Chapter 181

Chapter 175: The Kitten

The roof of Fuxian Pavilion was collapsing, and Xiao Chiye’s soul almost left his body when he looked up! He hooked his arm over the eaves, not knowing whose head he was stepping on as he climbed up the multi-tiered roof, running for his life. He embraced Shen Zechuan as he jumped down, carried by the momentum, then wrapped his arms tightly around Shen Zechuan, cushioning him with his back as they collided with the roof ridge, sending tiles scattering.

Chen Yang pulled on his reins and whipped his horse, pointing at the eaves and shouting urgently, "Tiger, catch him!"

Xiao Chiye was gasping for breath, his numb arms supporting his body as sweat trickled down the back of his neck. Amidst the crashing debris, he used his trembling fingers to clumsily brush away the hair from Shen Zechuan’s cheeks, making sure that Shen Zechuan was still breathing. He mumbled an unclear curse, hugging Shen Zechuan tightly, his grip causing Shen Zechuan to choke and cough in the smoke and dust.

Tan Taihu had already reached the front of the house. He loosened the reins of Langtaixue and called out, "Your Highness!"

Xiao Chiye jumped down from the tiles, but Gu Jin offered his hand, which Xiao Chiye waved off, unwilling to entrust Shen Zechuan to anyone else. When mounting his horse, Xiao Chiye took the cloak from Chen Yang’s hands and draped it over Shen Zechuan.

Xiao Chiye’s profile was sharp and stern. With his free hand, he gently patted Tan Taihu’s back, prompting him to straighten up. In a cold voice, he said, "This is your brother’s battlefield."

Tan Taihu silently wiped the blood off his face.

Xiao Chiye’s gaze was icy cold as he said, "Tan Taihu, we’re going home."

* * *

The Jianxing Prince's Estate was engulfed in flames once more, the glow of the blaze accompanied by the sounds of combat until dawn. Blood ran like rivulets through the streets of Dunzhou, and ordinary citizens cowered in their homes, daring not to peek outside. At the third hour of the morning, the Dunzhou garrison and the imperial guards began to clear the battlefield, dragging the corpses to an open field for disposal.

Tan Taihu was eating, having just come down from the battle without even washing his face. He sat with his guards under the eaves, devouring his meal. Chen Yang had instructed the cooks at the Yan Manor to prepare food for the garrison and the guards, who had marched through the night and fought until daybreak, leaving them all famished.

"Street fighting is exhilarating," Tan Taihu wiped his mouth. "Field battles are exciting too, but not quite like this."

"His Highness had foresight," Gu Jin munched on a steamed bun. "Not equipping the guards with iron armor saved them from a pounding last night."

As they rested, the curtain of the main hall remained unraised, causing Chen Yang some concern. Holding a register of names, he asked Ding Tao, "Why did you let Lord go up that tall building? And you didn't follow?"

Ding Tao hung his head, not daring to utter a sound. Fei Sheng and the others had sustained injuries, which were hastily bandaged; they now knelt in the courtyard, awaiting reprimand with their shirts open. Yet, the Imperial Guards had performed admirably last night, preventing Lei Jingzhe from ascending the stairs, resulting in the loss of two lives. As Fei Sheng had exclaimed, they had achieved fame through this battle! No one would dare underestimate them anymore. They possessed genuine skills and could stand tall even beside the Northern Guards.

In the hall, Kong Ling stood with his sleeves hanging down, respectfully waiting by the side. The gentle clinking of porcelain bowls coming from within the room told him that Xiao Chiye was feeding Shen Zechuan his medicine. After a while, a servant girl emerged with the bowl, bowed slightly to Kong Ling, and then retreated.

Xiao Chiye emerged from behind the screen and wiped his hands with a handkerchief, saying to Kong Ling, "It's nothing… I just hurt my hand. Last time it was my left, now it's my right. It's just taking turns; sooner or later, it'll kill me."

Kong Ling listened with a composed air, aware that the words were not intended for his ears. The room offered no soundproofing, and Xiao Chiye’s casual tone caused the person lying within to shift silently.

Xiao Chiye set the handkerchief aside and made way for Kong Ling, gesturing for him to enter. Once Kong Ling lifted the curtains and went in, Xiao Chiye stepped out of the door and stood under the eaves, whistling at the guards nearby.

