“Ziliang has come from You County. Is it safe and sound on the way?” Warmly inquiring, Wen Qiao looked at the young man in front of him.
Wen Qiao, originally a prominent figure from the Wen family in Taiyuan, had undergone some changes in demeanor over the past two years due to his official position. Even in the official circles of Bing County, few could match his presence. However, the young man sitting across from him showed no signs of inferiority. He exuded a refined and elegant demeanor.
This man was named Lu Chen, a direct descendant of the Lu family in Fanyang. Since childhood, he had been intelligent and talented, excelling in classical studies and literature. In the past, Emperor Wu even considered arranging a marriage with Princess Xingyang and appointing him as the Marquis of Fuma. Unfortunately, Princess Xingyang passed away early, and the plan was abandoned. However, as a descendant of the Lu family in Fanyang, he was recommended as a scholar at an early age, though he had not yet taken on an official position.
Facing Wen Qiao’s inquiry, Lu Chen sighed lightly, “It’s been relatively fine. I didn’t encounter any bandits on the way, and although there were more soldiers, no disturbances occurred. But Bing County is indeed full of surprises.”
He had come to Bing County in response to Wen Qiao’s invitation. As a native of Fanyang, how could Lu Chen not be aware of the recent war in You County? Seeing the powerful Wang Jun’s miserable defeat and a Xianbei leader taking control of You County, he harbored thoughts of serving in the government. Since Wen Qiao mentioned it, he took the opportunity to visit Bing County.
Hearing Lu Chen’s words, Wen Qiao immediately became more alert, “The Governor has governed the province for two years, and there have been significant changes. The population has increased by tens of thousands, and land reclamation has been quite successful. The governor is now recruiting talents widely. Why not stay in Bing County with me, Ziliang?”
Lu Chen had seen these changes on his way here, but he was more concerned about other matters.
“Do you know about the imperial examination? Such arbitrary actions make it truly unpredictable,” Lu Chen furrowed his brows slightly and asked.
His timing for coming here was fortunate, coinciding with the upcoming imperial examination. The entire city was buzzing with discussions, with countless scholars rushing from Bing County’s various counties, as well as from Si County, Ji County, and You County. For Lu Chen, who came from a top-tier family, this was truly unbearable. Wasn’t this disregarding the Ninth-rank Law? Could Wen Qiao tolerate working with these commoners and low-born officials?
Upon hearing Lu Chen mention the imperial examination, Wen Qiao’s expression became more subdued, “This is a move of helplessness. Bing County is located on the flank of the Xiongnu, and if we only consider noble character and dignity, we might lose territory and people. Moreover, the selection is mainly focused on officials, at most up to county magistrate level. Key positions in Bing County are still mainly held by the aristocracy.”
His words weren’t entirely false. Just like the newly appointed Assistant in Charge of Affairs in the Provincial Governor’s Office, Chi Jian, and the General’s Office Chief Secretary, Zu Ti, both came from prestigious backgrounds. If one simply claimed that Lord Liang only employed commoners, it would be somewhat biased.
Hearing Wen Qiao’s words, Lu Chen responded, “Zhen is a person of responsibility, but I am not good with trivial matters. However, this is secondary. Zhen has not heard about the selection of the commander-in-chief in You County? In Luoyang, it seems that there is discontent towards Bing County.”
How could Wen Qiao not be aware of this matter?
“Duan, the Xianbei, is brutal and indulgent, truly unworthy of the position. I don’t know who suggested such actions to the Emperor!” Wen Qiao couldn’t help but express his dissatisfaction, “In fact, Lord Liang loves the people like his own children, and his only intention is to bring peace to the land, quell calamities, and has no other thoughts. Ziliang, we are both just over twenty, why confine ourselves to a corner? A man should consider the whole world!”
If Wen Qiao didn’t have the intention of pacifying the people and defending the land, he wouldn’t have chosen to stay in the chaotic Bing County. Now, having served as a county magistrate, an internal historian, and being appointed as an attendant-in-ordinary, bestowed with the title of general, and serving in the Provincial Governor’s Office, step by step, all these achievements were due to his intelligence and courage. He certainly hoped that Lu Chen, his brother-in-law, could stay in Bing County with him, to make contributions and achievements!
