Hier gibt es Liebe für dreihundert Tael

Kapitel 49

"Father, in your opinion, who has a better chance of winning?"

Qin Hui pondered for a moment and said, "In my opinion, the Ninth Prince has a better chance of winning. Recently, the Emperor has become increasingly indifferent to affairs, and the Crown Prince has personally handled most matters. Now, after a series of reorganizations, the Privy Council and the Six Ministries have seen the Crown Prince's people infiltrate every corner. The situation is very different from before. However, the Crown Prince is only worried about the hundreds of thousands of troops in Tong Guan's hands."

Hearing this, Qin Zhen felt relieved. With his fourth senior brother Liang Shicheng acting as an inside agent for the Prince of Yun, not to mention that Tong Guan would not be foolish enough to lead troops in rebellion, even if he wanted to start an uprising, Liang Shicheng would inform them in advance. At the very least, Gao Qiu's 100,000 imperial guards were not just for show!

"Father, there's something else I want to ask you. Have you ever heard of a man named Han Shizhong?"

Qin Hui frowned. He asked, "Zhen'er knows that person? He's a real drunkard. I don't know how Lord Liang could value such a person and treat him like a guest of honor. Since Han Shizhong came to Bianjing, besides drinking and fighting, I haven't heard of him doing anything worthwhile!"

"Huh? How could this happen?"

Qin Zhen was surprised, and after learning from Qin Hui that Han Shizhong spent all his time drinking at Fanlou with Liang Shicheng's money, he decided to go to Fanlou the next day to find out what was going on.

The next day, Qin Zhen chose to go to Fanlou around noon, thinking that he should be able to see Han Shizhong at lunchtime.

Fanlou was as lively as ever. Qin Zhen called a waiter, then took out the gold-inlaid jade thumb ring that her senior brother had given her and said, "Take me to see your boss."

Upon seeing the ring, the waiter immediately recognized Qin Zhen's identity. He then led her towards the main building in the center. In the accounting room, Fan Tianxiang was carefully studying the ledgers when he heard a knock on the door. He got up to open it and was somewhat surprised to see Qin Zhen, but even more delighted.

Qin Zhen led her senior brother into the room with a smile, but there was a hint of guilt in her smile. She happened to glance at the account book on the table and said, "Senior brother, it's my fault for causing you to lose so much money this time..."

Fan Tianxiang tapped her head and said, "The flowers are already spent, why bother talking about this? Come in and sit down."

Seeing that he didn't seem to care at all, Qin Zhen sat down next to him and then asked, "Where's my brother? I haven't seen him."

"You mean Yue Fei? He went to have a martial arts contest with Han Shizhong."

"ah?"

Qin Zhen was quite surprised. How did the two of them end up together?

Fan Tianxiang explained, "Han Shizhong drinks in this building every day, and Yue Fei has been helping out here these past few days since he had nothing to do. Somehow they got to know each other. They are both martial artists, and they started sparring. Yesterday they couldn't decide a winner, and today they said they went out of the city to race horses."

Fan Tianxiang paused for a moment and asked Qin Zhen, "I heard from Fourth Junior Brother that you asked Han Shizhong to stay behind. I've met this man before. He has a fairly straightforward personality and his martial arts skills are not bad, but he's been drunk for months. What important task do you expect to accomplish with this alcoholic?"

His words seemed to imply that he didn't think much of Han Shizhong, but Qin Zhen gave up and said, "I'll see when I meet him. He... should be able to become a fierce general."

Qin Zhen helped Fan Tianxiang organize the account books for a while, and Yue Fei, accompanied by Han Shizhong, returned to the building, both of them sweating profusely, chatting amiably along the way.

Upon seeing Qin Zhen, Yue Fei happily introduced the two: "Brother Han, this is my sworn sister Qin Zhen, and sister, this is my hero Han Shizhong, whom I met yesterday."

"Hello, Brother Han." Qin Zhen greeted him sweetly, while looking at the figures in the annals of history.

Han Shizhong had bright eyes, sword-like eyebrows, a square face, and a broad forehead. If it weren't for the poor complexion caused by long-term alcoholism, he would have been quite dashing. Seeing Qin Zhen's clever appearance, Han Shizhong smiled and said to Yue Fei, "Brother Yue, you are truly blessed!"

Qin Zhen was curious about how the two of them became friends, so he said, "Brother, it's past noon, let's eat and talk."

The three sat down at the same table. While Han Shizhong went to wash his face, Yue Fei said to Qin Zhen, "Sister, this Brother Han is very skilled in martial arts and has even served on the battlefield. He is indeed a hero! But he has been having a bad time lately. For some reason, he was transferred to the mansion of a certain Liang. He has great martial arts skills but cannot serve in the army, which makes him very distressed! Do you have any way to help him?"

It turned out that Han Shizhong had been troubled by this matter. Qin Zhen smiled and said, "If they are talented, we should help them. I will be returning to the palace in a few days. Why don't I mention it to Zhao Gou and ask him to transfer you all to the Imperial Guard?"

