Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
“Little brat of the Han family, your grandpa is here! If you’ve got guts, come out and fight! Don’t cower like a turtle hiding in its shell!”
Just as I stepped out of the tent, I was greeted by an ear-splitting torrent of curses.
“The men of Qing Country are all spineless cowards! They can’t hold their ground on the battlefield, can’t swing their arms, can’t get on the bed, and can’t control their women!”
“Hahaha!” “We’ve long heard that the men of Yundu love to wear their wives’ flowery dresses. Hey, Han, step out and let us have a look! Let’s see if you’re wearing red or green today!”
The coarse shouts brought about bursts of laughter. Hurrying forward, people craned their necks to look. Outside the tightly closed gate stood several riders, the leader of whom had round eyes, a black face, a ferocious appearance, and a beard like an iron brush. Behind him stood thousands of soldiers, each rolling up their sleeves, brandishing their swords, baring their teeth, utterly pleased with themselves.
They came to provoke us. Has Wen’s side grown anxious after two days of inaction? It seems the internal conflict is at a stalemate. Looking back at our camp, everyone went about their own business, neither angry nor bothered, demonstrating strict military discipline. Remaining calm while waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out—what brilliant strategy is my brother contemplating now? As I thought this, I felt a sudden twinge of pain in my waist. Frowning slightly, I hurried towards the medic’s tent.
Along the way, I couldn’t avoid being stared at. Silently sighing, I pretended not to notice and pushed aside the curtain to enter the medical tent. Before a major battle, experienced soldiers often tend to old wounds to prepare for the battlefield. Today, the tent was crowded with people, and several medics were busy non-stop. I remained silent, standing quietly to wait.
“Hey, look.” A thin man next to me nudged those around him who were queuing, whispering softly.
“It’s Lord Feng.” “Isn’t he the one sharing a tent with the prince?” “Tsk, looks pretty weak.”
“Lord.” A bearded man saluted with a fist, and I nodded slightly. “May I ask why Lord has come to the medical tent?” He dragged out his words, his gaze questioning. I lowered my voice and smiled faintly: “I injured my waist during the battle at Fan City. I’ve come today to get some medicine for my injury.”
“Oh! Your waist, huh?” Came scrutinizing glances. “Quick, quick, make room for the lord!” Several people enthusiastically made way, pushing those in line aside.
Suspiciously eyeing the overly enthusiastic crowd, I said faintly: “This... isn’t appropriate.”
“Ah~” The bearded man chuckled amusingly at me, winking. “Lord must be young and unaware of the dangers of a waist injury. One spot hurts, and it affects the whole body—it’s a critical area.” Those around quickly agreed: “Yes, a man’s waist is the most vulnerable part! Lord, don’t overexert yourself tonight; there will be plenty of opportunities ahead.”
There was something strange about these remarks, but I didn’t dwell on them. Approaching a medic, I bowed slightly, just about to speak when the man pulled out several plasters from the medicine box. “Lord Feng, these are excellent remedies. Please take them.”
“Ah, thank you.” I nodded slightly.
“However,” the medic hesitated, studying me for a moment, “Lord is still young, so please do not overexert or act too forcefully.”
Sigh? Lowering my head to look at myself, forceful?
“Waist injuries, ah, waist injuries.” Listening closely, I heard whispered comments: “Only those on top would have such issues. Lord Feng must be very brave indeed!”
Another barely audible sigh followed: “Alas, it seems those five coins are lost. Damn, the North Camp folks sure talk nonsense!”
“Indeed, Old Ma has won this bet hands down.” Came murmurs of complaint. “Damn, never expected a frail scholar could also be dominant.”
My cheeks flushed slightly, finally understanding their insinuations. I quickly took the medicine, hastily bowed, and fled the tent. Head down, fists clenched, I rushed toward the main tent. Upon reaching the entrance, the guards moved their halberds aside. Slipping inside, I saw my brother and Yunzhi playing chess. Slowing my steps, I walked quietly over. On the board, a large dragon of black pieces dominated the center, exuding strong momentum. The white pieces occupied a corner, seemingly weaker but subtly radiating killing intent. From their styles, one could discern their personalities: my brother, upright and steady; Yunzhi, reserving strategies, skilled at counterattacks.
