Chapter 149: Three Wives and Four Concubines

Because he is Qin Cheng. Guo Xixi's voice remained very soft as she spoke, lifting her chin slightly as if filled with immense pride. And I love him.

Her words shocked everyone present.

The moment Guo Xixi uttered those words, everyone there, without exception, froze instantly, followed by a brief, heavy silence.

The person least capable of understanding Guo Xixi's sudden declaration was not her brother Guo Feng, nor her sister Guo Dongdong, but Xiao Linglong, who stood leaning against the doorframe like an outsider.

Having witnessed the thrilling scene just moments before and now hearing this proclamation, Xiao Linglong, already suffering a severe blow to her heart, trembled violently. Her legs could no longer support her weight against the doorframe, and she slid down to the ground.

As the object of this affection, Qin Cheng remained remarkably calm. He stood holding his blade, looking at Guo Xixi with a completely expressionless face.

Isn't this game getting a bit too big?

Qin Cheng thought to himself. Buddy came here today to save people and incidentally kill a few, not to accept love confessions... Besides, buddy seems to have, appears to have, allegedly has, absolutely no interest in this young lady whatsoever.

Guo Xixi met Qin Cheng's eyes directly, her gaze flickering. This was no longer subtle flirtation; it was a blatant declaration of love and a challenge!

This woman, even her confession carried such a provocative edge. Matched with her delicate, doll-like face, she possessed a truly unique charm at that moment. One had to admit that under the flickering firelight, her expression undeniably held a seductive allure.

Feeling the provocative glint in Guo Xixi's eyes, Qin Cheng felt a prick of irritation. He thought, what are you showing off for? Do you really think this general wouldn't dare court you?

Therefore, accustomed as he was to never accepting defeat and having never experienced losing in any aspect, Qin Cheng shot back an even sharper, highly provocative gaze.

And thus, a miraculous scene unfolded...

The chaotic campfire, the pool of blood on the ground, several swordsmen fallen in the gore, the dumbfounded onlookers, the pitch-black night sky. Right in the center of the courtyard, two people stared intently at each other, their gazes crackling with electricity!

Could this be considered flirting?

After a prolonged silence, Xiao Xuanwu, finally recovering from his terror, scrambled over to Guo Feng on all fours. He grabbed Guo Feng's arm and shrieked in a trembling voice, Brother Guo, quickly... quickly kill this wretch! This wretch is Lady Bai's man—

Ah!

Unfortunately, halfway through Xiao Xuanwu's sentence, the rest of his words transformed into a miserable, piercing scream. His body flew backward, crashing heavily into the courtyard wall with a dull thud before bouncing onto the ground. Xiao Xuanwu didn't even get the chance to let out a groan before he passed out cold.

Guo Feng retracted his leg and cursed, Who gave you the right to speak here? What a piece of trash!

Xiao Linglong, who had managed to struggle up from the floor, let out a wretched cry upon witnessing this scene. Her body fell straight backward, joining Xiao Xuanwu in utter unconsciousness.

Weren't the two of them getting along just fine a moment ago? How could they turn hostile in the blink of an eye, strike with such ruthlessness, and speak with such venom?

What is wrong with this world?

At that moment, the calmest person both inside and outside the courtyard was undoubtedly Bai Xinxin. She quietly watched the two individuals brazenly locking eyes in the courtyard, massaged her brow with slender fingers, and sighed with a troubled expression. She muttered to herself, So soon there's going to be a younger sister in the family, and a female knight-errant at that... General, were you worried that Xinxin would be lonely keeping house by herself?

If Qin Cheng had heard Bai Xinxin's words, one could only wonder what his reaction would be.

Ahem! Well... about that... Guo Feng felt that he should be the one to break this awkward silence, but the moment he opened his mouth, he realized he hadn't yet figured out what to say. Pausing awkwardly, he waved a hand toward the surrounding swordsmen and said, All of you withdraw. No one is permitted to enter without my command.

The group of swordsmen acknowledged the order and cleanly retreated. Among them, two swordsmen who were relatively familiar with Guo Xixi did not forget to cast a Well done, I'm rooting for you look in her direction before leaving.

However, Guo Xixi was too busy waging a staring war with Qin Cheng to pay any attention to the encouragement of these swordsmen.

Once the swordsmen had withdrawn, Qin Qingzhi and the others, who had been standing outside with puzzled expressions, suddenly charged into the courtyard. Looking left and right, they saw everyone putting away their weapons and were momentarily baffled. When Qin Qingzhi and Wang Er caught sight of Guo Xixi, especially noting the expressions shared between her and Qin Cheng, sudden understanding dawned upon them. Qin Qingzhi and Wang Er exchanged an You-know-how-it-is look, simultaneously put away their blades, and retreated to the doorway.

