Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at https://ko-fi.com/infinite

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Chapter 26 Hand over

Song Song couldn't respond.

He felt too embarrassed to look Li Xiao in the eyes again and got off his lap, saying: "I'm going to go look at the stove. Later, I'll tell someone to come call you."

Li Xiao let go of his shoulders, his gaze followed the other's figure until he left, then slowly retracted his line of sight. He moved aside the files on the table. Below it revealed a drawing of a person in white. Even though the face was not drawn yet, the figure looked very slender and outstanding. The drawing style made the person look like a floating ghost, as if anytime, he'll leap out of paper.

Li Xiao picked up his brush, lightly added a few lines on that blank face. When he moved his hand away, the person's face was picturesque, softly smiling, and held a hint of untouchable beauty.

The man's long fingers stroked that face, his quiet voice dissipating within the room: "You've returned as well."

The pavilion in the middle of the lake was encircled by heavy curtains to block the wind. Song Song found a windless area to lift open a corner of the curtain for air. Then placed some firewood under the stove and lost in his thoughts watching the fire burn. He really missed that child a lot. Back then when he had to watch him being burnt to dust in the fire, his mind instantly broke down.

He left the palace, absent-mindedly floated for who knew how long, and was unaware of anything that happened afterwards. The next time he gained consciousness was when Song Shi pulled on his hair.

Song Song sighed. He was somewhat worried that he might never have that child again. If he knew that were true earlier, then he might as well have not returned with Li Xiao

Sounds of movement next to him interrupted his wandering thoughts. It's the servants bringing over the bone soup, cleaned vegetables as well as the chopped pieces of meat. Song Song let someone go call Li Xiao while he warmed a pot of rice wine.

"Your highness." When he saw the other come in, Song Song stood up and walked over to help him take off his cloak. He said: "Does your highness have any food you don't like or avoid?"

"No. I don't have anything. Although, I do have something I love to eat."

"Love to eat what?"

Li Xiao meaningfully glanced at him. Song Song instantly turned red face from his wild imagination. He felt a little anticipation, but in the end, it didn't win against his embarrassment. He followed Li Xiao to sit in front of the stove and placed the pieces of meat inside the pot: "The master chef in the kitchen is really skilled with knives. The meat is cut thin. It'll cook very quickly."

In front of Li Xiao placed a bowl of dipping sauce that Song Song personally made. He looked at it and said: "Song-er is particularly attentive to food. Very few people would use bone soup to make hot pot."

It's called hot pot because it's convenient to make and eat. Oftentimes when an army was on the road marching to its destination, people would pour some fresh water into a pot, casually add some table salt, throw in some vegetables they want, boil it, then take it out to eat. Some normal families, when they were too lazy to make meals, especially in this kind of weather, would squeeze together to eat stew together for the liveliness.

When it came to Song Song, he actually spent several hours simmering the soup. One could say he ate very extravagantly.

"My grandfather loves to eat." Song Song used a slotted spoon to scoop up the well cooked meat slices and put them on Li Xiao's plate. "I was influenced and remember a little of this."

Fu Guoshang was legendary in his love for food. No matter what kind of dish, he could make it interesting. Now that so many years have passed since, Fuxiang restaurant's public praise actually can't compare to before because Fu Guoshang was no longer there.

(Note: again, Guoshang is a title. It just says that he's the nation's merchant)

But because the reputation had already been established, the business was still extremely prosperous. Known as a flourishing place, the capital had many tourists who would come and visit the restaurant.

Li Xiao took a bite of the meat that was boiled in the bone soup. The texture of the evenly distributed fat and lean meat made him nod his head repeatedly: "The taste is pretty good. It just seems cumbersome to make. If you want to eat it again, you can leave it to the kitchen chef. Just let him make it. Don't tire yourself out."

"A person rushes around their whole life, isn't it just to eat? To spend some time in this area isn't troublesome."

Li Xiao looked at him. Song Song was just adding in some vegetables, saw him and said: "Did I say something wrong?"

Li Xiao swallowed the food in his mouth and thoughtfully said: "What Song-er said is correct."

Song Song nodded his head continuously: "My grandfather said this also. He said that everything on earth didn't come with birth and can't be brought away on death. If you can eat one more bite, then you should eat one more bite. Only after it's in your mouth, can you truly call it yours."

