Chapter 86: For a Moment, She Felt a Bit Uncomfortable…

Chapter 86 For a moment, she wasn’t quite used to it...

His gaze was as dark as ink, nearly devouring her.

Jiang Congyan went still, momentarily forgetting to react, simply staring straight at him.

Just as she nearly thought the man might turn back to do something, he finally looked away, riding the Li Eagle forward in long strides.

Oddly enough, she felt relieved.

Only when his figure had completely vanished from sight and the morning sun grew hotter did Jiang Congyan turn her horse around.

Lan Zhu and Qiu Liju both seemed down. Unlike some clansmen who were excited about their family going off to battle, they worried for Tuoba Wuxi's safety, more like the Han Chinese.

Jiang Congyan sidled up to Lan Zhu and asked softly, "I noticed you eyeing the generals for a long time just now. Is there someone you like among them?"

Lan Zhu: "!!!"

The girl's eyes went wide. "How did you know? Khatun, Ah Yan sister, you..."

Jiang Congyan watched as she fidgeted nervously, unsure what to do, her expression shy and bashful, her cheeks turning red.

"The way you're acting, there must be someone."

Lan Zhu was too embarrassed to admit it but couldn't refute it either—her reaction had already said it all.

Jiang Congyan found it amusing. Grassland girls were usually fiery and bold, never shy about their feelings, yet Lan Zhu was an exception.

"Let me guess who you like—Su Li?" Jiang Congyan continued teasing her.

Lan Zhu lowered her head and remained silent, her grip on the reins tightening slightly.

"Duan Muqi?" she tried again.

Lan Zhu still wouldn't admit it.

"It can't be Jie Nigui, can it? He's over thirty."

Lan Zhu finally lifted her head, puffing out her cheeks indignantly. "As if!"

Jiang Congyan nodded. They rode side by side, slowly heading back toward the tents. The others had dispersed, leaving only the two of them and Qiu Liju slightly farther away.

"I think Su Li suits you best."

"Really?" Lan Zhu brightened.

"So, you do like Su Li." Jiang Congyan smiled at her.

Only then did Lan Zhu realize she had been talked into admitting her crush. She turned red with embarrassment.

"Does Su Li like you too?"

Lan Zhu paused for a beat before nodding. "At last year's Spring Gathering, he invited me to ride with him."

Jiang Congyan knew how Xianbei warriors traditionally expressed their affection.

The Spring Gathering wasn't just tribal meetings or fighting competitions—it was also a huge dating festival. During this time, men and women of the grasslands could freely pursue love. If they fancied each other, they could marry—or even have a fling without marrying.

"It's your elder brother who doesn't agree, isn't it?"

"Mhm." The girl's tone grew gloomy again.

Su Li was from the Ashina clan, a prestigious family among the Xianbei, just below the Kediyan clan. With such status and becoming a general at a young age, he and Lan Zhu would’ve been a perfect match. Unfortunately, he was Tuo Baxiao's man, and Tuoba Wuxi would never let his sister marry him.

But Jiang Congyan was curious. She glanced at the girl and asked, "What’s so great about Su Li?"

She hadn’t seen him lead troops yet, but she had witnessed his comedic side—especially earlier when Lingxiao scratched him, and Chigan Balie ribbed him about it forever.

Lan Zhu thought for a moment before answering, "He’s hot."

Jiang Congyan: "... Talk about shallow."

On second thought, it made sense—first impressions are all about looks. Su Li was tall, well-built, and had decent features. Coming from a wealthy family and now a general, he had this confident swagger that was somewhat attractive at first glance.

Having shared her little secret, Lan Zhu unwittingly grew closer to Jiang Congyan and dared to ask questions she wouldn’t have before.

"Sis Ah Yan, since you and the king split up, do you miss him?" Lan Zhu blinked at her.

"... Why was this about her now?"

Jiang Congyan didn’t want to answer. She kicked her horse into a gallop.

Lan Zhu quickly caught up. "Sis Ah Yan, are you blushing too?"

"... Nope." But she urged her horse faster anyway.

But Lan Zhu, a born rider, was far better. No matter how fast Jiang Congyan went, she couldn’t shake her off.

The two raced across the plains, golden sunlight illuminating their bright faces, their shadows stretching long in the dawn.

Qiu Liju watched the two young women galloping ahead and smiled, his mood lightening a little.

Returning to her tent, Jiang Congyan invited Lan Zhu to share breakfast.

Soon after, she started nodding off. Too drowsy to argue, Jiang Congyan let her go.

Changing out of her clothes, she climbed into bed and slept until noon before rising again.

After eating, she got back to work.

The workshops had been working around the clock for days, repairing over seven thousand weapons—a grueling job. Tuo Baxiao had taken half of them with the army, but many large tools couldn’t be transported and had to be built on-site. Not to mention unexpected tasks like road repairs and bridge-building, all requiring skilled craftsmen.

As non-combat support personnel, their safety was relatively secure as long as Tuo Baxiao didn’t lose. Zhang Zheng would also look out for them. Jiang Congyan was reassured and promised rewards for meritorious service upon their return.

The remaining half were given a day off. She roasted a few sheep to feast, winning them over even more.

As for the slaves temporarily assigned to odd jobs, she had A Chun consult the workshop supervisors and senior craftsmen to identify the clever, hardworking, and skilled ones suitable for permanent positions.

The rest—except children under ten—were sent to Tumochuan for Ruo Lan to work the fields.

She had informed Ruo Lan in advance, and preparations had been made.

With over two thousand slaves entirely under her command, Ruo Lan could finally get things done.

The wheat harvest didn’t mark the end of this year’s farming. Before winter froze the land, Ruo Lan would lead the farmers in clearing fields, fertilizing, and digging irrigation channels—preparations for the next year’s crops, all requiring a large workforce.

By the time she finished handling these trivial matters, the sky had unknowingly darkened.

The troops were probably making camp by now.

With Tuo Baxiao away, Jiang Congyan wasn't one for splurging. Dinner consisted of only four of her favorite dishes.

Glancing at the half-empty table, she paused for a moment.

Later, after reading alone in the study and bathing, she lay in bed with everything quiet around her. There were no intense gazes from a man, nor his usual groping and getting handsy. For a moment, she actually missed it.

Jiang Congyan lay on the bed, staring at the hazy canopy for a while before suddenly slapping her forehead.

Had that bastard really gotten to her? Now, with peace and quiet, wasn’t it good to sleep soundly? Otherwise, with how exhausting it was every day, he'd suck her dry.