Guo Feng stepped forward a few paces to stand side by side with Guo Xixi. Cupping his fists toward Qin Cheng, he asked, Might you be General Qin, who repeatedly routed the Xiongnu, led a mere two thousand cavalry deep into the desert for a thousand-li surprise raid against a Xiongnu tribe, and returned in glorious triumph?

I am Qin Cheng. Qin Cheng did not even look at Guo Feng; his gaze remained entangled with Guo Xixi's as he replied indifferently.

Seeing Qin Cheng's attitude, Guo Feng felt a slight trace of awkwardness and displeasure. He coughed lightly, Ahem... I heard that a few days ago the King of Wuhuan led tens of thousands of men to invade. Has General Qin returned victorious?

What you say is correct, except that I returned to camp and, before I even had time to bandage my wounds, had to pursue you all the way here. Qin Cheng looked at Guo Feng and sneered.

Guo Feng blushed with shame, and the trace of displeasure he felt earlier vanished into thin air. He felt awkward once more; he could no longer keep track of how many times he had felt awkward tonight.

Guo Feng was well aware of Qin Cheng's exploits. As a qualified knight-errant, a passionate vagrant, and one who modeled himself after the great heroes of antiquity, an heroic general like Qin Cheng—who defeated the Xiongnu for country and people with a mere flip of his hand—was naturally an object of his deep admiration.

And now, he had actually stolen another man's woman?!

At this juncture, Guo Feng decisively shifted the blame onto Guo Xixi. He sternly reprimanded her, Xixi, stop fooling around, go stand over there!

... Guo Xixi was left speechless, screaming internally, Who did I offend? Why are you yelling at me? Wasn't I just trying to think of everyone's safety and brazenly stepping forward? Is it easy for a young maiden like me?

Guo Dongdong came over, pulled Guo Xixi aside, and the two stood together, whispering something that others naturally could not hear.

Qin Cheng, still unaware that he was someone's idol, looked coldly at Guo Feng and spoke, Single combat?

Guo Feng was startled for a moment, then fiercely slapped his own thigh. Throwing his long saber aside, he shouted loudly, Single combat? General Qin, are you trying to slap my face? Although Guo is merely a martial man, I still understand propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. You are a hero of the Han Dynasty, and Guo has long desired to make your acquaintance without the opportunity. Meeting the General today is Guo's great fortune; how could we resort to weapons against each other? I failed to recognize the General just now, and I hope the General will not hold it against me!

With that, remembering something, he told Qin Cheng to Wait a moment. Without waiting for Qin Cheng's reaction, he decisively turned around and strode toward Xiao Xuanwu, who had barely managed to wake up and catch his breath. Grabbing Xiao Xuanwu roughly by the collar, Guo Feng hauled him over before Xiao Xuanwu even understood the situation and dumped him right at Qin Cheng's feet. Lifting his long saber, Guo Feng rested the blade against Xiao Xuanwu's neck and said to the somewhat bewildered Qin Cheng, General Qin, earlier I was foolish and offended the General's woman. It was all the fault of this wretch; for a moment I was blinded by him, committing such a shameful act that heroes across the world would mock. I am deeply ashamed. Today, I shall execute this wretch for the General to vent your righteous anger!

Having said that, he raised his saber, preparing to strike!

Brother Guo, you can't... Although Xiao Xuanwu did not know what had transpired moments ago, he knew very well what was about to happen next. He clutched his head with both hands and let out a wretched scream, looking at Guo Feng with a gaze full of utter pity and terror.

Stop! Qin Cheng intervened.

Guo Feng's saber hung suspended in mid-air as he looked perplexedly at Qin Cheng. Xiao Xuanwu was stunned for a split second, then immediately lunged forward to wrap his arms around Qin Cheng's legs, wailing miserably, General Qin, save me! This humble person was foolish and offended the General. In my next life, I will serve the General as an ox or a horse, just spare this humble person's dog life! Spare this humble person's dog life!

This humble person had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai; this humble person is despicable, shameless, and base, but... but this wasn't entirely this humble person's fault! At this point, Xiao Xuanwu pointed a trembling finger at Xiao Linglong, who was leaning against the doorframe and shaking violently, crying out accusingly, It was her! It was this bitch! She was the one who spoke ill of the General in front of me. This humble person was also blinded by this bitch and thus showed disrespect to the General. It truly, truly was not my original intention! This humble person, this humble person is willing to vent the General's anger by teaching this dog-birthed stinking bitch a severe lesson! General... spare my life!

