gentle and also had a tender appearance, but every time she speaks it was comforting, as if she had more knowledge and made others have a peace of mind. But to see that Shen Miao could not think about a method now, Luo Qian and Luo Tan felt some despair.
“Then do accordingly to what Second Younger Brother had said.” Luo Ling said, “First send you all up on the horse carriage, and all the guards in the residence will follow you. Just leave Second Younger Brother and me in the residence. We will head to the guards.”
This was to sacrifice the two brothers to gain additional time for the rest. Madam Yu’s tears fell in a short moment as she held on Luo Ling’s hands and almost fainted.
“How could both of you stay here?” Madam Ma shook her head, “We are a family, if we leave, we leave together.”
This deadlock was not going anywhere. Shen Miao shook her head again, “No.”
“Biao Youngest Sister, what exactly do you mean by ‘no’?” Luo Qian could not help but ask.
Shen Miao swept her eyes at everyone, “In the Xiao Chun City, the one with the largest military force is the Luo family. The head of the city guards are also Older Brother Ling and Older Brother Sa. The Tu Jue are well aware of this so if they really entered the city, in order to inspire morale, the first they will deal with is the Luo family. As long as the Luo family is wiped out, the folks in the Xiao Chun City would inevitably lose their fighting spirits, and would have their hands tied waiting to be captured. Destroy the leader and the gang will collapse, so if I am the Tu Jue, even if all means are exhausted, one will deal with the Luo family first. It is simply impossible for the Luo family to retreat without any losses.”
To reveal such a terrible reality without any cover up at all, made Luo Tan trembled before looking at Luo Ling, “Eldest Brother, is what she say true?”
Luo Ling stared at Shen Miao, “Correct.”
Luo Sa’s anger suddenly burst out, “This cannot, that also cannot. Since one cannot escape and the Tu Jue brought troops over, then may as well let the Luo family fight to the end. Think we are afraid of them?”
“One do not need to be that anxious.” Shen Miao suddenly spoke.
The entire hall fell silent for a moment. Luo Ling looked at Shen Miao and said softly, “Does Biao Younger Sister have an excellent idea?”
“It is not considered as an excellent idea.” Shen Miao’s eyes were calm. She had a delicate, pretty and pleasant appearance since birth and in a crowd of people with anxious emotions, only she had a faint expression. It was only now that everyone found out that from the beginning till now, Shen Miao did not presented any other emotions. The Xiao Chun City was a place at the border, and one would panic at the face of a sudden Tu Jue’s attack but only Shen Miao, this free of worries and delicate young lady, was not surprised with it at all.
“The Tu Jue brought troops but delayed in entering, apparently hesitating, and with some apprehensions. I think that for so many years, even if the Luo family’s army had been dispersed, the prestige still exist and would deter others three tenths. Their hearts are hesitating and they only try to probe, but dare not come forward. That means their Commander is also unsure, thus one can make use of that.”
Madam Ma and Madam Yu did not understand Shen Miao’s words, but seemed to think that Shen Miao spoke very reasonably, thus they did not utter a single word and quietly listened to her. Luo Sa frowned and questioned, “How can it be used?”
“To delay for time.” Shen Miao replied lightly, “My parents, WaiZu and JiuJius are not ordinary people, and should have discovered that things are not right at their end, and when they discover this, they would quickly rush back to the Xiao Chun City. Before that happen, one will only need to delay the pace at this end.”
“But how to delay?” Luo Tan had an impatient character and could not help but ask, “As you said, the Tu Jue are so smart, they would also know that time is running out, and would quickly attack.”
“Just show them what they are scared about.” Shen Miao smiled lightly, “What they fear is nothing more than that the Luo family’s army still have residual force, so just let them see the residual forces of the Luo family’s army.”
“Biao Youngest Sister.” Luo Qian anxiously said, “Where are we going to get the Luo family’s army?”
Shen Miao smiled gently, “This will require everyone’s cooperation. But before that, one do not know if both Older Brothers trust me.” He looked towards Luo Ling and Luo Sa with an obvious gentle and humble attitude but a faint viciousness.
The outer side of the city walls of the Xiao Chun City was already very worn out, and a lot of earth and dust were accumulated over the years. Generations has passed, and another round of military officers took up the lead to guard the peace of the Xiao Chun City.
