Chapter 41 (First published on Jinjiang Literature City)
Chapter 41
Half a month later, the Wei dynasty in the north.
The eldest prince, Chen Wenjin, won the battle to force the emperor to abdicate. He had endured hardship and humiliation for many years, secretly training his troops and planning state affairs. On the day that the King of Qin underestimated him and attacked the city, he led his army to counterattack and finally beheaded the King of Qin.
The rebels have been executed, the Second Prince is dead, and Consort Pei is imprisoned. According to the late Emperor's will, Chen Wenjin should ascend the throne.
In that year, Chen Wenjin continued to use the previous emperor's reign title "Wei" and also created the reign title "Xizheng".
The first thing Chen Wenjin did on the day he seized power was to posthumously honor his birth mother, Lady Shen, as "Empress Dowager Dehui" and have her buried with Emperor Yuanqing in the imperial mausoleum.
Chen Wenjin waited for more than 20 years, and he finally got to reach the top.
But he had lost his father and mother, and was now all alone.
Chen Wenjin still remembers that he suffered a lot of humiliation when he was young because he had no mother to take care of him.
The palace servants were opportunistic, even embezzling the imperial heirs' allowances and secretly appropriating Chen Wenjin's tobacco and food.
However, in order to have a eunuch in the palace to inform him, Chen Wenjin could only turn a blind eye, pretend to be ignorant, and quietly cover up the matter.
At that time, the person Chen Wenjin envied the most was his second younger brother, Chen Yishan.
With the care of his birth mother, Consort Pei, and the love of Emperor Yuanqing, Chen Yishan was carefree, and everyone regarded him as a precious treasure.
Chen Yishan could earn Emperor Yuanqing's praise simply by writing a piece of calligraphy or painting a scroll, while Chen Wenjin, in order to win a word of praise from his father, would sit by the window in the dead of winter, sleeves tucked in, wrist suspended, to paint, just to capture the snow scene that Emperor Yuanqing loved most.
The next day, with his little hands red from the cold, he excitedly presented his father with the meticulous painting of plum blossoms in the snow.
However, Emperor Yuanqing was joking around with Consort Pei and had no time to pay attention to Chen Wenjin.
Chen Wenjin stood helplessly to the side, listening to Emperor Yuanqing's smile as he praised Chen Yishan for his pure kindness and filial piety, even knowing to pluck the first plum blossom of early winter and present it to his father.
Chen Wenjin held the scroll of painting, waiting anxiously, but in the end, Emperor Yuanqing did not unfold the scroll to appreciate it. At most, he glanced at it and praised him, saying, "You have a good heart."
If Emperor Yuanqing hadn't taken Chen Wenjin's hand before his death and told him that he had always cared for his eldest son and was even willing to pass the throne to his eldest legitimate son...
Chen Wenjin probably never knew that he had received preferential treatment from his father.
Even if Emperor Yuanqing had shown a shred of concern, Chen Wenjin would not have been so jealous of his second brother that he was determined to kill him.
But Emperor Yuanqing's favor came too late...
There are too many things Chen Wenjin doesn't understand.
He didn't know if a father's love could be hidden so completely, but he knew that at least before his death, Emperor Yuanqing had passed on the most important power and the country to him.
This is the emperor's favoritism, and Chen Wenjin must guard it.
Chen Wenjin thought of the six lost southern prefectures, and of Pei Zan, the heartless governor of those six prefectures who was so cruel as to abandon even his own family.
Chen Wenjin closed his eyes, his gaze filled with murderous intent. He summoned General Zhaoyong Xu Kangwei, bestowed upon him an official seal, and appointed him commander-in-chief for the southern expedition.
"General Xu, you must do your utmost to defend Jianmen Pass south of Ji Province."
Chen Wenjin knew that Pei Zan harbored rebellious intentions and, if he wanted to seize the country, he would surely march north to attack the city and take Ji Province directly.
Although Jizhou is barren and desolate, it is a vital strategic pass for the Wei Kingdom and must not fall into Pei Zan's hands. However, Chen Wenjin is unaware of Pei Zan's military strength and situation, so he must engage in battle to test the enemy's capabilities.
Xu Kangwei had previously served as the commander of the Jiangzhou military garrison and had a teacher-student relationship with Pei Zan, even instructing Pei Zan in spear and sword techniques...
With Pei Zan now betraying the country and usurping the throne, Xu Kangwei is also in an awkward position, ostracized by various factions in the court and suspected of being an official of Pei's faction.
