Chapter 27 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Pei's army won a great victory in the siege of the city. Half of the local officials in Changzhou fled, and half of them defected. The officials who remained were all opportunists.
They yielded to Pei Zan's tyranny and were willing to serve him like dogs and horses. Upon learning that Pei Zan was coming to the main city, they hurriedly turned their shoes upside down to welcome him.
They not only paid for banquets to entertain the military officers out of their own pockets, but also offered them singing girls and beautiful maids in order to win over the military officials and establish good relations.
Pei Zan was skilled at employing people. He understood how the court operated. He not only promoted honest and virtuous officials, but also needed shrewd and capable courtiers like him to maintain stability.
Therefore, he did not offend them, but instead tacitly allowed these subordinates to do their best to flatter their superiors.
Officials specially arranged a private banquet at the residence of the prefect of Changzhou, exclusively for Pei Zan, Wu Chong, and other high-ranking military officers to enjoy delicacies.
The courtyard is spacious, with double eaves and animal-shaped corners. Under the corridors, pots of seasonal exotic flowers and plants are piled up, and a cool breeze carries a delicate fragrance of flowers.
Pei Zan sat at the head of the table, before which a large spread of delicacies was laid out, such as peppered lamb leg, roast goose, stewed pigeon, and so on...
Pei Zan took a sip of the fine wine, slightly raised his phoenix eyes, and glanced around the hall.
The generals and retainers below all lowered their heads and drank, secretly glancing at Pei Zan's expression, not daring to breathe loudly, their bodies itching terribly.
Pei Zan curled his lip slightly: "You don't need to stand in front of me. Go and have fun at the banquet if you want."
Upon hearing this, everyone felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They quickly raised their cups to toast Pei Zan, suppressing their joy, and strode out of the courtyard one after the other.
Although the private banquet featured fine wine and food, the roughnecks in the military camp were still not very willing to drink with Pei Zan.
Governor Pei's banquet was bland. There were no dancers to perform, no beautiful women to enjoy, and no snacks to accompany the drinks. They just drank in silence, which was really unpleasant. They didn't dare to sit in an unrefined manner for fear of offending their superiors. They felt like they were growing thorns on their buttocks.
They couldn't stand staying still, so they went out to play drinking games, watch singing and dancing with the soldiers—that was much more enjoyable.
The private banquet was suddenly empty after everyone had left.
The huge hall was now empty except for Pei Zan, Wu Chong, and a few civil officials who were drinking with them.
Wu Chong was more than ten years older than Pei Zan. This time, he only surrendered Luzhou and his troops to Pei Zan and did not participate in the war planning.
All military strategies and tactics were devised by Pei Zan alone.
Wu Chong stood by and watched, not only out of trust, but also to take the opportunity to assess whether Pei Zan possessed the talent of a ruler.
Fortunately, the Wu family made the right bet. Pei Zan was brave and resourceful, truly formidable.
If the Wu family could form an alliance with a brilliant talent like Pei Zan and offer their daughter in marriage, the Wu family could at least maintain its prosperity for three generations.
Wu Chong had already made up his mind. Now that the battle of Changzhou was over and the Pei family's troops were able to recuperate, it was time to put the wedding on the agenda.
“Governor Pei, the Wu family once proposed a marriage alliance with you a few months ago, and you agreed at the time. Now that the victory in Changzhou is great and everything is going smoothly, don’t you think we should start arranging the marriage as soon as possible?”
As the elder of the Wu family, Wu Chong represented the dignity of the Wu clan of Luzhou. He was to marry his cousin, and would become Pei Zan's brother-in-law. Today, he was so humble and took the initiative to bring up the marriage with his future cousin-in-law, which was quite embarrassing.
Fortunately, Pei Zan was sensible and did not refuse arrogantly.
He slightly curled the corners of his lips, poured wine and handed it to Wu Chong, saying calmly, "Since I, Pei, have promised Wu the position of my wife, I shall naturally keep my promise."
Upon hearing this, Wu Chong was filled with excitement. He laughed heartily and downed the glass of wine in one gulp.
"In that case, I won't stand on ceremony with Governor Pei. From now on, we're family, so let's speak frankly. The Wu family has many eligible young ladies, but unfortunately, my eldest son's branch only has brothers, no sisters or half-sisters. However, my third, fourth, and sixth sisters from my paternal cousin's branch are legitimate daughters, and their talent and appearance are excellent, making them suitable matches for Governor Pei..."
If Wu Chong's biological father hadn't died young and hadn't even given birth to a half-sister for him, why would he have pushed Pei Zan towards his cousin's side?
Fortunately, Wu Chong is the head of the Wu family, and even the collateral branches have to rely on him, so there is no fear that the collateral branches will develop disloyal intentions.
Upon hearing this, Pei Zan said nonchalantly, "Since we are forming an alliance between our two families, I will leave it to Brother Wu to arrange."
Pei Zan's initiative in addressing Wu Chong as "elder brother" signifies that he considers Wu Chong his "brother-in-law."
Wu Chong was overjoyed, realizing that it wasn't just a one-sided effort from him as a barber.
