CHAPTER 419: CHAPTER 43 DARK NIGHT_2

"Alright, alright, let’s pack up and get ready to head back."

Zheng Fan turned his horse, called out to the blind man, and then departed.

The re-entry of the Yan Army into the city seemed to have drained all the spirit and vitality from this great city, like a once-rebellious youth suddenly thrust into old age. It knew its fate and had resigned itself to it.

「Wen Mansion.」

After hearing the servant’s report, everyone in the Wen Family’s hall showed expressions of relief. Wen Sutong, who had just seen off his worthy son-in-law, slowly picked up the official hat that lay beside him. For a moment, no one in the Wen Family dared to speak. It was as if, in that instant, they finally understood the keen insight hidden behind the old man’s gaze. Wen Sutong stood up, pushed away the steward who offered a hand, and walked out of the hall by himself. He continued onward, through the courtyard, past the atrium, all the way to the entrance of Wen Mansion. The attendants on either side opened the main gates, and Wen Sutong stepped out.

At the foot of the main gate’s steps stood a dense formation of armor-clad soldiers, weapons in hand. Leading them was Liu Sicheng, the newly appointed Garrison Commander of Chuzhou, who, just the day before, had personally led the surrendered troops to slaughter many prominent families.

"This subordinate general greets the Military Governor!" Liu Sicheng knelt personally.

Behind him, several thousand surrendered soldiers of the Qian army also knelt in unison.

"I’ve seen what I needed to see and waited as long as I needed to wait."

Wen Sutong placed the official hat on his head and continued, "The Yan people’s blades are swift, but not precise enough. They’ve already made one pass; now, it’s our turn to make the second."

Liu Sicheng and his subordinate surrendered soldiers cried out in unison, "As you command!"

「...」

Zu Dongcheng was thrown into a tent, with Xue Three standing guard. The others were seated in a circle around a fire, over which an iron pot simmered. Hot pot seasonings had been added to the pot, and a hodgepodge was cooking inside.

Siniang sat behind Zheng Fan, massaging his shoulders.

Yuexin, ever sensible, began to busy herself with the contents of the iron pot, occasionally stirring it with a large ladle. It was clear she wasn’t used to the spiciness, as she would turn her head and cough from time to time.

"It’s ready," Yuexin announced.

"Serve it," the blind man instructed.

"Yes, Husband." Yuexin filled a bowl for each person and handed them out.

Siniang spoke up, "Sister-in-law, the rice is steaming over there."

"Alright." Yuexin showed no displeasure at being asked to do more, rising to serve the rice.

Each person had a bowl of the hot pot blend and a large bowl of rice, and they ate with great satisfaction.

Unable to handle spicy food, Yuexin mostly ate rice. She used the mealtime to observe her surroundings. Her intelligence was evident; she didn’t steal furtive glances but openly observed everyone. Consequently, those who met her gaze would, after a glance at the blind man beside her, either nod or smile at Yuexin.

In Yuexin’s view, the man in armor looked gallant, his armor still bearing uncleaned bloodstains, a clear sign he had just come from battle. This man, however, seemed exceptionally cold; one could feel a chill just sitting near him.

Next to this man sat another, who had the refined air of a Qian State scholar. Unlike the others, he barely touched his food, constantly drinking from a water flask as if extremely thirsty. He must be like me, unable to handle spicy food, she thought.

That powerfully built man ate with astonishing speed. He didn’t use a bowl; instead, after everyone else had been served, he took the remaining bucket of rice and shoveled it directly into his mouth with the large serving ladle.

Then there was the short man who had come from his guard post. He took his food, glanced at her, then shot a glare at her husband before leaving resentfully. So, there’s bad blood between this dwarf and my husband, Yuexin mused.

Finally, Yuexin’s gaze settled on Zheng Fan and Siniang. He is the master, she acknowledged. So, is this lady beside him the mistress?

Yuexin observed Zheng Fan closely. This man... he looks utterly ordinary... His demeanor is also ordinary... Even the way he eats is plain and unremarkable... How could such an ordinary person be the master her husband served?

After they had finished eating, Zheng Fan spoke, "Pack up."

Here, ’packing up’ did not refer to the bowls and chopsticks, but signified that the army was to set out the next day.

Zheng Fan walked into the tent where Zu Dongcheng was. Xue Three, having just put down his bowl and chopsticks and wiped his mouth, said, "My lord, he’s awake but pretending to sleep."

Zu Dongcheng kept his eyes closed.

Zheng Fan said, "Piss on him to wake him up."

Zu Dongcheng opened his eyes.

Zheng Fan squatted beside Zu Dongcheng and patted the man’s still rather fair cheek. "You’re a military commander; what’s the point of having such a pretty face?"

Zu Dongcheng turned his head to look at Zheng Fan, remaining silent.

"Ah, he’s gone mute. Let’s cure him with some piss then," Zheng Fan said.

"..." Zu Dongcheng.

"Right away," Xue Three said, preparing to unfasten his trousers.

"Must you humiliate me?" Zu Dongcheng finally spoke.

"And you, a prisoner, what right do you have to put on such airs?" Zheng Fan retorted.

"What is your name?" Zu Dongcheng asked.

SLAP!

Zheng Fan slapped Zu Dongcheng across the face.

Zu Dongcheng was stunned.

"Watch your place! Honestly, don’t think you can put on airs just because you’re some junior commander of the Zu Army. Your thirty thousand troops? Weren’t they reduced to a flock of goats scattering across the mountains?"

"So what do you want with me? Why not just kill me?"