CXD - 39

Half an hour later, Yuan Ce returned to the main tent and changed out of his wine-scented outer robe. When he emerged in clean attire, he saw Mu Xinhong and a group of soldiers gathered around a bonfire, drinking and chatting merrily.

“Any news?” Yuan Ce asked as he approached them from behind.

The group of slightly tipsy soldiers turned their heads in surprise, their cheerful expressions immediately turning serious. “What report is the young general referring to...?”

Mu Xinhong chuckled and pressed down on the tense shoulders of the men. “Relax, relax. The young general is just missing his fiancée like I am!”

Yuan Ce: “...”

“Young General, the princess is probably too busy tonight to think of you. If you really have nothing to do, why not rest?” Mu Xinhong grinned drunkenly.

...A few drinks had already gotten them this drunk.

“The ever-busy General Shen seems to have some leisure time tonight.” A voice with an amused tone drifted over from afar.

Yuan Ce turned his head and saw Li Dafeng sitting alone by another bonfire farther away. The skilled physician held a branch in his hand, poking at the fire—more precisely, at a pile of charred paper lantern remains that were now unrecognizable.

“Doctor Li, who saves lives and heals wounds, also seems to have eaten his fill and grown restless,” Yuan Ce remarked casually as he crossed his arms.

“How is it restlessness? These lanterns, written with full names, cannot be reused or discarded carelessly. Burning them is the most appropriate solution.”

“Is burning them truly the best option, or are some people worried these wishes might come true?”

Li Dafeng smiled noncommittally, his eyes flickering mischievously. “Young ladies shouldn’t make such malicious wishes—it’s easy for them to backfire. Burning it is for her own good.”

Yuan Ce walked over and sat down beside the bonfire.

Li Dafeng gestured with his chin toward another Kongming lantern behind him. “You’ve got nothing better to do anyway—why not burn this one too?”

Yuan Ce glanced at Jiang Zhiyi’s lantern paper but didn’t say anything.

“The wish she made was ‘undying love’—a promise to remain faithful whether in life or death. If it comes true, I’d say the person destined to grow old alone would be you,” Li Dafeng teased, using the branch to lift the lantern paper and handing it to him with a grin.

Yuan Ce’s expression remained impassive, his jaw tightening into a hard line, and he made no move to take it.

Li Dafeng simply tossed the branch forward, sending the lantern paper into the flames along with it. “If you don’t stop me, consider it burned by your own hands.”

The flames roared, swiftly charring the pristine white lantern paper until its edges curled black. Yuan Ce reached out hesitantly, his open palm frozen mid-air, watching as the lantern paper slowly turned to ash, each word of the wish vanishing bit by bit—

The hand Yuan Ce held suspended in the air gradually clenched into a fist.

Li Dafeng burst into hearty laughter.

At that moment, a clear female voice rang out behind them. “What are you burning that makes you laugh so happily?”

Yuan Ce: “...”

Both men turned their heads simultaneously, first noticing two sets of vibrant skirts that stood out starkly against the muddy ground. As their eyes traveled upward, they saw two graceful figures standing before them.

Realizing that the curious gazes came from a vantage point above, Yuan Ce and Li Dafeng instinctively stood up together, their shoulders brushing as they moved closer, blocking the bonfire from view.

Yuan Ce kicked out with his foot, pushing the half-burnt lantern frame deeper into the fire while nudging Li Dafeng’s heel with the tip of his boot. “You’re the one being asked—what are you burning that makes you laugh so much?”

Li Dafeng: “...”

Jiang Zhiyi and Princess Baojia exchanged glances, suspicion creeping into their expressions.

“Are you two up to something naughty?” Jiang Zhiyi tilted her head playfully, trying to peek behind them.

“Princess, there’s no need to worry—” Li Dafeng bowed politely to Jiang Zhiyi. “It wasn’t us—it was the young general who ordered me to do it.”

