Chapter 2.4

Early in the morning, the atmosphere in the general’s camp was quite strange.

After inspecting the training grounds and checking on the wounded soldiers’ recovery, he had climbed the city gate to listen to the soldiers’ reports on enemy movements before returning for breakfast.

General Yuan Buqu, known for his efficiency and boundless energy, was unusually distracted during the meal.

Sha Shao, slowly sipping fragrant tea and fanning himself, watched Yuan Buqu’s deep expression with amusement, not breaking the peculiar silence. He was always one to act with calm and patience.

Yuan Buqu, completely uninterested in his food, fiddled with the rice in his bowl before putting down his chopsticks and staring blankly at the lotus flower painted on the bowl’s edge.

He had never seen a woman so beautiful! Elegant and delicate like a lotus flower, yet so fragile! He had always despised weak women. His previous two wives had both been weak—one could not survive the winter, and the other could not keep their child. He had had enough of weak women and had decided to marry Li Yuhu because she was strong and could bear him several children… But she had escaped… Was it a coincidence? The woman claimed to be the “general’s wife”—his wife! Such ridiculous lies! To claim to be his wife in front of him…

What a clever woman, isn’t she? He had been dazed for half an hour before waking up. He would find her. As long as she was in the camp, she would not escape his grasp!

Since she had the audacity to claim she was his wife, she would have to pay a price! And what he most wanted to know was her purpose for coming here!

What did she want to do?

After his morning patrol, she was not among the soldiers; therefore, finding her would be easier! He knew he would find someone in that direction, so he wasn’t in a hurry. Let her be scared for a while longer as punishment for last night’s deception.

A woman who dared to mingle among men couldn’t be an honorable woman… even though she had the birthmark symbolizing innocence!

Yuan Buqu’s lips curled into a faint smile. To remain unnoticed and blend in among men was quite impressive! It at least proved she wasn’t a foolish woman. A smart woman! He had finally seen it! Women could indeed be so clever! He knew he had frightened her, but she hadn’t fainted and had even had the energy to resist him despite her fear—impressive!

However, she still shouldn’t exist! He would find her, place her in a guesthouse within his city, and then he would keep her and make sure she was raised strong, not letting her die easily!

Sha Pingwei strode into the tent, breaking the oppressive atmosphere inside. He was one of the privileged individuals who could enter the general’s tent without prior notice, bare-chested, indicating he had just returned from the training grounds.

“The first batch of supplies for the month has arrived in the city! I heard there are fresh pears from Jiangnan among them. Brother Yuan, just to let you know, I’m picking a few to send to someone.”

“Is it that little brother of yours again?” Sha Shao spoke up first, scolding him, “Instead of pursuing a young lady from a respectable family, or at least a well-bred girl, you’re fussing over that handsome young boy. He’s not even related to you—aren’t you being too overly attentive?” A few days ago, he had heard his son rave about that beautiful young man from Jiangnan. It wasn’t the right kind of infatuation; it was too much attention! Sha Shao disapproved.

Sha Pingwei scratched the back of his head.

“We’re friends! He’s an eighteen-year-old boy, and since he has no relatives here, who’s going to take care of him if not me? Besides, he’s so good-looking! If he were a girl, I’d be stubbornly pursuing him! But since he’s a boy, I have to look after him like a younger brother! Otherwise, I’d worry some inappropriate men in the team might mistake him for a girl and treat him improperly!” He simply wanted to protect Du Bing naturally, without any notions of homosexuality.

“Who are you talking about?” Yuan Buqu asked calmly, already certain it was her!

Sha Pingwei, in a cheerful mood, elaborated on Du Bing’s background and appearance.

“I guarantee you’ll believe that ‘beautiful man’ is an apt description once you see him. No wonder Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty fell for a man and was willing to sacrifice his country! Before seeing Du Bing, I would have found it disgusting that men are infatuated with men. But if a man is obsessed with Du Bing, I’d find it perfectly normal—he’s so beautiful! Beautiful enough to make it hard to see him as a man!”

“Is that so?” Yuan Buqu smiled. It was her! He was eager to see how handsome she looked in men’s clothing! To think that someone could disguise so well that others couldn’t tell she was a woman in a man’s attire! Perhaps men’s eyes were blinded! Just as he was about to call for her, the distant sound of war drums was heard. He immediately got up, put on his cloak, and ordered, “Get dressed, and send ten squads to the front to stand by!”

