Chapter 17 - Notice of V-Day Entry

Chapter Seventeen

Pei Zan returned to Yu Chen Courtyard and instructed Uncle Feng to summon Lin Rong.

Lin Rong had no chores to do today. She had already prepared hot water to bathe and go to sleep, but upon hearing the young master's summons, she immediately became extremely alert and prepared to respond.

Lin Rong dressed neatly, glanced at her still swollen face in the bronze mirror, bit her lip, and walked out the door briskly.

Since Pei Zan insisted on seeing her, it must be that something had happened to Sister Lü Zhu. She probably couldn't hide the injury on her face, so she might as well be frank and tell the young master what had happened.

Sure enough, as soon as Lin Rong entered the flower hall, Green Pearl looked at her sympathetically, indicating that she must serve him well, as the young master was acting strangely tonight.

After the servants filed out, Lin Rong bowed and knelt with her eyes lowered, saying, "This servant greets the young master. Do you have any instructions?"

Lin Rong didn't dare to look up. Her gaze shifted downwards to the patch of yellow-green and gold-embroidered locust blossoms brushing the ground.

When Pei Zan was on military campaigns, he often wore riding armor. When he was at home or in his residence, he wore a wide-sleeved, long-hemmed, round-necked robe.

Lin Rong had helped Pei Zan organize the robes and cloaks in his wardrobe. She knew that Pei Zan liked blue robes, white robes, and black cloaks, all of which were elegant and quiet colors. Those gold, orange, and soft pink colors were not to his taste.

Lin Rong hadn't heard Pei Zan speak for a long time. Feeling awkwardly left there, she couldn't help but wonder… Was there any significance to Pei Zan's choice of green robe today? Did he wear black or green when he was in a good mood? Had she gotten into his way again? Was she going to be punished by him again?

Outside, snow fell softly onto withered branches and fallen flowers, making a soft, rustling sound like grains of salt.

Inside the room, Pei Zan rested his chin on one hand, slightly raised his phoenix eyes, and glanced at the uneasy little girl in front of him.

Perhaps because there wasn't much work to do at Yuchen Courtyard, Lin Rong didn't braid her hair tonight and even had the leisure to twist it into a double-looped bun. Her soft, glossy black hair was wrapped with two slender primrose red ribbons. The light red was neither sharp nor glaring, but rather had a vibrant and lively quality befitting a girl's age.

Her hair accessories were rather sparse; apart from ribbons, there were no other silver hairpins or velvet flowers, making it rather monotonous.

And that thin apricot-colored jacket, the trousers were frayed at the seams, the stitching uneven, clearly it had been carefully mended later. Didn't Uncle Feng send her some clothes? Why is she still dressed so shabbily?

Pei Zan's eyes were icy as he slowly asked, "Why don't you wear the jacket and skirt I gave you?"

Lin Rong looked up in surprise, parted her lips slightly, and let out a soft "Ah".

After a long silence, she explained in a soft voice, "The young master's gift is too precious, this servant can't bear to wear it..."

Besides the reluctance to part with the clothes, there was another deeper reason. The fabrics were too luxurious, beyond her reach. Lin Rong was well-behaved and kept her distance from everything in Yu Chen Courtyard. Since she would leave the manor sooner or later, she could no longer accept any favors from Pei Zan.

Although Lin Rong's words contained a self-deprecating tone, they also showed her appreciation. Pei Zan was pleased with them and did not make things difficult for her further.

"Lin Rong, come here."

Lin Rong moved closer as instructed, but before she could ask any questions, a large, warm hand gripped her chin, forcing her to tilt her head back.

Lin Rong was startled like a drowning person. She was intimidated by Pei Zan's cold gaze. His natural noble and aristocratic aura overwhelmed her, making her choke on her breath.

She was terrified and met the man's indifferent and aloof phoenix eyes, and immediately dared not move.

Lin Rong watched helplessly as Pei Zan bowed his head and leaned forward.

The rich and intense sandalwood scent wafted in, filling Lin Rong's mouth and nose, lingering around her lips and teeth. She was enveloped in the deep, exotic fragrance, and her consciousness became somewhat hazy.

That gaze, cold as frost and snow, swept wantonly along her round cheeks and delicate, snow-white neck.

When Pei Zan pressed his fingertip against Lin Rong's cheek, the pain startled her, and she couldn't help but hiss softly.

Pei Zan stared quietly at the swollen, red handprint and asked in a low voice, "Why didn't you dodge?"

