Chapter 60: On the verge of breaking out "Since you don't want to, how can I force you...
For the next three days, Qi Yu remained absent from the General's residence, even his daily meals were delivered to him by attendants. Without that tall figure in the courtyard, even the chimes from the eaves seemed mute.
Liu Yeshu waited quietly for two days, a vague sense of unease rising within her. One day, at noon, she was in the kitchen preparing meals when she heard familiar footsteps in the courtyard. She knew it was the servant who came daily to fetch meals. After a moment's thought, she pulled a box of carefully crafted almond cookies from the cupboard. Taking advantage of the moment when no one was around, she softly called out to the servant, who was about to leave.
"Here, you go." She pressed the snack into the servant's hand, her fingertips trembling slightly as she hesitated to speak. Finally, she lowered her voice and asked, "How did the general deal with the people from the mountain stronghold?"
The attendant paused, his eyes flickering as if he were weighing his words. He carefully put the snacks away before replying, "Don't worry, young lady. The bandit leader has been captured, and Yang Qing has been taken back to the military camp and is currently being held." His eyes darkened slightly, and his voice dropped even lower. "I hear he's confessed quite a bit in the past two days, the extent of his involvement is shocking."
Liu Yeshu's slender fingers twisted the corners of her clothes unconsciously: "Where are the other bandits?"
"Some of the other bandits in the stronghold have been taken to the government, while others have been forced into hard labor as criminal slaves," the attendant said, a sudden flicker of understanding in his eyes. "Miss Liu, you're wondering when the general will return home?"
These words were like a fine needle, accurately piercing her heart.
Liu Yeshu's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm. She gently stroked the scattered hair on her forehead and said calmly, "Yes, if the general returns home, I have to prepare food in advance."
"The general is indeed very busy. I'm afraid he has been living in the barracks these days." The attendant took the lunch box from her hand.
Liu Yeshu's eyes dimmed slightly when she heard this, but quickly returned to normal. She pointed to the lunch box and said, "I wrapped it twice with thick cotton cloth and put a charcoal basin outside to keep it warm. It should still be hot when it arrives."
"Miss Liu is really attentive." The attendant praised with a smile, but there was something meaningful in his eyes.
The winter sun shone through the sparse clouds onto the vegetable garden, bringing a rare warmth. Willow Leaf, wrapped tightly in her cloak, carefully navigated the frost-bitten vegetable patch. Gently parting the withered leaves, she plucked a few dew-covered cabbages and radishes, her movements gentle, fearful of disturbing the winter tranquility.
As she stood up, her skirt was stained with dirt. She brushed it off instinctively, her reddened fingers wincing at the chill. She placed the vegetables in a bamboo basket, carefully covering it with a cloth, and then carried it back to Old Man Wang's house.
Arriving at the Wang family's courtyard, a thin layer of frost covered the fence. Liu Yeshu knocked gently on the door, and the wooden door made a dull sound. Soon, Old Man Wang emerged from the courtyard. Seeing her, he beamed. He was wearing a gray cotton-padded jacket and looked in good spirits.
"Uncle Wang." Liu Yeshu bowed and handed over the bamboo basket. "These are the fresh fruits and vegetables I grew. Please try them."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two men sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard. Old Man Wang busily dusted the frost off the bench and fetched an old cotton pad from the house. He brewed a pot of hot tea, steam swirling in the chill air. They chatted casually about the town and the military settlement, the aroma of tea gradually filling the courtyard.
Suddenly, Old Man Wang changed the subject and sighed. He blew on his teacup and said gravely, "Miss, have you heard about the recent news from the military settlement..." He paused, "I'm afraid there's going to be a war."
Liu Yeshu's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, and a few drops of hot tea splashed on her hand, but she was completely unaware: "Is there really going to be a war?" Her knuckles turned white unconsciously, and her thoughts were in a mess.
Old Man Wang nodded gravely, his voice lowered. "I heard the situation at the border is urgent. If they really want to recruit soldiers, your family..." He hesitated, "I'm afraid you'll also have to send men."
It seems that this is closely related to the information Yang Qing gave her. Liu Yeshu lowered her eyes, suppressed the turmoil in her heart, and forced a smile: "If it really comes to that, we can only leave it to fate."
The aroma of tea faded. Liu Yeshu held the now-cold teacup, her eyes slightly shifting. She gently put the cup down, her fingertips gently rubbing the rim. "Uncle Wang, the body we dug up from my fields earlier..." She paused briefly, her voice lowered. "Did anyone recognize it?"
Old Man Wang paused, holding the teapot, his thick brows furrowed. He shook his graying head and sighed, "As far as I know, the body remains unclaimed." He set the teapot down, his voice hoarse, "Unidentified remains like these are sent to the 'Slope of Requiem' for burial by the government."
