Chapter Six, Night Rain Penetrates the Mountains

Li Kangle reined in his horse and turned to look at Qi Fengxiang. Qi Fengxiang's expression was solemn, and it was difficult to discern his thoughts. After a long pause, he slowly said: "I have told you, if I see you again, I will kill you"

Only Qi Fengxiang gritted his teeth and said: "Kill without mercy!"

His expression was neither mocking nor derisive; instead, it was serious and concerned. Su Lili seemed to be bewitched, like a child who had been lonely for too long, unable to resist the allure of a mere three parts warmth from others. With a heart filled with some struggle and a hint of hope, she asked him: "If I were to die, would you be sad?"

Then why? If it were in the past, Su Lili would definitely not have continued to ask like this. Now that Qi Fengxiang knows her background and has her in his grasp, there is nothing left to fear. In their conversation, she has become somewhat unreserved.

Isn't it just a large-scale brawl? It's just a bit bigger, that's all, Su Lili murmured softly

Su Lili inexplicably took office, and the official residence was located in this thatched cottage in Taoye Town. After taking office, she discovered that Qi Fengxiang was not as discerning as he claimed; rather, he was simply unchanging in his exploitative nature. The production of arrows is neither particularly difficult nor particularly easy; it is rare to achieve precision.

He looked at her, not angry, and calmly said: "You should not have come out. Do you know how many people in the world would want to capture you if your identity were exposed? I arranged for guards in the Arrow-Making Department; if you had not come out, no one would have been able to catch you." He exhaled, but then said: "It is my oversight."

Su Lili quickly composed herself and said, "It's nothing, I just noticed that Young Master Ying enjoys speaking in a casual manner, while you, Young Master, prefer a more reserved tone. The two of you complement each other perfectly"

Qi Fengxiang casually pointed to the first image and said, "Do you think Xiao Jie will help Chen Beiguang?"

Su Lili felt that the voice was somewhat familiar. Just as she was about to listen more closely outside the door, Ying Wen pulled her in, signaling her to enter. Upon stepping into the room, Su Lili saw Qi Fengxiang lazily leaning back in a chair behind a large desk, not even glancing at them.

Zhao Wufang looked at her coldly, unsure whether what she said was true or false. However, seeing Su Lili's resigned expression, he reconsidered his plans. Just as he was lost in thought, Su Lili unexpectedly struck like lightning, delivering a surprising slap to his face. Although the force was not very strong, it still landed on his left cheek.

As she walked past him, Zhao Wufang smiled and with a flick of his arm, Su Lili felt a sharp pain in her back, and then she collapsed, her vision going dark

What is the most intolerable thing in the world? It is to make a coffin that is not up to standard

Su Lili coldly watched him leave, and suddenly a thought flashed through her mind—if others could slip away, why couldn't she? Qi Fengxiang had her prepare things, yet she was foolishly doing so here without selling anything to him. What right did he have? Once this thought arose, it was hard to suppress. Just now he mentioned that he would have a decisive battle with Chen Beiguang the day after tomorrow at the hour of Chen. When the troops moved and the two armies faced each other, who would still have the time to keep an eye on her

Su Lili rarely dreams, but this time she had a long dream. At times it felt like being boiled in hot water, and at other times like being thrown into an ice cellar, with days passing like years, and no moment of peace. During the snow-laden season, a woman in blue standing by the broken bridge outside the post station turned back and smiled, a scene that had only appeared in her dreams for over a decade. Su Lili seemed to return to ten years ago, softly calling out "Mother," her heart filled with sorrow, and tears had already fallen.

Closing her eyes, she heard the sound of hooves chasing after her, and Su Lili quickly fell into a state of unconsciousness for what seemed like the umpteenth time on this journey

Zhao Wufang laughed and said: "Just a joke. I don't want anything, I only wish to express my friendly sentiments."

Unexpectedly, the person who complained acted in this manner. When she wanted to add a few more words, she noticed her indifferent expression and could only leave in disappointment

She felt delighted and carved two small holes at the head and foot of the coffin, adding a decorative string with tassels to create an ornament. Taking advantage of Yingwen's visit, she decided to present it to him as a token of gratitude for his care over the past few days. Upon seeing this miniature coffin, Yingwen's handsome face twitched slightly. Su Lili held the coffin as if it were her most treasured child, speaking eloquently.

Su Lili glared and said: "What do you mean? My name is Mo Wenliu, and everyone on Baifu Street knows that."

After thinking for a moment, her face felt a bit warm. She stood up and called two people in to nail the coffin board. The two short-clothed workers followed her guidance, and soon the sound of hammering filled the air as they completed the task. Once the lid was placed on, everything fit perfectly; with a coat of paint, it would be sealed tightly. One of them praised, "The coffin made by the chief is better than those made by the best coffin shop back in our hometown"

Qi Fengxiang sat on the edge of the bed, turned to look at her, his complexion not looking very good, and calmly said: "You haven't hurt your head, have you? Can't recognize people anymore?"

Su Lili repeatedly waved her hand, saying, "No need, no need, it's more convenient for you alone. I hope you perform wonderfully and wish you a pleasant viewing experience"

Su Lili was taken aback, secretly thinking that Qi Fengxiang rarely displayed his emotions, always remaining inscrutable. Only that night on the boat in the Wei River did he inadvertently reveal his feelings, but it was as if he had pierced himself with a nail. The cold and stern expression he wore at that time was vivid in her mind.

He knows that he is busy right now and is not allowed to take leave, so he left without permission. He pointed outside and said, "He even made an agreement with Master Wang not to tell you"

Su Lili was not particularly concerned about the war and did not know how significant a general Li Kang was. She merely nodded in response, listening to Wen Dao ask: "Is he available now?"

