Chapter 79 Intense Entanglement

Chapter 79: Desperate Embrace

The ominous premonition in Jiang Wanrou's heart came true. She stood frozen, her mind blank, seemingly unable to process the news for a while.

Suddenly, she clung tightly to Lu Feng's waist, burying her face in his chest, murmuring, "Can't... can't they send someone else?"

There were so many civil and military officials in the court, yet she had only this one husband, and he wasn't in the best physical shape. The battlefield was ruthless, with no mercy from swords or arrows. What if he got hurt or injured... He hadn't even left yet, and Jiang Wanrou was already filled with anxiety.

Lu Feng sighed softly, his large hand gently patting her back in reassurance. Jiang Wanrou had always complained that he was too rough, but now his touch brought her immense comfort.

Military orders were as firm as mountains, and Jiang Wanrou knew her plea was nothing but wishful thinking. After calming down, she asked in a low voice, "How long will you be gone?"

Lu Feng paused for a moment before replying, "It's hard to say."

The Qi Dynasty and the Turkic tribes had long been at odds. Duojie had repeatedly waged war against our dynasty. In his youth, the young Lu Da Gongzi, dressed in fine attire and riding a spirited steed, ventured deep into enemy territory and beheaded Duojie, bringing temporary stability to the northern border. Later, Ashina took over after him. Compared to Duojie, he was a more moderate leader, following the Qi Dynasty's policy of 'rest and recovery,' and the two sides mostly coexisted in peace. However, Ashina's sudden death plunged both nations into turmoil.

Modu inherited his grandfather's belligerent nature. This winter was particularly brutal. The Qi Dynasty, as an agricultural powerhouse, despite some turmoil, they at least had surplus grain reserves to last until spring. However, the Turkic livestock and horses had already frozen to death in large numbers. They mainly depended on trade with the Qi Dynasty for cotton, but this year, even our own dynasty was short on supplies, leaving no surplus to sell abroad. Without food or winter clothing, they had no choice but to turn to war and plunder.

Previously, the Turkic tribes had sent a state letter demanding Chen Fu in exchange for three years of peace along the border. Now, with Chen Fu on his way, the Turkic tribes openly tore up the state letter, a blatant provocation. The emperor remained on his dragon throne all night before finally uttering a single word: "Fight!"

This time, it wasn't just about repelling the Turkic forces but also about instilling fear in them, just like when Lu Feng had mysteriously appeared and beheaded Duojie, making them tremble at the mere mention of the Qi Dynasty's might! This battle was bound to be a protracted one.

Jiang Wanrou knew nothing about warfare, but she understood Lu Feng. Every word he said held weight. Now that he couldn't even give her a specific timeline, her heart sank even further. She said dejectedly, "Huai Ling and Mingzhu haven't even started speaking yet."

Not only had they not started speaking, but the two little ones also burst into tears at the sight of their stern, imposing father, refusing to acknowledge him as their father. Lu Feng devoted seven-tenths of his energy to the court, two-tenths to Jiang Wanrou, and the remaining tenth to his eldest son, Lu Huaiyi, only occasionally sparing a glance for the two crying infants.

Though Huai Yi was frail, he was mature and cautious beyond his years. The two infants, on the other hand, only cared about eating and sleeping. Lu Feng had left people to care for his bloodline, so he wasn't overly concerned about the three children. The only one he couldn't let go of was her.

Last time, when he had gone south of the Yangtze River for a few months, she had leaned against the window to watch him leave on the morning of his departure, and he had almost been unable to go. She had grown even more delicate. Without him, how would his tender wife manage?

Lu Feng spoke in a deep voice, "While I'm away, don't go out much. If you encounter any difficulties, seek out my father in the palace."

Jiang Wanrou's heart sank even further. The emperor's temper was unpredictable. The fifteen beauties he had bestowed last time were still residing in the mansion. One of them, named Shuang Xue, had been trying every means to get close to Lu Feng. Fortunately, Jiang Wanrou's people had kept a close eye on her, preventing her from slipping through the cracks.

Suddenly, a serious question occurred to her, and she looked up abruptly, asking, "In the military camp, surrounded by men, how will you... relieve yourself?"

Lu Feng: "..."

The atmosphere of reluctant intimacy was shattered by her question. Lu Feng's hand gave her plump buttock a firm squeeze. He took a deep breath and said, "There are women."

When the emperor was still the Prince of Youzhou, he had reformed military discipline, prohibiting the rape of civilian women. Soldiers in the camp had camp prostitutes, but high-ranking officers preferred not to touch them. Instead, they would bring one or two concubines to their tents. As long as it didn't delay military affairs, the emperor turned a blind eye, allowing women in the camp.

Jiang Wanrou fell silent. She wasn't about to "graciously" offer to let Lu Feng take a concubine. She said wistfully, "It's a pity I can't go with you."

Lu Feng chuckled, "The battlefield is no place for such antics."

