Chapter 22 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)

Chapter Twenty-Two

The King of Qin has plotted a rebellion and has led his army north, advancing all the way to the capital.

Upon hearing the news, Emperor Yuanqing was furious, and his illness worsened, rendering him unable to govern. He specially appointed his eldest son, Chen Wenjin, and second son, Chen Yishan, to oversee the country and, with the assistance of the Grand Secretaries, to manage state affairs.

The emperor was terminally ill, yet his attitude remained hesitant, and he was reluctant to appoint an heir apparent. Even a fool could see that this was a gesture of goodwill towards the Pei family, and also an indication of his high regard for the second son born to Consort Pei.

Emperor Yuanqing hoped that Pei Zan, for the sake of his aunt, the Imperial Concubine, would prioritize the greater good, remain loyal to the country, lead the army to expel the enemy, and eliminate the treacherous officials.

Pei Zan outwardly obeyed, but then dispatched Zheng Zhiming, the Vice Commander-in-Chief, to recruit soldiers and conscript men, and to organize the troops. They first crossed the hills and vast mountains of Jiangzhou, then marched to Yuzhou, penetrating eight hundred li into the prince's territory, and captured the prince's main camp. Afterwards, they escorted the prince's family members, who had committed crimes, to the capital.

This move, seemingly aimed at striking at the heart of the problem and demonstrating foresight, is actually somewhat unnecessary.

The King of Qin had already led his troops to the capital, yet he dared to leave his concubines and children in the provinces under his jurisdiction, which shows that he was a ruthless person.

Such a person, who dares to abandon his wife and children in order to plot for the throne, what can Pei Zan do even if he sends people to block his hometown?

The King of Qin had the ambition to ascend to the top, so why would he care whether a small vassal state would be in turmoil in his backyard?

He didn't establish an altar and declare himself emperor in his own territory of Yuzhou...

Yuzhou?

Even a fool would understand this after careful consideration.

It's not that Emperor Yuanqing wants to reclaim the prince's territory; it's clearly that Pei Zan wants to seize the opportunity to take over Yuzhou for himself!

Pei Zan clearly did not want to get involved in the messy struggle for the throne in the capital. He had no plan to attack the capital from beginning to end. He was cold-hearted and abandoned Consort Pei and his cousin, the Second Prince!

Pei Zan only wanted to take advantage of the struggle between the King of Qin and the capital to conquer several states, divide the land along the river, and establish himself as king!

Pei Zan deliberately allowed the King of Qin to go to the capital to purge the court of corrupt officials, while he himself took advantage of the situation to seize the cities, prefectures and counties that had already been greatly weakened by the King of Qin's attacks.

In this way, he could use Jiangzhou as a base to expand his territory and become a powerful warlord in the south!

Even if the King of Qin realized what had happened afterward, he could only swallow his anger and watch helplessly as Pei Zan disgusted him. He dared not send troops back to retake the old city.

After all, the fight between the King of Qin and Pei Zan, like a snipe and a clam, was a direct confrontation that weakened their forces. This would only please Emperor Yuanqing, allowing him to reap the benefits!

The best course of action would be for the King of Qin to swallow his anger and not hold a grudge against Pei Zan.

The King of Qin secretly went to the capital to plot a rebellion, refusing to interfere with Pei Zan's opportunistic and wicked actions.

The King of Qin would be better off being magnanimous and deliberately giving Pei Zan the few prefectures he had conquered, thus conceding some benefits to him.

By feigning weakness, he could appease Pei Zan, that wicked wolf, and coax him to stay in the south, so that he wouldn't relentlessly pursue the Qin King's army, lest his rebellion fail.

The King of Qin gritted his teeth in hatred, but he had no choice but to bow his head.

Pei Zan had already achieved his goal, so he no longer made things difficult for him.

The King of Qin plotted his rebellion, and Pei Zan seized his territory. The two got what they wanted and kept to themselves.

As for Emperor Yuanqing's sudden realization of this a few months later, it was probably too late.

At that time, Emperor Yuanqing was already locked in a bitter feud with Prince Qin and could no longer control Pei Zan in the south.