Qi Fengxiang tucked in her quilt, feeling somewhat relaxed and fatigued, said softly: "You will not die; you have been unconscious for two days. You have a broken rib that has affected your lung meridian. Fortunately, you were rescued in time, and it is not considered a serious injury. However, you have also caught a bit of a cold. Now that the fever has finally subsided, with a few more days of rest, you should be fine."

Qi Fengxiang did not look back, and Su Lili shouted loudly: "I want to go home, let me go!"

As his voice fell, he raised his hand to draw the Flowing Cloud Arrow, holding the bow in his left hand and pulling the string with his right. His posture on the mount was upright and agile, and his movements were smooth and graceful, as the long arrow whistled through the air. Zhao Wufang looked on in astonishment as he drew the bow; after the sound of the wind passed, Su Lili heard a "crack" from her ribs, and when she looked down, she saw the arrowhead embedded in her chest, yet she had no time to feel the pain.

Chen Beiguang, facing a shortage of provisions, had no choice but to personally lead his troops to relieve the siege of Chengfu. Just as he set out, Qi Fengxiang calmly crossed the river and occupied the northern capital of Jibei, Taiping, taking residence in Chen Beiguang's general's mansion. Chen Beiguang found himself in a dilemma, mustering all his soldiers to charge into Chengfu and hold out for reinforcements

Zhao Wufang gazed at her expression and said, "My people have found out that the old servant from the Su family coffin shop was a servant of the former Crown Prince's tutor, Ye Zhiqiu." He finished speaking but continued to look at her without blinking.

Hmph, seeing that there is no room for maneuver here, do you intend to seek opportunities elsewhere to instigate trouble? Why not use her to exchange for yourself, so that I may spare your life now

Qi Fengxiang was momentarily taken aback, gazing at her as if in contemplation, yet also as if scrutinizing her. His response was somewhat slow, yet undeniably certain, "I will feel sad about the picture book." He withdrew his hand, his expression calm, as if stating a fact, "But if I were to do it all over again, I would still shoot you with an arrow."

Su Lili was taken aback, her neck turning red, and she jumped up like a rabbit, repeatedly waving her hands and saying, "No, no, I don't want to know." As she spoke, she hurriedly walked away, fleeing in panic. Qi Fengxiang quietly watched her run out the door, then collapsed onto the chair and laughed heartily. Su Lili darted out of the General's residence like an arrow, and those who saw her couldn't help but praise, truly deserving of her title as an arrow maker, a person fitting her role.

The next day, Ying Wen brought Su Lili a decree, handwritten by Qi Fengxiang, appointing her as the supervisor of arrow production, sealed with the Great Seal of the Right General, overseeing one hundred craftsmen. Upon seeing the decree, Su Lili was both amused and distressed, finding it difficult to accept. Ying Wen said, "Miss Su, there is no need for you to feel troubled. Brother Qi has his reasons for choosing people. Since he has appointed you to this position, you should carry out the duties as instructed."

Chen Beiguang, humiliated by him, let out a loud shout and charged at Qi Fengxiang with his sword raised. Behind him, Li Keng emerged from behind Qi Fengxiang, intercepting his strike. The clash of weapons sent sparks flying. The blade was merely a foot away from Qi Fengxiang's chest, tracing an arc before being deflected. Qi Fengxiang did not resist, nor did he evade; his expression remained unchanged, even devoid of a smile, as he watched Li Keng and Chen Beiguang engage in combat.

Su Lili remained in a daze, staring at him, while large tears overflowed from her eyes, falling onto the haystack

Su Lili felt as if her face was on fire, slowly sitting up, and still calmly lied: "He does not have the key; the key is in the hands of the late emperor's chief guard, Shi Yi. Shi Yi has gone mad at Chen Beiguang's residence. Shi Yi recognized my mother last year, so Qi Fengxiang wanted me to deceive him for the key. However, it did not work; Shi Yi ran away with the key."

Qi Fengxiang did not say much, but decisively stated: "I will send you to meet Chen Beiguang. You tell him that the decisive battle at Chengfu will take place the day after tomorrow at the hour of Chen! Yingwen, arrange for someone to escort this lady to the Chengfu army."

Zhao Wufang held onto her hair tightly and laughed, "This bold demeanor is quite intriguing; I wonder if you will still have this kind of vigor when thrown onto the bed"

Zhao Wufang gazed at her, seemingly in inquiry, "Interesting, interesting." After a pause, he continued, "Since he is your friend, aren't you going to watch when he goes to fight?"

What?

Ying Wen handled affairs meticulously and in an orderly manner. He immediately summoned a small boat to bring Su Lili down from the ship and settled her in a small town next to Taoye Ferry. On the same day, Qi Fengxiang's army stationed on the southern bank of the Wei River, sending his general Li Keng to attack Chen Beiguang's grain depot at Chengfu. While Chen Beiguang personally wrote a letter to question Qi Fengxiang, he was also in a flurry, mobilizing troops for defense. Upon receiving the letter, Qi Fengxiang glanced at it, smiled, and casually tore it up. While Chen Beiguang personally wrote a letter to question Qi Fengxiang, he was also in a flurry, mobilizing troops for defense. Upon receiving the letter, Qi Fengxiang glanced at it, smiled, and casually tore it up.

I am about to go watch them fight, why don't you come with me

Su Lili nodded, "Yes, it is in Qi Fengxiang's hands. This is the reason he brought me along."

Su Lili frowned: "With Chen Beiguang's defeat, he faces dire consequences, and naturally, he must be rescued"

Su Lili glared, cursing inwardly, "This is really not the right time for me to arrive!"

Zhao Wufang gazed at him, pondering for a moment, then pulled Su Lili back a few steps and said: "Do not rush; your person is ultimately yours. For now, she still needs to keep me company for a while."

Su Lili made a sound of acknowledgment.

