A play on words.
The strong dragon was them.
The local tyrant was Zuo Suiran.
In their brief exchange, Song Qingchao learned that Zuo Suiran was not someone to be trifled with.
"In that case, Mr. Bai, please proceed."
Zuo Suiran extended his hand, gesturing for Bai You'an to go ahead.
Bai You'an merely chuckled lightly before stepping forward.
He couldn't reveal his relationship with Song Qingchao in front of outsiders.
This was a form of protection for Song Qingchao.
Song Qingchao understood this well and did not object.
This outcome was beneficial for both of them.
"Oh, isn't this young brother your attendant? Why is he still standing over there?"
Zuo Suiran stroked his beard, looking strangely at Zhou Zhengxi, who stood beside Song Qingchao.
Zhou Zhengxi was taken aback when he was addressed.
He hadn't expected to be caught out in this situation.
However, seeing Song Qingchao's expression, he gritted his teeth and walked behind Bai You'an.
He had finally managed to beg Song Qingchao for permission to accompany them!
Zuo Suiran, that scoundrel!
The aura around Zhou Zhengxi instantly turned cold.
Zuo Suiran rubbed his arms, "It does get a bit chilly after being outside for so long, doesn't it?"
As he rubbed, he led Bai You'an and Zhou Zhengxi forward.
He also gestured to the soldiers working behind them, urging them to speed up the handover.
Then, he followed Bai You'an, smiling apologetically.
"Please excuse the mess, they're all rather slow-moving."
Bai You'an shook his head, indicating it was alright.
At the same time, he glanced back at Song Qingchao.
Seeing her surrounded by his guards, queuing to move forward.
His heart, though still uneasy, felt somewhat settled.
"Oh, right!" Zuo Suiran, walking ahead, suddenly clapped his hands, then leaned in excitedly and curiously towards Bai You'an, "I remember you brought a concubine with you. Is she...?"
As he spoke, he looked left and right behind them, his gaze lingering on Song Qingchao's retreating back.
Bai You'an frowned and directly blocked his view.
"I've arranged for her to do something else. Does the general need something?"
Bai You'an spoke in a low voice, his impatience growing, fearing that if Zuo Suiran said another word, Bai You'an might just crush his head.
Zuo Suiran understood and let out an "Ah," then slapped his head as if realizing something. "Look at me, I'm just worried. Mr. Bai, please don't be upset. We have important matters to attend to."
Bai You'an could do nothing about him and could only follow.
The two followed Zuo Suiran all the way to his general's mansion.
Upon entering, the servants, as if expecting them, thoughtfully brought out tea.
Everything seemed meticulously planned.
Zuo Suiran sat in the main seat, took a sip of the strong tea, and smacked his lips. "The taste of this tea isn't as good as that in Chang'an, but for a place where birds don't even shit, it's considered good. I hope Mr. Bai can get used to it."
Bai You'an was very appreciative, picking up the tea and drinking it, not at all concerned about poison or anything like that.
His actions greatly pleased Zuo Suiran.
He propped his hand on his leg and rhythmically tapped the table with the other. "How is the Eldest Princess?"
Bai You'an's hand, holding the tea, froze for a moment. Then he looked up and smiled in response, "She should be well. I'm not very familiar with the princess."
"Ah... not familiar, you say."
Zuo Suiran nodded, understanding.
He remained silent, and Bai You'an did too.
Bai You'an focused on savoring the tea, hoping his subordinates would be clever.
Since Zuo Suiran asked about his concubine, he would surely send people to look for her.
If they couldn't find her, he would be unable to explain himself.
"Then, Mr. Bai, are you here solely to ensure Miss Song's safety?"
"Yes."
"Then why did Mr. Bai arrive half a day late?"
A fleeting sharpness flashed in Bai You'an's eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "As long as she is safe, that is enough. What more do you expect me to do? Should I stick to her like a patch of flypaper?"
Upon hearing this, Zuo Suiran immediately clapped his hands and burst into laughter. "Mr. Bai speaks with reason."
Looking at Zuo Suiran's demeanor, Bai You'an's thoughts became even more meticulous.
This man appeared rough and uncultured, yet every word he spoke was probing for information.
In his past life, he had heard of Zuo Suiran.
Back then, Da Yuan was still prosperous. After he had made most of his arrangements in the central plains, he went to the Northern Barbarians to lie low.
However, before the reigning emperor could do anything outrageous, he had already somewhat abandoned his plans.
The forces he developed were merely for self-preservation someday.
At that time, he was in the Northern Barbarians, where people called Zuo Suiran the old fox.
But he had never crossed swords with Zuo Suiran.
It had only been a year or two.
The old emperor gradually became corrupt and tyrannical, obsessed with the pursuit of immortality.
Later, the princes' struggle for succession severely damaged Da Yuan's foundation. To seize the throne, some even colluded with foreigners to invade.
He had already made contact with the Northern Barbarian nobles at that time and learned of this. Therefore, he planned to turn the tables, intending to defeat the Northern Barbarians by joining forces with the Da Yuan soldiers when the Northern Barbarians attacked Da Yuan.
However, when he tried to contact Zuo Suiran, he discovered that the commander of the Northern Desert had been replaced.
It was precisely because of this change.
That the Northern Barbarians were able to breach Da Yuan's gates. Subsequently, starting with the destruction of Mo Bei City, a wave of resistance erupted across various regions.
Thinking back now, if Zuo Suiran had been there back then, his plan might have succeeded, and this land would have been spared from suffering.
But as the saying goes, "When an old man loses his horse, who knows if it is a blessing or a curse?"
If he hadn't narrowly escaped death, he might not have had a future.
Zuo Suiran...
Bai You'an toyed with his fan. It seemed that in this lifetime, if he wanted to prevent that war, Zuo Suiran was a key figure.
But how did he die in the previous life?
Bai You'an couldn't help but look at Zuo Suiran curiously.
With his capabilities and shrewdness, he shouldn't have...
It was Zuo Suiran's gaze that made him uneasy.
"Mr. Bai, do you have something to say about me?"
"Nothing. I was just observing that General Zuo appears to be in exceptionally good health, and I couldn't help but be curious."
Zuo Suiran then laughed, holding his stomach. "It's just flesh and blood. Mr. Bai, please sit for a while. Once your lodging is arranged, someone will show you there. Perhaps some simple fare first?"
Bai You'an politely declined.
Although he was curious, time was of the essence now, and he didn't want to waste any.
"I would prefer the accommodation and the clinic to be located closer to Ling Shi Valley."
Zuo Suiran readily agreed. "Don't worry, I'll arrange it perfectly."
He stood up, smiling, and saw Bai You'an off. "Are you sure you won't stay a little longer?"
Bai You'an refused again. "I have other matters to attend to, so I won't intrude further."
Zuo Suiran expressed a hint of regret, but ultimately saw him out.
After watching him disappear around the street corner.
Zuo Suiran's smile finally faded.
With his hands behind his back, he softly instructed the person beside him, "Keep a close watch."
After his men had followed.
Zuo Suiran's smile returned to his face. He walked back into the courtyard with his hands behind his back, shaking his head and humming a little tune.
"In days past, bestowed with titles and honors, they rushed to the dragon's court. Today, the borderlands are in turmoil, feigning ignorance and silence. It is difficult to fulfill our duty in this time, who shall lead the army to battle?"
His singing grew fainter and fainter, until finally, only a sigh could be vaguely heard.
"It's going to be chaos."