But the same as when cracks were discovered at the city walls, the once indestructible doors also gradually became decadent. At this moment at the city walls, there were not many guards moving, as they were keeping a vigilant eye afar. As one gradually heard the clear horse hoofs and see the torches, large drops of cold sweat rolled down their cheeks.
The Tu Jue were ferocious and it would be impossible for the remaining guards to confront them. From listening to the movements, there were a lot of Tu Jue who came. Fear was a mutual emotion so in a short period of time, the guards’ footsteps became much heavier.
Not far away when the people were getting restless, suddenly someone in the city guards shouted, “What is that?”
Even the heavy night rain was unable to hide the surprise in those words. Everyone looked back and saw that within the Xiao Chun City, one did not know when but there were small and large torches lit. These torches were dense and accompanied by an earthquake size shaking. When one listen carefully, there were also sounds of horses.
When two armies confront one another, naturally there would be scouts located up high to inquire about information. If the guards standing at the city’s doors could see this, the Tu Jue’s scouts outside naturally could also see it. Those people who inexplicably appeared were particularly unclear in the rainy night, but the messy sounds of the shouts and horses steps within the rain and wind, had an unstoppable and magnificent sense of power.
“It is the Luo family’s army. It is the Luo family’s army.” Someone at the city guards shouted and almost knelt down in delight, “The Luo family’s army has been restored to glory again.”
Those soldiers of the Luo family’s army had long dispersed many years ago, and those who remained behind were all scattered merchants. The sudden shouts made everyone thought about the invincible aura of the army that Luo Sui led, and it was as if they had a new hope, and at the moment the morale soared, Those new people in the guards held their weapons up and it was like their blood in their bones had heated up, and they were shouting together with those unknown people and horses, the noise was deafening.
First was for the drive, then one got tired, and by the third time one became exhausted. The skyrocketing morale and sudden appearance of the additional troops, bearing the name of the Luo family’s army, apparently made the Tu Jue side astonished. One could only hear the Tu Jue downstairs discussing exasperatedly, and those troops hesitated and dared not come any nearer. After being in a deadlock for an hour, both sides did not move and when the Tu Jue felt that there was something wrong, there was a shout of ‘kill’ from outside the city. This time it was the real troops as Shen Xin and the rest had returned.
Even though the Tu Jue’s troops were agile and strong, they were not as good as Luo Sui and Shen Xin, who had fought battles for the county for all these years, so the troops were not deployed properly and were quickly defeated.
Within the Xiao Chun City, at the Luo residence’s doors, Luo Ling heard the soldier returning back to report, and finally let out a sign of relief before respectfully bowing to Shen Miao, “This time is all thanks to Biao Younger Sister.”
“Biao Youngest Sister is so intelligent.” Luo Qian exclaimed, “To even think of such a method.”
Shen Miao let Luo Ling summon all the available people in the residence, and then gathered the commoners on the streets and at the same time lit up all the torches. One person held two torches, and then told the blacksmiths to use horseshoes to imitate the hoofs sounds of the horses. The commoners of the Xiao Chun City knew that this was a dangerous moment that determined survival, thus they mimicked the shouts of soldiers very well. In addition to the entire night of wind and rain, it was more than enough to fool the Tu Jue outside.
When the Tu Jue suddenly saw so many torches, they unconsciously thought that there were so many people. Horse hooves’ sounds and shouts, all coupled with the fear of Luo family’s army, one would only think that there were still a part of the forces guarding the Xiao Chun City. Fear struck the Tu Jue, and they dared not blindly approach and tried to explore. By delaying time till Shen Xin returned, everything could be resolved with Shen Xin and the rest.
It looked simple, but when one was in a critical situation, it was easily to be on chaos, so how would one be able to think of such an approach.
Luo Sa’s attitude to Shen Miao had also changed a lot, “This time it is all thanks to you.”
After Shen Miao came out with this idea, Luo Sa’s heart was filled with admiration and respect. Seeing the meteoric effect of the tactic, he nudged Shen Miao’s shoulder and kept asking, “Biao Youngest Sister, give an honest account. Did you secretly read the military tactics book at Grandfather’s study, then you said it as such.”
Shen Miao gently smiled, “It was nothing more than an opportunity.”
“Jiao Jiao must not be modest.” Madam Ma looked at her with enthusiasm, “If it was not for you today, everyone of us would be in trouble. Not only have you saved our residence, you have also saved the commoners in the Xiao Chun City. Thank you.”
