Chapter 106 Like Strong Wine (18) She looked at him, her expression full of tenderness…

Changfengying, on the outskirts of Beijing.

The sudden deepening of spring filled the air with moisture. As the sun rose higher, the soldiers in iron armor stood upright on the drill ground, their backs soaked with sweat. Without orders from above, not one dared to move.

One of the younger boys sat upright, his neck not turning an inch, and complained in a low voice, "I told you he heard what we said last time! Look, he's starting to find ways to punish us! If it were summer, standing like that for two hours straight would make our insides burn!"

Soon, someone chimed in: "A new broom sweeps clean, it's the same everywhere, it's just that our commander is taking his time..."

"Your words are not without petty intentions," a refined-looking soldier behind them interrupted in a low voice.

He continued, "I observe that Commander Wei possesses an upright character, unlike the previous few. Although he is younger, the army has never lacked young talents. Furthermore, Commander Wei comes from a distinguished family with profound family learning; how could he be as petty as you all claim..."

“Only those from high-ranking families have black hearts! What do you know?” the first person to gossip retorted with a sneer, and because he dared not move, his discussion became a monologue.

The newly appointed Commander Wei has been in office for less than half a month, and his presence is still quite rare, though he issues military orders frequently.

As the morning mist began to dissipate, the Changfeng Camp was already waiting here. They had been standing for more than two hours, without being served food or even a drop of water. Was this Prince Wei trying to wear them down?

The soldiers stood stiffly, yet none of them made any unnecessary movements. Perhaps they had become numb, and gradually even suppressed their complaints. After waiting for a long time, they finally saw the messenger.

The horses came in with the sound of drums, then stopped: "The commander has ordered that the meal is ready. Everyone go and eat and rest. We will continue training in the afternoon."

Upon receiving this order, everyone slackened their backs, which had been bent like iron plates, and whispered among themselves as they headed towards the stove area in twos and threes.

As soon as they arrived, the sound of bugles drifted from afar, announcing that it was time to eat. Someone muttered in surprise, "This Commander Wei always keeps track of the time perfectly; he's never made us go hungry..."

"You've been won over so easily, look how capable you are!"

"I didn't say anything wrong..."

Outside the barracks, Chang Huai stood on the platform for a while, then turned and went into the tent.

Wei Yuanzhan was holding a military treatise and strategizing on a sand table. His handsome face was half-hidden by the book, revealing only his long, deep eyes with slightly drooping eyelashes, looking extremely focused.

Chang Huai walked over quietly, stealing a glance at his expression, and asked in a low voice, "Master, you really aren't angry about the position of Tong Dongfu, are you?"

With a wave of his hand, the Crown Prince had no choice but to come here to take up his post. A mere fifth-rank commander was not as good as staying in Lancheng. Now that he was here, he had to endure those unpleasant rumors. If his master harbored resentment because of this, he could understand.

Wei Yuanzhan seemed amused by his words, a slight smile playing on his lips, but without a hint of jest. He glanced at him indifferently and asked, "Do you think I'm holding a grudge against the Crown Prince?"

Changhuai hesitated: "If it wasn't because I was angry with His Highness, could it be because of those people outside..."

Wei Yuanzhan turned back to the desk and put down the military treatise: "The soldiers are talkative because they have nothing to do; they are dissatisfied with their new officers because they have no expectations. Why should I be angry with them? His Highness the Crown Prince's favorable wind brought me here, but in the end, it was His Highness's will that I truly obtained this position."

He wiped his fingertips with a handkerchief, and at the end of his sentence, his voice tinged with a mocking laugh, "The Changfeng Battalion has been too comfortable for too long. Everyone has become lazy and neglected military discipline. If it weren't for their fear of my 'backing,' a whole bunch of them would have collapsed during today's drill, wouldn't they?"

The former Commander Cao was said to be from a poor family and had suffered too much humiliation in the past. After a complete change, his personality became extremely twisted. He was harsh to his subordinates and stubbornly inactive in terms of achievements.