“Snap.” A white piece unexpectedly struck into the black formation, cutting off the dragon’s breath. Marvelous, truly marvelous—I couldn’t help but admire it. Looking again, my brother furrowed his brow, pondering deeply, then made a losing move. Huh? Brow furrowed, I focused intently, only to suddenly realize he had reversed the formation. Making the head the tail, the dragon turned back, retreating to advance, every step calculated.
“Hmm.” Yunzhi chuckled softly, glanced at me, and placed a piece without hesitation. Alarmed, I watched as Yunzhi, leveraging my brother’s ingenious move, revitalized the previously struggling white pieces in the corner. Suddenly, a white dragon emerged, splitting the board. Inwardly sighing, I turned my head only to meet his captivating gaze directly. Turning the tables, Yunzhi, how many more tricks do you have hidden?
“General!” The curtain lifted, and Han Shuo and Han Qi entered side by side.
My brother set down his chess piece and sat upright. “What is the matter?”
“General.” Han Shuo glanced at Han Qi; both gave slight nods and saluted. “We have a question we hope the General can enlighten us on.”
“Uncles, please speak.” My brother gestured, while Yunzhi leaned against the small table, his body slightly inclined.
“Our troops have been stationed here in Sunset Plain for three days, and the brothers have fully recovered their strength.” Han Qi straightened himself, glaring outside the tent, one hand stroking his beard, the other pointing flatly. “Those Jing Army brats insult us daily, their filthy words unbearable. Why doesn’t the General seize this opportunity to crush Min Pass? After all, we have 100,000 troops, while Zhu Jian only has 50,000.”
My brother’s eyes shone like lacquer, calm and composed. Placing his hands on his knees, he exuded authority: “Uncles, do you know how many troops Wen commands?”
Han Qi and Han Shuo exchanged glances, heads bowed, mumbling: “We do not know.”
“The Jing Kingdom originally had nearly 400,000 troops, 250,000 of which are under Wen’s command.” My brother’s tone grew heavy, almost oppressive. “Apart from Long’s army attacking near Yuan City, we will encounter another 150,000 troops along the way. Add to that the militia they’ll hastily recruit during the war, and it totals over 300,000. If we suffer heavy losses at Min Pass, how will we face the remaining 250,000 enemy troops once we enter Jing territory?”
“This?” Their heads drooped even lower. After a moment, Han Qi softly asked, “But if we keep dragging this out, we fear before entering Jing, King Jing will already have lost his head.”
“That may not necessarily be true.” Yunzhi lazily interjected, his enchanting eyes slanting.
“We humbly request the Prince’s guidance.”
Yunzhi glanced at the chessboard and spoke slowly: “Technically, we are a rapid advance unit. Zhu Jian only needs to defend Min Pass. But recently, he has changed tactics, actively provoking us at the camp gates, which is suspicious.” His gaze sharpened. “If I’m not mistaken, fierce battles are likely raging in Jing’s central regions, and the Wen family is not faring well. Therefore—” He turned, a cold smile playing on his lips, “Empress Dowager Wen hopes the outer reinforcements collapse early so she can gather forces to march north and commit regicide!” With a snap, he placed a white piece, shifting the balance dramatically—white surged forth like a hidden dragon emerging from the sea, dominating the board.
As expected, I smiled faintly, unsurprised. Moving closer to my brother, I picked up a black piece from the box and tapped it lightly. Suddenly, inspiration struck—I mimicked a lizard shedding its tail to protect its head, making a direct strike into the belly of the white dragon. A faint smirk played on my lips. Looking again, Yunzhi’s dark pupils gleamed fiercely, his gaze deep as an ocean. Truly mesmerizing eyes—I shook my head, nearly getting sucked in. He smiled faintly, raising his hand elegantly to deliver the killing blow.
“So, does the General plan to keep stalling?” Uncle Han Shuo’s voice grew urgent.