"Requiem Hill..." Liu Yeshu murmured repeatedly, his knuckles turning white unconsciously.
Bidding farewell to Old Man Wang, Liu Yeshu set off southeastward, treading the chill of the winter wind. Anhunpo (Anhun Slope) lay southeast of the village. From afar, it was covered in dense weeds and vines. The cold wind rustled through the dry grass, making a rustling sound like the whispers of countless wandering souls.
After passing through several winding dirt paths, she finally saw the crooked wooden sign at the entrance. The words "Anhunpo" were already blurred and mottled, but still exuded a sense of eeriness. She rubbed her red, frozen fingers, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.
All I could see were low earthen graves, overgrown with weeds and strewn with withered vines. Some of the graves had collapsed, revealing the yellow earth beneath. A cold wind howled, rustling the dry grass and adding to the desolate scene.
Liu Yeshu carefully walked among the graves. Sometimes she bent down to push aside the thick, withered grass; sometimes she leaned over to carefully examine the simple tombstones. The tombstones only had dates, no names, and seemed to tell countless sad stories.
The cold wind stung her cheeks, but she continued searching, one stone at a time, until her fingers stopped at a bluestone tombstone. She squatted down and gently wiped the dust off the stone with her sleeve. The date engraved on the tombstone was the same as when the body was discovered.
Her heart suddenly tightened. The nameless grave before her must be the final resting place of Mrs. Guo's beloved. She slowly knelt down, the earth beneath her knees piercingly cold. She carefully removed the purse from her bosom. The delicate embroidery on the purse had faded somewhat, but the intricate stitching could still be seen.
Liu Yeshu held the purse tightly, her fingertips gently stroking the patterns on it. In a trance, she seemed to see Mrs. Guo's eyes full of pleading before her death.
"Mrs. Guo," her voice was as light as a thread. "I'm here." She gently placed the purse in front of the grave. "If you are still alive, you will know..." Her voice trembled slightly. "I hope your lover can rest in peace, and you can let go of the worries in your heart."
Then, with her red, frozen fingers, she slowly lowered the purse into the soil. In the cold wind, she built up a small mound, carefully marking it with dry grass.
A chill winter wind swept across the hillside, picking up a few dead leaves. Willow Leafshu knelt quietly, letting the chill seep into her bones. In this silent land, she seemed to hear a sigh, ethereal and distant, then dissipated on the wind.
*
As Liu Yeshu reached her doorstep, she heard a suppressed argument coming from the courtyard. She quickly pushed open the creaking wooden door, and a cold wind blew into the courtyard, carrying a few dead leaves.
In front of the hall, Liu Yeling stood upright, his thin frame motionless in the cold wind, his brow radiating a composure that belied his age. An oil lamp sat on the table, still burning. Beside it lay a conscription document, its ink still wet, gleaming coldly in the lamplight. Inside, Liu's mother was wiping away tears.
"Dad, let me go." His fingers unconsciously rubbed the hem of his sleeve, a habit he had when nervous. "I know you're going to say I'm young, but..." He paused, his Adam's apple rolling. "We've seen too many separations and deaths on the road to exile. I'm no longer a child."
Father Liu reached for the teacup, but paused mid-air. Younger Brother Liu's words were like a knife, piercing his heart. Those days of exile were vivid in his mind—his young son fetching water and firewood alone, staying up all night while his sister ran a fever. That frail figure had learned responsibility too early.
"Ling'er," Father Liu sighed and put down his hand, "It is precisely because you have suffered so much that Dad can no longer let you take risks."
"Dad, brother." Liu Yeshu interrupted them softly. She quickly stepped forward, untied the cloak from her shoulders, and draped it over her brother's thin shoulders. Ah Xun subconsciously tried to push him away, but his sister held his hand.
Liu Yeling turned around and saw Liu Yeshu, a complex emotion flashed in her eyes: "Sister, you're back." His voice was still calm, but the clenched corners of his clothes and the white knuckles revealed his inner unrest.
Liu Yeshu walked over to the desk and carefully examined the conscription documents. In the dim light, the large characters were particularly glaring: Due to the border emergency, each household must send one male to join the army.
"Dad," she said softly, her tone gentle but firm, "can you let me say something?" As she spoke, she poured a cup of hot tea for her father and brother, and the curling hot steam lingered in the cold air.
"You have never practiced martial arts..." She handed the tea to her father, her fingers gently touching his rough palm.
"Although I'm not good at martial arts," Father Liu took the teacup and said seriously, "this is my duty. Ling'er is still young, and besides..."
