Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

Chapter 443: 217, being pinched tightly_2

Secondly, this woman most of the time also wears a serene face that seems to see through everything, and she gives me the impression that she is very much like Sikong Yue, though of course, by order, it should be Sikong Yue who resembles her.

Thirdly, after the chaos in Tongling, this woman threatened me and even used force. Initially, Hou Yuxiao had no desire to get involved in the great war, but it was only because of Zhan Taiqing's threats. In second place, he suggested the establishment of Hexi Prefecture; he originally hoped Zhan Taiqing would refuse, but unexpectedly, she agreed.

Of course, having a not-so-favorable impression doesn't mean Hou Yuxiao can show these feelings. Approaching Zhan Taiqing, he still had a compliant expression, respectfully half-kneeling before her to pay his respects.

"Subordinate pays respects to Master, the journey was delayed, and I was worried that the twenty-thousand-strong army would not arrive in time, so I took the lead with five hundred cavalry. The twenty-thousand-strong army will arrive at the latest by the 24th, please forgive me, Master."

After Hou Yuxiao finished speaking, he waited for more than ten breaths without hearing her response. When he looked up, he met Zhan Taiqing's almost mocking gaze and quickly lowered his head again, not daring to look any longer.

"That twenty-thousand-strong army, Master Hou didn't mix in any chaff, did he?"

She definitely knew, she absolutely knew, otherwise, she wouldn't ask this question upon their meeting. Realizing this, Hou Yuxiao's heart instantly tensed.

Luckily, he had long come up with an excuse.

"The three jurisdictions in Hexi have just been established, and there are still the two second-rate powers, Famed Sword Sect and Fengbo Hall, within the jurisdiction. Although I've drawn half their troops, the remaining forces combined are still considerable. I worried that if our clan's elite troops were all deployed, their mischief behind our backs would be detrimental to our campaign in Hedong. Therefore, I only deployed five thousand of our own clan's troops, having absolutely no intention of mixing in chaff in the army, Master, please see clearly!"

Zhan Taiqing looked down at Hou Yuxiao's earnest expression and chuckled coldly twice, saying, "Not a bad excuse you've come up with..."

Hou Yuxiao immediately tried to argue further, but Zhan Taiqing didn't give him the chance, following up her previous words with another statement.

"However, I hadn't really placed much importance on those twenty-thousand troops to begin with. The battle in the three jurisdictions of Hexi showed that you do have some talent, which is why I am bringing you along in the campaign against Hedong this time.

Hou Yuxiao, listen to me carefully. Even if your Hou Family's men do not take the battlefield, I don't care, but when I need your counsel, if you dare to delay or harbor sinister intentions, don't blame me for not being polite.

Know this, I can decide to give the three jurisdictions of Hexi and Tongling County to the Hou Clan, but I can also take them back at any time. If you really dare to play tricks with me, forget about taking back those places, even the lives of all your clan's members, including everything you own. Without the need for the Holy Church to take action, I can take them whenever I wish, do you understand?"

Half-kneeling, Hou Yuxiao heard Zhan Taiqing's words and bowed even lower, his tone exceedingly submissive, "Please rest assured, Master. Although unworthy, given the opportunity, I will certainly do my utmost for the Holy Church, spilling my heart and brain on the ground, dying before giving up, never daring to play mind games with Master, nor to be of two minds"

Seeing Hou Yuxiao's reverent and submissive attitude, a hint of satisfaction appeared on Zhan Taiqing's beautiful face, and after a moment, she nodded and beckoned, "Get up!"

What she didn't notice was that Hou Yuxiao, with his head bowed, had a respectful tone, but his eyes were full of coldness and sternness.

It must be said that Zhan Taiqing's words had touched his bottom line, especially that phrase about the lives of all Hou Family members, which immediately made Hou Yuxiao's heart turn icy cold.

But the instant he raised his head, the strange look on his face immediately vanished, as if nothing had happened, and he asked Zhan Taiqing, "When I was on my way here, I noticed that only fifty to sixty-thousand people are left on this side of the river, which can all be sent to the east bank in just two days. May I ask, Master, after crossing the river, do we immediately go to war with Xuzhou?"

Seeing Hou Yuxiao immediately getting into the situation, a satisfied smile appeared on Zhan Taiqing's beautiful face, and she gently shook her head, "No rush, we still have to wait for someone. Judging by the days, they should also be arriving soon, stay here with me and wait during this time!"

"Your subordinate obeys."

Hou Yuxiao bowed and was just about to take his leave when Zhan Taiqing spoke up first to keep him there.

"Wait a moment, there's someone who wants to meet you!"

Once Zhan Taiqing finished speaking, from behind the tent's screen, a lively woman dressed in black with twin blades stepped out, her eyes full of laughter as she looked at Hou Yuxiao.

"So long without seeing each other, Young Master Hou, you don't remember me, do you?"

"Sister Peony, as beautiful as a celestial being, is hard to find in this world. I'm afraid I would never forget such a person in a lifetime, how could I not remember!"

The moment Hou Yuxiao saw the girl, he recognized her. It was none other than Blade Servant Peony of the Saintess Sikong Yue's Qi Juesi. Recalling his past disguise as Cheng Yue when he infiltrated Shengxin Residence, he had mistaken Peony for the Holy Maiden and caused a huge misunderstanding.

Among the three maidens that appeared with Sikong Yue back then, Hou Yuxiao had the deepest impression of Peony.

Flattery gets you everywhere, and Hou Yuxiao's highly emotionally intelligent response instantly brought a smile to Peony's face.

"It's been so long since we've seen each other, Young Master Hou. Not only has your cultivation improved, but your words have become even sweeter!"

Hearing the word 'cultivation', Hou Yuxiao subconsciously sensed Peony's breath. Upon sensing it, his face stiffened, and a profound sense of defeat welled up in his heart in an instant.