My brother glanced at the chessboard, stood up, and motioned for me to sit. His gentle voice drifted over: “Bending branches by the roadside, resilient反击, attempting to take but failing. Now, the enemy grows restless, throwing out tricks. Our army need only wait calmly. Soon, the opportunity will present itself, and with one decisive strike, we shall secure victory.”
“Yes!” Both men roared in unison.
Nodding slightly, I placed the warmed black piece at the end of the white formation—a classic “besiege Wei to rescue Zhao” move, resolving the deadlock. Lifting my head, I provocatively raised an eyebrow at him. Yunzhi’s sharp eyes flashed with interest, his fiery gaze almost burning a hole through my face. Unconsciously, I shifted backward, but couldn’t escape his piercing stare.
“These past few days have been quite lively in front of the camp.” Raising my head, my brother lifted the curtain, his gaze somewhat sly. “Seems the Jing Army has rested well.” He suddenly dropped his hand, letting the curtain fall, muffling the distant jeers outside. “Han Shuo!” My brother’s eyes turned cold, his tone severe.
“At your service.”
“I order you to select one thousand elite soldiers from the southern camp. Tonight, sneak near the Jing Army’s main camp. Every hour, beat drums, shout, and stomp loudly to make Zhu Jian believe we are launching a night raid.” My brother’s lips curled into a dangerous smile, the scar on his left cheek adding a touch of menace. “Since he’s disturbed my peace during the day, I’ll ensure he can’t sleep soundly either!”
“And—” Yunzhi gently placed a piece, turning his head with an enchanting smile, “A feigned attack tonight will make them drop their guard even if we launch future raids.”
My brother lightly laughed, bowing his hand. “Your Majesty is wise.”
That night, near Min Pass where the Jing Army was stationed, sudden drumbeats and shouts erupted, thunderous as collapsing mountains, shaking the heavens. Soldiers and officers were startled awake from their dreams. Suddenly, torches flared throughout the camp, and drowsy, disheveled men poured out of their tents, bare-chested and wide-eyed.
“What’s the panic about!” General Zhu Jian, clad in a single layer of clothing, wielding a steel blade, emerged from the main tent. Soldiers behind him yawned while helping him put on his armor. Once ready, he shouted loudly: “Chen Mu!”
A tall man bowed with a fist. “At your service.”
“I order you to lead the left flank to meet the enemy first.”
“At your command!”
Zhu Jian grabbed a silver helmet from a soldier and slammed his eighty-pound sword into the ground, leaving a deep imprint in the yellow soil. Glaring fiercely, he roared: “The rest of you, gear up and stand by!”
“Yes!” The generals chorused, their voices powerful and resolute.
On a moonless and windy night, the wilderness was calm. Suddenly, the cry of a wild goose pierced the air, followed by another burst of drumbeats and commotion from the dark forest. The Jing Army camp, which had just dimmed its lights, lit up once more.
“Damn it! They’re at it again!” A group of men grumbled as they scrambled out of bed, clumsily slipping on their shoes.
“Damn it to hell! I was just dreaming about my wife undressing, and they’ve interrupted again!” Hastily tying their belts, they stumbled out of their tents.
Dark clouds drifted slowly across the faint moon, leaving behind a faint trace. Soldiers lined up in formation, standing silently as they awaited orders.
“Report!” A scout ran up and knelt before Zhu Jian, who was clad in tightly fitted armor. “No enemy forces detected within ten li of the main camp.”
The flickering torchlight danced across Zhu Jian’s face, casting a shadow between his brows. He relaxed his hand, and a nearby soldier hurriedly caught the heavy sword, his body tilting slightly under the weight. Zhu Jian’s upper lip twitched, his nostrils flared, and he let out a thunderous roar: “Back to the tents to sleep!”
“To hell with it!” One soldier lowered his saber, loosened his tunic, and spat toward the south. “Three false alarms in one night! If you’ve got guts, come during the day! I’ll cut you down!”
“Enough, Hu Zi.” A comrade beside him yawned, tugging at his sleeve. “Let’s go back to sleep. After all this commotion, they probably won’t come again.”
But before dawn broke, the irritating clamor invaded their dreams once more.
