Chapter 63 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)

Chapter Sixty-Three

Lin Rong herself couldn't remember whether she had agreed to say "okay" under Pei Zan's unyielding embrace.

Lin Rong only knew that Pei Zan calmed down, gradually reduced his strength, and released her.

Lin Rong lowered her head, staring at his blood-stained clothes, and frowned: "You've lost a lot of blood, let's summon an imperial physician to check your injuries."

Pei Zan was very good at enduring pain; even while injured, he held her without changing his expression.

Lin Rong could not discern any signs of serious injury from the man's composed face, but with the Northern Expedition imminent, she hoped that Pei Zan would be safe and sound and lead the army to repel the Rong and Di tribes who had invaded the Western Regions.

After much deliberation, Lin Rong opened the door herself and called out, "Someone, summon the imperial physician! His Majesty is injured!"

There were always imperial guards patrolling around the palace, so they didn't disturb Lin Rong and the others. This was simply because Pei Zan had issued an imperial edict that "the Empress must not be disturbed."

Now that Lin Rong has personally summoned people, palace servants have obeyed the order and hurried out of the palace.

Within a quarter of an hour, Physician Zhou was invited into the inner palace.

Physician Zhou brought some herbal juice to stop the bleeding and relieve the pain, then applied medicine and bandaged it. Fortunately, the bleeding stopped, and since the knife wound was not serious enough to affect the heart and lungs, there was nothing seriously wrong.

However, judging from the wound on his chest, the tip of the knife was clearly pointing downwards, so it must have been his wound.

If it were self-inflicted, the tip of the knife would generally point upwards... But the eunuch said that only Pei Zan and Lin Rong were in the warm pavilion at the time. Could it be that this beauty was the one who stabbed him?

But if she really wanted to assassinate someone, why would she help apply medicine, serve them, and run around looking after them?

But the emperor didn't blame him at all...

Physician Zhou didn't understand what the emperor was thinking, and simply assumed it was Pei Zan's secret quirk.

Tonight, Pei Zan did not stay in his son's bedroom, but instead had separate bedding prepared and slept in a side hall.

Lin Rong breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Pei Zan's bleeding had stopped and he no longer had a fever.

She wanted to go back to her palace to continue packing, but as soon as she stood up, Pei Zan grabbed her wrist again.

"Lin Rong".

Pei Zan's voice was desolate and cold, as cold as ice and snow.

Lin Rong was startled by his pull, and then, realizing what he meant, explained with a hint of helplessness, "I'm just going back to pack my things... I promised you that even if I were to leave, I would tell you where I was going, so you don't need to worry."

Pei Zan still wouldn't let go; he seemed to be fighting against Lin Rong, his long fingers gripping her tightly like a prisoner's shackles.

"Lin Rong, prove to me that you will really keep your promise."

Upon hearing this, Lin Rong was stunned and at a loss.

How can you prove it?

She looked down and saw Pei Zan leaning against the headboard.

The man removed his undergarment, revealing his broad, muscular chest. A long, white, silk-like cloth wrapped around his wound, making his fair skin and dark hair appear even more striking and alluring.

Pei Zan, who had lost too much blood, was obviously harmless. His thin lips were almost bloodless, and the grip on her loosened. He only raised his solemn and dark phoenix eyes and stared intently at Lin Rong, his face as gloomy as a ghost.

Lin Rong knew that letting her leave tonight was the biggest concession Pei Zan had made.

If this continues, both sides will suffer losses.

Lin Rong turned around and sat back down on the couch.

The moment Lin Rong sat down, Pei Zan visibly calmed down.

The hand that had been restraining Lin Rong slowly loosened its grip.

The next moment, Pei Zan's fingers, cool and smooth as jade, moved from the back of Lin Rong's hand to her slightly dry cherry lips, which had not had water for a long time.

The man's calloused fingertips traced the lines of Lin Rong's slightly pursed lips, lingering there suggestively, like a tapping or a hint.

"Lin Rong, prove to me... that you are no longer afraid of me, avoid me, or hate me."

He needed Lin Rong's promise; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to settle down.

Lin Rong understood that she had run away many times, and in Pei Zan's eyes, she might be considered a "dishonest" person. She needed to rebuild a relationship of mutual trust with him so that she could coax Pei Zan to let go and give her freedom.

Lin Rong's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her gaze shifted downwards, fixing on Pei Zan's slightly bobbing Adam's apple.

Pei Zan's skin was very fair, but it wasn't as smooth and delicate as a woman's. Instead, it had a taut, ready-to-go quality, exuding a uniquely masculine elegance.

And the prominent Adam's apple hidden under his neck struggled daily beneath the thin skin, its pulsating bone trembling like a malevolent horn, tempting one to bite and crush it with their teeth.

It's unclear whether he wanted to inflict pain on Pei Zan, or if he had some other wicked intention.