He stood facing the sunlight, stretched his arms, and complained, "I have been sitting for an entire morning"

Qi Fengxiang also said with a faint smile: "Oh? This woman looks pale and lifeless, as if she is merely a shell of her former self. I suppose there is nothing pleasant about the warmth of the bed either."

The shopkeeper looked at her strangely and said, "Customer, it is in the direction you came from"

Qi Fengxiang made a sound of acknowledgment.

As her waist loosened, she slid downwards, and in her last glance, she saw the bodies of Chen Beiguang and Fang Shuqing embracing each other on the ground in the distance. At that moment, a thought arose: unwavering for ten years.

Su Lili said: "I can probably only help him make a coffin"

Zhao Wufang pointed at Su Lili and said, "On that day, you mentioned changing the person; now let us change to this young lady."

Qi Fengxiang finally turned around to look at her, the distance neither far nor near, his gaze neither cold nor warm, the atmosphere neither salty nor bland, yet Su Lili inexplicably felt a sense of panic and lowered her head first

Su Lili held her knee, feeling weak, and said, "What a compliment. Although many have harmed me, you are the one who has fared the worst."

Is it really true?" He hesitated

His thumb suddenly caressed the skin of her jawbone, slowly releasing, as if in contemplation

Zhao Wufang lay behind an earthen ditch, gazing ahead from the edge of sparse trees, and said: "One should not compete for the length of a moment; if you live long enough, then wait and see."

"Yes." Su Lili replied indifferently

Zhao Wufang picked up a branch, stirred the fire, and said: "At the very least, you are a useful person to him. A man would not bring along a useless woman to battle."

Ha," Zhao Wufang said with a smile, "Using troops is not called fighting"

Su Lili felt a heaviness in her chest, yet her body lay there feeling very fatigued, wanting to move a little. Qi Fengxiang pressed down on her leg and said, "I told you not to move." Su Lili let out a barely noticeable sigh and asked softly, "Am I going to die?"

Qi Fengxiang smiled, as if about to say something, yet also deep in thought. His eyes turned and landed on Su Lili, and he suddenly asked Fang Shuqing: "Do you want to meet Chen Beiguang?"

Su Lili is not pleasant at all; this person takes pleasure in belittling others to highlight his own brilliance, yet somehow everything he says sounds reasonable. Qi Fengxiang, with an insight into human nature, comforts her, saying, "However, your foolishness is precisely what makes you endearing; if you changed, you would be utterly unremarkable." After saying this, he casually brushed off his clothing and turned to leave.

Zhao Wufang's pupils suddenly contracted, and he said: "Are you his daughter?"

The debtor found himself in a rather amusing yet exasperating situation, and he forced a cold demeanor as he remarked, "There is not a shred of decorum; I do not understand what Brother Qi sees in her."

Yingwen shook his head and chuckled, "Miss Su, how do you do"

Qi Fengxiang leisurely admired her expression as if struck by lightning, and then said: "It's nothing much, Empress Dowager Qin is mostly as fierce as this. The mother of the First Emperor, Zhao Ji, had a favored lover named Lao Ai. The Records of the Grand Historian mentions that this man possessed an extraordinary talent, do you know what it is"

In the evening, Yingwen returned to the camp, without the jade ornament on his belt, but instead hanging a coffin. Qi Fengxiang, upon hearing him repeat this, collapsed in laughter in the central military tent, shaking with mirth. In a good mood, he summoned Chen Beiguang, who became increasingly elusive and unpredictable. With a flip of his hand, he encompassed all thirteen counties of Jibei, further surrounding Chengfu like an iron barrel.

The next day, the sky turned overcast, and Qi Fengxiang led the troops towards Chengfu. Su Lili got up early to have a hearty meal, dressed in her usual clothes, and took the remaining military funds, pretending to go find Ying Wen, but in reality, she was planning to abscond with the money. She followed the army from a distance, exiting through the north gate. Standing by the city wall, she watched the dust rising as the rear troops moved away, feeling a sense of confusion and unease rising within her.

In her hunger, Su Lili saw an acquaintance. Although he was a person from Qi Fengxiang, she felt a surge of excitement. In her excitement, she blurted out: "Hello, Young Master Ha." Seeing the visitor looking at her in confusion, Su Lili thought for a long time and then said, "Ah—Young Master Ying."

The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat silent, like a dangerous hunter and a vigilant prey, one searching for clues and the other evading the minutiae. After a while, Zhao Wufang smiled ominously, "Su Lili, you are playing these tricks with me."

Zhao Wufang took a couple of steps forward and stopped, only to see that person walking away along the forest path, rustling softly. He turned around and grabbed Su Lili, saying: "It is getting late, we should also leave."

As they walked to the corridor of the General's residence, the red-painted carved beams seemed to have wide-open eyes, fixed upon the rows of eaves. Just then, the debt-collecting gentleman, dressed in military attire and carrying a sword, emerged. Ying Wen greeted him, saying, "Ah, Brother Li." The debt-collecting gentleman was about to respond, but upon seeing Su Lili, he frowned, paused for a moment, and replied, "Hmph, Brother Ying." Su Lili couldn't help but chuckle softly. The debt-collecting gentleman was quite displeased, asking, "What are you laughing at?"

His gaze darkened, revealing an indescribable sharpness and malevolence. "Unfortunately, once your army reaches this point, after taking Hebei, you will inevitably take southern Henan, thus forming an unbreakable stronghold with the capital region. There is no one in the north who can rival the Qi family anymore, and I do not wish to linger here. She is of no use to me; it would be better to give her to the general, as she might still be of some use against Chen Beiguang."

Su Lili hesitated and said: "In fact... she is quite pitiful... please do not make things difficult for her"

Su Lili sighed mournfully, thinking to herself that the young master was mistaken; it was not her he desired, but rather the imperial edict.

