Chaotic World Book

Seeing that expression on Huangfu Qing's face, it was clear she was filled with interest; it seems that her earlier distraction was truly pondering this matter.

Her status is not an issue, and although it's not appropriate for the Empress Dowager to personally lead an expedition, she can continue using the Vermilion Bird guise. Anyway, now that both governance and the church are unified, as long as that pesky apprentice issues an appointment, the Venerable can directly convert to a Great General. There was a time when it felt the disguise was useless, but now it's becoming more and more useful.

As for being out of military practice for a long time, that's also not a problem. Zhao Changhe is the one who truly knows nothing, yet everyone believes he should be the commander-in-chief, mainly relying on others' counsel. Huangfu Qing, at least, has a solid foundation, and once familiarized, she will undoubtedly be more suitable than Zhao Changhe.

The familiarization and tacit understanding of the main military leaders with the troops - Zhao Changhe only knows Cui Yuanyong better than she does, while Huangfu Shaozong is actually her own younger brother, whom she's much more familiar with. There's also a main force in the Blood God Sect, which was originally under the Vermilion Bird's command but was poached; now, bringing them back under her banner goes without a hitch. However, she still needs to get acquainted with and meld the rest of the leaders; the next few days should be spent visiting the barracks, taking over military authority, and getting familiar with operations, with all her time spent in the military camp.

Although missing the rare opportunity to spend New Year's with a man, Huangfu Qing feels that's more fitting for her.

Just as she hesitated whether to recommend herself, wondering if the apprentice and Tang Wanju would reject it and leave her embarrassed, Zhao Changhe brought it up himself.

He can now genuinely consider everyone's thoughts, making him increasingly qualified as the core.

The effect of him suggesting it is naturally different from her volunteering; at the very least, others truly won't dismiss her face, only considering it from a suitability angle. By contemplating it so, brightness dawns in the eyes, and suddenly a feeling of "who but her" emerges.

Other veteran generals indeed exist in the court, but this war clearly involves an Imperial Realm battle, which others genuinely can't bear the standard. If you were to say who's the most prestigious person on the Heavenly List in Great Han, it's not Zhao Changhe, but rather Vermilion Bird, whose fame has shaken the world for so many years, even more prestigious than Xuanwu.

"The Empress Dowager should go." Xia Chichi exchanged a glance with Tang Wanju, seeing her nodding, and then decisively said, "I will prepare a decree shortly, and tomorrow morning at court it will be announced publicly. The Empress Dowager can actually head to the military camp this afternoon, with Shaozong taking her around first."

This pesky apprentice now seems more allied with Tang Wanju, you two are just in perfect harmony, aren't you? Huangfu Qing couldn't be bothered with it, her apprentice has been spoiled, but at least there's a man. She bit her lower lip, looking at Zhao Changhe with eyes filled with flirtation.

It's going to be busy lately... I'll reward you later.

...

Though termed a family dinner, it was all about state affairs, as if the great affairs of the world were casually settled at a family dining table. Nevertheless, many details, like military routes, couldn't be discussed at the table and required deliberation among generals.

As this meal, uncertain if it should be termed a family or national banquet, concluded, Huangfu Qing impatiently pulled Xia Chichi to draft the decree, leaving Xia Chichi unable to converse with the man she'd reunited with after a long time.

Sitting next to the Family Head at the dinner table, Bao Qin, still grinning foolishly from reaching life's peak, was also dragged away by her own lady, as Tang Wanju couldn't bear it any longer. Relying on you to contribute, yet all you do is giggle foolishly, probably making His Majesty's belly burst with laughter, thinking the opponent at the same table is just this.

In the end, Zhao Changhe ended up taking Yue Hongling on a tour of the Imperial Palace, heading to the Temple together to watch the stars.

"You, being such a broad-minded person, bear no hostility towards others. How is it you glare at Chichi?" During a stroll after the meal, Zhao Changhe asked quite casually.

Yue Hongling also replied casually: "Everyone has one or two people they're at odds with in their destiny, what's strange about that. I was thinking before, if it weren't for you, she and I would be lifelong enemies. But she inexplicably became the Emperor, seems like she's not an enemy anymore."

"According to our previous insights into martial arts concepts, you and the Four Symbols have an opposition yet unification, eventually being of one body. Even if there's a bit of friction between you and Chichi, eventually, it may all reconcile, regardless of my presence."

"Perhaps. According to your karmic observation, how is it?"

"I cannot discern such clear things. As of now, in my vision of karmic threads, all I can perceive is 'these two have a deep bond, with significant fates in the future,' nothing more detailed. In that sense, everyone at that table appeared the same." Zhao Changhe said, "However, looking from the qi veins, Chichi's Dragon Energy is very strong now, meaning this Jiangshan is firmly seated. Even if the war isn't won, it likely won't lead to such a downfall."

"Why don't you tell her? Everyone remains worried."

"It mustn't be disclosed carelessly, or it'll invoke complacency... I must even tell myself that my visionary foresight isn't reliable."

Yue Hongling smiled slightly, without responding.

Zhao Changhe sighed: "The cultivation time has been too short, feeling like there's so much to learn, yet everything remains tasted superficially. Including space, although I truly need to study it, it's always been set aside. Unlike you, focused on the sword, with a clear path."

Yue Hongling said: "It's actually the same. Previously I studied qi veins with you, aiming to expand my Sword Intent, to transform the sword into countless. Now, I also wish to study space, to allow my sword to traverse spatial barriers, omnipresent. The myriad ways are solely learned to augment the sword's performance, and you should do the same. You have long transcended the confines of the Blood Evil Saber Technique, now it's the saber slashing across the Star River. Every peripheral study is to enhance the performance of that single strike, it won't feel like too many distractions, ultimately it's all about that one strike."