[The Chronicles of Smoke and Clouds] [Chapter 45] [Author: Feng Shang 7] [The End]

Chapter 45: A Scheme for the World - Dragons Coiling and Tigers Crouching

Living alone in a small, quiet building, far from the hustle and bustle of the world, A-Juan had recently become quite popular with Zhao Qingqing, who often kept her by her side. A-Juan was a very clever girl, always knowing what to say. Zhao Qingqing had moved to this secluded building because she preferred tranquility. The building was built beside a lake with flowing, clear water, and the surrounding environment was elegant and beautiful. A-Juan, naturally pretty and charming, was now dressed in a pink dress over a snow-white undergarment, looking every bit the part of a refined young lady.

The scenery below was picturesque, with a small bridge, green water, and a gentle breeze. A-Juan, her hair flowing, was happily watering the flowers when Zhu Lin walked across the bridge early in the morning.

A-Juan glanced at Zhu Lin, pretending not to see him, gave a cold snort, and continued watering the flowers with a flick of her sleeve. Zhu Lin, feeling quite pleased with himself, walked across the bridge and saw A-Juan watering the flowers downstairs from a distance. From a dozen paces away, he couldn't help but greet her with a smile, "Sister Juan, up so early today?" A-Juan pouted and replied coldly, "Didn't someone else get up even earlier?" Zhu Lin walked along, laughing, "Sister Juan, who made you angry? I'll help you get revenge!" A-Juan snorted coldly, ignoring Zhu Lin's playful grin, and continued watering the flowers. Zhu Lin was a head taller than A-Juan, and looking down at her, he realized that A-Juan had become increasingly beautiful in the few days since he'd last seen her. She was radiant, with snow-white skin, like a young lady from a wealthy family. Her slightly angry demeanor had gained a touch of charm, and he couldn't help but look at her a few more times, teasingly saying, "Sister Juan…" "You've become even more beautiful these past few days!"

A-Juan, inwardly furious, threw down the basin of water and turned to leave. Zhu Lin quickly chased after her, blocking her path, saying, "No, no, no! I have urgent business with the princess. It's a secret report from the capital, and I need you to guide me, Sister Juan!" A-Juan, too lazy to argue, said curtly, "Your glib tongue has improved considerably in just a few days! And your skin has thickened quite a bit too!"

Zhu Lin, feeling guilty and in the wrong, gave an awkward smile, pretending not to care. He didn't dare argue with her, hoping A-Juan would put in a good word for him with Zhao Qingqing. Zhu Lin secretly hated himself for being so spineless; he felt a deep longing for Zhao Qingqing whenever he wasn't around. He couldn't stop thinking about this fairy-like Zhao Qingqing, constantly scheming to find excuses to spend more time with her… But Zhao Qingqing was incredibly clever; she saw right through Zhu Lin's little schemes. She was naturally aloof and taciturn, rarely seeing Zhu Lin except for matters of military and political importance. Zhu Lin was desperately envious and itched with desire. Having just received a secret report from the capital last night, he rushed over early this morning to see his beloved.

A-Juan, disliking Zhu Lin's obvious display of affection, deliberately tried to make things difficult for him, saying, "The princess is unwell. She already knows about the secret report. General Zhu, please return."

Zhu Lin deliberately retorted with a smile, "Is the princess ill? Then I must see her." A-Juan, too lazy to argue, led Zhu Lin upstairs. After asking around outside, she led him into the room. The first thing he saw upon entering was Zhao Qingqing, dressed in a snow-white gown that radiated a crystal-clear, holy glow. The noble and beautiful dress perfectly outlined the alluring curves of her delicate body. Combined with her tall and slender figure, her flowing hair... Standing gracefully by the window, her dress and hair swaying gently in the breeze, carrying a delicate fragrance, she seemed like a fairy descended from the heavens, untouched by worldly concerns—truly a celestial being descended to earth…

Zhu Lin was immediately captivated by Zhao Qingqing's beauty upon entering, unable to look away. He asked, "Wasn't the princess ill?"

Zhao Qingqing turned her delicate body, raising her pretty face slightly, and asked curiously, "Who said I was ill?" Zhu Lin shrugged, his gaze falling on A-Juan, saying, "A-Juan said you were ill and not receiving guests." Zhao Qingqing glanced at A-Juan, and said softly with a smile, "Yes, I am feeling a little unwell, but it's nothing serious. I wonder what important matter brings you here so early in the morning?" "?"

She was clearly biased towards A-Juan. A-Juan stuck out her tongue and giggled. Zhu Lin coughed and said, "A secret report from the capital of Liang Kingdom. I came to inform Your Highness."

