Strongest Soldier King

"The patient's will to survive is strong, and his vitality is tenacious, having no life-threatening conditions. However, three ribs are shattered in his chest area. He will need to rest quietly for some time. There are no other injuries, and he's been given anesthetic. I suggest you avoid disturbing him and let the patient rest well," the attending doctor said, removing his mask.

These words completely reassured Lan Xue. She saw someone being wheeled out of the emergency room—it was Luo Zheng, lying on the hospital bed. Perhaps worried that moving him might disturb his fractured ribs and affect his recovery, he was tightly wrapped up, his body fixed firmly to the bed to prevent any movement as he slept deeply. Lan Xue quickly gestured for Ghost Hand and the others who had come over to help push the gurney into the hospital room. Then she stepped outside and dialed a secret number.

"It took you this long to think of me, old man?" a kind voice teased affectionately.

"Grandpa, I..." Lan Xue was embarrassed and didn't know what to say.

"Alright, I know what's going on. Don't worry, it's already been handled. Bring him over when he's better so I can see what makes this man so outstanding to capture our proud Ice Beauty," the kind voice chuckled.

"Thank you, Grandpa." Lan Xue was overjoyed, totally reassured by his words, and gratefully said, "Grandpa, you're always the best to me."

"The saying that girls grow up and leave home really is true, isn't it? When have I ever been anything but good to you?" the kind voice teased, full of indulgence.

"Grandpa, you've always been good to me," Lan Xue quickly replied. After a brief chat, she hung up, sighing with relief. As long as her grandfather was involved, the Song family would have to show respect. With this incident behind her, whatever revenge the Song family might seek in the future was a matter for another day and was certainly inevitable; worrying would do no good.

At that moment, a call came in. Lan Xue glanced at the number and asked upon answering, "Little devil, what's up?"

"Aside from the chest, where else are you smaller than me, Madam?" Lan Xing's voice carried a sense of indignation as if greatly wronged, but then her tone lightened up playfully, "Big sis, you're so brave, I admire you so much," like a whimsical sprite.

"Cut the crap, what is it?" Lan Xue said coldly.

"Still so icy even with a man? When will this piece of glacial ice melt?" Lan Xing's tone was somewhat lachrymose, distressingly so, which made Lan Xue both amused and exasperated. Fortunately, the two were used to joking like this and familiar with each other's way of speaking, so she didn't mind. Just as she was about to end the call, she heard Lan Xing suddenly raise her voice excitedly, "Big sis, did I hear right that you kicked Song Yang where it hurts?"

In Lan Xing's mouth, Song Yang was Song Trash, and Song Zhi was Song Wimp. Lan Xue was somewhat amused but didn't correct Lan Xing's nicknames, instead sternly scolding, "Aren't you embarrassed, speaking like that?" and was about to end the call.

Lan Xing understood her big sister all too well and quickly apologized with a chuckle, "Sis, come on, I'm just curious. You wouldn't believe it, but now the whole Crown Prince Party circle in Beijing is buzzing, saying how incredibly brave and wise you are, and that you were furious for a man, so thrilling, wasn't it?"

"I'm warning you, stick to the point," Lan Xue said coldly, all too familiar with her little sister's nonsensical chatter which could go on all day without repetition. She resorted to her tried and true weapon of last resort.

"Alright, you win," Lan Xing conceded as usual, sounding deflated like a punctured ball, "Crossing the river only to remove the bridge. Don't expect my help in the future; am I not just worried about you? By the way, how is your future brother-in-law doing? He's alright, isn't he?"

"Keep your mouth shut, and there will be peace in the world." Upon realizing Lan Xing had nothing important to say, Lan Xue didn't hesitate to hang up the phone and strode towards the hospital room.

...

In a high-end villa district in Beijing, within the luxurious manor's living room, Song Tao sat with a calm face, flipping through a newspaper. Song Yang, however, appeared restless, continuously glancing towards the door. Song Tao occasionally looked over at his son and shook his head silently but didn't say much. Soon, the sound of a car horn was heard outside, and both of them stood up almost simultaneously and walked towards the outside.

"Dad, you're back," Song Tao said respectfully as he opened the car's rear door.

"Grandfather, good to see you," Song Yang also greeted respectfully.

The person who alighted from the car was Song Haitian, the current Family Head of the Song family. Song Haitian glanced at the two men indifferently and walked into the room without a word. He settled himself in the armchair at the head of the living room while Song Tao quickly followed him. After Song Yang came in, he shut the door quietly and stood by respectfully, not daring to speak much.

"You may sit too," Song Haitian said indifferently after glancing at Song Yang. Overjoyed that he was invited to sit in Song Haitian's presence—signifying his importance—Song Yang hurriedly expressed his thanks and took his place at the lower end of the seat. Song Haitian looked at Song Tao and said indifferently, "Elder Li has escalated the lawsuit to the top leader, and with the top leader mediating, we cannot refuse to give this face."

"Yes, I understand. I will regain the dignity and authority of the Song family in other ways, sparing that bastard for now to avoid being labeled as petty by others," Song Tao said respectfully.

"Hmm, your vision is better than your brother's. Later, you should school him. The unauthorized mobilization of the military police might seem trivial, but to the top leader, it is taboo. No one likes someone who moves troops at will, especially unauthorized movements. The idea is good, but the method is too naïve," Song Haitian remarked lightly.

Upon hearing this, Song Tao instantly understood, feeling a chill run down his spine. Randomly moving troops might be overlooked locally, but in the eyes of the top leader, it could potentially lead to an armed coup—a major taboo. He took mental note of this and said, "I understand. I will call him later."

"I trust you to handle things. As for that man, find a way to make him disappear, but it must be done cleanly, leaving no traces. With the problem resolved, Elder Li will surely take him over. Being away from local troops does complicate things, but there are plenty of ways to deal with a person. Don't disappoint me," Song Haitian continued indifferently, as if discussing something trivial.

"Yes, I have many ways to handle it. Rest assured, I will uphold the dignity of the Song family and the revenge for Song Zhi," Song Tao assured respectfully.

"Song Yang, you are doing well. I hear you've reached the standards of an Ordinary Special Soldier and are just one step away from the realm of an Elite Special Soldier. That's very good. Stay with the Guardian Capital Army. Remember, be more composed and not so impulsive," Song Haitian advised lightly.

Song Yang was thrilled and eagerly responded, "Grandfather, a woman escaping is a man's disgrace. If possible, I hope to take revenge with my own hands." He clenched his fist, his eyes flickering with a hint of murderous intent.