Chapter Ninety-Seven: Observing the Night Sky (Part Two)

Half a year ago, Nangong Shang was still an apprentice. When he met with Qin Cheng and Le Yi, he declared his determination to do business with the Xiongnu. At the time, his words shocked both Qin Cheng and Le Yi. Nearly half a year later, upon seeing Nangong Shang again, none could have imagined he had already achieved some success.

“I never expected that in just half a year, you’d expand your business to such a scale. I truly wasn’t mistaken back then; you really are cut out for commerce,” Qin Cheng exclaimed after learning about the extent of Nangong Shang’s trade. Although his enterprise was not yet large, such progress in less than six months was an impressive start, and his future prospects seemed boundless. “Had you stayed obediently as an apprentice, even if you became a master chef in a year or two, you’d be worlds apart from where you stand now.”

Nangong Shang tilted his head back and drained his cup, then let out a satisfied sigh before chuckling, “After going through this, I’ve come to understand: if a man wants to live a quiet life, he’ll never accomplish anything. Though it’s been tough, at least I’m fighting for myself now, no longer bearing the oppressive toil under my master. Thinking of this, I feel much more at ease.”

Hearing Nangong Shang’s words, Qin Cheng suddenly recalled a playful saying from the future: “Dare to risk your life to unseat the emperor.” He thought to himself, indeed.

Unseat the emperor?

Unseat Liu Che?

Qin Cheng’s heart skipped a beat.

He downed the remaining wine in his cup, lowered his head in contemplation, and when he looked up again, he saw Bai Xinxin watching him. Qin Cheng threw her a mischievous grin, earning an annoyed glare in return.

“Come, Qin Cheng, Le Yi, to celebrate your great victory on this campaign, let’s drink!” Nangong Shang raised his cup.

“To victory!” they all echoed, draining their glasses together.

“Qin Cheng, you’re already a Cavalry Colonel. With such a triumph, what kind of reward do you think the court will grant you? Surely it won’t be the governorship of Shanggu Commandery, right? Though, I wouldn’t put it past them,” Nangong Shang teased half in jest.

Qin Cheng noticed Bai Xinxin’s expressive eyes quietly fixed on him, their meaning unmistakable. He smiled and said, “If I become the governor of Shanggu, where would General Li go?”

“Or else!” Le Yi, who had been sneaking glances at Qin Yue earlier, now spoke with certainty. “This victory belongs not only to you as Cavalry Colonel but also to General Li as commander of the three armies. With such a great success, the court could easily recall General Li to Chang’an, perhaps even appoint him to command the northern and southern armies. I think you’ll be the governor of Shanggu after all!”

Qin Cheng shot Le Yi a sidelong glance, then turned to Qin Yue, “Sister, don’t you think Le Yi is getting bolder these days?”

Qin Yue smiled softly, intending to tease, but her words took on a different tone: “High office should be given to those worthy. Since my eldest brother has the ability, why couldn’t he govern the commandery?”

Qin Cheng was momentarily stunned, never expecting such words from Qin Yue.

What he did not know was that ever since he had earned merit in the army and steadily risen, Qin Yue had observed closely and realized he was no longer the bullied child crying for help but had grown into a man she could truly be proud of. Especially when news of his thousand-mile campaign through the desert arrived, in her eyes, this younger brother had become nearly invincible.

Though Qin Yue’s words had stirred a pang in her heart, she knew she had spoken truth.

To think beyond others, to dare what others dare not, and to succeed—Qin Cheng had become an object of widespread admiration.

Even he was unaware of just how deep this recognition and reverence had grown.

A true man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled glory!

“Good!” Qin Cheng struck the table in rhythm and declared, “To the wine!”

“To the wine!”

As the evening feast progressed, the atmosphere grew livelier. Soon, serious talk gave way to lighthearted banter. Le Yi and Nangong Shang abandoned their desks, grabbing wine pots and cups to join Qin Cheng at a single table. They reminisced about childhood mishaps, naturally sparking a playful rivalry. Nangong Shang would tease Le Yi, who would retort in kind, until neither could claim victory. Eventually, they teamed up to overwhelm Qin Cheng.

But Qin Cheng had always been the worst of the three as a child, a walking catalog of embarrassing stories. Even incidents like his childhood crafts made from snot and mud were endlessly mocked by the other two. Though Qin Cheng felt wronged, he could only endure it with a wry expression.

This tactic proved wise for Nangong Shang and Le Yi. Under pressure, Qin Cheng was no match, forced to drink continuously without resistance. Their laughter rang out freely, until all three collapsed onto the floor, requiring others to help them back up.

