Chapter 170

Chapter 165: Frost-Covered Robe

Xiao Chiye sent the white horse that Lu Yizhi had left behind to Shen Zechuan and accompanied him on the battlefield's pasture for a gallop while he still had time. The horse was pure white all over, save for a black spot on its chest. It was both handsome and spirited, livelier than Langtao Xuejin.

There were no battles today. Xiao Fangxu sat on the fence in his armor, watching Shen Zechuan circle around on his horse. He said to Zuo Qianqiu, "That habit of his…"

"Which habit?" Zuo Qianqiu squinted at the medicinal prescription under the sun. "Finish your sentence."

"It's like Aye's mother," Xiao Fangxu said as he spun his finger along Shen Zechuan's path. "He can't run straight."

"He's not used to horseback riding since he spent most of his time in Qudu. Aye can take him out more often." Zuo Qianqiu lifted his head. "Have you found Yidian?"

"Master Yidian is elusive and unpredictable. It won't be easy to find him," Xiao Fangxu replied, still holding onto his helmet as he brushed off the dust on it. "What's up?"

Zuo Qianqiu said solemnly, "This child's illness requires Yidian's attention. When I saw him in Qudu last year, he seemed slightly frail, but there was nothing seriously wrong with him. Now, it's clear that there are signs of decline."

Xiao Fangxu sized up Shen Zechuan. "It's that serious?"

Zuo Qianqiu continued, "He's been taking medicine for so long. It's time for it to start taking its toll. He's undergone three ordeals in Qudu, and Qi Huilian's attack left him with lingering injuries. Thankfully, both Aye and Ji Gang have been looking out for him."

"How could it be?" Xiao Fangxu withdrew his gaze and looked at Zuo Qianqiu.

Zuo Qianqiu's brows knitted slightly. He folded the prescription and put it back in his chest, saying, "…I think it's difficult. We should take care of him cautiously for now."

* * *

During lunchtime, a bowl of fresh milk appeared on Shen Zechuan's table. Not knowing the supply distribution in the battlefield, he assumed that Xiao Chiye had instructed it. Later, when Xiao Chiye came in, he brought another bowl of milk, allowing Shen Zechuan to drink his fill.

Xiao Chiye didn't say anything while eating, thinking that Zuo Qianqiu was the one who had provided the milk. Planning to thank his master later, he coincidentally met Chen Yang, who was collecting the dishes.

"From Master?" Xiao Chiye swiftly put on his outer robe. "I'll deliver it."

Chen Yang placed the bowl on a tray and whispered, "It's from our Duke."

Xiao Chiye slowed down his actions.

"The Duke instructed Wu Ziyu this morning. He gave his daily ration to Young Master and even asked the Bianbo Camp to send lactating cattle and sheep to Cizhou," Chen Yang picked up the tray. "He specifically mentioned not to make a fuss about it and not to tell Young Master directly."

This old man.

Xiao Chiye nodded. "Tell Father to send my supplies tomorrow morning," he said, pausing for a moment before calling out to Chen Yang just as the latter was about to leave. "... Forget it, I understand."

* * *

Shen Zechuan could not stay in the battle zone for long. The weather on Mount Hongyan changed abruptly, and he had to return after two days. On the day of his departure, thick fog shrouded the area, and the moist wind from the eastern mountain range fluttered the military flags in the camp.

Xiao Chiye helped Shen Zechuan fasten his cloak and put on a wind collar. Seeing that Xiao Chiye was still wearing a single layer of clothing, Shen Zechuan grumbled, "Winter is almost here. Have you made arrangements for the soldiers' winter clothing?"

"I'm working on it," Xiao Chiye replied as he shielded the wind and held onto the carriage door. "This New Year, let's bring Master Ji Gang to Dajing."

Shen Zechuan glanced at Xiao Chiye's back and leaned in to whisper, "Will that be okay?"

Xiao Chiye whispered back, "Hurry up and marry me so you can properly meet Father. Otherwise, it'll always feel like we're having an affair."

Shen Zechuan had no idea that Xiao Chiye had already come clean with Libei. Hearing this, he actually nodded and said, "Sister-in-law gave me a pair of bracelets last time. I'll return the favor during the New Year."

Xiao Chiye found Lan Zhou adorable, so he smiled and caressed Shen Zechuan's cheek again. "There will be Iron Riders accompanying you. Write to me when you reach1 Chizhou. I'll be back at Bianbo Camp in three or four days, so it won't be too far away."

"I'll write to you plenty," Shen Zechuan slowed down his speech, as if that would slow down time.

"The fan isn't ready yet; I've been too busy to remember," Xiao Chiye brushed the jade beads with his fingertips. "I'll grind you a new one for the New Year."

Shen Zechuan said, "Then I'll be on my way."

Xiao Chiye leaned in but didn't wait for Shen Zechuan to approach before cupping his face and kissing him. It was a brief kiss that ended almost as soon as it began. Xiao Chiye stepped out of the carriage, drew the curtains, and took a few steps back.