“Understood!” Sha Pingwei immediately responded with a serious expression and left the tent in a hurry.

All answers were postponed because of this small battle! But when he returned, she would have nowhere to run! Little woman, just wait!

Deliberately flipping up her collar and making sure no flaws were visible, she stopped looking at the bronze mirror. The man had bitten her neck, leaving bruises. Had he anticipated that? Her mind was anxious all day, afraid that the closed door might be suddenly burst open by that terrifying man from last night. She had only seen his face clearly by about fifty percent, but his presence was unparalleled! No soldier compared to him; even the normally imposing Sha Pingwei didn’t have half of that man’s aura.

She adjusted her collar again, sighing. What was she feeling? Was she scared or hopeful? Oh heavens! How could she have hopeful thoughts? That was a lowly thought! After all, she was a married woman—partly to the Qi family, with no family background; partly to the Yuan family, having married wrongly. In any case, she didn’t belong to that man! He had no right to take so much from her! But—she had given him everything a husband should have, except the consummation. She should feel ashamed… but she didn’t! Had she become shameless? However, in terms of recognition, if the husband who first saw her body was indeed her husband, then he should be considered her husband, right? After all, she had never met the other two main suitors. Perhaps the Qi family’s young master had already passed away! And the Yuan family’s man wasn’t her real husband…

Confused! Truly confused! It stirred the already complicated situation. What should she do? That frightening man had taken over all her thoughts; what did that signify?

“Little brother Du! Little brother Du?”

Feng Yufeng’s voice and hurried steps quickly opened her door. He grabbed the medicine ingredients, sweating profusely!

“What’s wrong? Brother Feng, what happened? Isn’t today just a small skirmish?” Her anxiety was heightened by Feng Yufeng’s urgency, unsure of what major event had occurred.

After Feng Yufeng placed some medicine into the medicine box, he said, “The general was hit by a cold arrow! He took the hit to save that fool Pingwei. Otherwise, Pingwei would have been a corpse by now! Follow me.” He walked out and continued, “Recent victories made that kid let down his guard. After today’s battle, he recklessly pursued the enemy, who had ambushed him with archers. A volley of arrows came in, and if the general hadn’t used his whip to pull Pingwei off his horse and taken an arrow himself, the Sha family might have been wiped out!”

“How are the casualties today?” Du Bingyan followed him briskly, feeling anxious, not knowing whether her unease was about Sha Pingwei or General Yuan!

“The soldiers are in good condition. Our priority is to attend to the general in the main tent!”

She suddenly stopped in her tracks.

“Do I—do I need to go too?”

Feng Yufeng looked at her curiously.

“Your medical skills are sufficient! I need to remove the barbed arrow from the general’s wound. This type of injury is difficult to treat. You should learn, as you’ll face more of these wounds in future large-scale battles. Du Bing, now is not the time to be scared! The general doesn’t eat people.”

“I understand.” Her reply was tinged with helplessness. Finally, she would see Yuan Buqu’s true face! Her fear was overwhelming, but—perhaps this was her only chance! She had to see what kind of person he was. Besides, he was injured, wasn’t he? Maybe he was unconscious, making it a good time to observe him. Yes! There was nothing to be afraid of!

After passing through multiple layers of stern guards, they finally entered the main general’s tent. Inside, there were further divisions: the inner quarters for the general’s rest, and the outer area for the general and his strategists to command and plan. Upon entering the outer area, she first saw Sha Pingwei, looking disheveled and with a few minor injuries, alongside an elderly scholar in his fifties, holding a Kongming fan. His eyes sparkled with wisdom, and he resembled Sha Pingwei, presumably the great strategist Sha Shao!

“You’re Du Bing?” Sha Shao spoke her name accurately, his perceptive eyes thoroughly examining her.

Du Bingyan immediately felt a pang of fear! What had he seen?

“Yes, I am Du Bing.”

Sha Shao smiled, about to move closer to ask her something, when Sha Pingwei suddenly intervened between them, “Father, now is not the time for pleasantries! Let Uncle Feng and the others in to tend to the general’s injuries!”

Feng Yufeng, unable to laught at Pingwei’s impatience, could imagine that Pingwei must be feeling a lot of self-blame! Additionally, his father had probably scolded him for a while! At this moment, only treating Yuan Buqu’s injury could alleviate Pingwei’s anxiety somewhat. He frowned and said, “Your injuries need treatment too. Du Bing, go in first, remove the general’s armor, and clean his wounds. I’ll join you shortly.”

