Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 638 - 636

Chapter 638: Chapter 636

The storm passed, leaving a mess everywhere.

The palace maids and eunuchs were busy cleaning up the traces of blood on the floor.

The warm winter sun and the frosty wind quickly dried the dragon-carved phoenix railing made of white jade, the marble-paved ground, and the dragon-patterned steps outside Zichen Palace.

Zichen Palace was restored to its former solemnity and majesty in no time, as if nothing had occurred.

Xiao’er, who had put on a clean set of clothes, together with Shangguan Xuanyi, who was also freshly dressed and waiting outside, headed toward the royal study room.

"The emperor seemed unapproachable just now, but why did he summon us to the study room for discussion all of a sudden?" Xiao’er found the emperor’s recovery ability quite extraordinary.

"His Majesty manages myriad state affairs every day, he does not have time to indulge in grief!" Shangguan Xuanyi couldn’t help but gently take Xiao’er’s hand.

Xiao’er struggled a bit but upon realising she couldn’t escape, she had to abide: "But why call me to join the discussion? Isn’t it said that women shouldn’t participate in political affairs?"

"It’s only some obdurate ministers who think that way. There are many times when Father Emperor discusses state affairs with Mother Empress," Shangguan Xuanyi explained.

"Our Emperor is the first of his kind in all history!" Xiao’er blinked her eyes, truly considering the emperor and empress a model couple. Such an emperor was definitely a rarity throughout history!

"In all history? Are you referring to the Central Plains and overseas countries?"

Xiao’er knew she had misspoken and nodded in agreement.

Shangguan Xuanyi didn’t scrutinise her, he had grown accustomed to this girl’s frequent invention of new words and phrases. As long as he could understand, it was okay.

"What was the story behind your dagger and the pieces of cinnabar?" Shangguan Xuanyi couldn’t resist voicing out his doubts.

"Oh, that... The zoo is going to be completed next year, and I plan to set up a circus in it. The dagger and pieces of cinnabar are for the performance," Xiao’er explained.

"Circus?" Shangguan Xuanyi didn’t expect this reason. It seemed he had read too much into it.

"What else did you think?" Xiao’er looked at him and asked.

"Nothing. I just asked because I couldn’t figure it out," Shangguan Xuanyi responded.

"Can a horse perform plays? Is it worth watching the plays performed by a horse?" Shangguan Xuanhao, who was catching up from behind, deliberately walked between them, separating their holding hands.

Shangguan Xuanyi glared at Shangguan Xuanhao.

Shangguan Xuanhao looked back: I just worry that you might ruin this girl’s reputation.

Shangguan Xuanyi chose to ignore him.

"The circus is not only about performances by horses. Narrowly, it refers to performances acted out on horseback, broadly, it refers to performances by various wild animals and trained birds. The circus is magnificent, and when the time comes, I will send two tickets to you and Wei Zhen. You are invited to watch it!"

"What’s the point of watching animal performances? I won’t go. If I have some spare time, I’d rather stay in the alchemy room and study my medicine books."

"If you don’t wish to go, that’s fine. But don’t come to me for tickets when you regret later," Xiao’er retorted.

"Don’t worry, I won’t. What’s the point of watching a bunch of animals fight and kill each other!" The circus Shangguan Xuanhao pictured in his mind was like so. However, when many people had watched the circus by then, and everyone was talking about how spectacular the circus was, he also wanted to see it, but tickets would already be sold out.

Xiao’er saw his misunderstanding but didn’t explain it. No matter how much you talk, it could never match the awe of seeing it with your own eyes!

The three soon reached the entrance to the royal study room. The eunuch entered to report, and soon came out to invite them in.

When the emperor saw them walk in, he quickly beckoned them over: "Quickly, come over here and see, this is the urgent news that was just received from 800 li away."

The Minister of the Ministry of War was slightly surprised when he saw Xiao’er. A woman had never appeared in a discussion in the study room before!

However, seeing the emperor so enthusiastic, he wisely chose not to say anything more.

It seemed that not only was Lady Rui’an important in the heart of the Sixth Prince, but the emperor also held her in high regard.

Upon hearing the emperor’s words, the three quickly stepped forward.

At a glance, Xiao’er saw the deployment map on the study desk.

Although it was incomplete, Xiao’er still recognized the incorporation of the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, and the art of Qi Men Dun Jia in this formation.

It shocked Xiao’er that the art of Qi Men Dun Jia, which she had thought to be lost, was known by someone in this world.

"Is this the general’s deployment map?" Shangguan Xuanhao asked.

"Isn’t that obvious? Who else could have made it?" As soon as Shangguan Xuanhao spoke, he was chastised by the emperor. He immediately shut his mouth. He was the least knowledgeable about warfare in the room. It was best not to speak on the matter.

"Yi’er, Lady Rui’an, please take a close look to see if you can complete this map. During the war, this is the formation of General Li’s army drawn by a scout from General Di’s troops from a high place. With this formation, Li’s army inflicted heavy casualties on our troops. This map is somewhat incomplete, and neither the Minister nor myself can find a way to break this formation."

The emperor glanced at the two, who were looking at the map and listening attentively, and continued, "I heard that this formation is extremely unpredictable. There are formations within formations...sometimes, soldiers become disoriented as if they have lost their way."

"It’s the art of Qi Men Dun Jia. It has been said since ancient times that when applied to war, Qi Men Dun Jia can allow a small force to overthrow a larger one, securing victory in every battle," Shangguan Xuanyi intervened.

This formation has been lost without any reference materials. How did General Li learn of the art of Qi Men Dun Jia?

Seeing Xiao’er was still focused on the map, he asked, "Eh, do you understand Qi Men Dun Jia?"

Xiao’er nodded, "Just a little."

On hearing this, the emperor’s eyes lit up.

Shangguan Xuanhao perked up. This girl’s ’just a little’ practically equated to an unlimited proficiency in the eyes of others!

"Lass, it’s up to you to complete this map, I know you can do it."

Shangguan Xuanyi shot a glare at Shangguan Xuanhao. He had made the statement too boldly, and especially in front of the emperor!

If he had known that the discussion was about this matter, he wouldn’t have brought her along. He could have asked her in private, instead of putting her under such great pressure in front of the emperor.

The Minister of the Ministry of War initially wanted to ask if Lady Rui’an would have a solution. However, seeing the Sixth Prince’s expression, the crafty old man wisely chose to remain silent.

Lady Rui’an, do you have a solution?" The emperor finally voiced out the Minister’s unasked question.

"The art of Qi Men Dun Jia has already been lost, and it wouldn’t matter if she can’t complete it," Shangguan Xuanyi said, coming to Xiao’er’s defense.

The emperor glanced at his son and nodded, "Yes, if you can’t complete it, I won’t hold it against you."

Xiao’er snapped out of her thoughts and smiled, "I’ll do my best."

Shangguan Xuanyi handed her a brush, "No need to force yourself."

The emperor couldn’t help but look up at the sky: Boys are indeed more outgoing! Especially my own!

Xiao’er took the brush and started filling in the blank parts of the map.

Everyone held their breath, afraid to disturb her.

Xiao’er drew quickly and soon filled in the incomplete parts of the map.