“Chapter 60”

"Chapter 60"

"'The temperature drops significantly in the evening outside the Great Wall, are you cold, my dear?' Zhou Xu, while examining a map on the bed, sat cross-legged beside it, casually warming his wife’s feet under his robe. Noticing they were a bit cold, he looked up to ask."

"Listening to the wailing wind outside the tent, Xiao Luolan tucked the blanket more tightly around her, the bedding filled with the scent of snow cream."

"'No, I’m not cold,' Xiao Luolan replied. Zhou Xu’s body temperature was always high, unbearably hot in summer, but as the weather cooled, he became like a human furnace. Xiao Luolan often sweated from his warmth."

"Although her period wasn’t painful, she felt more lethargic, preferring to curl up in bed. A fire burned in the copper basin inside the tent, and the warmth on her feet made her eyelids heavier. She yawned and curled up in the blankets, pondering over something before drifting off."

"'The snow eagle should return tomorrow,' she mumbled."

"Zhou Xu knew about the snow eagle Tabgach Amu from the Tabgach family had given to Qingxue. It was an excellent method, significantly easing his wife’s anxiety over being separated from her daughter."

"Calculating the distance, Zhou Xu said, 'If nothing goes wrong, it should arrive by tomorrow morning.' After passing through Gu Chang city, communication with the snow eagle would be more challenging, taking longer on the journey. Even a monthly message would be good."

"Hearing the answer, Xiao Luolan finally slept peacefully, planning to write a letter to her daughter tomorrow."

"Zhou Xu watched the map for a while, then, seeing his wife asleep, gently placed her feet back into the warm bed, draped his robe, and silently got up. He gazed deeply at her sleeping face, flushed and peaceful in her dreams."

"His words 'You've worked hard, my dear,' were not mere courtesy, but a genuine sentiment. He felt she had indeed endured hardship following him - the rough journey, poor meals, uncomfortable sleep, yet she never complained and always found something useful to do when they rested."

"With only Dongxue, her maidservant, accompanying her, Xiao Luolan would arrange the bedding and tidy up the books, ink, paper, and maps on the desk in the tent. With his wife by his side, Zhou Xu felt a sense of stability in their daily life."

"After a while, he took the map and left the tent."

"Ten meters from the tent, Lei Hu, Lei Bao, and other Zhou family guards were patrolling. Zhou Xu instructed them to continue before heading to the banks of Luoyue River."

"By the river downstream, many warhorses were drinking water. Some cavalrymen who cherished their horses were half-immersed in the shallow water, cleaning them, including several foreign riders."

"The Tiele people were excitedly caressing the warhorses allocated to them. They were used to seeing horses, but there was a difference between ordinary horses and warhorses. Tabgach family's decision to let them join the expedition with such fine horses and weapons had taken Chachawu by surprise."

"Chachawu stood by the river, tapping the back of his machete with his thick knuckles, producing a beautiful clang. Such a divine weapon was far superior to their old, inferior ones."

"'This war sword is really good,' a few Tiele people gathered and Baru couldn't help but say."

"'Isn’t that obvious?' Batu slapped his brother's back. The Tiele warrior's eyes sparkled with admiration. He adjusted his half-worn animal skin cloak, his strong body resembling a calf. His touch on the machete was gentle yet greedy."

"Baru chuckled twice."

"'This fine sword is ours now?' asked one of the Tiele people. Batu looked at him, the top hunter of last year's expedition, brought by their leader this time."

"'What are you thinking?' Batu bent down to water his warhorse. A good warhorse could greatly increase his survival on the battlefield. He treated his horse with the same care as the people of Youzhou, the cold water splashing on his face made him smile terrifyingly in the dim light: 'To keep this sword, one must trade with enemy heads.' The sword and horse, and the ample dried meat they were given, weren’t free."

"Anqing Fu laughed loudly, 'That's easy.' He patted his muscular arm and full belly, chuckling: 'Just chop off the enemy's heads and trade them.'"

"'Leader, which tribe are we going to attack?'"

"'How many heads for a war sword?'"

"The gathered Tiele people were noisy. Chachawu asked them to quiet down. The Tabgach family watched from nearby. The old leader said in a deep voice, 'You'll know when the time comes. Wash your horses and come up; we have to continue traveling tomorrow.'"

"Tabgach Amu stood behind his brother, silent like a shadow."

"Tabgach Agu withdrew his gaze from the Tiele people and looked at Tabgach Amu: 'Did you hear what they were saying?'"

