Chapter 101
 

Chapter 101 part 1

Editor: Otwentyfirst 

Hua Zhu Yu silently gazed at Xiao Yin .

The sleeve of his purple robes trembled in the wind as he stood there, an austere expression upon his face . When he caught her gaze, his lips lifted in a smile as he said, “Kid, we’ll meet again on the battlefield . One day, this Emperor will bring you back here . ”

Hua Zhu Yu responded with a bitter smile and turned to follow Ji Feng Li and Tang Yu .

Xiao Yin was right . They would see each again on the battlefield .

There was no such thing as siblings, friends, or lovers on the battlefield – only two armies opposing each other .

If she said she wasn’t saddened by this she would be lying . After all, he had loved and protected her once . She had also thought that Southern and Northern Kingdom could coexist in harmony and that she and Xiao Yin could be friends since they were linked together by Jin Se . But after tonight, that dream shattered .

As soon as they left the residence, several men in black emerged from their hiding places . Riding over on horseback, it was clear they were Ji Feng Li’s men .

A horse of maroon hue with a hint of gold trotted over to Ji Feng Li . It’s eyes were bright and luminous, flas.h.i.+ng ablaze . It was a purebred Huohorse that was extremely rare .

No one was more clear than Hua Zhu Yu how important it was for a general to have an excellent horse on the battlefield . As soon as she saw the horse, Hua Zhu Yu had taken a liking to it . In the past, she rode a horse named Zhui Dian (Chasing Lightning) . Its body was white with a large red patch on its chest . From afar, the patch looked like a strike of lightning bolt . When she returned to Yu City, she had handed her horse over to Kang Xiao Si’s care . As soon as she saw this towering Huo horse tonight, she was reminded of Zhui Dian .

This Huo horse was highly intelligent . It trotted over to Ji Feng Li and got down on its two front knees like it was cognizant that Ji Feng Li was injured . Ji Feng Li tore his clothes and used it to bandage his injury before slowly mounting the horse . Neighing twice, the horse then stood up .

Every horse was accounted for with a rider on its back; there wasn’t an extra one for her to ride . Hua Zhu Yu was hesitating, not sure what to do when suddenly his voice sounded above, “Give me your hand . ”

His soft voice was like the fleeting wind, pure as wine .

Rockets soared across the night sky to land on the eaves of the houses behind them . Each equipped with a cloth soaked in oil, which caught fire in the howling wind .

Hua Zhu Yu looked back to see Ji Feng Li before the backdrop of this burning fire . His face was pale and he was gazing deeply at her . He had one hand on the reins and the other extended toward her .  The sleeve of his white robes trembled in the wind like a furling cloud .  

Though the feud between them ran deep like the endless sea, when she heard Ji Feng Li’s words, she couldn’t help but be slightly shaken .

She slowly lifted her hand but before she placed it in his, she abruptly stopped . Her attention was drawn to the bandage soaked in crimson red .

Xiao Yin’s strike was not weak . She could see how pale his face was under the light of the fire . His wound was so grievous she was afraid he would lose too much blood if he were to command the horse . It would surely worsen his injury, maybe even result in his death . She hated him but

she knew he couldn’t die just yet .

Hua Zhu Yu furrowed her brows and refused his offered hand . Instead she jumped up and seated herself in front of him, grabbed the reins, and gripped the sides of the horse with her legs commanding it to move . The horse obediently ran forward .  

translations at peachblossomgrove . com

Hua Zhu Yu could faintly feel Ji Feng Li lean against her back from behind . She stiffened feeling a strong sense of regret . She was too impulsive earlier! Two people riding the same horse … of course they would have physical contact . She coldly shouted, “Stop flailing about or I’ll kick you off the horse!”

Her voice was exceedingly cold and sharp .

The body behind her stiffened before scooting back .

The horse didn’t seem to like her tone and after a dissatisfied neigh, slowed down . Hua Zhu Yu realized she was being unreasonable, afterall it wasn’t like Ji Feng Li was her subordinate . Not to mention it was his horse to begin with .

Ji Feng Li didn’t seem to mind as his lips hooked into a smile . He patted the horse’s side and whispered, “Sui Yang, be obedient!” Hua Zhu Yu let out a sigh of relief as the horse resumed its previous speed .

With Sui Yang’s swift speed they left Yangguan city in no time, proving just how precious this purebred was .

