Chapter 62 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)
Chapter Sixty-Two
The next day, the snow outside the window shone brightly, and the sky was clear and sunny.
Several wild plum trees transplanted in the courtyard have blossomed, their branches filtering through the glass windows and casting a dim floral shadow on the ground.
Lin Rong had slept well and wanted to get up to cook breakfast for Pei Jiashu. But as soon as she turned over, she felt a soreness in her waist. There was a strong and sturdy arm bone on her side, which had been holding her all night.
Lin Rong turned her head and met Pei Zan's eyes, who had just woken up.
The man had been awake for an unknown amount of time, but judging from his half-tied black hair and neat clothes, he had clearly washed up and gone back to bed.
Lin Rong's head was heavy with sleepiness, and she asked softly, "Doesn't the young master have to attend court?"
Pei Zan embraced her, pecked Lin Rong's cheek, and whispered, "There are only three court sessions a month. You can just review memorials and documents at other times. There's no need to attend court every day."
Lin Rong knew that Pei Zan would not neglect state affairs. Since he was so careless, it was clear that the Western Wei was peaceful and prosperous, and there was no chaos.
Lin Rong shoved Pei Zan's hand away and glanced at the child who was sleeping soundly with a soft pillow in his arms.
Pei Jiashu's sleeping posture was indeed quite good; he didn't roll around on the bed, but simply curled up into a ball with his blanket.
Lin Rong smiled slightly, lowered her head and kissed her son's face, then got up and rummaged through the wardrobe, preparing the robe, stockings and cloak he would wear today.
The palace servants all knew that Pei Zan disliked having people attend him, so they would not enter and disturb him rashly. Only after Lin Rong came out of the bedroom did a maid bring hot water and hand her a towel and comb.
After Lin Rong finished washing up, a nanny respectfully presented her with a newly tailored rabbit fur coat and skirt, and a maidservant diligently helped Lin Rong with her makeup and hair.
Lin Rong also planned to cook for Pei Jiashu herself, and did not want to style her hair in an overly complicated way.
She casually twisted her hair into a black bun, refused the expensive hairpins offered by the old women, and only chose a silver butterfly hairpin given to her by her son to wear on her head.
Lin Rong tidied herself up and turned around, only to see Pei Zan already up, sitting at a brocade table to the side, slowly sipping tea.
Even after Pei Zan became emperor, he did not wear dragon-patterned robes every day. Instead, he continued to wear round-necked robes with cloud and crane patterns, just as before.
He was currently wearing a bamboo green round-necked robe, the snow-white collar of his inner garment pressing down on his prominent Adam's apple. Hidden in the fragrant inner hall, he truly possessed a captivatingly handsome and refined appearance.
Lin Rong had no idea how long Pei Zan had been watching from behind. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "Young Master, where is the kitchen?"
Pei Zan raised an eyebrow: "You want to cook?"
Lin Rong nodded: "I want to cook some noodle soup for Yu Nu, and steam a few dishes of cake."
The imperial chefs in the palace were skilled and capable, and she didn't know if Pei Jiashu's temperament had become picky because of them, but as a mother, she still wanted to care for her son and do what she could.
“I’ll go with you.” Although Pei Zan didn’t want Lin Rong to work too hard, he was happy to see the mother and son getting along well. It was as if, in this way, Lin Rong would take root in the palace, and with something to care about, she wouldn’t abandon the father and son.
Lin Rong wanted to cook herself, but the palace servants knew her status and dared not let the Empress do it herself.
Pei Zan was watching over them and ordered everyone to leave, so the servants could only leave the kitchen trembling with fear.
Lin Rong was cooking noodles, and Pei Zan even lifted his robe and sat down in front of the stove to help pass firewood and start the fire.
Lin Rong was worried that her cooking skills were not good enough and that the food she cooked would not suit Pei Jiashu's taste.
Lin Rong wouldn't force Pei Jiashu to eat only the chicken noodle soup she cooked. There was also red date and clam rice porridge simmering in the pot, and red bean buns steaming in the steamer. When Pei Jiashu woke up, he could eat whichever he wanted.
