CXD - 84

Late into the night, the wind ceased and the rain stopped. Outside the Jiyu Forest, the Xuan Ce Army set up camp to rest and recuperate after the battle.

Due to her unsuitable status, Pei Xueqing was taken by Pei Zisong to a nearby post station to rest, while Jiang Zhiyi returned to the camp with Yuan Ce.

In recent days, she and the Pei siblings had followed the path cleared by the Xuan Ce Army, advancing to each city as Yuan Ce captured it, until two days ago when all the lost territories within the pass were reclaimed. They had temporarily settled at the border between the pass and the capital region, not far from here.

Though the recapture of the territories within the pass had been swift and victorious, the prolonged battles had left the entire Xuan Ce Army utterly exhausted. Jiang Zhiyi’s visit was not only to personally see Fan Denian off but also to bring thousands of pounds of mutton to reward the soldiers.

In the camp, wisps of smoke rose from cooking fires, and bonfires burned quietly, finally free from the chaos of war and the ever-present threat of battle horns.

Jiang Zhiyi walked beside Yuan Ce, watching him cradle his helmet in the crook of his arm as he listened to the soldier report on the military situation in the capital region. After the soldier left, she picked up a handkerchief to wipe away the sweat and bloodstains covering his face.

Yuan Ce’s stern expression softened as he reached out to stop her hand: “It’s filthy.”

Jiang Zhiyi paused: “I don’t mind.”

“But I do. How dare their blood taint my fiancée’s handkerchief?”

“…” So you’re quite clear about your likes and dislikes.

Just then, a soldier carrying a basin of water passed by. Yuan Ce waved him over and dipped his face into the clear water.

The soldier’s words, “This water was for Physician Li,” died in his throat.

Yuan Ce lifted his face, letting the water drip down, and tilted his neck toward Jiang Zhiyi, nudging his chin: “Go ahead, wipe now.”

Jiang Zhiyi hesitated before gently wiping his forehead, cheeks, and nose with the handkerchief, feeling countless pairs of eyes focused on them, which slowed her movements.

Yuan Ce glanced around: “Those who are idle should go wash their faces.”

The soldiers quickly averted their gazes and scattered to fetch water.

“I did want to wash my face, but where did my water go?” Li Dafeng emerged from the tent, hands casually tucked into his sleeves, and spotted the basin next to Yuan Ce. “Ah, someone intercepted it.”

“A whole basin of water, and you’re still complaining?” Yuan Ce raised an eyebrow at him. “Or are you jealous because I have someone to wipe my face, and you don’t?”

Jiang Zhiyi, who had just wiped Yuan Ce’s nose, gave it a light pinch: “Stop showing off. Physician Li personally cleaned you and took care of you back in Xingyang.”

“He cleaned me—what’s there to be happy about?”

Jiang Zhiyi blinked thoughtfully: “You’re happy if I clean you? Then later, take off your armor…”

Li Dafeng coughed lightly, signaling that he was still present.

Jiang Zhiyi cleared her throat, put away the handkerchief, and turned to Li Dafeng: “Physician Li, I’m sorry. I couldn’t return to the capital before Sister Baojia’s birthday, and her birthday gift is still with me.”

“The sudden outbreak of war made things difficult, but as long as the Duchess is safe, this small matter is no big deal. I doubt she celebrated her birthday anyway.”

Indeed, a palace coup erupted in Chang’an in June. Though the crisis was eventually resolved, the capital region had remained embroiled in conflict.

Fortunately, the emperor had been wary of his second son and personally drew his sword to confront the enemy on the day of the coup. The fourth prince led troops to rescue the palace, protecting everyone—including Yuan Ce’s stepmother and other generals’ families—before the rebels could seize control of key ministers and their loved ones.

As a result, the second prince had to withdraw from Chang’an to join forces with the outer rebel army. Tonight, with Fan Denian’s defeat, the second prince had likely been captured as well.

It was probable that Fan Denian’s rebel forces had been handed over to the Xuan Ce Army, while the second prince’s forces had been entrusted to the fourth prince.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, a soldier rushed in breathlessly: “Report—!”

At the sound of the shout, Jiang Zhiyi tensed, her body stiffening instantly.

“Lesser General, the imperial army from the capital region is approaching our camp from twenty li southeast!”

Jiang Zhiyi looked nervously at Yuan Ce: “The imperial army—they’re allies, right?”

Yuan Ce and Li Dafeng exchanged a glance. Allies? Perhaps not.

Two quarters of an hour later, the Xuan Ce Army mounted their horses and lined up in front of the camp, facing the similarly mounted imperial army.