Now that the king is willing to entrust Xu Kangwei with an important task and order him to lead the army to defend the city, isn't this also giving Xu Kangwei an opportunity to "show his loyalty"?
Xu Kangwei was not abandoned; Chen Wenjin trusted him and entrusted him with such an important task.
Xu Kangwei was moved to tears, the old general weeping and kneeling, clasping his hands in a fist and volunteering, saying, "Pei Zan is nothing but a brat from Jiangzhou. He followed me in the past, but only learned a smattering of military strategy and combat. Now this boy has seized power by chance. He seems strong, but in reality he is easily defeated. Such a coward who only dares to cower in the south is not worth fearing! Your Majesty, rest assured, we will not fail Your Majesty's expectations. We swear to slaughter Pei Zan of Jiangzhou outside Jianmen Pass and use the blood of this scoundrel to consecrate our flag!"
-
With war imminent, any unusual activity in Ji Province would be reported by scouts from Changzhou, which borders Ji Province.
Pei Zan received the battle report, understood, and closed his eyes.
He dispatched officials to guard the six prefectures, and personally appointed generals and mobilized troops to lead the army north.
Before leaving, Pei Zan instructed Uncle Feng to take care of Lin Rong and not to allow her to leave the mansion without his permission.
If Lin Rong felt stifled at home, she could go out twice a month with the help of her maids and servants, but no more than that.
With everything at home arranged, Pei Zan led his troops to besiege Ji Province.
Pei Zan was well-versed in military strategy. After breaking through the city with military tactics such as locust arrow formations, molten gold water attacks, and cloud ladders and wooden donkeys, he deliberately left a way out for the besieged enemy troops to flee in panic and run out of the city, thereby weakening the enemy's morale.
In the distance, the city walls were engulfed in flames, thick smoke billowing and the air thick with the smoke of battle.
The cracks in the city walls were filled with blackened bloodstains, and the corpses of soldiers with broken arms and bones hung from them. The watchtowers were riddled with broken arrows, and long-winged black falcons, which could be used to send messages and assist in the battle, circled in the sky, supporting Pei Zan.
As tens of thousands of Pei family soldiers stormed into the city, a war horn, blaring through the clouds, echoed from the ends of the earth.
The loud, clear whistles were deafening, and the drums and horns sounded in unison, shaking the heavens and the earth.
Xu Kangwei, holding a long spear and riding a horse, watched as his troops fell into disarray, and felt utterly desolate.
It was at this moment that he finally understood Pei Zan's mischievous intentions.
After Pei Zan breached the city, he did not besiege it and exterminate the enemy. Instead, he deliberately allowed his soldiers to desert, which would undermine the morale of Xu Kangwei's troops. In this way, he could sacrifice minor losses for greater gains and annihilate most of the enemy forces. This strategy, known as "leaking a gap in the siege," was the first tactic that Xu Kangwei taught Pei Zan when they first met.
Pei Zan deliberately imitated this plan, also with the aim of humiliating Xu Kangwei.
"Pei Zan! Tch!" Xu Kangwei coughed up a mouthful of blood, his old eyes bloodshot, almost falling off his horse from anger at Pei Zan's shamelessness.
After nearly a month of fierce fighting, Xu Kangwei was exhausted and unable to continue.
Chen Wenjin assigned Xu Kangwei only 10,000 troops. How could a mere 10,000 men possibly stand against Pei Zan's 100,000 elite troops who had been trained for many years?
Xu Kangwei failed the emperor's trust; he failed to defend Ji Province!
Xu Kangwei's eyes were bloodshot with rage, and he was on the verge of vomiting blood. He stared intently at the tall figure galloping towards him on horseback, his chest surging with murderous intent, and his killing intent rising like a tidal wave.
"Pei Zan, prepare to die!"
Xu Kangwei spurred the horse's flanks with all his might and charged forward.
In a single, swift movement, Xu Kangwei flicked his red-tasseled spear, then swept it horizontally, aiming straight for Pei Zan's face.
The city's flames merged with the sharp spear, illuminating a dazzling silver light.
The enemy general's sharp blade whistled as it came, reflecting in Pei Zan's cold, icy phoenix eyes. Pei Zan had sharp eyesight; he simply bent low, his shoulders pressed against the horse's back, and with lightning speed, he dodged past the gleaming spear, narrowly escaping death.
