Chapter 371: Chapter 371. The Moon Pass
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Ji Shuisheng walked into the military camp with vigorous steps. When he saw the well-trained Xiao Family Army, each was so murderous and more authoritative than the Wan Family Army; his mood was perfect.
“Uncle Yan.”
Ji Shuisheng cupped his fists at Yan Shikuan and affectionately called him Uncle Yan.
“Young Master Ji, I trust you have been well.”
Yan Shikuan returned Ji Shuisheng’s bow. His eyes were still stern and without any warmth. There was no trace of enthusiasm.
“Uncle Yan, you’ve trained the Xiao family’s army well.”
Ji Shuisheng praised Yan Shikuan, his voice filled with excitement.
“This is the army of the Imperial Court, not the Xiao Family Army.”
Yan Shikuan was still as cold as ever. A basin of cold water had doused Ji Shuisheng’s enthusiasm.
“Uncle Yan, are you truly loyal to the Imperial Court?”
The smile on Ji Shuisheng’s face disappeared. He looked coldly at Yan Shikuan. His foster father had asked him to look for him before he died, saying Yan Shikuan was helping the Xiao Family Army preserve their strength and pretending to submit to the imperial court.
However, he had already come twice. He refused to acknowledge that he was the young master and insisted on seeing the commander’s seal. He refused to admit that he was the Xiao family’s army. Could it be that his adoptive father had misjudged him?
“I only recognize the commander’s seal. Without it, it’s useless to say anything.”
Yan Shikuan saw Ji Shuisheng’s angry expression, and a hint of sadness flashed across his eyes. However, he quickly hardened his heart.
“Uncle Yan, the commander’s seal is in my hand, but 1 don’t have the key to open it.” n-/O.)v-/e-)L()b.-1-.n
Ji Shuisheng looked at Yan Shikuan angrily. Why was this person so dogmatic? He took out the box that contained the commander’s seal. He believed that Yan Shikuan would recognize it.
When he saw the box, Yan Shikuan clenched his fists, and his expression changed momentarily. He took the box from Ji Shuisheng’s hands and touched the patterns on the box with coarse fingers. His eyes were covered in fog. He took a deep breath to suppress his sadness and handed the box back to Ji Shuisheng expressionlessly.
“I only recognize commander talismans.”
Ji Shuisheng was furious. Why was this person so stubborn?
“My father gave the key to this box to my fiancee as a token of love, but where can I find her now? Uncle Yan, you’ve already recognized this box. Why don’t you believe me?”
“The general has ordered that the three armies will not be touched without the commander’s seal. Young Master Ji should quickly go and find the key!”
Yan Shikuan placed his hands behind his back, refusing to hand over the Xiao Family Army no matter how much Ji Shuisheng persuaded him.
The last time Ji Shuisheng came, he didn’t have a box. He thought Yan Shikuan could submit to him if he brought the box with the military talismans. He came in high spirits and returned in disappointment.
After Ji Shuisheng left, Yan Shikuan’s trusted aide, Li Xin, came over and asked him,”
“Commander, is he the young master?”
Yan Shikuan looked at the entrance of the military camp with a far-reaching gaze.
“He looks 70% similar to the general.”
“Then why don’t you acknowledge him?”
Li Xin could not understand why Yan Shikuan was making things difficult for Ji Shuisheng. Yan Shikuan sighed.
“I endured the humiliation to preserve the strength of the Xiao family army; I can’t allow any mishaps. General gave a strict order when he left that day, only move when you see the commander’s seal. Otherwise, it would be disobeying the order.”
“But Young Master came with Cheng Yu, and Mo City was only defended because of Young Master. Why don’t you believe him?”
Li Xin believed in Young Master Ji Shuisheng and still spoke up for Ji Shuisheng.
“After so many years, haven’t the Imperial Court and Wan Shengchang been testing us?”
Yan Shikuan looked at Li Xin seriously. Since General Xiao was executed, the imperial court had been tempted several times to dismiss the Xiao Family Army guarding the city. Yan Shikuan always expressed his loyalty and sent people to pretend that Tartan was attacking the city. Only then could the army be preserved.
