The General Is So Busy

The war was nearing.

Just as the Hong Kingdom made their preparations, Long Zhao Feng could see that the Hei Kingdom had started to move.

"They are quite confident," Long Zhao Feng said.

"Yes, General. Their troops are quite near to launch an attack. More are coming."

The battleground had been flattened by the last confrontation. Some villages were burnt to the ground, and the innocent civilians who managed to run away with their life wandered either to the Hong Kingdom or the Hei Kingdom. It was not something new, as a lot of areas had not been properly defined as any kingdom's territory. The occupation of fertile patches or areas with abundant natural resources was always subject to wars between the stronger kingdoms.

The borders of both kingdoms were slowly getting close to each other. It might take some tens of years of beating each other to pulp before both kingdoms decided that they could both exist next to each other and sign a peace treaty.

That was something the future generation had to think about. At present time, the two kingdoms were enemies.

"If they launch an attack on our base, when will be the earliest time to do that?"

The East-Side Commandant had anticipated this question. He too had done his homework and sent out some spies to check the battleground situation.

"Tomorrow night, General."

Tomorrow night.

"Let's go back and talk about formation. Be ready by tonight."

The Commandant ripped his eyes open in shock.

"Is General planning to launch an attack first?"

Long Zhao Feng smiled behind the mask.

"The first one to attack has the upper hand."

"..."

The two people mounted their horses and rode back to the base while talking about the preparation of the East-Side troops. Long Zhao Feng had inquired about the readiness of other troops by passing yesterday. He knew they could make it. The question was whether they could win or not. When they finally got back, they heard the bad news.

The last two poisoning victims had succumbed to their fate and died the previous night. Long Zhao Feng sighed. Of course, he did not expect Xiao Yue to do some miracle job, healing the people instantly with a finger snap. It was nevertheless a pity, because how could they work on an antidote without a patient?

"Call Chao Guang."

"Yes, General."

The soldier quickly exited the tent to look for Wu Chao Guang. The personal guard of General Long was usually seen together with the General, but as of lately he had been wandering about the base, away from the General's side. This was more odd than troubling. Not that the General did not know how to protect himself.

The errand boy found Wu Chao Guang under a tree, chatting with one of the General's new squires. He had a weird name, Little... Little Duck. These two people sure had lots of time, chatting in broad daylight without burden.

"Wu Chao Guang," he called without wasting a breath. "General Long is looking for you."

Wu Chao Guang grinned.

"Speak of the devil," he said under his breath.

"Come, Xiao Ya."

Xiao Yue stood up and hastily running after Wu Chao Guang. These men were not only tall but they were also used to walking very fast. Xiao Yue had only managed to keep up by running next to them from time to time.

Inside the General's tent, Long Zhao Feng sat at the table, his elbows propping up his upper body. He cupped his fingers together in front of his face, which was hidden behind the silver mask. He did not say anything when Wu Chao Guang asked for permission to enter, and also did not even move the slightest when Wu Chao Guang and Xiao Yue entered the tent.

Xiao Yue looked at Wu Chao Guang and whispered, "Is he asleep?"

A deep voice spoke up, "Chao Guang."

Wu Chao Guang threw Xiao Yue a brilliant smile before approaching the table.

"Yes, General?"

"Tell all commandants to gather in my tent before dinner."

"Yes, Sir."

"Leave us. Wait outside."

"Yes, Sir."

Xiao Yue threw an exasperated look at Wu Chao Guang, who patted her shoulder to encourage her to talk. After Wu Chao Guang left, Long Zhao Feng took off his mask. He sighed as he gently rubbed the spot between his eyebrows, his eyes closed.

When he opened his eyes again, his expression softened and he motioned Xiao Yue to come closer. The latter approached the table. An awkward silence fell over them. Xiao Yue did not know what was going through Long Zhao Feng's mind, but she was still affected by the heart-throbbing events that transpired between them.

After not seeing him for a whole day, she calmed down somewhat, but she still felt frustrated. Her heart wanted to be closer to him, but her mind reminded her over and over again that she should stay away. This man was like a burning flame, and she was like a moth that was attracted to the flame. She wanted to get closer, but she knew that when she got too close, she would turn to ash.

"I heard what happened," Long Zhao Feng softly said. "Are you alright?"

"..."

How was she supposed to not be alright? She was not the one who died. Oh, maybe Long Zhao Feng thought she would be careless and go around touching the patients and thus getting poisoned herself? Hmph, the man really left her no face!

"I am fine," she said, her expression turned sour.

Long Zhao Feng raised an eyebrow at her. After looking at her for a while, he asked, "Was there any progress with the antidote?"

Xiao Yue shook her head in regret. She had been reading a lot of scrolls to try to find any hint to help her move forward, but the medical records did not help much. If they really wanted to get an antidote... if Long Zhao Feng really wanted her to make an antidote, she had no other choice but to ask him to talk to one of his subordinates to release the corpse of his dear brother to develop the antidote. It would do neither him nor his brother any good, but it would help those who still lingered in the mortal realm.

"I have a suggestion," Xiao Yue said. "For that, I need your help."