Yuan Ce: “...”

“Doctor Li can lie even with his eyes wide open—” Yuan Ce sneered. “But why did you only bow to the princess and ignore the presence of Her Highness?”

Li Dafeng nodded respectfully and turned to Princess Baojia.

“No need,” Princess Baojia said with a smile, not sparing a glance at Li Dafeng. “Not everyone’s courtesy is worth acknowledging—but mine is.”

Jiang Zhiyi glanced between Li Dafeng and Princess Baojia, sensing an awkward tension quietly spreading.

By now, the soldiers stationed around the other bonfires had risen solemnly without notice. Jiang Zhiyi straightened herself and addressed the crowd, clearing her throat. “All esteemed soldiers, there’s no need for formalities. Princess Baojia and I have come to reward your efforts with some midnight snacks. It’s a long night ahead, so don’t let your stomachs go empty.”

As her words trailed off, a procession of well-dressed servants entered the camp, carrying platters laden with roasted chicken, duck, fish, and meat dishes.

“Shen thanks Princess Baojia and Lady Jiang for your kindness on behalf of the troops,” Yuan Ce said, bowing to both women. He gestured discreetly to the soldiers, signaling them to eat freely.

After delivering the official speech, Yuan Ce watched as everyone was drawn to the lavish spread, gathering in small groups excitedly. Once he confirmed no one was paying attention to their side anymore, Jiang Zhiyi stepped forward and looped her arm through Yuan Ce’s. “Did you miss me?”

Yuan Ce slowly turned his head, glancing at Li Dafeng and Princess Baojia, who deliberately avoided looking at each other, then at the soldiers facing away in the distance.

Jiang Zhiyi continued speaking cheerfully. “We were planning to release lanterns and then have you pick me up to spend New Year’s Eve at home. But I wanted to see how the military celebrates, so I dragged Princess Baojia here. Let’s stay up all night together!”

Yuan Ce eyed her snow-white, fluffy silver fox cloak. “Won’t you get dirty or cold staying here?”

Jiang Zhiyi naturally preferred the comfort of a warm and clean home. However, since she and Brother Ce were now close enough to sit on the same couch during the vigil, whereas Princess Baojia and Doctor Li wouldn’t even face each other, she felt obligated to create an opportunity for reconciliation between them. Thus, she pretended to insist on coming here despite the inconvenience.

“With you here, anywhere feels clean and warm,” Jiang Zhiyi said with a bright smile, her eyes crinkling joyfully.

Yuan Ce coughed lightly and pulled her hand, leading her toward the main tent.

Jiang Zhiyi stumbled slightly as he tugged her. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

“Do you really think they’re focused on eating?”

“Ah?” Jiang Zhiyi glanced back at the group of soldiers, who were indeed putting on a convincing act. “They’re eavesdropping on us?”

“The soldiers from Xuan Ce Army are the most elite troops. At your volume, there’s no need to eavesdrop—they can hear you clearly.”

Jiang Zhiyi’s face flushed as she quickened her pace. “Your camp is dangerous...”

The four entered Yuan Ce’s main tent one after another and took their seats around the newly arranged long table. Servants brought in dishes specifically prepared for their masters—

Braised deer tendon, wine-braised lamb, crab salad, shrimp tempura, crystal fish slices, crispy fried tripe, five-treasure delicacies, three-ingredient soup... All signature dishes from Feng Xu Lai, each dish exquisitely plated until the table was packed full. In the center, a steaming hot pot bubbled with creamy white mutton broth.

It had been two hours since their New Year’s Eve feast, and this was just the right time to feel hungry again. Seeing that Princess Baojia wasn’t planning to speak, Jiang Zhiyi took the initiative and invited the two men across from her: “Let’s start eating!”

Yuan Ce and Jiang Zhiyi picked up their chopsticks first.

A servant noticed the broth in the hot pot was boiling and began placing thin slices of meat into it for the masters.