Lin Rong understood; Pei Zan was asking her why she didn't dodge when Shen Jia slapped her.

Lin Rong thought for a moment and said, "The young master said that no one can be allowed to enter."

Pei Zan kindly taught Lin Rong to read and write, and she wanted to repay him, but Lin Rong had nothing of value and could only do her duty as a servant, helping her master look after the courtyard.

Pei Zan listened to her speak earnestly, with a touch of naivety, and couldn't help but scrutinize her features to discern the truth in her words.

"Even if you get beaten, you still don't want to let go?"

"This is your order..."

Because it was Pei Zan who gave the order, she would do her best to fulfill it.

Despite the fact that all the servants in the manor are cunning and disobedient, they have managed to raise such a wonderful person who is devoted to serving his master.

Pei Zan raised an eyebrow slightly, his grip remaining firm until Lin Rong winced in pain and grimaced as she avoided his knuckles. Only then did Pei Zan say sarcastically, "Even though I gave the order, you were bullied, and you still don't know how to complain? Do you need someone else to teach you how to vent? You are my maid, after all."

Lin Rong stammered, "I..."

"How dull-witted."

But his greatest strength lies in his unwavering loyalty; he takes his words to heart.

Lin Rong was scolded, her expression blank and her mind elsewhere.

But when she listened to Pei Zan speak, his tone was gentle, and he didn't seem unhappy.

Just as she was about to ask more questions, the man's broad hand suddenly twisted around her slender waist and gently pressed against Lin Rong's back, which was slightly sunken due to her upright posture.

A tingling sensation came from above the girl's tailbone, like an itch that was being tickled through her boots, pressing against her coat but not touching her skin.

But this ethereal touch made Lin Rong nervous. She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, her nose was sweating, and her hands involuntarily clenched into fists, as if to comfort herself or to try to suppress the sudden panic.

But she was instinctively not afraid, perhaps because she knew that although Pei Zan was ruthless, he was not bad to her... To be fair, Lin Rong had not suffered too much injustice in Yu Chen Courtyard, and her food, clothing and daily necessities were first-class. As long as she did her job well, Pei Zan would not deliberately torment her.

Lin Rong's shoulders and back were stiff as she blankly felt Pei Zan's fingers moving freely across her bones.

The man's strong, muscular arms encircled her, his cool fingers tracing patterns on her lower back.

Every now and then, sparks would be lit, both cold and hot.

Lin Rong suppressed the trembling that made her feel like her soul was leaving her body. Her cheeks and ears were slightly hot and flushed, burning her senses. Her eyelashes were wet with sweat.

She carefully examined Pei Zan's strokes on his spine: a left-falling stroke, a right-falling stroke, a horizontal stroke, and a vertical stroke.

"Heaven and Earth... Xuanhuang?"

"A beautiful smile and a frown?"

Lin Rong slowly deciphered the words and phrases, and then she belatedly realized that Pei Zan was using her back as a sand table, reciting a chapter of the "Thousand Character Classic" from memory to test Lin Rong's calligraphy skills.

Lin Rong had a good memory and a real determination to learn to read and write. Although she stumbled a bit during the fifteen-minute test, she eventually recognized all the words.

Pei Zan finished writing the last character and finally stopped what he was doing.

This was the first time he had ever helped someone else with their first lesson.

Pei Zan loosened his grip, the intense masculine aggression vanished abruptly, and he leaned back in his armchair, lazily saying, "You learned well."

In Lin Rong's eyes, Pei Zan was a literary genius descended from heaven, his literary talent unmatched. To be praised by the young master filled Lin Rong with excitement, and she couldn't help but smile, her eyes like newly melted snow.

Lin Rong said modestly, "It's all thanks to the young master's excellent teaching. Well... a great teacher produces a great student!"

Pei Zan closed his eyes slightly: "Lin Rong, I am not your T Division Commander."

Every time Lin Rong saw Pei Zan narrow his eyes, she would feel a chill run down her spine. She quickly corrected herself, saying, "I was just saying that offhand. Of course I know that the young master is the master."

"Hmm." Pei Zan had nothing else to say. After giving Lin Rong a few bottles of wound-healing ointment, he let her go back to her room to rest.

Pei Zan remembered the way Lin Rong had looked up at him in a daze just now, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with tears, her smile as beautiful as snowflakes floating on a stream... Lin Rong trusted her master very much, and was also sensible and obedient. No matter what he did to her, she devoted herself to him wholeheartedly, without dodging or flinching, letting him do as he pleased.