Shen Miao could not help but laugh in her heart. Actually she was not modest, as this was just an opportunistic thing. In her last lifetime, this kind of thing happened before, but Shen Miao could not remember clearly which date it was, and only knew it was a day where it was raining hail. The Tu Jue attacked the Xiao Chun City and even though at the end, Luo Sui rushed over with troops and also saved the City from being attacked, there was still a tragic price. There were innumerable people in the Xiao Chun City dead or wounded, it was a miserable sight.
At that time, in order to gain Fu Xiu Yi’s favour, she was working hard to learn military tactics and strategies. She also used this matter to seek Pei Lang’s advice, and at that day Pei Lang replied like this to her, “The Tu Jue have some apprehension and dare not rush forward. As it would be unwise to be reckless and dishearten to escape, it would be better to give them a confused view of an empty city. As long as they can be delayed until reinforcement arrive, everything would be solved.”
She had recorded Pei Lang’s words in her handwritten, thus she was very clear about them. Shen Miao knew that she did not have any abilities in war tactics, but she believed in Pei Lang. In those years at the Inner Palace, in order to gain Fu Xiu Yi’s favour, she would ask Fu Xiu Yi’s aids for advice, and finally it brought her a lot of unexpected bargaining chips.
That was the gift that Fu Xiu Yi gave to her.
“Biao Youngest Sister is too naughty.” Luo Qian heard the guards outside frequently reporting, and finally the restlessness in his heart dispersed. He started to ridicule Shen Miao, “Obviously one had known intimate information, but purposely still scared us like that. Really made us think that we had reached such a dire state. It scared me.”
Luo Tan slapped his head, “So shameful. Not even as good as a little girl.”
“Are not you also the same?” Luo Qian counter attacked.
Shen Miao gently smiled and did not answer. She naturally knew that at the end it would be resolved, but deliberately made it this dire, because she wanted to let everyone in Luo family to understand, that just by relying on the remaining Luo family’s army, not to mention protecting the Xiao Chun City, it would be a struggle to even protect the Luo family. If one do not have enough power in this world, one would not be able to protect those one want to protect. The Tu Jue were watching with tiger eyes, and sooner or later they would come back. When that day comes, what would the Luo family do?
Only by letting them be truly aware of the danger would the Luo family feel nervous. The Luo family’s younger generation, Luo Lian Ying and Luo Lian Tai, and even Madam Ma and Madam Yu, would then spare no effort to persuade Luo Sui to reorganise the Luo family’s army. As for Luo Sui himself, he had eyes to watch and ears to listen, so there would be a time where the rod in his heart would move.
It was impossible for Shen Miao alone to persuade a stubborn Luo Sui, and because of her identity, Luo Sui would inevitable have some hesitation, but it was not the same with the Luo family.
Sometimes to achieve something, the most direct method should not be used, and instead it had to be done around tactfully. Whatever Shen Miao wanted in her past life, she would directly say it out and do it, but at the end she lost tragically. In contrast, Mei Furen had the ability to do it so tactfully that it was an art. She hated Mei Furen, but had to learn the thing she did not have from Mei Furen.
When the dawn of the second day arrived, the Xiao Chun City finally calmed down.
The Tu Jue were defeated in this battle to a sorry state. Originally because of Shen Miao’s empty city tactic, it made the Tu Jue suspicious and with the addition of Shen Xin and Shen Qiu, such aggressive generals, they felt the biggest unknown impact and retreated back to the grasslands. It seemed that for a long period of time, they would not have any energy to make a comeback.
Even though it was a victorious battle, the mood in the Xiao Chun City did not feel relaxed. In particularly in the Luo residence, as they had tasted the reality of Shen Miao’s words those days back, with that sudden attack on the city by the Tu Jue. To have such a terrifying neighbour eyeing like a tiger all day, no one was able to safely sleep soundly.
After learning that the empty city tactic was thought up by Shen Miao, Luo Sui valued Shen Miao more. Shen Xin was naturally very proud, and kept boasting that his unmarried daughter was far better than a male.
Two days later, Luo Sui announced to the entire Luo family, that the Luo family’s army would be reorganised.
The entire Xiao Chun City was cheering, and those who were running around to tell, were the juniors of the Luo family as they were very excited. Only Shen Miao had a calm expression on because this was expected. The night when the Tu Jue attacked would eventually make Luo Sui determined, as rather than being chased in a bad condition, it was better to take advantage and make a comeback.
