Chapter 1658 – Subduing Nan Sheng, Killing An Huan (68)
“Is my adoptive father going off to war?”
Kang Xintong had been staying at Lü Zheng’s residence for a while, and the bond between them had greatly strengthened.
Seeing Lü Zheng seriously instructing the Steward to pack his bags, she sensed that something was amiss outside.
Rumors of dangerous battles at the front lines had reached her ears, and with her adoptive father suddenly being called to action after being kept in the background, she couldn’t help but wonder about the underlying reasons.
“That scoundrel Hua Yuan recommended me to the Lord, and thus the Lord ordered me to go to war. You stay home and wait for my return. During my absence, don’t neglect your studies; I will check your progress when I get back.” Lü Zheng, lacking teaching experience, relied on his own memories as a student, recalling how his mentor, Mr. Yuanjing, had taught him—casual yet structured, a balanced approach he could mimic.
Even though Kang Xintong was diligent, studious, and practical, she was still a young girl, and her self-discipline didn’t match that of an adult. Distracted by the allure of the outside world, Lü Zheng feared that her studies would fall by the wayside while he was away.
“I will remember my adoptive father’s teachings,” Kang Xintong replied earnestly, but then asked puzzledly, “Isn’t it a good thing that Lord An is favoring you again? Why do you still look so troubled? Could it be because it was Mr. Hua Yuan who recommended you?”
She had vaguely heard servants whispering about some discord between her adoptive father and Hua Yuan.
However, since Lü Zheng hadn’t openly acknowledged it, she didn’t want to discuss it openly.
“We’ve had some conflicts; we were never on friendly terms.” Lü Zheng said bluntly, “As the saying goes, unusual happenings always harbor suspicion. He’s not a good-hearted person. Who knows if his flattery is sincere or another scheme? I worry he may have ulterior motives, and yet the Lord trusts him completely, which leaves me helpless.”
The animosity between Hua Yuan and Lü Zheng was well-known; he had always subtly undermined Lü Zheng. It was unlikely he’d offer him an opportunity to rise. It was possible that there was some conspiracy at play—perhaps trying to lure Lü Zheng to the front lines while causing trouble back home, or laying traps for him at the battlefield. Such scenarios were all too plausible.
Despite Lü Zheng’s doubts being rational and grounded, they also showed that the dangerously unpredictable Hua Yuan had left him with deep-seated psychological scars, driving Lü Zheng to be suspicious of everything.
Upon hearing this, Kang Xintong’s mind sparked with a bold idea.
“I have a request for my adoptive father,” she said, nervously swallowing. “With you going to war, it would be unfilial of me not to help ease your worries. Since that’s the case, why don’t…”
Under Lü Zheng’s stern gaze, her voice gradually faded to a whisper, her little head drooping down.
“Why don’t what? Why did you stop?” Lü Zheng asked, half amused, his eyes seeming to pierce through her soul. “Are you too afraid to speak? Let me guess; is it that you want to join the army and go to the front lines?”
Even if Kang Xintong’s idol was Jiang Ji, wanting to emulate her was no reason to be so reckless!
Jiang Ji commanded a sizeable female battalion and had made a name for herself, striking fear in the hearts of enemies, but such conditions didn’t exist here. A young girl like Kang Xintong venturing into a military camp could lead to all kinds of trouble if Lü Zheng didn’t keep a close watch.
The battlefield was fraught with danger.
“I advise you to cast aside that thought”.
Lü Zheng genuinely liked his clever and obedient adoptive daughter; there was no way he would let her march off to danger!
Once again, he was left to blame Liu Lanting for setting this bad example and leading the poor girl astray.
Inwardly, Lü Zheng smiled at the little figure labeled “Liu Xi,” exuding barely contained resentment.
Kang Xintong had expected this refusal, yet she plastered on an obsequious smile, moving from her spot to stand behind Lü Zheng and began to massage his shoulders, sweetly coaxing, “As expected from my adoptive father, none of my little tricks can escape your notice…”
Hmph!
The girl’s flattery was pointless.
Lü Zheng seemed to dismiss her words, but inside, he relished the affection.
“The front lines are perilous, chaotic with soldiers. One careless moment, and you could lose your life. Not letting you go is for your own good. Besides, military life is far from what you think; it’s filled with rough and rowdy men. Even I can’t guarantee your safety; it’s too risky for a young lady like you.” Lü Zheng tried to dissuade her, bringing up the fact that her idol had survived such a hazardous environment because she was able to hold her own—she didn’t have that capability and shouldn’t seek death.
Of course, while there was a genuine risk, Kang Xintong’s courage was admirable; it wasn’t common for young girls to wish to venture into danger.
Realizing her thoughts had been uncovered, Kang Xintong’s expression dimmed momentarily before she set her gaze firm, filled with determination.
She truly wanted to go to the front lines. Remaining in safety while enjoying the comforts of home wouldn’t allow her to grow through hardship!
Even if facing the dangers Lü Zheng spoke of, that didn’t scare her.
She longed to see the vast world her adoptive father had mentioned.
She then implored Lü Zheng, “For my father’s sake, I’ll be ungrateful if I don’t try. I cannot let you down.”
“What good is there on the front lines, worth running off to join the chaos? Don’t you know that lives could be lost?”
“Apart from me, are there others who feel the same way?”
Lü Zheng fired back, “Wasn’t it Liu Xi who led you down this path?”
Hmph! The source of all troubles.
Kang Xintong replied earnestly, “Father, you told me before; I have always kept your words in my heart. However, reading countless books cannot replace the experience of traveling thousands of miles. No amount of reading can match the value of seeing things with my own eyes. My lack of exposure requires me to witness more!”
Lü Zheng sighed helplessly, raising his hand to pull up Kang Xintong, who was awkwardly kneeling on the floor.
“You can go, but promise me that your safety comes first.”
If she were to go to the front line, Lü Zheng couldn’t promise her life would be safe.
Whether it was a blessing or a curse, everything would fall into her hands.
Given her obstinacy, Lü Zheng couldn’t force her to abandon her desire.
Of course, if his biological child acted this rebelliously and refused to listen, he would surely lose his temper!
Kang Xintong hadn’t expected Lü Zheng to be so accommodating; she had braced for a second refusal.
Thus, when Lü Zheng finally agreed, she almost didn’t register it.
Coming back to her senses, she hastily exclaimed, “Thank you, Father!”
“Thank what? Head back and prepare; the army won’t wait for you. Remember to disguise yourself as a boy, for ease of movement.”