Lin Rong finally took a step closer, just as he had wished.

Lin Rong leaned down, and the rich, fresh scent of herbs and trees gradually seeped into one's mind.

She lowered her head towards Pei Zan, then opened her mouth and gently bit his neck.

Pei Zan, caught off guard by the sudden attack that threatened his vital weakness, did not flinch. The man's dark eyes were deep as he watched Lin Rong's movements with his head bowed.

Lin Rong's hot lips and tongue gently sucked and entwined around Pei Zan's prominent Adam's apple, her sharp teeth pressing and grinding against the peach pit. The current situation was precarious, and Lin Rong hoped that Pei Zan would feel fear, after all, if she exerted force, he could die a violent death, but Pei Zan was fearless, only breathing heavily and curling his long fingers.

Before Lin Rong could hurt Pei Zan, she smelled the blood on the man's body... Lin Rong remembered that Pei Zan was injured, and thinking that Pei Zan was a fearless madman, she finally regretfully let go.

"Is this enough?" Lin Rong had already proven to Pei Zan that she dared to approach him and that she was not afraid of him.

Pei Zan remained silent.

But this time, when Lin Rong returned to her bedchamber, Pei Zan did not stop her.

-

Two days later, Pei Zan led an army of 80,000 to the Western Regions, intending to launch a northern expedition against the Rong tribes.

Although Pei Zan was the ruler of Western Wei, he was a military commander by birth and held immense prestige within the army. This time, to defend against the invaders, he had to personally lead the expedition to mobilize the Pei family's troops.

The court officials had no objection to this.

First, Liangzhou is only a thousand miles away from the Kingdom of Kucha. If the cities of the Western Regions are breached and the Xiongnu surrender, the Northern Rong barbarians can march for another ten days or so to attack Liangzhou. At that time, the border city will be engulfed in war, and the innocent bystanders will also suffer.

Secondly, Pei Zan is deeply loved by the people and is a brilliant strategist. If he personally leads the army to defend against the enemy, he will surely win every battle.

Thirdly, Pei Zan knew that military power was equivalent to imperial power. He would not be foolish enough to cultivate a few outstanding generals, hand over his troops and command seals, and sow the seeds of "others usurping the throne" for the sake of the imperial cause.

Pei Zan's personal expedition was not only intended to protect the Hu people of the vassal states, but also to establish his military prestige.

In this way, the people of the Western Regions could truly submit to the Western Wei and worship Pei Zan, thus achieving the goal of "conquering the chieftains of various tribes, setting up garrisons, and implementing local policies," and bringing the entire Western Regions into the territory of the Western Wei.

Although the Wei army was defending the Western Regions recently, the overall situation was not peaceful. For her own safety, Lin Rong did not oppose Pei Zan, but instead went back to the Kingdom of Kucha with the army.

Lin Rong glanced at the little dumpling jumping around excitedly in the carriage and quietly asked Pei Zan, "The Kingdom of Kucha is currently in chaos due to war. Will it be dangerous to take Yu Nu out with us?"

“No.” Pei Zan glanced at his son, who was feeding the falcon with dried meat, and after thinking for a moment, he said, “In the third year of Yong’an, I led the army to defend against the enemy and was on a distant expedition. The Gu family of Lingyang bribed the palace eunuchs to poison the Crown Prince. If it weren’t for a servant in the inner court who noticed something was wrong and risked his life to test the medicine, Yu Nu would have died on the spot.”

When Pei Zan learned of this, he was furious and immediately withdrew his troops back to the city.

He was filled with murderous intent and slaughtered the entire Gu family of Lingyang, even extending the calamity to nine generations of the Gu clan. All scholars who had studied under the Gu family were refused employment. Only by making an example of them could he gain a few days of peace.

After that, whenever Pei Zan traveled for more than twenty days, he would take his only son with him to prevent powerful families from harboring malicious intentions and taking advantage of his unpreparedness to persecute Pei Jiashu.

Upon hearing this, Lin Rong broke out in a cold sweat. Still shaken, she pulled Pei Jiashu close and hugged him tightly. She then opened his clothes and carefully examined his hands and feet to make sure there were no scars.

Pei Jiashu had just finished feeding the black eagle named "Sour Jujube." He had been leaning against the car window for a long time, and his back was aching. Before he could even sit down and have a proper cup of tea, his mother pulled him into her arms and began to massage him from head to toe.

Pei Jiashu liked his mother's embrace very much, and her clothes smelled nice.

The child's ears were bright red. He let her rub them, sitting on his mother's lap like a well-behaved kitten.

Lin Rong breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that her son had no old scars and was clever, chubby, and fair-skinned. She said gratefully, "Young Master, you have taken very good care of Yu Nu."

The coldness in Pei Zan's eyes faded, and his voice softened: "He is our child, and we should take good care of him."

