Read Novel Full Volume 2 Chapter 27 - Iron Bones and Tender Affection
Volume 2 Chapter 27 - Iron Bones and Tender Affection
Jin Yu’s heart was far from calm. When he initially decided to kiss her, it was purely an impulsive act the moment he woke up. Yet, as his lips pressed against hers, he realized just how soft and sweet they were. For the first time, he felt greed—a desire to have more. Her supple body beneath his made him hesitant to apply force, fearing he might hurt her. Yet, he couldn’t resist leaning closer. The sensation was intoxicating, and in that moment, he finally understood why even someone as cold and detached as Long Yueli was utterly bewitched by this woman. She truly was an unparalleled beauty.
“Mm!” Jin Yu’s large hand moved over Leng Jiu’s body. He had an expert understanding of acupuncture points, and each touch landed on sensitive spots. Leng Jiu couldn’t help but let out a soft moan, her fair face flushing with color, her expression irresistibly seductive.
Jin Yu’s heart rippled with emotion. Before now, he had never touched a woman, nor had he experienced passion. Yet today, he found himself wanting to try what the books described as the ultimate pleasure of union.
Just as Jin Yu’s slender fingers moved lower, his expression suddenly changed. “What did you make me take?”
Leng Jiu, who had been immersed in the heat of the moment, snapped back to reality. With a guilty tone, she replied, “I found some pills on you and made you take them.”
“How many?”
“Five, six, seven, eight… I don’t know!” Leng Jiu looked innocent. “I thought they were all life-saving medicines, so I gave you everything!”
Jin Yu felt an overwhelming urge to slap her dead on the spot but lacked the energy to do so. Without another word, he immediately sat down cross-legged to meditate and channel his internal energy. He couldn’t let himself be killed by his own poisons—it would be the joke of the century!
Seeing that he wouldn’t bother with her for a while, Leng Jiu quickly got up, patted the dust off her clothes, and ran off. Now that Jin Yu was awake, he surely wouldn’t die. If she didn’t take this chance to escape, was she supposed to wait around to be entirely devoured and tormented again? While she didn’t necessarily reject his kiss or anything further, she wasn’t a masochist. A few more days under his torture, and she might as well be dead!
She hesitated for a moment, stroking the mane of Snow Mountain Flying Dragon, then reluctantly glanced back at Jin Yu. Finally, she dashed away. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to take the magnificent horse with her, but anyone could tell at a glance it was a peerless steed. Riding it without the strength to protect it or herself would be suicidal. Sometimes, one must know their limits.
Leng Jiu ran a long way before finally stopping to catch her breath against a wall, laughing loudly to herself. Though she didn’t know what medicine she had fed Jin Yu, his expression had made it clear it wasn’t anything good. The thought filled her with satisfaction—nothing was sweeter than poisoning him with his own creations!
After a good laugh, she continued on her way. Though Jin Yu had forced her to take various pills, allegedly poisons, she no longer feared them. Instinct told her they weren’t lethal. If they were and she was just unlucky, then so be it. She’d die and see if she went to the underworld or reincarnated again. Hopefully, next time she wouldn’t be stuck in the role of a dowager empress. A princess or queen would be much better!
After walking for what seemed like ages, she finally saw the main city walls. Rather than approach directly, she relied on her sense of direction to find the main military camp.
“Who goes there?”
Before Leng Jiu could get closer, two guards called out sternly.
She took a few steps forward and said, “I need to see Leng Yue!”
“Who are you to address the general by name?”
Leng Jiu sighed in relief—at least she was in the right place. Now, how to get in? Her eyes sparkled mischievously, and her expression changed in an instant. With a pitiful tone, she cried, “I need to see Leng Yue!”
Clutching her stomach, she staggered forward, ‘accidentally’ stepping into a pit and stumbling awkwardly. But she quickly steadied herself and pressed on.
“Stop right there! Any closer, and we won’t hold back!”