"Tabgach Amu nodded: 'I heard.'"

"Tabgach Agu patted Tabgach Amu's shoulder: 'Make sure you perform well when it comes to killing. Don't let them look down on you.' He didn't specify who 'they' were."

"Could it be the governor, the Tiele people, or the Youzhou cavalry? Tabgach Amu gripped his curved saber, gazing at the starry night sky, devoid of the moon."

"This time they brought twelve hundred elite cavalry and eight hundred Tiele light cavalry, a total of two thousand men. The governor had provided them with increasingly better weapons, and they had killed more and more. Tabgach Amu could barely remember the life he had as a child."

"Back then, the grasslands were so cold. The Tabgach tribe was poor, and poverty and hunger had left them on the brink of death, wandering like hungry wolves. Other tribes stole their horses and women and killed their fathers and brothers. One day, their father, the leader of the Tabgach tribe, suddenly brought back food and weapons."

"Tabgach Mu still remembered the tribe's disbelief and ecstatic joy that day. They gathered in their tattered tents, crowded with people. White salt was added to the steaming meat broth, so aromatic it could make one's mouth water. They ate like dogs, with young children sleeping contentedly in their mothers' arms for the first time. No longer famished, they had enough food, warm clothes, and even fine weapons."

"Since then, the Tabgach tribe became a wolf raised on the grasslands by the governor. Other tribes despised them, insulted them, hated them, yet also feared and tried to appease them."

"Tabgach Amu climbed ashore, gripping his curved saber firmly, his expression stern and cold."

"Of course, he would perform well; no one would ever make them live like dogs again!"

"'Cough cough.' Cui Shizi, wrapped in a thick cotton coat, entered the military tent with the lord."

"Zhou Xu laid out the map on the table. Inside the tent, there was also a sand table showing the terrain, rivers, and mountains clearly, with important cities marked. The black-clothed rider landed on his shoulder, its pale yellow eyes scanning back and forth."

"Zhou Xu picked up a plate, letting it eat the raw meat."

"Cui Shizi poured himself a cup of hot tea and sat opposite."

"The two of them looked at the map together."

"The next stop was Gu Chang city."

"Gu Chang had a unique location, attracting a large number of northern barbarian merchants, people from different grassland tribes, foreigners, and Central Plains people. As the only trade route to the grasslands, it was immensely prosperous in commerce."

"Tabgach Agu withdrew his gaze from the Tiele people, turning to Tabgach Amu: 'Did you hear what they said?'"

"Tabgach Amu nodded: 'Yes, I did.'"

"Tabgach Agu patted Tabgach Amu’s shoulder: 'Make a good impression when it comes to fighting, don’t let them look down on us.' He left it unsaid who 'they' referred to."

"Could it be the governor, the Tiele people, or perhaps the Youzhou cavalry? Tabgach Amu grasped his saber, looking up at the star-filled sky, absent of the moon."

"They had brought twelve hundred elite cavalry and eight hundred Tiele light cavalry, totaling two thousand men. The governor’s improved supply of weapons meant more enemies were being killed. Tabgach Amu could barely recall his childhood life."

"Back then, the grasslands were freezing. The Tabgach were poor, and hunger almost killed them. Like hungry wolves, they roamed the grasslands, while other tribes stole their horses and women, killed their fathers and brothers. One day, their father, the Tabgach leader, returned with food and weapons."

"Tabgach Mu vividly remembered the tribe's incredulous joy that day. Crowded in worn tents, white salt was added to steaming meat soup, its aroma so enticing it could make one swallow their tongue. They ate like dogs, with young children finally sleeping contentedly in their mothers' arms, no longer hungry, having enough food, warm clothes, and even quality weapons."

"From then on, the Tabgach tribe became like a wolf fostered on the grasslands by the governor. Other tribes despised and feared them, even appeasing them."

"Tabgach Amu climbed ashore, clutching his curved saber, his expression stern and cold."

"He would surely perform well; he would not let anyone force the Tabgach tribe into a miserable existence again!"

"'Cough cough.' Cui Shizi, wrapped in a thick coat, entered the military tent with the lord."

"Zhou Xu spread out the map on the desk. A sand table in the tent showed detailed topography with marked cities. The black-clad bird landed on his shoulder, its pale yellow eyes scanning."

"Zhou Xu offered it raw meat from a plate."

"Cui Shizi poured himself hot tea, sitting opposite."

"Both studied the map together."

"The next stop was Gu Chang city."

