♂?，，

  A wisp of cold wind crept into the large tent, and the dim yellow light of the fire danced about like a red snake. The crackling sound in the brazier suddenly grew loud.

  His face, covered with wrinkles like the bark of an old tree, now showed a look that seemed to be a kind of triumphant complacency, as if Zhao Yun's answers were all within his expectation.

  In the deathly silence, Mei Zhuo used a dry cough to cover up the somewhat awkward and chilly atmosphere. Zhao Yun's expression was calm as water, quietly sipping the warm tea in his cup.

  "What exactly did Zilong see at that time?" asked Zou Ji again.

  Zhao Yun calmly replied, "At that time, I was searching everywhere for Lady and Master Adou. When I arrived at a dilapidated civilian residence, I saw the eldest son holding Adou in his arms, just about to push down an earthen wall to bury Lady. I checked on Lady and found her already without breath. I asked the eldest son what had happened, and that's all I know."

  Mo Zhai's breathing grew heavier, his chest heaving more violently, and a fierce light flashed in his eyes, a mix of excitement and anger at thinking he had uncovered the truth.

  "So, everything was said by Ah Feng, and in the end, even Zilong didn't know how his little sister died." Zou Zhu's question seemed to have a hint of insinuation.

  Zhao Yun's sword-like eyebrows slightly converged, his sharp gaze shot straight at Zuo Ci: "The young master is the eldest son of our lord, doesn't his words count?"

  Zi Long was taken aback for a moment, then said hesitantly: "Although it's like that, after all, Ah Feng is not the master's... cough, cough... Zi Long understands my meaning."

  "The Da Gongzi is the son of the master who, in front of the ancestral tablets of the Han dynasty's ancestors, received formal rituals, regardless of his birth, now possesses the bloodline of the Han imperial family. I'm afraid I'm foolish and don't understand what 'Zi Zhong' means."

  Zhaoyun's words were sharp and piercing, his gaze as keen as a blade, leaving Mi Zhu speechless. As Zhaoyun said, Liu Feng was indeed the eldest son of Liu Bei in terms of law and reason. Mi Zhu using that kind of vision to judge authenticity was unreasonable in itself.

  "Zi Long is right. However, as the saying goes, 'it's hard to fathom the human heart.' Ah Feng is still a child after all, and having been taken in by Master for less than a year, he lacks proper guidance. If he were to be momentarily swayed by his emotions and do something wrong, it's not entirely impossible."

  Mi Zhu's implication could not be clearer, he was almost directly pointing to Liu Feng this "fake son", because of fear of Ah Dou this biological child, taking advantage of the chaos at Changban, attempted to murder his mother and younger brother.

  Zhao Yun's gaze, sharp as a knife, suddenly surged with emotion. He spoke solemnly: "I don't care what the young master said, but I saw on Changban Slope how he risked his life to save his fallen brother, disregarding his own safety and falling into the encirclement of the Tiger and Leopard Riders. What I witnessed with my own eyes is enough to prove the young master's explanation."

  What Zhao Yun said was exactly what he believed in Liu Feng's reason.

  "Indeed it is," Zuo Long sneered, "but don't forget, at that time, Ah Dou was present, and Ah Feng dared to ignore him?"

  Perhaps it was the stimulation of his sister's death, or perhaps it was out of instinctive city governance and strategy, but at this moment, Mi Zhu seemed to be more inclined to suspect Liu Feng.

  At this point, Zhao Yun knew that saying more was useless. His cold and stern gaze suddenly dissipated like the wind, replaced by a faint smile as light as a cloud: "All things must be investigated with evidence. I have truthfully spoken of what I saw. As for how you want to think, Sub-Commander, that has nothing to do with me, Zhao Yun."

  Through Zhao Yun's words, Zuo Ci became even more convinced of his suspicions, but he had hoped that Zhao Yun would become the best witness to his doubts. However, Zhao Yun's reaction at this moment made him somewhat disappointed.

  When Zhao Yun said this, Mi Zhu understood that it was pointless to say more and his cold expression also eased up. He smiled: "Zilong don't worry too much, I am also thinking for the lord's sake. However, I hope that in the future if one day the lord asks about this matter, Zilong's answer will still be the same as today."

  Zhao Yun said calmly: "What I see is what it is, and what I say is what it is. You should understand that, Zizhong."

  "Heh heh, that's natural. The sky is already late, so I won't disturb Zi Long anymore, goodbye." Zou Zhu bowed his hands and bid farewell before leaving.

  Zhao Yun escorted him to the entrance of the tent and watched as the frail-looking, short figure gradually disappeared into the night.

  He raised his head to gaze up at the sky, and before he knew it, a layer of gray veil had shrouded the night sky. The bright and white moon had now become a dull and dim round spot.

  A cold wind blew in his face, and he felt a hint of the chill of winter. After hesitating for a moment, he suddenly shouted: "Come on, prepare my horse."

  …………

  Xiakou Town in the west, Shuiying.

  "Your Highness, it's not easy to train elite soldiers. Each one is a precious treasure, so they must be equipped with the best armor and sharpest weapons. They should also be well-fed and well-hydrated. Can you guarantee these basic necessities, Your Highness?"

  After two rounds of testing, Ma Chao wiped out Liu Qi's 500 elite soldiers to only 200. Now, he is again responsible for feeding, clothing and equipping these 200 people.

  In this era of cold weapons, copper and iron were already precious strategic resources. The production of armor and weapons was purely a handicraft, and good armor and weapons required high-quality materials and craftsmen, not to mention the time consumed, making them extremely expensive.

  However, in order to cultivate a loyal and reliable force that can be relied upon at critical moments, it's worth any amount of money.

  "I can't afford to support 2,000 elite soldiers, but 200 people is still manageable, I'll figure out a way to deal with it myself."

  Liu Feng replied readily and thought of his elder brother Liu Qi, it seemed that Ma Chao's requests would have to be made to this generous older brother again.

  Liu Feng's straightforwardness made Ma Chao feel very satisfied, and he nodded: "Everything is ready, now all that is needed is time. But I don't know when the young master plans to set out."

  "I just received news that Wu's forces have had their first skirmish with Cao's army at Red Cliff. Time is of the essence, I plan to set out for Lushan tomorrow."

  Ma Su hesitated for a moment: "Occupying Lushan is just a feint, we can also train our troops after setting up camp there. In that case, I'll head back early to make preparations."

  After all the commotion, it was already deep into the night. Liu Feng felt tired and after sending Ma Chao away, he prepared to change his clothes and go to bed. Just as he was about to take off his armor, a personal guard suddenly came in to report that Zhao Yun had arrived for a visit.

  What brings General Zhao here at this late hour?

  Although some of the children had not seen their "martial arts" teacher for a long time and still missed him, for some reason, after the initial excitement, Liu Feng suddenly felt an inexplicable ominous premonition.

  Before he could think further, Liu Feng hastily prepared to go out and welcome him. Just as they were about to take a step together, Zhao Yun strode in with large strides, his heroic face revealing a hint of worry.

  Zhao Yun has always been like Mount Tai, unshakeable and unwavering. Even in the midst of a million-strong army on Changban Slope, he never once furrowed his brow. Yet now, in the dead of night, his eyebrows are etched with worry?

  Liu Feng's premonition grew stronger, but on the surface he remained calm and composed, cupping his hands in a greeting and smiling: "Uncle Yun, what wind has blown you here so late to see me?"

  "General, I've come so late to disturb you, but there's something very important that I must tell."

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