However, after thinking for a moment, Lu Chen still shook his head, “Earlier, my uncle sent a letter saying that the Grand Commandant wanted to appoint me as a scribe. Now that Luoyang is stable, it’s better to go to the capital. Zhen, you are also a member of the Wen family, and you have made so many achievements. Why not go to Luoyang with me?”
Wen Qiao looked at the incredibly handsome face on the opposite side, feeling a sense of loss that was difficult to express. His good friend Yu Liang had already gone to Jiangdong with Prince Langya, and even his sister had become the Princess Heir. His cousin Liu Qun and brother-in-law Cui Yue had also gone to Jiangdong with Liu Kun. Now, Lu Chen also wanted to go to Luoyang. None of these close friends and relatives had agreed with his choices. Clearly, they were of similar age, so why were they so indifferent to his achievements?
However, no matter how he was persuaded, Lu Chen ultimately did not stay.
Some people traveled along the mountain road to the capital, while others traveled from a distance.
When Xie Kun once again entered the hall and bowed to the distinguished figure, his mindset had undergone a significant change. Back then, the other party was just the Prefect of Shangdang, and he was one of the four friends close to Minister Wang. However, in just one year, the other party had been promoted to the Northern Peace General, overseeing military affairs in two provinces, while he had lost his official position and came here to offer his services. The sequence of events made him deeply reflective.
Looking at the person below seeking to pay respects, Liang Feng smiled faintly, “Since we parted ways in Luoyang, I never expected to see Xie Lang again. I left in a hurry that day and didn’t have a chance to talk to Xie Lang, which is truly regrettable!”
His expression showed no displeasure. It seemed as if he had already forgotten the past grievances, leaving them behind in the past.
Xie Kun felt relieved and bowed again, saying, “Governor, your generosity makes me feel inadequate.”
Looking at Xie Lang, who, despite missing two teeth, still maintained his elegant demeanor, Liang Feng also felt some emotion. He was well aware of the Chen County Xie family. Xie An’s exploits in the Battle of Fei River were considered a classic in military history. Unexpectedly, the Xie brothers hadn’t moved south but had come to join him in the north. However, the crucial question was whether these two individuals could be of use.
On the day at Wang Yan’s residence, Xie Kun’s “performance” had left a lasting impression on Liang Feng. However, how much of this display was genuine, and how much was a fabricated illusion to fit into this turbulent era? Liang Feng admired literati but could not tolerate idleness like Minister Wang.
With a quick thought, Liang Feng continued, “Now that Bing County is initially stabilized and Ji County is not yet pacified, Xie Lang is renowned throughout the world and previously served in Wang’s residence. Your arrival is indeed my good fortune. Coincidentally, the position of the Interior Minister of Yueping is vacant. I wonder if Xie Lang is willing to take on the role?”
Xie Kun was stunned. He hadn’t expected Liang Feng to offer him the position of the Interior Minister of Yueping right away! Although it was not a position as close as a subordinate in the Provincial Governor’s Office or the Military Governor’s Office, this position, with a rank equivalent to two thousand stones, was higher than his previous official position!
However, before he could respond, Liang Feng added, “However, Yueping has just suffered from the calamities of war, and the livelihood of the people is in decline. It will require careful soothing. This matter is complicated and may require some effort on your part.”
Observing Liang Feng’s serious expression, Xie Kun suddenly realized. Giving him the position of Interior Minister rather than a subordinate was not a sign of appreciation but rather a test of his true talents. Even if he excelled in poetry, rhetoric, and musical arts, and possessed an open-minded temperament, what benefit would that bring to governing a state or a province? Liang Feng had made it clear at Wang Yan’s residence. A diligent political figure like him would not tolerate individuals like Wang Yan, who indulged in “delighting in remote impurities.”
Yueping was a small and remote state, recently devastated by war. If he failed to govern it well, Liang Feng would have a reason to dismiss him. If he focused too much on corrupt practices, how could he preserve the prestigious image he had painstakingly built?
This prestigious title, which made him stand out and allowed him to enter the hall, was he really going to give it up?
After just a moment of hesitation, Xie Kun boldly declared, “The humble official is not talented. Since the Governor values me, I will certainly not fail to live up to the Governor’s trust!”