Lin Rong kneaded the dough, covered it with a damp cloth, and waited for it to rise.
She deftly chopped up half a chicken, added sauce and stir-fried it, then added water to stew it, waiting for the water to boil.
Lin Rong worked quickly and efficiently. Her beautiful profile was hidden in the rising steam, giving her an indescribable sense of warmth when viewed from afar.
Pei Zan was not a pampered nobleman who never lifted a finger; he was a military officer who had risen through the ranks from a low-ranking official to a high-ranking position.
During those days of military campaigning, conditions were harsh, and Pei Zan often needed to hunt game to supplement their meals, or roast lamb over a campfire. However, for Pei Zan, cooking was a simple matter.
Pei Zan watched Lin Rong bustling around and couldn't help but sigh, "Why do you need to do such a small thing yourself? Just give the imperial chef a word."
Upon hearing this, Lin Rong laughed and said, "There might not be another chance in a few days, so let's cook one meal while we can."
Lin Rong was just saying it casually, but Pei Zan sensed something was amiss.
The smile in the man's phoenix eyes faded, and he closed his eyes slightly, revealing a hint of coldness.
He asked, "Are you going to abandon Yu Nu?"
Lin Rong paused, then murmured, "I won't abandon Yu Nu..."
Pei Zan pursed his thin lips and remained silent for a long time.
His originally calm and uneventful mood was easily disturbed by Lin Rong's casual remark. It was like sour plum juice being poured down his throat, and his heart felt like it was being cut by a cold blade, causing a bitter pain that left him feeling lost and helpless.
Pei Zan was not stupid; he could understand the deeper meaning in Lin Rong's words.
Lin Rong would not abandon Yu Nu, but she never cared about Pei Zan.
No matter how many times, she could easily abandon him without the slightest lingering affection or hesitation.
Pei Zan did not ask any further questions, nor did he expose this facade of peace.
Perhaps the atmosphere in the kitchen was too heavy and oppressive, Lin Rong rarely glanced at Pei Zan, and asked him softly, "Young Master, would you like some noodles? If so, I'll make some more."
"Eat." Pei Zan said calmly, got up and took over from Lin Rong to knead the dough for her.
Half an hour later, Pei Jiashu woke up and got out of bed.
The young man washed up, dressed, and quickly ran into the dining room.
When he saw that his mother was still in the palace, he was overjoyed and rushed to Lin Rong's lap, shouting "Mother!"
Lin Rong hugged her son and kissed his cheek. "Hurry up and sit down to eat. Your mother and father have cooked you some noodle soup. Try it and see if it suits your taste. If you don't like it, then drink more rice porridge and eat some steamed buns. Don't go hungry."
Pei Jiashu was pulled into Lin Rong's arms and kissed on the cheek affectionately. His ears turned slightly red. When he saw three bowls of noodles on the table, he was overjoyed.
Pei Jiashu stepped onto a high stool and began eating noodles with chopsticks.
The thought that his mother had gotten up early to cook noodles for him brought a smile to the child's face, and he couldn't suppress it.
Pei Jiashu not only finished the noodles, but also drank all the chicken soup.
Fortunately, Pei Zan had been observing his son's appetite. Just as his son was about to break off a small mutton bun and stuff it into his mouth, Pei Zan coldly stopped him, saying, "Be careful of indigestion."
Pei Jiashu let out a burp and awkwardly put down the steamed bun.
In the afternoon, Pei Zan received a battle report from King Mengti of Kucha. The scouting teams of the vassal state went out to investigate and discovered that the Northern Rong were recruiting soldiers and, in alliance with various Hu tribes, intended to invade the Western Regions.
With the Northern Rong army pressing in, war is imminent.
The Western Regions, being a strategically important location, must not fall into the hands of the Northern Rong.
If the Western Regions fall, those barbarian tribes will be able to advance unimpeded, wantonly harass the borders of Liangzhou, seize the pastures, valleys, and basins used for breeding military horses, and also damage the elite cavalry battalions trained by Pei Zan.
