The Slender Waist-Chapter 355 - 249: A Little Pampering is Also Good
"No." Feng Yun shook her head.
Pei Jue entrusted Wen Xingsu with the defense of the negotiating hall, and he indeed had the opportunity to cause Li Sangruo to die an unnatural death, but it would be difficult for the siblings to come out unscathed.
She did not want to sacrifice a Wen Xingsu, and furthermore implicate Pei Jue, thereby affecting the entire plan.
"The time isn’t right, I will tolerate her for now." Feng Yun seemed to be overtaken by a wave of drunkenness, leaning against the soft rest, her voice even lighter than before.
"She’s not that foolish. Actually, sending Wei Zheng to harm me was a clever scheme."
"A clever scheme?" Wen Xingsu’s eyes narrowed.
"Mhm." She half-closed her eyes as she sipped from her cup, as calm as if she were discussing someone else’s affairs.
"Firstly, Wei Zheng is fairly handsome, having an affair with a general’s wife wouldn’t raise suspicions at first glance."
"Secondly, Wei Zheng is her guest of honor and has been promised a high position, with the power to command the Imperial Cavalry Division, favor upon favor has been heaped upon him. She believes Wei Zheng will, as before, go through fire and water for her..."
"Li Sangruo’s only mistake is in misjudging a man’s affections."
The dim light of the night lantern fell on her face, as if emotions quickly overflowed from her eyes.
Wen Xingsu wanted to capture it but caught only a fleeting smile.
"She, in her overconfidence."
She did so to Song Shou’an, to Wei Zheng, and still does to Pei Jue.
"She thinks the matters between men and women can tie a man down, that if a man has been intimate with her once, he will from then on obey her every command, to be driven at will. Yet, she does not know that men never value those fleeting pleasures, they will weigh the pros and cons before making a choice."
No matter how many sweet nothings are whispered on the couch, once the trousers are pulled back up, it’s all in the past.
Interests at stake, loyalty can turn on a dime.
"But this is not because she is foolish. A person who has held a high position for too long and heard too much insincere flattery will often overestimate themselves and misjudge their own status in the hearts of others; it’s the status and position of the Empress Dowager that doomed her."
Li Sangruo cannot see the bigger picture.
She too had to die once to realize that.
Emotions churned within Wen Xingsu.
What had Feng Yun experienced to be so detached, to be able to consider the perspective of a rival in love without personal feelings?
"So, as long as Wei Zheng still fears Pei Jue and worries for his unborn child, I have a chance to make him work for me."
Wen Xingsu said, "Wei Zheng fears Pei Jue, but he also fears the Empress Dowager."
"Yes, but he can only choose one." Feng Yun smiled faintly, "Moreover, he is very eager to bring down Fang Fucai. Isn’t this a godsend opportunity? With just a little encouragement from me, he will find that the path I show him is the clear path."
Wei Zheng’s display of loyalty that night in front of others was like sending coal in snowy weather to Li Sangruo.
At a time when her heart had no one to rely on, having a man who, despite being poisoned with aphrodisiac, remained unyielding, guarding his body and heart for her, how could Li Sangruo not be moved?
Without Fang Fucai, from now on she will trust Wei Zheng even more.
That is Wei Zheng’s clear path, but also hers.
"Yaoyao." Wen Xingsu said, "Next time, don’t put yourself in danger."
Feng Yun smiled ambiguously, "I thought big brother would praise me for being brave and resourceful, quite impressive really?"
Wen Xingsu’s throat tightened.
"You forced Pei Jue to stand on your side, openly challenging the emperor’s authority. You made the Empress Dowager Li sacrifice her own to protect the king, cutting off her left arm and right hand. You’ve gained the greatest advantage that a weak woman could vie for, of course, you are impressive. But, Yaoyao, those who care about you just hope for your safety."
His breath slightly tight, he hesitated a moment.
"I feel this way, and Pei Jue should too."
-
Pei Jue returned to the main camp where several guards, led by Zuo Zhong, all came forward to confess their guilt.
Ever since the delegation arrived in Xinzhou, Pei Jue had given strict orders to closely monitor Feng Yun’s movements and protect her thoroughly, yet such an incident had happened under everyone’s watch...
Although Cuiyu is the Empress Dowager’s summer palace and there are many constraints, poor protection could still be excused...
But no one was looking for excuses.
The General was in a foul mood.
Looking for excuses at this time was seeking death.
"I voluntarily forfeit half a year’s salary."
Zuo Zhong took the lead, with the rest following suit.
"I am willing too, please punish me, General."
Pei Jue said, "It’s not your fault."
Zuo Zhong lowered his head, "We failed to protect her and allowed the lady to fall into danger, the responsibility is mine to bear..."
Pei Jue’s brows and eyes were cold, and gloomy, seemingly deep in thought, he waved his hand.
"Leave."
After a night of running about, all were tired.
The guards exchanged looks and left as bidden.
Jiu You’s footsteps dragged slowly, and with each step, he looked back until at the threshold he suddenly turned and hurried to Pei Jue with a grin that exposed all teeth.
"General, shall I go sort some things out first?"
He had mentioned packing some clothes for the Chunmeng Hall before, and he remembered.
Pei Jue said, "No need."
He lowered his lashes, sitting at the desk flipping through a book.
Jiu You observed from aside.
That book was about the history of Shuzhong.
"Commanding an elite army of over two hundred thousand, entering Chengdu, defeating the Shu forces, shaking the western lands... then harboring intentions of rebellion, sparking a mutiny, and being captured amid the chaotic troops..."