An invisible boundary divided the flat ground, with the black-and-gold armies standing on either side, neither crossing into the other’s territory, silently staring at one another.

In the darkness, the cavalry from both sides parted like flowing water, creating a path. Two tall horses emerged from their respective formations, slowly advancing toward the middle. Upon reaching the boundary, the riders simultaneously pulled their reins, halting their steeds and locking eyes.

Jiang Zhiyi stood to the side, using the campfire’s glow to observe the leader of the opposing side—Fourth Prince Qi Yan, clad in golden armor, with thick eyebrows, a high nose, and sharp, commanding phoenix eyes.

After a brief exchange of glances, Yuan Ce and Qi Yan dismounted.

The cavalry on both sides followed suit, dismounting as well.

Beside Qi Yan, an imperial envoy held aloft a scroll of bright yellow imperial decree, breaking the silence first: “Young General Shen, your efforts in quelling the rebellion have been arduous. The emperor’s gracious decree has arrived. Please receive it.”

Yuan Ce lowered his eyelashes, his gaze falling on the yellow scroll.

Qi Yan swept his eyes over Yuan Ce and the ranks of Xuan Ce soldiers behind him: “All officers and soldiers are clad in armor and wounded. It is inconvenient to kneel. Let us observe military protocol instead.”

Yuan Ce nodded, clasped his hands, and bowed deeply. The soldiers behind him followed suit.

The envoy announced the decree: “By the mandate of heaven and the will of the emperor, it is decreed: Former HeXi governor Shen Yuan Ce has led the HeXi Xuan Ce Army to reclaim the inner passes, slay traitors, secure the realm, and stabilize the empire. Following in his father’s footsteps, he has defended against external threats and maintained internal peace. The emperor is greatly pleased and hereby bestows upon Shen Yuan Ce the title of Marquis Zhechong with three thousand households. He is granted the courtesy name—Rangzhi. This decree concludes!”

Yuan Ce’s eyes narrowed sharply as he stared at the tip of his boots.

At the mention of “Rangzhi,” Jiang Zhiyi’s eyelids shot up, gazing at Yuan Ce’s bowed back. She couldn’t discern what he was thinking.

“Congratulations, Young General Shen. Before reaching adulthood, you have achieved such illustrious military feats, becoming the youngest marquis general in Da Ye’s history,” the envoy said with a smile, presenting the decree with both hands. “The emperor says you have endured great hardship in your continuous battles. Now that the rebellion is suppressed, you may return west with peace of mind. Reward your soldiers and allow them to rest and recover.”

Yuan Ce fell silent for a moment before accepting the decree with both hands: “Your servant thanks His Majesty for his grace.”

Qi Yan looked at Yuan Ce as he straightened up: “It is late into the night, and our troops also need rest. Would Young General Shen be willing to cede half of Jiyu Forest so that our army may camp here for the night?”

“Under the heavens, all lands belong to the emperor,” Yuan Ce raised his hand slightly. “Your Highness, please feel free to proceed as you see fit.”

The imperial army set up camp opposite the Xuan Ce Army, and both sides returned to their respective camps in silence.

Jiang Zhiyi followed Yuan Ce into the tent, helping him remove his helmet and piece by piece taking off his armor. She wanted to say something to him but hesitated and remained silent.

Eliminating Hedong and personally slaying their enemies was naturally satisfying, but with Hedong’s defeat, the balance of power among the court, Hedong, and Hexi had been shattered. The emperor’s wary eyes had shifted from Hedong to Hexi.

This campaign showcased the overwhelming might of the Xuan Ce Army, which struck fear into the rebels, but it also planted a thorn in the emperor’s mind.

Even though the emperor had taken every precaution against Hedong, they still faced this crisis, proving Hedong’s strength. However, Hexi had emerged victorious over Hedong despite three years of external warfare.

The emperor, having just endured a coup attempt, feared that Hexi might use the excuse of aiding the throne to march directly into the capital region, threatening the legitimacy of the imperial authority. Thus, he sent an edict of favor, bestowing upon Yuan Ce the prestigious title of marquis at a young age, granting him land and rewards, but most importantly, the courtesy name—Rangzhi (Letting Go).

At this moment, Jiang Zhiyi suddenly recalled an incident from several months ago.

In March, she had just regained her memories and desperately tried to flee Hexi, finding Pei Zisong as her lifeline. That day, when Pei Zisong asked if Yuan Ce had confined her, she lied and said no.

Later, Jingzhe asked why she hadn’t told the truth. If she had, the matter would have transcended being merely about the children of two families; the emperor would have intervened with an imperial decree, allowing them to return to the capital immediately.