If Pei Zan ignores the war against the Western Rong in order to preserve his military strength, then those vassal states of the Western Wei who have submitted to the Western Wei will surely turn against the Northern Rong in order to survive, and may even be forced to join the war, strengthen the Northern Rong's army, and attack Liangzhou together.
At that time, the Northern Rong army will be able to sustain itself through war, and with the support of the Western Regions, food and supplies will not be a problem. They will then be able to wage a protracted war against the Western Wei... The consequences will be unimaginable.
With the massive army pressing in, Pei Zan had no choice but to take the lead over the Northern Rong, leading his troops to defend against the enemy and firmly controlling the Western Regions, making them the rear base of the Wei army for the supply and transportation of provisions.
At this time, we should incite the resentment of the Western Region peoples towards the brutal Rong and Di tribes, seize the opportunity to recruit strong men from the Hu tribes, expand the Wei army, and use the barbarians to control the barbarians. This will not only reduce the casualties of the Wei army, but also win the hearts of the people in the Western Regions, making the countries that have submitted to us more loyal to the Western Wei. From then on, the Hu and Wei will be of one mind and unite against the enemy, thus being able to defend against them and win.
Pei Zan had war plans to make, so he didn't spend much time with Lin Rong. Instead, he went straight to the Hall of State Affairs to discuss matters with his men.
Pei Jiashu had to attend Zhang Taifu's lecture in the afternoon and couldn't spend much time with Lin Rong, but he couldn't bear to part with his mother. With a quick thought, he pulled Lin Rong out the door.
"Mother, why don't you listen to me recite my lessons? Mother is unfamiliar with the place and people in the East Palace, it's better for you to come with me."
Pei Jiashu came up with an excuse and happily led Lin Rong away.
Pei Jiashu recited his lessons while Lin Rong listened with a smile. The scene of a loving mother and filial son was a good thing, but Zhang Taifu was displeased to see Pei Jiashu's affectionate attitude towards Lin Rong.
Grand Tutor Zhang was unaware of Lin Rong's true identity, believing her to be one of the favored beauties in the harem. The Crown Prince, having lost his mother at a young age, treated her with the same respect and affection as his own mother. However, the Zhang family harbored ambitions to take control of the harem, and before they could even win over their own daughter, how could they allow other beauties to get there first?
Grand Tutor Zhang frowned and said coldly, "The Crown Prince is learned and sensible; how can an ignorant woman be there to supervise him? It would disrupt the proper order!"
In the past, Pei Jiashu would never have disobeyed Grand Tutor Zhang.
But today, Zhang Taifu made a veiled attack on his own mother, which made him very unhappy.
The usually soft and cuddly little girl had a tense face today, her brows furrowed, and she argued childishly, "Grand Tutor, you are mistaken. If we are talking about overstepping boundaries, then Miss Zhang's attempt to personally feed me cakes could be considered poisoning the imperial heir. The Eastern Palace is a place of utmost importance. Although she is the Grand Tutor's daughter, she is still a female member of a subject's family. How can she walk around the palace so freely? Her behavior is so reckless and frivolous. Could it be at the Grand Tutor's behest? I really don't understand. I beg the Grand Tutor to enlighten me."
Although Pei Jiashu didn't understand many of the intricacies of court politics and interpersonal relationships, he was intelligent and quick-witted, grasping things immediately. These eloquent official phrases were all taught to his son by Pei Zan in private.
Pei Zan may seem strict, but he is actually very protective of his own. The first principle of how he taught Pei Jiashu to conduct himself in the world was: even if you are wrong, don't admit it. If you admit it, you will be punished. First, use a subtle approach to deflect the blame, drag the other person into a chaotic fight, and make sure morale is not lost. After the battle, reflect on your mistakes, correct them if you have any, and strive to improve if you don't.
In short, Pei Jiashu can admit his mistake in his heart, but he cannot accept the scolding and punishment from others.