“I need to see Leng Yue!” Leng Jiu screamed desperately, her voice full of anguish. The rain plastered her hair to her face, making her appear even more pitiful. “I want to see Leng Yue—I need him to give me an explanation!”
The two guards exchanged surprised looks, both shocked. A woman had shown up here, drenched and disheveled, loudly accusing the general of being a heartless scoundrel. The sheer audacity of it left them momentarily stunned. One of them glanced at the other and said, “Maybe you should go report this to the general?”
“Why me? You go!”
“I’m not going. You go!”
“Fine, I’ll go! But you owe me a drink—don’t think I’ll let you off!”
“Always thinking about booze. Just hurry up!”
Inside the main command tent, a long rectangular table sat in the center. Leng Yue occupied the head seat, with nine officers seated on either side. Four of them were older veterans who had fought alongside the old general and were now loyal elders of the Eagle Division. The other five were younger, promising officers being groomed for leadership.
The somber atmosphere inside mirrored the drizzling rain outside. A shadow loomed over the camp as Chi Yin Crown Prince’s massive army waited just a few dozen miles away. That man was unpredictable and could launch an attack at any moment. Moreover, Chi Yin Crown Prince was a formidable warrior, capable of holding his own against an entire battalion. His soldiers were equally fierce, rivaling the Eagle Division in skill. If war broke out, this could very well be the Eagle Division’s toughest battle yet.
In its history, the Eagle Division had never faced such an uncertain fight. Victory was far from assured, and annihilation was a real possibility. The weight of this knowledge hung heavily over everyone present.
“Report!”
The sudden shout startled everyone inside, all heads turning toward the entrance with tense expressions.
“Enter,” Leng Yue commanded.
A guard stepped in, visibly nervous under the scrutinizing gazes of the seasoned officers. “General, outside… there’s a woman demanding to see you. She called you… a heartless scoundrel!”
Huh? His words left everyone stunned. For a moment, the tent was silent before all eyes turned to Leng Yue in disbelief. Then, one by one, sly smiles spread across their faces, filled with gossip and mischief.
Leng Yue’s expression froze for a split second before his brows furrowed. Just as he opened his mouth to explain, an elder officer closest to him clapped him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. “Well, General, it seems you have some explaining to do. Better not keep the lady waiting!”
Leng Yue wanted to argue but knew it would only make things worse.
“General, you should go check on her. It’s raining out there—women shouldn’t be left in the rain.”
“That’s right! She came all this way—you can’t just brush her off!”
“General, hurry up and see her!”
“Go, go!”
The group immediately shed the gloomy atmosphere from before, their faces brimming with gossip and amusement. Although the war situation was urgent, this counted as a major event. The general, who had lived such an ascetic life for so many years without even the shadow of a woman, had made everyone anxious. Now that someone had voluntarily shown up, how could they not be excited? Some of them even wished she’d arrive with a baby bump, forcing the general to take responsibility. Then it would truly be a double celebration!
At this moment, Leng Yue found himself unable to explain. No one would believe him anyway, so he had no choice but to rise and head outside. He had to see which woman had the audacity to come here and slander him so openly!
The rain outside wasn’t heavy. Leng Yue declined the umbrella offered by a soldier and walked straight to the gate.
At the gate, Leng Jiu had been invited warmly by another soldier to a covered area. This soldier, seeing her beauty and how well-matched she seemed with the general, grew even more convinced she was the general’s woman. Speaking respectfully, he said, “Madam, please wait a moment. The general will come out to meet you soon!”
“Madam, don’t be upset. The general isn’t intentionally neglecting you. The war situation has been tense, and he hasn’t had time. Please understand!”
“Madam, are you thirsty? Would you like some water?”
He addressed her as “madam” repeatedly and kept defending Leng Yue, as if afraid she’d run off in anger. Leng Jiu nearly burst out laughing. How could the soldiers under Leng Yue be so amusing?
