"Marquis of An Gu! I heard that the strategy for defending Yan Province was proposed by you?"
"I heard you not only dealt with the difficulties posed by the Left Virtuous King of the barbarians, but also received the protection of the Heavenly General's manifestation, scaring the Left Virtuous King into a pathetic state!"
The white-robed soldiers, one after another, wished they could hoist Liang Xiao up and question him one by one.
Liang Xiao simply laughed heartily, "You flatter me, you flatter me..."
Only Lu Changhe remained silent, his gaze fixed on Liang Xiao, his expression growing increasingly peculiar.
The Heavenly General manifested again?
Lu Changhe's official rank was insufficient to attend court, but he had heard about the court discussions.
Now, he increasingly felt that Liang Xiao and the Heavenly General were too alike!
"Could it be that the Heavenly General's manifestation protecting him is making me have an illusion?" Lu Changhe wondered.
Soon, Lu Changhe noticed that Luo Qingxue, standing beside Liang Xiao, was warily observing him with a strange look in her eyes.
Lu Changhe's brows twitched, and he quickly waved his hand, "Oh dear, Madam Marquis of An Gu, please don't misunderstand, I, Lu, am quite normal, truly not what you are thinking..."
"Madam Marquis of An Gu?"
Luo Qingxue, who had been suspecting if Lu Changhe was interested in Liang Xiao, blushed as if a layer of rouge had been applied to her exceptionally beautiful face. Her breathing became uneven, and she quickly hid behind Liang Xiao, too embarrassed to be seen.
"I... I'm not married yet..." Luo Qingxue's voice trembled slightly.
"It doesn't matter, it's bound to happen sooner or later!" Liang Xiao pouted.
A good opportunity! He had to change the subject quickly while he could!
Everyone burst into laughter, and the atmosphere became much more cheerful.
Luo Qingxue, even more embarrassed, dared not speak, only pinching Liang Xiao's waist lightly.
"Madam Marquis of An Gu," Lu Changhe called out again.
Luo Qingxue's voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum, "I'm not married yet, General Lu can call me Miss Luo or Miss Luo Qing..."
"Alright, Miss Luo, I heard you also deeply respected the Heavenly General? You went to Yan Province before, did you see the Heavenly General?"
Lu Changhe's sudden question caught Luo Qingxue off guard. She stood there stunned for a long time before sighing, "I did see the Heavenly General's heroic appearance in the crowd back then. His armor was stained with blood, and even when he returned weary, he still waved to the people..."
"Then you must remember the Heavenly General's appearance?" Lu Changhe asked again, his gaze never leaving Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao's heart tightened. Good heavens, here we go again with the indirect questioning!
At this moment, Liang Xiao wished he could transform into the Heavenly General and order Lu Changhe to run around the entire capital a hundred times with a hundred-pound sack on his back!
This fellow, though appearing rough, was actually subtly astute!
Luo Qingxue nodded, her voice gradually becoming tearful, "Of course, I will never forget. The Heavenly General is our savior! It's just that I never expected that meeting to be my last farewell to the Heavenly General..."
"Last farewell?" Lu Changhe was taken aback. Seeing that Luo Qingxue's emotions seemed genuine, he began to doubt his own judgment.
If he were the Heavenly General, he couldn't possibly not be suspected by those close to him, could he?
The white-robed soldiers, who had been in high spirits earlier, could not help but fall into sadness. Then, they rallied themselves.
"The Heavenly General has become a deity, he will manifest, and he is eternally immortal, alive even in death!"
Liang Xiao observed everyone's reactions and finally felt at ease.
He hadn't expected that bringing Luo Qingxue here would have such an unexpected effect?
Regardless, Lu Changhe should not be able to suspect him again in the short term.
Zhen Mi curiously looked at everyone and asked softly, "Brother Xiao will definitely be respected by all people like the Heavenly General in the future, right?"
"Naturally!" Luo Qingxue said proudly.