After thinking for a while, Wu Chong already had someone in mind.
The sixth sister is just turning 18, which is quite young, while Pei Zan is already 27, so it's not quite appropriate.
Fourth Sister's birth mother, Madam Xu, came from a wealthy family. Fourth Sister was spoiled and willful by her parents from a young age. She will likely face some challenges after marrying into the Pei family.
The third sister is already eighteen years old. Because of her mother's less-than-ideal family background, she was raised from a concubine to become a wife, making marriage somewhat difficult. However, she is adept at social skills and adept at handling interpersonal relationships.
What's most remarkable is that the third sister is beautiful, like a goddess emerging from the water, and she's sure to win over Pei Zan!
After all, what man doesn't love a beautiful woman? Wu Chong's marriage to Pei Zan was to bind Pei Zan to his side, not to send him a virtuous wife.
Wu Chong had made up his mind. He smiled and said to Pei Zan, "In that case, let's settle on my third sister."
Pei Zan had just agreed readily, but then fell silent again, his eyebrows and eyes indifferent, his thumb lightly stroking the black prayer beads on his wrist.
Wu Chong's heart skipped a beat, and he asked hesitantly, "Is there something wrong with Third Sister?"
“Brother Wu, you are overthinking this. I know that the Wu family has a good way of educating their daughters. The girls in the family are naturally beautiful and virtuous.”
Pei Zan gently stroked the scorpion-patterned, gold-inlaid wine vessel, and said slowly, "There's just one thing. I have a maid in my household. She's dull-witted and doesn't understand etiquette, which might offend noble ladies. She's been with me for many years, and although she's a bit slow-witted, I still have some affection for her. I'm just an ordinary man, and I only hope for peace in my household and less conflict. I hope that when Miss Wu marries into the family, she can tolerate her a little and not blame her for being clumsy and not refined enough."
Upon hearing this, not only Wu Chong, but also several officials who were eavesdropping on their superiors' speech in the distance were startled.
Wu Chong glanced at Pei Zan in surprise... He hadn't heard of Pei Zan having any favored concubines. Where did this maidservant come from to serve him in bed?
It's not unusual for a man to have three wives and four concubines, but what surprised Wu Chong was that Pei Zan, a decisive and ruthless man, would actually come to warn him just to protect a mere concubine!
Pei Zan seemed easy to talk to, and he let Wu Chong offer up whichever Wu woman he wanted. He even belittled that concubine, giving her the derogatory title of "dull and stupid."
But this "retreat as an advance" tactic precisely proves Pei Zan's affection for her.
Pei Zan secretly promoted this favored concubine, giving her face, and also reminded Wu Chong in advance that when he marries into the Pei family as the principal wife, he must tolerate this favored concubine and not be jealous or cause trouble for him.
Wu Chong felt a slight ripple in his heart, but he quickly suppressed it.
The Wu family is able to get involved with Pei Zan now only because they were clever and surrendered early, which is why they are qualified to marry into the Pei family... If he gives up, there are thousands of good women who want to marry Pei Zan, so how could his third cousin possibly get a chance?
Given this, how could he dare to offend Pei Zan?
He just wants to find a more magnanimous wife... That's easy. Wu Chong will personally remind his third cousin later. I think his third cousin, Wu Nianzhen, knows how high the Pei family's social standing is. In order to form this good marriage, she will let Pei Zan do whatever he wants.
With the marriage arranged, Wu Chong felt a great sense of relief.
In just a few days, the two families will hold a banquet to meet, calculate each other's horoscopes, and set a wedding date. Then Wu Chong and Pei Zan will be in the same boat.
After agreeing to the marriage, Pei Zan did not exchange any further pleasantries with Wu Chong.
He drank his wine quietly, his cold eyes fixed on the plate of venison on the table.
Pei Zan recalled Lin Rong, who had traveled with him in the car earlier...
He had assumed that Lin Rong, having been forcibly taken to the car, would throw a tantrum for days, go on a hunger strike, and hurl insults.
Little did anyone know that Lin Rong was simple-minded and obedient. She didn't cry or make a fuss when she was wronged. Instead, she just lay in a corner for a day and relieved all her irritable emotions on her own.
When Lin Rong woke up the next day, she not only dared to beg for food from Pei Zan, but would also ask him about local customs and traditions from time to time.
When attacking Japanese pirates, did they have to travel on keel-hulled ships?
What about hunting in the mountains? Can you hunt venison?
How does venison taste? How does it compare to mutton or pork?
Pei Zan found her too talkative, only replying with one out of ten sentences.
Every night, Lin Rong was a restless sleeper. Not only did she stretch her arms and kick her legs, but she also dared to roll into Pei Zan's wide-sleeved robe that trailed on the ground.
Lin Rong was filled with fear and unease. She clutched his sleeve, only daring to continue sleeping when she knew someone was beside her.
As she slept, Lin Rong's eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, her cherry lips were slightly parted, her arms and legs were curled up, and her back was hunched, like a seriously injured little animal.
Despite being covered in wounds, she was completely unguarded towards him.