“By the way, madam, where are you from? Did you travel far to get here?” he asked curiously. But before she could answer, an icy voice sounded from behind, “Who is madam?”
The soldier froze, quickly stepping back and saluting. “General!”
“Leng Yue!” Seeing him, Leng Jiu immediately threw herself at him. These soldiers were simply too entertaining. Initially, her only aim was to use this method to meet him, but it had turned out to be so amusing that she decided to carry on with the act and tarnish his name completely!
Leng Yue had been angry, thinking it might be someone trying to scheme against him or a spy of some sort. But when he saw her rushing over, he froze. She crashed into him, completely soaked and disheveled. His brows furrowed instantly. “Why are you here?”
It was a simple, straightforward greeting. But to those nearby, it carried a wealth of implications. The soldier was instantly thrilled—so she really was the general’s woman, the future madam! He was grateful he hadn’t been rude earlier. With newfound understanding, he discreetly stepped aside, then dashed back to the main tent to spread the gossip and share the joyous news with the senior officers.
Leng Jiu wrapped her arms around his neck, hanging onto him. “Didn’t Qingling send you any messages?”
Leng Yue frowned. “Qingling didn’t elaborate. She only mentioned that the emperor had sent you to a palace far away to recover, that the Weiyang Palace was sealed off, and that the general’s residence was under surveillance. Her messages were delivered through roundabout ways and eventually stopped altogether.”
“We can discuss that later. Can you find me a place to bathe and change first? I’m soaked through, and I’ll catch a cold at this rate.” Leng Jiu sniffled, her voice tinged with chill.
Leng Yue gave her a glance. “Come with me.”
Leng Jiu clung to his neck, pouting. “My legs are numb. Carry me!”
Leng Yue felt a strange jolt inside. After a brief pause, he inexplicably bent down and lifted her into his arms. Under the stunned, gossip-filled gazes of countless soldiers, he carried her to his own quarters.
“Hahaha!” Back in the meeting tent, the senior officers, who had witnessed Leng Yue carrying Leng Jiu inside, erupted into laughter.
“That boy has finally come around. This is fantastic news!”
“Indeed! After all these years, we can finally rest easy. Hahaha!”
“Quick! Write to the old general and share the good news!”
“The old general has been longing for a daughter-in-law for years. He’ll be overjoyed when he hears this!”
“Exactly! At last, he can put his mind at ease!”
“Someone! Prepare the ink and paper—quickly!”
The earlier somber mood vanished completely as everyone busied themselves with excitement. Meanwhile, in Leng Yue’s quarters, a large tub of hot water had been brought in. Several soldiers, sneaking glances inside, left with gossipy smiles and thoughtfully closed the door behind them.
“Hahaha!” Once the soldiers left, Leng Jiu couldn’t hold back any longer and burst out laughing. “Hahaha! These people are absolutely hilarious! What did you do to make them so desperate to find a woman to take you by force?”
Leng Yue’s expression remained cold and unreadable. “Hurry up and bathe, or you’ll catch a chill.”
“Oh!” Leng Jiu wiped the tears from laughing too hard and headed to bathe. The water was a bit hot, but there was cold water prepared nearby. After adjusting the temperature, she settled in. A hot bath felt amazing!
She took her time before finishing. Looking around, she called out, “Hey! There are no clothes here! What am I supposed to wear?”
A set of clothes was tossed in from the other side. Had she not reacted quickly, they would’ve fallen into the water! Leng Jiu examined them—it was Leng Yue’s attire, the same simple, dark blue outfit as always, nothing special.
She quickly put on the clothes, bouncing a bit to adjust. They felt extremely comfortable!
“After running for days, this is the most relaxed I’ve been!” Stepping out with light footsteps, she saw Leng Yue sitting and sipping tea. His handsome face remained cold and composed, radiating an aura of a general with authority.
Leng Jiu plopped onto the only large bed in the room, wrapping herself in the blanket without hesitation and preparing to sleep.
