FID – Chapter 1023

Chapter 1023: Heard She’s a Young Widow

  Thus, those in the Nanling royal family who could use Gu, such as Shan Lai and Xue Zhong, were very likely from Xiliang.

  Even the incident with Feng Mohan being affected by Gu over a decade ago was probably orchestrated by Xiliang.

  The true mastermind, the one secretly stirring up trouble behind the royal families of various nations, was finally coming into view.

  “Xiliang.” Standing by the window of the guest room, Feng Qingbai murmured the two words, a boundless chill seeping into his eyes.

  At this moment, he was convinced that Xiliang was the hidden hand behind it all. Only such a powerful nation could have the capability to stir up such storms and swallow the other three kingdoms.

  He had previously thought the ambitious one was Baicao Valley—but he had been mistaken.

  Xue Zhong had ambition, but lacked the power. No hidden clan alone could possibly manipulate the three great powers, just like an ant trying to swallow an elephant.

  But Xiliang definitely possessed that strength.

  “What are you thinking about, Feng Qingbai?” a concerned female voice came from behind.

  Feng Qingbai drew back his thoughts, realizing that the killing intent he had just emitted had startled her. He turned and pulled her into his embrace, watching together the bustling streets below. “If it turns out to be true, this continent may not see peace for a long time.”

  Liu Yusheng said softly, “Yeah. Once this matter comes to light, it will surely stir up storms, even bloodshed and chaos.”

  Which royal family isn’t proud and ambitious? And which nation would tolerate others coveting its power?

  Once the truth is discovered, every country would inevitably launch a counterattack against Xiliang.

  The entire continent would be thrown into turmoil. Regimes will be tottering.

  Because of Feng Qingbai’s special status, it would be extremely difficult for him to act freely under constant surveillance.

  Investigating the Gu Medicine Clan would require careful planning.

  Fortunately, Feng Qingbai had previously instructed Wei Cheng to follow up on Xue Qinglian’s matter, so Wei Cheng had also come to the northwest. And since he hadn’t exposed his identity to Xiliang’s spies, he could secretly investigate the Gu Medicine Clan once contacted.

  That very night, Wei Zi quietly sent out a special signal.

  Meanwhile, Feng Qingbai and Liu Yusheng remained in the city to keep those spies occupied.

  Things were finally starting to fall into place.

  By now, it was already mid-March.

  The sun blazed brightly, flowers bloomed, and spring brought warmth everywhere.

  It was the season for spring planting in Xinghua Village, and the entire village was full of life and energy.

  Every farmer household seemed to mobilize their entire clan, all bustling together to prepare for the spring sowing.

  For the Empress Dowager and Qin Xiao, it was the first time in their lives seeing such a scene firsthand.

  It was hard work, yet fulfilling. The villagers’ faces showed no signs of fatigue or worry; instead, they were bright with joy and hope for a bountiful harvest.

  The strong laborers toiled in the fields, the elders brought tea and water, and the children ran and played along the ridges between the fields.

  Everywhere was a scene of vigorous activity mixed with happiness.

  Even the Liu family had the young and old working together. Knowing the household would be busy with spring planting these days, even Liu Zhixia and Fu Yuzheng had returned from Yunzhou to help, with Liu Zhixia even formally requesting leave from his post.

  Early in the morning, the courtyard was already bustling with men preparing to head to the fields.

  Liu Zhixia, Liu Zhiqiu, and Wei Lan, all young and strong, took on the task of carrying seedlings, transporting the nurtured seedlings from the courtyard to the fields.

  Dalin and Erlin, along with their wives, were responsible for bringing the necessary farming tools.

  The easiest job fell to Grandma and Grandpa Liu. They went light, empty-handed, with only a sweat towel draped around their necks to wipe away perspiration.

  Grandma Liu, of course, didn’t leave the Empress Dowager behind. She tugged her along as they headed toward the fields.

  When she had asked the Empress Dowager to stay back, it had been precisely so she could see how lively the spring planting was in their village. How could she let her laze around at home?

  With the Empress Dowager going along, General Qin Xiao didn’t need any invitation; he automatically followed suit.

  In the Liu courtyard, only Fu Yuzheng and Liu Muqiu remained to look after the children and help prepare a midday meal. Apart from that, no one else stayed in the courtyard—not even Elder Jiu, who toddled along with a jug of wine to join the bustle in the fields.

  “You’re too delicate and soft-skinned for heavy work, so you don’t need to help. Just walk along the ridges and watch. If you get tired, you can sit under a tree by the roadside and enjoy the spring planting atmosphere in our village. When I told you before that spring planting is lively, it wasn’t a lie,” Grandma Liu chattered all the way to the fields.

  “Don’t drag me. I can walk by myself,” the Empress Dowager scolded lightly, frowning as she freed her hand from Grandma Liu’s grip.

  This rustic woman was incredibly strong; when she grabbed someone, it was like being caught in iron tongs. Who knew a village woman could develop such strength?

  The Empress Dowager rubbed her slightly reddened wrist. It hurt like mad.

  Grandma Liu noticed the red mark on the Empress Dowager’s wrist and exclaimed, “My goodness, how did it turn red just from a light touch? I wasn’t joking when I said you’re delicate and soft-skinned, so much softer than even a child.”

  The Empress Dowager’s face immediately flushed red as she snapped, “We’re outside! Can you at least watch your words? You’re talking so recklessly, don’t you care if people laugh at you?”

  “What’s so funny about it? Soft is soft…”

  “You dare say that!”

  The two elderly women bickered all the way, causing the people around them to laugh heartily.

  Grandpa Liu and Qin Xiao walked side by side behind them. Seeing his wife so full of spirit while talking to the Empress Dowager, he chuckled. “My wife has been like this for decades. After all these years, I’m used to it. If she ever gets quiet for once, I will feel uneasy.”

  If she didn’t make a fuss, he would worry—wondering if she was unwell or in a bad mood.

  Qin Xiao’s gaze fell on another graceful and elegant figure, and a gentle warmth surfaced in his eyes. “They say young couples grow old together. Seeing you and Madam Liu like this is wonderful—a whole family living in harmony and joy, always cheerful, it makes people envious.”

  “That’s true. My wife has always been optimistic. She can look at things openly; even when we were so poor we could barely get by, she rarely showed a frown. As she says, as long as the family is together and safe, there’s nothing we can’t get through.”

  Grandpa Liu didn’t think he was flattering his wife—he was just speaking the truth. Then, speaking from experience, he patted General Qin Xiao on the shoulder. “Don’t envy me too much. Even at your age, you can still find someone who knows when to be warm or cold. You’re the famous General of Nanling. How many people admire your reputation? Just the other day, when I was chatting under the pagoda tree, someone quietly asked me about you, whether you had anyone by your side. They said she’s a young widow, very young, just in her early twenties…”

  Qin Xiao had been a general for decades. He had witnessed every storm and upheaval, and could face even the collapse of Mount Tai without flinching. Yet at Grandpa Liu’s casual remark, a chill ran down his spine.

  Instinctively, he looked forward—and met the gaze of the silver-haired old lady turning back toward him.

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TL Note: The innocent Grandpa Liu and poor Qin Xiao 🤭🤭