Xiao Xuanwu's weeping was so sorrowful it could move heaven and earth. The tragedy of his state and the enormity of his grievance were such that even if Dou E were to time-travel here, she probably wouldn't match his plight...

Two or three zhang away, Xiao Linglong heard Xiao Xuanwu's words and felt a deafening roar inside her head. She felt as though something was blocking her chest so heavily that she could not catch her breath, coming dangerously close to coughing up blood from sheer fury. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined that this cousin who had brought her wealth and status, this cousin who had cared for her in every possible way just days ago, could now be so cruel and venomous as to utter such words?

Why? Why, why, why?!

Try as she might, Xiao Linglong could not comprehend it.

The successive blows of this fateful night finally pushed her to the brink of a complete mental breakdown. With an insane screech, she charged three steps into two toward Xiao Xuanwu, instinctively channeling some unknown martial arts prowess to shove him flat onto the ground. That wasn't enough; as soon as Xiao Xuanwu fell, she lunged on top of him, raining down kicks like a flurry of blows while employing imaginary bone-claw techniques, savagely tearing away layers of flesh and shreds of clothing from Xiao Xuanwu's face and body... Finally, Xiao Linglong unleashed a legendary martial art long lost to the pugilistic world—the Lion's Roar. She roared maniacally, Xiao Xuanwu, you heartless and ungrateful beast! I'm going to kill you! You animal, shameless scum, human trash...

Ambushed by Xiao Linglong, Xiao Xuanwu was caught completely off guard. After paying the heavy price of losing several tufts of hair, patches of facial skin, and shreds of clothing, he finally found an opportunity to counterattack. He delivered a ferocious slap across Xiao Linglong's face. Although his body was weak and the blow lacked real force, it successfully disrupted Xiao Linglong's assault.

Xiao Linglong took the slap and froze for a long moment.

Taking advantage of that exact moment, Xiao Xuanwu's slaps rained down on her face one after another, accompanied by the vocal track, You crazy bitch, I'll slap you to death!

Ah! Xiao Linglong shrieked like a malevolent ghost, casting aside all reason as she lunged at Xiao Xuanwu once more!

And thus, the two engaged in a life-or-death battle of mutual destruction, as if a grudge accumulated over eighteen lifetimes had erupted all at once...

Meanwhile, Guo Dongdong and Guo Xixi were already chatting merrily with Bai Xinxin. Being considerate, they had fetched a chair for Bai Xinxin so she wouldn't tire herself out or get accidentally caught in the crossfire of the melee between the two Xiaos. Guo Xixi even poured a cup of tea for Bai Xinxin. The three of them sat together, harmoniously watching Xiao Linglong and Xiao Xuanwu brawl in the courtyard as if they were watching a movie, lacking only a bag of melon seeds and some critical film reviews.

Qin Cheng couldn't be bothered to pay attention to the mentally unhinged Xiao Linglong and Xiao Xuanwu. By now, he was essentially convinced of Guo Feng's sincerity, so he asked him, Do you really intend to kill him?

Of course! Guo Feng replied with an expression that said it was only natural. Although Guo lacks talent and hasn't read much of the Classics or Poetry, I have always loved to emulate the knights-errant of antiquity. And the greatest of knights-errant serve the country and the people; personal friendships are utterly insignificant before national righteousness! This wretch is of vile character, daring to offend a great hero like the General and even placing Guo in a most unrighteous position. He truly deserves to die!

Qin Cheng was rendered speechless. Today's events were indeed rather theatrical—first Guo Xixi's life-risking, heartfelt confession, and then Guo Feng's abandonment of personal ties for the sake of righteousness... Qin Cheng thought this could practically be turned into a movie.

Then kill him. Qin Cheng made the final verdict.

Good! Guo Feng laughed heartily, then said to Qin Cheng, But Guo has one condition.

What condition? Qin Cheng raised an eyebrow.

Once we kill this wretch, you and I will have a grand drinking session. How about that? Guo Feng looked at Qin Cheng with eager anticipation.

Hahaha... Qin Cheng burst into roaring laughter. Agreed!

Hahaha! Guo Feng laughed aloud, walking over to Xiao Linglong and Xiao Xuanwu, who were by now rolling around in a tangled heap where their faces were indistinguishable. He kicked Xiao Linglong aside, hauled Xiao Xuanwu up by the collar, tossed him far away as if he were throwing a pig or a dog, and once again raised his long saber...