He placed the vegetables in Li Xiao's bowl also. Because he was busy boiling vegetables and watching the burning fire, on his forehead gathered some sweat drops. Li Xiao said: "Call someone here to serve instead."

"Forget it. This firewood can burn for a long time. Having an extra person here feels too awkward."

"Song-er should get used to being served by others." Something faintly bubbled up from Li Xiao's pitch black eyes.

Song Song pursed his lips, withdrew his hands and said: "It's not that I'm not used to it. It's just. I want to stay alone with your highness for a little while longer."

Li Xiao's heart missed a beat. He silently put down his bowl, swallowed what's in his mouth, before saying: "You take a rest. This King will serve you instead."

Stunned, Song Song saw him throw some vegetables into the pot, then used the slotted spoon to press it down. His movement was bold and decisive, clearly unlike he was holding a spoon and facing a cooking pot, but rather more like he was holding a sword and facing the enemy.

Song Song laughed. Li Xiao said: "What? Do I need some special skill to boil vegetables?"

"Not at all." Song Song picked up his bowl and accepted the food offered, and said: "If your highness thinks that it's troublesome for us to be making this ourselves, why don't we start a hot pot shop in the capital. Then when we want to eat it, we can just go straight to the store."

"Very little people will specifically want to eat something like hot pot."

"Ours is royalty grade hot pot, worth trying once." Song Song's face was full of expectation and confidence. Li Xiao didn't want to ruin his excitement and said warmly: "Then we'll do as Song-er say."

As the two ate, they both started to sweat lightly. Song Song who wasn't used to eating spicy food, frequently stopped to drink water. Li Xiao saw and said: "Next time, don't put any peppers."

"Actually, it's still tasty. I will eventually get used to your highness's tastes." It was so spicy that Song Song drew in a breath. His black eyes were all watery, cheeks steamed crimson from the heat. He ate very slow, but his expression carried some contentment. He really did like it.

"Tomorrow, I'll order people to make another pot that's separated in the middle, so you can put two different types of soup inside. That way, next time, Song-er won't have to force yourself to eat spicy."

Song Song opened his mouth to inhale, his pink tongue tip faintly discernible. He thought about it for a moment, then his eyes brightened: "Then we'll do as your highness say!"

After they were done eating, Song Song lowered the slightly opened curtain that was used for ventilation. Then he laid down on the reclining couch in the warm inner pavilion, and said softly: "Rest a while first then we can return."

After he finished talking, he suddenly realized that he seemed to be acting too casual in front of Li Xiao. So he sat up again and said: "Do you want to return, your highness?"

"Resting a while is fine." Li Xiao sat next to him and said: "If you want to lay down, then lay down. If you want to sleep, then sleep. This king will guard you."

Song Song's heart jumped in his chest cavity. He slowly laid back down, looking at Li Xiao who was sitting beside him. He couldn't resist reaching his hand to pull on him: "Your highness, do you want to lay down for a while as well?"

Li Xiao supported himself on one hand and bend down towards him. Song Song saw his handsome face, and seized by a sudden emotion, he raised his head off the pillow, eyes staring unblinkingly at the other's beautifully shaped lips. He licked his lips, mouth opening slightly as he made a minute noise. Suddenly, his shoulders felt heavy. Li Xiao pressed him back down again: "Today, Song-er seems a little different."

"Where, where am I different?" Song Song could only obediently lay still, watching him anxiously.

Li Xiao withdrew his hand and thought for a moment: "Song-er, is there something you want?"

Song Song laughed once and said: "How could I? To be married to your highness, I'm perfectly satisfied."

Of course he's not satisfied! He wants a baby! A baby!!

However, he didn't dared letting Li Xiao know. After all, he's been rejecting Li Xiao for a while. If he were too forward, it might make the man angry. Li Xiao glimpsed the grievance faintly hidden under his smiling face and turned to the side so his own expression couldn't be seen. He pressed his lips together and said earnestly:

"This king respects Song-er. I don't want Song-er to feel awkward. Since you don't want us to be passionate like burning wood, then I'll listen to Song-er. Mutual respect between husband and wife is pretty good as well."

Song Song didn't say anything.

Li Xiao turned back again and said with furrowed brows: "Did this husband say something wrong?"

