Chapter 256
Book 23 Chapter 03 - Rectifying Misjudgments
From afar, Han Chuang paid his respects to both of them: "My greetings to Miss Feng and Shen Liang!"
Xiang Shaolong instantly loosen up, knowing that Han Chuang came over after learning his whereabouts from Lord Longyang. Thus, he would be mentally prepared to see Xiang Shaolong here and not arouse further doubts about his ident.i.ty.
Feng Fei was stupefied: "Marquis is an acquaintance of Shen Liang?"
Striding over in huge steps, Han Chuang chuckled: "Years ago in Handan City, Brother Shen a.s.sisted me greatly regarding several matters. How can I not recognize him?"
Feng Fei did not show any signs of suspicion and it appears that Xiang Shaolong’s standing in her heart has been enormously elevated due to Han Chuang’s testimony. She joyfully offered: "Shall Feng Fei (I) excuse herself so that Marquis can have a good catching up with this old friend?"
Of course she is just being polite but to her dismay, Han Chuang vigorously nodded his head: "Miss Feng is truly considerate and hospitable to our needs."
Feng Fei was taken aback because this signifies that Xiang Shaolong is more revered by Han Chuang than herself. But since she had made the offer and could not withdraw her suggestion, Feng Fei retreated from the hall together with her serving maid Little Ping’er.
Sitting down beside Xiang Shaolong, Han Chuang gleefully remarked: "Knowing that Shaolong is safe, I was so happy I could not sleep at all!"
Xiang Shaolong was in a daze after hearing his declaration. All along, he wasn’t a fan of Han Chuang and never expected him to place their friends.h.i.+p above his loyalty to his country.
He bitterly laughed: "Do not forget that little brother (I) is still the most wanted man of your esteemed country (Han)!"
Han Chuang sighed with a breath of air: "That is something beyond our control as we all strive to serve our own kings. For all you know, we may meet in the battlefield once again. However, our countries are not at war now so it is friends.h.i.+p above everything else!"
After a bitter smile, his eyes began to glow with deep grat.i.tude before Han Chuang softly revealed: "In that battle which I lost and was eventually captured, I thought I was destined to die there and then. Unpredictably, Shaolong set me free without the least hesitation. I, Han Chuang, have never been so touched all my life. Right now, even if someone points a sword to threaten me, I would never do anything against Shaolong’s interest."
Xiang Shaolong swore in a low voice: "The day of the official coronation of the Crown Prince is the same day I will depart Qin for the wild plains beyond the borders. Therefore, Marquis need not worry about facing me in battle."
Han Chuang was shocked: "Why would Yingzheng release you? Without you, Qin is as good as a body which has lost a limb."
Xiang Shaolong reminded: "This is a pact between me and the Crown Prince. However, you must not be complacent because of my departure. Qin possesses countless valiant generals. w.a.n.g Jian, Huan Qi, Meng Wu and Meng Tian are not to be trifled with."
Han Chuang disagreed: "I do not believe there is any general who is as good as you."
Xiang Shaolong recapped: "Lest you forget, Li Mu gave me a thorough tras.h.i.+ng and reduced me to a state of desolation."
Han Chuang articulated: "Winning and losing is part and parcel of a military life. Moreover, you were defeated in the most splendid fas.h.i.+on and maintained the strength of your core army. So it can hardly be considered a genuine defeat. After the skirmish, Li Mu and I had a good discussion over it and he expressed his admiration for your war strategies. He originally intended to annihilate your entire army since it is deep in foreign territory but did not expect your faction to put up a fierce resistance in sacrifice. With this dragging him down, he is unable to pursue Teng Yi’s main army body before they returned to Zhongmou City, missing this golden opportunity. If he had been successful, we may organize another allied campaign and attack all the way to Xianyang Capital. Aye! The difference between a win and a loss is often determined by a single stratagem."
Xiang Shaolong laughed: "Going by your reasoning, you should hate me to the core."
Han Chuang awkwardly countered: "Shaolong need not tease me. After all, whatever happened has happened. The fact that I can still stay alive and have a good time now is all due to Shaolong’s kindness."
Xiang Shaolong nodded: "Since we are all comrades, we can dispense with the pleasantries and formalities. I suppose there is more than meets the eye concerning your current trip to Lin Zi."
Han Chuang smiled: "Shaolong knows me best. I personally cannot be bothered with the birthday of the King of Qi. However, I would never object to a trip to Lin Zi. Have you tried the local Qi girls? They will give you a night to remember."
Xiang Shaolong was not the least surprised: "You are incorrigible, womanizing wherever you go."
His face turning red, Han Chuang corrected: "Do not mock me for this is called: Living life to the fullest. In the future when the great Qin army marches east, the first to be eliminated is our State of Han. When that happens, it will be impossible for me to womanize even if I wanted to."
Xiang Shaolong joked: "I am just kidding."
Han Chuang heaved a sigh of relief: "Frankly speaking, I am fearful of you to a certain extent but in a respectful manner. As a result, you must speak to me in a lenient tone. Otherwise, it would be disastrous if I develop a phobia of womanizing."
Both men exchanged a look and could not hold it any longer, bursting out in wild laughter, reveling in the sensation of barrier-less brotherhood.
Recalling an issue, Han Chuang brought up: "Did you know that the idi0t Guo Kai presented your strange weapon to the King of Qi as a birthday gift, causing a huge dilemma over whether he should accept it or not. Ultimately, somebody suggested a counter strategy where the King of Qi would bestow the weapon upon Cao Quidao and enshrined it in the main hall of Qixia College."
Xiang Shaolong is itching all over with agony: "I shall steal my Hundred Battle Sabre tonight."
Han Chuang was aghast: "You must never do that. With his maturing years, Cao Cuidao that old fellow has made tremendous advancements upon his already G.o.dly sword skills. Shaolong may be an adept sword wielder but it would be inadequate against him."
Xiang Shaolong laughingly jested: "I am going to steal, not going to rob. What is there to fear?"
Still worried as ever, Han Chuang advocated: "After Shaolong make your way back to Qin, you can request Yingzheng to write a letter demanding Qi to return your weapon. I guarantee Qi would obediently follow his instructions. Why should you risk your life at this juncture?"
Xiang Shaolong inquired: "Let me think about it. Hey, it may be good to flex my muscles and see some action. Oh yes, did you have a secret agreement with Feng Fei?"
Han Chuang was awkward: "So you knew about it too. Is there a problem?"
Focusing his gaze on him for a while, Xiang Shaolong smiled: "You really do fear me, don’t you?"
Han Chuang bitterly laughed: "Even Li Mu is terrified of you, not to mention me. Just tell me what you have in mind! I