"Dad," Liu Yeling suddenly knelt on his knees, hitting the ground with a dull thud, but he remained upright. He looked up at his father, his eyes as firm as steel, but his voice trembled slightly. "You taught me that a man should put the affairs of the country first. But you..." He bit his lip, "You are over forty years old and in poor health. If you leave..."
Liu Yeshu felt a pang in her heart and subconsciously took a step forward to help her brother up. But Liu Yeling gently avoided her hand and stubbornly remained kneeling.
"Enough!" Father Liu interrupted sharply, his voice echoing through the hall. He turned away, his back looking particularly lonely in the light. After a moment, he turned back again, his tone filled with a hint of heartache, "Ling'er, I've made up my mind on this matter. Although you may be mature, you're still young. As for the conscription..." He took a deep breath, "I'll go."
Liu Yeshu looked at her father's aged face and suddenly realized that his temples had turned gray. She held her father's trembling hand, which was covered with calluses from the passage of time.
Liu Yeling looked up at his father, tears welling in his eyes, but he stubbornly refused to let them fall. His fingers clutched the fabric on his knees, his knuckles turning white. "Then you have to promise me," he said, his voice choking, "that you will come back safely."
Liu Yeshu squatted down and gently hugged her brother's shoulders. She could feel Ye Ling trembling slightly in her arms, the emotion that had been suppressed for too long finally on the verge of collapse. On that cold night, it was this stubborn brother who had stayed by her side even when she was feverish and comatose.
"Dad," she stood up, holding Ye Ling with one hand and holding her father's hand with the other, her voice gentle but firm, "You and Ling'er are the same, both for this family." She paused, "I'll go to the general's mansion to ask, maybe..."
"No need," Father Liu interrupted his daughter gently but firmly, pulling away her hand. "Don't make things difficult for General Qi."
Liu Yeshu was startled and subconsciously asked, "Why? General Qi..."
"Silly child," Father Liu sighed and shook his head, his eyes loving yet helpless. "This conscription is an imperial decree. Even General Qi cannot be partial. Besides..." His voice dropped. "Since I, Liu, am a criminal, I cannot break the rules by currying favor with others."
Liu Yeling was still kneeling on the ground. When he heard his father's words, his stubborn shoulders trembled slightly. Liu Yeshu could feel his brother's suppressed emotions and reached out to gently stroke his back.
"Dad..." Liu Yeshu wanted to say something.
"My child," Father Liu's voice suddenly softened, with a hint of doting, "I know you're worried about your father. But you must remember that although our Liu family has experienced many tragedies, it has always been clean. Right now, national affairs are of paramount importance. If your father shirks his responsibilities, wouldn't he be ridiculed?"
The hall was silent for a moment. The lights flickered, casting swaying shadows on the wall. Liu Yeshu looked at her father's stubborn back and suddenly understood his intention.
It was not only to protect the young Ye Ling, but also to preserve the last backbone of the Liu family.
"Get up, Ling'er." Father Liu turned around and bent down to help his kneeling son.
Liu Yeling didn't move, still kneeling straight: "Dad, if you insist on going, I swear that I will protect my sister and guard this family."
*
It was noon on the fourth day in the military camp.
Thick clouds covered the sky, and a cold wind howled, blowing a few dead leaves against the tent. The servant, hunching his neck, brought in a few plates of steaming hot food, then retreated, blowing on his red, frozen fingers.
Qi Yu frowned as he surveyed the dishes on the table. The flames in the charcoal basin flickered gently, illuminating the delicate dishes. A meat dish featured a steaming, creamy-white crucian carp soup with crispy bones and tender fish. Another dish featured a braised lion's head, golden in color and soft in texture. A vegetarian dish featured stir-fried preserved vegetables, glossy green and fragrant with preserved meat. There was also a dish of mixed shredded radish, white and refreshing, garnished with finely chopped red pepper.
Qi Yu carefully examined each dish, his fingertips tapping lightly on the table. A chill wind seeped in through the gaps in the curtains, causing the candlelight to flicker. He had afternoon training to do, but he didn't eat a single bite. He donned a heavy fox fur cloak and mounted his horse. His mount snorted, its hooves clacking crisply on the frozen ground.
After returning to the general's mansion, he rubbed his fingers that were frozen stiff by the cold wind and immediately ordered someone to invite Liu Yeshu to the front hall.
"Go and ask Miss Liu to come over. Tell her I have something to ask her." He walked over to the charcoal brazier to warm his hands, his voice filled with urgency. The charcoal fire reflected the red glow of his angular face.
