Chapter 48 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)
Chapter Forty-Eight
In the North, October.
The weather was bitterly cold, and a thin layer of the first snow covered the lattice windows of the imperial city.
A timely snowfall promises a bountiful year. The early arrival of the new snow is a good omen, and the sweepers rushed to the duty room to inform the head eunuch, hoping to earn a reward.
Chen Wenjin, in the imperial study, heard the rustling of wind and snow outside the window, raised his head, and recalled the battles with the southern lands.
Pei Zan had already established a powerful army with many capable ministers under his command. He had also been preparing his troops for battle, and his forces numbered over 100,000. In addition, the southern region was rich in resources and had ample provisions. If the war were to drag on for a long time, Chen Wenjin would not be a match for Pei Zan.
Besides dealing with a powerful southern overlord like Pei Zan, Chen Wenjin also had to contend with local vassal kings who were eyeing him covetously, hoping to grab a share of the spoils... Only now did Chen Wenjin realize that he was at his limit.
Chen Wenjin had originally thought that Pei Zan was skilled in naval warfare and that the cavalry was in decline. He believed that if he were to lead Pei Zan into a battle in the north, they might have a chance of winning.
However, a scout team reported that Pei Zan, in order to capture a beautiful runaway concubine, had secretly infiltrated the border of Liangzhou alone...
Others might be deceived by Pei Zan, but Chen Wenjin is shrewd and suspicious, so how could he be easily swayed by Pei Zan?
How could a man who could slaughter even his own family, friends, and teachers be troubled by matters of the heart?
His trip to Liangzhou was nothing more than a scheme.
It is already October, and the harsh winter has arrived.
During the harsh winter, the Tibetan people faced severe weather and scarce resources. As a nomadic tribe, they were not skilled in farming or weaving. In order to survive, they often sent troops to raid border towns.
In order to build border defenses, the former emperor of Wei spent one million taels of silver to feed horses and train soldiers in the Lianglong area to defend against foreign enemies.
If Pei Zan were to maintain close ties with Liangzhou at this critical juncture, he might be plotting to prepare for war... However, Liangzhou has not reported this matter to the court, which shows that local officials are wavering and have already harbored ulterior motives, intending to defect to the south.
Since he had betrayed the city, Chen Wenjin dared not use him again.
Thinking of the ambitious and powerful Tibetan barbarians from beyond the borders, and the Wei dynasty beset by internal and external troubles and on the verge of collapse... Since Liangzhou has already rebelled, it would be better for it to be used by Chen Wenjin than to fall into Pei Zan's hands.
Chen Wenjin sighed deeply and decided to take a risky gamble.
He picked up his pen and wrote down his letter of acceptance of the request from the new Tibetan Khan, Chide Atai, to marry a princess from the Central Plains. He also granted Liangzhou and Longzhou as the princess's fiefdom to Khan Chide Atai in exchange for 50,000 Tibetan troops to support the Wei emperor in jointly suppressing the rebellious ministers.
To preserve imperial power, Chen Wenjin had no choice but to resort to this act of "selling out the country and ceding territory." He comforted himself, thinking that if Pei Zan had not risen up in rebellion, he would not have been forced to such a foolish state.
Moreover, the land concession was merely a stopgap measure.
Once Pei Zan is captured and killed, and the political situation stabilizes, Chen Wenjin will naturally send troops to aid the border, recover the Liang and Long prefectures, and drive the barbarians back to Wei.
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The battle between the south and the north was about to break out. Pei Zan did not linger in Luzhou. He mobilized his troops, prepared provisions and weapons, and marched north, heading straight for the capital of the Wei dynasty.
Under the protection of the Pei family's troops, the six southern prefectures were spared from artillery fire and remained a pristine paradise.
The common people are honest; they don't care who reigns supreme, they only care about who can bring peace and prosperity, and who can ensure they have enough to eat and wear and live in peace and contentment.
The southern region is now the most stable area in Wei, all thanks to Pei Zan's victories in the north and south and his diligent governance. The common people remember Pei Zan's kindness and naturally regard him as their savior.