The Emperor did not provide the army with food, only weapons. Yan Shikuan would lead the army to reclaim the land and grow his food every spring. He had led the army to be strong for over ten years, just waiting for the young master to come into standing. He could not tolerate any mistakes.
Su Qing was waiting for Ji Shuisheng outside the military camp. She knew things were not going well when she saw Ji Shuisheng come out dejectedly. “Still not acknowledging each other?”
“Yes, he must see the commander’s seal. Yan Shikuan must be reluctant to give up his current wealth, deliberately making things difficult for us.”
Ji Shuisheng said angrily. The box of the commander’s seal was clearly in his hands, but Yan Shikuan refused to acknowledge it.
“I don’t think so.”
Su Qing respected people who adhered to their principles. If it weren’t for Yan Shikuan’s principles, the Xiao Family’s Army would have long ceased to exist.
“If it doesn’t work, let’s find a skilled craftsman and see if anyone can replicate the key.”
Su Qing examined the box and thought of a way. The box mechanism made by the ancients was very powerful. They would fail together if one had no key to open the box. They would not let one get the things inside.
“That’s the only way.”
Ji Shuisheng frowned and nodded. But where could he find such a skilled craftsman?
Su Qing studied the lock on the box. If she levelled up quickly, she might be able to negotiate with the system to duplicate a key.
Now, only forging and mining could help him level up faster. Su Qing immediately decided to go to the iron mine and forge her newly developed weapons. It would probably help her level up faster.
Su Qing said to Ji Shuisheng,
“Let’s go to Pearl Mountain.”
“Why are you going to Pearl Mountain?”
Ji Shuisheng asked Su Qing in confusion. They were discussing the key to the box. Few people were going to Pearl Mountain, so where would skilled artisans be?
“Let’s make our keys.”
Su Qing’s eyes were firm, and she spoke with confidence.
“Alright, then we’ll leave today.”
Seeing the confidence in Su Qing’s eyes, Ji Shuisheng inexplicably believed her.
When Su Hanxuan and Yang Ruxue heard that Su Qing had just returned and was about to leave, they disagreed. How could a young lady go out all day?
But they couldn’t stop Su Qing at all. She had too many ideas, and no one could change her decision.
Before leaving, Su Qing looked for Yang Zhi.”
“Uncle Yang, please do me a favor...”
Yang Zhi nodded solemnly after listening to Su Qing’s instructions.
“Su Qing, don’t worry. Uncle Yang will keep an eye on him.”
Xiao Qi wanted to go with Su Qing. Su Qing wouldn’t stay behind to protect her parents and brother. With Xiao Qi around, she would feel more at ease.
“Xiao Qi can’t bear to part with Master.”
Xiao Qi looked at Su Qing sadly. She could communicate with her master through their hearts.
Last night, she was hugged by Xiao Chen as a pet. Xiao Qi missed her little master and wanted to be by her master’s side.
“I can only leave with peace of mind if you’re here.”
Su Qing patted Xiao Qi’s little head and praised her. As expected, Xiao Qi’s big eyes sparkled when she heard that her master trusted her so much. She immediately straightened her chest and promised,
“Xiao Qi will not let Master down.”
This little guy is so cute!
Xiao Qi heard her master’s voice and spun around happily. Master was praising her for being cute!
Su Qing settled down at home and left Jingshi Dao with Ji Shuisheng. As soon as they left, someone reported the news to Yan Shikuan.
“Commander, Younsg Master Ji and the daughter of the Su family have left together.”
“Yes, send someone to watch everyone in the Su family.”
Yan Shikuan nodded and gave the order.
From the first time Su Qing came to Jingshi Dao, he felt that this girl had a unique temperament. He did not expect her to know Ji Shuisheng. It was likely that this girl was the one who had helped Cheng Yu defend the city in Mo City.
The more powerful Su Qing was, the more worried Yan Shikuan was. After Su Qing arrived at Jingshi Dao, he was in contact with Chu Jingfeng from Jiangnan. This Chu Jingfeng’s identity was not ordinary..