Leng Yue’s eyes twitched slightly but said nothing. Instead, he asked, “You still haven’t explained what’s going on.”
Leng Jiu adjusted her still-damp hair and propped her head up with one hand, raising an eyebrow at him. “Do you remember that you have a fiancée?”
Leng Yue looked puzzled. “Fiancée?”
“Someone named Xia Ke, I believe.”
Leng Yue thought for a moment. “From Yishui City?”
“So it’s true!” Leng Jiu flicked her hair and said slowly, “Your fiancée—or rather, your cousin’s husband—colluded with Long Yi for some unknown reason. They drugged me and sent me to him, pretending I was Xia Ke and bringing me into the palace. My title, apparently, is now Lady Xia Shu.”
“He dared to do such a thing?”
“Why not? He’s already done it. If someone hadn’t rescued me, I might really have become Lady Xia Shu. But I escaped, and Long Yi didn’t catch me. Given the floods in the north, he probably has no time to deal with me now.”
Leng Yue stared at her. “The roads were all blocked. How did you make it here?”
“I headed west, bypassed the barriers, then went south through the grasslands and desert.”
Leng Yue said nothing, rising to leave. Leng Jiu suddenly sat up and called out, “Leng Yue! Do you want to achieve a major victory?”
Leng Yue paused mid-step and turned back. “What do you mean?”
Leng Jiu put on her shoes and bounced over. “I’ll tell you some great news if you promise to do me a favor. How about that?”
“Speak.”
Leng Jiu leaned closer, hooking her arm around his shoulder, looking teasingly playful: “Aren’t you going to ask what it is? What if I ask you to marry me?”
Leng Yue’s gaze flickered, unreadable, but seeing her not elaborating, he immediately turned around: “Get some rest. I still have things to do.”
Watching his back, Leng Jiu lazily remarked, “If the Crown Prince of Chiyin were gravely injured and his cavalry were in disarray, wouldn’t that be big news?”
“Are you serious?” Leng Yue spun around abruptly, his shock evident.
“Why would I lie to you?” Leng Jiu turned and lay back down on the bed. “I just came from his camp. The Crown Prince of Chiyin was wounded by a strange creature. If he can muster even half his usual strength now, it’d be impressive. The camp was already in turmoil earlier. If you want to take the initiative, this is the best chance! Or you can wait for him to recover and challenge you again.”
Leng Yue gave her a deep look, then turned and strode out toward the command tent.
In the command tent, it was still bustling with activity. Several senior generals surrounded the large table, each writing with great enthusiasm. Two letters had already been sent, but it wasn’t enough for them. They kept writing, their excitement palpable.
When Leng Yue entered, what he saw was their flushed faces, pens moving furiously—he didn’t need to guess to know what they were writing. He was exasperated.
One of the generals noticed him and exclaimed in surprise, “So soon, General?”
The comment was ambiguous, making Leng Yue’s face darken instantly. What on earth were these people thinking? Coldly, he stepped forward: “Sound the war drums! Gather the generals! I’m ordering an attack!”
“Huh?” The previously excited crowd froze in disbelief.
Leng Yue’s icy gaze swept over them. “Didn’t you hear my order?”
“Oh!” One soldier, still somewhat dumbfounded, hurried off.
The senior generals, quicker to grasp the situation, immediately sobered. Their expressions grew serious, and they put down their pens. One of them asked gravely, “General, are you launching an attack? Has something happened?”
Leng Yue waved his hand to have the table cleared, then sat down, his expression grim. “I’ve just received information: the Crown Prince of Chiyin is severely injured, and their morale is unstable. This is the perfect time to strike.”
The group exchanged delighted glances, but they weren’t blinded by joy. One of them cautiously suggested, “Should we send scouts to confirm this intelligence before proceeding?”
