How could I blame my brother when I don't have enough time to feel sorry for him

Jiang Ping's posture in the mud was extremely pathetic, which made Qin Shuyao's heart ache terribly. She immediately moved to help him up.

Just like in the past, she was willing to do absolutely anything for Jiang Ping.

For Jiang Ping, she would even use Wu Xingzhou as practice.

However, just as she reached out her hand, a trace of inexplicable disgust suddenly sprang up in her heart. The emotion came without warning, leaving Qin Shuyao herself quite stunned.

Fortunately, she reacted quickly. After only a brief pause, she continued her movement, helping Jiang Ping up and asking with concern, Brother Jiang Ping, are, are you alright?

I am fine, I am fine! Jiang Ping feigned a graceful demeanor. I have spent so long inside the command tent devising strategies and directing troops that I have grown out of practice with riding. Plus, in my eagerness to see you sooner, Sister Shuyao, I rode such a wild, untamed warhorse. I am afraid I have made a fool of myself in front of you.

Sister Shuyao, please do not blame me!

Qin Shuyao immediately shook her head and said, How could I?

I only feel sorry for you, brother. How could I ever blame you?

Jiang Ping felt a surge of smugness in his heart. Sister Shuyao, we have not seen each other for years, but you are still the one who cares for me the most.

Saying this, Jiang Ping reached out to take Qin Shuyao's hand.

His heart was also surging with passion.

After so many years apart, Qin Shuyao had blossomed into an even more delicate and stunning beauty.

Her slender waist swayed gracefully, and her jade-like body was light and ethereal. As her eyes shifted, her gaze was radiant and captivating. Her entire being exuded an irresistible charm that instantly captivated Jiang Ping.

He could not even imagine how wonderful tonight was going to be!

But,

Just as his hand reached out, Qin Shuyao almost subconsciously pulled hers back, leaving Jiang Ping grasping at thin air.

Jiang Ping froze for a moment. Sister Shuyao...

Qin Shuyao was also taken aback.

She did not know why she had made such a move. She just felt a bit unaccustomed to it in her heart, reacting purely out of instinct. She quickly smiled and said, Brother Jiang Ping, you have just arrived at our Pingling Settlement. You should wash up and change your clothes first. I will host a welcome banquet for you at the tavern!

Alright then! Jiang Ping felt a bit regretful. After all, the Qin Shuyao before him was simply too alluring, like a fully ripened peach, stirring an unparalleled desire within him.

Thus, Jiang Ping returned to the Pingling Settlement as quickly as possible. After hastily cleaning the mud off his body, he hurried to the tavern that Qin Shuyao had reserved. Inside the private booth, there was only room for the two of them. Qin Shuyao emitted an intoxicating, subtle fragrance that made his heart itch even more.

Outside, the sunlight was slightly dimming. A soft, gentle beam of light fell upon her face, further accentuating her luscious beauty and making it even harder for Jiang Ping to control himself.

Brother Jiang Ping, why do you keep staring at me?

Eat up, eat up. This is the largest tavern in the Pingling Settlement, and these dishes are all our local specialties. Brother Jiang Ping, although you are well-traveled and knowledgeable, I am afraid you might not have experienced these flavors before.

Alright, alright, let us eat... Jiang Ping sat down, forcing himself to suppress his surging thoughts. For the first time, he found himself resenting how slowly the day was passing.

However, he also knew that reuniting with Qin Shuyao after such a long time naturally required deepening their affection. More importantly, he needed Qin Shuyao to quickly restore the respect and even reverence she had held for him in the past.

Therefore, between bites, he constantly boasted about himself.

It was only when the imperial court sent me out this time that I realized how massive our Yunjing's influence truly is. The Palace Master of the Tongxin Alliance is truly an extraordinary figure. However, the quota for this expedition was not something just any random nobody could get. One had to possess genuine talent and practical knowledge. That is why our Yunjing court sought me out!

I have always been too lazy to practice martial arts. Those things are for brutes to learn. Grinding away to build physical strength every day is simply too foolish. To truly be a general, one must have a brain. Take me, for example; my superiors unanimously praised me for devising strategies within the command tent that secure victories a thousand miles away!

...

Qin Shuyao listened earnestly, her face full of smiles.

But only she knew that after listening for a short while, she started to feel somewhat bored. In the past, Jiang Ping had been brilliant and radiant in her eyes, someone to look up to but never reach. Yet now... although he still seemed dazzling, she could not help but feel that his light had dimmed somewhat compared to before.

This forced Qin Shuyao to constantly mentally prepare herself.

Brother Jiang Ping has always been my obsession. For Brother Jiang Ping, I spent so long finally turning myself into a perfect woman. How could I not feel the same strong emotional impulse for him as I did before?

It must be because we have not seen each other for too long.

Once more time passes, I will definitely find that original feeling again.

Qin Shuyao convinced herself, and the smile on her face grew even wider, making the meal a joyous occasion for both host and guest.

Neither of them probably cared much about the taste of the food.

But sitting across from the person they desired was already far more meaningful and unforgettable than the meal itself!

As a result, it was a full two hours later before the two of them walked out of the tavern.

Sensing that the mood was just right, Jiang Ping decided to strike while the iron was hot and asked, Sister Shuyao, where are you going next?

Brother Jiang Ping, I plan to head home first.

Then I wonder, would I have the honor of accompanying you to visit your home? Jiang Ping pushed his luck and asked immediately, failing to notice that as he said these words, his heart was extremely tense.

Moreover, it was not a tension born of worry or fear.

It was a tension fueled by surging adrenaline.

This kind of tension appeared in front of Qin Shuyao for the very first time since he had known her.

But,

Qin Shuyao laughed charmingly, Brother Jiang Ping, you have just arrived and have been appointed as the garrison commander of the Pingling Settlement. Right now, you should first go and inspect the situation in the settlement.

I heard that Ren Tianye's grand army is coming to attack.

You need to defend this Pingling Settlement so that it is as solid as a fortress. Only then can we live freely and happily here in the future.

Jiang Ping's face instantly dimmed a bit.

However, he did not lose heart and said, Sister Shuyao, you are right. We have a long future ahead of us. Right now, I really do need to secure the Pingling Settlement first. But rest assured.

With my abilities, defending this Pingling Settlement will be a breeze!

Once I sort out the defenses of the Pingling Settlement today, tonight... I will come find you!

I will come find you! Jiang Ping deliberately emphasized these words. Qin Shuyao immediately caught the underlying meaning. A sudden, inexplicable wave of irritation washed over her heart, but she had absolutely no reason to object.

In fact, this was exactly what she had been looking forward to.

She wanted to use her best posture to let Jiang Ping feel how different she had become!

Therefore, suppressing her other emotions with rationality, she gave a seductive smile and said, Alright, Brother Jiang Ping. Once you finish organizing the settlement's defenses, tonight... come find me!

Jiang Ping felt a burst of... intense excitement!

His whole body felt pumped with adrenaline, and he was about to ride a horse straight to the military camp. However, remembering that his riding skills were truly terrible, he gave up the idea and had men carry him to the camp in a sedan chair instead.

Just as Jiang Ping was about to announce his superior's order appointing him as the new garrison commander of the Pingling Settlement, he saw a group of people approaching rapidly.

The leader of the group was shouting loudly.

Where is the Garrison Commander?

Where is the Garrison Commander?

We are from Huaian City, here to discuss the matter of reinforcements.

"I request an audience with the Garrison Commander!"

...