"... no. Thank you for being so understanding."

He just said that two days ago. How can he change his words so quickly. Song Song could only admit defeat. He no longer felt like staying in the pavilion and said: "Let's return to sleep."

"Okay." Li Xiao picked up his cloak and draped it over Song Song's shoulders. Then he handed over the hand warmer and said: "Let's go."

In this kind of winter night, dusk came very quickly. As soon as they exited the warm pavilion, a gust of cold wind assaulted their faces. Song Song shivered, saw Li Xiao's overcoat rise slightly. He took the lead and walked in the front. Song Song could only hold tight to the hand warmer and follow beside him.

Ahead, a servant carried a lantern and brought them back to the main house. Song Song put down his hand warmer and took off the cloak. Li Xiao reached out his hand to accept it and helped him hang it on the screen, saying: "Get your rest early. This king still has some military affairs to handle."

Song Song remembered what he wanted to ask before: "The barracks suddenly catching on fire, it seems kind of fishy?"

"Indeed, it's a bit fishy." Li Xiao said: "But it's not bad. There were no deaths. You don't need to worry about things outside. This king will handle it. You just have to take good care of yourself and manage the internal affairs inside the estate."

"Am I only useful for this?"

Song Song wished he could say something more romantic. For example: 'The reason I want you is of course to make a baby' or something like that. However, even though he tossed over the power, Li Xiao didn't receive it. Instead he said: "You can cure this king's illness. That's already very useful."

Who wants to cure your illness, I want to make a baby with you!

Song Song was pulled by him to the bed. He frowned and said: "It's so cold, so don't work too late. I'm afraid your highness will get sick."

"With Song-er here, this king will make sure to stay healthy."

If you can't make a baby, what's the point of staying healthy?

Song Song said softly: "Alright."

Watching Li Xiao leave, Song Song laid on the bed hopelessly. He flipped over, slightly sighed. When Li Xiao returned, he had already fallen asleep. The man carefully and quietly climbed into bed, reached out to cradle him in his arms. Song Song unknowingly flipped over into his warm embrace, rubbing against his chest.

When he slept, he was like a cat. Li Xiao's finger poked at his tender round cheeks, and was very satisfied with how healthy his body currently was.

On the second day, the two woke up wrapped up together. Upon opening his eyes, Song Song saw the other's handsome face. Li Xiao was still asleep, his breathing steady. Even the stern killing aura between his brow felt much less. Song Song gazed at him for awhile, then reached his hand pulled down his own clothes a little, revealing a shoulder.

Although it was cold outside, inside the room was warm, especially inside the bed drapes. Even so, revealing a shoulder in this kind of weather still felt slightly chilly. Song Song purposely made a big movement. As soon as Li Xiao's eyelashes flickered, he immediately closed his eyes again.

The man slowly opened his eyes, what entered his field of vision was a large area of snow white shoulder. Following the shoulder upward, he could see a slender neck and heart-moving face.

Song Song felt a hand land on his shoulder. The fingers were a little rough, covered with callus. Excited, he immediately opened his eyes: "Your highness."

The hand on his shoulder moved downward. Li Xiao helped him pull up the purposely pushed down collar and said: "Did Song-er feel hot?"

"No." Song Song looked down and said: "Maybe, your highness pulled it down when I was sleeping"

"This husband overstepped." Li Xiao rubbed his forehead and said: "How about this. From tonight on, I'll sleep in the study, then "

"No!"

"En?"

"I I'm cold." Song Song reached out his hand and hugged Li Xiao around the waist, burying his face into the man's chest and said muffled: "Doctor Ji said I have a cold. I can only sleep when warmed by your highness."

Li Xiao said: "Doctor Ji said this?"

"That's right"

"Doctor Ji said you have a cold. And he also said that I have to warm you up to help you sleep?"

".... .." Why was Li Xiao starting to pick at what he said word by word. Song Song lifted up a small half of his face to look at him: "The last part, I said."

Li Xiao tightened his arms around him and said: "Then I'll keep you warm for a while longer."

Today, Song Song had to return to the Song estate. Although there was nothing worth remembering at the Song family, he still had to follow customs. Li Xiao held him for a while, then coaxed him to get up. Song Song obediently climbed out of bed and said to Li Xiao: "I want to pick an older maid to bring with me."

