The sky darkened gradually, and the campsite was illuminated by torches and bonfires, replacing the stars and the moon. When that figure walked from the darkness into the light, even Wang Bin’s eyes brightened. After washing up and changing into new clothes, Liang Zixi’s fatigue disappeared, leaving behind only his graceful demeanor. Not to mention that he didn’t even compare to the warhorses and soldiers, even someone born into the prestigious Wang family of Taiyuan couldn’t match his lofty bearing.
No wonder this young man caught the attention of the high-and-mighty Wang Mao, who appointed him as his son-in-law. If he had a daughter, he would want to marry her to such an outstanding individual!
Smiling as he approached, Wang Bin said, “We haven’t seen each other for half a day, and Zixi’s bearing has improved even more. I’m embarrassed to have you visit my humble tent.”
Liang Feng chuckled, “If Fourth Brother considers this tent to be humble, I truly wouldn’t dare to set up camp nearby.”
With a hearty laugh, the atmosphere was set. The two walked into the tent together, taking their seats as host and guest.
Behind them, a serving girl brought tea, and Wang Bin sighed, “I wonder if Zixi has ever tasted a whole roasted lamb? The Xianbei people are experts at roasting. A whole lamb, with crispy skin and tender meat, oozing with fat, is the most delicious. Today’s visit was rushed, so I can only offer this common dish to our distinguished guest.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng smiled, “In these past two days, traveling and sleeping under the stars, I could only think about roasted lamb when you mentioned it, Fourth Brother. Besides, under the vast wilderness, with a clear moon and a gentle breeze, what’s common about it?”
With such a thoughtful guest, how could the host not feel delighted? Wang Bin laughed heartily and clapped his hands. The serving girls quickly brought out silver platters and earthenware bowls, setting them on the table. On the platters lay well-prepared lamb meat, perfectly roasted, with crispy skin on the outside and tender, pink meat inside, cooked to perfection. In three small earthenware bowls, they placed salt, pepper, and sauce for guests to season to their liking.
For a noble family, this roasted lamb might not be considered a delicacy. However, eating such a delicacy in the wilderness was far from disappointing. There was no accompanying music or elegant poetry, but the two men didn’t just sit silently; they ate and chatted. They discussed many things, not only the sights of You County but also various court matters.
The self-proclaimed Emperor Sima Ying’s rule in Jing County was not as dire as expected. After all, the sudden death of the Emperor and the strange phenomena, such as the day turning red as blood, made some people suspicious. Furthermore, his old subordinate, Gongshi Fan, was indeed quite active, making Xie County unrecognizable, even prompting Wang Jun to send troops to suppress it.
“However, the Jisang and other barbarian riders, although fierce, are no match for Xianbei cavalry,” Wang Bin sneered, “We only need for Chengdu to meet his downfall, and Xie County will stabilize.”
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The implications of this statement were clear, showing Wang Bin’s desire for a piece of the action in Xie County. Liang Feng sighed, “It’s a pity that Bing County still seems far from completion.”
Wang Bin smiled slightly at this and said, “Why worry, Zixi? Although Liu Yuan had ambitious plans, the strength of the Xiongnu is no longer what it used to be during the Han Dynasty. They may be a bit stronger than regular soldiers, but if they were to encounter Xianbei cavalry, they would be outmatched ten to one!”
“The Xianbei riders are unmatched in archery. Back when Lord Dongyin invited the Xianbei elite riders to join forces against the Xiongnu, the pseudo-Han troops kept retreating and eventually fled to Si County,” Liang Feng added.
While that was true, it wasn’t Wang Jun’s Xianbei riders who had helped Sima Teng back then; it was the Tuoba Xianbei of the Tuoba tribe residing in Bing County. Wang Bin was well aware of this, saying, “It’s a pity that the Tuoba tribe has its own internal troubles now, or else Lord Dongyin wouldn’t have left Bing County and gone to Ye City. However, these barbarian riders in your hands are no less capable than the Xianbei. They were instrumental in the great victory over the Xiongnu, weren’t they?”