Upon arriving in the Kingdom of Kucha, Pei Zan issued a military order to set up camp outside the city. Zheng Zhiming received the order and led the three armies toward the Gobi Desert outside the city.

King Monti prepared wine and food, summoned his troops, and accompanied the Wei army on their long journey, warmly welcoming the Western Wei soldiers who had traveled from afar.

However, Pei Zan, as the monarch, did not attend the banquet. Instead, he took time out of his busy schedule to personally escort Lin Rong home.

Pei Zan traveled alone with a small entourage. Although he had guards lying in wait in all directions, he appeared to be traveling alone on horseback, and did not attract the attention of passersby.

Lin Rong had used powder to cover half of her face with a birthmark, and dressed herself up as before before returning home.

As soon as the door opened, Sesame spurred its horse forward and rushed over to nibble against Lin Rong.

Lin Rong also missed Sesame. She patted the horse's head draped over her shoulder and called out again, "Big Yellow!"

Before the big yellow dog could run out, Pei Jiashu had already pounced and hugged the furry dog.

As if it could smell Lin Rong's scent, Da Huang didn't push Pei Jiashu away. Instead, it wagged its tail affectionately and licked Pei Jiashu's chin enthusiastically.

Just as Pei Zan entered, Da Huang seemed to recall a terrifying scene. It tucked its tail between its legs, whimpered pitifully, and huddled in the child's arms, trembling.

Pei Zan entered without permission. With a cold face, he surveyed Lin Rong's residence as if inspecting his territory.

Lin Rong's house is not large, but it is very cozy. The household items are all arranged in an orderly manner, which shows that the owner's life is very thoughtful.

The courtyard wall was built with poplar wood and yellow mud, and it was fairly neat. There was a stone mill in the yard, and a grape trellis was built. It was not the season for grapes to grow, so only withered vines clung to the wooden frame, waiting for the fruit to ripen next year.

Pei Zan pushed open the kitchen door and looked around. The wine jars in the corner of the room were filled with pickled vegetables, not wine.

Lin Rong doesn't drink alcohol. If she specifically collects alcohol, it's for others to drink.

Thankfully, no.

Pei Zan calmed down a bit, then pushed open the only bedroom door and looked around.

The wardrobe was filled with women's clothing, warm lambskin robes, and small-sized fur boots...

Pei Zan confirmed that Lin Rong lived alone in this courtyard and did not live with any other men.

Pei Zan strolled leisurely around the courtyard for a long time. Although Lin Rong didn't know what he was looking at, she gently reminded him, "Young Master, isn't there an official banquet tonight? It's almost time. Aren't you going to the banquet?"

Lin Rong knew that Pei Zan had mobilized troops to defend against the enemy and must be busy with many affairs, working hard every day, and having to go to the military camp to train the troops and scout the enemy's situation. How could he have time to stay at her house for long?

“No rush. Zheng Zhiming will oversee the official banquet. It won’t matter if we are half an hour late…” Pei Zan paused, then glanced at Pei Jiashu. “Yu Nu is difficult to manage. Will keeping him here bother you?”

As previously agreed, Pei Zan is too busy with official duties to take care of his son, so Pei Jiashu will live with Lin Rong for a period of time.

Lin Rong loves her son very much. She smiled and shook her head, "No, I would be more than happy to be able to take care of Yu Nu... It's just that there aren't many good things at home, and I'm afraid he won't be used to the food or the accommodations."

Afraid of being abandoned by her mother, Pei Jiashu jumped three feet high and said anxiously, "I can eat it, I'm not picky! Whatever Mother eats, Yunu will eat too!"

Since the child had said so, Pei Zan went along with it.

Before leaving, Lin Rong went to the kitchen to cook, and Pei Jiashu obediently saw his father off.

Pei Zan grabbed the reins with one arm and mounted his horse with ease. He glanced at the hidden guards lurking in the shadows to ensure that all arrangements were in place to protect the safety of the mother and child.

Pei Zan: "Don't run around, stay with your mother... I'll come back tonight."

After listening, Pei Jiashu nodded in agreement, then blinked in confusion.

Hmm? Wasn't Father supposed to be training troops away from home? Why is he coming home? He thought he wouldn't see his father for a while!

But Pei Jiashu was a very obedient child, and he longed to see his parents every day, so he didn't pay attention to such trivial matters.

After Pei Zan rode away, the child obediently closed the courtyard gate and even tiptoed to fasten the bolt.

Author's note: Sorry for the long wait!

_________

A little background: Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) moved the capital of the Ming Dynasty from Nanjing to Beijing, guarding the foot of the Great Wall, in order to attack foreign tribes. He personally led several expeditions to conquer the Mongols.

(Don't worry, this story is fictional; it's just to illustrate that it was perfectly normal for the emperor to personally lead an expedition.)