Quick Wear: The first person to love the host

Chapter 430 The Substitute Bride Becomes a Reality (31)

The plan was quickly finalized, and by the time Qin Wujiu stepped out of the main tent, night had already enveloped the entire military camp.

He rubbed his throbbing temples and walked towards his tent through the newly fallen snow, but suddenly stopped when he saw the warm yellow light shining from inside.

He gripped his sword warily, lifted the curtain and entered, only to see Shen Qianlan sitting leisurely at the table, holding a cup of hot tea in his hands, the rising steam blurring his smiling face.

"Who gave you permission to enter my tent?" Qin Wujiu's voice was cold and hard.

Shen Qianlan put down his teacup, and when he looked up, his eyes held just the right amount of innocence: "I haven't even blamed the strategist for leaving me alone during the day, yet the strategist is already questioning me."

Qin Wujiu, not wanting to say more, pointed his sword at the tent door without drawing it: "Get out."

Shen Qianlan remained seated, instead calculating with her fingers, her smile deepening: "Let me guess—is the strategist's haste due to some movement from the Xiongnu?"

"How did you know—" Before Qin Wujiu could finish speaking, his longsword was already drawn, its cold blade pressed against Shen Qianlan's neck. "Did Su Ziyu tell you, or were you already colluding with the Xiongnu?"

It had only been a short while since Shen Qianlan arrived at this place from the main tent. Even if Shen Qianlan possessed extraordinary abilities, it would be impossible for him to learn about the military situation so quickly. Unless he was a spy sent by the Xiongnu, using the guise of transporting grain to spy on others.

If that's true, then Su Ziyu, as his cousin...

Shen Qianlan was surprised by his sudden move. The coldness on his neck reminded him that if he continued playing around, he might lose his life. He quickly raised his hands in surrender, saying, "It was just a joke, why is the strategist so angry?"

“This joke isn’t funny.” Qin Wujiu’s wrist sank slightly, and the sword tip moved closer by half a point. “Explain yourself.”

“Alright.” Shen Qianlan’s joking expression faded. “My grain transport team passed through a small tribe and learned that the Xiongnu had already set up a counter-ambush in Black Wind Valley. They expected you to set up an ambush there.”

"Why should I trust you?"

Shen Qianlan took out a black iron token from his bosom: "This was found by my follower on the body of a Xiongnu scout. Their people have infiltrated various tribes along the border."

Qin Wujiu took the token, his fingertips touching the familiar wolf-head totem, and his expression changed drastically. This was indeed the insignia of the elite Xiongnu troops.

"Why are you telling me this?" He stared directly into Shen Qianlan's eyes, trying to find a flaw in those deep, peach-blossom eyes.

Shen Qianlan chuckled: "As I said, the Shen family deeply understands the greater good of the nation." He paused, his voice suddenly lowering, "Besides... I don't want to see the strategist meet with misfortune."

The candlelight flickered inside the tent, casting interplay of light and shadow in Shen Qianlan's eyes. Qin Wujiu suddenly felt that this seemingly cynical merchant might harbor unfathomable depths.

"I will verify this matter." Qin Wujiu put the token into his pocket. "If what you say is true, I will owe you a favor."

"It's a favor from the strategist," Shen Qianlan said with a smile as he stood up. "I'm really looking forward to it."

As he lifted the curtain to step out, a gust of north wind, carrying snowflakes, rushed into the tent, causing the candlelight to flicker violently. Qin Wujiu gazed at the swaying curtain, a vague premonition rising in his heart that this winter was destined to be anything but peaceful.

---

At dawn the next day, an urgent report came back, confirming that what Shen Qianlan said was true.

Sure enough, heavy Xiongnu troops were ambushed on the cliffs on both sides of Black Wind Valley, just waiting for their ambush to fall into the trap.

Qin Wujiu broke out in a cold sweat. If the news hadn't arrived in time, this trip would have resulted in heavy losses, and Commander Qi Jinyu might also have been in danger.

He made a decisive decision and, after discussing with Qi Jinyu, redeployed his forces.

On the surface, a detachment was still sent out to pretend to go to Black Wind Valley, while the main force of the army quietly bypassed the main force and went straight to the Xiongnu camp, which was slightly empty due to the division of troops to set up an ambush. At the same time, another elite force was sent to turn around and surround the Xiongnu ambush in Black Wind Valley.