Pei Zan also disliked foreign enemies invading the city and destroying the foundation in the rear. In his usual battles against the enemy, he was always on the front lines.
This battle was perilous, and Pei Zan was leading the troops into battle; he shouldn't have brought Lin Rong with him.
However, Lin Rong had a history of absconding, and Pei Zan did not believe that Lin Rong could stay at home peacefully, so he naturally ordered her to accompany him and serve him.
Lin Rong had something on Pei Zan, and fearing that it would implicate her old friend, she didn't dare to have the slightest thought of escaping.
However, military life was monotonous, and Pei Zan often went to the front lines to fight the enemy, so Lin Rong stayed in her tent every day and could not go out.
She lay on the couch, covered with a luxurious thick brocade quilt, and with a calming medicinal pillow wrapped in white fox fur behind her head.
Although it was a military campaign, the meals prepared for Lin Rong were exquisite and delicious. In addition to pea flour cake and cloud cake, there would also be thin lamb rolls with chicken soup and steamed cured meat from time to time.
Everyone knows that Pei Zan pampers a beautiful young lady, and even when he goes to war, he takes her with him. Because he values her so much, no one dares to offend him in the main tent.
Lin Rong was not allowed to leave the military tent. She could only be allowed to leave the tent for some fresh air when Pei Zan returned to camp after a victory.
In the dead of night, the campsite at the foot of the mountain was sparsely lit.
Pei Zan rode back to camp and saw the warm yellow candlelight burning in the main tent from afar.
As soon as he saw this lamp, he knew that Lin Rong was still awake and waiting in the tent.
Pei Zan dismounted and entered the tent, where hot water for wiping his body had already been prepared.
He removed his blood-splattered armor, loosened his belt, and took off his martial robe.
Pei Zan, his chest bare, revealing clear skin and elegant lines, swept his deep, cold eyes over Lin Rong by the bedside, beckoning her to come forward and serve him a bath.
The so-called service was actually just helping Pei Zan by handing him towels, combs, and bath soap; Lin Rong didn't need to do anything else.
Pei Zan closed his eyes to rest while soaking in the water, letting Lin Rong bring over a small stool so he could sit next to the bathtub and stare blankly.
In order to get closer to the north, Pei Zan led his army to attack Shazhou. He defended against the enemy for several days in a row and dared not slacken his efforts in the slightest.
With the military situation at the front lines urgent, Pei Zan worked day and night, leading his troops to besiege the city. In total, he only slept for two hours.
Perhaps feeling much more at ease after returning to the rear camp, Pei Zan fell asleep in the water.
"Lin Rong, bath beans." Pei Zan asked Lin Rong for bath beans after he opened his eyes.
Turning my head, I saw the girl sleeping soundly with her hands folded under her chin.
Lin Rong's thick eyelashes were slightly upturned, her cheeks were flushed, and her brows were furrowed as if she had endless sorrow. Her cherry lips moved slightly, as if she was muttering something. If you listened carefully, you could hear her uttering a few words of "Pei Zan" through gritted teeth.
Pei Zan lowered his eyes, stared quietly for a long time, then silently curled his fingers and withdrew his hand that had been asking for bath beans.
Pei Zan took a bath and changed his clothes, then took a toad-green hairband to tie up his half-wet, jet-black hair.
Then, he carefully bowed, put one arm around Lin Rong's knees and the other on her shoulder, and gently pulled the girl into his arms, sending her back to the bed.
Before Pei Zan could release the hand that was supporting the girl's head, Lin Rong woke up from her sleep. She opened her eyes and was caught off guard by a beautiful face with fair skin and red lips. She was still a little dazed.
When Lin Rong realized she was nestled in Pei Zan's arms, her shoulders stiffened, and she instinctively shrank back, "Grand Commander..."
Perhaps Lin Rong's resistance was too obvious, which made Pei Zan's expression turn gloomy.
After setting Lin Rong down, Pei Zan stroked her earlobe, kneading the girl's delicate ear cartilage with his cool thumb, and asked in a menacing tone, "What did you dream about just now?"
Lin Rong was startled, her mind racing... She certainly didn't have any good dreams, but she was a good sleeper, so she probably didn't talk in her sleep and reveal anything.
