PMM - 24

Yi Qiánchéng left the City Lord’s mansion, feeling lost. He still seemed to hear Lián Shèng’s accusatory voice in his ears. “Yìngdōng is my home. You quietly took it over without considering how I feel.”

Had he really done something wrong? Yi Qiánchéng walked down the street. Yìngdōng had suffered from war, and now the streets were desolate. A man selling folding fans grabbed his arm. “Young master, come take a look at my fans! They’re perfect for you...”

The seller was frightened by Yi Qiánchéng’s cold gaze, trembling as he hurried back to his stall. He had only seen someone on the street and wanted to attract customers, but he hadn’t expected Yi Qiánchéng’s look to be so frightening.

Fù Yí hurried up behind him. “General, what are you doing here?”

Yi Qiánchéng glanced at him. He knew he shouldn’t be here, but after the argument with Lián Shèng, he really didn’t know how to approach her. He couldn’t bring himself to apologize, but he also feared hearing her say “divorce.”

When she was sweet, it warmed his heart, but when she became sharp, it trampled on his heart without mercy.

“General, we’ve received a letter from Shājí.” Fù Yí lowered his voice. “It’s about Fēngmù, a secret letter just sent by Chéng Yù.”

Yi Qiánchéng thought for a moment. “Let’s find an inn and talk slowly.” He didn’t feel comfortable discussing it here. Yìngdōng wasn’t his territory, and he couldn’t fully trust this place. The city was quiet, and after walking for a while, Yi Qiánchéng and Fù Yí found an inn.

Inside the tavern, two men were drinking. “Did you hear? The siege was averted thanks to General Yi of Shājí!”

“How did General Yi send troops to help us?”

One man spoke knowingly, dragging out his words, “You don’t know? General Yi is also our City Lord’s daughter’s husband. I heard the great general was mighty, the Xī Qiāng people were terrified, and General Yi not only relieved Yìngdōng’s troubles but also left soldiers to protect us, so we’ll never have to worry about those Xī Qiāng invaders again!”

“General Yi is truly a great person, our savior.”

Yi Qiánchéng found it ironic. He curved his lips and turned to look at Fù Yí. Fù Yí cleared his throat. “Ahem, this is all for your reputation, General.” After the victory, Fù Yí had made sure to spread the news, and soon, the whole city would know. Slowly, the general’s path to dominance would have no stains.

The two chose a private room on the second floor. As soon as Fù Yí entered, he checked the surroundings thoroughly, then nodded to Yi Qiánchéng, taking out the secret letter sent by Fù Chéng Yù.

Yi Qiánchéng took it, opened it, and the first thing he saw was a greeting from Yì Huán. The letter was filled with concerns about his previous injuries and the war in Yìngdōng. When he saw her asking, “How is your relationship with your wife?” Yi Qiánchéng’s hand unconsciously tightened.

The letter was filled with Yì Huán’s polite inquiries, but Yi Qiánchéng found it odd, feeling like this wasn’t his sister’s usual style. It seemed as though someone had intentionally written such a long letter. What was more frustrating was that the greeting seemed more prominent than the actual intelligence.

He continued reading, and his pupils involuntarily contracted.

“General, what’s wrong?” Fù Yí asked as soon as he saw Yi Qiánchéng’s expression change.

“Fēngmù is in internal chaos, with weak defenses. It can be attacked immediately.” Yi Qiánchéng smirked. “Also, the trade routes are in trouble, and the trade routes are Fēngmù’s lifeblood. It seems this time, Fēngmù is finished.”

“Any news about Xiàng Hán? He’s been eyeing Fēngmù for a long time. If he gets this information, he’ll surely take action. Even if he doesn’t know, once we strike, he won’t just stand by.”

Yi Qiánchéng shook his head. Fù Chéng Yù’s reach didn’t extend to Xiàng Hán just yet. However, Xiàng Hán had been waiting for years without being able to take Fēngmù, so he must have some restraint on him. The immediate priority was to return to Shājí and make preparations—this opportunity couldn’t be missed.

“General, when will we return?” The opportunity was rare, and waiting longer would increase the risks.

Fù Yí saw Yi Qiánchéng hesitate for a moment before speaking. “The day after tomorrow. At least, it will give Lián Shèng time to say goodbye to her family.” He added, “I’ll make sure Lián Shèng and Huán’er are settled together. First, I’ll send a message to Fù Chéng Yù to have him and Sòng Yuán prepare. As for Yìngdōng, the contract has already been signed, so I’ll leave Fāng Mù to stay here and report any developments.”

Fuyi nodded. There were still many things to prepare for returning to Shaji, and just thinking about the grand scene of conquering Fengmu made his heart swell with ambition. In times of turmoil, heroes emerge. Now, with the world divided, cities were repeatedly attacked, and others watched idly. Fuyi looked forward to the day when Yi Qiancheng would unify the world.

“General, then shall we return...”

“Wait,” Yi Qiancheng suddenly spoke, “Since we’re at a tavern, why don’t you have a drink with me before we go?”

...

