Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 159

Extra Chapter 9: The Flames of War Rekindle

In the year Zhao Quanbao turned fifteen, several major events occurred.

First, the Emperor abdicated, and the Crown Prince ascended the throne, changing the era name to Wuhé.

Second, the Prince of Zhenbei passed away at the age of sixty-seven.

Third, the Khitan Kingdom was annexed by the Turks, and the twelve-year-old Khitan King was hanged on Mount Heishan, left to starve to death.

Fourth, Zhao Quanbao no longer allowed his family to call him by his childhood name. From now on, he had to be called Zhao Jingshu—any mention of Quanbao would make him furious.

This was destined to be an extraordinary year.

“Jingshu! Jingshu!” Early in the morning, Xue Ning hurried over, pounding on Zhao Jingshu’s door.

“What is it…” Zhao Jingshu was still half-asleep, his hair in a messy tangle. He wore only a thin undergarment, with his collar loosely fastened, exposing the deep red birthmark on his collarbone.

Xue Ning caught a glimpse and immediately turned red, quickly looking away. “You—you—you, hurry up and get dressed!”

“Tch, what’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s not like we haven’t bathed together before.” Zhao Jingshu didn’t care at all. He turned back into the room, grabbed his clothes from the bed, and lazily tied his belt.

Xue Ning choked on his words. That was when they were seven or eight! They’re much older now!

“Come in.”

Xue Ning stepped inside. This room was all too familiar—before he turned twelve, he had almost always napped here at noon. But after twelve, his mother no longer allowed it, worried it would harm Jingshu’s reputation.

By then, they had some understanding of gender differences, so they had stopped sleeping together.

“Why are you in such a rush?”

“Oh, I heard yesterday that there’s movement from the Turks. After the New Year, my father might be stationed at Yanmen Pass with the army.”

Zhao Jingshu’s eyes lit up. “Are you going?”

“I don’t know yet. I want to, but I’m afraid my grandmother won’t allow it.”

Over the years, although the Xūe family had welcomed more grandchildren, Xue Ning remained the one Grandmother Xue cherished the most. She still doted on him like a baby, despite him now being an imposing eight-foot-tall young man.

Zhao Jingshu quickly tied his hair with a headband. “How about we sneak off?”

“If we sneak off, do you think your father and mother would allow it?”

“That’s why it’s called sneaking—they won’t find out.”

Xue Ning walked up, pressing Zhao Jingshu down onto a stool, undoing his messy hair, and carefully combing it with a wooden brush.

“Ow, ow, ow—lighter, you’re pulling my hair out!”

Xue Ning deliberately tugged harder, pulling out a few strands. “That’s what you get for turning your hair into a bird’s nest.”

“If my father let me cut my hair, I would’ve shaved it all off by now.”

“You’d be a monk then?”

Zhao Jingshu chuckled. “I couldn’t be—I can’t live without meat.”

With his hair tied up properly, the bronze mirror reflected their faces. Fifteen-year-old Zhao Jingshu still had a bit of baby fat. His thick eyebrows and bright eyes carried both Lu Yao’s elegance and Zhao Běichuān’s carefree spirit. He had grown into an exceptional young man.

Behind him, Xue Ning was tall and lean. He had never been chubby since childhood, but his strength was impressive. Years of training with his grandfather had sculpted his body with defined muscles. His sharp eyebrows and slightly upturned phoenix eyes gave him an air of intelligence.

Being stared at so intently made Zhao Jingshu uncomfortable. He pushed Xue Ning aside and stood up. “No training today—my little aunt is coming back. We have to meet them at the city gate later.”

“Xiao Niángū is coming back?”

“Mm.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“Fine, let’s go.”

The two walked side by side out of the room, just as Lu Yao stepped outside.

“Mother.”

“Uncle.”

“Ah Níng, you’re here! Have you eaten yet? Come eat with us.”

“Alright!”

Zhao Jingshu suspected Xue Ning visited so often just to mooch meals. The moment he was invited to eat, he would agree without hesitation.

Breakfast was simple—soy milk, fried dough sticks, and thinly sliced pickled vegetables sprinkled with sesame seeds. Xue Ning drank three bowls of soy milk and ate four fried dough sticks in one go.

Zhao Jingshu wasn’t far behind, drinking two bowls of soy milk and eating four fried dough sticks as well.

After breakfast, Lu Yao handed them some silver. “Once you meet your aunt, bring them straight home. Don’t wander off, and don’t cause trouble.”

“Got it.”

“Go on then. Ah Níng, keep an eye on him for me.”

“Don’t worry, Uncle.”

The two walked out together, while Lu Yao sighed as he watched their backs. He wondered when his son would finally understand his own feelings.