Pei Zan painstakingly built the foundation of his state and ascended to the throne, not so that his children would be disciplined and treated like grandchildren by court officials. He would raise his own children.
Although Pei Jiashu spoke in a childish manner, every word he uttered was reasonable.
Grand Tutor Zhang was so angry that his cheeks turned red, and he couldn't utter a word for a long time.
He actually took advantage of the Crown Prince's youth, his obedient and sensible nature, and his respect for teachers, which is why he harbored the idea of overstepping his bounds. He ordered his own daughter to take down Pei Jiashu first, and then seize the opportunity to get close to the Emperor.
Now, his little scheme has been exposed by a five-year-old child... This matter has probably already reached the ears of the ruthless Emperor Pei Zan.
Having witnessed the bloody scene of Pei Zan's killings, Grand Tutor Zhang dared not repeat the mistake.
The old tutor remained silent, thus losing face.
Lin Rong knew that if she continued to make a scene, it would cause discord between the teacher and student and create a rift between them.
She touched Pei Jiashu's face and whispered, "When Mother goes back to prepare the meal, you can have dinner after you finish your studies."
Pei Jiashu looked at his mother with reluctance, but he did not stop her and nodded in agreement.
Lin Rong bowed to Grand Tutor Zhang, then turned and left.
In this way, the old tutor's face was saved, and the lesson could continue.
-
All matters that occurred in the Inner Study Hall were reported to Pei Zan by his personal guards, in great detail.
Pei Zan had just finished his military and political affairs, put down his vermilion brush and wrote his approvals, and frowned slightly.
Thinking of the Zhang family's recent antics, he couldn't help but chuckle: "The Zhang family thinks they've done the Crown Prince a favor by becoming his faction and are now plotting against the new emperor. It's quite amusing. I'm in my prime, in the throes of youth, yet the Zhang clan dares to form cliques and factions, extending their reach so far..."
I thought that Grand Tutor Zhang was just a civil official and a close mentor of Pei Jiashu, so even if he secretly formed cliques and pursued private interests, he wouldn't be able to cause any trouble.
Water that is too clear has no fish. As a ruler, Pei Zan was well aware of the complexity of human nature. In minor matters, he would give his capable ministers face and would not go so far as to kill them.
However, Zhang was too scheming and started interfering in Pei Zan's private affairs in the harem... so Pei Zan had no choice but to take action.
It was nothing more than overthrowing a powerful family and replacing Pei Jiashu with a new teacher; for Pei Zan, it was an easy task.
Pei Zan narrowed his eyes slightly and swallowed a sip of tea.
In recent years, he has governed the country with benevolence and rarely resorted to bloodshed, which has led people to believe that he is good-natured and that his methods are no longer insidious and sharp.
That's not good.
Pei Zan wanted both court officials to respect and love him, and officials to fear him. Only in this way could he cut off the evil intentions of his subordinates who outwardly obeyed but inwardly defied him, and prevent some corrupt officials who held positions without doing their jobs from becoming emboldened and developing evil intentions of monopolizing power.
Thinking of this, Pei Zan issued another secret order, commanding Yan Shifan, the Minister of Works, to conduct a thorough investigation into the case of Zhang's eldest son embezzling disaster relief funds by abusing his power while serving as the governor of Yuzhou.
Previously, considering that it was the Zhang family's first time handling business and they were only using some money to smooth things over, Pei Zan had turned a blind eye.
Grand Tutor Zhang was ambitious and insisted on being the first to stick his neck out. Pei Zan seized the opportunity and naturally wanted to make an example of him to deter others.
-
Pei Zan's preparations for the army were quite grand, and Lin Rong naturally heard some rumors about it.
These days, she spends her days with Pei Jiashu, the two of them reading storybooks together, huddled in front of the stove roasting taro, baking yellow clay chicken, and simmering brown sugar egg soup...
Life was leisurely and pleasant, but Lin Rong would occasionally think about life beyond the Great Wall.
