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Royal Road - Chapter 167

Published at 30th of November 2023 07:34:42 AM


Chapter 167

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Crossing the layers of defenses of the Xiongnu’s massive army to reach Jinyang was not an easy task. However, with Yangyi recently winning a significant battle and led by a team of personal guards, Linghu Kuang didn’t have to put in too much effort to sneak back into Jinyang.

Today, all the affairs in Bing County are managed by Zhang Sima. As the Sima in the General’s residence, he was considered one of the prominent figures in the province and could take over military matters on behalf of Sima Teng. However, despite holding a high position and being a trusted figure, he was not someone who could stand firm on his own. His inability to escape with Lord Dongyin had left Zhang Sima feeling anxious and unsettled. Therefore, in these months, he had been confined to Jinyang and was essentially powerless to resolve the ongoing crisis.

The news brought by Linghu Kuang did indeed excite him, but the subsequent order for an expedition filled Zhang Sima with fear. After asking a few brief questions, he instructed Linghu Kuang to withdraw, his face etched with worry.

Linghu Kuang didn’t express any resentment about this arrangement. These days, everyone knew that the General’s residence was occupied by a puppet. Without further delay, he headed directly to the residence of General Fenwei, Linghu Sheng.

“Wu Lang, your safe return has eased my mind,” Linghu Sheng personally welcomed him, looking somewhat excited. When Yangyi fell into the enemy’s hands, he had thought that Linghu Kuang had perished in the chaos. However, to his amazement, just a few months later, Yangyi was retaken, and his nephew stood before him, completely unharmed. How could he not be overjoyed?

“Uncle!” Linghu Kuang’s eyes welled with tears as he knelt down. “It’s all my fault, causing our elders to worry. Now that Yangyi has been retaken by the Prefect of Liang, and Shangdang will look after the Great Army’s rear!”

“Oh? Come inside and tell me the details,” Linghu Sheng’s expression immediately turned serious. He grasped his nephew’s sleeve and walked into the main hall.

Once they were seated, Linghu Kuang didn’t dare to dally. He recounted in detail everything he had heard over the past few months, including the message he had brought with him, to his uncle. The old general stroked his long beard and spoke in a deep voice, “The Prefect of Liang, when he retook the city, did he appoint a trusted person as the magistrate of Yangyi County?”

“Yes, indeed. This man is from Jurong and once fought against the White Ice Rebellion in Jiangnan, eventually rising to the rank of General Fubo. In this campaign, he led the forces and captured the city in one fell swoop,” Linghu Kuang explained.

At this answer, Linghu Sheng shook his head inwardly. In theory, when Yangyi was lost, it should have been Linghu Kuang’s duty to lead the troops to recapture it. However, not only was he not allowed to participate in the siege, but even the responsibility for guarding the city afterward was assigned to someone else. This clearly indicated a desire to incorporate Yangyi into the jurisdiction of Shangdang, and his intentions were somewhat inscrutable.

“Did the thunder truly strike during the battle in Yangyi?” Linghu Sheng continued to inquire. This matter had been widely discussed, and it was hard not to bear a grudge when a solar eclipse occurred during a siege, especially combined with such strange signs.

“It is indeed true!” Linghu Kuang’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “The thunder that day could be heard for several li! I’m not exaggerating at all. I was on the city walls of Yangyi and saw arrow platforms and buildings shattered by lightning!”

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“This thunder, it seems too coincidental,” Linghu Sheng furrowed his brows. Once could be a coincidence, but now it happened again. He didn’t believe in any Buddhist teachings; he felt there was something suspicious going on. Otherwise, who would dare to lead only a few thousand soldiers to attack a city held by enemy forces? Without the confidence of victory, there would be no reason to take such a risk.

After some thought, he asked, “How is Shangdang’s military strength?”

Although there were rumors, it wasn’t clear from the reports how exactly Shangdang had repelled the enemy.

“General Wu and Colonel Yi each lead two thousand soldiers. There are also over a thousand cavalry and three thousand newly trained garrison troops. It seems the Liang household also has a considerable number of troops,” Linghu Kuang promptly replied.

With some addition and subtraction, it added up to over ten thousand troops. When Lord Dongying left, was Shangdang even able to muster so many troops? This Prefect of Liang was truly an enigma!

But upon hearing this, Linghu Sheng formed a plan, “What arrangement did the Prefect make for you in Shangdang?”