“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” A row of men muttered curses through gritted teeth as they reluctantly got up. This time, they only threw on single-layered robes and shuffled out of their tents in their slippers.
“How many times is this?” One man looked up wearily at the faintly lit sky, already accustomed to these disturbances.
“Hmm.” His silent comrade stretched lazily. “Fourth or fifth time? Lost count.”
“A bunch of cowards!” A booming shout came from a nearby tent as a burly man stomped his feet in rage. “They don’t respond to our challenges during the day, but they keep ruining my dreams at night! Damn it, I curse them to have sons without assholes!”
“General…” A young soldier, carrying armor over his shoulder, trailed behind Zhu Jian, ready to dress him. But Zhu Jian waved his hand dismissively, not even bothering to take his sword this time. “Well?” he asked weakly.
Chen Mu shook his head, clasping his fists. Zhu Jian closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and after a long pause, spoke heavily: “All commanders, gather at the main tent immediately. I have urgent matters to discuss.”
“Yes!”
The horizon gradually brightened as a red sun lazily rose along the edge of the plain, painting a golden hue over the Min Pass, where the grasslands were fading into winter. The radiant sunlight washed away the gloom of the night but could not conceal the faint bluish circles under Zhu Jian’s eyes.
“Advisor Le.” His voice, raspy from a sleepless night, carried a note of weariness.
A thin man dressed in simple robes stepped forward. “General.”
Zhu Jian sighed, his tone tinged with frustration. “The higher-ups are pressing for action again, but Han Yue Sha remains idle. Give me your advice.”
The weary-eyed generals looked hopefully toward Le Yu, known for his wisdom. He smiled faintly, adjusted his robe with two fingers, and spoke slowly: “I do have a plan.”
“Oh?!” Zhu Jian perked up, torn between irritation and anticipation at Le Yu’s nonchalance. “Speak quickly!”
Le Yu glanced around confidently, then delivered his words with a flourish: “Feigned surrender.”
“Feigned surrender?”
“Yes, feigned surrender.” Le Yu straightened his posture, his expression smug and arrogant. “Don’t be fooled by Han Yue Sha’s string of victories. They may seem invincible, but those achievements are riddled with deception!” He sneered disdainfully. “He’s merely riding the reputation of former You rebels to win hearts and minds, but he hasn’t fought a single major battle.”
“Mm, mm,” the generals nodded in agreement.
“Given this weakness, I’ve devised an excellent scheme for him.” Le Yu smirked triumphantly, glancing sidelong at the others. “General, select two or three eloquent soldiers to pose as deserters from You territory. Once inside the Qing Army camp, they can exploit Han Yue Sha’s complacency earned from previous victories. Have them claim knowledge of critical military intelligence—say, that supply wagons will pass through Cheng Rong Road at midnight tonight. Lure Han Yue Sha into launching an ambush there.”
Le Yu leaned closer to Zhu Jian, lowering his voice. “Meanwhile, General, lead thirty thousand troops to ambush near the Qing Army camp. When Han Yue Sha splits his forces to seize the supplies, strike his main base. This is called the ‘Luring the Tiger from the Mountain’ strategy.”
“Brilliant! Brilliant!” Zhu Jian clapped his hands and laughed heartily, his earlier fatigue forgotten. “Advisor, if this succeeds, half the credit shall be yours!”
________________________________________
During these restless nights, that scoundrel has been sleeping lightly, waking often—and when he wakes, he doesn’t rest quietly. Instead, he amuses himself by teasing me until I’m driven mad, sword in hand. Only by napping during the day have I managed to recover some energy.
“Good afternoon, Lord Feng!” Though rough, the soldiers were always straightforward and greeted me warmly whenever they saw me.
“Afternoon.” I nodded and smiled gently.
A group of three or four men jostled each other, occasionally stealing glances at me, as if they wanted to say something. Amused, I stood there watching them. What now?
Finally, a small man was shoved forward. He stumbled a couple of steps before steadying himself in front of me. “Lord Feng!” he bowed deeply, glaring angrily at those behind him. The others chuckled nervously, waving him on.
“What is it?” I asked kindly.