Before Xu Kangwei could bend his elbow again and launch a killing attack, Pei Zan flicked his finger, using his tiger's mouth to open the scabbard, and a deep-cold longsword was drawn.
A clear and resonant sword cry suddenly arose, echoing through the sky and startling the senses.
Before he could react, Xu Kangwei was struck by Pei Zan's fierce sword wind, his waist and abdomen torn open!
The sound of tearing fabric was deafening. Xu Kangwei felt a sharp pain in his lower back. He looked down and saw that his armor had fallen apart, and blood was splattering all over the ground.
Xu Kangwei's defeat at the hands of his "disciple" is a great disgrace.
He gritted his teeth, gripped the gun despite the pain, and fought on.
But Pei Zan was cunning and wicked; he abandoned his longsword and took out a bow and arrow.
With a horn-shaped bow in hand, Pei Zan, dressed in a black robe and light armor, stood up on one leg, riding his horse.
As Mo Yu roared and hissed, Pei Zan soared into the air.
The man's robes fluttered in the wind, his black hair, as black as pine needles, swayed slightly, and as he drew his bow and nocked an arrow, the strong muscles on his shoulders and neck bulged, and several veins on his jaw throbbed.
Pei Zan remained calm and used all his strength to violently shoot the black-feathered arrow forward!
A powerful, sharp whistle rang out as an arrow pierced the warhorse's head and emerged from its rump.
A trail of blood spread out, the warhorse fell to the ground, and Xu Kangwei, who was on horseback, also rolled into the swirling sandstorm.
Xu Kangwei coughed up blood and fell to his knees.
He looked up and saw Pei Zan with eyes as cold as a deep pool, sword in hand, striding towards him.
"You've won. Do with me as you please." Xu Kangwei was already at a disadvantage and had no chance of fighting back.
Pei Zan approached slowly, his voice cold: "General Xu, do you know why His Majesty sent you to the front lines to defend against the enemy?"
Xu Kangwei knew that Pei Zan was shrewd and cunning, and was most skilled at instigating others with words. He ignored Pei Zan's sophistry, closed his eyes and said coldly, "You have entrusted me with an important task, hoping that I will cut off your head!"
"How foolish... Chen Wenjin sent you to meet the enemy simply because he knew that we had a master-disciple relationship before."
Pei Zan spoke with a mocking tone, his lips curving slightly, "If you are no match for me and I slaughter the entire Ji Province, and if I abandon my concubines... in the eyes of the world, I will become a traitorous minister who murders his own family and slaughters his master."
In this way, Chen Wenjin is a good king who values loyalty and righteousness. He is the popular choice and the one everyone looks to, while Pei Zan is ruthless and wicked, and will inevitably become the target of everyone's hatred.
Chen Wenjin's only intention was to tarnish Pei Zan's reputation, so that the world would condemn Pei Zan and, even if he were to attack the capital in the future, it would be seen as a rebellion by traitors, which would be illegitimate and unjustifiable.
Xu Kangwei was stunned by Pei Zan's few words.
He could hardly believe that the king he served would devise such a scheme to add another charge of ingratitude and murder of his teacher to Pei Zan's list of crimes.
Chen Wenjin was determined to kill Xu Kangwei, so as to create some public opinion obstacles for Pei Zan's future uprising.
Is it really worth losing Hsu Kang-wei's life just because of a single infamy of being a treacherous villain?
Did Chen Wenjin never trust him? Chen Wenjin could discard him like trash, simply because he suspected that Xu Kangwei might really be a member of Pei's faction.
Rather than keeping Pei Zan's spies in the capital, it would be better to send Xu Kangwei to his death!
If Xu Kangwei wants to protect his family in the capital, he must forge a blood feud with Pei Zan and prove his loyalty by "sacrificing himself for the country" in order to gain the trust of the emperor!
Xu Kangwei has no way out but death!
He thought of his eldest grandson, who had just been born in the capital, and his youngest son, who had just married, and felt flustered.
Xu Kangwei didn't believe Pei Zan's words: "That's utter nonsense!"
Xu Kangwei privately believed that Pei Zan's clever words and flattering manner might just be a ploy to win him over.
Before Xu Kangwei could utter a word in protest, the long sword had already mercilessly pierced through his neck.
Pei Zan twisted his wrist, and blood burst forth, with a few plum blossoms snaking across his silver-scaled armor.
