CHAPTER 300: CHAPTER 297: HARD TO PART

Xie Liangchen said, "Second Uncle, don’t worry, I’m fine, maybe it was just too hot in the tent earlier."

Chen Yongsheng nodded, but he wondered why he didn’t feel hot. How could Miss Chen, a girl, have such a fiery temper?

After thinking for a moment, Chen Yongsheng said, "Could it be that you’re wearing the woolen clothes your grandmother prepared for you? Your grandmother is old and can’t stand the cold, so she thought you needed it too. You’re too obedient..."

The woolen socks that Old Mrs. Chen gave to Xie Liangchen were still lying neatly in Xie Liangchen’s bundle.

Xie Liangchen didn’t argue further but handed the paper over to Chen Yongsheng: "Second Uncle, have Chu Er make a trip back to Zhenzhou and give this to Mr. Xu. These are the finished medicines to be made next."

"When the situation in the North stabilizes, the court’s military supplies can be sent to Xinzhou. Both the National Guardian General and County Magistrate Qu will oversee the military supplies. I informed Mr. Xu in advance so he can be prepared. In case of need, our Familiar Medicine Institute can still offer some."

Chen Yongsheng nodded.

Xie Liangchen followed Chen Yongsheng as they talked and walked outside. Not far from the Central Army Tent, Chang Yue had prepared a military camp for them to settle in.

It was also closer to the wounded.

Chen Yongsheng said, "Shouldn’t you check on General Song’s injury?"

Xie Liangchen said, "No need." She feared that if she went over, her Second Uncle might look for her and find her still in the Central Army Tent.

From Xinzhou to Dai State, the journey had been exhausting. The villagers of Zhenzhou were already tired. After eating in the military camp, they lay down in the tents to rest. When Chen Yongsheng returned, he heard loud snores inside.

Chen Yongsheng couldn’t help but say, "They’re really worn out."

Xie Liangchen took Chen Yongsheng back to her tent. With no one else around, Xie Liangchen whispered, "Second Uncle, after coming here, have you thought of the past?"

Chen Yongsheng knew what Xie Liangchen meant. After a moment of silence, he said, "At that time, I was also young, always following your uncle. Later, when the war came, we traveled together, and many died on the way. There was too much killing for a bite to eat. Fortunately, your grandfather was skilled and broke through with the men from the village, finally reaching Zhenzhou."

In just these few words, Xie Liangchen sensed how much Chen Family Village had sacrificed to send her mother out back then.

"You don’t need to think too much," Chen Yongsheng said, "seeing the eight states now, if it hadn’t been for the escape back then, perhaps Chen Family Village would no longer exist. Although the North has been chaotic over the years, we surely haven’t suffered as much as the people here."

Xie Liangchen nodded, "Second Uncle, are you tired? I want to go around and take a look." Unless she walked around herself, she wouldn’t know the situation nearby.

The grain in the army was scarce. If part of it is really used for disaster relief, it should be applied properly. Song Xian had just taken two states, and on the surface, there wouldn’t be any wars for a while, but in reality, who knows?

Tomorrow, she still had to send a message to Old General Zhang, asking him to dispatch some troops here. Old General Zhang understood Dai State, and stabilizing the people’s hearts there was serious business.

She couldn’t let Song Xian fight at the front while Xiao Xingzong caused trouble at the back.

After discussing with Chen Yongsheng, the two of them took some men and walked around the military camp. Xie Liangchen had her calculations in mind.

What she saw in Dai State wasn’t even as good as Zhenzhou. On the way, they met a few children who were barely clothed, with big heads and vacant eyes watching them.

If no aid is given, many may starve. Xie Liangchen admired Old General Zhang for managing to gather military resources in such circumstances.

After sending off Chen Yongsheng, Xie Liangchen took out a paper, making plans under the lamp.

She didn’t know how long had passed when she heard footsteps. She then looked up and saw Song Xian standing in front of her, having removed his armor.

Xie Liangchen said, "Sir."

This address didn’t satisfy Song Xian much, but at the moment, it was the only thing she could call him. Forcing her to say anything else would not only fail to achieve the purpose but also make her turn against him.

"I will lead the troops out of the camp tomorrow," Song Xian said.

Perhaps because his injuries hadn’t healed, Xie Liangchen always felt that Song Xian’s voice sounded soft.

"Hmm," Xie Liangchen said, "is everything ready?"

Song Xian said, "I just came out of the military tent, everything is arranged."

Even after admitting her feelings to Song Xian, when the two were alone, Xie Liangchen still felt a bit uncomfortable, probably because she had never had such an experience before.

Song Xian said softly, "Don’t like being alone with me?"

Xie Liangchen shook her head, "Just not used to it."

Song Xian looked down at her, and after a moment, he said, "Then that means you like it."

Xie Liangchen couldn’t hold back her laughter, wondering how Song Xian came to such a conclusion. Thinking about it carefully, what he said wasn’t wrong.

"Can I sit down?" Song Xian said as he sat on a stool.

It suddenly felt as if they were back in the east room of Chen Family Village, facing each other this way. Xie Liangchen carefully looked at Song Xian. The lamp light enveloped his brows and eyes, making him seem gentle and meticulous.

Even with his injuries not healed, Song Xian had to lead the troops out. Xie Liangchen said, "Sir, go rest, you have to get up before dawn."

"Alright."

Song Xian responded, but he showed no intention to leave. Instead, he rested his arms on the table in front of her.

This table was simply made of wood, very crude, and the stool Song Xian sat on was small, making it clear that sitting here was not comfortable.

Song Xian’s eyes were bright, seemingly more vivid as he slightly tilted his face to look at people.

Song Xian said, "We haven’t said much from last night till now."

Xie Liangchen closed the accounts, "What does Sir want to say?"

"It’s also fine if we don’t talk," Song Xian said, "this is good, being closer, just seeing you."

The lamp light made Xie Liangchen’s cheeks feel flush.

Naturally, Xie Liangchen couldn’t let Song Xian lean there. After making three mistakes in her calculations, she finally couldn’t help but put on a stern face to drive him away.

Song Xian looked at the counting beads in her hand and smiled slightly, seemingly pleased to see her flustered.

He reached out and gently pressed her hand, his rough fingers applying slight pressure, helping her massage her fingertips.

Song Xian said, "Don’t rush, take it slowly."

Her hand was held for a while. Xie Liangchen slightly pursed her lips, and just like that, the two of them faced each other without saying anything, yet it didn’t seem strange. As the unfamiliar, tense feeling gradually faded away, only reassurance remained.

"It’s very late already," Xie Liangchen said, "Sir should go back and rest, I’m also tired."

"Hmm." Song Xian replied but didn’t move an inch.

Xie Liangchen gently shook her hand, "Go back!"

Unconsciously, her voice carried a few more traces of warmth. After uttering, even she was stunned.

Song Xian seemed unexpected too. After staring at her fair, delicate fingers, he remained silent for a moment before saying, "Okay."

Standing up, Song Xian didn’t rush to move his feet: "Tomorrow, I am afraid we won’t have time to talk alone."

Xie Liangchen nodded.

With a touch of a smile on his lips, Song Xian said, "Sister Chen, do you have any instructions for me?"