He accepted the offer, and knowing what he was about to face, he accepted decisively. Liang Feng couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Xie Kun was indeed a figure from the distinguished Xie family, understanding the purpose behind Liang Feng’s request. Such a talent, as long as he could shed that extravagant demeanor, could truly be of use to him.
If Xie An were born in the diligent and industrious Bing County, would he still adopt the attitude of retiring to Dongshan?
A slight smile appeared on Liang Feng’s lips. In addition to the Xie brothers, there was also the recently arrived Chi Jian. This man was none other than the father-in-law of Wang Xizhi and the origin of the phrase “East Bed Husband.” Now he had been brought to Bing County by Liang Feng. As he ascended the high platform step by step, who knew how many old stories would be erased and how many new chapters would be written. Just thinking about it in this way brought about a strange sense of delight. Holding the brush and altering the painting, perhaps that was all there was to it.
With many talented individuals joining, public affairs became more numerous. There were countless banquets for welcoming and entertaining. In the blink of an eye, it was already past mid-August. On this day, after Liang Feng dispersed the banquet, he slowly returned to the rear courtyard. The sky had darkened, and the full moon rose in the night sky. The full moon in mid-autumn, placed in the future, would be a time for families to gather and celebrate the pleasant night. However, at this moment, the Mid-Autumn Festival has not yet been established. Even if literati appreciated the moon, it was merely a moment of leisure, not carrying so much sentiment.
Liang Feng had never attached importance to the Mid-Autumn Festival. His family had long since departed, so how could they reunite? It would only add to his troubles. However, after drinking some wine tonight, he felt a few moments of melancholy.
His steps paused, and he changed direction towards the nearby courtyard. There was still no one on duty in the courtyard, but the lights were on inside the house, as if someone had yet to go to sleep, waiting for his return. Liang Feng didn’t often stay on Yiyan’s side, and tonight, he had come on a whim without considering whether Yiyan had already gone to bed. Now, seeing the lights, a warm feeling filled his heart, and he walked towards the door.
“Boyuan, have you gone to sleep?” Naturally, Liang Feng pushed the door open, intending to enter, but he suddenly froze in place. On the couch inside, a person with an unrestrained demeanor sat, seemingly just bathed, with hair still wet and untouched, currently applying medicine to himself.
Not expecting Liang Feng’s arrival, Yiyan stood up in surprise, “Lord, why have you come?”
However, as the words left his mouth, he remembered what day it was today and added, “Is it that you don’t like this full moon?”
Having spent so much time with his lord, Yiyan was naturally more familiar with his preferences than others. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, the lord would be in a bad mood for several days, melancholic and unhappy. Even the joy of a bountiful harvest couldn’t change that. However, he hadn’t expected that the lord would come to see him this time.
Liang Feng opened his mouth but only managed to squeeze out a sentence, “The injuries on your body…”
Yiyan lowered his head to take a look and straightened his clothes. The wounds on his body were numerous, and he usually concealed them under his clothes. Now, exposed, they looked somewhat ferocious.
“It’s nothing. Just some minor injuries. With a bit more medicine, they will heal.” Yiyan replied nonchalantly, trying to appear at ease.
Those were not minor injuries! Liang Feng felt his brows furrowing as he saw wounds of various sizes scattered across Yiyan’s chest and abdomen. Many were freshly stitched, showing purplish-blue bruises. For a military commander like Yiyan, stitches were often done with sheep gut and left to dissolve in the flesh. However, these gruesome marks, how could they be easily erased?
Taking a couple of steps forward, Liang Feng spoke, “Take it off.”
Yiyan’s breath hitched. What did he hear?
But Liang Feng didn’t stop, “Take off your outer garment, let me see.”
Now Yiyan realized that his lord wanted to see the injuries on his body. However, many of the wounds had just closed, and he knew better than anyone about the ferocity of these injuries. He didn’t look good, to begin with; how could he expose these frightening scars?
However, Liang Feng didn’t give him time to hesitate. He walked over directly, opened Yiyan’s loosely fastened shirt, and revealed the striking dark bruises. The stitches, small and large, seemed to piece together the figure in front of him. A scar, more than three inches long, crossed his waist, and a little more, it might have cut him open. There were no knife wounds on his chest, but there were two or three arrow scars. Fortunately, they weren’t from tri-barbed arrows; otherwise, he might have had to remove a substantial piece of flesh.