Jiang Zhiyi glanced over and stopped the servant’s chopsticks. “What kind of meat is this?”

“Beef, my lady. The finest tenderloin.”

Li Dafeng shot a glance at Yuan Ce on his right.

Yuan Ce gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head.

In the next instant, Jiang Zhiyi waved her hand. “Take it away and bring something else. General Shen doesn’t eat beef.”

Yuan Ce’s chopsticks froze, and he abruptly lifted his eyes.

Li Dafeng’s gaze flickered, turning toward Jiang Zhiyi.

Seeing the stunned expressions of the two men across from her, Jiang Zhiyi blinked innocently. “What’s wrong? Does Doctor Li like beef? If so, we can bring two pots.”

Li Dafeng shook his head. “No, it’s not that.”

It wasn’t that he liked beef—it was that Yuan Ce truly didn’t eat beef.

But the person who didn’t eat beef was Yuan Ce, not Shen Yuan Ce.

Yuan Ce hesitated, holding his empty chopsticks. “I... don’t eat beef?”

Jiang Zhiyi paused. “Is that not true? Did I remember incorrectly?”

Yuan Ce narrowed his eyes, staring at her intently. “Why don’t I eat beef?”

Jiang Zhiyi blinked, searching her memory but strangely unable to recall.

“You never told me why, and I don’t remember either... But I do remember you dislike the smell of beef, right?”

Yes, he disliked the smell of beef because there was a special medical technique used in the army to save critically injured patients. It involved cutting open a live cow’s abdomen and placing the dying person inside, allowing them to soak in the warm blood to have a chance at survival.

Years ago, during a severe injury, he had also been placed inside a cow’s abdomen.

If it were him now, he might not have developed such an aversion afterward, but back then, he was still young. Since then, he could no longer tolerate the smell of beef, feeling nauseous whenever he ate it.

But this was his aversion, not his brother’s. In the noble banquets of Chang’an, where beef and mutton were considered delicacies, he had endured eating beef over the past two months and grown accustomed to it without much difficulty.

When Li Dafeng heard it was beef earlier and glanced at him, he hadn’t intended to let the princess or the young lady notice anything unusual. Though it wasn’t a critical matter, avoiding differences with his brother always felt safer.

But—how did Jiang Zhiyi know?

If she said so confidently, it meant his brother had mentioned it to her. But his brother hadn’t known about this aversion when he was in the capital.

“What’s with all of you?” Princess Baojia looked between the two men, puzzled. “Even if you remembered incorrectly, there’s no need to embarrass her like this when she’s being thoughtful about your preferences.”

Yuan Ce snapped out of his thoughts and glanced at Jiang Zhiyi. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I don’t avoid eating beef.”

“Oh, so maybe I really misremembered,” Jiang Zhiyi said, now confused herself. “It’s a small matter—I’ll remember correctly from now on!”

After finishing their midnight snacks, it was nearing midnight. Jiang Zhiyi rinsed her mouth with tea and saw Princess Baojia slightly tipsy, leaning lazily against the table, unwilling to move. An idea struck her, and she suggested going out for a walk to digest their meal. She asked Li Dafeng to take care of Princess Baojia and quickly pulled Yuan Ce away.

Yuan Ce understood Jiang Zhiyi’s intention and cooperatively left the tent for the two of them, walking outside with her. He originally wanted to switch tents, but she insisted she genuinely wanted to take a walk. So, he led her out of the camp.

Reflecting on what happened during the meal, Yuan Ce still couldn’t figure out whether Jiang Zhiyi’s “misremembering” was a coincidence or if something unusual was at play.

Lost in thought, he suddenly felt someone tugging at his little finger. “It’s so cold—I didn’t bring my hand warmer because I wanted to hold your hand. Aren’t you going to hold mine?”

Yuan Ce enclosed her hand in his palm. “I already told you we could’ve stayed in a different tent.”

