United Hearts
Jiang Heng's hand, holding the medicine bottle, hovered in mid-air for a long while before he said, "Sir, you have quite the methods. Are you waiting for someone with ulterior motives to take the bait by reopening your wound?" He narrowed his eyes, "And this pig's blood ointment, isn't it rather clumsy?"
"Isn't that it?" Zhao Peiming whimpered like a small animal, and Jiang Heng looked at him in surprise.
The person's eyelashes drooped like butterfly wings, and their pupils reflected their white clothes, shimmering pitifully like shattered porcelain. It was a clever way to evoke pity.
Jiang Heng was taken aback. He looked away and lowered his head, raising his hand to apply the medicine. Zhao Peiming symbolically dodged, saying, "Lord Jiang, don't touch it. The blood of a defeated general is like your new shoes."
Jiang Heng knew that the confrontation in the court had upset the other party, and that the other party must be resentful at the moment. He sighed and said, "General, your self-inflicted injury tactic was clumsy. Don't use it again next time." He tore off a corner of his robe to bandage the wound, but the movement still carried the warmth of the flowers from the previous half-day. Zhao Peiming was watching Jiang Heng's hair drift to his face in the wind when he was suddenly grabbed at the base of his leg. The strong stimulation brought him back to his senses. He saw that Jiang Heng was about to tear off his robe again, and Zhao Peiming quickly covered the spot, saying, "Please forgive me, sir. This is not a swollen area. There's no need to bother."
"Hmm? Young Master Jiang, no, Lord Jiang, the fragrance in the incense burner this day is unusual, more like the peach scent from when we first met on the tower?" Zhao Peiming murmured, changing the subject, "Could it be intentional?"
Jiang Heng remained calm and unhurried as he bandaged Zhao Peiming's old wound, replying, "General, you are wise, but—that day was different from today; your state of mind is quite different now." A gentle afternoon breeze caressed their faces, making it exceptionally cool.
Jiang Heng slowly said, "I had some plans that day, so I did it on purpose." He left it at that and did not elaborate further.
"And what about today?" Zhao Peiming knew that Jiang Heng initially wanted to build a relationship so that he would have more opportunities in the future, but he still couldn't resist.
Jiang Heng did not answer, but took out the spare parts of the canal map from his bosom and said, "Please keep this copy safe, General. I entrust the Half-Day Flower to you." Seeing that the other party accepted it, Jiang Heng helped him up and led him to the flying chair to settle him down. Then he stood up and said, "I am not in a position to contact the General much. Please... take good care of yourself."
Zhao Peiming knew that Jiang Heng would be trapped in the court afterward, and the two would find it difficult to meet due to their civil and military relationship. He had been completely disoriented when he saw her on the tower, not to mention that she had been taken in and cared for, allowing her remaining troops to recover. Jiang Heng had been oblivious to her while she was half-awake, occasionally washing and grooming her in their shared room, treating her without any sense of enmity, and even washing and changing her dressings. These actions tormented her both physically and mentally. Today, Jiang Heng seemed to be doing this intentionally; his focus and tenderness when applying medicine was even greater than usual. If she missed this opportunity today, she feared it would be difficult to make any further progress.
Jiang Heng turned and took a step forward, lost in thought. In the few words exchanged between them these past few days, their hearts had been so easily conveyed. Zhao Peiming, a scholar-general with both literary talent and a deep concern for the common people, was someone he feared would be hard-pressed to find another like-minded person in the world. This man was a rare find, possessing both exceptional talent and noble character. Others had grown accustomed to this, yet this supposedly high-ranking military commander showed no contempt even in his decline, addressing him respectfully as "Young Master" and always offering care during his low points. The saying, "Even with nine out of ten fingers intact, one can still repel the enemy," still resonates powerfully today. But what ability did he possess to be worthy of such a precious person? He could only cherish the memory and part ways.
Thinking this, Zhao Peiming reached out and tugged at Jiang Heng's sleeve.
Jiang Heng stopped and turned around, but his eyes never met hers. The wind was the most annoying thing; the strands of hair that Jiang Heng had let loose while applying the medicine all drifted towards Zhao Peiming along with the fragrance of flowers.