“The Lord instructed me to oversee matters related to provisions and be responsible for the Great Army’s rear,” Linghu Kuang said.

“The provisioning duties were assigned to you?” Linghu Sheng couldn’t help but be surprised. Shangdang had unexpectedly opened its gates, providing provisions, which most people hadn’t anticipated. Where in Bing County was there a shortage of provisions? They had just clashed with the Xiongnu and now were providing provisions to support an attack on Lishi. No one would find that particularly enjoyable.

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But who would have thought that Liang Zixi had not only agreed but had also handed over the task, which he had already sold as a favor to someone else, to Linghu Kuang? The intention behind this was certainly worth contemplating. That’s why this young man hadn’t been anxious about not securing a posting to guard Yangyi; managing the Great Army’s rear was clearly more thrilling than being stationed in a beleaguered city.

This arrangement held deeper meaning. Leaving aside the influence of the Linghu family in Bing County, the title of General of Fendi for Linghu Kuang drew considerable attention. Appointing Linghu Kuang to oversee provisions not only elevated his prestige but also utilized the Linghu family’s connections to establish influence within the Bing County military. Such intentions were not offensive; it seemed more like a calculated move, a friendly gesture publicly displayed.

Seeing that Linghu Sheng’s expression was undecided, Linghu Kuang couldn’t help but say, “Uncle, my escape from Shangdang’s prison, my promotion to general through merits, all of these were due to the Prefect of Liang’s nurturing. Losing Yangyi and the subsequent recovery were also his doings. Now, entrusting such a crucial provisioning duty to me, these acts of kindness and trust show that Prefect knows how to recognize talent. He possesses remarkable wisdom and courage and seems to have the favor of fortune. He is indeed a trustworthy figure.”

In the current turmoil in Bing County, with the rise of the Xiongnu and the disappearance of the ruler, Sima Teng, all high-ranking families were observing the situation. They contemplated whether to resist at all costs or seize the opportunity to change their allegiance. However, for Linghu Sheng, his loyalty to the imperial court remained unwavering. Defeating the Xiongnu and defending their homeland were his responsibilities as the family head.

This Prefect, who had suddenly emerged, was indeed a noteworthy figure. Whether it was his earlier reputation under the Buddhist name or his current military prestige, both were eye-catching. After contemplating for a while, Linghu Sheng nodded, “Very well. Since Prefect Liang placed his trust in you, you should repay that trust with your best efforts. If you can resist the Xiongnu, it will indeed be a great accomplishment.”

Upon hearing this, Linghu Kuang couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy. His uncle, the family head, was now officially supporting his involvement in Shangdang’s camp. It seemed that his uncle also had expectations for the Prefect. Understanding the weight of his responsibility, he solemnly replied, “Kuang will not disgrace the name of the Linghu family!”

It was time to make a significant bet in this chaotic world.

Though the lunar New Year had passed, the weather remained cold. A brazier had been lit inside the room, and the high-quality silver thread charcoal emitted no unpleasant odors, while the smoke was completely channeled into interconnected water basins. Even a full night’s sleep would not pose any risks.

Outside, a maidservant knelt beside a small couch, showing no signs of weariness in the night. She frequently looked inside the room. She had been in the Prefect’s residence for only half a year, yet she already regarded those she served as divine beings. Not to mention staying up all night, she wished she could attend to the Prefect’s side every day. Unfortunately, the Prefect wasn’t particularly inclined toward female company. The maidservant, Lüzhu, who had previously served him closely, had been arranged to marry a military officer. Was it because he missed his deceased wife that he acted this way?

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After pondering for a moment, she felt a pang in her heart. But at the tender age of thirteen, she was far from marriageable, and she could continue serving the Prefect for a few more years. If only the Prefect would notice her…

The charcoal in the brazier emitted a faint crackling sound. She snapped out of her thoughts and quickly added two more pieces of charcoal, carefully placing them into the brazier.

However, whether it was due to the brazier burning too brightly or not, the person lying on the couch grew somewhat restless and pushed aside the brocade quilt covering them. A slight blush, like freshly fallen peach blossoms, colored their fair cheeks. The blush didn’t seem to indicate discomfort; rather, it was accompanied by a hint of perspiration, evoking a sense of sensuality. After what felt like an eternity, their long, soft eyelashes quivered, and the person opened their eyes.