The army of Southern Kingdom was still besieging the city . One could hear the rallying cries of the bugle horns and drums in addition to the earth shattering sounds of battle .

They could see the reflection of the torches in the sky as they left the city gates, the Southern Army not too far off in the distance .

Suddenly the tw.a.n.g of multiple bowstrings tore through the sky as a rain of arrows fell down from above .

Hua Zhu Yu glanced back at the city wall towers through the rain of arrows . She could see a line of Northern soldiers aiming at them . Xiao Yin stood clad in his black armor like a lofty figure looking down at them; his expression completely hidden by the chaos . He was indeed the Northern Emperor, true to his word . In complying with his promise he didn’t touch them while they were in the city, but they were fair game the moment they exited the city gates .

To think they would meet on the battlefield again so quickly . Although there was a group of men behind s.h.i.+elding them from the oncoming attack, she knew they wouldn’t be able to block every arrow . The arrows aimed at her and Ji Feng Li were particularly fast and powerful . A whistle sounded behind and Ji Feng Li reached out with his fan to block it .

Hua Zhu Yu tried to pick up speed, just a little more and they would escape Xiao Yin’s reach and meet up with the Southern Army . As Southern Army soldiers rode up to meet them a heavy weight fell onto her back . Something warm soaked through her uniform making her knit her brows . The internal force Ji Feng Li used to block the arrows earlier must have reopened his wound . His head rested on her shoulders from behind . His warm breath made her uncomfortable so she moved her shoulder, causing Ji Feng Li to fall backwards . Upon seeing this Lan Bing immediately flew over to catch Ji Feng Li .

Through the glimmer of the torches Hua Zhu Yu could see that Ji Feng Li’s robes was soaked through in crimson .

Though she was accustomed to such b.l.o.o.d.y scenes on the battlefield, Hua Zhu Yu felt slightly uneasy at this moment .   

Perhaps it was the contrast of the blood against the white of his robe that made it so shocking . His face being so pale only added to the severity of the image . It was

was also her fault that he was injured . In short Hua Zhu Yu felt extremely uneasy!

Upon seeing his master fall Sui Yang neighed and lifted his two front legs up, pus.h.i.+ng Hua Zhu Yu off center . She jumped off just as Lan Bing shouted, “Lord Chancellor, why are you this injured!?”

Ji Feng Li’s lashes slightly stirred when he heard Lan Bing, however they did not open . There was only a bitter smile on his lips .  

Tang Yu also rushed over . He quickly tore open the bandage and his face was in total shock, “Quickly carry the stretcher over!” Tang Yu turned around and ordered a soldier in a low, slightly trembling voice .

Though Tang Yu didn’t speak any further, Hua Zhu Yu knew his condition wasn’t great .

Two soldiers immediately carried the stretcher over . Lan Bing a.s.sisted Ji Feng Li onto it and then carried it with Tang Yu .

Before leaving, Lan Bing didn’t forget to shoot a glance at Hua Zhu Yu . His eyes were exceedingly cold and didn’t conceal the complicated look in them .

Tang Yu also coldly glared at her, “Lord Chancellor’s injured because of you, yet you even pushed him off the horse . ”

The combination of Lan Bing’s accusing gaze and Tang Yu’s heavy words really bothered her . She couldn’t do anything but follow behind silently .

 

Chapter 101 part 2

Editor: Otwentyfirst 

Carried to the army camp stationed behind the battlefield, Ji Feng Li was brought inside a tent . Hua Zhu Yu didn’t follow the Imperial military physician inside but waited by the entrance, watching them scurry in and out carrying bandages soaked in blood .

Ji Feng Li’s precarious condition made her uneasy . She knew his death would leave the nation at a disadvantage . Although he was technically only an official presiding over the campaign, his importance could not be overstated . Everyone understood the impact his condition would have on the war so no one dared openly discuss it; as a result Hua Zhu Yu couldn’t find anyone willing to talk, leaving her completely in the dark about his condition .

Although she wanted to know how he was doing, standing in the cold breeze wasn’t doing her any good . It wasn’t until half an hour later that she saw two physicians stepping out . After the commotion died down, she rationalized that Ji Feng Li had to be fine as the physicians would not have left his side otherwise .

She was just about to turn and leave when someone called out to her, “Yuan Bao, come here! Lord Chancellor is calling for you!”