After all, Pei Zan had an independent source of funding and tens of thousands of troops, making him a formidable force. Now, Emperor Yuanqing wanted to eradicate this deep-seated problem, but it was too late to mend the fence after the sheep were lost.

Thinking of this, Pei Zan smiled slightly.

It wasn't that he didn't give Emperor Yuanqing a chance; it's just that Emperor Yuanqing had already sown the seeds of disaster by underestimating his enemy long ago.

Emperor Yuanqing always believed that the naval forces in the Jiangzhou area were brave but not good at long-distance expeditions, and could hardly compete with the cavalry in the capital camp.

Several times, the military supervisors sent to supervise the troops humiliated Pei Zan in front of him, saying that the military affairs in the south were lax and the soldiers were stupid.

Little did they know, this was Pei Zan's strategy of concealing his abilities and biding his time.

Pei Zan had long harbored rebellious intentions. He secretly recruited farmers and laborers through "agricultural militias" and trained cavalry and archers. Although his cavalry was not as valiant as those in the northern capital, they were already capable of fighting...

Half a month later, Zheng Zhiming captured Yuzhou and sent news of the siege of Changzhou.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Pei Zan sincerely invited Wu Chong, the governor of Luzhou, to send troops to Changzhou.

The two seized the opportunity to work together from within and without, and together they took over several prefectures near Jiangzhou.

Now it is Pei Zan's turn to lead his troops into battle.

That evening, Lin Rong had just finished eating a steamed bun and drinking a bowl of mutton soup when Pei Zan lifted her onto the carriage with one arm, and they set off on their journey, covered in dust.

Lin Rong suddenly fell to the corner of the carriage. The horse spurred her forward, but luckily she didn't throw up the meat soup inside her.

Lin Rong rubbed her lower abdomen and gave Pei Zan, who was busy with official business, a resentful look.

The man had been receiving messages from Black Falcons lately, his face was terribly gloomy, and there were always dark shadows in the shadows, with guards protecting him everywhere... Lin Rong didn't dare to utter a single word of complaint.

She couldn't understand why any concubine would follow her master to the military camp. Wouldn't it have been better to just leave her at the governor's mansion to recuperate?

After thinking it over, Lin Rong suddenly remembered that her period had ended, and many soldiers and generals were said to be on edge before battle and needed to relieve their tension through sex to prevent a mutiny in the camp... Lin Rong jolted awake, and her drowsiness vanished completely.

Surely the young master isn't just using her for his bedroom amusement, is he? Otherwise, there's no reason for him to take her everywhere he goes!

A few days later, Pei Zan's carriage, braving wind and rain, finally arrived at the foot of the mountains north of Changzhou.

In the distance, towering mountains and lush forests stretch out.

The river valleys and hills have carved out the plains surrounding the lake into lush woodlands, where in spring, the view is filled with verdant greenery.

Lin Rong jumped down from the carriage and looked around curiously.

When she first saw so many tiny campfires burning in the darkness and tents pitched in the mountains, she couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Pei Zan got out of the carriage and explained to her: "This is the rear camp of the Pei family's troops, where supplies and provisions are stored. It is a secret military location and cannot be exposed under normal circumstances."

Lin Rong looked astonished: "Since it's such an important military intelligence base, why did you bring me here, young master?"

Pei Zan, with a calm expression, raised an eyebrow at her: "Why not? Do you mean you'd betray me?"

Although it was said in jest, it also concealed a murderous intent.

Lin Rong shook her head vigorously, hastily proving her innocence, saying, "Heaven is my witness, I am utterly loyal to the young master and would never leak any secrets. But, but so many soldiers are encamped here, does that mean you're going to the battlefield?"

"Not stupid at all."

"Young Master, then I wish you a resounding victory and a triumphant return." Lin Rong couldn't help but harbor a wild hope: if the battlefield were a place of indiscriminate violence, and Pei Zan were to suffer some mishap and never return, that would be even better...

Before Lin Rong could make up her mind, Pei Zan gave her a cold glance: "If I die in battle, I will definitely send someone to capture you and have you buried with me."