Liang Feng shook his head with a wry smile. “Shangdang is a poor land, and we can’t afford to maintain such elite troops. We only have around a hundred or so men. Just managing the refugees already takes a toll on my life. We won a recent battle against the Xiongnu thanks to their help, but the losses were substantial, and it’s quite a headache.”
He spoke sincerely, but Wang Bin’s brows raised slightly. It was quite evident that Liang Feng didn’t want to engage in a direct conflict with the Xiongnu. Did he not desire to become the Inspector of Bing County?
“Zixi, you’re being too modest,” Wang Bin’s smile faded a bit as he continued, “Back then, Lord Dongyin relied on the Tuoba tribe to achieve victory. Now, Shangdang can defend itself against external threats. With a few more helpers, wouldn’t it be easy to drive away the Xiongnu?”
Liang Feng sighed deeply and said, “When it comes to warfare, it’s best to avoid it if possible. Why risk one’s wealth and life in a battle?”
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Inside the tent, the atmosphere turned a bit cooler. Just behind the curtain, Zhang Dian stood up and hurried to the kitchen in the rear. He found two earthenware bowls near the stove, filled with a thick, fragrant soup. He asked in a low voice, “Is the sheep’s head soup ready?”
The kitchen maid quickly replied, “It’s ready. Should I serve it?”
Zhang Dian looked at the two bowls of soup and pointed to one of them, “Is this one for the guest?”
The bowls used for the host and the guest were different, making them easily distinguishable. The kitchen maid nodded, “Yes, this one is for the guest.”
“It doesn’t look quite appetizing. Add some green onions,” Zhang Dian said in a calm tone.
The kitchen maid, still a bit puzzled, followed the orders from above. However, in the instant she turned to fetch some seasoning, Zhang Dian took out a paper packet from his sleeve, quickly poured the powder it contained into the bowl, and stirred it in with a nearby spoon. The powder blended into the thick soup.
The kitchen maid took some chopped green onions and sprinkled them on top, effectively covering any traces of the prior stirring. Zhang Dian nodded, “Hurry and serve it; they’re in a hurry in the tent.”
The kitchen maid hurriedly carried the tray and walked outside the tent. Two maids received the tray and headed into the tent.
Watching those two figures, Zhang Dian’s lips curled into a subtle, mocking smile. He moved stealthily back to his original position and listened carefully to the conversation inside the tent.
Inside, Wang Bin grumbled, “If we could avoid it, who wouldn’t want to? But when disaster strikes your doorstep, merely avoiding it won’t help. I’ve also heard that you, Zixi, have taken over the county of Leping, so I don’t see you avoiding anything.”
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“Leping is not Taiyuan. Besides, the emperor’s death will require an explanation. This means we can’t entirely avoid conflict,” Liang Feng replied, addressing the underlying issue.
Regardless of who becomes the governor of Bing County, they will be held accountable to the court for the death of the previous emperor. This inevitably leads to conflict with the Xiongnu.
Seeing the man before him, who seemed to exude an air of gentleness and refinement, Wang Bin couldn’t help but think he was rather ineffectual. In these times, when even difficult battles couldn’t be fought, what use was he?
With a quick thought, he put down his chopsticks and said, “But does the court have the luxury of self-preservation?”
Liang Feng furrowed his brow slightly, sensing that something was amiss.
Wang Bin lightly chuckled, “We already have You County in our hands. If we add Yi County, what is there to fear?”
He had actually said it out loud! At this point, Liang Feng couldn’t be unaware of Wang Jun’s true intentions. Even if they had occupied most of the northern territories, it was just a matter of pressuring Luoyang in the end. Liang Feng and Shangdang were merely stepping stones for them to conquer Bing County. Not wanting to follow this ambitious individual down the path to destruction, Liang Feng had refused to accept the olive branch he offered.
But he didn’t expect that Wang Bin would actually verbalize his intentions. How should he respond?