Zhao Peiming saw through Jiang Heng's thoughts and smiled slyly, "Why has your lord lost his prestige? Weren't you just accusing me of using a self-inflicted injury as a ruse? Well then, take a look at this." He quickly untied the bandages on his leg, revealing all the letters he had received over the past half month under a thin layer of gold foil.
Jiang Heng knew he would keep it safe, but he never expected him to carry it close to his body.
Pressing her advantage, Zhao Peiming tore open his shirt to reveal a sword scar on his collarbone, and said, "This scar, from intercepting Fu Dang's secret letter—was it a ruse?"
He raised his right palm again, revealing several deep scars from plowing and hoeing: "Teaching a flower gardener half a day's self-defense techniques in between plowing and hoeing—is it a self-inflicted injury ruse?"
Finally, he looked directly at Jiang Heng, his eyes red-rimmed, and said, "My lord, the place you accidentally touched earlier that causes you to ache every night is also a ruse?!"
Jiang Heng lowered his eyes, and after a long while stepped forward, he said, "I cannot accept this."
Zhao Peiming bowed his head and said, "Young Master, you are so beautiful and graceful, it is I who am worthy of your presence. I apologize for offending you."
“I fear you have entrusted yourself to the wrong person,” Jiang Heng interrupted. “Since I can remember, I have been incapable of loving anyone… and…”
“I’ll teach you,” Zhao Peiming interrupted. “Everyone knows that Tian Song is a wild horse that’s hard to tame, but the reins are in your hands now. Whether to loosen them or tighten them is up to you.”
The current court's policy of emphasizing civil affairs while suppressing military power is a grave taboo, and as an official responsible for remonstrating, I should do my utmost to advise against it. Zhao Chen shares this sentiment. If such a general cannot demonstrate even a fraction of his talent, it will be a national disaster. If the two of them work together, they might be able to withstand the pressure from the Fu faction and benefit the common people. In that case, the people who made robes for me will not have died in vain, and I will have fulfilled my father's dying wish. But I alone am completely hopeless; only by coordinating various parties can we have the power to stir up a storm. Jiang Heng is determined to do it, even if it means death or working to the death, he will do it without hesitation. He is not alone on this path; this has been the case for thousands of years. But Jiang Heng is ultimately human, and humans have desires. At this moment, nothing is more important than holding onto the reins.
Jiang Heng gently moved into Zhao Peiming's arms, cupped her tear-streaked face, and kissed her.
The garden was filled with the fragrance of flowers, save for a few birdsong. Two lovers hid in the long corridor, unseen even by the sunlight.
Zhao Peiming responded almost solicitously, but due to his lack of experience, he haphazardly turned his initial superficial inquiry into a probing one, forcing Jiang Heng to push him away to catch his breath. In a flash, Jiang Heng suddenly realized—the person he had seen after being drugged by Fu Qinxiang that day must have been Zhao Peiming. Thinking this, he felt a stirring of emotion, momentarily forgetting all the bloodshed and turmoil.
“Writing letters is much harder than fighting a war,” Zhao Peiming whispered in Jiang Heng’s ear, casually hooking the man’s belt and pulling him into his arms. The man’s neck and ears were flushed red, his eyes misty, blood seeping from his lips, a small part of his tongue still protruding. Jiang Heng didn’t struggle, looking up and mimicking Zhao Peiming’s tone, “I’ll teach you.” He then prepared to offer himself completely.
Seeing that things were not going well, Zhao Peiming restrained the other party's hand and said, "Good brother, there are still fifteen days for the Half-Day Flower to be examined. Why is it that I don't need to do it now?" Although he was in great pain, he was always clear about what he should and shouldn't do. "What I want is Lord Jiang, who is dedicated to the people. Everything is based on the premise that things will fall into place between us. Brother, there is no need to force me."
Jiang Heng, knowing the other party was reliable, smiled and said, "Then I'll spare you this time." This long-lost genuine laughter was much warmer than the cold laughter in the court.