"Can that really be true? You'll see Brother Han's abilities in the future. I admire him greatly, there's absolutely no mistake!"

Han Shizhong happened to overhear Yue Fei praising him, so he said, "Brother Yue, please don't praise me anymore. We've had several matches and neither side has won. I admire you even more. A young man like you is truly a hero!"

Seeing the mutual respect between the two, Qin Zhen assured Yue Fei, "As long as Brother Han agrees, I will naturally help you get it done."

Han Shizhong asked in confusion, "Agree to what?"

Yue Fei explained, "Qin Zhen is a maidservant of the Prince of Guangping. We usually exchange a few words. If Brother Han agrees, I plan to have Brother Han join me in the Imperial Guard. What do you think?"

"The Imperial Guard? The selection process for the Imperial Guard is very rigorous; it's not something I can just decide to join."

Qin Zhen said confidently, "Brother Han has the ability and the passion to serve the country. As long as you agree, leave the rest to me."

Han Shizhong was equally quick-witted. Seeing Qin Zhen so at ease in Fanlou, and knowing that she was a maidservant of the Prince of Guangping yet could make such a difficult promise, he realized that her background must be extraordinary.

He pondered for a moment and asked, "Is the Prince of Guangping you mentioned the Ninth Prince who went on a mission to the Liao Kingdom at the young age of ten?"

Yue Fei said, "Of course it is him."

Han Shizhong nodded, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "The Ninth Prince has lofty aspirations. It would be my honor to serve him. I entrust everything to you two!"

Yue Fei and Qin Zhen were both very happy. After toasting Han Shizhong, Han Shizhong said with concern, "Lord Liang is in a high position and has great power. He transferred me from the army to the capital, but I don't know why. If I want to serve the Ninth Prince, I'm afraid I'll have to get past him."

Yue Fei was unaware of the relationship between Liang Shicheng and Qin Zhen, but Qin Zhen knew it better than anyone else. The reason Liang Shicheng brought Han Shizhong here was because of her previous instructions.

Thinking of this, Qin Zhen didn't dare to say it. If Han Shizhong knew that she had caused him trouble for more than half a year, he would probably "get beaten up"!

After exchanging a few words, Qin Zhen took out the brocade pouch that Wu Shaofen had entrusted to her from her waist and handed it to Yue Fei, saying, "This is what Sister Shaofen asked me to give you. Brother, please keep it safe!"

Yue Fei carefully took the brocade pouch, rubbed it gently but didn't open it, instead carefully tucking it into his chest. Seeing his expression, Han Shizhong and Qin Zhen both chuckled, their tender affection overflowing!

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky 091 Surprises and Good Things Abound

After a brief visit home, Qin Zhen returned to the palace in high spirits, just as Zhao Gou was returning to the council hall. Zhao Gou, already beaming with joy, was even more delighted to see Qin Zhen return. He hurried forward and exclaimed, "Father has finally agreed to an alliance with the Liao against the Jin!"

"Really? It's settled so quickly! That's wonderful!"

Qin Zhen was also very happy to hear this news. It seems that Zhao Kai had been busy for half a year in vain.

Zhao Gou and Qin Zhen entered the study together, and as they walked, Zhao Gou said, "According to the agreement, the court will send reinforcements and provisions to the Liao Kingdom as soon as possible. My brother, the Crown Prince, has already started to do so, so you don't need to worry anymore."

Qin Zhen looked at Zhao Gou gratefully, realizing that he had been keeping her worries in mind all along.

Along with this news, Zhao Gou was promoted to Prince Kang and Wei Wanrong was promoted to Consort Wei. Even the Prince Kang's residence outside the palace was under construction. Everything was going exceptionally smoothly.

As autumn faded into winter, another year of auspicious snow and bountiful harvest arrived. Qin Zhen sat under the eaves, holding a hand warmer, watching Zhao Gou, dressed in a black brocade and silver-trimmed military uniform, sparring with Yue Fei, who was dressed as a guard, amidst the swirling snow.

Zhao Gou was no match for Yue Fei, but Zhao Gou was agile and versatile, and Yue Fei, who was originally guiding him in the sparring, began to subtly follow his rhythm.

The black-clad youth spun gracefully through the air, his sword suddenly thrusting back, a whistling sound scattering snowflakes. His round, starry eyes held a chilling aura; though it was a martial arts sparring match, the seriousness on his face compelled Yue Fei to take it even more seriously.

Liu Qi and Han Shizhong, who stood with their hands behind their backs, nodded frequently. Needless to say, Qin Zhen could see the praise for Zhao Gou in their eyes.

After a round of fighting, even in the freezing cold, beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads. They seemed to have really put in their effort.

Zhao Gou dropped the sword in his hand, drew a long spear from the weapon rack beside him, and said to Liu and Han, "You two come too, attack together!"

Han Shizhong exclaimed in surprise, "Your Highness wants to take on three of us? You're underestimating us!"