Lu Changhe nodded, "Whether in civil or military affairs, anyone who benefits the country and the people deserves respect. Your Brother Xiao is a pillar of the nation favored by the Emperor, and he will surely become a cornerstone of the country in the future!"
The white-robed soldiers echoed his sentiments.
Hearing the heroic group of white-robed soldiers praise their young master, Yue Lian also happily applauded, her face flushed, her eyes full of tenderness.
After expressing their respect to Liang Xiao once more, the white-robed soldiers allowed Liang Xiao and his three companions to leave.
Before they departed, Lu Changhe specifically cautioned Liang Xiao, "In a few days, we white-robed soldiers will return to the northern border to garrison. As a wise minister valued by His Majesty, you must pay extra attention to your safety. After all, the more dazzling you are, the more enemies will fear you."
Liang Xiao gratefully agreed and left the Shenwei Mansion.
"Alas, he looks so much like..." Lu Changhe muttered to himself, watching Liang Xiao's retreating figure.
"General, what is it?" a captain asked Lu Changhe in confusion.
Lu Changhe was startled and chuckled, "It's nothing! Let's go pay respects to the Heavenly General."
He knew very well that he shouldn't add to Liang Xiao's troubles.
After all, the more astonishing Liang Xiao's talent was, the more it contradicted the image of the peerless Heavenly General.
Lu Changhe simply couldn't let go of that sliver of possibility.
Perhaps, one day, this lad might be possessed by the Heavenly General and be able to slaughter his way through enemies.
With his mind cleared, Lu Changhe felt much better. He took the "One Drunk Hundred Years" he had bid for from the Duanmu family and entered the Temple of the Heavenly General.
"That Liang Xiao only went to worship the Heavenly General out of public outcry! He never wanted to worship him in the first place!"
Various rumors began to resound through the streets and alleys, opportunistically attacking Liang Xiao's character and achievements.
The major noble families, in their efforts to weaken Liang Xiao's influence among the populace, were resorting to any means necessary.
In the Imperial Study, Xiao Qing, upon learning of the public opinion, could not help but wear a worried expression.
As the monarch, she naturally could not repeatedly issue imperial decrees regarding Liang Xiao's affairs.
The noble families and clans, having operated for hundreds of years, were deeply entrenched and possessed an even greater control over public opinion than the emperor.
Flowing dynasties, but ironclad noble families!
"Your Highness need not worry, time will reveal the truth! Young Master Liang Er is so intelligent, he will overcome all adversity!" Ning Xuejun comforted her.
Xiao Qing only nodded absentmindedly.
"These next few days, Young Master Liang Er might come to see Your Highness to admire the river scenery together," Ning Xuejun reminded her.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing blushed intensely, her fingers unconsciously interlacing tightly, "Then, in what capacity should I meet him..."
Just then, Ding Wuyi rushed in to report, "Your Highness, Young Master Liang Er requests an audience!"
"So soon?" Xiao Qing was slightly flustered and stood up abruptly.
Night had fallen, and Liang Xiao had indeed come to find her!
Upon entering the Imperial Study, Liang Xiao looked at Xiao Qing with a smile and asked, "Little Shuangzi, today the flowers are in full bloom and the spring is warm, are you busy?"
Xiao Qing's heart was already in turmoil. She remembered Ning Xuejun's words from before: "Your Highness, I believe Liang Xiao is a free-spirited person, and the woman he likes should also follow her heart."
She had to be natural and dignified, so he wouldn't look down on her!
With her mind made up, Xiao Qing smiled, "Of course I'm free. It's just that Elder Brother came in such a hurry, I didn't even have time to bathe..."
How she wished that the one accompanying Liang Xiao to admire the river scenery was "Princess Ning Shuang"!
"No need, no need. You are Elder Brother's Little Shuangzi! Even if you reek, Elder Brother won't mind you! Moreover, you are so cute." Liang Xiao laughed heartily.
"Elder Brother's way of comforting people is truly unique," Xiao Qing felt a warmth in her heart, and could not help but mutter. Blushing, she let Liang Xiao take her hand and leave her seat.