Chapter 82 But the temptation was too sweet, making him...
Upon hearing this, everyone present showed a strange expression.
Even if it was just to show his sincerity, Mr. Cui was far too reckless.
Ruan Min's expression was even more strange—he had long heard of this young marquis's reputation for being a womanizer and a philanderer, leaving his mark on everyone. His gaze swept over the two of them.
The young general was exceptionally handsome, and his advisors were also rare talents. They had beautiful faces like serene women, but judging from their demeanor, Cui Yao, the subordinate, was more assertive. He had heard that Cui Yao had spent enough silver to fill the sea in order to become a minor grain transport officer, and he thought to himself, "Could it be that Ji Chengning is using me to win over Cui Yao?"
How could Cui Yao be so devoted to him, disregarding both wealth and life, in exchange for his loyalty?
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but rub my arms.
"No."
Ji Chengnin refused without even thinking.
Cui Yao suddenly turned her head.
The two were so close that Ji Chengning could even feel a stray strand of Cui Yao's hair brushing sharply against his face.
A faint, cool fragrance brushed against my face.
Cui Yao stared at him intently, her beautiful eyes revealing a chilling coldness from her intense concentration. He said in a deep voice, "Why not?"
“I did not conduct a thorough investigation in Yan County. Many people have seen my face,” Ji Chengning said bluntly. “Ah, Mr. Cui, if you go in my place and are discovered by the rebels, not only will the court become a laughing stock, but you will also lose your life.”
Ji Chengnin's statement is reasonable and well-founded.
Cui Yao did not answer.
His thin lips were pressed tightly together, and his canine teeth uncontrollably dug into his lip flesh.
The deputy general said, "What the general says is very true, but it is still too risky."
Ji Chengnin pondered for half a second, "I will wear soft armor inside and regular clothes on the outside," he said to the deputy general, but his eyes were always on Cui Yao, "You all don't need to worry."
After speaking, Ji Chengning smiled slightly. "Moreover, knowing yourself and your enemy will lead to victory in every battle. This general is also very curious about who this Xiao Dingguan is, who has caused so much trouble for the court that he cannot control Nanning."
Cui Yao looked up.
He seemed to have just come to his senses.
As he opened his lips, a sweet, metallic taste slid into his throat.
His voice was calm, as if his earlier loss of composure had never happened. He said, "Just in case, please grant me permission, General, to have cavalry protect you from a distance. If anything changes, they will immediately escort you."
"Mr. Cui is absolutely right."
"I agree with what Mr. Cui said," Ruan Min echoed.
Ji Chengnin nodded, "As Mr. Cui said, as for the number and list of cavalrymen who will follow me, I will trouble the two generals to take care of it and hand it over to me at Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow."
Ruan Min and Song Chengbi cupped their hands and said, "Yes."
Seeing Ji Chengnin's resolute attitude, the others knew there was no room for negotiation, so they stopped trying to persuade him and instead confirmed many details with him, such as how far the cavalry were from the general and what they should use to send a signal.
Ji Chengning smiled and said, "Everyone has worked hard, so please go back and rest."
All the generals and officers said they dared not complain about the hardships they had endured.
Before the words were finished, a "whoosh" sound was heard.
Cui Yao turned and left.
He had remained composed and calm while discussing important matters with everyone, carefully and quietly checking the number of people, the armor and weapons used, and finalizing the details.
However……
The officers were all somewhat surprised. Cui Yao... just like that, he left?
Ji Chengnin touched the tip of his nose. "Please excuse my poor performance."
He then wrote a secret letter and asked someone to deliver it to Qian Wu.
The crowd dispersed.
Ji Chengnin couldn't help but rub his throbbing temples.
He wanted to go find Cui Yao, but he didn't know what he was holding back, so he hesitated.
After hesitating for a moment, Ji Chengnin resignedly picked up the documents on the table and forced himself to concentrate on reading them.
Until nightfall.
All was quiet except for the occasional chirping of cicadas.
Ji Chengnin, who had just finished writing, glanced somewhat hazily at the candle that was almost burned out, then stood up and gently blew it out.
"Da da da".
The sound of military boots hitting the ground echoed.
His original intention was to go straight back to his bedroom, but somehow, when he came to his senses, he found himself standing at the door of his cousin's bedroom.