Zhao Wufang gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "You are ruthless"

Su Lili had not yet had the chance to feel proud when he continued, "It is not that some people are unwilling to let everything go, but rather that they cannot. There is no way forward or backward; retreating means death. Take your father for example, did resigning from his official position and leaving bring him freedom?" Seeing her gradually becoming dazed again, he happily said, "Little girl, take your time to ponder this."

Su Lili's expression darkened as she looked back and said, "I do not recognize the road. Is it really that way? Isn't that towards the Taiping Mansion?"

Su Lili suddenly turned around, exclaiming, "Ah—! You, how are you here?!"

He possessed an extraordinary demeanor and a striking presence. Su Lili gazed at the horizon where the sky met the earth, with layers of mountains undulating in the distance, and for the first time in her life, she felt the exhilaration of galloping across the world. After more than a decade of living in a corner, filled with fear and trepidation, she suddenly felt a profound sense of relief. Even amidst the chaos of the world, even if the wood was gone and would never return, Su Lili remained Su Lili, with her own realm and her own sense of fulfillment.

One person replied, "I feel quite ashamed as well," with a hint of feigned sincerity

How did he know?

Su Lili buried her head on the desk, "Why?!" Seeing that he seemed to be in a good mood today, she decided to persistently pester him.

Zhao Wufang clasped his fists and said, "Young Master Qi, we shall meet again in the future." He turned to the side, but cast a deep glance at Su Lili before sweeping away with his sleeves.

Qi Fengxiang looked at her with her head bowed and brows slightly furrowed, half playfully and half seriously saying: "I am not making things difficult for her, what do you think I want to do?"

As I walked up the corridor, I arrived outside a painting pavilion, where the window was half open and guards stood in formation. I could hear Qi Fengxiang's voice, rich and calm like that of a flute or a clay ocarina, saying: "Why are you running so slowly, allowing my subordinates to catch you?"

Each department in the camp records the daily transfer of points, which needs to be detailed, making the accounts cumbersome. However, Su Lili is accustomed to bookkeeping, knowing what type of coffin each family is making, when it will be collected, and to what extent it has been completed. This is far more complicated than the production of arrows. Therefore, once she took office, she was exceptionally competent and inevitably had to work hard.

Fang Shuqing was a renowned poetess in northern Hebei ten years ago, and Chen Beiguang was her devoted admirer. Unfortunately, his parents disapproved of Fang Shuqing's background and forbade him from taking her as a concubine. Fang Shuqing wandered the rivers and lakes, and unexpectedly, I captured her. Upon learning that Chen Beiguang still harbored feelings for her, I intended to use her to negotiate a condition with him

Su Lili suddenly remembered that she did not come to see him just to engage in such nonsense, and hurriedly chased after him, calling out: "General, please wait!"

Uh—Su Lili paused for a moment and said: "My surname is Mu."

Su Lili furrowed her brows, "What?! Why didn't he tell me?"

Qi Fengxiang's posture remained unchanged, yet her voice carried a hint of coldness, "No, that woman of yours has already lost her value."

As dawn approached, she emerged from a narrow mountain path and slid down a steep slope along the edge of the woods. Su Lili stumbled and fell into the mud, her knee striking a stone hidden in the water, causing her pain to the point of tears, yet she gritted her teeth and refused to make a sound. Zhao Wufang glanced at her and said, "You seem to be someone who fears death, yet how have you become so tough all of a sudden"

Ah? Su Lili was caught off guard

Did he force you to hand it over to him

The consumption of arrows in battle is quite significant, with each person required to produce over one hundred arrows per day, and rewards are accounted for based on the number of arrows made. Different arrowheads have varying ranges, and the shaping of the arrow shafts and the alignment of the fletchings all affect shooting performance. However, Su Lili, having become accustomed to carpentry, quickly grasped the nuances of the task; within half a day, she had become highly skilled, overseeing the production and discerning quality at a glance.

Su Lili gave a bitter smile; it was not that she wanted to live or die, but rather that she was indeed in a state of not living or dying, and there was nothing she could do about it. After a moment of silence, she did not refute this, lowering her eyelashes to gaze at the emptiness before her

Su Lili's heart was bright as the falling snow; this person was clearly reporting a small grievance. Leaving without a word, and with the master helping to conceal it, there must be some unavoidable hardship behind it, perhaps a family emergency. She glanced outside, paused in silence for a moment, and then smiled, saying: "I understand now; let me clarify things before I speak further"

Ying Wenmu looked at Zhao Wufang as he was leaving and said: "You should not have let him go."

Qi Fengxiang lifted the hem of his garment and stepped into the painting pavilion, stating plainly: "No." He walked directly to the large table, spread out a map, which was marked with three colored lines.

She was inspired by this emotion and sincerely said at that moment: "This is what is known as 'the bold pursue progress, while the resolute refrain from certain actions'"

Qi Fengxiang, with his arms crossed, said: "I thought it was quite the opposite. Upon their meeting today, Chen Beiguang will surely be more invigorated than ever before."

Su Lili took a big gulp of the broken tea and forced herself to calm down, saying: "He is not my master. He is... he is a friend of mine. He has gone to fight now, and I need to go home"

Zhao Wufang shook his head and said, "Lies."

Su Lili gave a bitter smile; she did not wish for this situation to arise, yet fate always seemed to conspire against her. Now, with no way out, whether as a runaway slave or a criminal, she could only resign herself to being at the mercy of others

Yes

Zhao Wufang said coldly: "Your surname is Su. And - Tu - Shu." He stepped forward two paces, grasped her chin, lifted her face, and asked somewhat urgently: "What is your relationship with Ye Zhiqiu?"