Last autumn, during military exercises, His Majesty was furious to see that the Changfeng Battalion lacked any fighting spirit. He rebuked Cao Heng for being a mere figurehead, neglecting his duties, and harming the country and the army. He immediately issued an edict to remove Cao Heng from his post, ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate, and instructed the Ministry of War to select a suitable successor. He was to be reviewed again the following year, and if Cao Heng committed any further offenses, he would be punished according to military law.

Before Wei Yuanzhan arrived, two others had already stayed for just over a month before suddenly falling ill and requesting to resign. This hot potato was something the Crown Prince had managed to keep, making it sound like a favor.

He was initially unaware of the situation and was already furious. Now that he knows the inside story, he's suffering injustice and has to listen to gossip, so it's understandable that he's a bit angry. That's why he avoids showing his face—he doesn't want to see that mob.

But since one has come this far, there is no other choice.

No matter how bad this army is, he has to help them get back on their feet.

Wei Yuanzhan made up his mind and naturally did not keep his resentment in his heart: "If I stay with them and do nothing but wait to die, when His Majesty inspects the palace, it will not only implicate the Crown Prince, but also my father."

At this point, perhaps thinking of someone, his cold and stern expression suddenly softened, and he said in a nonchalant tone, "I'm still hoping that Father will help me find a new wife; the Marquis's mansion cannot be disturbed."

Since yesterday, Wei Yuanzhan seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. Chang Huai was initially puzzled, but after a moment's thought, he raised his eyes in surprise: "Master and Fourth Miss..."

Wei Yuanzhan smiled and walked outside the tent to instruct the messenger: "This afternoon, we will practice the formation. Anyone who makes a mistake will receive twenty strokes of the military rod."

"yes."

The messenger received the order and withdrew. Lan Ye rode up from afar, reined in his horse, dismounted, and quickly went to Wei Yuanzhan, presenting him with something.

"Master, the Fourth Miss sent someone to deliver this."

Wei Yuanzhan's straight shoulders relaxed slightly. He reached out and took the jade-white porcelain bottle in his palm; it contained medicine for his injuries.

His hand, still recovering from its previous injury, bore faint scars on the back, but he wasn't afraid of the pain; to him, it was a minor injury.

Zhi Rou saw it yesterday.

Thinking back on yesterday's events, Wei Yuanzhan felt a sweet warmth in his heart, and the corners of his mouth turned up in a smile: "Did she say anything?"

Lan Ye replied truthfully: "Fourth Miss said she is going to the Feng residence today and doesn't know when she will return, so don't wait for her."

Is this a response to what he said back then?

Wei Yuanzhan couldn't help but chuckle softly. He stuffed the porcelain bottle into his pocket, then led his horse onto its back, instructed Lan Ye to follow, turned his horse around, and rode off towards the outside of the camp.

The Feng residence is hidden in the most secluded part of Chunxiao Street. The house is not very grand, and upon closer inspection, it exudes a sense of loneliness.

Zhi Rou stepped forward and knocked on the door. Hearing some movement inside, she took a step back respectfully.

The door opened from the inside, and a thin, middle-aged man appeared inside. His sharp, piercing eyes scrutinized her for a moment, and before she could speak, he respectfully said, "Young master, please come in and follow me."

Zhi Rou lowered her chin as a sign of courtesy and stepped inside.

The Feng residence had few residents, and as they entered, they didn't notice many people.

Upon reaching a spacious hall, Zhi Rou saw Su Du talking to an old man. He was dignified, and his expression alone revealed respect. Unlike his previous arrogant demeanor, today he resembled a silent and courteous gentry.

"Master, the young master has arrived," the man who brought Zhi Rou in reported to the inside.

The old man turned at the sound, stood up with the help of a table, his movements somewhat slow, his robes loose and faded in several places, the bright light shining into the room, his narrow face looked weathered, but his eyes were surprisingly bright as he gazed at the doorway.

Zhi Rou felt a little awkward under his gaze, but she didn't show it. She stepped forward, bowed to him, thought for a moment, and called out, "Mr. Feng."