Guo Feng held his saber aloft in the air, yet somehow he could no longer bring it down, because Qin Cheng's blade had already sliced across Xiao Xuanwu's neck...

Xiao Xuanwu clamped both hands over his bleeding throat, panic-stricken as if he had just seen a ghost. His body twitched violently and unwillingly on the ground, his mouth opening as if he wanted to say something, but the gushing blood choked off any sound.

Xiao Linglong, kicked aside by Guo Feng, stared in horror at Xiao Xuanwu's dying struggles. Her eyes widened in terror. She cast a fearful, suspicious glance at Qin Cheng, who still held the blood-dripping saber, her pupils dilating instantly. After a long moment, she let out a wail and burst into loud, bitter tears!

Guo Feng stared blankly at Qin Cheng for a long moment, put away his saber, and couldn't help praising, What a fast blade!

Flattery will get you nowhere. Qin Cheng smiled faintly.

The two men, chatting and laughing, paid no attention whatsoever to Xiao Linglong, who was weeping bitterly on the ground.

Weeping bitterly, Xiao Linglong cast one deep look at Qin Cheng, her eyes filled entirely with sorrow and remorse. She raised her head toward the heavens and let out a desolate shriek that lingered long in the air. Upon her tear-streaked face lay a desolation as barren as a snowfield.

After that single half-sky-shattering roar, Xiao Linglong suddenly stood up. Alternating between crying and laughing in her madness, she stumbled toward the courtyard gate and fled out into the black night.

Qin Cheng glanced back at the silhouette of Xiao Linglong disappearing into the darkness, then turned around to walk toward Bai Xinxin, who was approaching him.

Bai Xinxin in her sea of red, and Qin Cheng in his blood-stained plain robes, met after just two steps. Their hands tightly clasped together, gazing deeply into each other's eyes.

Xinxin.

General.

Amidst the flickering firelight, the two embraced tightly.

...

Qin Qingzhi and the others had all sustained minor injuries during the earlier skirmish, but because the fight was brief and they had engaged as a small tactical unit, no one had lost their life. At this moment, Qin Cheng, Guo Feng, and the others were drinking and conversing heartily in the courtyard, while Qin Qingzhi and his men treated and bandaged their wounds outside.

Inside the main hall of the Xiao Residence, although lacking exquisite delicacies, hot dishes had been laid out, and everyone was drinking and making merry to their heart's content.

I have long heard of General Qin's mighty reputation—slaying the Xiongnu's Left Bone Tuohou, twice routing Xiongnu cavalry with the forces of a mere commandery, and making a thousand-li deep raid into the desert to achieve an unprecedented feat. Guo admires you from the bottom of my heart! Yet this time, General Qin once again decisively defeated tens of thousands of Wuhuan troops and returned in glorious victory. To my shame, Guo ended up causing General Qin a great deal of trouble at such a moment. Let me first offer a toast of apology! Guo Feng raised his wine vessel, speaking with utmost sincerity and pouring out his true feelings. With that, he drained the cup in a single gulp.

Please! Qin Cheng naturally accompanied him in the drink.

This second toast is to congratulate General Qin on this great victory, displaying the mighty prestige of our Great Han! Guo Feng emptied his cup first as a sign of respect.

Qin Cheng followed suit.

By the third cup, Guo Feng straightened up, raised the vessel with both hands, looked toward Bai Xinxin, and said somewhat sheepishly, Earlier, I was ignorant of Lady Bai's identity and committed several offenses. Guo feels deeply ashamed and truly has no face to look upon Lady Bai, nor do I dare presume to ask for Lady Bai's forgiveness! Having said that, another cup of wine was poured down his throat.

Bai Xinxin drank, set down her vessel, smiled gently at Qin Cheng first, and then turned to Guo Feng, saying, Hero Guo and the General met through blows. Since Hero Guo has already formed a bond of friendship with the General, these minor transgressions need not be mentioned further.

Bai Xinxin's meaning was clear: Your offense was indeed an offense, but out of consideration for my General, I won't hold it against you.

Many thanks, Lady Bai! Guo Feng cupped his fists.

Brother Guo, I toast you. Qin Cheng raised his cup.

Good, Brother Qin, come! Guo Feng laughed heartily, instantly changing his address from General Qin to Brother Qin.

After exchanging cups several times, Guo Feng finally looked over at Guo Xixi and teased with a smile, Xixi, what was it you said earlier out there in the courtyard? Your brother doesn't seem to remember clearly. How about you say it one more time?

Bai Xinxin and Guo Dongdong couldn't help bursting into giggles, and Guo Dongdong cast a mischievous, knowing look toward them.