In moments of leisure, I looked up to the sky and sighed deeply, pondering how I had not encountered the eight characters of official and killing stars in my youth, yet here I was, holding an official position in the military. In a fit of joy, I took the leftover wood and, after several days of research and experimentation, crafted a small coffin measuring one inch in length, complete with a lid, sides, and bottom, and even painted it, making it indistinguishable from a real coffin, albeit in a more delicate size

He pulled her hand down, and Su Lili bit her lip, stubbornly suppressing her grievances. Her eyes were moist and clear, like a mountain stream washed by rain. Qi Fengxiang's fingers brushed away the tears at the corner of her eye, his palm caressing her right cheek, as he asked: "Did you get hit?"

Su Lili moved again, straightened up, hugged her knees, and looked at the water droplets outside. Suddenly, she said: "Don't think you can use me to threaten Qi Fengxiang; I am not even considered a friend to him."

A hand gently rested on her forehead, warm and broad, like a subtle comfort, instantly shattering her memories, leaving her unaware of her surroundings. It turned out that deep down, she still felt the desolation of being homeless. As her consciousness gradually accumulated, she struggled, straining to open her eyes, nodding slightly. Someone said, "Don't move."

Su Lili was left dumbfounded, her cheeks flushed, and she stammered, "Ah... ah, this... this Empress Dowager is truly bold, daring to speak such words in front of the court and foreign envoys..."

In the early hours, the city gates slowly opened, and the sky gradually brightened. Chen Beiguang was the first to charge out of the city gate, wielding a long saber, his bronze armor reflecting a dim golden light. Accompanying him was another person, also on horseback, with garments fluttering gracefully; it was Fang Shuqing. He halted at the front of the formation and shouted loudly: "Qi Fengxiang, come out!"

Qi Fengxiang smiled under the bright sun, evoking a sense of coolness akin to the gentle breeze and bright moon. Turning to gaze at the houses beyond the walls of the courtyard, the expression was solemn and undeniably resolute. "Because I will surely win, and Chen Beiguang will inevitably lose; it is merely a matter of time. Although Chen Beiguang is foolish enough to lose his composure over a woman, I do not wish to achieve victory by using a woman as a pawn, thus tarnishing this beautiful land for no reason."

Fang Shuqing looked at him with a hint of chilling coldness in her gaze, "What if we meet? What if we don't?"

Su Lili was taken aback and couldn't help but reach out to touch her neck. Qi Fengxiang caught sight of her action, and the corners of his lips curled up slightly, his words carrying a hint of warm laughter: "Why don't you tell me who you are?"

Qi Fengxiang stood up and walked outside. With a glance from Yingwen, Su Lili hurriedly followed him out. Qi Fengxiang adjusted his rolled-up sleeves and directly turned into the empty back corridor, where the distant mountains and nearby houses were all enveloped in sunlight, clear and expansive.

Su Lili's expression remained unchanged, but her heart was in turmoil as she asked in astonishment: "What? Whose servant?"

The person responded, "My name is Zhao Wufang, and she is Fang Shuqing." He pointed with his hand, and there, on the adjacent guest seat, was the woman in white from the plum garden, her expression indifferent, half leaning against the armrest

Su Lili turned around and saw Zhao Wufang had already caught up. She hurriedly used both her hands and feet to climb up the earth embankment, jumped out of the woods, and danced around, exclaiming: "Help!"

Qi Fengxiang listened calmly to what he said, neither affirming nor denying the strategy. He shifted slightly in his chair and said calmly: "Chen Beiguang has already colluded with Xiao Jie. The two families are attacking me together. Are you so sure that I can win?"

Zhao Wufang smiled slightly, "I am currently thinking of offering her to the general."

Su Lili's nose twitched

At this critical moment, a sudden "bang" echoed from the thatched roof. Zhao Wufang immediately released her, stood up, and listened intently. After a moment, he dashed out of the hut. A figure leaped down from a tree, clad in a raincoat and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, the brim pulled low, resembling a hedgehog, and dripping with water. Zhao Wufang charged forward, but the person merely feigned a block and turned to leave.

Su Lili coldly laughed and said: "What do you want? The Emperor's strategy?"

Zhao Wufang let out a soft "heh" of laughter.

Qi Fengxiang nodded, making it difficult to discern whether it was in approval or mockery, and said: "Not bad, there has been some progress. It sounds somewhat like Buddhist or Taoist philosophy."

Su Lili never belittled herself regarding the matter of making coffins, stating: "I have been running a coffin shop; I have handled no fewer than eight hundred coffins, if not a thousand"

Zhao Wufang said: "Don't you find it interesting? Chen Beiguang may not."

Su Lili casually replied: "I won't fight, I'm afraid of getting blood on me, it's better to keep my distance."

Yes, this is also within the jurisdiction of Taiping Prefecture. If you follow the official road outside the city to the east and continue walking, you will reach the Wei River. After crossing the Wei River... you may ask again.

Um... they have a young master named Su Lili, and he has an old servant. What? Do you know them?

The higher the heavens, the more she felt there was nowhere to go, so it was better to return to the capital. Once a place becomes home, regardless of whether it is dilapidated or deserted, it will always carry a certain fondness. Remembering the gourd trellis beneath the blue tiles and white walls, and the fragrance of the yellow jasmine outside the wall, Su Lili gathered her spirits and turned westward along the city wall. After walking for half a day, she arrived at a small county and rested at a roadside tea house.

It was already late at night, and the raindrops had become sparse, yet they quickly soaked Su Lili's clothing. Along the way, the forest was fragrant with the fresh scent after the rain. A gust of wind blew, making her shiver. Zhao Wufang held her wrist tightly and hurried on. Su Lili stumbled along the way, not knowing how many tree roots she had kicked, nearly collapsing on the ground as he dragged her along.

In front of the case stood a person, who was none other than the false Ouyang Tan from the day at Suiyuan.