They first headed to the Xūe residence to get their horses. Zhao Jingshu had a fine horse gifted by the Marquis of Wǔpíng, which was kept at the marquis’ estate since their household had no stable hands.

The horse was three years old, its coat a sleek black with a striking white mark on its forehead—an exceptionally handsome steed.

Xue Ning’s mount was equally impressive. He was fickle and kept three or four horses, choosing which to ride based on his mood. If he was happy, he rode the chestnut one. If he was upset, he rode the one with a blue mane. Zhao Jingshu found it ridiculous.

Riding leisurely, they were in no hurry, as Jingshu’s little aunt wouldn’t arrive until noon.

“Xue Ning, do you think war will break out in the northwest?”

“Hard to say. My father never discusses border affairs with me—he still treats me like a child.” Xue Ning grumbled, tapping his saddle.

“What about your grandfather? Did he mention anything?” The Marquis of Wǔpíng was never one to spoil children—they had endured their fair share of discipline under him.

“He did. That’s how I found out. The Emperor is discussing the military budget with the Ministry of Revenue. There might be plans to increase troops.”

Zhao Jingshu said, “If war does break out, will you go?”

“What do you think?”

Their eyes met, both gleaming with excitement.

Xue Ning’s fighting spirit ignited. “From here to the East Gate—let’s race!”

“Hyah!” Before he could finish, Zhao Jingshu had already galloped off.

Xue Ning laughed, urging his horse forward. “Hey, you cheated again!”

At this hour, the streets of Mǎwáng Alley were nearly empty. They rode swiftly and reached the eastern city gate unimpeded.

Zhao Jingshu reined in his horse and smirked. “I won.”

His proud expression was so vivid that Xue Ning’s heart skipped a beat. Looking away, he muttered, “Impressive—I did teach you well.”

This comment irked Zhao Jingshu. He had started learning to ride at six, but he had been terrified of horses back then. He had cried at the mere sight of them, and it was Xue Ning who coaxed him onto one, teaching him how to ride.

With nothing to say, Zhao Jingshu bared his teeth in a grin. The two dismounted, handing their reins to a street boy, who happily took a few copper coins in exchange for watching the horses.

Just before noon, Zhào Xiǎonián and Mǎ Kuān’s carriage finally arrived in the capital, accompanied by their cousin Mǎ Yùshān.

At twelve, Mǎ Yùshān was already nearly six feet tall, strong and towering. Spotting Zhao Jingshu and Xue Ning from a distance, he dashed over and scooped Zhao Jingshu into a hug.

“Quanbao-ge, I missed you so much!”

As soon as Zhao Jingshu heard his childhood name, he bristled, “Don’t call me Quanbao!”

“Then what should I call you?”

“Call me Jingshu-gege.”

“Aunt, Uncle.”

On the carriage, Zhao Xiaonian and Ma Kuan waved at him, “Quanbao and A’ning are here. Where are Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law?”

“They’re at home waiting for you.” Zhao Jingshu pushed his younger cousin away with a helpless expression, while beside him, Xue Ning was laughing so hard his shoulders trembled.

On the way back, Ma Yushan insisted on riding a horse. With no other choice, Zhao Jingshu had to let his younger cousin mount while he led the horse from the front—he couldn’t bear to have Wuxuotu carry both of them back.

Xue Ning simply led his horse alongside him, the two whispering as they walked.

“Your cousin calls you Quanbao, and you don’t get mad. Why do you lose your temper when I call you that?”

“He’s a child and a guest. How is that the same?”

“Tch, it’s just a name. What’s wrong with Quanbao? I think it sounds quite nice.”

“Shut up, don’t call me that!”

“Quanbao, Quanbao, Quanbaobao~”

Zhao Jingshu clenched his fists in frustration, narrowing his eyes. “See you at the training grounds tomorrow.”

“Hahahahahaha~” Xue Ning burst into laughter again.

Soon, they arrived at the house. Zhao Jingshu tossed the reins to Xue Ning, “Take it back and feed it properly.”

“Rest assured, Master Bao, this humble servant will certainly tend to your horse well.”

Fuming, Zhao Jingshu kicked him before leading his cousin into the courtyard.

Ma Kuan’s sudden trip to the capital was also related to the imminent war in the northwest. Over the years, he had traveled extensively as a merchant, building a vast network of contacts and gaining keen insight. More than a month ago, he had already heard rumors that the Turks were planning to attack Wu Dynasty.

“You mean someone is offering a fortune to buy our ethanol?”

Ma Kuan nodded. “The price they’re offering is already more than ten times the profit margin. The matter is serious, and I didn’t dare make a decision, so I came to the capital to consult with you.”