Feng Han nodded, his voice as deep as his personality: "Alright, alright, no need for formalities."

He wore a gentle smile, but his eyes held emotions that Zhi Rou couldn't decipher. After saying this, he slowly went outside, leaving the house to the two siblings.

"Sit down." Su Du helped Feng Han up, then lifted his robe and stepped back, pointing to the armchair beside him.

Zhi Rou wasn't really willing to come here, but her mother wanted to know about his situation. When she asked him that day, he gave a very simple answer, as if he didn't want her to worry.

How could Ling Xi truly be at ease? Her worries lingered, and Zhi Rou, watching from the side, felt a mix of emotions and had no choice but to come and inquire herself.

After she sat down, Su Du personally poured her a cup of tea. The two had a falling out yesterday, and Zhi Rou was a little embarrassed by his visit today, her voice slightly hoarse: "Thank you."

Su Du sat down to her right. Seeing her unease, he took the initiative to start the conversation: "When I was young, I studied with Master Feng for a year. At that time, I was naughty and was not well liked by him."

At that time, Feng Han commented on him: "He is indeed skilled, but he does not know how to conceal his talent. His shallow intelligence is fully revealed on his face."

When he was young, he was defiant and, together with Ling Wu and Ling Qi, played pranks on others on two separate occasions. When his grandfather found out, he gave him a severe beating.

Zhi Rou was surprised to hear this: "Then why would he... help you?"

Su lowered his eyes: "In the past, there were many wars. Feng Gong's eldest son once served under my father, and my father saved his life."

Zhi Rou thought for a moment and realized that there seemed to be no one else in the house except for a few servants. She then said, "I don't think I saw Young Master Feng just now. Is he still in the military camp?"

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent for a few moments.

“He died in battle,” Su Du said calmly.

Zhi Rou was momentarily at a loss for words. Why was he always surrounded by sorrow?

Perhaps because he was unusually gentle today, she also restrained herself, without any barbed words or actions, only thinking in her mind: since Young Master Feng is dead, and he is using the identity of Second Young Master Feng, does this person really exist?

Su Du said, "In the last year of the battle with Bei Li, he led his troops to pursue the enemy relentlessly, but was ambushed and no reinforcements arrived... Feng Gong's second son was born in the same year as me, and his mother unfortunately passed away after giving birth. In the fifth year of Shuo De, an epidemic raged in the capital. To protect his son, Feng Gong sent him back to his hometown, and his whereabouts are unknown afterward."

He was about the same age as Feng Shi. In the past twenty years, no one had seen the real Feng Shi. He remained in the capital under his identity, making it difficult for others to investigate him.

Zhi Rou thought to herself, "No wonder. As long as the Feng family insists that he is Feng Shi, who can give him any other name? But isn't he afraid of implicating the Feng family with his actions?"

Su Du seemed to understand her thoughts, and as if to conclude what he had just said, his voice was very soft, but without self-pity, in a very ordinary tone: "Therefore, Feng Gong and I are both solitary people."

Zhi Rou turned to look at him for a moment, and suddenly felt a little uncomfortable. In the days that followed, she often thought that she didn't really hate Su Du that much.

Suddenly, she asked, "What was your father like?"

Su was somewhat surprised that she would ask this question, but she could also tell from her tone that she was not asking about "General Chang", but about Chang Yu.

“You probably won’t believe what I say.” Su Du smiled, a hint of sharpness subtly surfacing in his eyes, then stood up. “Come with me.”

Although the Feng residence was not large, it had enough space to house a three-story library. Su walked ahead, unhurried and composed, while Zhi Rou observed him from behind. It was as if their positions had been reversed today; she found him inexplicably more pleasing to the eye than yesterday.

The door opened, and the midday sun shone through the leaves. Su stepped aside to let Zhirou enter first, then turned around and gently closed the door.

The light inside the building was soft and diffused, as if filtered through several layers, thin and silky.

Zhi Rou stopped when she heard the door close. Su Du followed and mocked her, "What, are you worried that I have some ulterior motive?"