“Yes,” she replied, immediately moving into the inner tent. She could feel Sha Shao’s scrutinizing gaze on her, wishing she could escape that all-seeing feeling! The general… he should be unconscious, right? She hoped so!

In the inner tent, there was only a small oil lamp hanging by the entrance. The sunlight from outside couldn’t reach inside, only dimly illuminating a large figure half-reclining on the bed, with a silvery battle robe glinting slightly. She carefully placed the lamp on the platform by the bedpost. Originally, she intended to sneak a look at his appearance, but since she was certain the general was in a deep sleep, she felt bolder. However, the blood soaking through the white robe on his left shoulder was so shocking that she had no time to sneak a glance! She was afraid he might bleed out. So, she hurried to clean his wound. The broken arrow’s tip had embedded deeply into his left shoulder; it was a near-fatal injury, fortunately, blocked by the helmet. It must have been extremely painful!

As her fingers touched the man’s collar, she suddenly realized that he was male, and she was female! She quickly pulled her hands away. Even faster, the man’s right hand agilely grabbed her withdrawing wrist, pulling her into his embrace on the bed!

“Ah!” She exclaimed, meeting a pair of eagle-like eyes!

It was him? It was him!

No need to see his face clearly; just those eyes brought back all her memories from the night before! He was actually the general! The formidable Yuan Buqu… her… husband!

“You’re Yuan Buqu?”

“Indeed! And you’re the woman who claims to be the general’s wife, my wife! Can’t even recognize me?” His deep voice was full of sarcasm, completely contrasting with his intense gaze, almost making one forget his severe injuries! But she couldn’t forget! Because when she fell onto him, she inevitably came into contact with his blood-soaked body!

“I—”

Just as she was about to say something, Feng Yufeng’s entrance saved her from the awkward situation.

“Du Bing, have you cleaned the general’s wound?”

“Not—yet!” She quickly pulled her hand back.

“Why didn’t you bring a night pearl to light the room?” Feng Yufeng opened a box on the table, and instantly, the room was brightly illuminated, revealing everyone’s appearance clearly!

She held her breath as she saw Yuan Buqu’s true face.

His sharp, intelligent eyes shone with profound wisdom, yet were as deep as the sea, showing no trace of emotional fluctuation. His natural aura alone commanded respect. And, he wasn’t unattractive at all, overturning her prejudices against soldiers! He wasn’t like a rough Zhang Fei with a beard, nor was his robust physique akin to a wild bear.

He might not be conventionally handsome, but he was striking and intimidating! Every line of his body was rigid, showing no softness or gentleness. His thick brows and sharp eyes were already imposing enough, and the thin, tight line of his lips beneath his pronounced nose added to his cold, ruthless aura—was he really as he appeared?

Feng Yufeng’s exclamation broke their deep and intense gaze!

“God! Sha Shao didn’t tell me the arrow was poisoned! Damn it! Du Bing, quickly bring some water and mix in a packet of antidote powder!”

“Oh, yes!”

Hearing the word “poison,” Du Bingyan panicked instantly! Oh my God! Was it the poison causing the continuous bleeding? Why hadn’t he passed out yet and could still talk? And she had even fallen on his wound…

She quickly fetched a basin of water, while Feng Yufeng focused entirely on how to remove the barbed arrow. Yuan Buqu simply said, “I have taken the antidote pill, so don’t panic.”

“You should be asleep! The medicine must not be enough…”

“Don’t make me faint!” Yuan Buqu commanded firmly. He always faced every healing process with full consciousness.

Feng Yufeng knew his temperament too well and could only be as careful as possible to avoid causing him more pain.

“Du Bing, heat the knife on the fire!”

Du Bingyan quickly took a thin, leaf-like knife and held it by the bedpost to heat it. She didn’t dare look at Yuan Buqu again, let alone at the bloody, mangled wound on his left shoulder. But every sense told her that Yuan Buqu’s gaze was constantly on her! She was now as close to him as she could be, standing by the bed, biting her red lips and firmly commanding herself not to look at him.

This wasn’t the time for open honesty, but she wondered what kind of scrutiny Yuan Buqu was giving her! Last night, she was just a fleeing camp prostitute to him; today, what was she?