Leng Yue hesitated briefly but then nodded firmly. “The information is reliable. If we’re going to act, it has to be now. Catch them off guard and drive them back to the grasslands!”
The nine senior generals looked at each other and then nodded decisively. Together, they stood and saluted. “General, please issue your orders!”
Leng Yue raised his hand, and the soldiers brought over a map, spreading it across the table. Leng Yue pointed to two locations. “This is our position, and this is their camp.”
He moved his hand to a third location. “Here lies their reserve force—50,000 soldiers. They have more than 50,000 in their main camp. Together, we have about 47,000 troops. We must split into two groups: one to launch the main attack and the other to intercept reinforcements. It must be a swift and decisive battle to push them back!”
The generals’ faces grew increasingly grave. Outnumbered two to one against an equally strong opponent, this battle was bound to be brutal, even with the Crown Prince of Chiyin injured.
“General! I volunteer to lead the troops to intercept the reinforcements. One division of 10,000 will suffice. As long as we can delay them, the main force can defeat the Crown Prince. Without leadership, their reinforcements will retreat!” One veteran general stepped forward to request the assignment.
This plan improved their chances of success, but sending 10,000 against 50,000 was essentially a death mission.
“General!” Sensing Leng Yue’s hesitation, the veteran general resolutely knelt. “I’m willing to swear an oath to fulfill my mission. Please give the order!”
Leng Yue clenched his fists, looking at the uncle who had watched over him since childhood. How could he send him to his death?
“General!” The veteran suddenly drew his sword with a determined expression. “This is war. I’ve been a soldier for decades and have never feared the battlefield. If you doubt my abilities, then I might as well die here as a useless officer!”
Leng Yue lowered his gaze slightly, his voice cold and heavy. “Deputy Commander of the Eagle Division, receive your orders!”
The veteran instantly sheathed his sword, standing tall and spirited. “At your command!”
“I order you to lead 10,000 Eagle Division troops to intercept the reinforcements from the Chiyin Crown Prince’s reserve force. Stop them at all costs!”
“I will complete the mission or die trying!”
Handing over the command token, Leng Yue ultimately added, “Uncle, just hold them off for half an hour. That’s all I ask.”
The veteran accepted the token, patted Leng Yue’s shoulder warmly, but ultimately said nothing. He turned and marched away.
Watching him depart, Leng Yue rose as well. “Leave 2,000 to guard the base. Everyone else, prepare to move out immediately!”
“Yes, General!”
The camp bustled with activity as soldiers assembled in large numbers. Hooves thundered as warhorses were prepared, and the atmosphere was charged with tension. In less than half an hour, 45,000 troops were ready. At Leng Yue’s command, they stormed out of the gates, determined to fight to the death and drive their enemies back to the grasslands.
Leng Jiu was aware of the departure but, exhausted, rolled over and went back to sleep. However, her rest didn’t last long. A vivid dream of blood and crimson forced her awake. She put on her shoes and stepped outside, only to see that it was already dusk. The base was quiet, with only the remaining guards around, and Leng Yue hadn’t returned.
Squinting slightly, she turned back inside. Just as she entered, someone followed her in. It was Chang Qing, carrying food. Leng Jiu sat down at the table and sipped her tea. “He hasn’t returned yet?”
Chang Qing looked up, stunned, and exclaimed, “M-Miss?”
Leng Jiu raised her eyes. “Is it really so surprising to see me?”
Chang Qing glanced inside, scratched his head uncertainly, and asked, “Why are you here? They said earlier that the general’s wife had arrived. Could they have been referring to you?”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “How would I know? I just came to find him. Anything else wasn’t said by me.”
Chang Qing snapped back to his senses and set the food on the table, letting out a long sigh. “If those uncles knew it was the eldest miss who came, they’d probably be disappointed. They’ve been wishing day and night for the general to find a woman to settle down with!”
Leng Jiu, feeling hungry, got up and sat down at the table to eat. She casually asked with a smile, “Are you saying your general doesn’t even have a confidante? That’s impossible, isn’t it?” A man like that surely had countless women eager to pursue him.