The two lingered for a while, their kisses almost unrequited. Jiang Heng squeezed out some information about Fu Qinxiang's recent whereabouts and activities, and revealed her accomplices one by one. Zhao Peiming, on the other hand, gave a detailed report on Banrihua's recent situation. After exchanging messages, the two straightened each other's clothes.
Jiang Heng handed Zhao Peiming a medicine bottle, saying, "This medicine was left to me by my mother many years ago. It can treat sprains and bruises. Please accept it and keep it for future use."
Zhao Peiming looked at the coarse cloth belt around Jiang Heng's waist, took the medicine with one hand, and pulled it with the other. Then he took off the jade pendant from his own waist and gave it to Jiang Heng, saying, "When my father named me, he hoped that I would make a name for myself like the sound of a jade pendant being struck. Now, my achievements are hard to say for the time being, but my heart is moved. Consider this jade pendant a token of our love. You must not refuse, sir."
“But if you give it to me, Fu Qinxiang will definitely become suspicious when we go to court again,” Jiang Heng said hesitantly.
Zhao Peiming smiled and said, "Well, I definitely won't expose it. Just watch me." Jiang Heng then accepted the jade pendant and put it in his pocket.
Jiang Heng calculated that Fu Qinxiang should have returned to the manor by now, and that he also needed to go back early, so he got up to say goodbye.
"I am already caught in the middle of this situation and have many things beyond my control. If I encounter any difficulties, I urge you to protect yourself first."
"And what about you?"
"Jiang would not refuse even if he were to be torn to pieces, let alone—"
“Live on.” Zhao Peiming stood up resolutely. “Not just for me, but for the people of the world. They need you more than I do.” He stood in the sunlight, his eyes sparkling. “In these chaotic times, we await the right time.”
Jiang Heng shuddered. "Then let's endure to the end together."
Jiang Heng's spirit had been worn down; he always felt that those around him were constantly leaving him. Therefore, he had no hope for living, nor fear of death. Knowing his own power was as insignificant as a mayfly trying to shake a tree, he felt utterly small. But step by step, there were always times when danger turned to safety, making him wonder if he was destined for greatness. Zhao Peiming's appearance was not just a ray of light, but also a continuous force, constantly pushing him forward.
When Jiang Heng said these words, it was because he genuinely wanted to live again. It wasn't simply about being buried with someone, nor was it just words of comfort. It was his determination to see how fate would unfold and then break through it all himself.
All that has gone before is dead, and all that is to come is born today.
Seeing the other person's gaze gradually darken, Zhao Peiming felt relieved and left from one side of the garden. Xiao Han was waiting outside, and judging from Zhao Peiming's expression, he knew that things had gone well, but at this moment he didn't want to joke, and only silently wished him well in his heart.
Jiang Heng lingered in the garden for a while, but as soon as he walked to the pond, he saw two figures, one tall and one short, playing in the water. The taller one noticed first, turned around, recognized Jiang Heng, and said, "Oh, Lord Jiang, you're in high spirits."
This person was Fu Qinxiang. Jiang Heng then looked at the woman beside her—it was Tang Yao.
When did they get together? Could it be that Tang Yao, such an innocent and virtuous person, has been bribed by Fu Qinxiang? Seeing Jiang Heng's stunned expression, Fu Qinxiang smiled at Tang Yao and said, "This is Lord Jiang Heng. You should have met him a few times. You will see him more often in the court in the future. Please put in a good word for him with the Emperor."
Tang Yao nodded and said, "Greetings, Lord Jiang."
Jiang Heng returned the greeting: "No need for such flattery. I have no merit to deserve such a reward. It is better to be down-to-earth."
“Lord Jiang is so upright, much like my sister. I remember when my sister first entered the palace, she was very clingy, always talking about working for the benefit of the people, which I quite miss.” Fu Qinxiang’s words had a double meaning, which Jiang Heng naturally understood. He simply bowed slightly to Tang Yao and said, “The Consort’s compassion is a blessing to the people.”
Tang Yao looked at Jiang Heng meaningfully, a plan forming in her mind.
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