Although she had to get up at dawn every day to go to the market and trade when she lived in Kucha, and occasionally travel with caravans, enduring wind and rain... Sometimes when she made money, she would be generous and buy carrots and good fodder for Sesame, and add a bowl of meat soup and a few lamb ribs for Yellow. Sometimes in the dead of winter, when resources were scarce and there was no business to do, Lin Rong was short of money and could not feed the livestock, but she would wrap herself in a blanket and take Yellow and Sesame into the house to warm up after the fire was lit.
If Lin Rong stayed in the palace, she would no longer be able to live so freely... Even if she brought Da Huang and Zhi Ma to the palace, it would only mean imprisoning two more friends.
Lin Rong hugged Pei Jiashu tightly, leaned on her son's shoulder, and whispered to him, "If Mother doesn't live in the palace, will Yunu be angry?"
Pei Jiashu was stunned upon hearing this.
He took a bite of the taro that Lin Rong had roasted, sat next to his mother, and carefully considered what Lin Rong had said.
Pei Jiashu thought about how he usually studied and attended classes, while his mother had nothing to do and could only sit in the courtyard in a daze.
Every time he returned to the East Palace and called out "Mother," Lin Rong would come to life, walk towards him, and smile at him.
My mother, sitting blankly in the courtyard at that time... looked like a withered tree that had lost all its vitality.
The Yanzi Chunqiu states: "Oranges grown south of the Huai River are sweet oranges, but those grown north of the Huai River are bitter oranges."
Orange trees grown in the south produce sweet tangerines, but when transplanted to the north, they become bitter trifoliate oranges. The original meaning is that different regions have different soils and climates, which in turn produce people with different character traits.
However, the phrase "oranges from the south turn into trifoliate oranges when grown in the north" can also be used to illustrate the profound meaning of Lin Rong.
Pei Jiashu sat up from his mother's arms and asked earnestly, "If Mother lived outside the palace, would you still think of Yunu and come to visit her often?"
Lin Rong gently pinched her son's cheek: "Of course, if your father is willing, you can come and stay with your mother for a few months every year. Your mother will not leave. Your mother will stay in a place where our Yu Nu can find us."
Pei Jiashu thought for a moment and smiled, "I hope Mother can be happy every day."
He wanted to say something more, but after racking his brains for a long time, he finally repeated, "I hope my mother can live a good life."
Pei Jiashu didn't know why Lin Rong wanted to live outside the palace. He thought it would be good for the three of them to eat and live together every day, but since Lin Rong insisted on it, Pei Jiashu wouldn't stop her.
He didn't want to see Lin Rong looking worried; he hoped she could smile every day.
Anyway, Lin Rong won't abandon him, and he will never lose his mother again.
Hearing the child's sincere blessing, Lin Rong suddenly felt a pang of unease, and at that moment, she recalled something from a very long time ago.
At that time, she had saved up money for many years and finally raised enough to redeem herself from the Pei family and escape from being a slave.
She stood outside the cage, while her old friend stood inside.
Sister Green Pearl looked at Lin Rong and was genuinely happy for her.
She smiled and said to Lin Rong, "Rong'er, you must live a good life."
...
Years later, Lin Rong trembled all over. She hugged her obedient son and kissed Pei Jiashu's forehead.
"Mother has other friends outside: a not-so-beautiful but very clever colt, and a timid but very protective big yellow dog... Once Mother has settled them in, she will come to pick up Yunu. If your father agrees, Yunu can live with Mother for a while, is that alright?"
Desert winds and sand, treacherous Gobi, camel caravans... Lin Rong's stories were so vivid that Pei Jiashu was captivated.
The child looked up at his mother with adoration, nodding repeatedly, "I want to go out with you too, Mother... Don't worry, Mother, Yu Nu might suffer. I can go three days without meat! If Yu Nu eats too much, then I'll only eat one taro a day!"
-
After Lin Rong put Pei Jiashu to sleep, she packed her bags to go home in the middle of the night.
It was already past midnight when Pei Zan returned to his bedchamber and saw from afar that the candles inside were still burning dimly.