Fei Sheng stood by, wanting to flatter Xiao Chiye, but before he could say anything, Xiao Chiye pushed him aside.

"Lan Zhou is here," Xiao Chiye's gaze was cold. "So are you."

Fei Sheng felt as if an iron clamp were around his neck, squeezing the breath out of him. He nodded hastily, and Xiao Chiye released him.

The carriage wheels rolled, and Xiao Chiye watched it go. Shen Zechuan pulled back the curtain. Behind Xiao Chiye, the mist partially veiled Hongyanshan. The wind howled, and at that moment, Xiao Chiye's figure strangely overlapped with the mountain.

Shen Zechuan gazed at him.

Suddenly, a few eagles spun out of the wind, and the leader let out a piercing cry that echoed throughout the camp. The doors of the tents flapped open, and a long whistle sounded from the watchtower.

When Xiao Fangxu emerged from the tent, his warhorse was already in position. He adjusted his saber and swung up into the saddle, saying in a solemn voice, "Three teams to guard the camp, vanguard advance! The transport team, turn back immediately and head to Sand Two Camp to protect the military artisans!"

Xiao Chiye retreated, donning his helmet. He turned and mounted the approaching Langtao Xuejin, which was galloping swiftly. The wind blew so fiercely that Shen Zechuan could barely keep his eyes open. Clinging to the carriage door, he watched Xiao Chiye grow smaller and smaller in the midst of the gale.

The clouds were dispersed, fragmenting into countless white fibers that swirled in the sky above Libei.

The first snow of the battlefield had arrived.

* * *

At the third hour of the Tiger, Li Jianting opened her eyes precisely on time. She sat up, and the attending palace maids drew back the heavy curtains. Feng Quan, dressed in a robe with a high collar, efficiently helped Li Jianting put on her shoes with nimble movements.

Mu Ru assassinated Li Jianheng, while Feng Quan found a scapegoat and hid in the Xue residence as Li Jianting's personal eunuch after Li Jianheng's funeral. Now that Li Jianting resides in the palace, Feng Quan has followed suit. Initially, Xue Xiuzhuo had no intention of employing Feng Quan anymore, but Li Jianting insisted, so he changed his name and continued to serve by Li Jianting's side.

Li Jianting didn't sleep well; she seemed yet to acclimate to the grand quarters. The palace maids attending to the Crown Prince knew that only Feng Quan was allowed to serve within the chambers at night, while they waited outside, occasionally hearing the sounds of the Crown Prince's nightmares.

Everyone in the sleeping quarters moved with great care, dressing Li Jianting silently. When she was properly attired, Feng Quan approached with a bow, lifting her sleeves and delicately applying a floral decoration on her forehead. The Crown Prince didn't suit pale hues; vibrant red suited her best.

At dawn, Li Jianting was already waiting under the eaves for the various officials to arrive for her lesson. It was a windy day, so Feng Quan draped a cloak over her, standing protectively by her side, his lips turning purple from the cold.

Looking at Feng Quan, Li Jianting said, "It's autumn now, hasn't the Head of Headgear issued new jackets?"

Feng Quan couldn't bear to look Li Jianting in the eye, so he replied while averting his body, "Your Highness, it's done."

Li Jianting touched her cloak, but then realized that every move she made here was under scrutiny. It wouldn't be proper for her to undress a eunuch in such a public setting; it could easily become a subject of gossip. She glanced at the darkened roof tiles not far away and paused for a moment before ultimately saying nothing.

Perhaps due to a delay on the road, the lecturers were tardy today. Li Jianting's legs had grown numb from standing. She looked at Feng Quan again, this time noticing his ears in the dim light.

Feng Quan, thinking Li Jianting was cold, said, "This servant will send someone to check up front..."

"You have an ear piercing," Li Jianting observed, staring intently at Feng Quan's ear.

Feng Quan quickly turned to face Li Jianting, instinctively wanting to cover his ear. But he quickly lowered his gaze and nodded quietly. He cautiously slowed his breathing, feeling as if the tiny hole in his ear was a nightmare that made his throat twitch with nausea, amplifying his fear in Li Jianting's silence.

After a brief interval, Li Jianting saw the eunuchs leading the lecturers towards the overhang. She bowed respectfully, awaiting their arrival. As she lowered her head, she softly murmured, "It suits you well."

While holding the curtain for the lecturers, Feng Quan stole a quick glance at Li Jianting. But Li Jianting didn't look back, seemingly unaware of having spoken, and followed the scholars inside with a bow.

Feng Quan's fists, concealed in his sleeves, were clenched with sweat. He retreated to the door and, after a long while, stealthily cast his gaze aside, catching a glimpse of Li Jianting's skirt through the gap in the curtains, uncertain and astonished by her earlier remark.