Feeling a strong thirst in their throat, Liang Feng let out a gentle sigh, “Qing Mei…”

Upon hearing their Lord’s call, the maidservant quickly rose and fetched a copper jug from the nearby stove. She poured a warm cup of water and entered the room, saying, “Lord, here’s some water.”

Although she had long grown accustomed to her Lord’s disheveled appearance at night, with his hair untamed and clothes in disarray, seeing the corners of his eyes tinted with a hint of dawn and his slightly drowsy gaze, the young maiden who was just beginning to experience the feelings of love still hurriedly lowered her head and offered the water bowl.

Not paying much attention to the demeanor of the people around him, Liang Feng propped himself up and took a sip from the bowl. The cool water washed away the discomforting heat in his chest. Had the brazier burned too hot tonight? Glancing at the window, he estimated it was not yet the hour of the Tiger1. He was usually a sound sleeper, so why had he suddenly woken up, drenched in sweat…

The motion of holding the water bowl suddenly froze, and Liang Feng sensed something was amiss. The sticky sensation beneath him was definitely not caused by sweat. It was… something that men understand.

Almost three years had passed, and this battered body had been nurtured for so long, finally regaining its functionality! Liang Feng didn’t know whether to be shocked or delighted.

However, as he turned his head, he saw the young maiden who had been sitting by the bedside so obediently. She was a new maidservant who had arrived after Lüzhu was married off. She appeared to be around twelve or thirteen years old, with an innocent and youthful look. Even with his brazenness, he couldn’t give her these soiled clothes!

Clearing his throat, Liang Feng handed back the water bowl, saying, “Go fetch me a clean set of clothes.”

Qing Mei seemed a bit bewildered, but upon seeing the fine beads of sweat on Liang Feng’s forehead, she immediately understood and rushed to bring a fresh set of clothes, saying, “Lord, is your attire damp from sweating? Would you like me to help you freshen up a bit?”

“No need,” Liang Feng replied, rejecting the offer of assistance.

He pushed the young girl away, removed his soiled garments, and indeed found a mess on his pants. In his previous life, he would never have allowed himself to reach such a humiliating state unless there was an emergency. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he bundled up the clothes and put on the new attire. He sighed with relief, then said, “There’s no need to tidy up the clothes for now. Call for Doctor Jiang to see me after daybreak.”

Qing Mei, who had been staring blankly, hesitated for a moment but didn’t know what else to say. She obediently bowed and withdrew.

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Early in the morning, Jiang Da hurried to the backyard and, upon seeing Liang Feng, asked, “Lord, do you have any discomfort?”

“It’s not that…” Liang Feng extended his hand and cleared his throat. “Check my condition, see if my body is in excellent shape now.”

In these past months, the Lord’s health had indeed improved, but for him to call so early, was it because he believed he was completely healed? Jiang Da felt a bit skeptical but placed his hand on Liang Feng’s wrist. He examined both sides and frowned, “Did the Lord experience a nocturnal emission last night?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Liang Feng revealed a smile. “It was my first time…”

“Was there an erotic dream?” Jiang Da didn’t mince words, asking directly.

“Uh, it seems not,” Liang Feng didn’t think he had had any erotic dreams; it should have been a normal bodily response.

“Heart is the monarch fire, liver and kidneys are the minister fire. When the monarch fire is aroused, the minister fire follows suit. This is due to excessive mental strain, the heart not controlling the kidneys, leading to seminal emission. You need to switch to a different medicinal formula to clear the heart fire,” Jiang Da immediately explained.

“Oh?” Liang Feng was quite taken aback. Could this also be an illness?

Seeing the rare bewildered expression on the Lord’s face, Jiang Da sighed, “With the warming of spring, the kidneys naturally become more active. However, nocturnal emissions are not a good sign; you should control your thoughts and eliminate heart fire.”

Well, they couldn’t seem to agree on this point. Liang Feng changed the topic, “If the kidneys are filled with energy, is it a sign of good health?”

“Indeed, that’s true. But it still needs some time to nurture. Lord, you must control your desires and not indulge in excessive fantasies. If Ge Zhichuan were here, he might be able to come up with a better tonic prescription,” Jiang Da was straightforward and didn’t hold back.

Now, Liang Feng was completely relieved, “That’s good, then.”

After such a long time, he had finally broken free from the fear of being a eunuch, which was a tremendous relief. However, with this resolved, he couldn’t keep postponing other matters indefinitely…





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