Chang Qing pulled a long face, looking like a grumpy old man. “If the general had a confidante, they’d have tied him up and dragged him to the wedding altar long ago. But the general has spent all these years in the barracks. Not only does he not have a confidante, but he hasn’t even stepped foot into a brothel. He hasn’t even spared women a second glance. Those uncles are so anxious they’d stuff a woman into his tent if they could. But knowing the general’s temperament, they’re afraid it’d make him angry, so they don’t dare. Now that a woman has shown up in the barracks, they’re probably thrilled beyond words!”
Thinking of the reactions of those people, Leng Jiu smiled faintly and continued eating.
Chang Qing had been left behind by Leng Yue specifically to take care of Leng Jiu, so he naturally stayed close to her. When Leng Jiu finished eating and went for a stroll around the barracks, Chang Qing didn’t stop her. If it had been another woman, he might have said something about the barracks being a restricted area, but since it was the eldest miss, he didn’t dare object.
The barracks carried an atmosphere of grim desolation. Some soldiers, upon seeing Leng Jiu, forced smiles and greeted her as “Madam,” though their expressions were tinged with worry. Leng Jiu stopped in her tracks and looked at the sky. “How long has he been gone?”
“Nearly four hours,” Chang Qing replied, equally concerned. The battle was going to be tough, and the longer it dragged on, the more uneasy everyone felt.
Leng Jiu returned to Leng Yue’s tent without saying anything and sat where he often read. She picked up one of his books and began to read. Strangely, though she had always struggled to focus on books before, now every word seemed clear, and she felt no trace of drowsiness.
As night fell, Chang Qing lit two more lamps for her and stood by her side. Leng Jiu quietly read, meticulously going through one book after another. She didn’t skim but instead absorbed every word and slowly made sense of it. These were records of battles, detailing locations, participants, times, terrain, weather, backgrounds, and the involvement of various factions. They were dry and tedious, yet Leng Jiu found herself engrossed.
From dusk until midnight, Leng Jiu shifted positions several times but showed no sign of going to bed. Chang Qing initially wanted to persuade her to rest, but knowing she was likely too worried to sleep with Leng Yue still absent, he held back. He couldn’t sleep either. If he could, he’d rather join the general on the battlefield, risking life and death, than endure the torment of waiting for news.
By the time the oil lamps burned out and dawn began to break, a whole night had passed.
Leng Jiu put down the last book and stood up. Despite sitting all night, she showed no signs of fatigue. She stepped outside and looked at the sky. “It’s been an entire night. He should be back by now.”
Chang Qing, though looking somewhat tired, showed no signs of sleepiness. He fetched water for Leng Jiu to freshen up and was just about to get her something to eat when a soldier came running to report: “The general has returned! He’s back!”
The soldier was so excited he tripped and fell but immediately scrambled up to continue shouting. “The general has returned victorious! We’ve won!”
“Yes!” The barracks, which had been deathly silent all night, erupted with cheers. Smiles spread across every face.
Leng Jiu put down her towel. “Chang Qing, prepare the horses.”
“Yes!”
Chang Qing quickly brought over two horses, and the two of them rode out of the camp. The city gates weren’t far, so they reached them quickly. They arrived just in time to see the heavy gates slowly opening. The sky, which had been drizzling for days, had cleared, and the morning sunlight bathed the earth in golden light.
With a loud rumble, the gates fully opened, revealing the troops outside. The first to enter were soldiers carrying stretchers. They moved quickly, bringing the injured into the barracks. Nearly 2,000 wounded soldiers were brought in. Those with less severe injuries were carried on horseback by other soldiers. The sight of so many casualties dampened the joy of victory, casting a solemn shadow over the scene. However, the soldiers seemed accustomed to this, efficiently receiving the wounded and taking them to be treated.
