Chapter 842 - 589 All Calculations_3

Xiaoman dismissed it with a casual raise of her brow and a charming smile, "I don’t think so. Our Emperor is the War God. When it comes to warfare, Qi Jun falls far behind. The earlier moves were merely probing Qi Army’s strengths and weaknesses. Next, we’ll..."

Her straightforward demeanor carried conviction, but as she noticed Daman’s probing gaze, realization struck her. She quickly fell silent, awkwardly adding:

"I’m just speaking nonsense."

Daman studied Xiaoman’s flustered eyes and gave a slight nod.

"What you said isn’t completely wrong..."

After a brief pause, she lowered her voice and asked, "Xiaoman, do you know something?"

Xiaoman flinched slightly and shook her head, "I don’t know anything, truly."

Seeing Daman’s doubt, she bit her lip and emphasized forcefully, "I really don’t know anything. I’m just a maidservant attending to the Lady. How could I possibly know the Emperor’s strategies for warfare?"

Daman picked up her water cup and took a sip, glancing at her with a sly smile.

"Look at you, your eyelids are fluttering, filled with guilt. Xiaoman, whether you’re lying or not, I can tell at a glance."

Xiaoman nervously fidgeted with her fingers, her cheeks flushing crimson.

"I’m not lying, really..."

Daman let out a sigh and fell silent for a long while.

Xiaoman watched her nervously and grabbed her hand.

"Sister... Are you angry?"

Daman pursed her lips, her expression weary, offering a bitter smile, "The Lady has sent me to Qi Jun’s side for several years now... Sigh! It’s only natural that you all would start doubting me. I don’t hold it against you, but... my heart feels heavy. After all, there’s a distance between us now. No matter how the Lady might speculate about me, I understand, but Xiaoman, how could you not trust me?"

"Sister..."

Xiaoman looked at her apologetically, "Actually, the Lady and I don’t truly distrust you. All these years, you’ve never done anything to betray the Lady—I know that. It’s just, just..."

"Just what?"

"The Lady said that Qi Jun has a natural charm that makes him easily liked by women. You’ve been by his side for so many years; it’s inevitable you’d be tempted and lose yourself. That’s why she told me to keep an extra eye on you..."

Daman laughed softly, "The Lady has misjudged me..."

Her eyes fell deeply on her fingertips as she remained silent for a while before speaking slowly, "Qi Jun is indeed captivating; I won’t deny that. Being by his side, it’s hard not to be drawn to his charm and grace... But what’s the point? Though he appears gentle and benevolent, he is, in truth, ruthless and unfeeling. For women who fail to catch his eye, not to mention companionship, they wouldn’t even touch his hem..."

Xiaoman looked at her sympathetically, "Sister..."

Daman said, "Tell me, what could I possibly think? Clinging to a hopeless feeling, do you think I would go as far as sacrificing my life for him?"

"Sister, you’ve suffered so much..."

"It’s nothing, I’ve grown used to it. Now, I only hope that one day, I can return to Huaxi, return to Changmen, and spend my days in harmony with my sisters. Beyond that, I have no other wish."

"Sister!" Xiaoman held her hand excitedly and whispered, "It’ll happen. Very soon, it’ll happen. Just hold out a little longer..."

Daman was stunned.

She looked down at Xiaoman’s tightly clasped hand, "What do you mean?"

Xiaoman cautiously glanced outside, leaned close to her ear, and murmured a few words. Then, seeing the shock in Daman’s gaze, she nodded affirmatively.

"The Lady said that the war would be over in at most three months. Sister, you won’t have to wait too long. The Lady has her ways to bring you back to Changmen."

Daman choked out a reply after a long pause.

"Truly?"

"When has the Lady ever lied?" Xiaoman’s eyes held a smile of admiration for Feng Yun, "The Lady said it’s possible, so it must be. As long as you still wish to return, the Lady will not let you down..."

Daman’s eyes reddened, "Please tell the Lady for me, I will wait. I’ll wait for that day."

Xiaoman responded with a soft hum, nodding solemnly.

She stayed a moment longer and, before leaving, tightly held Daman’s hand.

"Sister, don’t lose your head, alright?"

Daman smiled and agreed, escorting her out reluctantly.

"Xiaoman, take care."

Xiaoman walked several steps away but stopped again, turning back to embrace her.

"Sister, take care."