In the dead of night, alone with his wife, Ji Chengning hesitated for a few seconds before turning to leave.
"Whoosh—"
The door was suddenly pulled open.
Ji Chengnin's body stiffened.
The door opened so quickly, it wasn't as if they had heard a sound, but rather as if they had been waiting at the door for a long time, waiting for Ji Chengnin to appear.
In an instant, Ji Chengning could even picture Cui Yao waiting for him, standing silently at the door, her eyes fixed on him, ready to open the door and check at the slightest sound.
Obsessive, and pitiful.
Cui Yao did not light any lamps, but the windows were wide open, and the small bedroom was filled with moonlight.
The moonlight, as white as frost, bathed Cui Yao completely.
A tall, slender figure stood alone in the cold light, his face ashen, even his lips were pale, making him almost look like a ghost.
Every part of it was a pristine white, except for the area around the eyes, where vibrant red lines rippled.
Ji Chengning gasped at the inhuman, breathtakingly bizarre beauty.
"Ah Yao?"
Cui Yao spoke, "Your Highness."
His voice was hoarse, almost rustling in Ji Chengning's ear.
Ji Chengnin's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Cui Yao walked towards him.
Twisted shadows fell, creeping up his body inch by inch.
"clatter."
"clatter."
The footsteps were very light, yet they still made Ji Chengnin's ears tremble.
Cui Yao reached out her hand.
For some reason, even though Ji Chengning knew that his cousin was gentle and harmless, his neck still tensed up when she raised her hand.
His long, sculpted, pale fingers brushed across his eyelids.
Like a blade.
Ji Chengning lowered his eyes subconsciously.
The hand reached over his shoulder and applied slight pressure, "creak."
The door was firmly closed.
It turned out they were just closing the door.
Ji Chengnin's Adam's apple bobbed, and he was just about to breathe a sigh of relief.
But Cui Yao did not move.
He maintained this superior yet intimately close distance, close enough that their breaths could almost touch, and asked in a soft voice, "Your Highness, is there something important that you've come to see me so late at night?"
A soft, cool breath brushed past my ear.
Ji Chengning wanted to touch his nose, but Cui Yao was too close. If he raised his hand, it would be difficult not to touch his cousin's body. So he could only put his hand down and explained dryly, "I know that A Yao was concerned about me today. I am very grateful for A Yao's kindness."
Cui Yao's thin lips curved upwards.
There was not a trace of a smile in his pale eyes.
He lowered his head.
The faint yet highly noticeable fragrance brushed past Ji Chengning's nose.
Ji Chengning's breathing was slightly sluggish.
The smell, which was clearly extremely cold, inexplicably became scalding hot when inhaled into the nasal cavity.
“So that’s why the Crown Prince came,” Cui Yao’s voice became even softer. “I am the Crown Prince’s subordinate, and I share his joys and sorrows. It is only natural for me to care about the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince does not need to thank me for this.”
Gentle and warm, like a spring breeze on your face.
But Ji Chengning sensed an indescribable chill.
Beneath the surface lies a gentle warmth.
Ji Chengnin took a deep breath.
He had met countless difficult people, but he was surprised to find himself at a loss when faced with Cui Yao's "understanding" and unconcerned appearance.
Knowing that Cui Yao was being hypocritical, he had no words to reply.
He coughed lightly, "Ah... okay, then, cousin, you should rest well, I'll go back first."
Ji Chengnin turned to the side.
"Swish—"
Cui Yao moved.
His wrist suddenly tightened!
"Bang!"
He was pressed heavily against the door by Cui Yao, her chest pressed tightly against his back. The thin wooden door frame couldn't withstand the weight of two tall men, and creaked open.
It was wobbling and swaying.
Before he could even utter the rebuke, Cui Yao had already leaned down and aggressively questioned, "Your Highness, why do you not value your life?"
hot.
The heat came out of nowhere.
The night wind brought no coolness, but instead swept up the yellow sand and brought an indescribable anxiety.
Ji Chengning was pressed tightly down by Cui Yao, his throat bobbing as if he couldn't breathe.