He raised his head, cheeks flushed, and stammered hesitantly: “Last night… last night…” He fidgeted with his nails, muttering for a while before blurting out loudly: “Was there a rat in your tent last night?”
“A rat?” I stared at him, baffled.
“Yes, sir. Last night, while relieving myself, I heard intense… uh, noises coming from your tent and the prince’s tent.” His eyes darted around evasively. “And I heard you cursing softly, so I thought perhaps a field mouse had gotten inside.”
“A rat…” Thinking of the scoundrel’s mischievous behavior, I clenched my fists and snorted coldly. “Yes, there was a rat—a lustful one.” With that, I walked past the tent and headed off.
“A rat? How stupid can you get?!” Complaints echoed from around the corner.
“Exactly! Can rats laugh that loudly? Such a wasted opportunity—you didn’t ask the important questions!” Several men retreated behind another tent, listening intently.
“That’s right! All the brothers across camps are waiting for our report—it’s a bet involving the entire army!”
A bet involving the whole army? Surprised, I leaned closer to listen.
“How was I supposed to know?!” the same man shouted indignantly. “Then tell me, how should I have asked?”
“You should’ve asked whether the rat was on top or he was on top, idiot!”
My foot slipped, nearly causing me to stumble. Fuming, I strode away without looking back. Approaching the main tent, I saw it packed with people. Was this a military meeting? Quietly stepping inside, I noticed two kneeling soldiers wearing Jing Army uniforms. Tugging at Han Shuo’s sleeve, I glanced at them questioningly. In a low voice, Uncle Shuo explained: “They’re refugees from You, unable to endure Zhu Jian’s harsh treatment, and have secretly defected here.”
My brother, dressed in a green robe with a white jade hairband, scanned the room with piercing eyes. The two men immediately lowered their heads. The generals remained silent. After a moment, my brother laughed warmly, stepped down from his seat, and helped the two men rise. “Stand up. We are all brothers.”
“General!” The man on the left trembled, tears welling in his eyes. He exchanged a glance with the man on the right, as if making a decision. Wiping his face, he cautiously surveyed the surroundings before speaking in a guarded tone: “General, I have crucial military intelligence to report.”
My brother raised his eyebrows, feigning surprise. “Oh? Military intelligence?” He glanced at the assembled generals and smiled reassuringly. “These are all trusted comrades. Speak freely.”
“Yes!” The man on the left turned his head and spoke urgently: “We were originally grain keepers in the Jing Army. Yesterday, we received word that supplies would arrive tomorrow morning. If the general sends troops to raid Cheng Rong Road tonight and cut off their food supply, victory will soon follow.”
Delighted, my brother patted his shoulder firmly. “Good! Good!” Stepping forward, he declared boldly: “Ding Qian!”
An official stepped forward. “Here.”
“Escort them and treat them well.” A flash of cunning gleamed in my brother’s deep eyes.
Ding Qian understood, raising an eyebrow knowingly before bowing slightly. “Yes.”
As the two approached me, I swiftly stuck out my leg, tripping the one who had proposed the plan. He looked up at me, confused. Smiling faintly, I spoke to him in the dialect of You: “Go die.”
At first, he frowned in confusion, but after a moment, his narrow eyes narrowed further, and he grinned. “It’s fine, it’s fine.” Such a presumptuous response.
Without showing any emotion, I nodded. Once the two disappeared from sight, the tent erupted in hearty laughter.
“Hahaha!” Wang Zhongwen, a surrendered general, laughed so hard he nearly fell over. “Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!” Bowing deeply to me, he said, “After the battle of Fan City, everyone praised Lord Feng’s strategic mind. Seeing it firsthand today confirms their words.”
I inclined my body slightly, returning the courtesy.
“Indeed,” chimed in a young officer, hands on his hips, laughing loudly. “From the moment they entered, I sensed something was off. Lord Feng cleverly tested them with dialect, and that fool responded arrogantly. Truly self-deluded!”
My brother watched me, shaking his head with a smile. His voice grew serious. “Enough. Let’s focus on the matter at hand.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the generals stood at attention, their expressions solemn.