"Have Gu Jin dispose of the corpse. Ask Yan for the vinegar and water by tonight," Xiao Chiye glanced at the weather. "Although it's autumn and not as hot, Dunzhou's canals were already clogged last night, which could lead to disease if not cleared. Keep an eye on that."

Dunzhou had no administrative office to manage its canals, which had long been in disarray. Many had built houses over them, causing the congestion to be even worse than in Qudu. The blood pooling this morning was due to this same reason. It might not be as scorching as summer, but the air was too dry. The fire had raged for so long because the dwellings in the civilian quarters were all but touching.

While he stood at the door giving instructions, Shen Zechuan was conversing with Kong Ling inside.

Kong Ling sat on a small chair by the bed and said, "When we received Lord's letter in Cizhou, we immediately began inspecting the garrison troops. Yuan Zhuo had wanted the garrison to march east out of the city and wait for the imperial guards south of Bianbo Camp along the border. He said that if the imperial guards arrived, they would join forces to head south together; if they didn't, they would stay put." Here, he smiled. "I originally disagreed because Lord had instructed us in his letter not to act without orders. Fortunately, Yuan Zhuo insisted."

Shen Zechuan leaned against his pillow, reading the letter Kong Ling had brought. "Yuan Zhuo understood the meaning behind that letter."

Shen Zechuan was unable to write letters, so he had to dictate many things. There were still bandits captured during the ambush around the carriage, many of whom were former subordinates of Liuer. Liuer, in turn, was Lei Jingzhe's carrier pigeon. Shen Zechuan did not trust these people, so when he gave the order to Cizhou, he specified, "Do not move without orders." However, he then issued the order to proceed to Dunzhou, playing a word game. Yao Wenyu had understood his intention immediately.

"Lord is farsighted. When we discussed Dunzhou a few days ago, I thought we wouldn't be able to come until next spring, but Lord has already made all the necessary preparations," Kong Ling said.

"It was a stroke of luck this time," Shen Zechuan was fully lucid. "After hijacking that convoy, I only knew that four hundred scorpions remained in Dunzhou. I hinted to Cizhou to send troops as an excuse to have the garrison probe Dunzhou's strength. Capturing Lei Jingzhe alive would have sufficed. Who would have thought he'd bring over ten thousand cavalry, right into my hands?"

Back when they discussed matters in Cizhou, they had agreed to stabilize King of Fanyang's puppet regime in Fan before making their move on Dunzhou. This was because King of Fanyang could shield Shen Zechuan from Qi Zhuyin of Qidong. With Cizhou and Tea Province under his control, Shen Zechuan had risen to power through trade routes. He was merely a regional lord in Zhongbo, with Dun, Duan, Fan, and Deng Provinces each having their own overlords. If Shen Zechuan wished to eliminate them, he needed a legitimate reason. Otherwise, Qi Zhuyin would have cause to retaliate.

Lei Jingzhe likely never imagined that his mission to eliminate Hyrigu would become the perfect excuse for Shen Zechuan to attack Dunzhou. But this also indicated something else—that Lei Jingzhe, having spent too long in Duan, had forgotten that Zhongbo was still the territory of the Great Zhou. He had marched deep into Dunzhou with ten thousand cavalry, acting with utter disregard. He had shown no respect for King of Fanyang in Fan and Deng or even for Shen Zechuan in Cizhou.

Kong Ling had originally intended to convey some matters, but as he heard the wind pick up outside the window, followed by a soft pitter-patter of rain, he hurriedly stood and closed the window for Shen Zechuan, saying, "Your journey is indeed perilous. There were words that Yuan Zhuo should have spoken, but he is not suited for distant travel. Thus, I dare to step in on his behalf."

Shen Zechuan seemed to know what Kong Ling was going to say, placing the letter down on the covers before looking at him.

Kong Ling took two steps forward and said, "A gentleman should not stand beneath a crumbling wall. It is unwise for you, Lord, to repeatedly venture into dangerous territory. The foundation in Chizhou is still nascent, and the registration process in Tazhou is yet to be completed. The trade with Liubei has not even begun. As the head of the family, such actions weigh heavily on the loyalty and righteousness of those left behind."

Kong Ling's meaning was clear: Shen Zechuan was now the "Lord," holding the lifeline of both Chizhou and Tazhou, with Liubei lurking behind him. Their great undertaking had only just begun, and there would be many decisions for him to make in the future. He could not afford any mishaps.

