Chapter 18: The Military Camp, Tang Ziyun

Why did he see a hint of allure in the eyes of the young child before him? Tang Chen shook his head, trying to clear his mind. That was the general’s child, his young master! How could he possibly compare the little lord Jun Han to those gentle, captivating women?

Chu Jun Han sensed the awkward atmosphere as well, turned his head, and changed the subject, saying, “I didn’t expect my mother to be so formidable!”

Tang Chen replied, “Deputy General Xi is the most powerful female warrior here. I’ve always admired her greatly.”

“I wish to be as spirited as my mother in the future,” Chu Jun Han murmured softly.

Unfortunately, Tang Chen’s hearing was excellent; he was momentarily bewildered, then, realizing what was said, replied with a wry smile, “Jun Han, you should aspire to be like General Chu, or perhaps marry a woman like Deputy General Xi. Men have their own ambitions and aspirations—how can you say you want to be like a woman?”

Chu Jun Han stared at Tang Chen in shock, surprised at his sharp hearing.

“What is Tang Chen talking about? I don’t understand!” Chu Jun Han relied on his youth, feigning ignorance with practiced ease. Tang Chen wouldn’t bother arguing with a child anyway.

Tang Chen saw Chu Jun Han’s big eyes blinking adorably, couldn’t help but rub her head, “If you don’t understand, so be it, Jun Han. There are so many principles in this world; to understand them all would be tedious and dull, and you’d lose your truest self.”

Tang Chen thought Chu Jun Han wouldn’t comprehend his words, but clearly he was mistaken. Chu Jun Han savored the meaning, inwardly remarking: Our brother Ziyun is indeed someone who follows his heart! Such a military genius—what a pity he was in the last life!

This time, everything of the Chu family, including the lives of my parents, will be guarded by me, Chu Jun Han!

“Ah!” A sudden cry drew both their attention.

“Father!”

“General!”

Chu Jun Han and Tang Chen cried out in unison, instinctively running toward the source of the commotion, eager to help Chu Xiong, who was sprawled on the ground nearby.

“Leave him be; let him get up himself,” Xi Feng said, still wearing a stern expression.

“My lady, you really don’t hold back!” Chu Xiong grinned painfully as he climbed to his feet, looking pitifully at Xi Feng, his hand rubbing his chest.

Xi Feng scoffed at Chu Xiong’s pouting, snorting coldly, “General Chu’s martial prowess is outstanding. I’ve admired him for a long time. I hope the general will spar with me more often in the future.”

Chu Xiong’s face twitched, and even his words faltered, “Again… again?”

“Tomorrow, we continue!” Xi Feng declared, then left without so much as a backward glance, leaving Chu Xiong with a bitter expression and the gathered soldiers looking on in amusement.

“My lady…” Chu Xiong watched Xi Feng mount her horse and ride away with admirable poise, unable to voice his frustrations.

Though he was renowned for his valor and skill in battle, the techniques he mastered for warfare seemed useless when facing Xi Feng, who was seasoned in martial arts from the world beyond the battlefield.

“What are you looking at? Have you finished all the drills Deputy Tang taught you today?” Chu Xiong glared at the crowd surrounding him, venting his frustration on the soldiers.

“Heh, General, we didn’t expect Deputy Xi to be so formidable!”

“That’s right—otherwise, how could our general fancy Deputy Xi?”

…

The soldiers bantered back and forth, utterly unafraid of Chu Xiong’s temper. They were used to seeing him like this; what they truly feared was only General Chu’s awe-inspiring presence on the battlefield.