“Zhu Jian has finally lost his patience.” My brother lowered his head, eyes half-closed, and after a moment, raised his head with a faint smile, his gaze sharp. “Then I shall fulfill his wish. Han Qi!”
The bearded warrior stepped forward briskly: “At your service!”
“Tonight, take ten thousand men to Cheng Rong Road. There will surely be an ambush there.” My brother fixed him with a piercing stare, handing over a command token. “Do not light torches; move silently under cover of darkness. Once you’ve assessed the situation, use the ‘fly cage’ formation to surround them and eliminate them swiftly. Afterward, set the mountain ablaze—make sure it causes chaos so that the enemy believes our main force has fallen into their trap!”
“Yes! I accept the mission!” Han Qi responded loudly, taking the token.
“Wang Zhongwen!” My brother retrieved another copper tally.
“At your service!” The tall and handsome defector stepped forward gracefully.
“I order you to lead fifty thousand soldiers from the northern camp to hold our main position.”
This announcement stunned everyone, including Wang Zhongwen himself. Indeed, in open-field warfare, the main camp was crucial, and assigning a former Jing general to defend it was an unexpected move.
Wang Zhongwen must have felt the weight of this trust, as his tiger-like eyes trembled slightly. He accepted the token with both hands: “I accept the mission.”
My brother patted his shoulder: “Tonight, Zhu Jian will surely send troops to raid us, and their numbers will be significant. General Wang, are you confident in annihilating the enemy forces entirely?”
Wang Zhongwen straightened his back, meeting my brother’s gaze fiercely: “Victory is certain!”
“Good!” My brother raised his eyebrows and smiled, exuding extraordinary confidence. “Han De.”
“At your service.” The young officer who had spoken earlier stepped forward and saluted.
“I order you to assist General Wang in defending the camp. Remember, ensure the safety of His Highness—” My brother paused, glancing deeply at me for a moment, “—and Feng Yunqing.”
“Yes!”
“Han Shuo!”
“At your service.”
My brother walked over to the desk, tapping his fingers lightly: “Did Zhu Jian sleep well last night?”
Uncle Han Shuo, with his dark face, raised his eyebrows and chuckled: “He woke up five times during the night and didn’t get any rest.”
“Excellent!” My brother slammed the desk and swept his sharp gaze across the room. “Tonight, the rest of you will follow me out of the camp. We’ll return their tactics against them and seize the Jing Army’s main position, sending Zhu Jian into eternal slumber!”
“Yes!” A thunderous roar erupted, brimming with fighting spirit.
________________________________________
On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the moon was full, the grass withered, and the autumn chill made sleep elusive.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, I quietly polished my sword, Xiaohun . Raising my head, I saw Yunzhi lounging lazily against the frame, engrossed in reading a collection of erotic poetry. He truly had audacity—this afternoon, Wang Zhongwen had kindly suggested he leave the camp to avoid danger, but Yunzhi refused, saying his absence would only raise suspicion among the enemy. He expressed complete faith in General Wang’s abilities and volunteered to stay behind as bait. This response had brought tears to the eyes of the seven-foot-tall man, who now looked upon Yunzhi with deep respect. With just a few words, he had won hearts—had he perhaps mastered some form of sorcery?
“What?” His voice jolted me back to reality, and I realized I’d been staring blankly at him for quite some time. Scowling slightly, I lowered my head and resumed polishing my sword more vigorously, muttering softly: “It’s nothing.”
“Nothing?” In the blink of an eye, the book rolled up and pressed against my chin. I raised my head, glaring fiercely into his eyes: “Put it down.”
His peach-blossom eyes, long and slightly teasing, gleamed mischievously in the candlelight: “And if I say no?” He leaned closer, a faint musky scent wafting toward me.
With a cold laugh, I gripped the hilt of my sword horizontally. A flash of silver, and paper scraps fluttered through the air. Blowing away the strand of hair clinging to the blade, I turned my gaze, smiling softly: “That’s the outcome for defiance.”