No matter how much he missed her, Lu Feng had never considered taking her with him. For one, she was a proper princess consort with three children to care for at home. Secondly, the camp conditions were harsh; even a sip of hot water was a luxury. The mansion, with its deep walls and courtyards, had a small kitchen where the stove burned day and night. The floors were heated, and she could stay in her room wearing only her nightclothes, not even needing to step out for meals.

His wife should be pampered in such warmth, sheltered from the harsh winds and frost outside.

Learning that Lu Feng would stay in the capital for at most ten more days, Jiang Wanrou couldn't bear to part with him. She clung to him, and after a hurried bath, they tumbled into bed, tightly embracing each other, exchanging breaths.

Under the flickering candlelight, Jiang Wanrou's black hair cascaded like clouds over the bright red mandarin duck quilt. She lay panting on Lu Feng's half-bare chest, saying, "My dear, I'll give you more tomorrow. I really can't today."

"I... uh... have something to tell you."

Lu Feng also knew he had been too rough a few days ago. He gently stroked her smooth back, his voice hoarse, "I'm not stopping you from speaking."

Jiang Wanrou shot him a glare, her eyes sparkling with emotion. Her lips, red and moist, bore traces of water. She thought to herself, how dare he say that, after kissing her so passionately that her lips were still tingling.

She took a deep breath and said slowly, "Today, my stepmother sent an invitation..."

Lu Feng listened attentively. Jiang Wanrou started off coherently, but when she spoke of Aunt Li being offered to Prince Chen and subsequently abandoned by the Marquis of Ning'an again, she became so furious that her words tumbled out incoherently. Lu Feng didn’t interrupt her, only gently stroking her back with his broad hand.

After she finished, Lu Feng said, "It's good that your mother-in-law can keep you company in the mansion when you're feeling lonely."

The issue that had long troubled Jiang Wanrou seemed trivial to Lu Feng. She was too young to be Prince Chen’s offspring. He was already aware of Aunt Li’s past; he had been the one to cover it up. As for bringing his wife’s mother to the prince’s mansion, while the Marquis of Ning’an was still alive, it was improper.

But Lu Feng had done many improper things over the years, and this would not matter. Moreover, the emperor wouldn’t say anything about it. Originally, he wasn’t the one designated for this expedition.

He had a leg ailment and couldn’t withstand the severe cold. The emperor had forbidden him from going to the battlefield again, but he couldn’t resist the instigation of his “brothers.” The youngest prince looked up to him with admiration: "Back then, Prince Qi, alone on horseback, beheaded Duojie, deterring the Turkic forces for years. Now, with a mere youngster, wouldn't it be a piece of cake for Prince Qi?"

Prince Min, with his refined manners, said, "That's right. Prince Qi is familiar with the Turkic terrain and tactics, and he has camaraderie with General Lingxiao. This mission is none other than Prince Qi's."

The slippery Prince Jing looked around at everyone, then at Lu Feng, hesitatingly saying, "I wonder how Prince Qi's leg ailment is now? A man of your stature should not endanger yourself. Although the border military situation is important, how can it compare to Prince Qi's precious health... proceed with caution."

Lu Feng had no patience to listen to their bickering. He lifted the hem of his robe and stepped forward, volunteering to the emperor, "Your son is willing to share your worries."

Without his scheming brothers' interference, Lu Feng had completely inherited the emperor’s warlike nature. These years in the capital had stifled him. Previously, there was the Forbidden Dragon Bureau, but now leading the Ministry of Revenue, surrounded by timid old men, all he saw were complicated tax records. His long sword, polished repeatedly, yearned for battle.

He sneered inwardly, thinking that no matter how hard they tried to drive him out of the capital, did they think they could rest easy? The tiger tally, a symbol of military authority, was split in two, with Lingxiao holding the left and the emperor holding the right. Now that the right tiger tally was in his hands, if they wanted it back, they would need to prove their worth.

The emperor delayed appointing a crown prince. Lu Feng watched coldly as the emperor muttered, "I'm old," but in his heart, he refused to accept his age, deluding himself that he still had ten or twenty years to choose a suitable successor. He could wait, but Lu Feng couldn’t.

The old wolf king still ruled, his claws sharp but his mane thinning. The young wolf was growing stronger day by day. A confrontation between the two was inevitable. This was the way of heaven, whether it be the beasts of the grassland or the men in animal skins.

Lu Feng had grand ambitions but felt guilty towards his wife and children. She was timid and often overthought things. This parting might last several years. He was reluctant but had no choice.

Jiang Wanrou brought Aunt Li to the prince’s mansion. With her mother by her side, he felt reassured.

With a weight lifted from her heart, she looked up at him. Their eyes met, and they embraced once more, lost in their intimacy. In her daze, Jiang Wanrou felt like she had forgotten something.

Forget it, it wasn’t important. She would mention it another day.

