Chapter 8: A Bit Heavy-Handed
Yang Zhan leapt down from the rooftop, greeted by Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Sons. At this moment, all three radiated a deadly seriousness, their faces resolute—no longer the frivolous prison guards they'd once been.
"Second Master, they're all still here!" Fifth Son saluted.
"When the captain of the city guard arrives, have them drag away the bodies. As for the rest, just deal with it however you see fit."
"Understood, Second Master!"
The three clasped their fists respectfully, waiting for Yang Zhan to enter through the iron door into the backyard.
Pushing open the door, a wave of warmth rushed out. Yang Zhan paused, almost wondering if he'd come to the wrong place. Everything was so neat, with a faint fragrance lingering in the air. Though simple and modest, it was well kept.
A fire burned in the stove. In this cozy room, Luyang wore much lighter clothing, quietly mending Yang Zhan’s worn robe.
Upon seeing him enter, she immediately rose and took off his snow-dusted outer garment, revealing the thin clothes beneath.
Turning, she said, “Second Master, I’ll fetch water for you.”
Luyang quickly poured hot water from the stove into a wooden tub. Yang Zhan took a seat, glancing around, feeling somewhat out of place.
In past years, the life of a soldier was rough and unrefined. No need for fuss.
For the past three years, with just a prison chief and a man around, there was little reason to tidy up—at most, tidying up before going out to the roast chicken shop to sneak a taste, or to admire the charming landlady. During festivals, a little cleaning was done since Sixth Son’s sister would visit.
But now, with no holiday or outings, the house was as pristine as if newly bought.
Having a woman in the house changed everything instantly.
No wonder noble mansions were always filled with countless maidservants.
Suddenly, Yang Zhan looked down to see Luyang crouched before him, removing his boots.
He was about to speak when he caught sight of the red outline of her undergarment beneath her collar.
In that instant, his usual stubbornness stirred.
He suddenly wondered if it was time to find himself a wife.
But then, considering his current predicament, he dismissed the thought.
Luyang’s hands were soft as she placed his feet into the wooden tub, gently massaging them.
She looked up, her face illuminated by the lamp’s glow—her features growing more beautiful with each glance: a proud nose, warm red lips, strands of hair cascading down.
“Second Master, your feet are so warm. On such a cold day, I thought they’d be freezing.”
“Men tend to have strong inner fire.”
“Oh!”
***
As Luyang washed his feet, Yang Zhan couldn’t help but smile. In all these years, this was the first time he had been treated like this.
Thinking back, if only the Emperor had used such sweet words three years ago instead of threats...
Well, those sweet words were met with equal force!
Leaning back in his chair, Yang Zhan closed his eyes.
Luyang continued, “Second Master, you know, many people admire you, especially the young lads. The scholars at Jixia Academy, even the eunuchs and commoners in the Crown Prince’s Mansion—all say you are the greatest general of the Great Xia.”
Yang Zhan chuckled, “What’s there to admire? I’m just an old soldier.”
“That’s not true. Many, many people admire you. Do you know why?”
“Why?”
“Because you were born poor, yet rose from a lowly soldier to the Grand General of the Divine Martial Army. Undefeated, invincible. Even the terrifying barbarian armies dare not cross you anymore.”
Luyang’s face flushed with passion. As if worried Yang Zhan wouldn’t believe her, she added, “Really, whenever people speak of General Yang, they praise him endlessly. Those conscripted boys all want to join the Divine Martial Army—to follow you and make their names.”
“Don’t they know I got into trouble and was demoted to a lowly clerk?”
“Who would know such things? Everyone thinks you still command the Divine Martial Army, stationed at Beiji. Those who do know, stand up for you. Even the scholars at Jixia Academy petitioned the Ministry of War on your behalf.”
Listening to Luyang’s words while she washed his feet, Yang Zhan felt so comfortable he nearly fell asleep.
When she finished, she said softly, “Second Master, rest on the bed now.”
Yang Zhan stood and lay down immediately.
The blood in his body began to flow steadily, accompanied by his even breathing.
Luyang looked at him, seemingly already asleep. She rubbed her sleeve nervously and bit her lip.
“Second Master, are you going to sleep so soon?”
Seeing no response, she stomped her small foot, pouted, and reluctantly lay down beside the bed.
That night passed without incident.
No one came to break into the prison again.
Under Luyang’s care, Yang Zhan’s clothes were washed clean and fragrant.
He sighed inwardly—if life went on like this, he might just be softened by all this sweetness.
***
“Second Master!”
“Second Master!”
The three sons rushed over as Yang Zhan emerged, their cheeks flushed.
Wearing distressed expressions, they said, “Second Master, those damned Internal Affairs Department men not only refused to give me what I asked for, but slapped me!”
“Damn it! Who hit you? You should have fought back! None of my men ever back down!”
At these words, their faces brightened.
“Heh, I did fight back, but…”
“But what?”
“I might have hit a little too hard.”
Yang Zhan frowned. “How hard?”
“One eunuch and five guards. Some bones are probably broken, but no one’s dead.”
Bang!
Yang Zhan slapped his forehead.
This kid was like a child who’d been bullied and came running to complain to his elders.
And yet he was whining after a total victory!
The boy cautiously asked, “Second Master, did I get us into trouble?”
“No big deal. But did they know you’re one of mine?”
“They didn’t. They’re new people, not the old eunuchs from the Internal Affairs Department.”
Yang Zhan frowned. “Didn’t you give them my name?”
“I did. Didn’t matter.”
“Damn it, I gave them face!”
Yang Zhan’s face darkened. “I’m going to find them!”
“No need, Second Master. They’re already outside.”
“Perfect timing!”
Yang Zhan strode out confidently.
At the prison gate, he froze.
In the glaring snow lay over a dozen armored imperial guards, groaning in pain.
Yang Zhan’s mouth twitched. Damn it, couldn’t they pick anyone else to mess with besides his Divine Martial Army men?
Serves them right.
“Second Master!” Fourth Son saluted, excited. “They started it!”
“In this situation, who started it makes no difference. That eunuch…”
Fourth Son pointed to a nearby snowbank.
There, a eunuch in a green round-collared shirt cowered on the ground, trembling.
“Bring him here!”
“Yes!”
Fourth Son marched forward and dragged the little eunuch to his feet.
“Ah… you dogs have the gall to hit my Internal Affairs Department men? You’re dead! Let go, let go! This is rebellion, you’re doomed!”
The eunuch’s voice was sharp and grating.
“Shut up!”
Yang Zhan snapped coldly, silencing the eunuch instantly.
The eunuch stared dumbfounded at Yang Zhan, utterly lost.