Chapter 42: Chen Mu’s Siege Engine

Zhang Zhong asked, "What should we do with these prisoners?"
Chen Mu replied, "It doesn't matter. These people have no fighting strength. We'll take the provisions and pursue ahead. The Fifth Division will escort the supplies back."
Zhang Zhong responded, "Yes, sir!"
The army rested for a night, and the next morning, split into two groups to advance. The prisoners were released on the spot.
...
Su Huang sobbed in terror, trying to retreat, but Mu Xize's other arm held her tightly at the waist, leaving her unable to move even an inch.
Just as Yao Yao was about to speak, Uncle Chang walked in. Seeing my face was normal, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Dongzi came over, touched my arms and legs to check for injuries, and only then did the worry in his eyes fade.
"Wow!!!!" At that moment, the fans in China could no longer contain their excitement and cheered loudly, for now Luan Kaiming could finally become teammates with Yao Ming! When the two Mings play together, wouldn't it be wonderful?
The emperor's eyes brimmed with tears; his left hand struggled to touch Mu Xize's brow. This time, Mu Xize did not dodge—perhaps out of deep sympathy for the emperor's current plight, or perhaps because, deep down, he had already forgiven this father who once lost his conscience and committed so many wrongs.
Heavy rain fell for two days straight. The workers, forced to toil through the storm, complained endlessly. The weather was damp and cold, and all the stone and timber needed to be transported down slippery mountain paths.
No one knew what had been smashed, but after a burst of chaotic noises, Fang Ling's home fell into quiet once more.
The Book of Changes is not the kind to turn his back on responsibility after the fact; quite the opposite, he is the sort of man who always owns up to what he has done.
"Come back, all of you, come back. I am Zheng Yumei, please listen to me." Zheng Yumei raised the loudspeaker just in time.
"Take good care of my family for me." After leaving his final instructions, Wu Tian tried to leave, but his alternate personality called him back.
Yan Ge shook his head with a suppressed smile, then said seriously, "That won't do. How could a hundred of us withstand the regular imperial army? Not to mention the Blue Scarf Army, who after this incident hate us bitterly. If we truly did that, we'd be attacked from both sides."
"No need for such formality. From now on, just call me Brother Zhang." Zhang Qicheng reached out and shook hands with Xiang Yang.
A few more minutes passed, and the fishing boat finally sailed into the Qinglong Bay waters. Now everyone could see clearly.
She knew well that no one helps another for no reason. This person, she might know—or even if not, he has his own purpose for assisting her. She would eventually discover it.
Both Xiang Yang and Gao Chuang were at a loss. Did this foreigner know what "it's better to obey than to be polite" meant? Was it really appropriate to say such things now?
The first gathering at the Palace of Purple Mist was, frankly, nothing worth introducing. Everyone was just exchanging pleasantries and keeping things cordial.
Shen Zhengchu could not help but break into a cold sweat. The crown prince Mu Sheng, who was rumored to be only a fifth-grade Yin Spirit, was in fact already a ninth-grade Divine One—and at the pinnacle, no less. If he advanced even further, he would be limited only by the very laws of heaven and earth as a tenth-grade seeker of the Way.
Lin Baoxi wondered if Xiang Jun's hatred for Shen Zhenzhong had transformed him into a vengeful spirit seeking retribution.
"Yes." Xu Jin'an bowed and sat down, taking the hot porridge Yan Ge handed him. He drank silently, never touching his chopsticks—whether from nerves or preoccupation, no one could say.
"Qin Nan is treacherous and cunning. If this drags on too long, it will be bad for our army," Yan Xun cautioned, seeing Xia Qinghe so confident.
Xiao Yao coughed a few times, drawing everyone's attention. He made a show of brushing dust from his clothes with both hands, lifted his teacup, and strode slowly to the center.
The Sixth Prince is now the true power behind Nan Yu Country; any official or citizen with an eye for advantage eagerly sought a connection with Xiao Qian, the new favorite. Thus, few regarded him as a traitor to the capital; instead, one after another, they warmly congratulated him on winning such a beautiful bride.