Zhao Qingqing looked at Zhu Lin's face with her beautiful eyes and said with a light laugh, "I already knew. I won't trouble the general. If there's nothing else, please go back." A-Juan said anxiously from the side, "I told him the same thing, but he won't listen!" Zhu Lin coughed and said seriously, "Of course, there are some important military matters, but it's not convenient for A-Juan to talk about them here." A-Juan pouted and said, "Whether I go out or not is up to the princess." "That's settled." Seeing that Zhu Lin really seemed serious, Zhao Qingqing could only say softly, "A-Juan, you can leave now." A-Juan had no choice but to leave the room. Zhao Qingqing walked to the table and sat down as if nothing had happened. Her face was aloof, and she took a sip of hot tea, saying lightly, "Now that no one's around, you can speak frankly." Zhu Lin glanced outside to make sure A-Juan was far away before moving closer to Zhao Qingqing and asking, "What's wrong with A-Juan lately?" Zhao Qingqing exuded a pure and ethereal fairy-like aura, and said in a nonchalant tone, "She's been angered by someone. When she was lonely before, she used sweet words to deceive girls..." "He turns his back on you the moment he gains power. I can't stand such heartless and ungrateful men..."

Zhu Lin was so ashamed that he wanted to disappear. He awkwardly laughed and said, "I didn't touch her. I just said some flirtatious things. And Juan, she's like that too. Is it really necessary? As we were talking, she couldn't help but try the same old trick again. She stood in front of Zhao Qingqing, looking down at her snow-white neck. Before she could even take advantage of her, Zhao Qingqing, being quick-witted, put down her teacup and said gently, 'Please sit down.'

Zhu Lin coughed and had no choice but to sit next to her. He still couldn't resist smelling the fragrance of the fairy's body, and his eyes kept stealing glances at her breasts. Zhao Qingqing's two mounds..." Her breasts were beautifully shaped; their shape was clearly visible even through her clothes. Zhao Qingqing was somewhat at a loss for words due to his persistence. She softened her tone and said, "I recently discovered someone who has the demeanor of a gentleman, but unfortunately, his official rank is so low—only a county magistrate. It's a waste of his talent. Perhaps we should promote him."

Zhu Lin thought for a moment and blurted out, "It's Li Mu, Magistrate Li, right? He seems decent, but he's actually a hypocrite."

Hearing this, Zhao Qingqing couldn't help but chuckle, "How can you say that about him! What has he done to you?

" Lin straightened his chest and laughed, "Anyway, I think he's a wicked man, all bark and no bite. He looks respectable on the surface, but he's actually not as good as others."

Zhao Qingqing's beautiful eyes sparkled with laughter as she nodded and chuckled, "Now that you mention it, I remember Wu De is just like you. He's so audacious that he dared to make a move on me. That Magistrate Li wouldn't have been so bold. When you say he's not as good as others, you're probably referring to Wu De."

Zhu Lin wasn't particularly surprised and said with disdain, "Wu De, that opportunist, isn't as capable as General Balu. Does Your Highness think the same way as me?"

Zhao Qingqing shook her head and laughed, "I..." "I want to ask you something. Did you really come here so early this morning because of a secret report?" Zhu Lin saw the serious look in her eyes, which didn't seem like a joke, and could only awkwardly laugh, "No..." Zhao Qingqing's expression changed, and she put away her teacup with her delicate hand, sighing softly, "I don't know what you men are thinking all day long."

Zhu Lin was speechless. Zhao Qingqing poured herself tea and drank water, looking like a fairy. Zhu Lin really couldn't handle her and couldn't resist her at all. He could only sheepishly say, "Then I'll take my leave..." Zhu Lin said, about to leave, but he didn't move. Zhao Qingqing acted as if she was seeing him off, and said in a pleasant voice:

"General, please return. I will not see you off."

Zhu Lin had no intention of leaving and retorted, "I just arrived and you're already sending me away. It's not easy for me to come all this way, so why don't you sit a little longer..."

A-Juan called from downstairs, "Your Highness, Lord Wu and General Balu are here!" Zhao Qingqing suddenly felt a headache coming on, her jade-like hand rubbing her forehead. "I really am..." Zhu Lin, go stand to the side. There is a distinction between ruler and subject; when there are many people, one must naturally follow the rules. Zhu Lin obediently stood beside her, not taking advantage of the situation... After striking up a conversation, Wu De and Balu were led inside by A Juan. Wu De looked surprised and said, "Oh, General Zhu is here with the princess too?"