In contrast to their boisterous revelry, Bai Xinxin and the others remained quiet, three women huddled in cheerful conversation. Bai Xinxin was a remarkable woman, insightful and delicate in thought, while Qin Yue had been strong-willed from childhood, with a temperament and wisdom unmatched by ordinary women. Together, they enjoyed their lively exchange.

Such a scene was truly one of reunion.

A group of once lonely and ill-fated souls gathered to share the New Year's Eve feast, their joy surpassing that of any ordinary family.

Yet amidst this warmth was a subtle, peculiar feeling—one only those involved could truly understand.

But even if others could not grasp it, what did it matter? Raising their cups and succumbing to merriment, it was one of life’s greatest pleasures.

At last, Nangong Shang and Le Yi fell in a heap, while surprisingly, Qin Cheng, who seemed to have drunk the least, could still sit upright. Seeing this, Bai Xinxin and the others stifled their laughter.

Qin Cheng staggered to his feet, shouting at the top of his lungs, “Someone, drag these two out… throw them into the guest room!” Then he stumbled toward the door.

Bai Xinxin, noticing his unsteady gait, rose to steady him. Just as she stood, Qin Cheng suddenly dashed out of the main hall into the courtyard. The three inside hadn’t even had time to follow when a loud splash echoed from outside.

They hurried to the door and saw Qin Cheng’s head somehow submerged in a water bucket, his body sprawled on the ground. A servant was trying to lift him up. Upon noticing Qin Yue and the others, the servant hastily explained, “Just now, I was fetching water to heat for the masters’ wash. I’d just filled the bucket when General Qin suddenly rushed out. Somehow he lost his balance and plunged headfirst into the bucket…”

“No matter!” Before the servant finished, Qin Cheng had already stood, lifted the bucket from his head, and patted himself dry with composure. His voice was clear and calm. “This is no fault of yours. It’s late at night, and I’m sorry to trouble you with heating water. Please go ahead and bring it to the back courtyard later.”

After adjusting his collar and coughing twice, Qin Cheng avoided looking at Bai Xinxin and the others, feigning nonchalance as he headed toward the back courtyard.

Seeing him disappear, Bai Xinxin and the others couldn’t help but burst into laughter. After a while, Bai Xinxin said, “Sisters, please look after things here; I’ll go check on the general.”

Qin Yue naturally saw no reason to refuse and let Bai Xinxin go.

In the yard, Bai Xinxin found Qin Cheng standing with his hands behind his back, gazing up at the dark night sky, lost in thought.

She walked over and stood beside him. Before she could speak, Qin Cheng murmured, “I was observing the stars…”

He paused, and Bai Xinxin looked at him expectantly.

Qin Cheng continued in a tone both deep and mysterious, “Damn, I’m freezing!”

With that, he hunched his shoulders and pulled Bai Xinxin toward the guest room. She was momentarily speechless and amused, but as Qin Cheng held her hand, her heart fluttered uncontrollably.

Once inside, he lit a lamp and shed his outer coat, finally looking more comfortable. Bai Xinxin couldn’t help but laugh at his shivering appearance.

“Is that funny?” Qin Cheng asked sheepishly.

Bai Xinxin shook her head. “Are you sober now, General?”

“As sober as ever,” Qin Cheng exhaled. “The first time I drank with you, it was because I was unfamiliar with this wine that I became drunk. Since then, I’ve never gotten drunk again.”

“Do you want to get drunk?” Bai Xinxin asked softly.

Qin Cheng chuckled mischievously, “With a beauty in my arms, no wine is needed to intoxicate me.”

Her cheeks flushed at his candid words. Seeing her blush, Qin Cheng moved closer, his breath carrying the scent of wine.

Bai Xinxin did not mind the smell—otherwise, she wouldn’t have such a good tolerance—but feeling his warm breath so near, she lowered her head, her heart racing.

“You’ve always been eloquent, especially skilled in debate. Why didn’t you fight back when Le Yi and Nangong Shang teased you tonight?” Bai Xinxin asked, feeling a little flustered under his gaze and eager to appear natural.

“Because I don’t want to compete with them,” Qin Cheng replied softly, eyes steady. “Whether I admit it or not, I’ve surpassed them significantly in fame and career. If I tried to win every time, they’d be crushed under my weight, and that wouldn’t be good.”

“I see,” Bai Xinxin said, surprised. She lowered her head, pondering how finely tuned and sensitive Qin Cheng’s mind was. Especially now, despite his great achievements, he wasn’t obsessed with flaunting his merits but thought of others more. Her admiration deepened.

Unaware of her thoughts, Qin Cheng took advantage of her silence to wrap one arm around her slender waist and cover her delicate hand with his.

By the time Bai Xinxin realized it, she found herself already embraced in his arms.