"You..." Xu Kangwei stared in disbelief, blood dripping from his mouth. He died with his eyes wide open, unable to rest in peace.
Pei Zan actually wanted to kill him!
Pei Zan did not want to keep him serving him.
“Since it is a gift from the king, I, Pei, dare not refuse it.”
Pei Zan shook the blood off his sword and said calmly, "Besides, if you don't die on the battlefield today, your parents, wife and children in the capital will also perish. It would be better if I, Pei, considered our past relationship as master and disciple, granted you this favor."
"General Xu, rest in peace. Since we have a teacher-student relationship, I will surely grant you a complete corpse."
As the commander-in-chief, Pei Zan had soldiers and generals under his command, and dared not be negligent in the slightest. One wrong move could lead to the annihilation of the entire army.
Releasing a tiger back into the mountains today will turn it into a menace to the community tomorrow.
Therefore, Pei Zan is hard-hearted and will never be soft-hearted, lest he end up in a situation of no return.
As for those stigmas and infamy...
Pei Zan lowered his eyes, his long fingers twisting a handkerchief as he slowly and methodically wiped his sword.
He has always believed in the principle of "the winner takes all and the loser is a bandit." As for the attacks from the world, the verbal and written criticisms from civil officials, and a few foul words, he has nothing to fear.
-
Pei Zan had been away from Luzhou for half a month.
Lin Rong didn't know much about the military situation on the front lines, but in order to escape, she subtly inquired about many things happening outside from Uncle Feng.
After Uncle Feng finished speaking and looked at her suspiciously, Lin Rong smiled shyly again: "Young Master has been away from home for too long and misses him a bit. I just want to know if he won a great victory in this battle, whether the world outside is chaotic, and whether there is any danger..."
Uncle Feng smiled with relief and comforted Lin Rong: "Don't worry, young madam. The eldest young master is the most valiant and skilled in battle. Over the years, he has fought in the south and north, pacifying the barbarians and fighting the Japanese, and has never been defeated! I dare not speak about other places, but our six southern prefectures are definitely the most peaceful. No one dares to mess with us!"
Feng Shu knew of Pei Zan's great talent and ambition, and whenever Pei Zan was mentioned, he would stand tall and proud, feeling honored to be associated with him.
From Uncle Feng's rambling, Lin Rong also understood the general situation of the current situation.
The six southern prefectures belong to Pei Zan's territory, and the weather is still good with little war. But if you leave the six prefectures and head north, you will reach the territory of the Wei imperial family, which is also the closest to the capital.
Those princes and their relatives all shared the surname Chen. They had an extraordinary obsession with "capturing the imperial city" because their roots were there, and only by monopolizing the imperial palace could they truly become emperors.
Therefore, whenever the imperial family went to war, they would all head to the capital in the north, as if only by occupying that capital could they truly control the power of the world.
Unlike Pei Zan, he had no attachment to the capital. As a regional overlord, Pei Zan only thought about conquering cities and seizing more territory, so as to strengthen his army and govern the region.
However, if Pei Zan wanted to monopolize the Wei Kingdom, he would have to head north and attack the capital region in order to change the dynasty and force the Chen imperial family to submit.
Besides Pei Zan, many local powerful families were also secretly recruiting soldiers, hoping to take advantage of the chaotic times to rise up in rebellion and get a share of the spoils.
Therefore, the central region of Wei was the most chaotic from south to north, with frequent battles of all sizes.
If Lin Rongru wants to escape, she should head east or west. This way, she can avoid the continuous artillery fire and ensure her own safety.
Lin Rong entered Pei Zan's study under the pretext of relieving her boredom.
Uncle Feng knew that Lin Rong was not very literate, so he did not guard against her.
In reality, Lin Rong had learned a lot more words and phrases in private, and she could already understand local customs records and local maps.
Lin Rong pulled out a local gazetteer and wrote down the ferry crossings and routes in various places.
She knew that there was a ferry crossing in Luzhou, allowing her to travel by water to Shaozhou in the west.
Shaozhou is close to the border pass of Wei, and the climate is much colder. Most of the houses are built with yellow mud. There are also nomadic Western Rong people living outside the border.
Shaozhou borders Qingzhou in the south, but it is not part of Pei Zan's territory, making it a perfect fit for Lin Rong.
Moreover, the journey to Shaozhou takes about ten days, which is not too far, but it is perfect for hiding.
She needs a travel permit to travel to Shaozhou.