Riding forward slightly, Chang Qing explained, “This is the rule the general set for the Eagle Division. No matter how great the victory, the wounded must come first, followed by the dead. The deceased are to be properly collected and cannot be brought back immediately, so the injured always return first, with the main army following behind.”
Leng Jiu nodded. “This affirms and respects the deceased and these soldiers. He’s doing the right thing.”
For every victorious general, countless lives are lost. Behind the glory of any famous general lies a mountain of bones and thousands of lives. Yet, many only see their achievements and the territories they gain, never considering the soldiers who fight to the death because of their commands, or those who die in vain due to a single mistake. Leng Yue’s actions showed that he was a good general—not indecisive, but compassionate. This made him truly human, both honorable and loyal. No wonder the entire Eagle Division was so devoted to him.
It took nearly half an hour to handle all the injured. Then came the sound of hooves—this was the army entering the city.
Leng Yue led the way, clad in silver armor with eagle wings. Behind him were several deputy generals, followed by the main army. Leng Jiu’s gaze fell on him, her eyes narrowing slightly. It felt as if she were back at the first time she met Leng Yue. On that day in the Golden Palace, he was also dressed in armor, his presence as sharp as a drawn sword, dazzling everyone at first glance. And now, he was even more imposing than on that day.
The helmet on his head revealed only his face. His features were still handsome but now carried a touch of frost. Even from afar, Leng Jiu could see the coldness and depth in his eyes. His armor and helmet were stained with blood, though it was unclear whose. Sitting upright on his horse, his posture was rigid, exuding an even colder and more commanding aura. Yet, there was a trace of sorrow about him, making him appear so lonely.
Slightly puzzled, Leng Jiu urged her horse forward. Seeing her approach, Leng Yue reined in his horse, his gaze shifting to her. Then, he dismounted. Leng Jiu followed suit, dismounting and walking towards him. Looking at him, she lightly pursed her lips. “Should I say, ‘Welcome back, hero’?”
Leng Yue walked up to her, his intense gaze fixed on her face. Suddenly, he pulled her into a tight embrace. His cold lips pressed down on hers, not gently kissing but biting, as if venting some suppressed emotion.
The cold, hard armor dug painfully into Leng Jiu’s body, and his rough actions made her lips hurt. Yet, she didn’t push him away. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his waist and let him kiss her.
Chang Qing watched in shock, his jaw nearly hitting the ground. This… this… the general and the eldest miss—was this appropriate?
But compared to Chang Qing’s surprise, everyone else seemed to approve. They didn’t find the scene inappropriate, only feeling that it was just right. A hero and a beauty embracing after a battle—what a perfect moment!
Four elder generals stood in the background. One had left, another was injured, leaving only two of them behind. Covered in blood and exhaustion, the two exchanged a look and smiled faintly, feeling a sense of relief.
Leng Yue finally released Leng Jiu’s lips, and with her still in his arms, leapt onto his horse and rode back to the camp.
“General!”
The soldiers in the camp, busy tending to the wounded, turned to greet him, their faces filled with joy—the joy of victory. Their eyes then fell on Leng Jiu, whom he held in his arms, and their smiles grew even wider.
Leng Yue’s face remained stoic, but he nodded at them before carrying Leng Jiu to his tent. As the curtain fell, his kisses once again came without warning. Leng Jiu opened her mouth to take in his cold lips, deepening the kiss.
For the first time, this wasn’t a kiss driven by desire, but one that made Leng Jiu’s heart ache.
After a long while, Leng Yue pulled away, resting his head on her shoulder. Leng Jiu felt something hot sliding down her neck—his tears. The tears of a man forged in blood and iron were never cheap. These weren’t just tears but blood.