"Lin Rong, speak."
Lin Rong, knowing Pei Zan's usual lewd habits in bed, dared not be negligent, lest he punish her by making her stay up all night.
After thinking for a long time, Lin Rong finally mustered up her courage and asked him, "If one day the Grand Commander gets tired of me and wearies of me... could you let me leave?"
Lin Rong knew that this was absolutely impossible, but she still wanted to get a verbal promise from Pei Zan, even if it was just to appease her.
This would become Lin Rong's hope for survival, enticing her to endure a little longer, to persevere until that day arrives.
But Pei Zan was always wicked. He didn't answer Lin Rong immediately, but only slightly curled the corners of his mouth, his smile icy: "Why are you so eager to leave? Are you not eating or living well in the Pei residence? Or do you hate me so much that you fear me and don't want to be with me day and night?"
Pei Zan's unconventional approach left Lin Rong momentarily stunned.
Although she was honest, she was not stupid. If she dared to admit Pei Zan's words, she would surely be punished with a night of nonstop lovemaking.
Lin Rong lowered her long eyelashes, awkwardly opened her mouth, and finally shook her head: "No..."
Pei Zan knew she couldn't say anything, but he was enraged by Lin Rong's desire to escape, and all his pity vanished.
Pei Zan, expressionless, reached out to undress, then forcefully gripped Lin Rong's delicate wrist with his thumb and forefinger, pulling the petite girl into his arms.
Lin Rong curled up, not daring to resist.
But she knew she couldn't escape it; serving a concubine was her duty.
Lin Rong tried to relax, tacitly allowing Pei Zan's long, slender, fair fingers to roam over her snow-white skin, subtly manipulating her emotions.
As Lin Rong's clothes fell off one by one, they piled up in wrinkles on her bare knees.
Before Lin Rong was fully prepared, Pei Zan pinned her down.
Pei Zan, blade in hand, tried to soothe Lin Rong, saying, "Hold on tighter..."
Thus, they advanced.
Then they can fit together perfectly, their bones and blood blending together seamlessly.
A faint fragrance wafted through the air, and Pei Zan extinguished the only burning bronze lamp with a flick of his sleeve.
The military tent was dim and silent, without any flickering firelight, so the intertwined shadows of the people inside wouldn't be reflected on the tent for anyone to see.
Pei Zan knew his limits and took good care of Lin Rong's feelings.
In the soft bedding, Lin Rong held Pei Zan tightly.
Her eyes were blurry with tears, her almond-shaped eyes glistening as she looked up at the sheepskin tent.
Before she could say anything discouraging, Pei Zan's kiss landed gently on her again.
The man's warm, moist tongue gradually penetrated the girl's tender lips and teeth.
Pei Zan entwined with her, licking and sucking her lips, his movements unrestrained yet gentle.
Her dark hair fell down, getting caught between Lin Rong's delicate fingers and wrapped around her hand.
Lin Rong grabbed that strand of dark hair and used a bit of force. She saw Pei Zan's brows furrow slightly in pain.
Lin Rong let out a few soft moans, her lower back tingling, and even her breathing became rapid. Her alabaster nostrils and her forehead covered with fine hair were covered in cold sweat.
I really can't eat anymore.
But Lin Rong's hand, which she had pushed away, was instantly captured by Pei Zan in his boiling palm.
That burning body temperature, like a wildfire, left Lin Rong feeling dizzy and disoriented.
Just as her tears were rolling down her cheeks, almost drowning her,
Pei Zan finally kissed and bit Lin Rong's earlobe.
Amidst the sticky, wet sounds, Pei Zan answered the question she had asked earlier.
A man's wicked and lustful voice rang in her ears; it was Pei Zan speaking to her coldly.
"It's a pity, Lin Rong... In this life, even if you die, you can only die by my side."
Author's Note: Tomorrow's update might be a little earlier because I'll be continuing to write. However, there are some key points coming up, so there might be a one- or two-day break in updates (to organize the plot). If there's a break, I'll let everyone know in advance, so don't worry =3=
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