For Wu Nianzhen, obtaining a travel permit was not difficult. It was simply a matter of spending money to find a guarantor in a village or town, and then having the guarantor go to the town head or local government to explain the reason for leaving home, such as visiting relatives or friends, doing business or traveling. They would also need to note the destination and the physical appearance of the person holding the travel permit. That would be enough to get things done.
Lin Rong thought for a moment and then added: "On the travel permit, you can write that I am eighteen years old, a six-foot-tall man, with burn scars on my shoulders and neck."
In addition to these, Lin Rong also needs a packet of sleeping pills, naan bread and biscuits, money, and a horse.
Lin Rong knew that the Putuo Temple Wu Nianzhen was going to was backed by the Xishan Waterfall and surrounded by lakes on three sides, with only the main hall entrance connected to the mountain path.
Lin Rong instructed Wu Nianzhen to keep the sleeping potion and hand it to her in person. The rest of the horses and bundles were left on the opposite bank of the large lake behind the temple. Lin Rong would retrieve them after the two completed the transaction of the "infertility potion".
Recently, in the harems of officials in Luzhou, it has become fashionable to have dark-skinned and beautiful Kunlun female slaves. There are also concubines of wealthy families, who, in order to give their husbands a taste of something new, specially concoct black rouge to dye their entire bodies a deep, honey-colored hue, then sing and dance gracefully while serving fine wines to please their husbands.
Lin Rong overheard the maids' gossip and a thought struck her. Since she couldn't leave the house, she sent a maid out to buy some black ointment and secretly hid it in her room.
Lin Rong: "The Grand Commander is knowledgeable and experienced. If I don't use some new skills, I'm afraid I won't be able to win his favor... However, the Kunlun female slaves are ultimately lowly, and I don't want people to gossip about me. You must keep this a secret."
Lin Rong has finally figured things out and is willing to please Pei Zan. The maids in the courtyard are overjoyed, so why would they ruin her plans?
From then on, Lin Rong even had a black ointment to conceal her appearance.
The night before going out to worship Buddha, Lin Rong stayed alone in her room, lost in thought.
After thinking for a long time, Lin Rong finally unbuttoned her top, revealing her rounded shoulders.
Lin Rong remembered that every time they made love, Pei Zan liked to gently kiss the red plum blossom birthmark on her shoulder... If this mark was not removed, she would definitely be captured by Pei Zan in the future.
Lin Rong sighed, but still hardened her heart and did it.
She burned her skin, destroying that red plum blossom pattern.
Lin Rong endured the pain until she was covered in sweat. Looking in the mirror, she saw ugly burn scars on her fair skin, and not a single unscathed spot on her shoulder.
That vibrant red plum blossom... has finally fallen.
-
On the day they went to the temple to offer incense and pray for Pei Zan's victory and the army's triumphant return, Lin Rong took the sleeping potion given to her by Wu Nianzhen and drugged the maidservant who accompanied her in her room. She then hid the black ointment and silver on her body and followed Wu Nianzhen's wet nurse into an empty room.
Uncle Feng's guards stood at the temple entrance to protect Lin Rong as she entered to offer incense.
Uncle Feng knew that Lin Rong was afraid of water and never thought that she would use the lake surrounding the temple to escape. The reason he sent troops to accompany her was simply because he was worried that Wu Nianzhen had ulterior motives and was audacious enough to harm the young lady.
Therefore, the Pei family's troops stood guard outside the temple in neat formation to intimidate the Wu family's servants and to advise them to be pragmatic and not to act rashly and make a grave mistake.
In the pitch-black cell, Wu Nianzhen gave the wet nurse a meaningful look and served her a bowl of herbal medicine for infertility.
"Lin Rong, I have prepared the 'infertility soup' as you requested. Since you are determined to escape and are willing to cut off your lineage, I will grant your wish."
"I have prepared all the horses, provisions, money, travel permits, and men's clothing you requested, and placed them in the dense forest on the lake shore... Once you drink this bowl of medicine, our deal will be done, and you can fly away."
Wu Nianzhen spoke politely and patiently, but she was only trying to urge Lin Rong to drink the soup.
Lin Rong knew that this escape might not be successful.
Pei Zan has connections everywhere; it's quite possible that he'll catch her and put her back in prison soon after she runs away.
But the temptation of freedom was too great. Lin Rong would rather die outside than be tied up in the backyard like a sparrow or a dog.
This bowl of infertility-preventing medicine was what Lin Rong had requested.