As for money matters, Luo Xue Yan still had some savings and as for military trainer, Shen Qiu and Shen Xin had yet no place to use their martial skills, naturally they were spirited to agree to it. It was not an easy task to recall all the dispersed soldiers back to train, but the Luo family were all tigers. Since the decision has been made, their hearts became determined and in a short moment of time, the Xiao Chun City started to bustle again.
Life went by calmly and enriching.
On one day, Shen Miao was sitting in front of a table reading, when Luo Tan rushed in and almost collapsed on the chair at the door. Gu Yu jumped up in shock as Shen Miao looked towards her. But before she could say anything, she saw Luo Tan soothing her chest as she panted, “Biao Younger Sister, have you heard about it?”
“What about?” Shen Miao asked.
“That Little Marquis Xie of the Xie family.” Luo Tan gestures were in a flurry, “He was the person that I mentioned before, who is as famous as Older Brother Qiu, that Little Marquis Xie of the Xie family. He went and requested for commander to go to the Northern Jiang to battle.”
Shen Miao’s heart jumped and she nodded her head slowly as she looked at Luo Tan, “I know about it.”
“You have heard of the news before, that Little Marquis Xie kept on winning victories and the Xiong Nu were forced to the desserts.” Luo Tan said, “Everyone kept saying that when the Little Marquis return back to the capital, one fear that his meritorious services will be higher than those of the Marquis of Lin An. His Majesty will definitely reward him with a high ranking title.
These words were not false. Not long after Shen Miao reached the Xiao Chun City, Xie Jing Xing also lead the Xie family’s army into Northern Jiang. Xie Jing Xing’s brave performance on the battlefield was simply amazing, no matter if it was in military formations or fighting one on one, he was so fierce and cold, that even the enemy feared him upon hearing his name. One initially thought that Xie Jing Xing would not be able subdue the Xie family’s army but they were however able to surprisingly produce repeated achievements, making others put away the last bit of suspicion of Xie Jing Xing. Everyone all said that Xie Jing Xing would be the most outstanding male in Ming Qi, and would definitely supersede the Marquis of Lin An. When Shen Xin and Luo Sui discussed about this, they poured praises on Xie Jing Xing, saying that he was an exceptional talent of this world. Because Shen Miao knew of Xie Jing Xing’s ability in her past life, she was already jaded to it.
She patiently listened for Luo Tan to finish, but saw Luo Tan’s eyes redden and a bad premonition came as she asked softly, “What is the matter with you?”
“Dead.” Luo Tan did not stretch it out as her tears suddenly fell, “Little Marquis Xie died.”
Xie Jing Xing was a hero like Shen Qiu in Luo Tan’s heart and worshipped him greatly, thus at this moment she could not help but have tears flow, “That Little Marquis Xie was attacked by the enemy from the back before being surrounded. A thousand arrows pierced his heart and his corpse was hung at the city walls for everyone to see.” Luo Tan cried, “Biao Youngest Sister, he is dead.”
He died.
The cup in Jing Zhe’s hands fell onto the floor with a ‘guangdang’ sound, and she immediately looked at Shen Miao in a panic. Shen Miao had some friendship with Xie Jing Xing and if he was dead, what reaction would Shen Miao have?
What reaction did Shen Miao have?
Shen Miao stood in front of the table and quietly watched Luo Tan cry. She was so quiet that it was scary, as if what Luo Tan said was not a big headline news but of a common topic, like today’s weather or talks of flowers. Even though she had a peaceful facial expression on, the hands that were holding the book became even more tightened.
Was Xie Jing Xing dead?
Thousands of arrows piercing his heart, his body was hang on the city tower to display to the public. Exactly the same outcome as in the past. Was it really Xie Jing Xing?
As Shen Miao was in a trance thinking about it, it seemed that she wanted to differentiate if this was a joke or reality. However what flashed in her brain was that day in Guang Wen Tang’s courtyard, little rice dumpling deceived her out and a youth with noble airs walked out from the forest. That youth was wearing an ivory robe trimmed with silver thread, handsome and dashing as he elegantly walked to her, step by step.
His lips hooked up to a naughty smile, and his peach blossom eyes’ had an expression of a smile but not a smile, which was very intoxicating. Three tenths of the time he was teasing, six tenths of the time he was testing, and one tenth he was just a dissolute youth.
He said, “So it was you.”
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