Just then, outside the tent, two maids entered carrying the food trays. It seemed that Wang Bin had shifted his attention, and he asked, “Is the lamb’s head soup here? Zixi, this is the essence of the whole lamb, with brain, tongue, lips, and cheeks all combined into one bowl. It’s incredibly flavorful and even has the nickname ‘Qilin’s Crown.'”
A bowl garnished with chopped green onions was placed in front of Liang Feng. At this point, Liang Feng wouldn’t refuse and said with a smile as he picked up his spoon, “Fortunately, I haven’t eaten my fill before, or I’d miss out on this delicacy.”
With that, he stirred the soup with his spoon and took a sip. The broth was made from lamb brains and was enriched with various spices like ginger and garlic to avoid any gamy taste. It had a rich red color and a savory taste. However, Liang Feng’s mind was not on the soup but on how to respond.
They had reached a point where a stance needed to be taken.
Possibly aware that this matter required contemplation, Wang Bin didn’t rush him. They quietly enjoyed the soup. Since it was lamb head soup, the portion wasn’t substantial, and it didn’t take long before they finished their bowls.
Setting down his spoon, Wang Bin wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and asked with a smile, “How’s the first taste?”
Liang Feng lightly shook his head and pushed the empty bowl aside, saying, “The initial taste is delightful, but it’s a bit too rich. I’m just concerned about overindulgence, considering my current state of health.”
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Wang Bin’s gaze sharpened. “Why, Zixi, are you not willing to have this first taste?”
“It’s not that I’m unwilling, but… the timing is not right,” Liang Feng sighed lightly. “With all the commotion in Luoyang, Lishi, and Daijun, it’s hard to concentrate.”
The political situation in Luoyang, the Xiongnu-Han state in Lishi, and the Wuhuan in Daijun were all factors affecting the situation in Bing County. He couldn’t make a hasty decision while under such influence.
This response was more straightforward than his previous vague answers, and it brought some relief to Wang Bin. “Zixi, you’re indeed meticulous and thoughtful, but sometimes heaven has already given signs. Like the solar eclipse on Yangyi or the red light during a major funeral. The situation is already like this, and further hesitation might mean missing a great opportunity.”
A solar eclipse, he had predicted the timing, and as for the red light, Liang Feng didn’t care about such things. But now, a sudden restlessness was rising within him. He pursed his lips, “Fortunes are fickle, especially for people like us who are just ordinary men. What we can predict… and besides, besides…”
Liang Feng mentioned “besides” twice but didn’t continue. He suddenly realized that the world as he saw it began to warp as if something had invaded his mind, making his reactions sluggish and his mind restless.
“Zixi?” Seeing Liang Feng’s prolonged silence, Wang Bin leaned forward and asked.
With a start, Liang Feng gripped the table and forced a smile, saying, “After a satisfying meal, I must thank you, Fourth Brother.”
Is he leaving? Seeing the somewhat pale complexion of the other, Wang Bin became concerned. “Zixi, are you tired?”
“Recovering from a long illness, my body is truly not up to it,” Liang Feng replied, not able to come up with a better excuse.
“No problem, go back and rest well. We can continue the conversation tomorrow,” Wang Bin said. Whether Liang Feng was leaving under an excuse or truly unwell, it seemed unlikely that they would achieve any results today. Wang Bin wasn’t in a hurry; there was plenty of time.
Liang Feng gave a slight bow, stood up, and tried to steady his steps as he walked out. Firelight flickered before his eyes, and his ears were filled with a buzzing sound. He felt a violent rush of heat surging upwards from his abdomen as if it wanted to expel all the hot blood from his body.
“My Lord!” A voice suddenly appeared by his ear.
Liang Feng didn’t get a clear look at the person but whispered, “Help me back.”
Yiyan’s complexion had changed drastically. He grabbed Liang Feng’s arm, which was no longer cool and pleasant but hot to the touch as if he had a high fever. His pale lips and the sweat on his forehead added to the sense of urgency.