He showed neither surprise nor anger, his eyes rippling slightly as he smiled enchantingly: “What should I do now~” He retreated a few steps, his gaze roaming over me, his eyebrows twitching faintly. “How did I end up meeting someone like you?” He wore an expression of fascination, his eyes appearing both drunk and sober, distant yet present. “So difficult to endure… truly unbearable.”
Outside the tent, the wind howled, and cool drafts slipped through the cracks, playfully flickering the candlelight. His figure alternated between light and shadow, his handsome face appearing and disappearing. Focusing intently, I heard the faint sound of metal clashing—a warning. The tent flap fluttered, and the autumn breeze brought a wave of chill. Suddenly, a strange cry echoed, and the candle inside the tent was abruptly extinguished by the wind.
Standing with my sword drawn, I held my breath. Amidst the silence, shouts erupted suddenly, accompanied by earth-shaking footsteps that made me stiffen involuntarily. The plains beneath my feet seemed to tremble, the cold wind whipping my robes. Hurrying forward, I attempted to peer out through the door. My wrist was suddenly grabbed, and with a sharp tug, I stumbled and fell onto the bed. In the dim light cast by Xiaohun, I clearly saw those dangerous eyes glowing with intense desire, brimming with uncontainable interest. I was startled.
“Kill!” The wilderness stirred violently, and the once-vibrant footsteps suddenly weakened. The mouse had entered the cage—it was time for the cat to act.
The grip on my wrist remained firm, and those eyes grew even brighter. Swinging my sword, I tried to flip up, but before I could react, my right hand was also seized. He closed in, overpowering me despite my struggles. Attempting to break free using internal energy proved futile—he pinned both my hands together with one palm while using the other to block several of my pressure points. My qi dissipated, leaving me limp and powerless. With a metallic clang, Xiaohun fell to the ground.
Warm breath washed over my neck as outside the tent, the sounds of battle raged on. Yet close to my ear came a dreamlike whisper: “Qingqing…” My earlobe was gently nibbled, sending a tingling sensation coursing through me, causing an involuntary shiver. “Seeing you like this breaks my heart… truly breaks my heart.” His arms tightened around my waist, enveloping me like a blanket. One breath, two breaths—his touch lingered teasingly on my skin, creating a slight itch. “Does it tickle?” A low chuckle followed, and I gritted my teeth, refusing to respond. “Your body may feel itchy, but what I feel… is something else entirely~”
A sudden movement caught my eye. On the dimmed tent wall, silhouettes appeared, flashes of blades slicing through the air, and streaks of blood splattered across the fabric.
“Stop playing with me!” I growled lowly. “We’re in the middle of a crisis, and you’re still fooling around!”
“Fooling around?” His voice turned icy, laced with displeasure. He gently pinched my chin. “At first, I thought it was just a game, a fleeting interest. When we first met, your innocence left me disdainful. During the second encounter at the roadside shrine, I noticed your wariness. Watching your transformation intrigued me. But—” His gentle pinch turned into a firm grip. “Your growth astounded me. Those few words on Lake Xixin haunted me for three days… three whole days…” His lips brushed mine again, lingering longer this time. “Do you know what went through my mind when Cheng Bi told me you might be in danger?” He caressed my cheek tenderly. Outside, the cries of battle continued, and the stench of blood seeped into the tent, but all I heard was a soft sigh. “I sat awake all night and realized… it wasn’t just regret.”
The hand on my waist loosened and tightened rhythmically, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin. His voice turned cold, issuing a warning: “If you don’t want to die, stop resisting.”
“Ho ho~” He began kissing my earlobe. “That melody on Meng Lake stirred something within me. Our next meeting—the clarity and audacity of your swordplay dazzled me.” Delicate kisses trailed along my cheek. “Discovering that you were her, and she was you… the joy was indescribable.” His warmth reached the corner of my lips. “The subtle hints at Zhaohuan Pavilion, the strategies in Fusong Hall—they made my heart race.” His lips captured mine, emitting an ambiguous murmur. “The eighth day of the eighth month—it broke my heart.”