Zhu Lin chuckled and said, "I'm here on military business. May I ask what brings you two gentlemen here?" When Wu De saw Zhao Qingqing, this fairy-like woman, his eyes lit up, and he bowed and nodded obsequiously, saying, "Princess, you rushed back to the city last night. Why didn't you inform this old minister to accompany and protect you? Your Highness, you are of noble birth. If anything were to happen to you, this old minister would deserve to die!"

Zhao Qingqing raised her jade-like hand, gesturing for the three to sit down. Her voice was melodious as she said, "I live alone in this small building, and there are many things I may be ignorant about. However, Lords Wu De and Balu, I only returned to the city last night. Why did you two rush back with me?"

Wu De hurriedly replied, "Your Highness's health was of utmost concern, so I rode back to the city overnight." Zhao Qingqing smiled beautifully and said, "Lord Wu's hospitality is truly gratifying." Overjoyed by her praise, Wu De puffed out his chest and said, "This old minister is fortunate to have such a wise and benevolent ruler as Your Highness. How could I dare not do my utmost?"

Zhao Qingqing took a sip of tea. Her beautiful eyes, like pools of water, swept over the three people beside her. She said, "It's rare to find such loyalty from Lord Wu. I'm even more pleased. However, as a general, Lord Wu should continue his efforts and not disappoint me on the battlefield."

Wu De smiled obsequiously, "Yes, Your Highness, if you say so, this old minister knows what to do." General Balu, his old face now serious, stroked his beard and said, "I've heard that the Northern cavalry have been relentlessly attacking Chahar day and night. Chahar has dispatched 30,000 troops to meet them. Your Highness, do you think Chahar can escape this calamity?" Zhao Qingqing, who had been drinking tea, lost her appetite upon hearing his words and said indifferently:

"The Chahar tribe, being Mongols, are naturally brave and skilled in battle. However, the Northern Kingdom is currently at its peak, with various Mongol tribes submitting to it. Their fear before the battle even begins speaks volumes."

General Balu stroked his white beard and coughed. "This old minister believes that after the Chahar are destroyed, the Northern Kingdom's military might will awe the world. Murong Chi will surely send troops to Jinzhou to isolate Dingzhou. The current strategy is to actively seize territory and purchase warhorses and artillery to bolster the armies. I wonder what Lord Wu and General Zhu think?" Wu De smiled insincerely. Laughing in a strange tone, she complained, "You've said all the nice things, what are we supposed to say..." Zhu Lin clapped her hands, her imposing manner revealing her agreement, "The Northern Kingdom is powerful, and Dingzhou naturally cannot compare. General Ba's words are truly insightful. To be honest, I have repeatedly advised the princess to send troops to conquer Yongzhou and Xidu. If we occupy these two places, our state will have more than 300,000 troops. Xidu, Yongzhou, and Dingzhou will be connected. At that time, the princess will have 300,000 troops, which will not only be enough to resist the Northern Kingdom, but also to establish a separatist regime." "What's wrong with establishing a state?"

General Balu, though old, was still filled with fervor, his face flushed with excitement as he exclaimed, "Our lord, Lord Yuan, ignores the advice of his ministers, occupying only one state. He can achieve little. Dingzhou is now sandwiched between the three major powers of the Northern Kingdom, the Mongols, and the Liang Kingdom. It's truly a case of being attacked from both sides. If the princess doesn't plan ahead, it will be too late to regret it!"

Wu De had long hoped that Zhao Qingqing would establish herself as independent. Now, all three generals unanimously supported Dingzhou's independence; only he hadn't expressed his opinion yet. Zhao Qingqing's refusal to declare independence was an excuse, but now there was no reason to refuse. His old face, now brimming with fervent emotion, urged her, "This old minister is truly worried about the survival of our state. Seeking survival in chaotic times is tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin. If we don't strengthen ourselves, we'll inevitably be slaughtered. Cough cough, Princess, what are you waiting for?"

After listening to the three men's repeated advice, Zhao Qingqing suddenly stood up, her delicate body framed by her hands, and said, "Traitors, traitors, what kind of people are you talking about? You always say that Liang's fate is sealed, Liang, Liang, Dingzhou..." " Not belonging to Liang?