Pei Zan couldn't help but frown: Yu Nu is still awake?
After thinking about it, I realized it was impossible.
That means Lin Rong is still awake...
This scene of everyday life suddenly overlapped with a scene from many years ago.
At that time, Pei Zan was covered in blood from fighting on the battlefield. He rode Mo Yu back to his tent, exhausted, and saw the candlelight shining from the military tent in the distance.
For a moment, Pei Zan was stunned. He reined in his horse and stopped, staring at it for a long time.
No one ever waited for him to come home.
This is the first time.
The man's cold, hard heart cracked, and a little warmth seeped out.
Pei Zan realized... Lin Rong was waiting for him at home.
-
Pei Zan's furrowed brows relaxed as he walked forward.
He pushed open the palace gates and saw the slender, graceful back of a woman.
Hearing the noise, Lin Rong turned her head and saw the tall and elegant Pei Zan. She smiled at him.
Lin Rong put down the half-packed bundle, made a shushing gesture, and quietly pulled Pei Zan out the door.
Lin Rong had something to say to Pei Zan, but didn't want to wake her son, so she could only lead Pei Zan by the hand and walk towards the warm pavilion at the end of the corridor.
Outside the palace, the snow fell softly, and there was no one in sight.
Only the two of them walked alone forward, one in front of the other.
His wife's fair and delicate hands replaced the old Bodhi prayer beads, resting on Pei Zan's wrist. He closed his eyes slightly, letting Lin Rong lead him further and further away.
Pei Zan realized that this was the first time Lin Rong had given him a gift on her own initiative. She had always let him take whatever he wanted, but one day, Lin Rong had reached out her hand to him...
Lin Rong pulled Pei Zan to the warm pavilion. She closed the door and then took a fire poker to stir the charcoal in the brazier, which was almost extinguished.
The room instantly became warm, and Lin Rong looked up at Pei Zan.
"Young Master, I have something to say to you."
Pei Zan gave a faint "hmm".
Lin Rong carefully chose her words and explained to Pei Zan, "I've already told Yu Nu that I'll pack my bags and return to the Western Regions. Things are quite unsettled in Kucha lately, so I'll observe the situation after I get back. If the fighting spreads to the main city, I'll take Da Huang, Zhima, and the others and head to Shule..."
Shule was a vassal state of Western Wei, close to Liangzhou and far from Kucha, making it a suitable place for Lin Rong to settle down.
She had already asked Yang Feng to take care of her poultry and livestock for more than ten days, and she couldn't trouble her old friend any longer. She had to go home and take over these chores.
However, Pei Zan's gloomy temperament was far less than that of Pei Jiashu, a small man who was open-minded and magnanimous.
Upon hearing that his wife was leaving, he was filled with rage and found it unbearable.
The tall, imposing man took a step closer, his dark shadow looming over Lin Rong like a mountain, trapping her within.
He stretched out his long, cold fingers and gripped Lin Rong's wrist tightly, suddenly pulling her into his arms.
Pei Zan lowered his head, his deep, cold eyes fixed on Lin Rong, trying to hear what she was saying.
Lin Rong was so startled by Pei Zan's actions that she momentarily forgot to struggle.
Pei Zan hugged Lin Rong tightly, his long, oily black hair flowing down like a waterfall, covering Lin Rong's shoulders and back.
He tried his best to embrace Lin Rong, wishing he could stuff her into his chest and let her become part of his very being. But no matter how Pei Zan tried to overwhelm Lin Rong, she remained unmoved. Her mind was clear as a mirror, she was aloof and superior, she would not be defiled by evil spirits, nor would she be swallowed up by wickedness.
Pei Zan didn't know how to possess her.
"Why must you leave? Lin Rong, you've abandoned me for five years. You should stay with me for the rest of your life. You can't have the thought of running away!"
Pei Zan felt a burning rage within him, his violent killing intent reaching its peak. His eyes were dark and unfathomable as he stared at Lin Rong, as if he wanted to tear her apart and devour her whole.