“Ahh!” Outside, screams echoed continuously. Clenching my lips tightly, I focused inward, channeling my energy to break free—one point, two points…
“After sharing a tent for a few days, the unbearable itch in my heart was both painful and pleasurable.” A low, raspy laugh escaped his throat. “I wanted to devour you completely, but if I were to make you mine, confining you within walls, wouldn’t that also be another kind of regret?” His tone rose lightly, yet it couldn’t mask his overwhelming confidence. “If you wish to fly, I’ll give you a vast sky. If you wish to swim, I’ll grant you an endless sea.” Our lips met, as if exchanging breaths. I held my breath stubbornly, refusing to respond. He didn’t move either, simply waiting there. Time seemed to stretch endlessly until, just as I was about to give in, something wet and soft traced my lips. In an instant, my resistance crumbled, eliciting a deep chuckle from him. “Qingqing.” His smile faded, his voice tightened, and the hand on my waist suddenly moved upward, pressing gently against my chest, causing my qi to surge chaotically within me. “Before your heart beats for me, your eyes must hold no one else’s figure.” His words were domineering. “Otherwise, I don’t know what I might do to you.”
The cries of battle gradually subsided. The tent flap flew up, and torchlight flooded in, filling the room with a warm glow.
“Your Highness?” Han De led several soldiers inside. Upon spotting the two of us, he froze momentarily, while the accompanying guards exchanged glances, their faces lit with excitement, as though they’d uncovered a monumental secret.
I glared at him furiously, but he only smiled smugly, whispering in my ear: “Actually, compared to being beneath, I prefer being on top.”
At that moment, my blocked pressure points were abruptly shattered, and a torrent of qi surged forth like a storm, sending him flying off the bed. I flipped over, grabbed Xiaohun, and pointed it directly at his chin: “I warned you of the consequences.”
He tilted his head back, licking the corner of his mouth: “Delicious.”
“You!” Fury ignited within me, and I swung my sword across his neck, leaving a thin line of blood.
“Your Highness!” Han De rushed forward, helping him up, then cast a complicated glance at me. “Lord Feng, please don’t act rashly!”
I lowered my sword, turned my wrist slightly, and Xiaohun emitted a faint hum.
Han De swallowed hard, his face pale with fear: “Everything outside has been cleared. Please, both of you hurry and leave the camp. Once General secures Min Pass, the main army will march north.”
Crimson blood trickled down his pale neck, coalescing into a vivid streak in the dark night. At the corner of his lips, it formed a bewitching, seductive smile.
Sheathing my sword, I turned sharply and bolted out of the tent: “Tayaung!” With a loud shout, my steed galloped toward me. I leapt onto its back and spurred it forward. Between the tents, rivers of blood flowed, mountains of corpses piled high—some already dead, others clinging to life. Brothers who had laughed and joked innocently during the day now transformed into specters of war, each swing of their blades claiming another life as they finished off the enemy soldiers gasping for breath on the ground. The towering gates of the encampment were stained crimson.
The autumn wind swept through the trees, and the Milky Way stretched across the sky. In the distant wilderness, flames blazed brightly, and the sudden gust of wind carried the thick stench of charred flesh. The full moon above cast a pale light, gathering countless lost souls. The darkness of the night seemed to wrap the heavens in a funeral shroud. The distant mountains loomed black and ominous, the vast plains beneath my feet heavy with gloom, as though we stood on the precipice of hell.
I reined in my horse, raising my sword toward the sky: Fate lies in my hands, inexorable. Neither gods nor men can defy it!
“Hyah!” With a kick to the horse’s flank, I raced toward the inferno of battle.
The steed let out a fierce whinny as iron hooves thundered across the land, the wind howling through the passes. Victory awaited at the end of ten thousand miles.
With a laugh that defied the whims of heaven, the strategist commanded effortlessly, his feather fan swaying lightly at his side, his fur-lined robe billowing in the breeze.
An ocean of soldiers, their spirit swallowing the universe whole.
Zhang Mi wrote in Records of the Warring States: “In the first year of the chaos, on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the Qing Army breached the pass. Of their hundred thousand troops, only a hundred perished—a feat that shocked even the divine Kun. Dragons soared, serpents danced, and a renowned general emerged. The great victory at Min Pass shattered the mountains and rivers.”
Google Sites
Report abuse