Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 67: Little Yu’s suffering

Chapter 67: Little Yu’s suffering

One of Xiang Yu’s jobs in the brothel was fetching buckets and buckets of water for the women. His tiny hands would be frozen stiff in winter his palms calloused as he pulled up the tight rope.

It was a good thing this well had a pulley system to draw water making it much easier. It was times like these that he missed his powers as the venerable demon king. He approached the well, his movements graceful and natural. He began drawing water, his expression focused.

Yi Nuo glanced back watching her highness drawing water from the well with no complaint. She couldn’t help but admire her unexpected practicality and independence. It was clear that beneath her regal exterior, there was a strength and resilience that commanded respect.

Xiang Yu had no idea that he had won the heart of the lieutenant. He filled the buckets with water absentmindedly. A few soldiers passed by watching him like he was a caged animal at the zoo. The general had specifically told them not to assist the princess. They had no idea what sort of issue the general had with this long-lost princess. Despite her status as the princess of Yige they didn’t dare disobey the general’s orders.

***

In the centre of the military camp was a large tent that was easily distinguished from the others. That was General Han’s tent. The tent’s exterior was adorned with rich, crimson silk banners, each emblazoned with the emblem of the dragon. The tent was guarded by two imposing soldiers and the entrance was flanked by tall, ornate poles topped with golden finials. When compared to Xiang Yu’s war tent, this one was more luxurious, symbolising the wealth of Yige.

Inside, the tent was a marvel of luxury and strategic functionality. The floor was covered with intricately woven rugs, their patterns depicting scenes of past victories and mythical creatures. At the centre of the tent stood a large, lacquered table, its surface inlaid with jade and mother-of-pearl. This table served as the command centre, strewn with maps, scrolls, and miniature figures representing troops and fortifications.

To the left of the table, a series of low, cushioned seats were arranged for the general’s advisors and visiting dignitaries. Each seat was upholstered in rich brocade, embroidered with gold thread. Behind these seats, a tall, intricately carved wooden screen provided a semblance of privacy for discussions of strategy and statesmanship.

On the right side of the tent was a display of Han Xin’s polished armour gleaming under the soft light coming from the outside. The armour was crafted from the finest steel and adorned with gold and silver accents, determining the general’s status and prowess. Each piece was meticulously maintained, reflecting the discipline and pride of its owner.

Beyond the armour display was a partitioned area serving as the general’s private quarters. Inside was a low, opulent bed draped with silk curtains and piled high with plush cushions. The bed was sandwiched between small lacquered tables.

There was a small writing desk, complete with an inkstone and brushes in one corner. There was also a small treasure box most likely housing important items. When compared to Xiang Yu’s tent, Han Xin’s was more luxurious and a home away from home all thanks to his mother.

He was standing inside the war tent his eyes scanning the massive table covered with small figurines representing the locations of all the regiments. His mind was preoccupied with the looming threat from Zhen country. He suspected they were plotting a major assault, but the details of when and how eluded him.

Today, he had refrained from attacking the Zhen army, primarily because the crown prince of Zhen, the person he wanted, was not present. Additionally, the number of men he had brought was insufficient. If he attacked them on their territory, it would be like sacrificing eight hundred to gain a thousand.

"We need to get the eastern regiment from General Luo to join us," Han Xin said, his voice steady as he addressed his right-hand man and cousin, Han Zhan. How was he here? It was because the Divine Emperor thought that having someone beside him who was familiar with him would help his son. The Han Zhan in this world and every other world had no memories of who they really were. He was just by his cousin’s side going through it with him.

He was sitting on the low cushioned seat, twirling a figurine between his fingers, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It would certainly bolster our numbers but none of these old fogies believe that Zhen country is that powerful of a threat," he agreed. For centuries the Zhen country army had been disorganised and their attacks chaotic.

They weren’t difficult to suppress but ever since the crown prince stripped the former general of his power and marched into battle himself they became a formidable force with unmatched war strategies. In just under a year, he had taken all the territories north of Zhen country expanding their kingdom. Yige was still a behemoth when compared to Zhen country which was why the old timers didn’t think they were a threat but Han Xin knew that they were dealing with a ruthless genius.

Suddenly, Jun De entered the tent, announcing, "Lieutenant Yi is outside and wishes to speak with you, General."

Han Xin nodded. "Let her in."

As Lieutenant Yi entered, Han Zhan’s smile widened slightly. He knew about Princess Xiu’s letters to his cousin and was curious to see what the princess was going to complain about. Han Xin had been dreading this command to rescue her from the Zhen army. If it weren’t for the imperial order he might have left her there.

Han Zhan thought he was going to give up his tent for her or at least house her in one of the few comfortable tents. All he needed to do was to order one of the lieutenants to give up their tent but Han Xin chose not to. He didn’t give her any special treatment and ordered that no one should help her. Anyway, she had maidservants that could take care of her needs. Han Xin expected that she would waltz over and complain about her tent, but the person who came wasn’t her but Yi Nuo. Maybe she was the messenger.

Lieutenant Yi saluted and stood at attention. "General Han, I have something to report."