(Note: I think usually maids are like 15-16. They work until they get married. So an older maid here would probably be in her 20s, not super super old.)

Li Xiao didn't ask why, directly said: "Do you have someone in mind?"

"I saw the always busy Jin Xiang seems like a good choice."

Li Xiao smiled, let him help him fasten his waist belt, and said: "You have a good eye. Many years ago, she used to follow Qiu momo and they both served my mother. She's always been very loyal and devoted to this king, in charge of the main house's food, clothes, and daily life."

Song Song nodded his head. "If she's from the palace, she must be very sensible."

The two finished getting ready. Li Xiao send someone to fetch Jin Xiang who came over immediately: "Thank you, wangfei, for your high expectations. This servant will do my best."

Li Xiao personally brought him to the Song estate, carried him off the carriage and said: "I'll come and pick you up later."

Song Song nodded and watched him leave along with the rest of the Song family. The group of people returned inside. Because he was young, Song Shi's injury pretty much completely healed. However, it was still inconvenient for him to move around. As soon as he entered, he glared at Song Song with rancor and resentment. Jin Xiang, who was by Song Song's side, distributed presents and then said: "These are wangfei's kind regards. Since you're all one family, there's no need to give thanks."

The surrounding people looked towards Song Song. The end of that speech, why did it make people feel so annoyed.

Song Song smiled indifferently and exchanged a few simple greetings with them. To the side, Song Shi suddenly stood up and threw his present on the floor. He laughed coldly and said: "Just because you hugged a gold stick, you really think you're something now? Who wants your gifts? If you have the ability, then never return here again."

Song Song's expression didn't change. He calmly picked up a tea cup that was to the side. Jin Xiang immediately said coldly: "If you continue being so unruly, I'm afraid you'll make wangfei angry."

"Make him angry? He" Song Shi's shoulders were suddenly pressed down. Song Ge stepped forward and said smiling: "Little brother doesn't know any better. I hope wangfei won't take offense."

A girl stood next to him and used a resentful expression to look at Song Song. Song Song said: "We're all family. Why would I take offense?"

He turned his head to look at Song Shi and said meaningfully: "5th brother has been healing from his injury for so long, it's normal to have a bit of temper. How could I bicker with him over this little thing?"

"You." It was better when he didn't mention it. As soon as he mentioned it, Song Shi instantly got so furious he was breathing fire. Did he even recall, the injury on his body was caused by whom! Madam Song's facial color also looked extremely ugly. Song Guogong waved his hand and broke up the highly tense atmosphere in the hall. He said to Song Song: "Since you returned home, then go to the ancestral hall to see your mother."

With Fu Xiang mentioned, Song Song's smile slightly withdrew. Suddenly someone laughed quietly from the back: "No matter how arrogant he is, he's still motherless."

This sentence was like a needle piercing Song Song's heart. He turned his head and found it came from Madam Song's 6th daughter. She was only 12-13 years old, had somewhat good looks, however, the smile on her face harbored malicious intentions. Song Guogong reprimanded: "Zhen-er, don't be impolite."

Song Zhen tried to look away, but saw Song Song's eyes staring at her unblinkingly. Madam Song, upon seeing this, instantly jumped up and yelled: "Song Song, what are you doing?!"

Song Song tilted his head. Jin Xiang abruptly stepped forward once and said coldly: "When the previous empress was still alive, the rules were extremely important. To arrive at Song estate today, looks like I can't avoid teaching what the rules are."

When she mentioned the previous empress, Madam Song's eyes instantly held a hint of alarm. On this side, Song Zhen was already dragged out. Her face only held resentment, not fear: "What? Don't tell me, you're actually going to hit me?!"

She just finished speaking, when Jin Xiang stepped up and ruthlessly slapped her with her palm. Song Zhen held her face which was burning in pain, and stared at her in shock and anger: "You dare.. You actually dare... "

Madam Song also stepped forward indignantly, but a sword landed against her neck. She halted, her gaze passed from Bai Yan who was standing beside her to Song Song: "Let go of Zhen-er. You dare hit her? Are you crazy?"