Hua Zhu Yu furrowed her brows and slowly stepped inside . She chided herself for being too slow, it would have been better if she left earlier . What could Ji Feng Li want with her?

Lan Bing narrowed his eyes, watching Hua Zhu Yu approaching . With his head lowered he said, “Had that strike been any deeper Lord Chancellor’s life would have been forfeited . You know this was all thanks to you right Yuan Bao?”

Hua Zhu Yu halted her steps, her back rigidly stiff .

Everything was because of her!

Lan Bing was parroting the same thing Tang Yu said earlier! She acknowledged that was the truth, and she was thankful to Ji Feng Li, but to hear it from someone’ else mouth made her feel as though she owed him! What did she owe him?

Didn’t she once use her own blood to save Ji Feng Li? Him saving her this time, it could only be considered as fair repayment .

Therefore she didn’t owe him a thing! On the contrary when considering past deeds it was he who owed her, after all there was still Jin Se’s life to account for!

The moment she walked in she noticed the medicine brewing in the kettle above the fire, filling the air with a thick smoke and pungent smell .

At the sound of her footsteps Ji Feng Li, who was laying on the bed, opened his eyes . Meeting her gaze, his

gaze, his eyes were unfathomable, like the darkest of night, making her feel as though she could fall into those depths of darkness at any moment .

After Hua Zhu Yu composed herself, she examined Ji Feng Li . He no longer reeked of blood . Those white robes that were once drenched red had been changed and his injuries were freshly bandaged .

Hua Zhu Yu slowly approached the bed .  “Lord Chancellor, you really gave Yuan Bao a scare . Is your body alright now?”

Hua Zhu Yu was full of suspicion . She really didn’t understand why he saved her .

While imprisoned, she had wondered how Ji Feng Li would punish her, a Northern spy, if she were to return to camp . Who would have antic.i.p.ated he’d not only rescue her, but also get a serious injury in the process?  

No one could comprehend such a turn of events!

Ji Feng Li raised a brow as his dark eyes flashed with a faint light, “So it was actually because you were frightened . This Chancellor had thought so, otherwise Bao Er certainly wouldn’t push this Chancellor off the horse . ”

“Thats right, that’s right!” Hua Zhu Yu agreed rather quite awkwardly .

Ji Feng Li faintly a.s.sessed Hua Zhu Yu with his cold indiscernible eyes, preventing her from gauging his thoughts .

“Lan Bing, carry down the command, begin to withdraw the troops!” he suddenly instructed Lan Bing who was standing at the entrance of the tent . .

“Yes!” Lan Bing a.s.sented and bowed before withdrawing .

Hua Zhu Yu thought about Yangguan’s position . It was a firm stronghold due to the valley of mountains facing its side, leaving a dangerous terrain for invading enemies . As proof, it had taken Xiao Yin quite some time to break through Yangguan . They wouldn’t be able to take it back from him overnight . Ji Feng Li had to be aware of this since he ordered the troops to retreat . However, if he knew this then why did he order an attack on the city earlier? Was it really just to save her?

“Lord Chancellor, why did you rescue this subordinate tonight? Doesn’t Lord Chancellor  think this subordinate is a Northern spy?” Hua Zhu Yu couldn’t help but ask .

Hearing her question, he faintly glanced at her . The corners of his lips lifted in a self-mocking smile as he replied, “This Chancellor thought it would be fun, that’s all, nothing more . ”

For fun? Perhaps he was telling the truth because besides this reason, she couldn’t come up with any other plausible explanation .

“Does Lord Chancellor have any further instructions? If not, this subordinate shall withdraw,” said Hua Zhu Yu .

“The medicine is done,” Ji Feng Li plainly stated . Not answering her question, he remained lying on the bed, picking up a book and opening it .  

Hua Zhu Yu furrowed her brows and looked around the tent only to find that there was no one else around . The pot of medicine was boiling fervently and she had no choice but to walk over and take it off the fire .

“There’s a bowl on the table,” he said in a faint voice .

As a subordinate, Hua Zhu Yu could only obey . She poured the medicine in the bowl and said, “Lord Chancellor, the medicine is placed here, this subordinate shall withdraw now . ”

“Bring it over,” Ji Feng Li commanded in an indifferent tone, his eyes still fixed on the book .