“You’re so boring. We’re in the wilderness now, and our shoes are already dirty. Wouldn’t it be a waste not to enjoy some scenery?” Jiang Zhiyi walked while looking up at the sky. Unlike the dazzling lights of the city, they could clearly see the Milky Way above, with stars scattered like flowing pearls.

“Scenery?” Yuan Ce gazed at the unchanging, dull stars above, surrounded by hidden dangers of beasts in the wild mountains. The fallen leaves and muddy ground beneath their feet were sights he was tired of—but perhaps for her, a noblewoman confined to her chambers, this was a rare adventure. “There’s nothing special here. The wilderness in Hexi is thousands of times better.”

“Then take me to Hexi!” Jiang Zhiyi blurted out.

Yuan Ce’s breath caught slightly, and he turned his head. “The frontier isn’t a place for play.”

“But after we get married, I’ll follow you wherever you go.”

“...”

“Have you never thought about this?” Jiang Zhiyi swung his hand, tilting her head to look at him.

Yuan Ce avoided her sincere, burning gaze. “Let’s take it one step at a time.”

Jiang Zhiyi stopped, displeased. “It’s already almost the New Year, and you’re still taking it one step at a time. My uncle is already moving closer step by step!”

“...”

Yuan Ce paused, facing her. “Then what do you want—”

Before he could finish, a sudden burst of loud crackling sounds erupted.

Jiang Zhiyi let out a startled cry and buried herself into Yuan Ce’s arms.

Yuan Ce quickly raised his hand, covering her ears. After glancing at the distance, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “It’s fireworks. The New Year has arrived.”

Jiang Zhiyi slowly peeked out from his embrace, exhaling in relief. She smiled and hugged his waist, leaning against him as she watched the lively crowd dancing and celebrating in the camp.

After the fireworks subsided, Jiang Zhiyi tilted her head up. “What were you asking me earlier?”

Yuan Ce was about to remove his hands but realized her ears were freezing cold. He kept his hands near her ears and sighed. “I said, what do you want?”

Having listened to the joyful sound of fireworks, Jiang Zhiyi had completely forgotten her previous concerns. Hugging him slyly, she blinked mischievously. “I want... I want you to kiss me.”

Yuan Ce’s hand, which had been rubbing her ear, froze in place.

“If you won’t kiss me, then I’ll kiss you—it’s the same either way.” Jiang Zhiyi tilted her head up and looked at him. “You choose!”

Yuan Ce’s gaze flickered as he lowered his eyes to her slightly parted lips. A moment later, he shifted his gaze and turned his head away.

“Fine, then I’ll kiss you!” Jiang Zhiyi muttered, struggling to tiptoe. Her hands, which had been wrapped around his waist, moved upward to reach his neck.

Feeling her hands pressing down on his neck, trying to pull him closer, forcing him to lower his head and cooperate—

A savage force surged within him, crashing violently against the sturdy locks, barriers, and defenses he had built.

“Lower your head!”

Yuan Ce raised his hand and pressed down on the hands around his neck.

Jiang Zhiyi’s brows drooped, and she released him, frowning and pursing her lips. This time, she was truly angry.

“I’m kissing you, and you’re still unwilling. Am I really that repulsive to you...?” Jiang Zhiyi pouted, turned around, and started walking back toward the camp.

She had only taken two steps when her wrist was suddenly pulled. Jiang Zhiyi spun back with the force. Before she could steady herself, a broad palm cupped the back of her head, and the stubborn neck that had refused to bend moments ago now lowered.

Yuan Ce leaned down and kissed the corner of her lips.

Before him were her wide, astonished eyes. Through those clear orbs, it was as if he could see the image of the pure white lantern paper burning fiercely in the fire tonight. The dirty ashes seemed to force him to admit—

Yes, he didn’t want her wish to come true. He was a despicable sinner who had fallen for his brother’s beloved, wanting to replace him entirely.