Once she drinks it, she will never be able to conceive again.
Even if Pei Zan captures her again in the future, at least Lin Rong will not have children and will not be burdened by offspring.
Lin Rong knew that if she stayed in the Pei residence, she would have a hard time getting any contraceptive medicine, let alone the infertility-preventing soup.
Now, a bowl of soup would solve the problem once and for all, which suited her perfectly...
Lin Rong stared at the soup bowl, hesitating to drink it.
Wu Nianzhen was terrified, fearing that her plan would be exposed. She couldn't help but urge anxiously, "What are you hesitating about? Are you afraid that I will poison the soup?"
Lin Rong shook her head: "Miss Wu wouldn't do that... If you poison me, my body will be difficult to dispose of. Moreover, the Pei family's guards are stationed outside the temple. Your murderous activities will be exposed within half a day."
The doctor wasn't stupid; it was easy to determine whether the cause of death was poisoning or contraceptive medicine.
Poisoning a concubine created a blood feud with Pei Zan.
Given Pei Zan's domineering nature, it's uncertain whether the marriage will fall through, or even whether Wu Nianzhen can stay. After all, the Wu family wants to form a marriage alliance with Pei Zan, and they have more than one cousin in their family.
For Wu Nianzhen, killing someone rashly would do more harm than good. Not only would it displease her husband, but it might also cause Pei Zan to truly despise her, which was really not a good idea.
Wu Nianzhen was wary of Lin Rong, yet she was determined to marry into the Pei family.
Wu Nianzhen only wanted to give birth to legitimate children and gain a foothold in the inner quarters. In other words, Lin Rong was not Wu Nianzhen's biggest enemy; it was Lin Rong's eldest son born out of wedlock!
Wu Nianzhen certainly wouldn't dare to kill someone before marriage and anger Pei Zan, but she could take the opportunity to force Lin Rong to drink this yin-damaging, infertility-inducing soup to prevent future troubles.
As long as Lin Rong cannot have children, Wu Nianzhen will have more opportunities to seize power.
As for Lin Rong... Wu Nianzhen could at most buy her one day to escape.
The worst-case scenario is that Lin Rong is captured by Pei's troops and taken back to the inner quarters.
As far as Wu Nianzhen was concerned, after Lin Rong was arrested, in order to maintain Pei Zan's favor, she might even quietly conceal the fact that she had drunk the infertility potion. So why would Wu Nianzhen need to subtly remind her?
In this way, Wu Nianzhen gained another handle against Lin Rong, and was no longer afraid of her illegitimate children crawling out of her womb. She could truly rest easy, with everything under her control.
Lin Rong smelled the aroma of the "Infertility Soup" and confirmed that the bowl contained only a large dose of a contraceptive soup that could destroy a person's uterus.
"The wet nurse beside Miss Wu has already had both a son and a daughter, and her menstrual blood has also ceased, right? Since it is a medicine for preventing childbirth, not a poisonous one... Miss Wu, could she take a small sip, and I will drink the rest?"
Only when the dosage of contraceptive herbs is too high will it become a decoction that damages fertility and causes infertility. Taking a small sip will not actually harm the body.
Wu Nianzhen hadn't expected Lin Rong to be so wary. Her face turned pale, but she was helpless.
She glanced at the wet nurse and said, "Since Miss Lin has made such a request, then you may have a sip."
The wet nurse rolled her eyes at Lin Rong, took a sip of soup, and scolded, "Our young lady is kind-hearted and would never put anything in here. Are you satisfied now?"
Lin Rong thanked her and, without hesitation, drank the potent medicine, swallowing it all.
The deal is done.
Wu Nianzhen was in high spirits and ordered someone to take away the soup bowl.
Wu Nianzhen ignored Lin Rong and went straight out to offer incense at the main hall.
Lin Rong didn't dare to delay, knowing that the opportunity to escape was hard-won.
Lin Rong immediately set off towards the covered walkway built over the lake behind the temple.
As evening falls, Wu Nianzhen will descend the mountain. If Uncle Feng cannot find her, he will surely order his troops to search the mountain. Lin Rong doesn't have much time, so she must act quickly.
Lin Rong applied a thick, dark ointment to her cheeks and limbs, and also obtained herbs that could trigger her allergies and cause sores on her face.
After concealing her face, Lin Rong looked up at the boundless lake.
Behind Lin Rong, the sound of compassionate Buddhist chants and the rich, smoky scent of sandalwood wafted through the air.