He gritted his teeth and said, "A general should be on the front lines. Those who desert in the face of battle, those who are cowardly and timid, should not be made commanders. Even if they are just soldiers, they should be killed to set an example for the ruler!"
Ji Chengnin's words were resounding and powerful.
He regretted it the moment he said it. Ah Yao was worried about him, he didn't come to argue!
Once this statement was made...
The breathing behind me became heavier, intensely hitting my ears.
He heard Cui Yao grit his teeth and ask, "Your Highness, are you really that loyal to the Emperor?"
Ji Chengnin abruptly turned his face.
Cui Yao was caught off guard and nearly brushed noses with him.
Ji Chengnin's voice was deep, "As a general, I certainly want to achieve great deeds, and bring honor to my wife and children. But in your heart, am I only concerned with the interests of my family and clan, and that's all?"
Cui Yao's pupils suddenly contracted.
Ji Chengnin was disappointed.
But why would Ji Chengning be disappointed because he misunderstood Ji Chengning's intentions?
If there were no expectations, Ji Chengning would naturally have just laughed off Cui Yao's questioning. So... a mixture of immense fear and immense joy welled up in Cui Yao's heart, and her fingers trembled.
He was unaware of what he was doing.
It was Ji Chengnin's struggle that brought him back to his senses.
He stiffly lowered his head and realized that he had unknowingly held Ji Chengnin firmly in his arms.
Furthermore, the arms continued to tighten.
He gripped Ji Chengnin's waist tightly, like a python trying to snap its prey's neck. "Your Highness."
He spoke hastily, "I'm not...I," his voice trembling, yet he knew perfectly well what you were thinking.
Ji Chengning wasn't having trouble breathing, but the feeling of being held tightly in his cousin's arms and unable to resist was too strange. He said in a hoarse voice, "Let me go first."
Cui Yao seemed unable to hear his voice, and naturally buried her head in the crook of his neck.
"Don't be angry with me, I just don't want you to take any risks," her pale lips parted, "Cheng Ning."
Ji Chengnin's struggling movements suddenly stopped.
Cui Yao was trembling.
Like someone adrift in an unmoored boat, begging for mercy from him.
Ji Chengning hesitated for a few seconds, then slowly lowered his hand, which was about to push her away, and gently placed it on Cui Yao's shoulder through her robe, patting her soothingly, "I spoke too harshly, Yao."
Strands of hair fell down, swaying in front of Cui Yao.
Ji Chengnin did not turn his face away.
So he couldn't see what kind of expression his trembling, pitiful "cousin" was looking at him with.
Bloodshot eyes.
His voice, identical to hers, whispered seductively, "Lock him up."
Use those shackles that you've polished tens of thousands of times to lock him up tightly.
He would no longer take risks, no longer get hurt for others, and no longer risk his life.
If the resistance is too strong, then change your identity to "rescue" Ji Chengnin. In this way, he will trust you completely, rely on you, and depend on you.
Cui Yao clenched her teeth.
But the temptation was too sweet, making him dizzy and his heart flutter.
He reached out his hand.
Isn't this exactly what you wanted?
...
The first thing Qian Wu did upon returning was to deliver the letter to Xiao Dingguan.
Lord Xiao tore open the letter, the candlelight flickering, casting shadows on his face, his expression unpredictable. Qian Wu couldn't understand it, but she knelt on the ground, looking at Xiao Dingguan with hope.
After a long while, Xiao Dingguan slowly came to his senses.
He seemed to only then notice the few people kneeling on the ground, and immediately revealed an extremely gentle smile, "Get up, you're sitting very well." With a wave of his hand, he said, "Zhang Rang, you take Miss Qian back."
Attendant Zhang bowed deeply and answered respectfully, "Yes."
The two left the Reflection Hall with bated breath. Zhang Rang glanced at Qian Wu, who looked like a beggar. He couldn't figure out how this poor woman had won the favor of Ji Chengning and Lord Xiao. "Hmph, don't think that you can rise to the top overnight just because you have the appreciation of noble people. Lord Xiao is busy with many affairs of state. How would he remember a little beggar like you?"
Qian Wu looked at Zhang Rang with a puzzled expression.
She had no intention of marrying Xiao Dingguan, so she didn't care whether Xiao Dingguan remembered her or not. It would be best if he didn't. She never wanted to do such a dangerous and risky thing again in her life!