Don't forget, I am a princess of Liang. When Lord Yuan was alive, he was wholeheartedly loyal to the court. How could I, a mere woman, dare to have such improper thoughts! It's useless to think about it now. Gentlemen, you should go back." The three looked at each other in dismay. Zhu Lin dared not utter a word. General Balu glanced at Wu De, and the two of them, as if they had agreed beforehand, suddenly knelt down together and said in unison, "When Lord Yuan was alive, he loved to hunt outside the city, so the bravery of Dingzhou grew stronger year by year. Under the guise of hunting..." "Firstly, it can train troops; secondly, it can select capable generals during the hunt; and thirdly, it can deter those arrogant fools. Your Highness, you are a princess and now the ruler of Dingzhou, and Dingzhou's martial prowess is known throughout the land. Why don't you lead your troops out of the city for a hunt today? It would also be a good opportunity to demonstrate your majesty as the ruler of Dingzhou."

Zhu Lin whispered to Zhao Qingqing, "What they mean is that the previous ruler of Dingzhou, Yuan Zhengnan, was a skilled warrior, proficient in both literature and martial arts, which is why he was so beloved by the people. Although Your Highness is a princess of a nation, you are still a woman..." "The people of Dingzhou don't know what kind of person Your Highness is, or if you're just holding the title of princess..."

Hearing them stop talking about persuading her to be independent, Zhao Qingqing smiled sweetly at the three and said, "In that case, why don't the three generals and ministers accompany me on a trip?" News of the Dingzhou ruler's upcoming hunt quickly spread throughout the city. Three thousand Imperial Guards led the way, six hundred Tiger Guards escorted the princess in the middle, followed by eight thousand local soldiers. The army marched out of the city with the princess, accompanied by twenty civil and military officials. Traveling with a group, A-Juan and Zhao Qingqing sat in the carriage, bantering with Zhu Lin, who rode beside them on horseback. The two exchanged sharp words, their banter in full swing. Suddenly, Zhao Qingqing, her face veiled in yellow gauze, gently lifted the carriage curtain with her jade-like hand. Her beautiful eyes revealed tens of thousands of people gathered along the main road, watching the spectacle. As soon as Zhao Qingqing's stunning beauty was revealed, the people, who had never seen such a beautiful and ethereal fairy, were instantly awestruck. They knelt down in a chorus of shouts, "Long live the princess!" The chants of "Long live the princess!" grew louder and louder.

Zhao Qingqing was already incredibly beautiful, and her white dress was as pure as snow, making her appear like a fairy in the sunlight. Her beauty was so striking that it was almost unbearable to look directly at her. Everyone's heart pounded wildly. Countless men knelt on the ground, gazing at the princess in the carriage, declaring that to see such a fairy was to have no regrets in their lives.

As soon as General Balu saw Zhao Qingqing lift the carriage curtain, he knew she had something to say to him. He rode closer to the fairy and asked, "Your Highness, what do you wish to ask this old minister?" Zhao Qingqing replied gently, "I wish to ask the General, how long has it been since Lord Yuan went out of the city for a hunt?"

General Balu stroked his beard, looking at her face, and said, "Lord Yuan's last hunt was far more magnificent than this one. That time, Yuwen Tai, a subordinate of the Fourth Prince of the Northern Kingdom, Murong Chong, harassed the border. Lord Yuan, without making a sound, used the pretext of a hunt to lead 40,000 cavalry and 80,000 infantry out of the city for the hunt. Once outside the city, hundreds of cannons were set up, and the 120,000 troops lined up in a formidable display, which terrified Yuwen Tai, who had only 40,000 men." "He ran away as soon as he saw it, and hasn't dared to provoke us for several years. That was several years ago."

Zhao Qingqing glanced at the scenery outside the car window with her beautiful eyes and said calmly, "This Yuwen Tai is quite a character. He's clearly a scholarly person, but he insists on working as a military general. I heard that Murong Chi and Murong Chong value him highly, seeing him as a rising star in the North. General Ba, do you know anything about Yuwen Tai?" General Balu loosened his beard, his old face full of honesty, and said, "Princess, don't underestimate Yuwen Tai. Even Fan Wenxuan, who is known as the reincarnation of Zhuge Liang, doesn't dare to belittle him. Otherwise, how could Yuwen Tai work under Murong Chong?"

Zhao Qingqing's snow-white hand... She gently drew back the carriage curtain and said, "I have learned a great deal from what the old general has said. When I was young and lived in the royal palace, my mother always told me that looking down on others often leads to trouble. It's a pity that I'm now far away in this remote place, and I have many feelings about it."

