Chaotic World Book

"Alright, alright, do as you please." Ba Tu said leisurely, "No matter what you all do, I still have my position as the Han King."

"That's only natural."

"That's enough. Old Zhao, contentment brings happiness; this applies to both you and me. Don't try to do everything by yourself; some things just can't be done."

"...How could I not want to be content?" Zhao Changhe sighed softly, "Some things simply must be done."

"If I were you, I'd be living idly on the Holy Mountain for a month, letting each tribe bring their best beauties over."

A slap flew from behind, and with a "slap" sound, it sent Ba Tu staggering.

Ba Tu turned back in anger, "Who the hell... uh, godmother, you're here?"

San Niang put her hands on her hips and scolded, "Which side are you on! Bringing beauties over? Why not cut yourself up and send it over! Get lost!"

Ba Tu scurried away with his head in his hands, and after running a couple of steps, he stumbled over Huangfu Qing's spear tip, rolling down the mountain in a flash.

The arrival of San Niang also signified the arrival of Huangfu Yongxian. It wasn't that Huangfu Qing didn't want to hit someone; it's just that there was a true father standing nearby.

This was also the first time Zhao Changhe saw the entire Huangfu family standing together. Before this, even though he knew well, it was always hard to associate the old general who guarded the frontier all his life with the Vermilion Bird. But this time, with the children standing by his side, Huangfu Qing seemed uncharacteristically meek and humble, and that father-daughter feeling instantly filled up the room.

Zhao Changhe felt a bit awkward, not knowing how to greet Huangfu Yongxian.

Back in the day, he had secretly hinted at pledging allegiance to him as the "fake Crown Prince", with the northern corps ready to serve.

How would the old man feel if he knew that Zhao Changhe secretly had his daughter under his wing, in such an morally conflicting situation where both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor supported each other, even in the Commander's Tent during military marches? Would the old man lament that he had been blind back then, choosing you, a tyrannical and foolish monarch?

The old general's white hair gently fluttered. After exchanging a glance with Zhao Changhe for a moment, he suddenly smiled and knelt on one knee, speaking in a loud voice: "Greetings to King Zhao."

Zhao Changhe instinctively knelt in return, "Greetings, father-in-law."

"Pfft..." Huangfu Shaozong turned his head to look into the distance, while many surrounding generals were snickering.

Huangfu Qing's cheeks were flushed as she glared fiercely at her brother, who couldn't be bothered to pay her any attention.

Huangfu Yongxian also laughed, and the two helped each other up by the arm. Huangfu Yongxian chuckled, "I am quite grateful to King Zhao."

Zhao Changhe quickly said, "The old general is too kind. The northern expedition is something we should do."

"I was referring to you marrying away my unruly daughter of thirty years, easing an old man's big worry."

Zhao Changhe: "..."

Huangfu Qing's eyebrows shot up.

"As a Great Demon in the Worldly Society, the Vermilion Bird Venerable is so impressive. But when asked at home when to get married, she can't run away fast enough. And in the end? She shamelessly sneaked into the palace to be an Imperial Concubine. Was it to anger your father to death?"

Huangfu Qing forced a long face, while Zhao Changhe turned his head aside.

This is just the taste of it, isn't it? Making up for the New Year atmosphere since it wasn't seen that year. When are we making dumplings?

No wonder in many Worldly Society settings, those Great Demons can't have parents. Otherwise, the moment they head home, all their prestige is gone.

But those are true Demons, who might not be filial even if they do have parents. But their own Vermilion Bird Demon is clearly not that type. Her joining the Four Symbols Sect might even have been partly for their family's grievances.

Now everything is settled, and all debts are paid.

The old general turned his gaze to the clouds beyond the mountain. The mountain winds howled, making his white hair flutter, obscuring his eyes: "I've spent my entire life fighting the Hu people, so many comrades died in battle. Qing'er and Shaozong's three brothers all died in war... I used to think the best end was to die defending a city, not seeing the devastated landscape behind."

He paused, showing a brilliant smile: "I never imagined there'd be a day like today, leading troops beyond the pass, breaking the royal court, transforming these vast grasslands into our pasture, paying tribute to the souls of innumerable comrades here on Langjuxu Mountain. From now on, I can retire and return home, nursing these injuries and ailments... Best if you guys give me a grandchild to hold soon; then my life shall have no regrets."

Huangfu Qing stomped her foot: "Dad!"

Huangfu Yongxian said: "With your troublesome identity, you can't get officially married. Fortunately, now we're in the military, far from the central authority, matters in the army are decided within the army. If you two don't set the red veil in front of me, see if I'm afraid of you both, the Vermilion Bird Venerable and King Zhao!"

Zhao Changhe quickly pulled on Huangfu Qing, who was about to lose face, and seriously responded: "The original intention was to invite the old general to oversee the grand ceremony of all tribes, reward the army, and also officiate the wedding for Qing'er and me, giving her a wedding banquet blessed by everyone."