Pei Zan's gaze darkened slightly, and he gently pressed his thumb against the dark prayer beads on his wrist.

If Lin Rong continues to be so obedient, he wouldn't mind giving her a chance to shine.

-

The next day, Lin Rong learned from Lü Zhu that Pei Zan had visited the main house the day before and caused quite a scene.

Although the servants and maids didn't know what the eldest son's family was up to, they could all guess that something was amiss when Pei Zan left and Shen Jia was sent out of the Pei residence shortly afterward, covering her face with her hands and crying before leaving.

Shen Jia's desire to befriend Pei Zan was no secret in the large mansion. The group pieced together the information and figured out that Pei Zan disliked Shen Jia and deliberately humiliated her in front of the First Madam, which was why Shen Jia cried and left the mansion.

Green Pearl knew more than the others. She winked at Lin Rong and whispered, "I didn't expect the young master to be so protective of his own, standing up for you on your behalf!"

Lin Rong didn't feel smug. Thinking about what happened last night, she felt that she hadn't handled things maturely enough and had caused Pei Zan a lot of trouble.

No wonder he summoned her to examine her injuries in the middle of the night.

Thinking of all the thoughtful things Pei Zan had done for her, Lin Rong felt the urge to thank her master again.

These past few days, Pei Zan has been preparing for his trip to the capital. As soon as he returned home, he stayed in his study, busy with official business, often not going to sleep until the early hours of the morning. No matter how capable the young master is, he is still just a mortal with flesh and blood. His stomach and spleen would definitely not be able to withstand being hungry all night.

Thinking of this, Lin Rong took advantage of the night to use the private kitchen of Yuchen Courtyard to steam a walnut cake and a lotus seed paste jade belt cake for Pei Zan, and also cooked a bowl of lily and white fungus soup to clear the eyes and refresh the mind.

Lin Rong carefully checked the sweetness of the pastries and soups. She knew that Pei Zan didn't have a sweet tooth, so a slight aftertaste was fine.

The food tasted good, so Lin Rong was relieved and happily went to deliver the meal.

-

Yuchen Courtyard, Study.

In the dead of night, the candlelight shone brightly.

Pei Zan and his deputy general Zheng Zhiming were discussing matters in the room.

The King of Qin led 50,000 elite troops northward to the capital, passing through prefectures and counties, with the support of numerous allied forces, clearly intending to usurp the throne.

The world is in chaos.

Emperor Yuanqing was extremely anxious and sent an imperial edict and seal with great urgency, promoting Pei Zan to the position of Governor-General of three prefectures, in charge of the military and political affairs of the three prefectures.

Although there was no higher rank to be attained, the position of governor-general held even greater power. This was an honor bestowed by the imperial family and a concession by the emperor.

Emperor Yuanqing hoped that Pei Zan would prioritize the overall situation and ordered him to lead troops into battle to immediately annihilate the rebellious princes.

In Zheng Zhiming's eyes, the fact that Emperor Yuanqing relied so heavily on Grand Commander Pei showed that he was terrified by the Prince of Qin.

But Pei Zan sensed something fishy about it.

Although Emperor Yuanqing ordered the Ministry of War to send military supplies and provisions, it was uncertain when those supplies and provisions would arrive in Jiangzhou, and they might even be intercepted by the rebels on the way.

Although the imperial edict showed exceptional leniency, allowing Pei Zan to recruit soldiers and collect provisions in the local areas, those military supplies and troops were Pei Zan's "private property" accumulated over many years. The emperor, with just a few words, managed to get something for nothing, generously using other people's resources to directly borrow Pei Zan's troops without considering whether Pei Zan would agree or be willing to fall into this trap.

Zheng Zhiming: "Grand Commander, what do you think? Should we send troops to quell the rebellion?"

Pei Zan washed his hands with a handkerchief and said meaningfully, "What's the rush? Let's just wait and see. The imperial decree has already been issued. Soon, I will lead the army to suppress the rebellion and will not be able to attend to the Japanese pirates at sea... You can inform the grain merchants of the three prefectures that if they have any grain stored, they should sell it as soon as possible to avoid the disruption of the grain transport and the rampant Japanese pirates. If the grain is lost, the losses will be even more severe."

Zheng Zhiming couldn't understand whether Pei Zan's act of hoarding grain was for the purpose of attacking the King of Qin, or if he had other considerations.

