Chapter 849: Chapter 593 Grand Finale (Part Three)_2
Xiaoman didn’t dare mention the meeting between Chunyu Yan and Feng Yun. She only whispered, "Did you see how grim His Majesty’s face was? I fear he may trouble the Empress..."
Zuo Zhong studied her expression. "Chunyu Yan sought out the Empress?"
Xiaoman’s heart tightened, and she took a deep breath. "No, no he didn’t."
Zuo Zhong looked at her evasive demeanor and immediately understood everything.
"You don’t need to worry. When has His Majesty ever troubled the Empress?"
Xiaoman was completely unaware that Zuo Zhong had seen through her. Her eyes darted uneasily. "No matter what happens, never? Not even once?"
Seeing Zuo Zhong remain silent, she fiddled with her fingers nervously. "Do you think I should go check on her? But the Empress told me not to attend to her, so I can’t think of a reason ... Big Brother Zuo, can you help me? Just take a look, just one look."
Zuo Zhong pondered for a moment. "I originally had business to report to His Majesty anyway."
The implication was that he wasn’t going for her sake.
But Xiaoman didn’t mind. With a gentle chuckle, she tightly gripped his arm, her eyes sparkling like a sky full of stars.
"You’re the best, Big Brother Zuo. You’re the best husband."
Zuo Zhong: ...
-
The wind swept slanting snow, shrouding the horizon in gloom.
That night, Zuo Zhong saw Pei Jue and reported the situation at Suo Yue Ridge. It was already an hour later.
The commander’s quarters, warmed by a blazing furnace amidst the chilly breeze, felt like spring itself. Outside, snow fell soft and steady upon the cloth curtains, creating a gentle rustling sound.
No arguments broke out, nor was there any blame to cast. The only sounds present were muffled murmurs, like blossoms strewn amid the wind...
Zuo Zhong glanced at Xiaoman.
Xiaoman lowered her head, her ears flushed red.
"Then I’ll let you handle your duties. I... I’ll head back to the tent and wait for you."
She scurried away faster than a rabbit.
Zuo Zhong’s lips curved faintly into a smile as he stood there waiting alone.
-
In fact, Feng Yun also had her doubts that Pei Jue might have discovered something—or perhaps the arrival of Chunyu Yan left him in a foul mood. But he was never one to talk much, choosing instead to say nothing at all. After drying his hair, he wrapped his arms around her and engaged in certain pursuits...
Every time she had to deal with him, it proved exhausting. Especially today, with her mind restless and her thoughts unruly. When she heard some commotion outside, she gently reminded him.
"Perhaps Zuo Zhong has urgent business."
"It’s nothing," he replied.
Pausing briefly, he lowered his head and planted soft, slow kisses on that snow-white neck. "Spring is arriving soon."
Spring is arriving.
The snow is melting.
Feng Yun’s heart tightened, sending a small shiver through her.
Thinking of the looming battles, she instinctively tried to push him away, but the arm locked around her waist tightened further. No matter how she struggled, she couldn’t free herself.
Breathing heavily, she frowned and gasped, "The people of the realm are all watching this war, praying for His Majesty’s health and strength—yet His Majesty seems utterly indifferent, growing increasingly reckless these past days..."
"How is My health, doesn’t the Empress know?"
Pei Jue’s pitch-black eyes fixed on her, lingering over her abundant curves. As he leaned forward again, his greed grew palpable...
Feng Yun found herself unable to speak.
With her neck tilted slightly upwards, she closed her eyes faintly, her brows furrowing as she gasped and whimpered...
Since Chunyu Yan arrived in Lian River, Pei Jue had been acting as though he was drugged, like a lion freshly matured into a beast—wild with seemingly endless energy, obsessing over her, craving her, insatiable in his desire...
She found that she could still face it all with a smile...
All thanks to being kind-hearted.
-
When Feng Yun awoke, the snow had cleared, leaving a radiant sky. The sunlight poured over the land with fiery intensity, filling the room with brightness.
Outside, distinct voices of lively discussion could be heard.
The tone was exuberant, growing sharper and higher with each word.
From what she could vaguely discern, the chatter seemed connected to the Qi Army and the coming war.
Feeling rested, Feng Yun’s energy surged. Amid that thrilling atmosphere, her blood boiled inexplicably with excitement...
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived.
She dressed and tidied up. When she stepped outside, only Pei Jue remained, seated before a map, silently lost in thought.
Feng Yun approached him and refilled his teapot.
"Is it time to fight?"
Pei Jue raised his head, a glint of icy determination flashing in his gaze.
"Yes."
A definitive answer.
Feng Yun’s heart thudded, but she chose not to press for more. Instead, she poured herself a cup of hot tea and lightly clinked her cup against his.
"May victory honor our banners."
"May conquest reward our efforts."
-
The much-anticipated battle at Suo Yue Ridge finally commenced.
Three days later, under skies as blue as sapphires, Da Yong’s forces launched their first assault east of Suo Yue Ridge on the Qi Army after a period of ceasefire. The sun’s brilliance illuminated this serene spring day.
Pei Jue personally commanded the troops. The vast, dark mass of Da Yong’s soldiers surged forward like an unstoppable tide—sweeping across the land with the force of an avalanche, ascending upon the Qi Army’s encampment at Suo Yue Ridge.
An assault without declaration.
This was not Pei Jue’s usual way of conducting warfare.