“Du Bing, the knife,” Feng Yufeng extended his hand toward her.

She quickly handed him the heated knife, accidentally burning her fingers in the process. Ouch… Had she heated it too much? Such heat could cook flesh… Du Bingyan anxiously looked at his wound; blood was flowing profusely, and Feng Yufeng seemed to plan to enlarge the wound to remove the barbed arrow. Although she had read about this method in books, it still seemed very brutal! It must be extremely painful for him…

“Are you afraid of blood?” Yuan Buqu asked her, confident that Feng Yufeng was too busy with the treatment to notice; in fact, Feng Yufeng hoped the distraction would alleviate some of the pain.

“I’m not afraid of blood,” she replied. What she was afraid of was the pain he was enduring and the concern surging in her heart.

“Old Feng, is this ‘little brother’ of yours a relative?”

“No! I’m accompanying Du Bing to Liangma City. Although he’s a scholarly youth from Yangzhou in Jiangnan, he’s quite clever! Only eighteen years old! It wouldn’t be surprising if he becomes a top scholar in the capital one day! He has read almost all the books I brought and can even recite them; he’s also learning medicine quite well, much better than those mediocre doctors! General, please consider promoting him!”

“Is he from Yangzhou? Is he married?” Yuan Buqu’s gaze became more insistent, almost mocking! He assessed her flattened chest, then moved to her slim waist beneath the wide robe, and finally to her delicate, pale face.

He knew she couldn’t be married! She gritted her teeth and replied, “Achievement first, then marriage—why talk about it?”

“Get married first, then make a career—why not talk about that?”

“I’m still young, unlike the general who is already famous and has to focus on legacy,” she replied sharply, almost as if she was rebuking him!

Feng Yufeng gasped and scolded, “Du Bing! You’re being too disrespectful! Apologize quickly!” He then turned to Yuan Buqu, “He’s just a kid, young and impetuous. General, please don’t take it to heart.”

Du Bingyan’s big, clear eyes met Yuan Buqu’s! Yes, his entire presence was intimidating, and she should be afraid! But it seemed he was provoking her with every word, making her forget his high status and physical strength, and causing her to resist him instead of being frightened. She was somewhat bewildered! In her eighteen years of life, she had been accustomed to unfair treatment; her parents’ only leniency was letting her learn to read with her brother, while the rest of her youth was constrained by the three obediences and four virtues. Even though she had strong willpower, it was well hidden; since this world was ruled by men, what could she do but be compliant? She had never voiced her dissatisfaction or rebutted anyone! Yet today, she had dared to defy the highest-ranking officer in the camp! And he could easily expose her true identity and have her executed. How could she forget her fear? How could she? Most surprisingly, she wondered how she could forget the proper conduct expected of a noblewoman and lose her grace.

Without a doubt, Yuan Buqu was drawing out a side of her she didn’t want to reveal—her own thoughts in this forbidden era. She lowered her eyes in a trembling, respectful manner and said, “I apologize, General. Please forgive me.”

“Well said!” His face turned pale instantly, and he began to sweat coldly.

Du Bingyan, in a panic, saw Feng Yufeng digging into the flesh to try and remove the deeply embedded arrow. The knife reached the shoulder blade… Oh my God! How could a person endure so much pain while conscious? Without realizing it, she sat by the bed and held his clenched right hand. He seemed to be struggling to endure the severe pain and to stay conscious, glaring at her with authoritative eyes. He was trying to distract himself from the pain, focusing instead on her face.

His hand shifted to grasp her soft hand, and his gaze lowered to her delicate, smooth palm.

It was a woman’s hand, with long, clean fingers, nails trimmed to a perfect round shape and pinkish-white. The palm was warm and inviting to touch.

“Red, tender hands—” he murmured softly, just audible to her and interpretable! His eyes conveyed the message: how could any man think she wasn’t a woman? No man would have such hands, not even the weakest of men.

His willpower was finally overcome by the effects of the medicine! Feng Yufeng secretly sprinkled some medicine on the wound. He knew Yuan Buqu’s temper too well! But this injury was too troublesome; he couldn’t bear to act before making him faint.

When Yuan Buqu’s eyelids grew heavy, he seemed to realize it and gave Feng Yufeng a fierce glare before issuing an order: “Let Du Bing take care of me.”

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