The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2426: Ulterior Motives (2)

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Previously on The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space...
Qi Jingyun recovered significantly after three days of rest and medicinal treatment, regaining eighty percent of his inner strength and healing his external wounds. His brother, Qi Jingrong, urged him to reclaim his command seal, but subtly questioned his loyalty and methods, contrasting him with Gu Qingheng's growing influence. Qi Jingyun clarified that while he might have issues with the Crown Prince, he would never invite outside interference, emphasizing that their family disputes were internal matters. He acknowledged the Crown Prince hadn't sabotaged his campaign and that Yang Ruxin had even offered him aid.

The generals summoned for the urgent council were all aware of the gravity of the situation, their hearts heavy with apprehension. The moment Qi Jingyun entered the command tent, he could instantly feel the oppressive atmosphere, thick with unspoken anger and solemnity. He, too, was far from relaxed, especially after personally witnessing his soldiers torn asunder by those terrifying Medicinal Soldiers.

Yun Yang remained unfound, likely facing a dire fate, and Yun Zhan's single arm was now effectively useless.

Upon seeing Qi Jingyun's arrival, everyone rose. Gu Qingheng, who had occupied the central seat, stepped forward, clasping his fists in a respectful salute. "Greetings, King Yun."

Qi Jingyun regarded Gu Qingheng with a complicated expression. After his capture, he had desperately wished for rescue, yet Gu Qingheng was the very person he least desired to see save him. In a twist of fate, it was precisely this man who had ultimately freed him.

"Please, take the main seat!" Gu Qingheng gestured, inviting him forward.

Though no words were spoken, a clear curl of disdain played on Qi Jingyi’s lips.

Qi Jingrong shot him a glare, but he paid her no mind.

"General Gu," Qi Jingyun addressed him, not even sparing a glance at his two brothers. He then shook his head at Gu Qingheng. "The command now rests with General Gu. How could I presume to overstep? Furthermore, my recent abduction was a grave disgrace, rendering me unworthy of holding the command seal. Nevertheless, upon my return to the capital, I shall personally petition my father for my resignation. For now, however, I humbly request to assist General Gu in combating the enemy."

"This..." Gu Qingheng hesitated. Qi Jingyun's capabilities were undeniable, but would he truly submit to his command? If he could relinquish his honors and simultaneously avoid future entanglements, he would gladly hand over military authority and return to his wife's side. Wouldn't that be a pleasant outcome?

Zhou Jiang's gaze flickered subtly. While King Yun spoke with apparent sincerity, he was still a prince. Could he genuinely follow a general's orders? Having left his child with the Yang family, he found himself aligned with Gu Qingheng's faction. Privately, he held a high regard for Gu Qingheng's youthful prowess and, consequently, did not wish for him to face additional complications.

"Rest assured, General Gu. I have already dispatched an official request to the capital to relinquish the command seal. I am content to serve as General Gu's deputy, much like the eighth and eleventh princes. You may command me as you see fit going forward." Qi Jingyun was fully aware of Gu Qingheng's concerns. Since he was willing to surrender the command seal, he certainly wouldn't engage in any clever schemes.

Zhou Jiang looked toward Gu Qingheng, only to find him staring at Qi Jingyun with a perplexing gaze. King Yun, in turn, was looking at Gu Qingheng, and a sudden, unsettling feeling washed over Zhou Jiang.

"General Gu, the way you're looking at me suggests you might have designs on me," Qi Jingyun narrowed his eyes, his expression notably serious.

"Rest assured, you're not even as handsome as I am; I wouldn't be interested in someone less appealing than myself," Gu Qingheng replied, equally serious, though his words were...

"Enough, you two!" Ran Lei, who had always remained somewhat detached from their exchanges, suddenly flapped his arms. "You're giving me goosebumps all over!"

The others wore equally awkward expressions and, with a tacit understanding, began to file out, clearly sensing an unspoken dynamic between the two.

Gu Qingheng calmly withdrew his gaze. "I accept your proposal."

Qi Jingyun's lips curved into a slight smile. He then glanced at Ran Lei before calmly shifting his gaze away.

Ran Lei immediately shivered and hurried out, his agility unmatched by anyone present.