Lin Rong's smile faded slightly, her almond-shaped eyes trembled, and she was speechless for a moment.

Her terrified reaction only confirmed that her fleeting gaze just moments before was truly a curse upon Pei Zan, wishing him a terrible death.

Pei Zan sneered, his phoenix eyes deep and cold. He grabbed Lin Rong's chin and warned her, "So, hope I do well, lest my words become a self-fulfilling prophecy."

Lin Rong shrank back and remained silent.

-

The military warehouses where weapons and provisions were stored were dozens of miles away from the front-line camps.

As Pei Zan's most trusted steward, Uncle Feng naturally came to the military camp to help take care of Pei Zan's daily life.

Uncle Feng, dressed in the light armor of the cooks, was astonished when he saw Lin Rong from afar.

"Sir, why did you bring Miss Lin back?"

Uncle Feng was unaware that Lin Rong and Pei Zan had once shared a passionate but ill-fated relationship, and was puzzled to see a servant from the Pei household there.

"From now on, Lin Rong will be a concubine of the Pei family." Pei Zan casually instructed, then left Lin Rong and went to the military tent alone to discuss matters.

Uncle Feng accepted the matter quickly, and he called out with a smile, "Young Madam."

Lin Rong and Uncle Feng were old acquaintances. She smiled awkwardly and said to Uncle Feng, "Manager Feng, please call me 'Miss Lin'. I am just a concubine and don't deserve to be called 'Little Madam'."

Lin Rong knew that she was currently the only concubine in Pei Zan's household.

To elevate her and curry favor, Uncle Feng addressed her as "Little Madam."

But while Uncle Feng dared to shout, she dared not respond!

If the legal wife were to accidentally hear the term "little wife" upon entering the household, she would likely fly into a rage, blaming Uncle Feng for not distinguishing between his wives and concubines, and reprimanding the entire household for having no manners whatsoever.

Lin Rong took the initiative to avoid suspicion in order to save her life and prevent any mishaps from catching the eye of the matriarch.

Lin Rong was tactful and perceptive, and Uncle Feng gave her an approving look before readily changing his tune.

Uncle Feng took Lin Rong for a stroll, reminding her of the forbidden areas in the military compound, lest she wander off aimlessly and break the rules.

Generals often found long campaigns tiring and tedious, so they would bring one or two concubines with them to keep them company and relieve their desires.

As long as the beauty is kept hidden in the tent and not brought into the open, no one will gossip.

Pei Zan had disliked women being close to him for many years, but for the first time he made an exception and took a concubine with him on his military campaign. Such a scandalous affair was enough to make people's hearts itch.

Whether it was the supply wagons or the soldiers on the lookout towers, as soon as they heard that Lin Rong was Pei Zan's concubine, they all craned their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of her beautiful face.

At first glance, Lin Rong's clothes were ordinary, no different from those of a country peasant woman, but her slender figure, peach-blossom cheeks, and almond-shaped eyes clearly indicated that she was an unparalleled beauty.

Everyone felt a pang of envy... marveling at the Grand Commander's high position and power, and how well he ate.

Perhaps the soldiers were too restless and their glazed-off eyes were really unacceptable. Zheng Huiyin, who had just ridden up on horseback, brandished her long leather whip and shouted sternly, "What are you looking at! Get back to your posts and stand guard! If you delay military operations, wait for my brother to punish you!"

Zheng Huiyin is Zheng Zhiming's younger sister. She and Zheng Zhiming are very close siblings. She followed her brother on military campaigns since she was a child and was also quite familiar with Pei Zan.

She had received the news several days earlier that Pei Zan was going to bring a concubine to the military camp.

Her elder brother, Zheng Zhiming, specifically instructed her to take good care of this concubine and not to offend Lin Rong because of past grievances.

Zheng Huiyin had liked Pei Zan for many years, and she had even shamelessly offered herself to him in hopes of serving him.

Unfortunately, Pei Zan's heart was as hard as iron. Not only did he not consider their past relationship and give her any face, he also slashed her face with his sword and forced her to leave the bedchamber.