She had no such intention; it was just a habit formed in her childhood, and after so many years, how could she change it so easily? So she didn't reply to him, and waited for him to lead the way before she followed him up the stairs.

The flowing wind carried the scent of pages and wood. This building was truly ancient; the wooden planks creaked gratingly under the weight of boots.

Upon reaching the third floor, Su Du went straight to the innermost bookshelf, took down a book, and handed it to Zhi Rou.

“This is my childhood diary. My father wrote comments on my words and added his own. To avoid this assignment, I hid it with Mr. Feng and then told my father that I wanted to go to Yuyang. After much pleading, he finally took me to the army.”

Su Du spent half a year in Yuyang. He was too young then and only remembered that there were always figures in armor in the military tent, horses galloping around, the weather was bad, and life was very hard.

Recalling the past, his voice grew even lower. Fortunately, Zhi Rou didn't press him for details and took the notebook from him.

She casually flipped to a page, and the ink writing on it should be the handwriting of Su Du when she was a child. There were also corrections in red ink. The strokes were bold and elegant, with a strong and unyielding spirit. She stared at it for a moment, and only after a while did she pay attention to the words.

"My son is clever, not unruly; do not underestimate yourself."

"A caterpillar crouches before it spreads, a dragon lies dormant before it soars. Your current forbearance is not cowardice, but rather a strategy of concealing your strength and biding your time, preparing for the opportune moment. You should remember this well."

"Chen'er is young; there's no need to strive for immediate victory."

Zhi Rou prefers written words, especially those written by those directly involved, to hearsay.

She looked up and asked, "Can I stay here and watch?"

Su was a little late, then looked away from her notebook and said softly, "Whatever." She then found an empty spot to lean against and keep her company while she whiled away the time.

Before leaving, Zhi Rou struggled with her feelings for a long time, but finally handed the copied letter to Su Du.

Stepping out of the Feng residence, the sun was setting in the west. Two horses, one brown and one white, were parked by the roadside. The young man stood sideways with his palms outstretched, as if feeding them. After feeding them, he gently patted the white horse's neck and back. Hearing the sound, the horse turned around and smiled at Zhi Rou.

Only a day had passed, and the lingering feeling of yesterday's heartbeat still remained. When she suddenly saw Wei Yuanzhan, Zhi Rou was first taken aback, and then a faint blush spread across her cheeks.

She walked down the steps to him and said somewhat awkwardly, "Didn't I tell you not to wait for me? The letter didn't get through."

"It didn't take long," Wei Yuanzhan said with a smile, his posture still quite proper, but his eyes were fixed on Zhirou.

After a while, he handed her the reins, his fingers lightly stroking her palm, and whispered, "Mount up."

Zhi Rou, still not fully recovered from her daze, grabbed the reins and asked, "Where are we going?"

"Do you remember our bet?"

Zhi Rou frowned and thought back. Her gaze fell on the quiver and bow hanging by the saddle, and she remembered.

Mounted archery.

She stepped into the stirrups and mounted her horse, with Wei Yuanzhan following closely behind. He straightened his back on the horse's back, turned to Zhirou, and said, "Starting from the city gate, we'll stop at Peach Grove. If you win, the bet will stand."

Back then, he was very proud and didn't believe he would lose, nor did he want to take advantage of her. Therefore, the bet was only for her, and naturally there was no agreement on "what would happen if he won".

Zhi Rou felt it was unfair. She looked at Wei Yuanzhan, whose eyes were moist and bright, and whose cheeks were still flushed. As a result, his elegant face lost some of its coldness and beauty, and instead appeared tender and affectionate.

"Do you want to win?" she asked.

Wei Yuanzhan composed himself: "If I win, you..."

Before she could finish speaking, Zhi Rou's lips curled into a smug smile: "If you want to win, that's fine. I don't need you to let me win." With that, she flicked the reins, and the horse began to gallop.

Wei Yuanzhan raised his handsome eyebrows, an expression of accepting the provocation, then lightly squeezed his legs against the horse's flanks and followed.