They're easy to bully.
Such a dull-witted woman, if she were to encounter a formidable wife, would likely be devoured without a trace.
Today, Pei Zan gave Wu Chong some pointers. Although his words were barbed and contained disrespect for his future wife, he still fulfilled his old promise to "protect Lin Rong"... Such recklessness is not like him. Let's just consider it a favor to Lin Rong.
...
Pei Zan snapped out of his daze.
He looked at the plate of venison that had gone cold.
"This deer leg is roasted well. Go and cut some more tendons and meat, wrap them in oil paper, and bring them to my desk."
Pei Zan took a handkerchief to wash his hands, rinsed his mouth with tea, and got up to leave his seat.
-
The military camp was dimly lit.
It was already late at night, and the soldiers on patrol were all drunk, lying around resting in all sorts of crooked positions.
Inside the kitchen, a group of brothers were drinking and playing drinking games, pushing and shoving each other, making a ruckus.
For today's banquet, Zheng Huiyin also went to the main city with Zheng Zhiming, while only Lin Rong stayed at the camp.
Fortunately, the soldiers treated Lin Rong with great respect. Knowing that she was a member of Governor Pei's household, they dared not offend her. They even specially prepared several bowls and plates for her to eat and drink at night.
Lin Rong had little appetite. She picked out a few kinds of roasted meat, wrapped them in oil paper, and hid them in her bosom.
Taking advantage of the dark night and the sparse population, Lin Rong changed into a narrow-sleeved Hu-style robe that was easy to ride a horse and quietly slipped out of the tent.
She was cautious and did not light a torch; instead, she walked forward in the dark.
Fortunately, Lin Rong had a good sense of direction. She remembered where she had hidden the things and dug out her bundle.
Lin Rong slung the soft bundle over her shoulder, then sneaked into the stable and untied Sesame's reins.
Lin Rong touched the horse's nose and whispered, "Sesame, let's run north. Don't shout or yell, let's both be quiet."
Lin Rong led her horse forward, bypassing the barricades used to defend against the enemy, and slipped out of the military camp.
With each step, Lin Rong was filled with trepidation, barely daring to breathe, but thankfully, the journey was uneventful and no one came to arrest her.
It makes sense, really. Pei Zan was away fighting, and now he's captured the vast city of Changzhou. Even if Lin Rong were stupid, she'd know that Pei Zan commanded tens of thousands of mercenaries, conquering cities and seizing territory—that's a serious crime of treason! And yet, the young master was audacious enough to actually do it!
Goodness gracious! Lin Rong has lived this long and has only ever heard of the power struggles between the Second Madam and the First Madam over the management of the household. She has no idea about any grand schemes of rebellion or plotting to seize power.
In the eyes of others, Pei Zan is now the local tyrant of the South!
Being able to become the emperor's concubine is such a wonderful thing, how could Lin Rong not be grateful? So no one could have guessed that Lin Rong would run away, even she herself would be momentarily confused and ask herself... wouldn't it be better to stay and enjoy wealth and honor? At least she wouldn't have to be a slave or a maid, and wouldn't have to worry about making a living.
But.
But……
Lin Rong closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and climbed onto Sesame's back.
She flicked the reins, and the horse's hooves clattered, galloping forward like an arrow released from a bow.
Lin Rong shook off the rows of sheepskin tents behind her.
Lin Rong left behind all the bustling crowds, golden fireworks, and fine wines and delicacies.
Sesame galloped across the plain, splashing up dirty mud and sand. Even the night wind was as cold as a blade, cutting Lin Rong's cheeks painfully.
In the deep blue night sky, a vast and radiant full moon hangs.
The moonlight shone brightly on the earth. Lin Rong bent down, and a bright red ribbon on her dark hair was raised high and fluttered in the wind.
She was carried by sesame seeds, like a nimble little fish, swimming among the lush green grass.
Lin Rong felt incredibly comfortable and at ease. She felt the wind blowing from all directions, and she looked at the stars hanging low over the plains, the distant mountains stretching as far as the eye could see.
Lin Rong smiled; she had come back to life.
She was absolutely certain that she didn't want to go back to Pei Zan's side.
She didn't want to be trapped in a cage, relying solely on her husband's favor every day.
If Pei Zan dotes on her for a while, she'll have a good life of being cared for and loved.
If Pei Zan treats her coldly for a while, she will let him discard her like trash and bully her at will.
She didn't want to live like that; she wanted to be in charge of her own life.
Lin Rong rode her horse, enjoying the cool breeze amidst the hustle and bustle.
She was heading north, to the border where no travel permits were needed, to the desert city where no one was in charge.
Once she escapes this place, she will have a vast world to explore and a sky to soar through.
Now, Lin Rong has finally escaped.
A note from the author: The entire text has an outline; I do not accept any writing guidance. Thank you, everyone, for allowing me to finish this book with peace of mind =3=
Red envelopes are dropping! Thank you everyone for continuing to support me, love you all~ This is Saturday's update, Sunday's should be around 10 PM~ I'll try to write more~
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