Zhang Rang said arrogantly, "What? Can't I criticize you?"
Qian Wu scratched his head, "I...Did Lord Xiao deliver the rice he said he would give me to my house?"
Zhang Rang said disdainfully, "It was sent over long ago. Do you think Lord Xiao would try to renege on a debt owed to a lowly commoner like you?"
Qian Wu then revealed a genuine smile, "Thank you, thank you Lord Xiao, thank you Lord Zhang."
Zhang Rang fanned his nose in disgust.
What does it taste like?
He saw the man out of the government office, feeling that his mission was accomplished, and waved his hand, indicating that Qian Wu could leave.
The woman turned and walked away, but after confirming that she was far enough away, she started running as if she were carrying gold and silver jewelry.
Zhang Rang snorted coldly and turned to leave.
Qian Wu ran several hundred steps, panting heavily, then slowed his pace slightly and walked several more miles before stopping in front of a dilapidated thatched house.
Qian Wu pushed open the door and entered.
The two children inside the room suddenly looked up. Although they were huddled together in fright, they still glared fiercely at the newcomer, like two small, fierce-looking but cowardly beasts.
Qian Xiaojiu's eyes lit up when she saw who it was, "Big Sister!"
Qian Wu wasn't really the eldest sister, as you can tell from her name. Children from ordinary families weren't worth much, but—boys were always more valuable than girls, and her father was determined to have a son who would break the pot in the future.
So she had five younger sisters and a younger brother as her seventh. She thought that would be the end of it, but the eighth and ninth children were a complete surprise.
Putting aside natural disasters, man-made calamities, illness, and starvation, in the end, only three people remained in her family.
"Why."
As Qian Wu answered, she looked around her home, which now consisted of only four walls, a rickety table, and a broken bed. What pleased her was that the space under the bed, where only mice used to roam, was now piled high with grain.
Qian Xiaoqi looked up, about to speak, but her thin nose trembled, and she jumped off the bed. "Big sister, what delicious food did you bring back?"
Qian Wu laughed and scolded, "You think you have a good nose!"
As he spoke, he pulled out two oil paper packets from his pocket and casually tossed them into his younger brother and sister-in-law's arms, saying, "Here, take these and eat!"
Qian Xiaoqi frantically tore open the paper package, exclaimed, "Chicken!" Without caring about anything else, she reached out her dark hand, tore off a large piece, and stuffed it into her mouth.
Qian Xiaojiu hesitated for a moment, then tore off a chicken leg and brought it to Qian Xiaowu's mouth, saying, "Sister, you eat it."
"I've already eaten." The aroma of chicken oil lingered in his nose, and Qian Wu swallowed hard.
Xiao Jiu didn't take it away. Her large, sunken eyes, made from being too thin, stared straight at her sister as she stubbornly repeated, "You eat it."
Qian Wu opened his mouth and took a small bite of the flesh.
“I’ve really eaten. There was fish and meat on the table, and the fish head was this big,” she gestured excitedly, her eyes shining. “Even the emperor didn’t eat as well as your sister. You eat, I can’t eat anymore.”
Qian Xiaoqi wolfed down the meat, getting oil all over her face. "Big sister, you're really something! I want to be like you and eat meat every meal from now on."
Qian Wu proudly raised his chin, then suddenly remembered something and slapped Qian Xiaoqi on the back of the head. "You good-for-nothing! You need to study hard and become a high-ranking official in the future, so that your older sister and younger sister can benefit from your success!"
"Yeah, sis, when I become a high-ranking official, we'll eat chicken five times a day, no, ten times a day!"
Qian Xiaojiu said hurriedly, "Then I'll let my sister eat twenty meals!"
Qian Wu laughed loudly, "Twenty meals, you'll make sure your sister is stuffed..."
Her laughter stopped abruptly, and she turned her head sharply, her gaze fixed on the broken door that couldn't block anything.
"who?!"
...
"Your Highness," Cui Yao gently placed her hand on Ji Chengning's shoulder, "Are you thirsty?"
Ji Chengnin was taken aback. "What?"
Cui Yao said gently, "After talking for so long, Your Highness must be thirsty. Let me pour you a cup of tea."
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