She just finished speaking. Jin Xiang slapped her palm against Song Zhen's face again. The atmosphere in the room instantly became extremely tense. Song Zhen stared wide-eyed and shrieked: "Mother---"

"Pa!" Jin Xiang hit her until she was full of tears, afraid to speak, then finally said: "Girls like you I've seen plenty. Today, wangfei's teaching is all so that when you marry in the future, you won't disgrace this family."

She finished, then looked at Song Shi, and said with a small smile: "And this little gongzi. If you plan to join the military or serve as an official in the future, you should spend some time learning from your 2nd brother. Don't bring death upon the Song family just because of your loose tongue."

Her expression was sharp. Unexpectedly her eyes met Song Guogong's and made his heart jump madly. The room was completely silent. Madam Song looked at Jin Xiang's slim figure. In a moment of absent-mindedness, she vaguely recalled once when she entered the palace to see her sister. Because of speaking out of turn, she was pressed to the floor and beaten by the previous empress's personal Qiu momo.

At that time, Qin Qinghe was still an imperial consort. In front of the prestigious empress, she could only kneel to the side and watch as Madam Song received the slaps. When her sister's punishment was over, she still had to warmly and respectfully send the empress off.

At this moment, Jin Xiang seemed as if she held Qiu momo and the previous empress's shadows behind her. Her manner was imposing and threatening. Madam Song felt a chill.

Song Zhen's fingers trembled as she covered her face and knelt on the floor, tears pouring out continuously.

Song Song finally moved. He stood up. Jin Xiang immediately withdrew her presence, quietly retreated back to his side, only to see him walk leisurely to Song Zhen. Song Zhen was so frightened her whole body was shaking: "Big brother I was wrong. I shouldn't have talked nonsense about father's concubine. Can, can you let me go wuuwuu"

"Father's concubine?"

She abruptly remembered Fu Xiang's position and corrected herself: "Mother, it's mother!"

Song Song warmly helped her up, saying softly: "Today, this brother punished you, it's for your own good. It's not that serious to talk about me. But if in the future, you angered some other nobility, then it wouldn't be something as simple as face slaps."

He insincerely comforted her. Song Zhen could only sob and agree.

When Song Song left to pay respect to his mother at the ancestral hall, the atmosphere in the hall had barely recovered when Song Zhen abruptly sat on the floor and started sobbing again. Instantly, the room became complete chaos.

Song Guogong sat in his chair, expression complicated as he watched the farce in front of him. How did this family become like this All of his sons or daughters were thoughtless and lacking sense. But very evidently, when Fu Xiang and his mother were alive, things weren't like this.

He was a very easily frightened man, or else he wouldn't have used Song Song to curry favor with Li Xiao even though he knew the crown prince was madam Song's nephew. To him, currying favor with the crown prince wasn't as important. With madam Song here, if the crown prince won, the Song family won't receive any damages. However, if Li Xiao won, then the Song family would suffer a calamity.

He made the two different preparations ahead of time, but didn't expect to accidentally raise Song Song into such a high position. Today Jin Xiang's words indeed hit the nail on the head. His own children, each and everyone of them lacked manners and good behaviors. They were all like madam Song: arrogant, despotic, and easily jealous. Will they really not cause trouble for the family outside?

After he walked out of the ancestral hall, Song Song looked towards Jin Xiang and asked: "You and madam Song, did you have any old grievances?"

Jin Xiang said: "Does wangfei know why did wangye have an outburst a while ago?"

Song Song thought about this before. He said in a low voice: "The previous empress?"

Jin Xiang instantly nodded and said: "As expected, wangfei is very bright. Prime minister's son, General Qin Ning, back then he was the leader of the palace guards. He had a loyal subordinate, who came from Dezhou. Later, because the subordinate made a mistake, he was forced to secretly return home to the countryside. Last time, the person that his highness ordered to be found and brought back was also from Dezhou."

Qin Ning was empress Qin's younger brother, also madam Song's 2nd brother. If the previous empress's death was indeed related to empress Qin. Then as the palace guard's head, Qin Ning must have been an accomplice. Song Song thought about the father and son who were chopped to pieces, and his mind suddenly became clearer.

No wonder Li Xiao was so mad that day. That person from DeZhou no doubt revealed to him something that he was incapable of accepting. That person, did he insist that the previous empress was killed by Li Xiao or did he confess everything?