She turned her back to the Buddhist temple and gazed into the distance.
Across the lake lies a lush, green forest, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, bathed in the glow of the setting sun.
Looking at the rushing lake water, Lin Rong didn't hesitate. She took a deep breath and dived into the water.
There was a thud.
They vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye.
The moment she entered the water, Lin Rong's limbs suddenly stiffened, and the lake water slowly filled her mouth and nose. Despite it being the height of summer, a chill permeated her entire body.
Lin Rong floated on the lake, filled with fear, her eyes glazed over.
In that instant, Lin Rong thought of many things.
She imagined a frigid pool with frost and floating ice, a cold lake strewn with black-feathered arrows, a handsome yet sinister man embracing her, his warm, thin lips tracing her snowy neck, those ambiguous, tender yet blood-stained kisses landing one after another inside her hibiscus-patterned blouse, on her full breasts…
Lin Rong thought back to her childhood, to the candy she had eaten, and to her father's hands that kept pressing down on her head...
Lin Rong was fearful, terrified, and her legs twitched.
She nearly drowned.
But just then, Lin Rong remembered that night when she rode her horse against the wind, galloping through the lush green fields.
She is like a fish, a bird, soaring between heaven and earth, fearless and free.
"I can't die here..."
Lin Rong opened her eyes in the murky lake water.
Her strength returned to this mortal body.
She endured the cramping pain in her abdomen and the burns on her shoulders, pushing forward desperately and putting up a last-ditch effort.
Lin Rong finally moved; she swam forward with all her might!
Fifteen minutes later, Lin Rong climbed ashore and vomited up large amounts of lake water.
Lin Rong's lips and teeth were filled with the strong taste of medicine, the saltiness of the lake water, and a hint of bloodiness from the burns on her spleen and stomach caused by the infertility soup.
She felt a surge of relief and collapsed, panting, into the mud on the bank.
In the instant she turned her head, she saw the magnificent horse carrying the load.
For some reason, Lin Rong felt a soreness in her nose and her eyes burned. She used both her hands and feet to unpack the bundle and take out the men's clothing.
Lin Rong bound her chest with white silk, changed into a clean robe, shoes, and socks, then wrapped her waterlogged dress around a boulder and smashed it into the lake.
The girl leaped onto the horse, pulled on the reins, and squeezed the horse's belly with all her might.
Then, like an arrow released from a bow, the horse galloped swiftly towards the other side of the riverbank.
Lin Rong's face was covered in pimples and sores, which were incredibly itchy. Her lower abdomen ached, and her shoulders and neck were also painful and difficult to heal. But all of this pain and suffering was within her tolerance.
Lin Rong's wet hair was tied up with a hairband and held high.
She spurred her horse and galloped towards the ferry.
Lin Rong took a deep breath and smiled broadly.
Finally, she was freed and had a moment to catch her breath.
Author's note: Update on Wednesday~
As I said before, if there's anything you don't like, there's no need to say it; just put it aside or don't watch it.
This is supposed to be a forced acquisition, wallpaper~ If you don't like it, please don't attack the author. You can choose to read the story you prefer~
A reader asked me why I always write about resilient female protagonists. It's because I love writing this kind of story. If you don't like it, you can choose other genres. Don't ask me why I'm a radish (tsk tsk), I am a radish! I'm not spicy hot pot (tears...)
If you're looking for something different, check out my novels "The Daily Life of a Second Wife" and "After the Substitute Bride Left, the Sword Master's Dao Heart Shattered," both featuring female protagonists with distinct personalities. Mwah!
Also, I didn't want to give away any spoilers, but I'll still do it: I didn't say there wouldn't be any kids~
However, the current plot is consistent with Rong'er's character logic, and I will respect all the choices made by the characters I write.
I found the later plot interesting, and the book as a whole isn't actually that dark, but it hasn't reached that plot point yet.
However, the plot will be quite intense this week, so those with a low tolerance for stress are advised to wait a week before watching.
Please don't criticize or argue after reading this. If it's not our food, we won't eat it.
Pei Zan will be better after this bout of madness. I personally think he'll try to win back his wife, but it could also be an endless entanglement. However, Rong'er will have a turning point. But how far I can develop this story, assuming the characters fit their personalities and the plot remains logical, depends on my plot arrangement.
This story isn't very long, but it should still take more than two months to finish. I'll keep writing!
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