"Gu Chang held a unique position, bustling with traders from the north, various grassland tribes, foreigners, and Central Plains people – a hub for the only trade route to the grasslands."

"Zhou Xu's rough hand traced over the map, calmly saying, 'I know.'"

"'It's late, you should go and rest.'"

"As Cui Shizi left the military tent, he saw the young Miaojiang lady opening her water flask. A scorpion crawled out and then onto her, playing with it happily."

"The monk in white robes was closing his eyes, idly fingering his prayer beads, truly resembling a compassionate monk."

"The next day, the troops were ready to depart."

"Sitting in the carriage, Xiao Luolan penned a letter to her daughter in the form of a diary, recording everything she saw here. After finishing, she placed a wildflower from the north into the envelope, rolled it into a tube, and put it into a brass tube."

"On the table, there was also a purple-red ceramic bird whistle. Xiao Luolan looked at it for a while before putting it back around her neck."

"The carriage hadn’t traveled far when it stopped."

"'Madam, would you like to come and see what’s happening at the front?' Zheng Yuxin asked with a smile."

"'It’s just three scouts we've captured,' a swordsman said with a frown. Their duty was to protect the Madam inside the carriage, and they were slightly displeased at Zheng Yuxin’s suggestion to take the Madam out of their protective circle."

"'I wasn’t asking you, what does it have to do with you?' Zheng Yuxin retorted angrily."

"Xiao Luolan was planning to find Tabgach Amu. The snow eagle was trained to recognize people and would go to him upon return. Her daughter would likely send a reply as well."

"Xiao Luolan put on her veil and stepped out of the carriage."

"Zheng Yuxin immediately smiled and walked ahead with the Madam, followed by the swordsman and monk."

"As the cavalry saw the Madam approaching, they respectfully made way."

"Before Xiao Luolan got close, she heard Zhou Xu’s voice."

"'Kill them, put their heads in a box, and hang them at the city gates of Gu Chang when we arrive.'"

"On the sandy ground ahead, three heads rolled to the ground."

"Xiao Luolan immediately closed her eyes, but still saw a pool of blood spraying onto the sand. She involuntarily recalled a similar scene in Cang County, where Zhou Xu lifted the carriage curtain, followed by Lei Hu and others carrying severed heads."

"Batu collected the heads and revealed a smile."

"Zhou Xu paused when he saw his wife approaching, then walked towards her: 'Why did you come to the front?'"

"'I came to find Amu,' Xiao Luolan turned away, trying to make her voice sound natural."

"Zhou Xu gestured for Tabgach Amu to come over. Seeing his wife wearing a veil covering her entire body and with so many people around, he couldn’t comfort her there."

"'Go back to the carriage first.'"

"Xiao Luolan returned to the carriage, and Tabgach Amu knelt before her: 'Greetings, Madam.'"

"'Has the snow eagle returned?' Xiao Luolan asked."

"'Madam, it has not returned yet,' Tabgach Amu replied respectfully."

"'Then you may leave,' Xiao Luolan instructed, and after Tabgach Amu left, she asked Dongxue to close the carriage doors and windows."

"Zhou Xu requested Dongxue to leave as well."

"He then removed his wife’s veil."

"'Were you frightened?' Zhou Xu kissed his wife’s face and embraced her, his voice gentle and soothing: 'Don’t be afraid, you’ll get used to it.'"

"Feeling her tremble slightly in his arms, Zhou Xu’s heart grew even more tender."

"She would always have to face these realities being with him. Zhou Xu licked away the tears from the corner of her eye."

"Xiao Luolan took a sip of warm water but then vomited it back into the copper basin, her face pale. Zhou Xu steadied her trembling hand, helping her calm down."

"'My dear wife is so adorable.'"

"Xiao Luolan looked at Zhou Xu, feeling for the first time that they belonged to two different worlds."

"Zhou Xu, seeing his wife's pale face, her lips red and tears at the corners of her eyes, found her both adorable and pitiable. He wished he could just hold her tight and shower her with affection."

"How could she be so endearing? Zhou Xu kissed his wife’s lips gently, soothing her for a while before leaving."

"Xiao Luolan sat in the dim carriage as the troop moved on."

"The carriage window opened."

"Zheng Yuxin rode up to the Madam’s window, scratching her head, thinking to apologize. She hadn’t expected the governor to act so decisively. Although she thought beheading was no big deal, it seemed to have frightened the Madam, making Zheng Yuxin feel a bit guilty."