“It’s them!” Yiyan abruptly turned his head and looked towards the main tent, his eyes brimming with a strong intent to kill.
“Let’s go!” Liang Feng didn’t hesitate. He quickened his pace, even faster than when he had arrived.
Yiyan didn’t dare to delay and immediately supported Liang Feng, leading him back to their own tent.
A mere dozens of yards felt like walking on burning coals. Liang Feng felt a restless heat surging through his body, unrelieved by even a fraction, instead growing wilder. However, the sensation was not purely painful; on the contrary, it had a hazy sense of pleasure, as if his thoughts were entangled by something else, drifting towards the heavens. Every inch of his skin became acutely sensitive and painful, and even the clothes tightly wrapped around him had become torturous. He wished someone would rip open his collar, baring his chest and stomach.
These extreme sensations were accompanied by profuse sweating as if he were exuding thick sweat. Liang Feng felt his teeth grinding uncontrollably, his whole body trembling violently until his knees gave way, and he started to fall.
A pair of hands tightly caught him as he descended, and an urgent voice pounded on his eardrums, “My Lord!”
Liang Feng’s eyes widened, and at that moment, his thoughts suddenly became crystal clear. He had been drugged! He didn’t know what kind of drug, but it was certainly no ordinary substance.
Why drug him? Wasn’t Wang Bin seeking cooperation? What was the purpose of doing this?
However, his head was no longer capable of thinking further. A piercing pain surged up, and Liang Feng’s eyes rolled back as he lost consciousness.
“My Lord!” Yiyan was filled with shock and held the unconscious figure in his arms. Droplets of sweat from the man’s body were like raindrops, falling into his hands. However, the body involuntarily shivered like a sieve.
He heard his Lord’s delirious muttering just before losing consciousness. Poisoned? Did Wang Bin use this treacherous method?
At this moment, he couldn’t care about anything else. He immediately shouted to the guards rushing over, “Break camp! Return to Lu City!”
The sky darkened gradually, and the campsite was illuminated by torches and bonfires, replacing the stars and the moon. When that figure walked from the darkness into the light, even Wang Bin’s eyes brightened. After washing up and changing into new clothes, Liang Zixi’s fatigue disappeared, leaving behind only his graceful demeanor. Not to mention that he didn’t even compare to the warhorses and soldiers, even someone born into the prestigious Wang family of Taiyuan couldn’t match his lofty bearing.
No wonder this young man caught the attention of the high-and-mighty Wang Mao, who appointed him as his son-in-law. If he had a daughter, he would want to marry her to such an outstanding individual!
Smiling as he approached, Wang Bin said, “We haven’t seen each other for half a day, and Zixi’s bearing has improved even more. I’m embarrassed to have you visit my humble tent.”
Liang Feng chuckled, “If Fourth Brother considers this tent to be humble, I truly wouldn’t dare to set up camp nearby.”
With a hearty laugh, the atmosphere was set. The two walked into the tent together, taking their seats as host and guest.
Behind them, a serving girl brought tea, and Wang Bin sighed, “I wonder if Zixi has ever tasted a whole roasted lamb? The Xianbei people are experts at roasting. A whole lamb, with crispy skin and tender meat, oozing with fat, is the most delicious. Today’s visit was rushed, so I can only offer this common dish to our distinguished guest.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng smiled, “In these past two days, traveling and sleeping under the stars, I could only think about roasted lamb when you mentioned it, Fourth Brother. Besides, under the vast wilderness, with a clear moon and a gentle breeze, what’s common about it?”
With such a thoughtful guest, how could the host not feel delighted? Wang Bin laughed heartily and clapped his hands. The serving girls quickly brought out silver platters and earthenware bowls, setting them on the table. On the platters lay well-prepared lamb meat, perfectly roasted, with crispy skin on the outside and tender, pink meat inside, cooked to perfection. In three small earthenware bowls, they placed salt, pepper, and sauce for guests to season to their liking.