The pain of a sharp blade tearing through flesh went deep into her bones, causing her unbearable agony.

After Zheng Huiyin fell seriously ill and recovered from her facial injuries, she finally severed all feelings for Pei Zan.

But Zheng Huiyin's lack of desire, interest, or insistence does not mean she is content.

If Pei Zan had remained single, she could have convinced herself that it wasn't that he lacked charm, but rather that he was born cold and aloof, untouched by worldly desires.

But Pei Zan, after returning home for several months, suddenly became enlightened and even brought a newly acquired concubine to the rear of the military camp, which was unprecedented for her. How could she swallow this insult?!

Zheng Huiyin was displeased. She gripped the reins tightly, stepped forward with a cold face, and stared intently at Lin Rong.

When Uncle Feng saw Zheng Huiyin arrive, he knew about Pei Zan and Zheng Huiyin's past and was filled with unease, fearing that Zheng Huiyin might suddenly attack someone.

Moreover, Lin Rong looks petite, clearly only seventeen or eighteen years old.

Zheng Huiyin didn't dislike Lin Rong. After looking at her for a while, she forced out a sentence: "A frail little girl like her has the guts to come to the battlefield."

Upon hearing this, Lin Rong smiled at her in a friendly manner: "I'm not weak... I'm very strong. I used to get up early to carry firewood and manure, and I could take care of three courtyards by myself!"

Lin Rong was quick and efficient in her work, and she worked quietly so as not to disturb the sleeping maids.

Because of her meticulousness and thoughtfulness, no matter which courtyard she worked in, the head maids in the inner courtyard all had a good impression of her, and would occasionally kindly give her a piece of osmanthus cake given by the First Madam.

When Zheng Huiyin heard Lin Rong speak honestly, without any affectation, she felt much more at ease.

After all, Zheng Huiyin had tried to seduce Pei Zan before, even imitating the gentle and delicate demeanor of those beauties... but Pei Zan didn't fall for it.

If Pei Zan only injured Zheng Huiyin because he disliked her, Zheng Huiyin would probably be so embarrassed that she would want to crawl into a hole in the ground.

Fortunately, Pei Zan's taste in people is relatively normal.

Uncle Feng knew that Zheng Huiyin was the only woman in the camp, and she must have come on Zheng Zhiming's orders to take care of Lin Rong.

Uncle Feng introduced Lin Rong to Zheng Huiyin, handed her over to Zheng Huiyin, and then went to continue to supervise the deployment of the barricades around the camp.

Lin Rong looks well-behaved, but she is not stupid or dull.

After listening to her subtly for a while, she learned that Pei Zan would leave the camp in a few days to go to the front line to fight the enemy.

In other words, without Pei Zan's supervision, she had the possibility of escaping this place again.

Upon seeing the dashing woman riding a horse and cracking her whip in front of her, Lin Rong's heart stirred.

She wanted to befriend Zheng Huiyin, and she wanted to secretly learn to ride a horse...

Lin Rong was still thinking about how to get to know Zheng Huiyin better when Zheng Huiyin spoke first.

"Governor Pei spoils you so much, doesn't he even buy you some new clothes?"

Lin Rong let out a soft "ah" and glanced down at the scene.

This month, Lin Rong traveled with Pei Zan day and night, without even having time to eat or wash properly, let alone go out to buy new clothes.

Besides, Pei Zan is stingy; he even confiscated her three taels of silver. Lin Rong was already strapped for cash, so where could she buy new clothes?

Lin Rong thought for a moment and said, "I don't have money to buy clothes, and the young master won't buy them for me either... The governor's mansion has strict rules and doesn't give concubines a monthly allowance. The three taels of silver that I had saved were also taken away by the young master, leaving me with only one qian of silver in my purse. The young master told me to keep it to buy candy."

Zheng Huiyin was speechless, but seeing the thick calluses on Lin Rong's palms, she knew she was a young girl who had worked for many years.

She wasn't a cold-hearted person, and upon hearing these words, the sharp edge that had been on her face softened considerably.