His thoughts became chaotic for a moment. He looked at the girl in front of him, who was only older than him by a few years, and said regretfully: "You and Qiu momo"

"She and I were like mother and daughter." Jin Xiang blinked away the tears in her eyes. Song Song didn't say anymore.

People say Qiu momo and the previous empress grew up together since a young age. She was the previous empress's dowry maid. Their relationship was like blood related sisters. After the previous empress passed away, Qiu momo also passed away due to illness. No wonder just now Jin Xiang's momentum was like a killing spree. She probably suppressed her feelings all these years.

Song Song glanced at the servants in front of him, organized his thoughts and said to Bai Yan: "These two days I want you to find people to follow Song Shi."

Later, Li Xiao came to retrieve Song Song. The two sat in the carriage. Song Song told Li Xiao about Jin Xiang's history but skipped over the part about the previous empress, afraid it would stimulate Li Xiao.

Li Xiao nodded his head and said: "You can feel at ease using Jin Xiang. Bai Yan is also very loyal."

"Song Shi always adored Song Zhen, that sister of his. I bet he won't leave this matter alone."

Li Xiao thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said: "Does Song-er know what this King experienced today at court?"

Song Song puzzled over it. Li Xiao soon answered.

Two days ago, the barracks experienced a fire. Even though Li Xiao arrived quickly enough and no one was hurt, a big area of the barracks was destroyed. The area where the soldiers could live in decreased. Therefore, someone seized the opportunity to ask Li Xiao for soldiers, calling it 'helping Li Xiao take care of his soldiers momentarily'. The person who raised this proposition was the head of the city defense, Fu Zhao.

Song Song's heart faintly felt heavy. He knew this was someone trying to decrease Li Xiao's military strength. He said: "How will your highness handle this?"

"If he's willing to help me raise my troops, this is a good thing. Why wouldn't I agree?"

Song Song said in surprise: "You're not afraid"

"I'll bring you to a place."

The carriage left the Imperial City, and gradually reached the army camp stationed outside. Li Xiao reached his hand to carry Song Song down. Song Song followed him as they walked over. On the way, plenty of people greeted them. They stopped in front of a house and heard someone inside say: "Wangye really suffered a double loss this time. Those idiots that we accepted before, other than eating, what else are they good for? Now that the camp has been burned, if I were in charge, I'd chase them away. That way, won't there be enough space to live in?"

"Wangye uses soldiers like a god He naturally has his own reasons to accept those people."

"What's the point of raising that many pigs?!"

Song Song listened for a while and still remained confused. Li Xiao held a finger to his lips and said warmly: "Don't scare them."

Song Song suddenly laughed. He discovered that when Li Xiao wasn't crazy, he was actually very cute.

Just look, where do you see subordinates secretly talking badly about their commanding officer, and yet the commanding officer was still afraid of scaring them?

He obediently let Li Xiao pull him away. Bai Yan's face already had some faint change.

Song Song was brought to another place by Li Xiao. In a spacious drilling ground, he saw a group of 3 meters tall, broad shouldered, and big bellied men. Each of them had an imposing aura like a mountain. There were a total of 100 of them. Song Song was extremely amazed: "This.. this is.."

"This is a group of support troops that this king collected a while back."

No wonder those two aide-de-camps were secretly saying bad things about him. Even in the middle of winter, this group of people didn't wear much clothes. Everyone had a full body of fat. When they exercised, their voices were loud like flood. Occasionally, someone would get tired and lay on the ground.

Song Song suddenly recalled his previous life. They said the mad king raised mad troops. Li Xiao had a group of soldiers under him called 'Tao Tie'. When he began collecting them, he picked people who were extraordinarily strong with sturdy bones. Later after a round of training, this group of people became even more ferocious. Their full body of fat was a natural born set of armor. On the battlefield, they were successful in every endeavor, as savage as Tao Tie beasts. People even said that they were blood-thirsty by second nature and comparable to descended demons.

(Note: Tao Tie is a mythological beast that's suppose to be very glutinous)

So these people were the fledgling stage of 'Tao Tie'?

Song Song couldn't resist asking: "Your highness like them for their natural superstrength?"

"You're missing the main point." Li Xiao said: "I'm handing them over because they can eat."

"......" Looks like Song Song still couldn't follow his line of thought in such a short time.