In these days, he had been constantly with this person, yet he had not truly seen these terrifying medals. There were more than twenty wounds of various sizes, but just by looking at them, one could imagine the peril he faced on that day. Liang Feng had been consoling Yiyan, trying to erase the battlefield trauma lingering in his heart. However, now it seemed that he might be even more tenacious than the most resilient warriors Liang Feng had ever seen…
Almost involuntarily, Liang Feng reached out and lightly touched the long scar that disrupted the texture of Yiyan’s waist. If it weren’t for these wounds, how perfect would this physique be?
Liang Feng felt a pang of heartache, but Yiyan, as if shocked, suddenly grabbed the hand that was causing the disturbance, “Lord!”
“You should let someone else apply the medicine. What if you worsen it…” Liang Feng was still saying.
However, Yiyan couldn’t bear it any longer. He spread his arms, pulling that unruly hand close to his chest, “Those medicines can’t save me; only the Lord can…”
He held him tightly as if his heartbeat could be imprinted on Liang Feng’s chest. The warm breath, the rhythmic movement against his ribs, finally made Liang Feng come to his senses.
Wait a minute, did he drink himself into confusion? The person in front of him was not one of those brothers bound by life and death but a newly confirmed lover. Doing this was like courting disaster!
However, the other party didn’t wait for his reaction. The powerful hand that could control a three-stone bow slowly kneaded and pressed against Liang Feng’s spine as if trying to loosen every muscle and bone.
The breath swirled around his neck, brushed across his cheek, and landed on his lips.
It wasn’t like the fiery kisses of the past, filled with an insatiable hunger that could devour a person. On the contrary, this kiss was light and shallow, as if coaxing and longing. It was entirely different from the firm arms that held him.
This sense of unease, more than the usual passion, was even more heart-stirring. Liang Feng had also been young and reckless and knew the tantalizing feeling of being irresistibly drawn to someone. Suppressing it was incredibly difficult. However, the person beside him had endured it, endured it for who knows how many years. Even now, it was only step by step, little by little, that he sought from him, never truly indulging.
Even with scars all over his body, even with an anxious heart.
Liang Feng opened his mouth and met the probing tongue of the other party. The tension in his heart finally loosened completely.
Since he could give, why be stingy?
This silent agreement instantly made Yiyan’s breathing become heavy, and along with that, the kiss became more intense. The hand kneading his back exerted even more force. Already slightly intoxicated, and now being caressed like this, Liang Feng’s breathing became chaotic, panting heavily. In the next moment, everything seemed to spin, and he found himself lying down on the bed.
The bed was not particularly soft, but at this moment, Liang Feng didn’t notice. The candlelight was still burning, allowing him to clearly see the person pressing down on him. Those gray-blue eyes shimmered in the dim light, filled with hunger and eagerness, like a deep abyss enticing someone to lose themselves. Under the stimulating gaze, Liang Feng’s back shivered. He reached out, embracing the other’s shoulders, and kissed him again.
This kiss was unlike the previous one, even more disorderly, disrupting the rhythm. The hands, calloused, ventured into clothing, fiercely as if trying to scrape away the heat embedded in the bones. The long-forgotten addiction was aroused once again, and Liang Feng’s gasps became louder. The fervor urged him to take, to plunder in his accustomed way. However, the person on top completely restrained him, rendering him unable to move.
“Boyuan…” Liang Feng grabbed the other’s disheveled hair, wanting to say something.
His voice choked in his throat. Yiyan leaned down and bit his neck. The slightly pointed canine teeth pressed against the throat, and the tongue sucked on the pulsating vein on the side of the neck, as if a wild beast was enjoying its feast. The sense of danger, like an electric current, struck Liang Feng, making his spine tingle.
However, the other party did not stop; instead, they slid downward along the loosened robe. While termed as kisses, it resembled more a possessive nibbling—too forceful, too eager, leaving no inch untouched. The strong hands, like iron clamps, tightly gripped the waist, exerting force without restraint.
This was unlike any bedmate experience Liang Feng had encountered before. The excessively intense caresses prompted him to struggle, his body swaying, attempting to escape from this confined restraint, to regain control over his own. Yet, the more he resisted, the more it fueled the flames.