Zheng Huiyin frowned and asked Lin Rong in a low voice, "Will Governor Pei let you have a full meal? Surely he won't starve you?"

Lin Rong smiled and shook her head: "No, the young master never skimps on my food and drink. I can always eat my fill."

The little girl was well-fed and watered, and smiled contentedly, making her both endearing and lovable.

As Zheng Huiyin listened to her soft-spoken words, she felt a pang of sadness for some reason.

She was raised with the love of her older brother and, to be honest, had never suffered such hardship.

Zheng Huiyin gritted her teeth, grabbed Lin Rong's hand, and forcibly pulled her into her tent.

"Your name is Lin Rong, right? Come here, Rong'er, let me take you to get something to eat, and then I'll find you a pretty dress to wear."

Lin Rong was flattered and thanked her repeatedly, saying, "Miss Zheng, there's no need to trouble yourself. I have to go back soon."

"Just come here, stop talking nonsense!"

Unable to refuse Zheng Huiyin's hospitality, Lin Rong could only thank her and follow along.

-

Late at night, Pei Zan sent someone to summon Lin Rong back to her tent to serve him.

The curtains were lifted, and the thick fog dissipated.

The thousand bronze lamps in the military tent flickered with light and made a soft, ringing sound.

Lin Rong quietly entered, carrying a mother-of-pearl inlaid food box filled with candied fruit and honey.

She put down the food box and respectfully greeted Pei Zan: "Young Master, I'm back."

"Hmm," Pei Zan responded, looking down at military documents without looking up at her.

Lin Rong noticed that Pei Zan's black hair was half-down, tied up only with a wooden hairpin. He was wearing a clean, snow-white nightgown and kneeling on the carpet, clearly indicating that he had already washed up and was preparing to go to bed.

After finishing his official duties, Pei Zan finally had a moment to glance at Lin Rong.

It's strange, Lin Rong only spent two hours playing with Zheng Huiyin, but when she came back, she had completely changed her appearance.

Lin Rong changed out of her plain cotton jacket and skirt and put on a Hu-style robe with a lotus flower pattern and a turn-down collar, a short-sleeved top, and lambskin boots. Her slender waist was made even more delicate and slender by the embroidered robe.

Two red hollyhock ribbons were wrapped around her double-looped bun, and the flowing ribbons dangled down to her earlobes, complementing her slightly puffed cherry lips and perfectly showcasing the girl's bright and vibrant beauty.

Pei Zan's gaze was indifferent; even the most beautiful colors only lingered for a moment before he looked away.

Pei Zan tidied up the official documents, took a sip of tea, and asked, "Did you have a good time?"

Lin Rong nodded repeatedly, exclaiming, "Sister Zheng is so kind! Not only did she give me new clothes, but she also gave me food!"

Pei Zan thought of Zheng Huiyin's ill intentions and attempts to serve him in bed, and scoffed: "You're foolish. You'd better be careful, lest you be sold out later and still be helping others count the money."

Lin Rong's bright eyes darted around. She didn't understand Pei Zan's words, but that didn't stop her from remembering his warning.

In short, if you are careful in everything you do, nothing should go wrong.

Zheng Huiyin kindly gave her food and clothes tonight, so she should reciprocate... What gift should she give Miss Zheng in return?

Lin Rong was penniless and couldn't afford any expensive gifts, but her steamed cake making skills were quite good.

Let's send some food to Zheng Huiyin tomorrow.

Whether it suits your taste or not, it's the thought that counts.

Before Lin Rong could finish thinking about these private matters, Pei Zan had already put down his teacup and stood up.

He walked to the screen inside the tent and took off his outer robe.

Pei Zan waited for a moment, and through the thin gauze screen depicting mountains and water, he caught a glimpse of Lin Rong, a concubine, sitting motionless like a clueless wooden doll. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly.

A moment later, Pei Zan called her in a deep voice.

"Lin Rong".

"...Come and serve me."

Author's note: My darlings, this chapter is from Tuesday!

Due to issues with the rankings, I will be taking Wednesday off and will not be updating.