For a noble family, this roasted lamb might not be considered a delicacy. However, eating such a delicacy in the wilderness was far from disappointing. There was no accompanying music or elegant poetry, but the two men didn’t just sit silently; they ate and chatted. They discussed many things, not only the sights of You County but also various court matters.
The self-proclaimed Emperor Sima Ying’s rule in Jing County was not as dire as expected. After all, the sudden death of the Emperor and the strange phenomena, such as the day turning red as blood, made some people suspicious. Furthermore, his old subordinate, Gongshi Fan, was indeed quite active, making Xie County unrecognizable, even prompting Wang Jun to send troops to suppress it.
“However, the Jisang and other barbarian riders, although fierce, are no match for Xianbei cavalry,” Wang Bin sneered, “We only need for Chengdu to meet his downfall, and Xie County will stabilize.”
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The implications of this statement were clear, showing Wang Bin’s desire for a piece of the action in Xie County. Liang Feng sighed, “It’s a pity that Bing County still seems far from completion.”
Wang Bin smiled slightly at this and said, “Why worry, Zixi? Although Liu Yuan had ambitious plans, the strength of the Xiongnu is no longer what it used to be during the Han Dynasty. They may be a bit stronger than regular soldiers, but if they were to encounter Xianbei cavalry, they would be outmatched ten to one!”
“The Xianbei riders are unmatched in archery. Back when Lord Dongyin invited the Xianbei elite riders to join forces against the Xiongnu, the pseudo-Han troops kept retreating and eventually fled to Si County,” Liang Feng added.
While that was true, it wasn’t Wang Jun’s Xianbei riders who had helped Sima Teng back then; it was the Tuoba Xianbei of the Tuoba tribe residing in Bing County. Wang Bin was well aware of this, saying, “It’s a pity that the Tuoba tribe has its own internal troubles now, or else Lord Dongyin wouldn’t have left Bing County and gone to Ye City. However, these barbarian riders in your hands are no less capable than the Xianbei. They were instrumental in the great victory over the Xiongnu, weren’t they?”
Liang Feng shook his head with a wry smile. “Shangdang is a poor land, and we can’t afford to maintain such elite troops. We only have around a hundred or so men. Just managing the refugees already takes a toll on my life. We won a recent battle against the Xiongnu thanks to their help, but the losses were substantial, and it’s quite a headache.”
He spoke sincerely, but Wang Bin’s brows raised slightly. It was quite evident that Liang Feng didn’t want to engage in a direct conflict with the Xiongnu. Did he not desire to become the Inspector of Bing County?
“Zixi, you’re being too modest,” Wang Bin’s smile faded a bit as he continued, “Back then, Lord Dongyin relied on the Tuoba tribe to achieve victory. Now, Shangdang can defend itself against external threats. With a few more helpers, wouldn’t it be easy to drive away the Xiongnu?”
Liang Feng sighed deeply and said, “When it comes to warfare, it’s best to avoid it if possible. Why risk one’s wealth and life in a battle?”
Advertisement
Inside the tent, the atmosphere turned a bit cooler. Just behind the curtain, Zhang Dian stood up and hurried to the kitchen in the rear. He found two earthenware bowls near the stove, filled with a thick, fragrant soup. He asked in a low voice, “Is the sheep’s head soup ready?”
The kitchen maid quickly replied, “It’s ready. Should I serve it?”
Zhang Dian looked at the two bowls of soup and pointed to one of them, “Is this one for the guest?”
The bowls used for the host and the guest were different, making them easily distinguishable. The kitchen maid nodded, “Yes, this one is for the guest.”
“It doesn’t look quite appetizing. Add some green onions,” Zhang Dian said in a calm tone.
The kitchen maid, still a bit puzzled, followed the orders from above. However, in the instant she turned to fetch some seasoning, Zhang Dian took out a paper packet from his sleeve, quickly poured the powder it contained into the bowl, and stirred it in with a nearby spoon. The powder blended into the thick soup.
