During the intermission, Lin Qingge called Yan Tinghao over. "Officer Yan, I've brought such a large business to your shop, you see..."
Lin Qingge's words were very subtle, but surprisingly, Yan Tinghao understood.
"My lord, rest assured, I will have someone deliver all the silver spent by the Chidan country's envoy at the Yan family's shop to the Lin residence later. Also, my lord, whatever you fancy, just say the word, and I will have it sent to your residence as well."
Lian Cheng Yi, who could barely watch, turned his head to the side. He still couldn't believe that this simpleton before him was the son of Yan Xiuping, known as 'Great Xia's Foremost Strategist'! Was he perhaps adopted?
In a very good mood, Lin Qingge immediately waved her hand, deciding to have lunch at the high-class and elegant Jubaozhai.
A waiter, spotting the memorable Lord Lin from afar, hurried over to greet him. "This humble one greets Lord Lin. Please, Lord Lin, come inside."
"There are many people today, get two private rooms."
"Two private rooms? This..."
The waiter, already swamped at noon, was immediately troubled and quickly explained: "My lord, it's not that I'm deliberately neglecting you, but General Xiao has booked most of the private rooms upstairs to host the Chidan country's envoy. Coupled with the crowd during lunchtime, there is now only one private room left."
"General Xiao?"
Lin Yan stepped forward and explained, "My lord, this General Xiao is Xiao Zhan Bei, the eldest son of the Protector General Xiao Ding Shan. The Xiao family has guarded the northern border adjacent to Chidan country for generations. This General Xiao is brave and skilled in battle, known as the 'God of War of Great Xia.' He once led his troops all the way to the Chidan country's imperial palace, a figure who strikes absolute fear into the Chidan country. It was only a few days ago that this General Xiao was ordered to return to the capital after the new emperor ascended the throne."
"God of War of Great Xia? Then I must go and pay my respects."
Lin Qingge said, ignoring the waiter's hesitant look, and strode towards the upper floor.
When she actually reached the second floor, she realized it was much quieter than her last visit. The Chidan country is located in the position of Mongolia in her previous life. It is said that Chidan people are all strong, brave, and skilled in battle, valuing drinking and eating heartily. But why was it so quiet now?
She instructed the waiter to lead Prince Andrei and his party to the only remaining private room and entertain them well. Lin Qingge, following the waiter's direction, went to the private room where the God of War of Great Xia and the Chidan prince were located and knocked.
Immediately, a concise, cold, and magnetic male voice came from inside the room: "Enter."
Lin Qingge pushed the door open and the first thing she saw was the tall man seated at the head of the table. Even though the man had deliberately restrained himself, Lin Qingge could still feel the intimidating aura that only seasoned warriors possessed. Looking at his straight back, like a sharp sword, even in casual wear, it was easy to imagine how heroic he would look in armor.
As she thought, Lin Qingge smiled and cupped her hands in greeting, "This subordinate, Lin Jing Xing, Prefect of Shun Tian Fu, greets General Xiao. I have long heard of General Xiao's fame, and it is indeed well-deserved to see you today!" Unlike Lian Cheng Yi, who was just a military officer, the person before her was a genuine Great General, at least a third-rank official, so maintaining a humble posture was perfectly appropriate.
Upon hearing Lin Qingge's self-introduction, a trace of change finally appeared on Xiao Zhan Bei's usually impassive face. "So it's Lord Lin. I, Xiao, have also long heard of Lord Lin's great name. If Lord Lin doesn't mind, would you care to sit down and have a few drinks?"
"This subordinate is extremely honored!" Lin Qingge readily sat down and then noticed two men trembling like sieves beside them.
"General Xiao, who are these two gentlemen?"
"I am Wan Yan Lie, the Emperor of Chidan country, and this is Ta Bu Yan, the Grand General of Cavalry of our Chidan country."
Although Chidan country had frequently fought with Great Xia in the past, there were not a few private marriages between the two countries, so the Chidan people could speak some of Great Xia's language. Lin Qingge looked at the Chidan Emperor and General, who were both robust in build but still had a childish innocence on their faces, not exceeding fourteen years old, and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "So it's the Emperor of Chidan country himself leading the delegation. To ascend the throne at such a young age, you must be exceptionally capable."
Hearing Lin Qingge's words, Wan Yan Lie's expression became somewhat strange. He first secretly glanced at General Xiao beside him, then honestly shook his head, "Lord Lin flatters me. I am merely the youngest among all the princes in the royal family."
"Could it be that the Chidan royal throne is passed to the youngest, not the eldest?"
"No, it's just that I am the only one left in the entire Chidan royal family."
Lin Qingge was even more puzzled, "Then where are the other royal family members?"
"Dead."
"Your Majesty, please accept my condolences." Unexpectedly receiving this answer, Lin Qingge offered a perfunctory comfort and gave up the idea of asking further. Perhaps it was her bright, curious gaze, but the young Chidan Emperor, pouting, explained, "My father and my elder brothers were all beheaded by enemy generals in the wars of previous years. Not only my father and brothers, but Ta Bu Yan's father and brother were also beheaded."
"Enemy general?" Lin Qingge repeated these four words and her gaze fell on the silent General Xiao beside her, and she suddenly understood. Good heavens! No wonder these two prematurely aged youths were the Emperor and General, yet they trembled like mice encountering a cat. It turned out that the person sitting opposite was not a cat, but a cold-blooded God of War who had nearly wiped out their entire families! However, from another perspective, Xiao Zhan Bei, as a general stationed on the Great Xia border, truly lived up to the name of God of War.
Feeling the topic was becoming awkward, Lin Qingge turned her attention to the delicious dishes on the table that had not been touched. She said with a smile, "The food at Jubaozhai is truly exquisite!"
Whether out of politeness or genuine agreement, Xiao Zhan Bei nodded slightly and said, "It is indeed good. My household has no female members, and our daily meals are quite simple. As the host, I invited the Chidan delegation here."
"No female members?"
"My mother passed away early, and my father was stationed at the border in his early years. Only my younger brother and I remained in the residence, cared for by the housekeeper."
"I didn't expect General Xiao to have a brother. He must be as mighty and valiant as General Xiao?"
Mentioning his brother, the usually expressionless Xiao Zhan Bei's face showed a more obvious change. His thick eyebrows furrowed tightly, and he sighed, "It's a shame, but ever since I took over my father's post guarding the northern border six years ago, I haven't seen my brother. I had hoped to reunite with him during this trip back to the capital, but I learned from my father that my brother hasn't returned home for a long time."
As Lin Qingge was about to say something, the private room door was pushed open from the outside. Immediately, Ye Sheng Xiao, with his usual swagger, walked in holding a food container. "My lord, Xiao Cao made your favorite pastries, and madam sent me to deliver them..."
Upon seeing the man seated in the room, Ye Sheng Xiao seemed to have his throat caught by an invisible hand and instantly fell silent. Until the food container in his hand dropped to the ground, shattering the plate containing the pastries, Ye Sheng Xiao, as if severely startled, finally managed to regain his voice and weakly called out one word: "Brother..."