Li Xiao pulled on his hand and said: "This group of people eat too much. Therefore, all this time, this king had to pay out of pocket to feed them. Now that the camp has been burned, don't you think it's a good thing?"

Song Song opened his mouth wide, and replied after a long while: "Could it be possible that your highness already knew someone will "

Oh yeah. The barracks set on fire during the night. How could there be no injuries, unless Li Xiao already figured out it'd happen from the beginning and gave a heads up to avoid such a thing early on.

He abruptly clapped his hands together and gave Li Xiao two big thumbs up. He said with eyes shining bright: "Good thing. An extremely good thing!"

Back then, he vaguely heard that when Li Xiao trained this squadron, no one supported him. He had to pay a lot of money himself. Now, someone was offering to help him raise troops. Of course it's an extremely good thing. Although this group of people were strong and robust, their outward appearance do not fit the looks of normal soldiers. This time around they had to be sent to someone else's camp, it's likely they will suffer even more exclusion. In the end, this also counted as a good thing.

He impatiently said: "When does your highness plan to hand over these troops?"

"You're all eager to shove our house's property out the door like this?"

"In any case, this group of people is our troops. When the time comes, you can go visit them. If there's anyone bullying them, you can comfort them a bit. Then this group of robust Tao Tie will definitely become completely devoted to your highness."

This was also what he heard from his previous life. This group of people originally had low self esteem. Only Li Xiao believed in them. Therefore, later they only listened to Li Xiao's orders, even military order tokens were useless.

Li Xiao reached out and pulled him over by the waist. "Song-er like their body?"

"... " This person, why can't he be serious for more than one second!

Song Song's face turned red. He wanted to move away, but then thought about his baby, and returned to stick to him. He softened his voice and said: "No matter how robust, they still can't match up with your highness."

Li Xiao stooped closer, but behind him suddenly came an extremely loud "Hah---!!" sound, scaring Song Song away. He turned and walked two steps before saying: "Oh right. Just now I was clearly talking to you about Song Shi. How did we suddenly change the topic to this? Could it be that your highness has some other scheme?"

"Fu Zhao has a son." Li Xiao followed beside him and said meaningfully: "He used to be Song Shi's schoolmate, but they also have another connection."

Song Song's eyes flashed. He instantly understood. Looking at Li Xiao, he said: "Vixen."

Li Xiao: ".... ."

Just at this time, someone dashed over and said to Li Xiao: "The officer from city defense camp is here on orders to ask us for troops!!"

Li Xiao said: "Let's go see."

"Wangye!" Li Xiao was suddenly halted by the call. Song Song turned as well, and saw the eyes of the messenger held a hint of grief. A big man, looking almost as if he were about to cry: "We've always followed you through mountains of daggers and seas of fire. Today, are you really going to hand us over?"

Bai Yan, who stood to the side and heard everything the two husbands talked about, couldn't stand idle and walked forward. Leaning into that man's ear, he whispered something. The other abruptly stood straight and said: "Wangye is wise!!"

By the time they walked over, the officer from the city defense barracks already got off from his horse. When he saw Li Xiao, he came over to salute. Between his brows carried a sense of vile glee: "Greeting to wangye. General Fu said, in order to prevent wangye from becoming too reluctant to part with his troops, and having tears scattered on the snowy ground, he specifically ordered this low official to retrieve them personally."

Song Song thought to himself: In a bit, he can't promise exactly who will be the one with tears scattered on the snowy ground.

He looked at Li Xiao who was in front of him. The latter's expression actually looked somewhat worried, his acting skill was exquisite. He didn't bother paying attention to that man, said looking like he was very displeased. "Go tell deputy assistant Huang to gather the support troops."

Another deputy assistant to the side cried out in alarm: "Wangye?!"

The officer from the city defenses curved his lips. He knew that deputy assistant Huang was a favorite of Li Xiao's. He's clear that Li Xiao wouldn't really hand over his elite soldiers, but it doesn't matter. The more useless troops, the easier to brainwash. Even when it's time to return the troops, that group of soldiers will already be part of the city defense's people.

After that assistant voiced his shock, a group of people suddenly saluted Li Xiao uniformly with tears in their eyes, yelling loudly: "Wangye is wise--!!"

The officer: "???"

Wait. Aren't your responses a bit strange?