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墨書 Inktalez
In the afternoon, the two set out.
The outer town of the City Defense Camp was where the Warriors and their relatives resided. Perhaps due to the rumors, everyone seemed particularly curious about Sang Qingxiao, resulting in a bustling street filled with pedestrians.
Although Sang Qingxiao felt somewhat self-conscious, the goodwill from others quickly helped him adapt. Unlike those from the capital, these people were not easily intimidated.
I am an easygoing person by nature; if it weren't for the royal family's needs, who would want to be someone everyone dislikes?
"Ha, you're easygoing?" Qi Xiaomian leaned in closer. "Haven't I treated you well? Haven't I treated the Small Tavern well? Look to your right."
"Huh?" Sang Qingxiao paused for a moment, then turned to see a familiar sight. "You built a Small Tavern here?"
Is this a little surprise? The facade is about the same size, but due to territorial restrictions, the living quarters behind are smaller. The atmosphere in your Small Tavern is the most relaxed; in the future, wherever you like, I'll build one for you.
"What if I don't like the City Defense Camp? Wouldn't that mean building one?"
"No worries, I have plenty of money."
Qi Xiaomian had put in a lot of effort, and Sang Qingxiao wouldn't dampen his spirits. Once inside, he truly appreciated the thoughtfulness; every detail had been meticulously replicated, even down to measuring the height of Two Little Treasures with scratches on the wall—everything was accurate.
"I did well, didn't I?"
Sang Qingxiao knew he was fishing for compliments and, with a mischievous intent not to let him feel too proud, replied seriously, "It's passable."
"It seems you don't like this gift after all. Actually, there are other places we can enjoy; how about we go horseback riding?"
Qi Xiaomian continued to extend invitations while Sang Qingxiao playfully resisted. Under his guidance, they enjoyed four full days of fun together. As they held hands more frequently, their feelings intensified rapidly.
In adult relationships, there isn't always that instant attraction; it evolves from tentative exploration to mutual familiarity and eventually to deeper emotions. This process requires continuous adjustment until everything falls into place.
The most crucial foundation supporting this entire journey was their shared understanding.
What Qi Xiaomian did at the City Defense Camp seemed quite similar to what Sang Qingxiao's Small Tavern represented. Initially, the Small Tavern served as a cover for the Sang Family's case reversal; however, its true significance post-reversal was as a sanctuary for outcasts and a bridge for communication between demon clans and the human world.
Did Qi Xiaomian truly wish to be this so-called city lord?
No, he also wanted to create a powerful sanctuary for those who had always followed him.
Sang Qingxiao wished to lend a helping hand as well.
Accompanied by Qi Xiaomian, she measured every inch of the land with her legs, gradually forming a vast defensive protective talisman in her mind.
On this day, the guards reported that the Great Yu Emperor had actually sent someone over. The guards stopped the person at the expanded perimeter of the military camp and, after repeated inquiries, found out that it was a summons from the Court, and this person was still detained in Black Flame City.
When they asked who it was in detail, the other party only shouted about wanting to enter the military camp. The general defending the city, Sun Shi, was drinking with Qi Xiaomian when he heard this news and instinctively looked at him.
What’s this? The Court hardly cares about you, and now that someone has finally come, your mind is racing again?
Sun Shi quickly said he dared not; they had fought before and gotten to know each other. Although Qi Xiaomian seemed light, his punches were heavy, and Sun Shi was indeed afraid of being hit by him.
Promotion? Ha! I’ve long since stopped thinking about it. Just look at those people in Black Flame City; most of them are high-ranking and powerful, climbing high only to fall hard. I’m just a rough and uncouth fellow; how could I play with those old foxes?
Stability is good enough for me; having some surplus money is already great. Moreover, since you took over, the camp has been revitalized. I don’t have to bear all the responsibility and can learn many practical combat techniques from you. Even if the Great Yu Emperor discovers something later on, what of it?
With our more than ten thousand elite soldiers attacking that city wall of Black Flame City and dealing with those old ghosts inside, who knows who will win or lose?
I’ll handle those sent by the Court; you just wait for news.
Sun Shi puffed out his slightly bulging belly and leisurely walked to the sentry post. He eavesdropped for a while outside the door of the room and heard the impatient voices inside before he finally entered with a serious expression.
This Cai really has quite a presence. Who are you?
I am the person you’re looking for. Sun Shi sat down on a chair, propped his legs up on the table in a relaxed manner, leaned back against the chair, and asked, “What did the Court send you here for? Could it be to make up for something?” He gestured for someone to bring over the account book.
A soldier handed over the already prepared account book to Sun Shi. Looking at it, he saw it was just a thin volume; he was afraid that if he moved too much, it would tear apart.
Which military officer in the Court doesn’t change positions every three or one? Except for those who rise through their family’s influence. But I have already received seventeen military pay here.
Is General Sun dissatisfied with His Majesty’s arrangements?
Dare not! It’s not easy to see His Majesty’s confidant; my heart is troubled—let’s talk to Cai about it.
Of these seventeen instances of military pay received by us from the Court: once full payment, twice forty percent, seven times thirty percent, twice twenty percent, once ten percent—and one time—surprisingly not a single cent!
We are not a combat army; our military pay amount is already at its minimum. We also know that some things are difficult for the Court, but at least let us eat our fill! I don’t want much; can we just get these seventeen instances fully compensated?
Are you not getting enough to eat? But looking at all of you, it doesn't seem like that's the case. Especially this one in front of me, Sun General, who lets out a burp between words; it's clear from the smell that he's been drinking good wine.
The court doesn't provide us with funds, so we have to find a way to feed ourselves. The wasteland near the military camp has been cultivated by our families. We can manage to be self-sufficient in food and even have a little left over, which the wives turn into wine. With this little wine, we still have to save it for later.
Cai, my heart is heavy. You should help me reason this out. Although I hold a third-rank official position and receive a salary, it’s not enough for my family. My mother and wife are busy working in the fields right now. Have you ever seen a third-rank general's family in the capital enduring such hardship? The more embarrassing reality is that we, the esteemed gentlemen, rely on our families to grow food for us.
So, is it too much to ask for military pay? Sun General, your words don't resonate with me.
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