Lu Yao frowned slightly, rubbing his fingertips together. “This doesn’t seem right. Why would someone suddenly purchase such a large quantity of ethanol? If they are neither the government nor the military, what are they planning to do with it?”

“Could they be reselling it to the army?”

Lu Yao said, “If it were for resale, that would be one thing. But at such a high price, could they even break even?”

Ma Kuan’s expression grew serious. “Are they… selling it to the Turks?”

“That’s highly possible. We cannot proceed with this deal, and we must also have people keep an eye on this group of merchants to see what else they are purchasing. If they truly are spies, we must report them to the authorities and have them arrested as soon as possible.”

“I understand.”

“Also, strengthen security at the distillery to prevent the ethanol formula from being stolen. And this year, reduce alcohol supply to the north and south by 40%. The remaining liquor should all be distilled into ethanol to support the northern frontier.”

“Yes!”

After handling business matters, Lu Yao inquired about private affairs, “How has your health been lately?”

“I’m doing fine.”

Earlier in the year, Ma Kuan had fallen seriously ill. His health had always been frail, and years of traveling had taken a toll on him. The sudden illness had terrified Xiaonian, who sent eleven letters in succession.

When the letters arrived in the capital, they shocked Zhao Beichuan and Lu Yao as well. The next day, they immediately brought the most renowned physician from the capital and rushed to Zhongzhou.

By the time they arrived, Ma Kuan had already begun recovering, but he remained extremely weak. The physician was indeed skilled—after several acupuncture sessions and strong medicine, Ma Kuan recovered within half a month.

“If possible, delegate business matters to Lu Zhong. Don’t overexert yourself.”

Lu Zhong was a trusted subordinate recruited by Ma Kuan, reliable in his work. For the past few years, he had been handling most of the operations at the distillery.

“Got it.”

As they spoke, Zhao Beichuan returned. That year, Lu Yao had opened a new dessert shop in the capital called Yipin Zhai, selling not only candied fruits and preserves but also Western-style cream cakes and birthday cakes. The shop became immensely popular among the capital’s noblewomen, with demand consistently exceeding supply.

“You’re back.”

“Eldest Brother.” Xiaonian and Ma Kuan stood up.

“Where’s Yushan?” Zhao Beichuan was particularly fond of his eldest nephew.

Lu Yao said, “He just went out with Quanbao. They’re probably next door.”

At this, Xiaonian grew curious. “When are Quanbao and Xue Ning getting married?”

“Married?”

“Yes. Their relationship seems very close, and they’re not young anymore. Why not arrange the engagement first and let them marry in a few years?”

The couple found this topic quite troublesome. Their son was nothing like a typical ge’er—he spent his days wielding weapons, riding horses, and practicing archery, even more capable than most men.

Zhao Beichuan said, “There’s no rush. They’re both still childish. Let’s wait a couple of years.”

Besides, there was no use rushing. Their son hadn’t even realized his own feelings yet.

In the blink of an eye, September arrived. The capital’s September was not too cold, with clear autumn skies and crisp air.

It was in this pleasant weather that sudden news arrived—The Turks had declared war on the Wu Dynasty’s northern frontier!

Zhao Beidou was the first to know. He had been promoted to Deputy Minister of Revenue the previous year, and as early as June, the Emperor had summoned him to discuss this matter.

The country had been stable for years, and the Ministry of Revenue was in a much stronger position than in the previous dynasty. Moreover, the northwest had always been heavily fortified, and military funding had not been reduced. The soldiers were well-trained, and the cavalry well-equipped. If war broke out, they would not be at a disadvantage.

The only problem was deciding who would lead the troops. Since the death of Prince Zhenbei, there had been a shortage of experienced generals.

There had been no major wars in over a decade, and the number of renowned military commanders in Wu was dwindling. The current defender of Yanmen Pass was the veteran general Huang Yaozhong, who was already 62 years old. The Emperor worried he might perish on the battlefield.

The general defending the southwest, General Cai, could not be reassigned. The governor of Yingzhou, Cui Shuo, was also not easily moved. Then there was the Marquis of Wuping, but he was aging as well. While the Marquis’ heir was competent enough to hold the command seal, his health issues made leading troops in battle difficult.

The remaining options were mostly young generals with little war experience. The young Emperor found himself at a loss.

In the end, he consulted the retired Emperor, who decreed, “Have the young master of the Xue family take command. Assign four generals from the Western Grand Camp to accompany him and lead 100,000 troops northward.”

Xue Ning learned of it the next day—his father was going to war, and while he was worried, he was also thrilled because he and Zhao Jingshu planned to go as well!