The shopkeeper brought a pot of flower tea, its brownish-yellow color hinting at a slight tea flavor, yet predominantly bitter, making it less enjoyable than plain water. Su Lili couldn't help but reminisce about Qi Fengxiang's Liu'an Guapian, hoping for his success in this battle. A moment later, the shopkeeper approached and asked, "Which direction is the capital?"

Zhao Wufang slowly said: "Young Master Qi, do you know that when the birds are gone, the good bow is hidden; when the rabbits are dead, the hunting dogs are cooked? For the great cause of the Qi family, you may kill me; but for your own sake, it would be better to leave one or two strong rivals."

Fang Shuqing bowed slightly, gazing at Chen Beiguang's figure, her eyes unexpectedly filled with urgency for the first time. On the city wall, someone raised a white flag and shouted, "We are willing to surrender!" Chen Beiguang glanced back, and his subordinate relaxed his grip, only to be struck in the arm by Li Keng. He turned pale and said, "Enough, enough. I have occupied Jibei for twenty years, yet I did not expect to lose it in just two months. The matter cannot be accomplished; success or failure is determined by heaven"

Su Lili was greatly shocked and furious. It should be noted that Qi Fengxiang sometimes made shameless remarks to tease her, but he would never be so explicit, only leaving her feeling frustrated. However, the words spoken by this person made her feel genuinely insulted

She was already close to the Qijun's formation. Upon hearing the sound, Qi Fengxiang turned his gaze and, for a moment, could not recognize who the person covered in mud was. After a brief moment, he frowned and squinted, decisively ordering, "Capture those two!" The cavalry beside him responded immediately.

I did not capture her; this young lady came to me of her own accord

Zhao Wufang said: "I believe you are more certain than I am"

Qi Fengxiang laughed heartily: "What you said makes me not want to kill you anymore. What do you want?"

In the dim sky ahead, a city wall gradually emerged. From a distance, horsemen approached from the right, their torches flickering like stars, countless in number, gradually coming to a halt about a mile from the city gate. It was evident that the city gate was also filled with people; only silhouettes were visible, but no flames could be seen. Zhao Wufang pondered, "This battle is unlikely to take place; Chen Beiguang's subordinates are clearly unwilling to defend themselves."

The coffin bearer, a symbol of promotion and wealth. Often kept close, it can grant you a transcendent mindset, fearless of life and death; it can provide you with a calm wisdom that runs through all things; it can offer you a sanctuary for the soul, bringing peace and contentment. Do you wish to attain a tranquil and harmonious space in this chaotic world? Take this coffin with you

Qi Fengxiang pointed out the situation on the map to her and said: "If you were Xiao Jie, would you send troops to relieve Chen Beiguang?"

Zhao Wufang swiftly turned his hand again and delivered another slap, knocking her down. Still seething with anger, he forcefully grabbed her hair and pulled her up. Su Lili screamed in pain but gritted her teeth and said, "This slap is for Uncle Cheng!"

On that afternoon, she polished the boards of two coffins with fine sandpaper, arranged the materials for the arrow-making craftsman, and then went to find Yingwen, asking him to take her to meet Qi Fengxiang. Yingwen, having accepted her coffins, kept them with him, and feeling somewhat constrained, did not refuse her outright. He took her to the general's residence, saying that he would let her meet Qi Fengxiang when he was available

Qi Fengxiang's narrow eyes slightly narrowed, and with a serious expression, he said: "I see, you know 'when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold,' but do you know 'the thigh is heavy while the body is light'?"

Zhao Wufang, upon hearing this, could not help but laugh, saying, "He can still blame the heavens..." Turning around, however, he found that Su Lili was no longer there. He cursed, "Wretched woman," and looked around, noticing a figure in the distance, crouching and stumbling forward in the muddy ground by the edge of the mountains and forests. Zhao Wufang glanced at her, only to see Chen Beiguang raising a knife to take his own life. Fang Shuqing pulled her horse to his side, and whether it was a sharp weapon or poison, in an instant, she collapsed on Chen Beiguang's corpse and died. Zhao Wufang glanced at her again, only to see Chen Beiguang raising a knife to take his own life. Fang Shuqing pulled her horse to his side, and whether it was a sharp weapon or poison, in an instant, she collapsed on Chen Beiguang's corpse and died.

Su Lili awoke from her slumber to find the sun shining brightly outside her window, which reminded her of a story from a Buddhist scripture. A man went up the mountain to gather firewood and encountered a fierce tiger. In a moment of panic, he climbed a rocky wall and barely escaped the tiger's jaws, only to see a mouse gnawing at the vine above him. With the tiger roaring below and the mouse biting the vine above, in this perilous situation, he suddenly noticed mulberries blooming on the vine before him. He picked one and tasted it, finding it extraordinarily sweet. With the tiger roaring below and the mouse biting the vine above, in this perilous situation, he suddenly noticed mulberries blooming on the vine before him. He picked one and tasted it, finding it extraordinarily sweet.

He leaned closer to Su Lili and maliciously said: "Empress Dowager Xuan said: 'Because it was comfortable at that time! To save Han with Qin is precisely to bear burdens for long-term benefits. If Han does not provide any advantages to Qin and allows Qin to be comfortable, why should Qin send troops?' In my opinion, Xiao Jie is likely similar to Empress Dowager Xuan."

He smiled darkly, "You truly cannot lie. If such a thing were to be known, it would surely bring unrest. Qi Fengxiang has family within and fierce enemies outside; how could he dare to keep it in his own hands? If he were to obtain it, he would certainly kill you to silence you, and how could he possibly take you along to flaunt it?"

Ying Wen also frowned and said: "In that case... Brother Li, please go ahead. I will take a look."

Li Keng shook his head, "The person he is looking for has been caught, and I am bringing him here now."