General Balu, riding close behind the carriage, said, "To be honest, there are many capable people in the world, but besides Lord Yuan, I probably can't find another person like you who can make the arrogant civil and military officials of Dingzhou so obedient. What's even more commendable is that you, Princess, are a woman. That makes you even more amazing." Zhao Qingqing smiled softly upon hearing this, "What, does the old general look down on women?" General Balu quickly shook his head. General Balu said, "This old minister wouldn't dare, Princess, please don't blame me." Zhao Qingqing removed her veil and parted her red lips, saying, "I know that you, General, are upright and hate evil, which is why you and Lord Wu often quarrel and fight to the death. But people are naturally different; everyone has their own temper and way of dealing with things, and this cannot be forced. To put it more deeply, General, you have fought on the battlefield for half your life, experiencing countless battles, which I greatly admire. But I wonder if I were to entrust you with an important task, would you still be as sharp as ever?"

General Balu's face lit up with joy, and he patted his chest, saying, "Princess, you think highly of this old minister. What is there to fear if I were to be shattered to pieces on the battlefield?"

Zhao Qingqing shook her head and smiled, "I'm not afraid of being crushed to pieces; that's the demeanor of a great general. However, great generals are hard to find. I don't need to be crushed to pieces. I know in my heart that there will be an extremely fierce battle waiting to be fought in Dingzhou. This battle requires a brave and skilled general; it's all about momentum. If you lose your momentum and are afraid before the battle even begins, how can you not be defeated? If you, General, are willing to serve me, then when the great battle comes, I will rely entirely

on your divine might." General Balu knew immediately that this was a fierce battle, but having fought half his life, what he feared most was not having a fierce battle. Hearing this, he was overjoyed and said, "Princess, please rest assured, this old minister will never disappoint you." Zhao Qingqing then closed the carriage curtain, her jade hand reaching for a book beside her gauze skirt to read intently. A-Juan, still fuming from her argument with Zhu Lin, approached... Zhao Qingqing pouted and said, "Princess, Zhu Lin is really infuriating!"

She tilted her pretty face, engrossed in her book, and asked, "What's wrong with Zhu Lin?" A-Juan huffed, "He got some dogs from somewhere, claiming they're his brothers. He thinks they're my younger brother, and that they're naturally the dogs' older sisters." Zhao Qingqing couldn't help but smile softly, "These men, they're so lively and mischievous, it's impossible to deal with them. Those dogs were brought from the capital by my orders; they were all my old dogs, and I gave a few to Zhu Lin."

A-Juan asked curiously, "Princess, why do you keep so many dogs?"

Zhao Qingqing raised her pretty face and smiled gently, "The dogs are very well-behaved; they know how to protect their owners. My maternal grandfather was a general, a very powerful general, extremely skilled in martial arts. He liked to keep dogs and kept many hunting dogs." "Dogs, he gave me two for my birthday once, and afterwards I had several dogs." A-Juan said enviously, "Ah, so that's how it happened! No wonder you specially ordered those dogs to be sent all the way here, Princess. But Zhu Lin is the worst kind of person; with these dogs, he's even more unruly!" Zhao

Qingqing said softly, "Don't be afraid. No matter how much he goes too far, I'll stand up for you." A-Juan couldn't help but grab her sleeve and giggle, "Princess, you're so kind! You treat me as well as my young lady."

A-Juan immediately regretted saying that. Mentioning Zhu Yao at this moment made Zhao Qingqing feel uneasy, and she felt a bit aggrieved for her, complaining, "Princess… your husband always dotes on my young lady. Doesn't that bother you?" Zhao

Qingqing put down her book, her tone… She said gently, "There's nothing to be sad about. I'm used to living a quiet and lonely life. After all, his identity is rather sensitive. As long as I know that we both have each other in our hearts, I'm happy. Zhu Yao has a hard life, how can I compete with her for anything?"

Ah Juan leaned forward and suddenly blurted out, "Princess, you are perfect in every way, the most beautiful and kindest woman in the world. But you are just too beautiful. Your husband always sighs and says that you are a fairy from heaven. If you weren't a princess of Liang, how wonderful it would be. He would take my young lady and you to live a secluded life in a beautiful place with mountains and rivers. But you both have things beyond your control. Your husband, like you, often misses you terribly in private, but he just can't bring himself to come and talk to you. After all, he is now a person of the Northern Kingdom, and I'm afraid it's to avoid suspicion."

After listening to everything, Zhao Qingqing's beautiful eyes showed a clear sadness as she said, "I...who can I confide my bitterness to? So many times I've wanted to throw myself into his arms, but I can't. I am a princess of Liang. Now the Northern Kingdom is extremely arrogant, its desire to destroy my country remains undiminished. Liang, after all, gave me life and raised me. Do you understand how I feel, A-Juan?"

(13156 words )

[End of Chapter]

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[The Chronicles of Smoke and Clouds] [Chapter 45] [Author: Feng Shang 7] [The End]

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