The General did not turn the page for a long time as if his mind wasn’t on it.
Jiu You grew anxious watching this.
"General, I should go pack anyway, the lady was upset tonight, and it would be good to console her..."
Pei Jue looked up at him, silent.
Jiu You innocently shrank his neck, composing his expression.
"Alright then."
He retreated slowly towards the door.
Pei Jue spoke, "You go check on her."
Jiu You remained uncertain, "Look, look at what?"
Pei Jue gazed at him for a long while, "Perhaps the lady is feeling unwell."
Jiu You responded with a grin, clearly delighted as if he had struck gold. He knew the General was very concerned about the lady—quiet on the surface, but constantly on his mind.
In this regard, military generals simply can’t match those scholars skilled in romantic flattery, who with their honeyed words charm one lady after another.
And their General, tight-lipped as ever, clearly cares for the lady but keeps a cold face without saying a word.
If he doesn’t speak up, how could the lady understand? Women are prone to doubts, and right at this moment, thinking that the General has left her heartlessly, she might be feeling very aggrieved.
There were times when Jiu You almost couldn’t help but speak on the General’s behalf...
However, after making a round to the Chunpei Academy and coming back, he had turned into a tight-lipped man as well.
Downhearted, when Zuo Zhong asked him, he just heavy sighed.
"I don’t know how to report this to the General..."
If he lied, it wasn’t his habit, nor did he have the guts.
To tell the truth, he feared it would sadden the General.
Jiu You procrastinated for quite a while until Pei Jue called him in.
Only then did he stammer out, "To report to the General, the lady is unharmed."
Pei Jue looked at his bitter face, "Tell the truth."
Jiu You’s eyelids drooped as he snuck a glance at Pei Jue, "Not only is she unharmed, but she’s also quite cheerful."
There was no grievance, no tears; she was incredibly joyful.
Jiu You didn’t want to upset the General, but without a little provocation, the General might truly not know how to pamper the lady...
So, the little rascal harbored a thought of exaggerating, "The lady was sitting close to General Wen, drinking and chatting..."
He raised two fingers, touched them together once, then again, speaking ambiguously.
"In my view, they seemed quite content."
Pei Jue showed no expression.
Jiu You tentatively said, "Won’t the General go take a look? It’s late at night, a single man and a single woman..."
"That’s her brother," Pei Jue responded with an unchanged face, lowering his head to continue reading, striving to maintain some semblance of calm.
Jiu You felt his scheming was in vain and quietly sighed as he retreated.
Suddenly he felt a chill on his back—the intimidating gaze of Pei Jue.
"You said, she’s drinking?"
Was it his lack of clarity, or the General’s slow reaction?
-
Wen Xingsu had just put Feng Yun to sleep and was leaving the room, slightly drunk, when he bumped into Pei Jue striding over, his cloak flapping, betraying a hint of anger.
His face was stern.
When he was angry, a coldness pervaded, as if the very air around him had frozen.
Startled, Qianqian sneezed and quickly came up to support Wen Xingsu, warily watching Pei Jue.
"Great General," Wen Xingsu greeted calmly, his handsome face under the night lamp even more striking with a gentle gaze, emanating an aura of comfort.
"Why have you come at this hour?"
Pei Jue: "Can I not come?"
Those who have been on the battlefield are highly sensitive to hostility and the intent to kill.
Wen Xingsu wrapped his cloak more tightly around himself and laughed.
"I thought you would just hit me."
Pei Jue remained silent.
His gaze moved from Wen Xingsu’s face down slowly, the coldness that emanated from it enough to make Wen Xingsu feel embarrassed, or rather guilty.
Just moments ago, he had nearly taken advantage of someone in their vulnerable state, almost losing himself in that illusory sea of desire, nearly betraying Sangruo’s trust...
So, even though Pei Jue said nothing, he felt uneasy.
At this moment, a punch from Pei Jue would probably make him feel better.
"I wouldn’t dare be disrespectful to my uncle," Pei Jue said slowly, bowing his hands, his face somber as he approached.
"Knowing she’s unwell, why did you let her drink?"
Wen Xingsu looked at him, "Sangruo has just gone to bed. She’s a light sleeper and isn’t sleeping well tonight. Great General, why not come to my courtyard for a little drink? In a while, it will be dawn."
Pei Jue stopped in his tracks, staring coldly at Wen Xingsu.
"I’ll oblige."
When powerful men clash, even their auras can injure.
Powerful men fighting over jealousy, it’s like a battle of blades and shadows.
Qianqian wanted to step forward to support his master but was subtly pushed away. He attempted to lead the way for the Great General, only to be nearly staggered by his cold stare...
With such an atmosphere, was it really a good time to drink?
Should a fight break out, which of the two Generals had the firmer punch?
Qianqian tensed his stiff back in fear.
Hiding behind the door and observing were Daman and Xiaoman, both with tense expressions.
"This is trouble!"
"Should we wake the mistress?"
Only Feng Yun could stop this impending disaster.
Xiaoman said, "I’ll go. We must not let the Great General injure our master..."
As she spoke, she moved to go to the inner chamber, but was pulled back by Daman.
"Turn off the lights and sleep. Don’t disturb the mistress."
"Why?" asked Xiaoman, puzzled.
"Even if the mistress were awake, she wouldn’t stop them. Let them fight. After an intense fight, they’ll feel better."
Daman released her and turned around on his own, took the lampshade, and extinguished the light.
The courtyard fell into silence.