The kitchen maid took some chopped green onions and sprinkled them on top, effectively covering any traces of the prior stirring. Zhang Dian nodded, “Hurry and serve it; they’re in a hurry in the tent.”
The kitchen maid hurriedly carried the tray and walked outside the tent. Two maids received the tray and headed into the tent.
Watching those two figures, Zhang Dian’s lips curled into a subtle, mocking smile. He moved stealthily back to his original position and listened carefully to the conversation inside the tent.
Inside, Wang Bin grumbled, “If we could avoid it, who wouldn’t want to? But when disaster strikes your doorstep, merely avoiding it won’t help. I’ve also heard that you, Zixi, have taken over the county of Leping, so I don’t see you avoiding anything.”
Advertisement
“Leping is not Taiyuan. Besides, the emperor’s death will require an explanation. This means we can’t entirely avoid conflict,” Liang Feng replied, addressing the underlying issue.
Regardless of who becomes the governor of Bing County, they will be held accountable to the court for the death of the previous emperor. This inevitably leads to conflict with the Xiongnu.
Seeing the man before him, who seemed to exude an air of gentleness and refinement, Wang Bin couldn’t help but think he was rather ineffectual. In these times, when even difficult battles couldn’t be fought, what use was he?
With a quick thought, he put down his chopsticks and said, “But does the court have the luxury of self-preservation?”
Liang Feng furrowed his brow slightly, sensing that something was amiss.
Wang Bin lightly chuckled, “We already have You County in our hands. If we add Yi County, what is there to fear?”
He had actually said it out loud! At this point, Liang Feng couldn’t be unaware of Wang Jun’s true intentions. Even if they had occupied most of the northern territories, it was just a matter of pressuring Luoyang in the end. Liang Feng and Shangdang were merely stepping stones for them to conquer Bing County. Not wanting to follow this ambitious individual down the path to destruction, Liang Feng had refused to accept the olive branch he offered.
But he didn’t expect that Wang Bin would actually verbalize his intentions. How should he respond?
Just then, outside the tent, two maids entered carrying the food trays. It seemed that Wang Bin had shifted his attention, and he asked, “Is the lamb’s head soup here? Zixi, this is the essence of the whole lamb, with brain, tongue, lips, and cheeks all combined into one bowl. It’s incredibly flavorful and even has the nickname ‘Qilin’s Crown.'”
A bowl garnished with chopped green onions was placed in front of Liang Feng. At this point, Liang Feng wouldn’t refuse and said with a smile as he picked up his spoon, “Fortunately, I haven’t eaten my fill before, or I’d miss out on this delicacy.”
With that, he stirred the soup with his spoon and took a sip. The broth was made from lamb brains and was enriched with various spices like ginger and garlic to avoid any gamy taste. It had a rich red color and a savory taste. However, Liang Feng’s mind was not on the soup but on how to respond.
They had reached a point where a stance needed to be taken.
Possibly aware that this matter required contemplation, Wang Bin didn’t rush him. They quietly enjoyed the soup. Since it was lamb head soup, the portion wasn’t substantial, and it didn’t take long before they finished their bowls.
Setting down his spoon, Wang Bin wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and asked with a smile, “How’s the first taste?”
Liang Feng lightly shook his head and pushed the empty bowl aside, saying, “The initial taste is delightful, but it’s a bit too rich. I’m just concerned about overindulgence, considering my current state of health.”
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Wang Bin’s gaze sharpened. “Why, Zixi, are you not willing to have this first taste?”
“It’s not that I’m unwilling, but… the timing is not right,” Liang Feng sighed lightly. “With all the commotion in Luoyang, Lishi, and Daijun, it’s hard to concentrate.”
The political situation in Luoyang, the Xiongnu-Han state in Lishi, and the Wuhuan in Daijun were all factors affecting the situation in Bing County. He couldn’t make a hasty decision while under such influence.