Soon, soft footsteps were heard from beyond the curtains. Liu Yeshu strode in gracefully, a few snowflakes still clinging to the hem of her plain dress, barely melting. Her face was calm, yet the haggardness in her eyes could not be concealed.
"Last time you said you would give me an answer in three days. What do you think now?" Qi Yu turned around and looked at Liu Yeshu with a smile.
Liu Yeshu pursed her pale lips, twisting her sleeves subconsciously. After a moment, she raised her head and looked Qi Yu in the eye. "Although I don't want to be your concubine..." She paused, her voice tense. "But if General Qi can ensure my father's safe return from this military mission, I am willing..." her voice trailed off, "to compromise."
Qi Yu's movements suddenly stopped. He turned slowly, his brows furrowed, his eyes as sharp as a knife. "Become a concubine?" His voice was filled with a hint of danger. "Who asked you to be a concubine?"
A chill gathered in the hall. Liu Yeshu was startled by his sudden question and froze in her tracks. She looked up at Qi Yu and saw that he had a gloomy expression, his eyes burning with anger.
"Who do you think I, Qi Yu, am?" He strode forward, his military boots making a heavy sound on the floor. "Should I ask you to become my concubine in exchange for your father's life?" At this point, his voice suddenly rose, with obvious anger.
Liu Yeshu subconsciously took a half step back, her bare hands tightly clutching her sleeves. She opened her mouth, unsure how to respond. The flickering flames in the charcoal basin illuminated Qi Yu's tense jawline.
"I..." Her voice trembled slightly.
"Do you think that my feelings for you these days mean that I want you to be my concubine?" Qi Yu stood in front of her, his eyes burning, and his breath was filled with suppressed anger. "Liu Yeshu, you think too little of me."
The wind and snow outside the window intensified, their whistling mixed with the shrill chimes of the wind chimes under the eaves. Liu Yeshu stood still, overwhelmed by his aura, her heart pounding.
The hall fell silent for a moment. The gentle chimes of wind chimes under the eaves made the silence even more suffocating.
"If that's the case," he slowly stood up, his fingertips tracing the edge of the table, "it seems like I've raped you." His voice was still gentle, but a little more distant, as if an invisible wall of ice had suddenly appeared between them. "Since you don't want to, how can I force you?"
After saying this, he stood with his hands behind his back, turned, and looked out the window at the courtyard. Snowflakes drifted down from the sky, piling up into a vast expanse. The cold wind lifted the hem of his dark cloak, and the silver thread on the lapel shone coldly in the dim light.
Liu Yeshu was stunned. She hadn't expected him to say that. She subconsciously took a step forward, her bare hands clenching her sleeves. Her lips parted slightly, but as if frozen by the cold, she couldn't utter a single word.
"As for your father's safety," Qi Yu said, his back still turned to her, his voice as calm as ice. His fingers gently stroked the window frame, leaving a faint trace of water. "As the commander-in-chief, I will do my best to take care of him..."
His words suddenly paused, his fingertips trembling slightly on the window frame. The snow outside seemed to be falling even harder, blurring all the outlines in the courtyard. After a long while, he spoke again, almost sarcastically, "Miss Liu, don't worry."
The cold wind whistled past the window, stirring the wind chimes under the eaves. The crisp chimes were particularly piercing in the silence, like a sharp knife, slicing through the last trace of warmth in the hall.
Liu Yeshu stood there, looking at his tall figure enveloped by the falling snowflakes, and suddenly felt an unprecedented chill, not knowing whether it came from this winter or from the sudden distance between them.
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
Since their last unpleasant parting, Liu Yeshu has not seen Qi Yu again. He must have been busy with preparations for war and had no time to care about her thoughts.
As the battle approached, she carefully counted the items she had prepared for her father. A thick cotton-padded jacket with a peace charm embroidered on the lining; sheepskin boots lined with fine cotton wool, with an extra layer on the soles; a windproof cloak embroidered with prayer patterns; and several packets of her carefully prepared medicinal powder, each carefully labeled with instructions.
After packing everything up, she took out a blue cloth bag. In the bag was a breastplate she had sewn herself, as well as a medicinal powder specially developed according to the records in ancient Chinese books. It could stop bleeding and reduce inflammation, and there was almost no other medicine in the military camp that could compare to it.
"Please give this to General Qi," she handed the bundle to Qi Yu's most trusted guard, her voice soft and gentle, "Just say..." She paused, "Just say that this is a protective item I prepared for him."
The guard took the heavy bundle and couldn't help but take a second look at it. Even that one glance made him secretly shocked - the stitching on this bundle was so fine, it must have taken a lot of effort.
"Don't worry, Miss Liu," the guard replied solemnly, "I will definitely hand it over to the general myself."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com