After a moment, Leng Yue lifted his head from her shoulder. His bloodshot eyes showed no traces of tears. In a deep voice, he said, “Uncle Baili is dead. He led ten thousand troops to hold off reinforcements. I only asked him to delay them for half an hour, but even though the Crown Prince of Chi Yin was seriously injured, he had a contingency plan. The battle was extremely difficult. To prevent reinforcements from arriving, Uncle Baili and his ten thousand soldiers held their ground to the end. In the end, only a thousand wounded made it back.”
Leng Jiu placed her hand on his face, her gaze soft as water. “To die on the battlefield is the highest honor for a soldier. Since he chose to lead the troops, he must have been prepared for this outcome. He stopped the reinforcements for you and secured this victory. He fulfilled his purpose, and you did not fail him. That is the best ending.”
“Being sentimental is not a bad thing, but you are a general. Keep these emotions in your heart and grieve alone. Look outside—so many people are watching you, depending on you, trusting you. You are their god. You cannot fall. You are a triumphant hero. You must look the part.”
Leng Yue grasped her hand, his gaze deep. He embraced her again, murmuring, “I understand.”
After bathing and changing out of his armor, Leng Yue personally visited the wounded, ordered the dead to be brought back for burial, and ensured everything was handled. By the time all this was done, it was evening. Leng Yue then ordered food and drink to be prepared for a celebration. Grief had its time, but so did celebration. They couldn’t let the wounded and dead overshadow the victory and leave everyone in sorrow.
“Cheers!”
“Hahaha!”
On the torchlit training grounds, tens of thousands of soldiers sat on the ground, drinking heartily. Leng Yue sat at the top, flanked by his deputy generals, all drinking heavily. Leng Jiu didn’t join them. She stood in the shadows, watching the handsome and spirited man, her eyes narrowing slightly. Her expression was calm but softened significantly.
Chang Qing also refrained from drinking, standing by Leng Jiu’s side. He glanced at her as she stood there with her hands behind her back, her face radiant and refined. Although his opinion of Leng Jiu had changed since the previous incident and he even admired her, seeing her now still gave him an indescribable feeling. The eldest miss seemed different from the one he had known before. The current her exuded a sense of authority and reverence that made people trust and respect her.
As for the matter between her and the general, he had no intention of meddling. Such things were not for him to manage. Besides, he personally felt that the eldest miss and the general were well-matched. No other woman seemed worthy of the general except her. As for their familial ties—if the general didn’t mind, what else was there to say?
“Let’s go back,” Leng Jiu said, withdrawing her gaze and turning around.
Chang Qing had somehow acquired a set of women’s clothing and even bought hair ornaments. Leng Jiu was speechless but, after bathing, still changed into the attire. She left her hair loose, letting it flow naturally.
Having not slept the previous night and gone through an entire day, she finally felt sleepy. Crawling into bed and pulling up the covers, she quickly fell into a light sleep.
In the middle of the night, Leng Jiu suddenly felt someone embrace her. Her eyes snapped open, and she immediately sensed the familiar presence behind her, staying her hand.
“Finished drinking?” Leng Jiu shifted slightly and asked. The reply was silence. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol—he must have been drunk.
Getting up, she brought over a lamp and lit it. The soft light illuminated the bed, revealing Leng Yue lying there quietly. The flush of alcohol tinged his face, and his thin lips carried a faint redness. His eyes were closed, his breathing steady. The cold air around him had dissipated, leaving him looking unexpectedly gentle, almost docile.
Seeing him so unguarded, Leng Jiu was certain he was truly drunk. She brushed the hair away from his face and smiled. Then, leaning down, she removed his shoes, lifted his feet onto the bed, and covered him with the blanket.
Leng Yue, entirely unaware, let her handle him, his docility amusing her. Who could imagine that this was the cold, imposing general? Turning off the lamp, she lay down and moved closer to him. It was surprisingly warm.
Leng Jiu had just closed her eyes, preparing to sleep, when Leng Yue, who had been silent all this time, suddenly flipped over and pinned her beneath him. His scorching lips pressed against hers, carrying the rich aroma of wine.