This response was more straightforward than his previous vague answers, and it brought some relief to Wang Bin. “Zixi, you’re indeed meticulous and thoughtful, but sometimes heaven has already given signs. Like the solar eclipse on Yangyi or the red light during a major funeral. The situation is already like this, and further hesitation might mean missing a great opportunity.”
A solar eclipse, he had predicted the timing, and as for the red light, Liang Feng didn’t care about such things. But now, a sudden restlessness was rising within him. He pursed his lips, “Fortunes are fickle, especially for people like us who are just ordinary men. What we can predict… and besides, besides…”
Liang Feng mentioned “besides” twice but didn’t continue. He suddenly realized that the world as he saw it began to warp as if something had invaded his mind, making his reactions sluggish and his mind restless.
“Zixi?” Seeing Liang Feng’s prolonged silence, Wang Bin leaned forward and asked.
With a start, Liang Feng gripped the table and forced a smile, saying, “After a satisfying meal, I must thank you, Fourth Brother.”
Is he leaving? Seeing the somewhat pale complexion of the other, Wang Bin became concerned. “Zixi, are you tired?”
“Recovering from a long illness, my body is truly not up to it,” Liang Feng replied, not able to come up with a better excuse.
“No problem, go back and rest well. We can continue the conversation tomorrow,” Wang Bin said. Whether Liang Feng was leaving under an excuse or truly unwell, it seemed unlikely that they would achieve any results today. Wang Bin wasn’t in a hurry; there was plenty of time.
Liang Feng gave a slight bow, stood up, and tried to steady his steps as he walked out. Firelight flickered before his eyes, and his ears were filled with a buzzing sound. He felt a violent rush of heat surging upwards from his abdomen as if it wanted to expel all the hot blood from his body.
“My Lord!” A voice suddenly appeared by his ear.
Liang Feng didn’t get a clear look at the person but whispered, “Help me back.”
Yiyan’s complexion had changed drastically. He grabbed Liang Feng’s arm, which was no longer cool and pleasant but hot to the touch as if he had a high fever. His pale lips and the sweat on his forehead added to the sense of urgency.
“It’s them!” Yiyan abruptly turned his head and looked towards the main tent, his eyes brimming with a strong intent to kill.
“Let’s go!” Liang Feng didn’t hesitate. He quickened his pace, even faster than when he had arrived.
Yiyan didn’t dare to delay and immediately supported Liang Feng, leading him back to their own tent.
A mere dozens of yards felt like walking on burning coals. Liang Feng felt a restless heat surging through his body, unrelieved by even a fraction, instead growing wilder. However, the sensation was not purely painful; on the contrary, it had a hazy sense of pleasure, as if his thoughts were entangled by something else, drifting towards the heavens. Every inch of his skin became acutely sensitive and painful, and even the clothes tightly wrapped around him had become torturous. He wished someone would rip open his collar, baring his chest and stomach.
These extreme sensations were accompanied by profuse sweating as if he were exuding thick sweat. Liang Feng felt his teeth grinding uncontrollably, his whole body trembling violently until his knees gave way, and he started to fall.
A pair of hands tightly caught him as he descended, and an urgent voice pounded on his eardrums, “My Lord!”
Liang Feng’s eyes widened, and at that moment, his thoughts suddenly became crystal clear. He had been drugged! He didn’t know what kind of drug, but it was certainly no ordinary substance.
Why drug him? Wasn’t Wang Bin seeking cooperation? What was the purpose of doing this?
However, his head was no longer capable of thinking further. A piercing pain surged up, and Liang Feng’s eyes rolled back as he lost consciousness.
“My Lord!” Yiyan was filled with shock and held the unconscious figure in his arms. Droplets of sweat from the man’s body were like raindrops, falling into his hands. However, the body involuntarily shivered like a sieve.
He heard his Lord’s delirious muttering just before losing consciousness. Poisoned? Did Wang Bin use this treacherous method?
At this moment, he couldn’t care about anything else. He immediately shouted to the guards rushing over, “Break camp! Return to Lu City!”