Pei Zan originally thought that by using Pei Jiashu, he could arouse Lin Rong's maternal instincts and keep her by his side.
But Pei Jiashu was foolish enough to let go, causing Pei Zan's bargaining chips to be destroyed.
Pei Zan lost completely; he had nothing left to keep Lin Rong...
Lin Rong cared for all her relatives and friends, and even took good care of her livestock. However, Pei Zan was the only one she abandoned.
He was the only one who loved but could not have!
"I should imprison you, I should confine you, I should cut off your hands and feet, I should tie you to a room... Lin Rong, you are kind to everyone, but cruel to me alone!"
Lin Rong sensed the murderous intent in Pei Zan's voice, and a chill ran down her spine. She was held in Pei Zan's arms, bound by thousands of chains, trapped in a prison.
Lin Rong has once again fallen into a muddy abyss.
The suffocating feeling of being trapped in the venomous spider web grew stronger, and she could hardly breathe.
Lin Rong's eyes were fixed, as if she were a rotten, dead tree.
She remained unmoved as Pei Zan took her.
From Lin Rong's sorrowful reaction, Pei Zan confirmed a terrible thing that broke his heart.
Pei Zan's gaze turned icy, his tone chilling: "Lin Rong...you despise me? All these years, you've hated me, haven't you? If you harbor resentment, you're welcome to take a sword and wound me!"
Pei Zan seemed to have found a way to break the deadlock, and he drew a dagger from his belt with one hand.
With a whoosh, the clear, melodious sound of a blade echoed throughout the house.
A cold blade, sharp enough to cut through iron like mud, lay across Lin Rong's palm.
Pei Zan's eyes were bloodshot. He grabbed Lin Rong's slender fingers with one hand and made her grip the dagger tightly.
Pei Zan frantically grabbed Lin Rong, forcing her to hold that bloodthirsty blade and viciously stab it into his heart.
The cold, sharp blade pointed forward, its fierce aura aimed directly at Pei Zan's heart.
It is an evil spirit spreading its teachings and misleading the masses; it is forcing the Bodhisattva to kill.
Pei Zan didn't give Lin Rong time to hesitate; he forcefully pressed the tip of the knife into his chest.
A smear of blood seeped out, and the man's blue robe instantly blossomed with red plum blossoms.
The smell of blood suddenly intensified, and blood plasma burst open, splattering onto Lin Rong's snow-white chin, filling the room with the scent of blood.
The rich scent of sandalwood mingled with the pungent smell of fish, permeating the house and entering Lin Rong's nostrils.
She looked down, staring blankly at the dagger that was slowly sinking into her chest.
She tried her best to stop the attack, not daring to let the entire dagger pierce the man's body.
Lin Rong was powerless to resist and could only watch helplessly as Pei Zan mutilated himself.
Seeing Lin Rong's reluctant expression, Pei Zan felt a sense of pleasure.
He chuckled softly for no apparent reason, then lowered his head and kissed Lin Rong's lips.
Lin Rong was still in a daze when Pei Zan easily pried open her teeth and squeezed into her tender lips and tongue.
He drank from Lin Rong's sweet saliva and became entangled with her relentlessly.
Emotions and desires intertwine, pleasure and pain are mixed.
Lin Rong was completely overwhelmed by the kiss. On one hand, she had to control the force in her hands to prevent Pei Zan, this madman, from pressing down on the sharp blade. On the other hand, she had to tilt her head back to receive the kiss, stealing a moment to catch her breath.
Pei Zan tasted the chilling blood in Lin Rong's mouth. He felt no pain and only wanted to drown in Lin Rong's kiss.
After he had eaten his fill, he gave a cool smile and tempted Lin Rong.
"Afraid to kill? Would cutting off a hand or an arm be enough? Lin Rong, I'll repay your debt, I won't hide... Why don't you give it a try? Killing can be quite exhilarating, maybe you'll like it."
This was something Pei Zan enjoyed; since he wanted to lure the Buddha and Bodhisattva into demonic possession, he naturally wanted to teach her how to have fun.