Shen Zechuan wore a pleasant expression, slightly bowing to Kong Ling. "Sir, your guidance is well-taken. I will genuinely reflect on my actions and avoid putting myself in harm's way again."

After Kong Ling left, Shen Zechuan folded the letter and placed it back on the small table by his bed. He redressed his right hand, which had been injured and deformed; the doctor had sweated profusely during the treatment, and it still throbbed with pain.

Rain fell outside, seemingly cleansing the streets of Dunzhou. Shen Zechuan had much left undone, but at that moment, leaning against his pillow, he wanted to see no one but Xiao Chiye. He waited for half an hour, but Xiao Chiye didn't enter. Eventually, he drifted off to sleep.

Shen Zechuan awoke to the warmth of the room, realizing he had been shifted towards the center of the bed. It was pitch black outside, with the sounds of rain and wind growing more intense. Turning his head, he saw Xiao Chiye sitting against the outer edge of the bed, reading the letter by the faint light of a candle.

The mere sight of Xiao Chiye sent pain coursing through Shen Zechuan's body. Still groggy from sleep, he leaned against the pillow, lost in thought. His foot, hidden under the covers, slid over and gently touched Xiao Chiye's calf.

Xiao Chiye ignored him.

Shen Zechuan propped himself up, leaning over to read the letter. He whispered hoarsely, "We'll have to reply to Yuan Zhuo… Ask Gao Zhongxiong to write an announcement immediately, making it clear to Qidong that this time, Chizhou's troops attacked the Border Sand Cavalry."

Xiao Chiye glanced at him sideways, folding the letter and tossing it aside without a word.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Zechuan sprawled across Xiao Chiye's arm, burying his face as he said, "Ce An."

"I'll go back to Chizhou with you in a few days," Xiao Chiye said, gazing down at Shen Zechuan. "First, you broke your finger, then you tried to jump off a building. Master Ji Gang will surely thrash you with his horsewhip."

Shen Zechuan mumbled, "Don't hit me."

There was a moment of silence from Xiao Chiye.

With his face nestled against Xiao Chiye's arm, Shen Zechuan whispered softly, "Aye."

Xiao Chiye felt that Shen Zechuan truly deserved a beating. This time, he was determined not to fall for Shen Zechuan's antics. Lifting his other hand, he grabbed Shen Zechuan by the collar, lifting him up and setting him aside. "What Aye? There's no such person."

Shen Zechuan started, "Sec—"

Xiao Chiye promptly covered Shen Zechuan with the blanket, extinguished the candle, and turned away to lie down fully clothed without even embracing him. He still remembered how he had rushed out, putting his life on the line. At that moment, even if there had been a mountain of swords and sea of flames ahead, he would not have cared. Shen Zechuan had almost killed him with that stab.

Shen Zechuan pulled aside the covers and bumped against Xiao Chiye's back. He continued to slide down until he reached Xiao Chiye's shoulder, leaning against his temple as he spoke, "I can't sleep if you don't hold me."

Xiao Chiye lay flat and dragged Shen Zechuan across his waist. Shen Zechuan looked at him, and Xiao Chiye returned his gaze, but he refused to let go, securing Shen Zechuan in place, preventing any movement.

"You sleep," Xiao Chiye said.

"This position is awkward," Shen Zechuan gestured with his eyes towards his chest, "I feel like I'm hanging here."

"But isn't this nice?" Xiao Chiye replied with a hint of a smile, "I've always been hanging like this."

Shen Zechuan placed his palm on Xiao Chiye's chest and rubbed it gently.

Xiao Chiye lifted him up, saying, "Don't touch randomly, I'm angry."

Shen Zechuan, like a soaked cat, was held by Xiao Chiye, swaying his front paws and scratching Xiao Chiye's chest softly and ticklishly, mischievously yet coquettishly. Xiao Chiye's teeth itched from his teasing, and seeing his affectionate gaze with a lazy air, it was clear that Shen Zechuan was deliberately being stubborn, knowing he had the upper hand.

Xiao Chiye was annoyed, but his anger dissipated under Shen Zechuan's antics. This side of Shen Zechuan could only be found in Xiao Chiye's embrace, a result of his spoiling. Xiao Chiye was well aware of this, but he had no intention of letting Shen Zechuan get away with it so easily.

"Are you giving me a bath?" Xiao Chiye said coldly, "I haven't washed in two days."