The Demon Lords

Chapter 955 - 214: Rising Up (Part 2)

"Why is Lord Zheng sweating?" Seventh Uncle asked.

"Perhaps it’s due to frustration these days."

"Lord Zheng is young; you should take better care of your health."

"Thank you, Seventh Uncle."

"I’ve long heard of the Sword Saint, Yu Huaping, is he here with Lord Zheng? I’ve been obsessed with swords all my life and would love to meet the Sword Saint; could you introduce us?"

"Yes, the Sword Saint indeed fought alongside me at Snow Sea Pass against the wild people. However, after we defeated the wild people, the Sword Saint went traveling.

Sometimes he does come back for a drink with me, but he leaves the next day. Whether he’s at Snow Sea Pass or on the snow plains or in Ying Capital City, I don’t know."

"That’s truly a pity."

"Rest assured, Seventh Uncle, I’ll introduce you next time I see him."

"Thank you, Lord Zheng."

"You’re welcome, Seventh Uncle."

Soon,

The lady’s carriage entered Lord Pingye’s mansion, and Zheng Fan immediately arranged for hospitality.

Meanwhile, Zheng Fan himself sat first in the small hall waiting.

Seventh Uncle stood across from him, not sitting down for tea, just standing there, seeming well-used to it.

Lord Zheng picked up the teacup and drank two sips of water.

Truth be told,

After Ji Chengjue’s previous letter,

Lord Zheng was quite anxious facing Seventh Uncle.

As the saying goes, one regrets having too few books when one needs them, just like martial arts practice.

Not long after, the lady soon emerged again, wearing a black dress exuding an elegant Oriental beauty.

Admittedly, the lady was indeed very beautiful.

Thus, Lord Zheng could somewhat understand why the wild people’s king had acted so barbaric; most likely, the lady had already started showing beauty’s promise at that time.

"Your Ladyship, military affairs?"

The lady didn’t sit at the central seat but sat across from Zheng Fan, leaving the main seat completely vacant.

Upon hearing Zheng Fan’s question, the lady immediately laughed,

and said:

"Lord Zheng, you know I was just joking, why take it seriously now?"

"Don’t be offended, Your Ladyship, it’s commonly known rulers don’t joke, and in the military, there should be no jokes either; Your Ladyship should understand this principle."

After all, you too have led troops in battle, and understand how serious joking about military intelligence can be.

The lady stood up, slightly bowed to Zheng Fan,

and said:

"Yes, Qian’er acknowledges the crime and asks Lord Pingye for forgiveness."

"Your Ladyship, this..."

The lady smiled again, sat back, looked around and said:

"Curious about what the atmosphere of Lord Pingye’s mansion is like; seeing it today, it lives up to its reputation."

"Haha, Your Ladyship jests, I just moved into this mansion recently, what reputation can it have?"

"Why not? Lord Pingye mansion was built in the north of the city, adjacent to the north gate, just like Lord Pingye said: the Zheng Clan guards the gate for the country with such grandeur, truly admirable.

In those desert days, I even thought of sheltering Lord Pingye as a retainer, and now, whenever I recall it, I feel embarrassed.

Only blame Qian’er then for her lack of discernment in failing to recognize true talent; Qian’er apologizes to Lord Pingye here."

The repetition of Qian’er left Lord Zheng a bit uneasy.

The lady lowered her stance so much, like someone singing in harmony, with the partner’s tune set too low, forcing you to match it, which was extremely difficult.

Zheng Fan pressed his forehead, refraining from responding directly, only managed a helpless smile,

looked at the lady,

and said:

"Your Ladyship, I, Zheng, am a simple man, an old soldier, so let’s talk plainly.

If Your Ladyship is truly here just to admire the snow at Snow Sea Pass, even though it’s not winter yet and the snowscapes haven’t fully appeared, some places deep in the snowy plains probably already have frost, I can send someone to escort Your Ladyship to see the snow;

If Your Ladyship has other matters, you may freely speak to me, and if feasible, I will certainly strive to accomplish them for Your Ladyship."

"Lord Pingye’s words sound so distant; my visit this time has neither ministers accompanying nor imperial decree envoys. I simply wish to unwind due to recent happenings; it seems this has troubled Lord Pingye."

Zheng Fan nodded,

and said:

"The Chu people at Town South Pass are not behaving lately, I’ve been troubled by this, begging Your Ladyship’s pardon for inadequate hospitality."

"Naturally, military affairs are priority, truly don’t bother thinking about my matters, I am content just to wander around and enjoy myself.

We both benefit."

"Then..."

Zheng Fan stood up,

bowed to the lady, and said:

"All right, once the battle subsides, I will again come to request forgiveness for any shortcomings in hospitality."

"Lord Pingye is too kind; if the Chu Slaves dare to stir trouble again at the border, please teach them a lesson."

"The West House in the mansion is ready; Your Ladyship, having journeyed east must be fatigued, please do rest well."

"Thank you, Lord Pingye."

Zheng Fan exited the small hall.

The lady’s company followed her to rest in the West House arranged by the Earl’s Mansion.

In the room,

The lady sat on a chair,

three maids searched high and low, ensuring there were no secret passages or hidden rooms before bowing and leaving.

Only the lady and Seventh Uncle remained in the room.