Lin Rong bit her lower lip; she couldn't agree.
Lin Rong still held the dagger numbly, her hands and feet gradually losing strength.
But Pei Zan had casually removed Lin Rong's hairpin, and her black hair fell loose, cascading down her shoulders.
Pei Zan came back again, releasing the girl's slender waist and holding the back of her head with only one hand.
Lin Rong's black hair cascaded down, overflowing between Pei Zan's fingers, which he gently held between his fingertips.
Pei Zan allowed Lin Rong to assassinate him, and he faced death without fear, only knowing to lower his head and ask for a kiss.
It's good that he's dead.
He died at Lin Rong's hands; such a kind-hearted person would surely remember him for the rest of his life.
Pei Zan found a way out.
He coldly tempted her: "Lin Rong, if you want... then kill me."
Pei Zan was still demanding, his phoenix eyes blazing like fire, his voice low and husky with desire.
Lin Rong saw the blood on her hands and watched as Pei Zan persisted in his determination to die at her hands.
Lin Rong had a splitting headache, and she finally pulled out the dagger and threw it aside.
A sharp clang rang out.
It stopped Pei Zan's extremely lingering kiss.
This was the first time Lin Rong had heard Pei Zan's resentful and sinister words, yet she felt no fear.
Lin Rong gave Pei Zan a deep look, then inexplicably reached out and hugged the man.
Lin Rong threw herself into his arms, causing Pei Zan to stiffen and remain motionless for a long time.
Lin Rong didn't explain why she did this; she simply pulled her arms together and slowly hugged him tighter.
Lin Rong nestled against Pei Zan's chest, listening intently to his violently pounding heartbeat, her soft hand resting on Pei Zan's lower back, gently stroking the man's straight spine.
Perhaps sensing Lin Rong's gentleness, Pei Zan's breath trembled slightly, his fierce aura gradually subsided, and the strength in his embrace eased considerably.
"Pei Zan, I know you have done your best to protect the city and save the people. You are a good emperor. I hope you live a long and fulfilling life."
“Pei Zan, you’ve always asked me why I allowed you inside on our first time. Many years ago, on New Year’s Eve, you saved my life because of your words, ‘Don’t kill.’ That time was something I owed you, and I’ve repaid it. Our karma has been settled, and our grudges are gone. I feel neither disgust nor hatred towards you… But if you prevent me from leaving, I will hate you to death.”
“Pei Zan, you don’t need to be afraid. I will not abandon you or Yu Nu. I just want to live the life I like. I want to live outside the palace. I will not run away quietly. You and Yu Nu can come to visit me anytime. I will also come to the palace for a short stay every year to visit you and your son.”
"Pei Zan, don't trap me..."
This was the first time Lin Rong had shown weakness and the first time she had opened her heart to Pei Zan.
She was at her wit's end with him, but she also realized that Pei Zan wasn't a monster; if she used the right methods, he was quite easy to deal with.
Pei Zan listened patiently to Lin Rong's words, remaining silent for a long time.
His chest was wounded and still bleeding; the dagger had pierced his flesh and bone, bringing a sharp pain.
But Pei Zan was completely unaware of his injuries as Lin Rong held him in her arms.
Finally, one day, Lin Rong stopped and looked at Pei Zan.
Lin Rong showed her kindness to Pei Zan; she couldn't bring herself to kill him.
Pei Zan remembered the Northern Rong man who had been blinded by Lin Rong, and he remembered the dagger that Lin Rong had tightly gripped in her hand...
Pei Zan thought that he was still different from outsiders.
“I will let you go... I will send you back to the Kingdom of Kucha. If I have time, I will also bring Yu Nu to see you. If you are free, you must also return to Liangzhou to see me.”
"Lin Rong, you can't avoid me, hate me, or fear me..."
Pei Zan cupped Lin Rong's face in his hands, blood staining her earlobes. He lowered his brows and forced her to look at him.
"Lin Rong, you need to try to love me."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