But he knew that Emperor Yuanqing had long harbored murderous intent towards the Grand Commander, and now was the time to use people, which was why the emperor was so kind to Pei Zan.

Once the crisis is over, who knows if Emperor Yuanqing, fearing Pei Zan, will discard him after he has served his purpose?

Moreover, who knows if this confrontation with the King of Qin is part of Emperor Yuanqing's conspiracy, intended to weaken Pei Zan's troops and reduce their fighting strength.

To be fair, Zheng Zhiming did not want to serve the emperor, but he dared not advise Pei Zan to rebel, so he could only obey his orders.

After much deliberation, Zheng Zhiming decided to tell Pei Zan about something else.

"Grand Commander, there is one more thing..."

Pei Zan glanced at him and said, "Why are you hesitating? Just tell me."

Zheng Zhiming glanced at his face and said, "As you know, the emperor is ruthless. He is showing weakness this time and asking us to send troops. Once the war is over, he will definitely wipe us out. I think it would be better to gather troops like the Prince of Qin and take advantage of the situation to attack the capital."

Anyway, the Pei family still has the second prince, Chen Yishan, to support. Their actions to protect the young master are justified and can win over the masses.

Pei Zan remained silent, his aura chilling and oppressive.

Zheng Zhiming braced himself and continued, "Wu Chong, the Grand Commander of the Former Army Command, wishes to serve you, sir, and has specially led 30,000 private soldiers and 100,000 shi of grain to provide support and help you succeed."

Wu Chong was the head of the main branch of the Wu family, a prominent clan in Luzhou. His ancestors were also nobles of the Wei Kingdom. However, in order to dismantle the complex power of these aristocratic families, maintain the centralization of imperial power, and consolidate the throne, the late emperor expelled the sons of these powerful families from the capital and sent them back to their ancestral homes in his early years.

Pei Zan knew that one shi (a unit of dry measure) of grain was enough to feed a soldier for a month.

One hundred thousand shi of grain was already considered as the military supplies provided by the Wu clan, which represented the full strength of the entire clan.

This is equivalent to Wu providing his own troops for the march, solely to help Pei Zan march north to the capital and capture it.

Why would Wu Chong do something so thankless and exhausting?

Before Pei Zan could speak, an untimely knock sounded at the door.

Zheng Zhiming was startled and looked at Pei Zan blankly.

A moment later, a woman's soft, delicate voice came: "Young Master, are you busy? I've made you some soup and steamed some pastries. Would you like some?"

Lin Rong waited anxiously in the cold weather until a voice inside said "Come in," at which point she smiled broadly and pushed open the door.

Lin Rong carefully carried the food box inside.

She looked up and was met with a rugged and resolute face, which startled her.

Lin Rong was unaware that Pei Zan had a guest in his study...

Won't it be a disturbance if we barge in like this?

Not to mention Lin Rong, even Zheng Zhiming was stunned.

They were discussing important military matters, so why did the Grand Commander let in a young girl with yellow hair?

Moreover, Pei Zan never allowed any maids to serve him. Even when his sister offered herself to him, Pei Zan forced her back with a single sword strike. Just who is this woman?

Zheng Zhiming was completely baffled, and then something even more astonishing happened next.

Pei Zan actually let Lin Rong serve the meal and even asked her to wait quietly to the side, without deliberately shooing her away!

This...this...Zheng Zhiming dared not speak.

Pei Zan: "Eat something to fill your stomach."

Zheng Zhiming: "Yes...yes." He was invited by the Grand Commander to sit at a table on the side and have some snacks.

Before Zheng Zhiming could even swallow the fragrant pastry, Pei Zan asked indifferently, "Does the Wu family have any requests?"

Pei Zan actually started talking about military matters in front of this maid, which startled Zheng Zhiming so much that he coughed repeatedly, his big, round eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

But in fact, Pei Zan was not a dull person.

He knew that the military discussions were nearing their end tonight, and even if Lin Rong were to listen in, she wouldn't be able to reveal any secrets.

Moreover, since he wanted to bestow a favor upon her, he naturally wanted to give Lin Rong a chance to be tested.

If she talks too much, he will kill her.

Lin Rong, on the other hand, obediently lowered her head. She knew she had come at the wrong time and dared not disturb Pei Zan's meeting. She could only keep her eyes down and kneel to the side.