At the time, she casually replied that it was because she feared Pei Zisong knowing too much would put him in danger.

But that wasn’t the real reason.

When Pei Zisong asked her, she envisioned the consequences of telling the truth. In her mind, she pictured an imperial decree being issued, and Yuan Ce bowing deeply to receive it, just as he had done tonight—

She realized she didn’t like that image.

Even though they were still full of misunderstandings and she was afraid of him, she instinctively resisted that scene.

Only now did she understand.

She didn’t want someone who had been oppressed by power since birth to bend his spine before that power.

His fate shouldn’t be like that.

Rangzhi, Rangzhi. If he had to yield anything, it should be his choice, not something imposed upon him.

“This courtesy name doesn’t sound good,” Jiang Zhiyi adjusted Yuan Ce’s collar, frowning in dissatisfaction. “I don’t accept it.”

Yuan Ce lowered his eyes and smiled at her: “Then what sounds good?”

Jiang Zhiyi glanced outside: “Can anyone hear us talking?”

“No one’s around now. Speak.”

“I think the name Ji Zhu suits you well. It fits you.”

Yuan Ce wasn’t surprised that she knew about his past identity and lightly raised an eyebrow: “Because you like eating bamboo shoots?”

“…” She was discussing something serious, why was he changing the subject!

Jiang Zhiyi glared at him: “Yes, I like eating you, alright.”

“When do you plan to eat?” Yuan Ce tilted his head.

Jiang Zhiyi’s brow twitched, wondering if she was overthinking things. Vivid images flashed through her mind, making her stammer: “E-eat what?”

“Then never mind.” Yuan Ce blinked.

Jiang Zhiyi looked at him curiously, wanting to say more, when she suddenly saw him raise a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.

Sure enough, moments later, a soldier approached the tent: “Young General, Fourth Prince has sent beef to reward the soldiers. He’s waiting outside the camp. Shall we invite him in?”

“The prince has already come to visit; how could we not invite him in?” Yuan Ce answered, then after the soldier left, he glanced sideways at Jiang Zhiyi. “You sent mutton; he sent beef. Quite synchronized, aren’t we?”

Jiang Zhiyi shot him a sidelong glance: “Isn’t it customary to send meat as a reward? Sending different kinds of meat isn’t synchronization. I sent mutton because I know you don’t eat beef.”

“So your childhood friend really doesn’t quite match with me.”

Jiang Zhiyi lowered her voice: “He’s about to arrive; stop with the sarcasm!”

Not long after her words faded, a soldier announced the arrival of the Fourth Prince, leading Qi Yan into the tent.

Like Yuan Ce, Qi Yan had changed out of his armor, wearing only light casual clothes. His tall stature nearly touched the tent ceiling, and his commanding phoenix eyes gave off an oppressive aura.

Jiang Zhiyi bowed her head respectfully: “Greetings, Fourth Prince.”

“No need for formalities,” Qi Yan’s gaze briefly brushed over Jiang Zhiyi’s lowered head before turning to Yuan Ce. “I wish to inquire about some details regarding the suppression of rebellions in the inner passes. Does Young General Shen have time?”

Yuan Ce nodded: “However, if Your Highness isn’t in a hurry, let us dine together first, then discuss matters. I am fine, but my wife is hungry.”

Jiang Zhiyi shot a glare at Yuan Ce.

When had she ever said she was hungry!

Qi Yan nodded: “Then let’s proceed.”

“Please, Your Highness.” Yuan Ce gestured, guiding Qi Yan to the long table inside the tent and inviting him to sit.

Jiang Zhiyi followed Yuan Ce to the seat opposite Qi Yan, sitting close beside him.

Soon, soldiers brought in food, serving three plates of dumplings filled with lamb, placing them in front of the three.

Jiang Zhiyi’s gaze froze on the dumplings before her.

Since her mother’s passing, she hadn’t eaten dumplings.

The reason was simple: on that New Year’s Eve, while picking up a dumpling, she heard the news of her mother’s suicide from the family nanny.

From then on, dumplings never appeared on her dining table, even during festivals.

Seeing dumplings reminded her of that day and the suffocating feeling of impending bad news.

However, she had only spent one New Year with Yuan Ce, and that year’s New Year’s Eve dinner was prepared by her and Sister Baojia. Yuan Ce seemed unaware of her aversion.

As Jiang Zhiyi paused, Qi Yan also noticed her slightly changed expression. Seeing Yuan Ce hadn’t reacted, he looked up and asked the soldier: “Didn’t you know Her Grace doesn’t eat dumplings?”

Yuan Ce slowly raised his eyes to look at Qi Yan, then slowly turned his head to glance at Jiang Zhiyi.