The person chuckled softly and said, "Yes, yes, the steward knows, doesn't he? That little Wu, who trims the arrow feathers, sneaked back home this morning."

Zhao Wufang stared into her eyes and said word by word: "My people asked him, yet he refused to admit it even in death"

Su Lili stared intently at the person, and after a long while, she returned from the passage of time to the present. With a hint of fatigue, she closed her eyes and said: "You are Qi Fengxiang"

Indeed

Qi Fengxiang slightly raised his head, a faint smile on his face, yet his gaze was somewhat unpredictable, shifting between light and shadow. After pondering for a moment, he lifted his chin and said, "You may go. Things should not happen more than three times; if I see you again next time, I will surely kill you"

The Right General is Qi Fengxiang. Su Lili resolutely decided to risk her life to see him once, pleading for him to let her return. However, Qi Fengxiang was busy with military affairs, and Su Lili was also occupied with her own tasks, making it impossible for them to meet. When Ying Wen conveyed her message, Qi Fengxiang replied indifferently: "What can she do if she goes back? She is the only one in the entire shop, and guarding it day and night holds little interest. It is better for her to stay here and help me with some tasks."

The right army formation gradually parted, resembling the majestic and agile interplay of mountains and rivers. Qi Fengxiang slowly rode out, his demeanor poised and noble, and with a slight nod, he inquired: "What is it? General Chen wishes to engage me in a one-on-one duel?"

Su Lili took out the tea money and placed it on the table, then stood up and said: "I will take my leave first, you can drink slowly."

Zhao Wufang tightly grasped Su Lili and said: "Today is merely a small accident; you may pretend you did not see me"

Su Lili cleared her throat and said, "As the saying goes, those who go barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes. It is precisely because one has reached the lowest point that one is fearless. When you have something to hold on to and something to seek, you naturally cannot be free."

Qi Fengxiang furrowed his brows, "Why act as if one is on the verge of death over a minor injury?"

The six-inch thick pine board, in terms of this specification and material, is considered inferior for a coffin. As she caressed the unique grain of the pine, her embarrassment gradually faded, but her anger began to rise. Qi Fengxiang was truly a despicable person, to read in such a sordid manner. But then she thought, that’s not right; how could "Strategies of the Warring States" be called sordid? So it must be him who is sordid, yes! ... He actually said ... ... comfortable. ... ... Bah! But then she thought, that’s not right; how could "Strategies of the Warring States" be called sordid? So it must be him who is sordid, yes! ... He actually said ... ... comfortable. ... ... Bah!

Fang Shuqing, in her astonishment, felt a kind of timid apprehension akin to homesickness, and for a moment sat there in a daze

He continued, "Why did Zhao Wufang hold onto you so tightly at that time? Did she know that you are Ye Zhiqiu's daughter?"

Su Lili scolded, "Shut your mouth!"

Vaguely waking up, I could only hear the sound of rain pattering, reminiscent of that year in the Mingyue Pavilion, listening to the joyful words and the sound of the zither, leaving my heart inexplicably desolate. Su Lili slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself leaning against a thatched hut, with the cold wind blowing from all directions. Zhao Wufang was tending to the fire, lost in thought as he gazed at the horizon. When Su Lili moved, he turned his head, glanced at her, and then turned back as if he had not seen her.

In front of the door, there are vast expanses of peach blossoms, radiant in their beauty, which greatly uplift her spirits. Looking up, a flurry of fallen petals drifts down slowly, silently, yet one can feel the tranquil traces of time. At her side, someone clears their throat and says: "Su Zao Ban, this morning the camp came to collect the arrows. Here is the count, please sign here."

What are you doing with this woman

This person is as cunning as Qi Fengxiang, Su Lili took a deep breath and recited fluidly: "Alright, I do not have the surname Mu, I have the surname Mo. I am the second daughter of the younger brother of the widow Mo who runs a tailor shop in Ruyi Fang in the capital. I have learned tailoring from my aunt since childhood and have also studied coffin-making with the young master of the Su family coffin shop on the neighboring street"

... ... um ... ... I misspoke ... ... but he also checked part of it

Qi Fengxiang held his fist loosely against his lips, his smile enhancing his ethereal demeanor, and said: "Have you read too many books, General? Today, I have the advantage in numbers and morale, and I will surely capture Chengfu. How could my single defeat lead to the entire army returning empty-handed? The other day, I saw your lack of strategic insight and thought you were merely a pedant; today, you even wish to engage in hand-to-hand combat on the battlefield, truly a useless man. People dare to call you a Confucian general; do you not know that 'in times without heroes, it is the petty who gain fame.'"

What you are holding in your hand is a runaway slave from our army

Qi Fengxiang's expression changed dramatically, and he coldly uttered each word: "Are you threatening me?"

Ying Wen stopped joking and interrupted him, saying: "Miss Su, this is Li Kang, the foremost general under Brother Qi."

Qi Fengxiang pressed his lips together, his gaze as fierce as a predator's, fixated on Su Lili, "Put her down, and I will spare your life"

Ah, ah. Su Lili took it over, sighing repeatedly, unsure of what Qi Fengxiang was ultimately planning.

Without any warning, Zhao Wufang struck Su Lili's right cheek with a palm. Amidst the sound of raindrops, the impact was not loud, yet it caused her to fall onto the haystack

Qi Fengxiang looked at her and smiled, "You are talking nonsense. Although I am willing to be wild and unrestrained, there are many constraints that I must adhere to. In life, how can one act without fear or restraint? Though you are still young and somewhat impoverished, you can still feel sorrow when it is sorrowful and joy when it is joyful, and that is already quite good."

Su Lili hesitated for a moment and said, "You... are you trying to disturb Chen Beiguang's mind because you see that he is indecisive and suspicious?"