The pulled-down trousers slid down the thighs, a hand seizing the raised knee, pushing it outward, revealing the slightly engorged organ underneath. Without hesitation, Yiyan bent down and took it into his mouth.
The scorching oral embrace enveloped the most sensitive area. Caught off guard, Liang Feng tumbled back onto the bed, his head buzzing loudly. It had been a long time since his “ailment” had surfaced, almost making him forget the pleasure he once coveted. Yet, at this moment, everything surged back, seizing his bone marrow, vigorously rubbing and igniting a fire.
Even the clumsy technique became a part of the pleasure. Liang Feng wasn’t sure if he had fully hardened; his vision was filled with stars, and even his voice trembled.
“Gentle…gentler…”
Teeth scraped against the tender skin of the shaft, he tightened his fingers, wanting to grasp the strands of the man’s hair to pull him away. However, his body betrayed his will; he couldn’t exert any force. His arms trembled incessantly, and even his toes curled into a ball.
Unable to contain the climax, the semi-erect thing twitched twice, releasing a small stream.
This was too fast. In that instant, Liang Feng clenched his teeth, emitting a choked groan reminiscent of a sob before the peak of pleasure had descended, leaving him breathless.
Moreover, Yiyan didn’t move away…
Indeed, Yiyan didn’t retreat. With a swallow, he ingested the fluid. The thing he held in his mouth wasn’t fully hardened, now trembling weakly. However, at this moment, Yiyan couldn’t recall much more. The Lord liked it. He liked it…
Lifting himself, he looked down at the person beneath him. The flickering lamp cast a warm glow in the room. The man lay sprawled on the bed, robes loosely hanging, exposing a glistening snow-white skin adorned with mottled marks. Perhaps due to breathlessness, his long neck arched, his chest slightly heaving, resembling a white crane nestled in his arms.
The Lord was on his bed.
Leaning down, Yiyan fiercely kissed the person’s lips. The earlier struggle disappeared, and he breathed deeply, opening his mouth to welcome the other’s tongue. The somewhat pungent taste mingled in their mouths, blending with saliva into a cohesive whole.
The taste wasn’t that great. Liang Feng had indeed never tasted his own bodily fluids, but now the fiery tongue was almost poking down his throat forcefully, causing a suffocating sensation. The lingering aftertaste, which hadn’t completely dissipated, quickly ignited again, carrying a lazy and pleasant sensation. Liang Feng didn’t hesitate much, reaching out to the thing that had been pressing against his lower abdomen all along. Firm, hot, and enviable in size.
He tightened his palm, enclosing that object.
The movements of the person on top stiffened, but that thing responded immediately, swelling another round. Liang Feng had intended to say something, perhaps a teasing remark or two, but Yiyan suddenly moved. The coarse and long object, like a living creature, squeezed through his grip, poking against his abdomen, igniting another wave of tremors.
“Lord… Lord…” Ignoring the kisses for a moment, Yiyan tilted his head slightly, softly calling out. It no longer sounded like calling someone but more like confirming something.
The scorching breath blew in his ears, mingling with the unstoppable movements, intensifying the passion. Liang Feng felt his earlobes burning, giving rise to a strangely inverted sense of pleasure. Pinned beneath someone, thoroughly invaded, he felt powerless to resist. He had toppled countless girls before, but he never thought that one day he would experience the same treatment.
Yet, the sensation wasn’t unpleasant.
Once more, the tip poked into the soft abdomen, and the released fluid dampened the tiger’s mouth. Stimulated by the unusual feeling, Liang Feng involuntarily leaned against the other’s shoulder. There seemed to be a scar there, long and distinct to the touch. Yiyan’s injuries hadn’t fully healed, and they should take it easy, but who could remember that now? Blood surged within, making his breath as hurried as the person on top of him.
A pang at the neck, bitten again. Liang Feng moaned, and the thing in his hand jumped a couple of times, hot liquid splashing and soiling their lower abdomen. Yet, the two remained intertwined, from the hips to the chest, drenched in sweat, sticking together, unable to separate.
He had truly fallen for it. Amidst the low gasps, Liang Feng withdrew his sore wrist, using his wet fingers to stroke the other’s back, and closed his eyes.
Translator’s corner:
Wow ( •͈૦•͈ ) I didn’t see that coming. Did you? ¬‿¬