After serving the young lady and helping her get dressed, Nanny Liu looked at her as she lay down, noticing that Lian Sheng’s expression still held anxiety. She had been confined for the whole afternoon, and no one else was allowed into the courtyard to see her. It was difficult to learn any news from the outside, especially since her brother was still seriously injured.

Nanny Liu sighed and closed the door. When she turned around, she nearly fainted in shock to see Yi Qiancheng standing by the door!

In the night, Yi Qiancheng’s expression was indistinct, but he glanced at Nanny Liu before pushing open the door. Nanny Liu was startled. What was the general planning to do? Hadn’t the young lady said that the general wouldn’t sleep with her? She recalled the smell of alcohol she had just sensed and began to feel uncertain.

Yi Qiancheng’s footsteps were heavier than usual, and Lian Sheng, sensing someone had entered, thought it was Nanny Liu worrying about her.

“I’m fine, Granny, go to sleep,” she said.

Then, she saw Yi Qiancheng’s handsome face, his expression unreadable. “...”

Lian Sheng was also startled. They only shared a bed when traveling, and in Shaji, Yi Qiancheng had his own room. She had originally thought that Yi Qiancheng was going to lock her up, but she hadn’t expected him to come to her room!

She blinked and smelled the strong scent of alcohol on him, frowning as she asked, “Have you been drinking?”

He squatted down, leaning close to her bed, staring intently at her. “No.”

With such a strong smell of alcohol, claiming he hadn’t been drinking was a lie! Lian Sheng sat up and locked eyes with him. His gaze was hazy. It seemed that not only had he been drinking, but he was also drunk.

He suddenly reached out and touched her face. “Beauty, you’re really beautiful.”

Lian Sheng couldn’t help but laugh. Yi Qiancheng was not only drunk, but now he seemed to be going crazy? Her eyes glinted mischievously, still a little upset, and she responded, “You’re really ugly, and your temper is terrible.”

He didn’t get angry, instead smiling gently.

Lian Sheng relaxed; it seemed he was really drunk. She continued to tease, “Not only that, but you’re also arrogant, proud, unreasonable, making me wear clothes stained with blood, making me feel alienated in Shaji’s Lord’s mansion, quietly taking over Yingtong City, and now locking me up here.”

As she spoke, her anger grew. She looked at Yi Qiancheng squatting by her bed, like a gentle big dog waiting for her to scold him. Lian Sheng, feeling daring, reached out and ruffled his head, muttering softly, “Actually, I want to slap you.”

Yi Qiancheng narrowed his eyes.

Lian Sheng quickly withdrew her hand. What was happening? Was he pretending? Looking again, he was just silently staring at her with a hoarse voice. “Beauty, are you angry?”

“Yes, I’m going to be mad!”

“Then how can you stop being angry?”

Lian Sheng found his drunken mood amusing; he seemed unusually good-natured when drunk. She thought for a moment, then said, “Let me see my brother, and then hit me a few more times, and I won’t be angry anymore.”

His gaze deepened, and he genuinely started thinking, “Alright.” Then he added, “But you need to kiss me first.”

“!” Lian Sheng’s eyes widened. Yi Qiancheng looked very serious, “You kiss me first, and then I’ll let you hit me.”

Lian Sheng stared into his dark pupils and nodded, “Fine, lean a little closer.”

Yi Qiancheng’s eyes shifted slightly, and he leaned in closer. Lian Sheng grabbed the pillow next to her and smashed it into him. “Big jerk, think you can bully me? You think I’m stupid? Hmph, kiss? Go kiss a ghost, you pervert!”

Yi Qiancheng snorted and didn’t dodge. After she hit him a few times, he finally spoke quietly, “Beauty, it hurts.”

Lian Sheng stopped, looking at him half in disbelief. Yi Qiancheng was holding his shoulder, slightly frowning. After a while, she saw blood slowly soaking through his clothes and staining them dark.

She was a little at a loss for what to do. Although she was still upset, she knew how he had gotten injured. Even if it wasn’t to save her, he had been on the battlefield protecting Yingtong.

Lian Sheng paused and said, “I’ll get someone to help you.” She got off the bed to put on her shoes, but Yi Qiancheng stopped her.

“Don’t, I’m too tired. I’ll be fine after a sleep.”

He was very strong and stopped her from walking. She glared at him.

“Let go!”

Yi Qiancheng froze for a moment, not understanding why this “beauty” was so fierce. Then he let go. Lian Sheng was about to continue putting on her shoes when he suddenly lunged forward, hugged her, and pressed her back onto the bed.

“Beauty, sleep well.”

His hand was behind her, not putting too much weight on her, so Lian Sheng was just startled. She pushed him, saying, “Yi Qiancheng, get up, your injury isn’t treated yet.”

He had already closed his eyes, breathing evenly, looking exhausted. His hand was still around her waist. Lian Sheng thought about how he had just returned from the battlefield without resting and had been beaten by her.

She lightly smiled and ruthlessly pushed his hand off her waist.

Pervert! Wanting to take advantage, no way!