Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 489 - 458: There is a Disease Called Yearning

Chapter 489: Chapter 458: There is a Disease Called Yearning

"Auntie, is what you’re saying really true?"

During this time, Ximen Jinxing, who had been kept at home, did nothing but practice martial arts every day.

Her father wouldn’t let her join the military in the north or seek out Zhang San, so she dedicated herself to rigorous training.

Once she could defeat grandfather in combat, she’d be free to find Zhang San in the north.

However, to her surprise, her aunt returned from a matchmaking appointment today, which, as usual, had ended in failure, but she brought back news that Zhang San had distinguished himself in the Northern Army.

"Of course, my date said that because of Zhang San’s accomplishments, the Ministry of Personnel is busy drafting a new official position that fits the regulations and is suitable for Zhang San’s role in the army."

Upon hearing this, Ximen Jinxing’s smile couldn’t have been brighter.

Indeed, my Zhang San is the most incredible.

"Auntie, what exact merit did he achieve? Did he kill the Khan of the Tujue or annihilate tens of thousands of their troops?"

The aunt shook her head and spread her hands dejectedly, "I wanted to ask for you, but my date said he had to rush back to work on drafting Zhang San’s position. He was in such a hurry that he left, so I don’t know the details."

Just then, another aunt who came to deliver food laughed and said, "I know about this. I heard it from the sheep seller when I went out to buy lamb. He said their sheep were all trafficked from Longyun Path. Some of them were sheep that Zhang San had seized from the Tujue people and then sold to them."

Ximen Jinxing’s eyes lit up when she heard this.

"So, the lamb we’re eating today was snatched by Zhang San from the Tujue."

As she spoke, the aunt put down the large wooden tub behind her, resembling a giant hot tub, opened the lid, and the aroma of boiled lamb instantly filled the courtyard.

"Auntie, call my sister over. Let’s eat some lamb together to warm up and replenish our strength," she said.

At that moment, Ximen Jinxing’s smile, as she looked at the lamb, was as if the sheep were free, specially sent back to her as a gift from Zhang San.

Soon, the four aunts and her sister Ximen Jinlian all gathered in Ximen Jinxing’s courtyard. Together, they joyfully enjoyed the lamb meat.

The sister grinned at her and said, "You look very good today, sister. Not like usual, when you often look worried. I think you’ve even lost weight recently."

Ximen Jinxing puzzled, "Really? I suppose I’m okay..."

As she spoke, Ximen Jinxing thought of something and suddenly blushed, lowering her head.

"Sister, you’re thinking about that person, aren’t you?"

Then, the aunt who had just boasted about the lamb said, "Right, I heard that Zhang San recently made an accomplishment by recruiting some members of the Demon Clan. It seems that the entire clan pledged allegiance to the Great Sui or something like that. Kaihuang was overjoyed."

Kaihuang might have been overjoyed, but Ximen Jinxing, upon learning the truth behind Zhang San’s achievement, was momentarily stunned.

She herself couldn’t handle a single vixen, yet Zhang San had recruited an entire Demon Clan.

No, she must find a way to join the Northern Army.

If she and Zhang San were together in the military, alone as a woman among men, kindling ready to spark a flame, there might still be a chance for them to become a couple.

But if Zhang San was left to progress on his own in the Northern Army, she feared that the next time she saw him, she’d have to prepare red envelopes for his children!

"Sister, after the meal, come find me. I have something to discuss," she announced.

Afterwards, Ximen Jinlian waited in her room for her sister to arrive.

Ximen Jinxing did not hide her intention. Upon entering, she immediately asked, "Sister, as you know, you’ve had various ailments for so many years, what sickness do you think would suit me?"

"Ah!?"

"Actually... I want to feign illness to fool Grandfather and then sneak away!"

Hearing her sister speak the truth, Ximen Jinlian snickered and said, "Sister must be suffering from lovesickness."

Lovesickness!?

Upon reflection, Ximen Jinxing thought that such an ailment might not be too far-fetched.

...

Similarly informed, Yang Lihua hosted a meal today for Xu and Wei and others, sharing the news about Zhang San’s situation in the Northern Army.

Everyone was thrilled to hear that not only was Zhang San safe in the Northern Army but he had even distinguished himself with an achievement.

"By the way, the Chief just sent me a letter; it was delivered back by someone sent from Principal Officer Xuanwu at Zhang San’s request."

Third Miss Gan suddenly spoke up, "Zhang San wants to dispatch several hundred martial artists from Chuan-Yu Road to Longyun Path; he plans to establish a branch of the Town Martial Office in the north of Longyun Path."

Hearing this, Xu immediately asked, "Do I need to go? We’ve finished our previous tasks, and we were supposed to return to Chuan-Yu Road, but why did the Chief instruct us not to go back yet?"

Third Miss Gan shook her head and said, "The Chief has his own plans; we just follow orders. Though this time Zhang San mentioned only needing some martial artists from Chuan-Yu Road, and he’s asking for a large number, I see that he’s not requesting particularly strong individuals. So, we probably don’t need to go help."

Xu nodded slightly, still a bit worried about Zhang San.

During this time, Qiong, who had remained silent, couldn’t help but ask, "What about Wang Junwu? He’s also from the Town Martial Office. How is he doing?"

Yang Lihua knew that her sister was concerned about her own tall, dark tower.

Xu said with a smile, "Princess Qionghua, don’t worry. Wang Junwu is competent and intelligent. He won’t have any trouble in Jin River Road."

Yang Lihua nodded subtly, without revealing that she had sent someone to inquire recently and discovered that Yuchi An hadn’t received any word about Wang Junwu.

Clearly, Wang Junwu had taken the letter she wrote but hadn’t gone to Yuchi An with it, suggesting he had his own plans.

...

On a mountainous trail of Jin River Road, Du Baoshi led the newly replenished force of tens of thousands, pursuing the fleeing Northern Qi Army from Baizhou City.

The Northern Qi Army controlled a total of three cities, and no one expected Baizhou City to be the first to fall.

Thus, by chasing towards the other two cities along the way, a considerable number of scattered soldiers and defeated generals could be captured.

"This Gao Junxian, it’s said he’s quite capable in his own right, but his leadership on the battlefield is far too average! If I were him, I’d gather all the troops along the path and set up an ambush somewhere. But as we’ve seen, the enemy’s campfires are dwindling, and there are more and more deserters! Hahaha... Gao Junxian, just not up to the task!"

Overjoyed, Du Baoshi laughed heartily and glanced at Wang Junwu, who stood next to him.

"Wang Junwu, what do you think?"

Mounted on his horse, Wang Junwu promptly saluted and said, "General Du is brilliant! This method of turning defeat into victory is not something the ordinary can conceive. Only a war prodigy like you could come up with such ingenious ideas. If Gao Junxian had such ability, how could he have merely held onto the Three Zhou region for so many years?"

After hearing these words, Du Baoshi couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Wang Junwu was not only talented but also had a way with words.

"What’s ahead of us?"

Wang Junwu replied immediately, "Up ahead is Songye Pass; the terrain is high on both sides, and it might be dangerous for us to pass through. General, should we send someone to scout ahead first, and then..."

"No need! The Northern Qi Army has been scared out of their wits by yours truly; the important thing is to keep up the chase right now. Pass down the order for the troops behind us to keep up. After we go through Songye Pass, we’ll proceed at full speed!"

Wang Junwu nodded and then cast a glance at Changsun Wudiao not far away, exchanging a look with him.