Su Lili followed closely behind, and at that moment, she stopped and asked, "Are you really going to let that Sister Fang go to meet Chen Beiguang?"

Returning to the Arrow Manufacturing Bureau on North Street, a group of craftsmen was busy shaping the wooden shafts, producing a crisp sound. In recent days, Qi Fengxiang aimed to create long arrows capable of shooting a distance of five hundred paces. The length and width of the arrow shaft, as well as the weight distribution across various parts, all needed to adhere to specific proportions. Su Lili meticulously inspected each aspect before sitting down in front of her coffin board

Qi Fengxiang quietly looked at her for a while, reached out to grasp her hand, and instead of pulling it up, gently pressed it against her eyes and said, "You are blaming me, aren't you"

Heaven bestows not its favor, yet one suffers the consequences in return

Suddenly, someone behind said coldly: "Have you lost your way again?"

Su Lili leaned back, but was caught by Zhao Wufang, who blocked her in front. A sharp, cold object was pressed against her neck. Zhao Wufang's voice was as resolute as cutting gold and jade, "Qi Fengxiang, if you come any closer, I will kill her"

Zhao Wufang, dressed in a long blue cloth gown, sat at the side table and said with a neutral smile: "Indeed, it is you. Why are you not staying by your master's side? How did you manage to leave the city? Have you perhaps fallen behind?"

In two days, Qi Fengxiang sent another message, stating that since she wanted to make coffins, she should make two coffins. The materials and thickness were not restricted, and they should be engraved with inscriptions: one reading "Greedy Scoundrel" and the other "Indecisive Man." Su Lili reluctantly agreed and slowly crafted them with second-rate pine boards. As long as it was for making coffins, she was unwilling to be careless.

Ah, thank you very much," she replied with annoyance, wondering how she could have made such a mistake

Zhao Wufang silently looked at her for a moment, slightly furrowing his brow and questioning: "Are you timid or bold, clever or foolish? If I say you are timid, how can you still speak so boldly to me at this moment? If I say you are clever, then from the smallest garden to the largest city, you can't even recognize a single road"

Qi Fengxiang sat down on the chair and said leisurely: "The 'Strategies of the Warring States' mentions that the State of Chu attacked Han, and Han sought help from Qin, sending the envoy Shang Le to persuade the King of Qin to send troops. Shang Le explained the principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold,' which the King of Qin greatly appreciated. However, Queen Dowager Xuan of Qin said to Shang Le: 'In the past, when I served the late emperor, he rested one leg on me, and I felt it was very heavy; but when the late emperor's whole body pressed down on me, I did not feel it was heavy. Do you know why?"

Su Lili refused to believe that Qi Fengxiang's army would lack provisions, so was it truly to prevent her from feeling lonely and bored that they kept her? She categorically dismissed this explanation, certain that Qi Fengxiang's treacherous intentions were not yet extinguished, and he wanted to inquire about the whereabouts of that box. Out of respect for Mu Tou, he found it inappropriate to act directly against her, so he planned to proceed cautiously. Alas, Mu Tou

On that clear morning, Qi Fengxiang leaped ashore, throwing her into the boat on the Wei River. Before leaving, he only said, "Stay well on the boat; if you dare to enter the water, I will let you drown." Su Lili had no choice but to lie on the edge of the boat, gazing longingly at the spring waters. Finally, she awaited the arrival of that scholarly young man, who was none other than General Ha from the Fu Gui Tower.

Zhao Wufang silently examined her for a moment and said, "What kind of people are there at the Su's coffin shop?"

What is your surname? Zhao Wufang suddenly asked

It was now April, the beginning of summer and the end of spring. Su Lili had moved her operations from the south of the Yangtze River to the north. Since parting from Qi Fengxiang on the boat in the Wei River, she had not seen him again. Sometimes when she thought of him, she felt that for the sake of her own safety, it was better to see him less; it would be best to pack up and return home early. Once this thought was expressed, Ying Wen replied to her in a gentle and refined manner, without any sign of disturbance: "If the Right General does not speak, no one dares to let you go."

Su Lili said in a daze: "I am his daughter"

Su Lili originally thought that he would be furious after she escaped, yet he concealed all his emotions beneath a calm exterior, which instead made Su Lili feel uncomfortable. She raised her left hand, her arm feeling weak. Lazily, she rested her hand on her forehead to shield her eyes, but smiled and said: "It doesn't matter whether I die early or late, or where I die; it's all the same."

Although hardships and difficulties abound in the world, the subtle sweetness of satisfaction brings joy to the heart. Even if life is a grand failure, those who cannot break through must still cultivate small completions. For instance, upon seeing the brilliant sunlight, Su Lili leapt from her bed and ran out of the thatched cottage

Su Lili felt a chill in her heart as she was gazed at by him. Hearing Fang Shuqing cough beside her, she stepped forward and took her hand, saying: "How have you been, dear sister?" Fang Shuqing pressed a handkerchief to her lips, took a moment to catch her breath, and smiled faintly, saying: "I am well." Her demeanor remained gentle and graceful, as if she were not trapped in a dire situation.

Zhao Wufang grasped her hair with one hand and pulled her head back, lifting her chin. After staring for a while without making any further moves, he oddly smiled and said: "Upon closer inspection, you actually look quite good. The moment I mentioned switching with you, Qi Fengxiang's expression changed drastically."

Qi Fengxiang sighed, "How foolish. If you were to be captured by him, do you know how he would treat you? Rather than being humiliated by him, it would be better to be shot dead by me with an arrow. Moreover, if I were to falter on the battlefield because of you, he would think even more highly of your value."

Chen Beiguang pointed his sword and said, "Since ancient times, soldiers have faced soldiers, and generals have faced generals. You and I shall fight a duel; if I die, you will spare my soldiers; if you are defeated, you will withdraw your troops."