Lei Yan waited until he came out and went forward to report: “Two days ago, Xue Tai’s troops were lured into a valley in Mount Mang by the head of the stragglers, and he attacked him by fire from the front and back. The soldiers and horses were in disorder, and then they fought. The green eyes single-handedly entered Xue Tai’s formation and were unstoppable. Xue Tai was frightened, fell from his horse, and died on the spot with an arrow in the throat.”

Wei Shao was slightly surprised, pondered for a moment, and asked: “What is the situation there now?”

Lei Yan said: “Xue Tai died in the battle, now all the Lingbi fell into the hands of the head of the stragglers, and his power has increased greatly. Xuzhou is in chaos. Xue Tai’s two sons, hanging white streamers in Xuzhou city, vowing to take revenge on the green eyes. I think there will be a fierce battle next.”

“Where is Yang Xin now?”

“Reported to the marquis, Yang Xin led his army as the marquis had said. But he has already retreated. He is waiting for your instructions.”

Wei Shao didn’t say anything and fell into deep thought.

Lei Yan waited for a long time for his response. He remembered his encounter with the green eyes outside the Hu Village that day when he nearly died at his hands. Although it has been several days since the incident, Lei Yan still has palpitations when thought about it. He said: “Lord, although this green eye is only the head of a straggler, we can not underestimate him. Even Xue Tai died at his hands. In the future, if he is not in your service, he will become a disaster. It is good that he is your brother-in-law. It is not bad if you recruit him to join you.”

Wei Shao lightly said: “I do not have such a brother-in-law.”

Lei Yan was stunned, then suddenly understood.

The green eyes killed Xue Tai and occupied Lingbi, but he was only a lowly stray head. With the Qiao family’s status and position, even though their power declined, it was unlikely that the daughter would marry a stranger. With the Lord’s status, how can the head of the stragglers be brother-in-law with him?

Lei Yan knew he was misspoken and apologized: ” I am sorry for what I said, my lord.”Wei Shao waved his hand: ” No problem.”

“Is there any other news from Yanzhou?” Wei Shao was lost in thought and asked again as if he remembered something.

Lei Yan said: “Yesterday, I wanted to report to the Lord. However, I couldn’t meet you and thought there was no major issue, so I postponed it. What Mr. Jia said about what happened in Yanzhou is indeed true. Governor Qiao’s wife has been ill for several months. I think it’s true that the Lady went back this time to visit her sick Aunt. She stayed in the East County for three or four days, then met up with the green eyes and went to Lingbi. The only unusual thing is the Lady’s father, Qiao Ping, posted notices at all the city gates. He recruits people from all backgrounds. The whole city is talking about it.”

Wei Shao’s eyes moved slightly, frowned.

Lei Yan finished reporting, then silently waited for Wei Shao to speak.

“Pass my letter to Yang Xin, and tell him to take extra precautions against the head of the stragglers. Restrain him if Xue Tai’s son is defeated. Do not let Xuzhou fall into the hands of that green-eyed man! If he cannot decide anything, let me know.”

Wei Shao pondered and slowly said.

……

Xiao Qiao returned to the room and took off the tightly wrapped clothes. She inserted a branch of peach blossom that Wei Shao had broken down from the road into a vase and kept in water. She admired it for a moment and then sat with Chun Niang on the stove, roasting chestnuts in the fire while talking.

The chestnut shells burst one after another in a light crackling sound, and a faint sweet smell slowly wafted in the air, mixed with a wisp of peach blossom fragrance, refreshing the heart.

” I wonder what is happening at Lingbi.” Chun Niang used tongs to clip out the chestnuts. After they were slightly cooled, she peeled them, put them on a plate, fed one to Xiao Qiao, and said, ” We’ve been here for a few days, don’t know when we’ll be able to go on our way.”Xiao Qiao slowly chewed the sweet chestnut pulp and was absent-minded when she suddenly heard the sound of footsteps outside the door.

Chun Niang turned around and saw Wei Shao come in unhurriedly, so she got up, greeted him, and retreated.

Wei Shao got behind Xiao Qiao, wrapped his arm around her waist, sniffed her scent, and said, “What did you say to Chun Niang just now?”

Xiao Qiao turned her head. She saw him smiling, leaning down behind her and looking over, so she smiled and said, “Nothing much, just talking about Lingbi, my brother-in-law and sister. I don’t know how the battle is going. I’m a little worried.”

Wei Shao glanced at her. He sat beside her, picked her up, and sat her on his lap.

The two of them looked at each other.

Wei Shao watched her silently.

Xiao Qiao intuited that he was abnormal. His gaze kept falling on her face. Subconsciously, she raised her hand, touched her cheek, and laughed, ” Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have flowers painted on my face?”

Wei Shao smiled and said, “I have good news for you. You can rest assured. Two days ago, the head of the stragglers and Xue Tai fought at Mount Mang. He killed Xue Tai in the battle. The head of the stragglers has taken over the whole territory of Lingbi.”

Xiao Qiao was delighted. Her eyes glowed, and she shouted joyfully. Her hands climbed onto Wei Shao’s shoulders and straightened up from his lap: “Is it true?”

Wei Shao was pounced on the couch by her without warning.

“Husband’s words are all true? You’re not lying to me?” Xiao Qiao asked another question.

These days, she did not ask Wei Shao again about the battle of Lingbi, but she was always concerned. Although she knew Bi Zhi was a good fighter, the difference between his and Xue Tai’s strength was too far. Xue Tai intended to kill him, and there were too many uncertainties. She did not dare to determine the outcome.

But unexpectedly, not only did they win, but the battle was so successful! How can she not be overjoyed?

Wei Shao was pinned to the ground by Xiao Qiao. He looked at Xiao Qiao’s eyes, which had suddenly become joyful. He suppressed the strange feelings coming from his heart, raised his hand, and stroked her hair, smiling slightly at her: “Really.”