Chapter 110: Calculated Again

Chapter 110

The sun rose slowly from behind the mountain, beginning to illuminate this land.

The sounds of swords and screams had already faded away.

What was left was a battlefield like hell on earth.

Discarded armors, tilted spears, tattered flags, crows pecking at the blood-soaked flesh as they leisurely swallowed it down. Suddenly they flapped their wings in panic and took to the sky.

Corpses covered the plains, blood flowing everywhere. Bodies were hacked into pieces, ruptured organs and bone marrow fluids were scattered all over the ground.

Such was the cruelty of war.

In the distance, the mournful sound of the bugle calling back the troops carried over slowly. It reflected the longing for their return in the hearts of their families.

Among the soldiers, an old one stood amidst the sea of corpses, tears streaming down his cheeks as he cried out, “We won!”

Soon, a group of men followed, crying, “We won!”

Finally, all the Daye soldiers who survived on the battlefield shouted in unison, “We won!”

“Commander, we won! We won!” Guo Commander ran to Gong Xiaohua excitedly.

“Mm, order the cleanup of the battlefield and preparations to return to the city.”

“Yes, Commander!”

After the battlefield was cleared, it was reported that Dawei suffered over thirty-five thousand casualties, nearly five thousand captured, along with the two Dawei princes taken alive.

The Daye army lost close to twenty thousand soldiers. It was a great victory.

This battle was the first time in Daye’s history that they had defeated the militarily superior Dawei with equal troops.

Of course, the key to victory still lied in strategy.

If not for the low morale and being surrounded by the Daye troops, it would have been difficult to defeat the enemy relying solely on their improved battle prowess over a short period of time.

To match Dawei’s military prowess, Daye still had a long way to go.

When Gong Xiaohua led the troops back to Xu Mountain Pass with nearly five thousand prisoners, the citizens of Xu Mountain City welcomed them along the streets.

After the army returned to camp, orders were given to imprison the two Dawei princes under heavy guard, and letters were sent to report to the Capital Royal City.

Overhearing the last bit, Qin Chuyuan, who just happened to be passing by, replied in a cold voice, “Lord Li, you can’t make decisions regarding my family affairs.”

“Ehem, so it’s young master Qin. Haven’t you broken that bad habit of eavesdropping?” Lord Li said guiltily after being caught red-handed.

“No, I was listening fair and square.”

“Insolence! You will show respect.” Minister Qin scolded.

Qin Chuyuan did not respond. He simply bowed at the two men before leaving alone.

Watching his retreating figure, Lord Li said to Minister Qin, “I heard that after he pledged military orders to protect Xiaohua last time, you gave him a severe beating when you returned and stripped him of his position as future patriarch. Look, he doesn’t even bother with you now. Regretting it now, aren’t you?”

“Humph! What do I have to regret? To disregard family interests over a mere woman, such a daughter-in-law will only drag my grandson and the Qins down.”

“Ah, you stubborn old fool. It’ll be too late for regrets.” Lord Li shook his head and straightened his sleeves before taking his leave.

Left standing there alone, Minister Qin’s brows furrowed tightly. Could he really be mistaken?

At this thought, distant memories suddenly flooded his mind. History must not repeat itself. He was right. Since ancient times, matching status has always been pivotal for marriages and expanding family interests.

On the other hand, after leaving the palace, Qin Chuyuan did not return to work. Instead, he went to the Gong residence to inform them of the great victory.

“Really? My Xiaohua won the battle?” Lady Gong finally relaxed upon hearing the news as tears of joy streamed down her face.

“Yes, Auntie.”

“That’s wonderful! Brother-in-law, so when is my sister coming back?”

“Unconfirmed yet. Everything depends on settling border affairs first. If it goes smoothly, it’s likely she’ll return by mid-autumn festival next month.”

“I must go spread the news to everyone!” Lady Gong said excitedly, unable to keep still.

“Young Master, please take a seat here with Xiaonan. I’ll be right back.”

“Auntie, besides bringing good news today, I have one other inappropriate request.”

“Why be so courteous? Just speak your mind.”

“I was hoping to move Xiaohua’s personal belongings to my residence before she returns. May I seek your approval, Auntie?” Qin Chuyuan shamelessly requested.

“Of course, of course! She’s married now so it’s not proper for her to keep returning here to stay. I’ll go pack her things.”

When Gong Xiaohua returned home after leading the troops back triumphantly, she twitched seeing her empty room. That Qin Chuyuan had schemed with her mother yet again.Rêạd new chapters at novelhall.com