The two exchanged a glance, their prepared speeches abandoned. "Congratulations, General Shenwu, on your great victory against the Qirong. If there's anything Tantai can do to assist, we will spare no effort."
"Nothing else is needed, just seal off your Jiangyu Pass and prevent the Qirong from entering our Great Jing," Xiao Shan said, waving a hand dismissively. "Please, take a seat, honored elders."
Elder Li and Elder Mie, intimidated by Xiao Shan's presence, glanced at their princess's table.
The table was a mess.
Never mind, it was no longer important.
"General, our princess left a letter stating she had formed a marriage alliance with you?" Elder Li inquired tentatively.
As soon as he finished speaking, angry snorts erupted from all around.
It seemed they had incurred the wrath of the masses.
Hua Qingmu quickly stood up. "A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! Elders, please listen to me. This is what happened."
...
After listening, all the generals understood and relaxed, returning to their seats.
So it was all a lie.
As expected, the General was wise and mighty; he wouldn't abandon the Divine Maiden to marry someone so inferior to her!
Yuan Bufie chimed in, "Yes, because that Qirong demoness always wanted to capture the General, I impersonated the General and acted out a play with the princess. It was all a facade. However, even without a marriage alliance, our Great Jing and Tantai are brotherly nations and should help each other."
Elder Li and Elder Mie did not dwell on the matter. Their eyes were already fixed on Ling Yao.
"Could it be, could it be that this is the Divine Maiden of Great Jing?"
"Precisely!" a voice immediately responded from beside them.
"This great defeat of the puppet army was achieved by our Divine Maiden using the art of beast taming, annihilating the puppet ghosts without leaving a trace."
Elder Li and Elder Mie were filled with excitement.
"Yes, it is indeed the Divine Maiden. She bears a striking resemblance to the portrait left in Tantai. Divine Maiden, please accept our bow."
The two sincerely kowtowed.
This surprised everyone.
Ling Yao, having already learned from Hua Qingmu about the historical connection between the Divine Maiden and Tantai five hundred years ago, was not taken aback. "There's no need for such formality."
"Yes, yes, yes, the Divine Maiden is our great benefactor. Even after five hundred years, we dare not forget. The royal family has passed down an imperial decree to maintain harmony with Great Jing."
Ling Yao was initially quite touched, thinking that after so many years, they still remembered the life-saving kindness. It seemed their bond back then was extraordinary.
However, in the next moment...
"Divine Maiden, could you bestow more divine medicine upon our nation? The last remaining pill was stolen by the eldest princess and given to General Shenwu. Tantai has always revered the Divine Maiden, considering her supreme..."
Indeed, Hua Qingmu's thick skin had a reason.
Xiao Shan slammed the table. "Do you want a slap? Have you no shame? I, the General, used the Divine Maiden's item originally. Forget one pill, ten would have been used without a second thought. And you have the audacity to ask for more?"
Xiao Shan's sudden outburst startled the two elders, who dared not speak for a long time.
Such brute force, like bandits.
But they were still somewhat unwilling.
"That's not how it should be said..." Elder Li mumbled.
What was given was Tantai's. If he used it, he had to return it. Even returning that one pill would suffice.
Hua Qingmu sheepishly raised his hand. "Elders, the Divine Maiden has already given five pills."
"Given?" The two elders rejoiced, but their joy quickly diminished. "Five pills!"
The records stated thirty pills!
Those thirty pills had ensured Tantai's peace for so many years, averting countless internal conflicts and palace struggles during the transitions of power.
This was not just about saving lives!
Were five pills a bit... few?
Xiao Shan looked at Ling Yao, displeased. "When did you give them? I only used one, why are you so generous? No, get those four back!"
Hua Qingmu and the two elders, startled, quickly retreated.
Ling Yao generously offered pleasantries. "Elders, there's no need to worry. If there is truly a need in the future, you may seek help from Great Jing."
"Thank you, Divine Maiden, thank you, Divine Maiden."
To avoid further complications, the two elders dared not linger.
"The Tantai kingdom is unstable. The second princess has been making frequent moves recently. The eldest princess should return as soon as possible."
Hua Qingmu nodded. "Yes, yes, yes, I will return now. General, please send someone to assist as previously agreed."
"Yuan Bufie, lead a contingent to Tantai and help the eldest princess ascend the throne."
"Yes, your subordinate obeys!"
"Hey, old partner." Hua Qingmu waved to him.
Ling Yao looked at the solemn Yuan Bufie, then recalled him wearing Xiao Shan's face and entangled with Hua Qingmu.
Hua Qingmu was a man, raised as a girl from childhood. Now, to become queen, she would have to pretend to be a woman for life.
Were the psychological states of such people truly normal?
"General Yuan, you have a wife and children waiting for your return. Do not linger outside!"
Yuan Bufie, having served as a county magistrate, understood the ways of both civil and military officials. Upon hearing Ling Yao's words, his mind raced through several interpretations.
Was the princess reminding him not to misbehave in Tantai?
That was an unnecessary concern.
The women of Tantai were like tigresses, lacking any feminine charm. He couldn't afford such a burden.
"Yes, your subordinate strictly follows the Divine Maiden's teachings."
Thus, everyone was pleased, and Yuan Bufie immediately assembled a troop and left with Hua Qingmu.
Much more time passed, and it was almost midnight.
Ling Yao looked at Xiao Shan. He had sat down to drink again.
She paid him no mind and addressed the assembled soldiers loudly. "Brothers, you have toiled diligently and fought bravely. Thank you for your protection just now. After we annihilate the Qirong beasts, I will prepare fine wine and delicacies in the capital for us to celebrate together. I hope all of you will return safely!"
Accepting a cup of plain water from Chi Yun, she raised it high. "A toast to all of you!"
She drank it down in one gulp.
She sincerely respected these soldiers who had risked their lives for Great Jing. It was also her first time experiencing Xiao Shan's life over the past decade.
Moved, she secretly prayed for peace in the world, so that the soldiers could lay down their arms and enjoy their family lives.
Everyone stood up.
"To the Divine Maiden! Long live the Divine Maiden!"
The rough soldiers, their faces flushed either from drink or the heat, drained their cups of wine.
Ling Yao walked through the crowd, nodding to each person.
Xiao Shan watched her leave the hall with a smile.
Once the Divine Maiden departed, the rough men no longer held back, their voices growing louder.
"General! You promised that after defeating the Qirong and returning to the capital, you would find me a noble lady from the capital. Please keep your word! I don't like them too thin."
"I want one too. A noble lady isn't necessary, a gentle young lady will do. I like those who smile with dimples, like the village flower from my hometown."
"I don't want a wife. I heard there's a good sauce-flavored goose in the capital. I want that!"
Amidst the clamor, Xiao Shan laughed heartily.
Soon, Xie Bo, unable to hold his liquor, was helped away by servants.
After eating and drinking their fill, many had already collapsed on the tables, fast asleep. A few were still playing drinking games, while the strategist, tapping his chopsticks, sang loudly: "Drunk lying on the battlefield... laughing at the mortal world..."
Xiao Shan, eyes narrowed, leaned on the table, half-asleep.
A small servant hurried over.
"General, the Divine Maiden seems to be drunk outside. My master cannot persuade her and has asked you to come over!"
It was the little servant of Prince Xie Bo.
Meng Jiu reminded him from behind, "General, are you still clear-headed?"
"Nonsense, this General is immune to a thousand cups of wine. I'm going to bring my wife home."
Xiao Shan stood up steadily, though his speech was slightly slurred. Pointing at the servant, he said, "Lead the way!"