"'Madam, are you okay?' Zheng Yuxin offered a red fruit to the Madam at the window: 'This fruit is really sweet, here, have some.'"

"Xiao Luolan, looking at the brightly smiling girl outside, accepted the fruit: 'Thank you.'"

"'No need to thank me,' Zheng Yuxin leaned in closer, noticing the Madam in her deep purple robe, kneeling on the soft cushion. Her black hair was loosely tied back, exuding an indescribable mature charm, though her face was a bit pale."

"'I'm sorry,' Zheng Yuxin apologized softly, cautious not to be overheard by other clients and lose face."

"'You don't have to apologize,' Xiao Luolan paused: 'It's my own issue.'"

"It was she who needed to adapt to this era, not the other way around."

"She would adapt."

"Xiao Luolan thought to herself."

"Zheng Yuxin looked at the Madam, hesitantly asking, 'Are you really not mad at me, Madam?'"

"Xiao Luolan ruffled the young girl’s hair: 'No, I’m not.' She regarded Zheng Yuxin, 'Actually, I think you're very brave.' Certainly braver than herself."

"Zheng Yuxin’s eyes lit up: 'Really, Madam?'"

"After receiving affirmation from the Madam, Zheng Yuxin couldn’t help but smile."

"At noon, Tabgach Amu brought the snow eagle, along with a letter from her daughter. Xiao Luolan treasured this letter, reading it over and over before putting it down. She then attached her own letter to the snow eagle's leg. She wrote about the northern landscapes she’d seen and the interesting encounters along the way, asking her daughter to take good care of herself."

"Three days later, upon reaching Gu Chang city."

"Through her veil, Xiao Luolan observed the city walls where people were tied to stakes, unsure if they were dead or alive. When the three heads were placed, the people on the stakes made sounds, but Xiao Luolan was too far to hear what they were saying."

"Zhou Xu didn’t hide such matters from her, so Xiao Luolan had a general idea of who the bound people were."

"They were likely individuals from the Wang and Zhao merchant families."

"As the investigation neared completion, these people would also die. As time passed, more would perish."

"Xiao Luolan was aware of this reality and had mentally prepared herself."

"Liu Ren stood outside the city gates to welcome the governor."

"Zhou Xu and his entourage settled in the Liu family's large estate in Gu Chang city. Throughout, Liu Ren observed the governor’s expression. Under his rule, such a significant problem had arisen in Gu Chang. At that moment, Liu Ren contemplated death as atonement, especially after the soldiers involved were beheaded, leaving him sleepless and extremely apprehensive."

"After settling the Madam, Zhou Xu went with Liu Ren and others to the Gu Chang prison."

"He returned in the evening, carrying a faint scent of blood mixed with the fragrance of mugwort and soap."

"When Xiao Luolan was embraced by him, she felt like she was being held by a wild beast."

"'Why hasn’t the Madam slept yet? Were you waiting for me?'"

"Zhou Xu pressed his forehead against his wife's, smiling as he asked."

"In reality, Xiao Luolan simply couldn’t sleep. She preferred stability, but ever since arriving here, she had been drifting, something she never wanted. However, she had no choice in the matter."

"'Yes,' Xiao Luolan nodded."

"Zhou Xu kissed his wife until she was breathless and blushing, feeling increasingly joyful, believing his constant company was having an effect and that she was gradually accepting him."

"The bed curtains were drawn. Zhou Xu had never been so infatuated with his wife, feeling as if his heart resided with her, restless whenever he couldn't see her."

"'I am delighted with my wife,' Zhou Xu devoutly kissed her, expressing his heartfelt emotions."

"Hearing what sounded like a confession and seeing his earnestness, Xiao Luolan tentatively rejected him, crossing her legs: 'Can we abstain for a few days then?'"

"Zhou Xu’s breathing deepened."

"Xiao Luolan anxiously awaited Zhou Xu’s response. She wasn't particularly fond of physical intimacy, especially since marriage, as Zhou Xu almost daily fulfilled his husbandly duties, sometimes leaving her genuinely afraid of him."

"'Is the Madam uncomfortable?' Zhou Xu’s voice sounded inexplicably hurt."

"Xiao Luolan blushed, admitting that sometimes it was alright, but..."

"'It’s not good to do it too much,' she said, her face flushed with embarrassment."

"Zhou Xu took a deep breath and held his wife in his arms: 'What about tomorrow then?'"

"Xiao Luolan: '…'"

"'Is the day after tomorrow okay?'"

"Xiao Luolan turned over, not wanting to talk to the old lecher."