Lu Feng acted swiftly. The next day, Aunt Li was hastily brought to the Prince of Qi’s mansion. At the morning court, the emperor announced the war in the northern border and that the Prince of Qi would be supervising the army in the north, sending shockwaves through the court. In comparison, Aunt Li’s matter, which would have been improper at any other time, now seemed like a small pebble thrown into water, unable to stir even a ripple.

The Marquis of Ning’an dared not speak. The emperor was both proud and guilty towards Lu Feng. The princes had united to send away the emperor’s most “beloved” son and knew when to stop, not causing him trouble over such a small matter. Mother and daughter were finally reunited. Jiang Wanrou was happy, but this happiness couldn’t fill the sadness of Lu Feng’s impending departure. These were two entirely different emotions, unable to substitute for each other.

***

Just like the last time she saw him off to the south of the Yangtze River, Jiang Wanrou prepared his luggage again, packing everything from food to clothes, wishing she could prepare everything for him. Lu Feng was very busy that day and only returned to the mansion late at night. As the day of departure approached, the time they spent together became even more precious. The bed, the bathroom... they were intense and passionate, only stopping when they were completely exhausted, like a pair of fish in a dried-up rut, relying on each other’s moisture to survive.

The couple was inseparable, but as the saying goes, life is unpredictable.

The night before departure, Lu Feng returned earlier than the previous days. He personally checked on Lu Huaiyi’s studies and, amidst his busy schedule, wrote three large copybooks for him, enough to last him a year or two. Lu Feng would be away for a long time this time. Lu Huaiyi’s young face was calm; with his father gone, he would be the pillar of the prince’s mansion, protecting his mother and younger siblings.

Lu Feng patted his head and rarely praised him, "Good."

The family had a dinner together. Aunt Li still didn’t like to see people much. She was afraid of Lu Feng, her son-in-law. Lu Huaiyi had grown up, and his behavior and speech carried his father’s demeanor. Aunt Li wanted to get close but was also timid. Huai Ling and Mingzhu were still chubby little babies, adorable as jade and snow. Aunt Li spent her days with them, having something to do, and her heart gradually opened up.

On the last night, in complete darkness, they did nothing and said nothing, just held each other tightly and slept.

Meanwhile, in the emperor’s Yangxin Hall, the lights were still bright.

"Those scoundrels, they simply can't stand him!"

The emperor angrily flung the memorial to the ground, and the attending palace maids and eunuchs knelt in fear, not daring to utter a sound.

Behind him, the fair-faced eunuch cautiously offered a cup of calming tea, advising, "Your Majesty, anger harms your health."

The emperor impatiently waved his hand, gritting his teeth, "They've set their sights on military supplies, truly my fine sons!"

The conflict among the princes had become overt, and the emperor could no longer ignore it. They had urged Lu Feng to command the expedition, and in all fairness, there was no one more suitable in the court than Lu Feng. He held back, thinking to compensate him more later. They were all his flesh and blood, and since Lu Feng had volunteered, he couldn't punish his other sons over this.

Unexpectedly, the princes had escalated their schemes to target the military supplies. With enemies at the borders, the princes were not foolish enough to interfere directly but wanted to remind and slight Lu Feng subtly: though you command the troops, the provisions are under our control.

The princes, who were usually at odds, suddenly found a common enemy in the 'newcomer' Prince of Qi, who had gained the emperor's favor. This battle might drag on for three to five years, and even if he returned safely, what place would he have in the capital?

They were all his offspring; how could the emperor not see through their petty schemes? He gulped down a cup of tea, calming his nerves, and resumed his role as the inscrutable ruler.

He ordered sternly, "Inform the Ministry of Revenue that all military provisions and supplies must be reviewed by me personally. No one else is to meddle!"

"Yes."

He added, "Bring me the list of personnel Jun Chi is taking with him."

Lu Feng was taking few but elite personnel. The emperor scanned the list and nodded in satisfaction. Suddenly, his gaze paused, "Why are there only men?"

To the emperor, Lu Feng was not just a subject but also a son. Besides his son's safety, the old father had other concerns.

The emperor frowned, "Didn't he bring any concubines? What about those beauties I bestowed upon him? None of them of any use!"

The eunuch behind him dared not respond, instead flattering, "Our prince has grand ambitions, not indulging in women, solely focused on serving Your Majesty."

"This is a blessing for Your Majesty and the people."

The emperor was not easily swayed by sweet words, he chuckled, "Him? Among all my sons, none is more fond of women than he!"

Knowing his son well, he knew how precious Lu Feng held his princess consort. The reason Lu Feng didn't bring any concubines was clear to him.

"Alas."

After a long while, the emperor sighed deeply. This son of his was most like him, stubborn and headstrong. If he didn't like something, no one could force him.

The emperor picked up his brush and wrote an edict.

...

On the day of Lu Feng's departure, Jiang Wanrou was in low spirits, helping Lu Feng dress, reluctant to part. Suddenly, a decree arrived from the palace. The eunuch droned on, but the essence was clear: Princess Consort of Qi was to accompany the army.

Not only Jiang Wanrou, but even Lu Feng's usually stern expression showed a crack.