The dancer on the couch turned pale. She knew the North Frontier King's reputation and feared she might indeed be in danger. But why wasn't Xu Zhen afraid? Wasn't she also using her looks to gain the King's favor?
Xu Zhen seemed to read the dancer's mind and confidently stated, "I'm not just about looks."
The dancer, faced with someone who looked so similar, was left speechless.
Xu Zhen reassured her, "Sometimes, aligning yourself with others' preferences and becoming admired for it brings you honor, but it's important to remain clear-headed."
What more could the dancer say?
If she spoke, it would only hasten her exposure.
The atmosphere in the military tent was tense.
Originally laughing, the slave women sat down, contemplating the issue. Some were from official families, skilled in arts and literature, while others were from Hu country, passionate about horseback riding and archery.
But at some point, they all aimed to catch the North Frontier King's eye by trying to resemble her beloved.
It seemed they had lost clarity long ago.
Xu Zhen concluded, "In chaotic times, maintaining oneself is most important."
After speaking, she glanced around, confirming the scar-faced slave wasn't present, and left to discuss with the little beggar about improving the slaves' living conditions.
Xu Zhen hadn't shared stories like this often in the past two years; her focus had been on military strategies. Sharing this tale felt different, bringing back memories of her early days teaching at Qinglong Mountain.
A wave of nostalgia washed over her. She missed Jiangling a bit.
Once her situation was resolved, she planned to return to Jiangling. The headmaster there still owed her several days' wages, and she intended to collect them.
Thinking about those wages brought a spring to her step.
With a lighter heart, she made her way around a few military tents and fences, eventually returning to the little beggar's tent.
Meanwhile, the others in the tent remained in shock, their minds still reeling from the recent exchange.
They were amazed to discover such a person among the slave women. Why wasn't she serving as a military strategist instead of being seen as a favored slave?
The group couldn't comprehend it.
They wanted to discuss who Xu Zhen really was, but before they could, a flash of a sword caught their attention, and the gloomy sky seemed to crack with thunder.
"What happened!?" someone in the tent shouted.
Soon, the scent of blood filled the air.
Someone's ebony hairpin was sliced in half, leaving their hair scattered.
The sky was dark and overcast.
The military tent's entrance was suddenly lifted by the wind, revealing the North Frontier King beneath the ominous clouds.
"Ah!" someone exclaimed, quickly kneeling to greet the North Frontier King.
Xun Qianchun remained silent, her expression indifferent, eyes cold. Dressed in gold and black, her wide sleeves billowed dramatically in the wind.
The dancer on the couch stood up happily at the sight of Xun Qianchun, calling out, "Lord."
Xun Qianchun said nothing, simply drew her sword from her back and struck down without hesitation, leaving a trail of vivid red blood in her wake.
Chapter 74: Seventy-Four Treasures ?
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