A moment later, Lin Rong heard Zheng Zhiming lower his voice and say, "They... want to ask the Grand Commander for a wife."

Upon hearing this, Lin Rong froze. Her head buzzed, her chest felt tight, and she inexplicably lowered her head even further.

Pei Zan understood immediately after hearing this.

Wu Chong was betting that Pei Zan, who had been oppressed by the imperial power for many years, would surely rebel.

If Pei Zan were bold enough to take advantage of the chaos and rise up in rebellion, he could one day take control of the capital and bring the Wu family of Luzhou back to the capital.

Whether Pei Zan harbors ambitions to become emperor or supports the second prince born to Consort Pei to ascend the throne, the imperial family is connected to the Pei clan's bloodline, and Pei Zan will be a member of the imperial family.

When the time comes to reward those who have contributed to the succession, the Wu family, having played a crucial role in supporting the emperor, will surely receive a share of the spoils.

In this way, offering a daughter of the Wu family, a direct descendant of Pei Zan, to form a marriage alliance would be a very beneficial deal.

No wonder Wu Chong was willing to send troops to transport grain, just to get on Pei Zan's pirate ship.

Pei Zan pondered for a moment, then slightly curled the corners of his lips: "In that case... I agree."

Allies are hard to come by.

It's just one wife, so I'll grant it.

The marriage arrangement was finalized, and Zheng Zhiming hurriedly wrote back to Wu Chong before leaving.

Pei Zan didn't say anything more, and instead looked at the few pastries on the table that had already cooled down.

Pei Zan glanced at the silent Lin Rong and took a bite of the pastry.

Although he didn't like sweet steamed cakes, he felt that Lin Rong's act of delivering food at night was very thoughtful.

Strangely enough, he found this immature little girl increasingly pleasing to the eye.

No wonder he acted out of character just now and allowed her to come in and listen in.

Perhaps even Pei Zan himself didn't realize that his malicious letting Lin Rong in was simply to give himself a reason.

One reason to control Lin Rong.

This is the path Pei Zan chose for Lin Rong... I'm afraid that even if Lin Rong dies, she can only die beside him.

Pei Zan lowered his eyes to eat, his posture elegant and dignified.

Lin Rong stood by, attending to him, still somewhat bewildered by what she had just heard.

She was completely confused and couldn't understand what Pei Zan and Zheng Zhiming were talking about.

Lin Rong knew that this was none of her business.

But for some reason, she also felt a tightness in her throat, like chewing a juicy plum, with a slightly astringent taste in her lips and teeth.

In Lin Rong's eyes, although Pei Zan was ruthless, he treated her well... She did not dislike Pei Zan, and even respected him.

Thinking of Pei Zan's marriage, Lin Rong thought to herself: The young master is handsome and dashing, he will surely be outstanding in his wedding attire.

However, she probably won't get to see Pei Zan's wedding.

Lin Rong heard that Pei Zan would soon be leaving the manor to return to the capital, which meant that the day she would soon be able to redeem herself and leave the manor was also fast approaching.

For the rest of her life, she and the young master would probably never see each other again.

In that case, Lin Rong smiled happily.

She hoped that Pei Zan would have a happy marriage, grow old together with his young mistress, and have many children and grandchildren.

A note from the author:

As for why Rong'er was so obedient, one reason was that her master could beat or kill her, so she had to be obedient and dared not be disrespectful to the guests.

The reason Rong'er always behaved well towards the eldest young master, Pei Zan, was because if she didn't, she would be killed immediately. Being obedient meant she could save her life, even though she was well-liked. Therefore, Rong'er had little choice. Moreover, she was a kind person and believed that if she treated others well, they would treat her well in return (this might not apply to Pei Zan...).

I won't spoil the rest of the story, but the male lead is devoted solely to the female lead and will not have any intimate contact with any of the female supporting characters. (I'm only writing about him being a virgin; this virginity is reserved for the female lead from beginning to end, but in the early stages, the male lead himself is unaware of his own feelings.)

Let's keep watching the rest~

This isn't a sweet romance; it's just a story about a superior bowing their head. There's an audience interested in various genres, so if you dislike overly sentimental or demanding stories, you can stop here and choose other genres you enjoy. Please don't stick to genres you don't like, and please don't criticize the author or the cook [let me see]. Thank you very much!

I update daily at midnight (12:00 AM). (This is the general schedule; I will notify you if the time changes.)

Hope you enjoy reading, my little ones! Our new journey begins now~ Love you all =3=