* * *

Shen Zechuan's return journey was not swift, as the rainy and snowy roads made travel challenging. Fei Sheng dared not be careless, for fear that Shen Zechuan might fall ill on the way. Thus, he personally attended to everything, even with the Northern Iron Riders accompanying them; the carriage was still guarded by the Imperial Guards. Every day, Fei Sheng supervised the preparation of Shen Zechuan's tonic medicine.

After passing the Bianbo Camp, the carriage had to stop, as the horse track was damaged by mudslides. It would take a day to repair, so the group decided to camp there for the night.

Shen Zechuan descended from the carriage, taking Ding Tao along to walk their horses.

"Has Lord given this horse a name?" asked Ding Tao, leaning back on his arms while walking backward.

"It's called Feng Ta Shuang Yi," replied Shen Zechuan, leading the horse and stroking its mane.

Ding Tao nodded, balling his fists. "Sounds nice! It pairs perfectly with Lord's Lang Tao Xue Jin!"

Shen Zechuan gazed southward, and Ding Tao turned to follow his gaze. "If we head in that direction for eight or nine days, we'll reach Dunzhou."

"So close," Shen Zechuan said, surprised. "I don't see any Northern Outposts around here."

"There used to be," explained Ding Tao, "but they were abandoned later on. Nowadays, most conflicts are towards the northeast with the Border Sand people."

Shen Zechuan exhaled warm breath, diverting his gaze. He continued strolling with Ding Tao for a while longer.

In the evening, Fei Sheng took his men to keep watch, sitting around a bonfire with the Northern Lai cavalry, huddling together and saying, "Northern Lai is really cold. It hasn't even reached winter yet, but snow has already started falling in the battle zone. You brothers have it tough, enjoy the meat!"

The Northern Lai cavalryman who accompanied them was a guerrilla fighter, and he didn't hesitate to join in with Fei Sheng, eating meat heartily as he said, "Snow always comes early in Northern Lai. By this time in previous years, we would have gone home, leaving only a few border camps to guard the lines."

"I don't think this war will end anytime soon," Fei Sheng took the flask from him, drank a few gulps, and let out a satisfied sigh at the spiciness. "If it weren't for all of you holding the fort up here, the southern states would be in trouble."

"There's nothing we can do about it," the guerrilla fighter said with a flushed face. "We are the Northern Lai cavalry."

Fei Sheng couldn't help feeling nostalgic. "Everyone says the Northern Lai cavalry is like an impenetrable copper wall, all made of iron-willed real men. I admired you all back in Qu Du. That old dog Han used to get jealous and spout nonsense whenever he saw how much favor Northern Lai received. I couldn't stand it and argued with him many times. Now that I'm really here in Northern Lai, it's true. All of you are worth befriending! If any of you come to Ci State on business in the future, don't prepare anything. Just dismount at the yamen and mention my name, Fei Sheng, and I'll take care of everything for you!"

The guerrilla fighter patted Fei Sheng on the back, pleased. "You're a true friend!"

They conversed happily, enjoying more meat. The fire was kept burning through the night to deter wolves from approaching. The Northern Lai cavalry had a patrol team that circled the area before returning and whispering something into the guerrilla fighter's ear.

The guerrilla fighter wiped his mouth, his expression turning serious as he said, "Armored soldiers!"

Fei Sheng immediately stood up, and the Jin Yiwei behind him also instantly snapped to attention.

Shen Zechuan hadn't slept. He was reading a letter from Ci State by candlelight inside the carriage. Hearing footsteps, he asked without lifting his head, "Someone nearby?"

Fei Sheng, knife in hand, quickly spoke by the carriage door, "The Night Patrol from Libei discovered traces of carriages and horses to the south. Master, we're near the Bianbo Camp. In June, when the camp was attacked, those catapults also approached from the south."

Though Fei Sheng was talkative, he possessed remarkable observational skills and exceptional listening and memorization abilities. He might not have Ding Tao's photographic memory, but he could vividly remember every detail he transcribed, never missing a single clue.

"Let the Iron Riders lead the way," Shen Zechuan donned his cloak and stepped down from the carriage. "Send someone to follow discreetly, we mustn't alert them."

Fei Sheng acknowledged the order.

Shen Zechuan gazed at the sky, then towards the south, saying, "To the south lies Dunzhou. If we truly encounter the Biansha cavalry's escort, there's a high probability they've come from Dunzhou."

Fei Sheng brushed the mud from his sleeves and stood up, saying, "It snowed just a few days ago. The horse tracks here are neglected and the roads are difficult to navigate. With their heavy loads, they must have arranged for a considerable number of people to accompany them, specifically for protection and support."

"Let's dispatch someone to follow first," Shen Zechuan pondered for a moment, "then send the carriage later. It's a perfect opportunity for us to visit Dunzhou."

There existed in Dunzhou the majestic Estate of Jianxing, which was none other than the ancestral domain of Shen Wei. Fei Sheng dared not linger in conjecture; instead, he turned about and summoned his attendants, bidding them extinguish the campfire and meticulously erase all traces of their presence. With the cover of night promptly seized, they followed suit without delay.