That night, flames soared into the sky, and the sounds of battle shook the earth.

Caught off guard, the Xiongnu suffered a crushing defeat, abandoning their armor and weapons in a hasty retreat northward. News of the victory sent a jolt of pride through the entire army.

Qi Jinyu invited Shen Qianlan, who had made contributions this time, to his residence for a chat under the pretext of celebrating their victory.

Inside the warm pavilion of the Prince's Mansion.

The charcoal fire was burning brightly, dispelling the bitter cold outside.

The banquet wasn't extravagant, but it was exquisitely refined. Qi Jinyu sat in the head seat, his casual attire unable to conceal his noble bearing. Su Ziyu sat beside him, and the two looked remarkably well-matched.

Qin Wujiu and Shen Qianlan sat facing each other at the lower end.

Qin Wujiu's face remained cold and stern, though his gaze would occasionally sweep over the two people at the head of the table.

Shen Qianlan was very outgoing and chatted about interesting things in Jiangnan and his experiences as a merchant during the meal.

Su Ziyu sat quietly to the side, a faint smile on her lips, only occasionally adding a detail between her cousin's words. There was a familiarity and tacit understanding between the two that was difficult for others to penetrate.

Qi Jinyu listened patiently at first, but as she listened, a sense of unease inexplicably rose in her heart.

Whether it was the embarrassing story of secretly crying because he couldn't climb trees to steal birds' nests when he was a child, or his secret hobby of reading romance novels about talented men and beautiful women, Shen Qianlan knew them all like the back of her hand.

Although they are cousins ​​and grew up together, is it a bit too much for them to know each other so well?

A strong sense of crisis quietly gripped Qi Jinyu.

His queen was naturally someone he should protect. He would not allow anyone's gaze to linger on him too long, not even his cousin.

In a flash, Qi Jinyu raised his hand to his lips and coughed softly a few times, just in time to interrupt Shen Qianlan's amusing story.

He then picked up his wine glass, his gaze falling gently and attentively on Su Ziyu, his tone clearly showing intimacy and consideration: "Madam, you have worked hard and devoted yourself to the wool workshop and the procurement of provisions these past few days. Thank you for your hard work."

He emphasized the word "Madam" as if to assert his sovereignty.

Su Ziyu's ears burned slightly. She first glanced quickly at Shen Qianlan, who had a half-smile, and Qin Wujiu, who looked like a clay sculpture with his eyes downcast. Finally, she turned her gaze to Qi Jinyu.

Fortunately, he had already written to his cousin explaining the truth about the substitute marriage and the current situation where the charade had become real; otherwise, if the prince had called her "Madam," things might not have ended well tonight.

Seeing the almost overflowing possessiveness in Qi Jinyu's eyes, Su Ziyu's face showed a hint of helplessness, but his eyes held a warm, indulgent feeling—what could he do? He had to pamper his own people.

He raised his wine glass and lightly clinked it against Qi Jinyu's. "Your Highness is too kind. It's my duty."

Seeing his cousin's nonchalant attitude, Shen Qianlan felt a sense of disappointment and frustration.

What good is it for this silly kid to just be good at making money?

Such naiveté makes him seem like he'd be sold out and still be counting the money for them. Supporting a large army under the prince's command is no easy task. Moreover, grandfather is currently unaware of this matter; if he were to find out, I fear...

Shen Qianlan followed up, her peach blossom eyes sparkling with a playful smile, and said to Qi Jinyu, "Your Highness, you may not know this, but Ziyu not only mobilized a lot of manpower and resources for this batch of grain, but also used a lot of the savings that his maternal grandfather had accumulated for him since childhood... cough, 'marriage money'."

His words were laced with teasing, but his probing intent was palpable.

Su Ziyu's cheeks flushed red when she was exposed on the spot. She secretly glared at Shen Qianlan, signaling him to tone it down. Then she turned to Qi Jinyu and explained, "Your Highness, don't listen to his exaggeration. It's not as exaggerated as he said."

Qi Jinyu sensed the probing in Shen Qianlan's words. He grasped Su Ziyu's hand and solemnly said, "Cousin, rest assured, I will never let Ziyu down in this life."