However, with this interruption, the leaden guilt in Fu Shen’s chest seemed to lighten. Yan Xiaohan was quite skilled at comforting him; perhaps Fu Shen could actually listen to his words and gradually plant a sense of security in his heart. Although not yet reaching the level of “dependence”, at least Fu Shen was now willing to discuss matters with him instead of hiding everything and stubbornly bearing burdens alone.
“Yes, I should be punished,” Fu Shen rubbed his cheek, “How about you carry me back to town as an ox or horse?”
Yan Xiaohan immediately agreed, “Okay.”
Then he added with lingering enthusiasm, “Aren’t you going to punish me with something else?”
Fu Shen hooked his chin with a single finger and mocked, “My dear wife, what you’re thinking isn’t punishment, that’s like a weasel paying New Year’s respects to a chicken.”
“The lewd see lewdness,” Yan Xiaohan said righteously, “This is a front-line important location. I’m not thinking of doing anything to you—I’m not an animal.”
The bewildered General Fu: “…”
When he dreamed of flying across thousands of mountains and rivers, did the person beyond those mountains and waters ever let him go? After a reunion of mixed emotions, they discovered that they were both equally obsessed, equally lonely. They looked at each other in silence, momentarily speechless, only deep kisses and embraces could slightly soothe the bitterness in their hearts. At this moment, heaven and earth were quiet, all sounds were still, the world seemed to have fallen into stillness, with only the river rushing endlessly, flowing forward towards the horizon.
Before dawn the next day, Fu Shen woke up from Yan Xiaohan’s arms, sitting up slowly with lingering fatigue. The hand draped on his waist slid off, and Yan Xiaohan, grasping at empty space, immediately woke up and asked hoarsely, “Are you getting up?” “Did I keep you up last night?” Fu Shen gently patted his back, his tone and movements unusually tender, probably because he had just woken up.
“There’s nothing urgent today, you can lie down a bit longer.” He had always been a light sleeper, and after the emotional ups and downs of yesterday, he had been sleeping intermittently. Whenever he moved, Yan Xiaohan would drowsily pull him into his arms, murmur a few words, and then hold him as they fell back into a deep sleep. ”It’s fine,” Yan Xiaohan struggled out of the warm blanket, lunging forward to hang himself on Fu Shen’s back, bleary-eyed, “Don’t wear those boots today, use the wheelchair. I’ll help you wash up.” The boots made by the Beiyuan Military Equipment Bureau allowed him to walk normally, but they were not real legs, with a different way of exerting force, and wearing them long-term was especially taxing on the waist. Fu Shen would bring a wheelchair when on military campaigns and use it when not too busy. Yan Xiaohan had noticed this yesterday but said nothing. Only now did he casually mention it. Fu Shen understood his unspoken thoughtfulness and nodded: “Okay.” When Yan Xiaohan returned with water, he forgot to close the door. Yu Qiaoting, who had risen early, happened to pass by and couldn’t resist his curiosity, peeking through the half-open door, almost dropping the oil cake in his hand. The Jing Ning Marquis, who killed without blinking and made barbarians tremble in fear, obediently sat on the edge of the bed. Yan Xiaohan used a towel to wipe his face and hands, skillfully attentive like an old nursemaid.
After taking care of everything, Fu Shen lazily stretched out his hands and said something, upon which Yan Xiaohan bent down to lift him and place him carefully in the wheelchair.
General Yu, still single, could not for the life of him understand: The North Yan commander who could pacify the world with civil strategies and establish order with martial might, what medicine had he eaten to become someone who only recognizes his wife on the bed?
Soon, this confusion became a shared question among all North Yan military officers stationed in Tangli Town. They had not seen Fu Shen’s days of being completely cared for at the Yan residence.
In fact, the extraordinary things were done behind closed doors. In front of others, especially in front of subordinates, while Fu Shen did not emphasize the dignity of a commander, Yan Xiaohan had to maintain proper boundaries to avoid criticism. But the more restrained they were, the more tender and controlled their small gestures of pouring tea and whispering became.
Fu Shen took a sip of tea and wondered, “What’s wrong with everyone today? They’re acting like lovesick maidens?”
” Yan Xiaohan smiled subtly: “Who knows?” Soon, a soldier reported that General Zhao Xicheng had crossed the Ziyang River and was seeking an audience outside the camp. The two exchanged a tacit glance, and Fu Shen ordered, “Let him in.” Taking advantage of the moment, he turned to Yan Xiaohan and smiled, “General Zhao is already restless. It seems this supervisor of yours carries some weight.” ”Just a few ounces, not worth mentioning,” Yan Xiaohan said generously. “If the Marquis wants it, I’ll give it away for free.” Fu Shen laughed, “What use would I have for it? Stew it for the New Year?” Yan Xiaohan obediently said, “Actually, it can be raised to relieve boredom, held while sleeping.” Fu Shen found him endlessly lovable, having not been this carefree since leaving the southwest last year. The smile in his eyes did not fade even when Zhao Xicheng entered. General Zhao was stunned, thinking, has the Jing Ning Marquis looked so spring-like because Chang’an is already almost secured? Zhao Xicheng was previously a Fenzhou military officer. He refused to surrender and led the Fenzhou remnants to escape to Jingchu. After the new dynasty was established, he led his troops to submit to Jinling. He was one of the few northern-born officers Yan Xiaohan could use.
Fu Shen had previously fought the Tartars alongside the Fenzhou military and had some impression of Zhao Xicheng, remembering him as straightforward and stubborn, always suppressed by the Fenzhou commander. Unexpectedly, after the commander’s death, he had stepped up to hold the Fenzhou military banner, enduring countless hardships to finally return to the Central Plains.
General Zhao, past his prime but respectful to Fu Shen, was tentatively asking, “May I ask, Marquis, how confident are you about this battle for Chang’an?”
“Hmm?” Fu Shen smiled, “Three to four out of ten. Chang’an is difficult to attack; it will be a tough battle.”
Yan Xiaohan sat silently beside them, pretending to be a beautiful decoration, occasionally stealing glances at Fu Shen.
After the war discussion concluded, Zhao Xicheng stammered out the purpose of his visit: “Marquis, since we’re about to go to war, why not let Master Yan return with me? The military affairs…”
Fu Shen interrupted, “What, you can’t fight without a supervisor?”
“This…” General Zhao was momentarily stuck, frowning, “Master Yan is the imperial court’s special supervisor. Staying with the North Yan army… might not be proper.”
What kind of world is this,” Fu Shen’s smile faded slightly, “General Zhao wants to lecture me about the rules of the new dynasty on the territory of the Northern Yan army?”
Currently, they were not on the same side. Fu Shen controlled several northwestern territories, almost on par with the new dynasty. Zhao Xicheng’s forehead was sweating, and he quickly stood up to apologize, repeatedly saying he was offensive.