Over the past few months, Zhao Gou had grown accustomed to Han Shizhong's unconventional and unrestrained personality. Seeing that he was a capable person, he never pursued the disrespectful meaning in Han Shizhong's words.

He planted his spear upside down and said, "On the battlefield, you are meant to withstand thousands of troops. What use is it to only be able to hold off one person?"

"good!"

Liu Qi pulled out a long stick and threw a halberd to Han Shizhong. Yue Fei's knife was replaced with a bow and arrow, but the arrowheads were replaced with a piece of cloth smeared with white powder.

Everyone changed into their weapons. Zhao Gou, wielding a long spear, shouted, "Come on!"

Liu Qi and Han Shizhong attacked from both sides simultaneously, while Yue Fei, outside the battlefield, also drew his bow and aimed at the chaotic crowd.

Zhao Gou's focused gaze, powerful movements, and especially the subtle aura of authority emanating from him inspired awe even when he was clearly at a disadvantage.

Weapons were tangled together in a chaotic mess, and the sound of arrows flying filled the air. By the time Zhao Gou was completely exhausted, his body was covered in countless white spots. At the last moment, Han Shizhong mercilessly flicked the spear away.

Liu Qi looked at Han Shizhong and shook his head slightly, signaling him not to embarrass the prince like that, but Zhao Gou just sighed, then smiled, patted his clothes, and stood up.

He pointed to the white spots on his body and said, "If this were on the battlefield, I would have been riddled with arrows long ago. It's really no use."

Yue Fei stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is still young. Given time, you will surely be able to dominate the battlefield and be invincible."

Han Shizhong clasped his hands and laughed, "Your Highness, even if you went to the battlefield now, it wouldn't be a problem. But encountering such formidable enemies as us at the same time would be quite difficult."

Zhao Gou was taken aback, then realized that these three guards beside him were no ordinary men; each of them could take on a hundred men. He felt gratified, thinking to himself, "What have I done to deserve such capable subordinates?"

Qin Zhen brought tea to the four people on a tray and said, "It's so cold, why don't you take a break? You're sweating and then you're exposed to the wind. Be careful not to catch a cold."

"Martial arts practitioners are not that weak. They can't be."

Just then, Zhao Huan, dressed in the yellow robes of the crown prince, walked over with a smile: "Looks like I'm late and missed a good show!"

After everyone had paid their respects, Zhao Gou said, "It's just to have them spar with me; there's nothing to see here."

Zhao Huan looked rosy and energetic today, as if something good had happened. Zhao Gou asked, "Brother, what makes you so happy?"

"Come, Ninth Brother, let's go inside and have a talk."

Zhao Huan and Zhao Gou entered the room, only inviting Qin Zhen in to serve tea. Qin Zhen assumed he had some important state affairs to discuss, but Zhao Huan smiled and said, "Ninth Brother, Your Majesty is about to get married!"

"Oh? Is that so? Congratulations, Your Majesty!" Zhao Gou was somewhat surprised, as he had never heard of any selection of a Crown Princess.

"I wonder which young lady will be the Empress's sister-in-law?"

Zhao Huan said, "She is the eldest daughter of Zhu Guina, the Duke of Fu. You have met her before."

"I've seen it before?" Zhao Gou asked, puzzled.

Only after Zhao Huan reminded him did Zhao Gou remember that this was the "fake scholar" they had almost bumped into on the street last year. Thinking back to that incident and seeing Zhao Huan's happy expression, it seemed that he had fought for this marriage himself; no wonder he hadn't heard about the selection of a crown princess.

Being able to be with the person you love is such a rare thing for a prince. Zhao Gou once again sincerely congratulated him, saying, "Being able to marry the person you love is truly a cause for celebration. Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Huan couldn't hide the smile on his face and said, "When Ninth Brother grows up, he should marry the person he loves. At that time, your elder brother will definitely make the decision for you!"

Qin Zhen felt Zhao Huan glance at her when he said this, and immediately felt Zhao Gou's gaze fall on her as well, and her face flushed red.

Fearing that Qin Zhen might feel embarrassed, Zhao Gou quickly changed the subject, saying, "By the way, Your Majesty, how is the situation in Liao?"

Getting down to business, Zhao Huan suppressed his smile and said, "Things are going smoothly. The first batch of supplies has arrived, and Lord Tong's 50,000 troops have entered Liao territory. Although the Liao emperor abandoned Zhongjing last month, as long as Nanjing remains, the flames of war will not reach the Song Dynasty's borders."

Speaking of the Liao Dynasty's wars, Qin Zhen has to say that history is hard to defy. After the fall of Shangjing, Zhongjing was also captured by the Jin people. Now, two of the five Liao capitals have been lost, and Dongjing is separated by the Bohai Bay. The Liao army can only hold Nanjing and Xijing!

The Liao people still hoped for support from the Song Dynasty. Although Qin Zhen was not satisfied with the arrangement of having Tong Guan lead troops to the north, it seemed difficult to change the situation at present. He could only hope that Tong Guan would prioritize the overall situation and fight the war well.