Annoyed, Hua Zhu Yu wrinkled her brows and wondered why Xiao Yin’s sword didn’t plunge just a little deeper so that he’d be unconscious for a few days; how great that would have been .

However, seeing that he did save her from Northern Kingdom, she told herself to bear with it this time .

translations at peachblossomgrove . com 

Although she brought the bowl over to him it was obvious he had no intentions of receiving it and remained in his same position .  

Hua Zhu Yu narrowed her eyes . her eyes .

He didn’t move so neither did she .

He didn’t talk so she remained silent .

His attention was on the book while she remained staring at the bowl of medicine in her hand .

It was uncertain who was testing whose patience but fortunately she had used a handkerchief to cus.h.i.+on this bowl so her hands were not scalded .

Set in a deadlock, the atmosphere became somewhat off .

After a long while, Ji Feng Li finally couldn’t take it any longer and placed the book down to look up at her .

Meeting his gaze, Hua Zhu Yu blinked her eyes and smiled .

Her smile, with eyes gleaming like the brilliance of spring flowers, made Ji Feng Li’s heart skip a beat . It was a glorious smile that could bring down a nation .  

“Yuan Bao, don’t you know how to wait on a sick person?” His chilly eyes which seemed to have sparked with a fire was watching her closely .

So he wanted her to personally feed him the medicine! Well, not just anyone can bear her service .

“Why didn’t Lord Chancellor say so sooner!” Half sitting, half kneeling on the rug, Hua Zhu Yu picked up a spoonful of medicine and brought it to his lips .

Upon drinking the medicine, Ji Feng Li’s brows slightly wrinkled . Anyone could tell this bowl of medicine was bitter from just the mere smell of it . Moreover, the medicine was just taken off the fire and still hot . But it was unfortunate this bowl was so small . Nevertheless, Hua Zhu Yu continued to quickly feed him and since he didn’t refuse, the bowl was soon emptied .

She didn’t think that Ji Feng Li was so fond of taking such bitter medicine . The mere smell of it had made Hua Zhu Yu gag, don’t even mention drinking it .

Hua Zhu Yu stood up intending to place the bowl down on the table when she felt a tug on her bun, immediately bringing her to a halt . Dressed as a man, she had always fixed her hair up in a high bun with a wooden hairpin . Her hand reached out to probe around . It seemed her hairpin was hooked onto the bed curtains .

The sight of her trying to free her hair with one hand while balancing an empty bowl in the other was so comical and hopeless it caused Ji Feng Li’s eyes to fill with mirth . He moved the blanket over and leaned against the bedpost as he slowly moved toward her .

“Let me,” he said in a light voice as his hand reached out to a.s.sist her .

He stood so close she could make out the distinct medicinal smell on his breath . When she lifted her head, she could see his handsome face and the concentration in his deep yet gentle eyes .   

Hua Zhu Yu was worried he would realize she was a woman if he took her hairpin out and saw her with her hair down .

“Lord Chancellor, no need, I can do it!” she lowered her head pus.h.i.+ng him away . However, she didn’t expect she would push directly on his newly bandaged wound .

Above her she could hear his sharp intake of breath; Ji Feng Li instantly stumbled and his whole body fell backwards . Hua Zhu Yu reflexively reached out to grab his waist . Ji Feng Li went rigid and brushed her hand away as if he didn’t want her touching him, thus accelerating his fall and forcing both of them to topple to the ground .  

The bowl dropped from her hand and the drapes were yanked down resulting in a loud clatter . Her pin was still stuck, so everything came tumbling down with her when she fell and they were instantly cloaked beneath layers of drapery .

Hua Zhu Yu fell on top of Ji Feng Li’s chest, her lips upon something soft and gentle, like another pair of lips… .

Chapter 101 part 1 Editor Otwentyfirst Hua Zhu Yu silently gazed at Xiao Yin . The sleeve of his purple robes trembled in the wind as he stood there, an austere expression upon his face . When he caught her gaze, his lips lifted in a smile as he said, Kid, we ll meet again on the battlefield . One day, this Emperor will bring you back here . Hua Zhu Yu responded with a bitter smile and turned to follow Ji Feng Li and Tang Yu . Xiao Yin was right . They would see each again on the battlefield . There was no such thing as siblings, friends, or lovers on the battlefield only two armies opposing each other . If she said she wasn t saddened by this she would be lying . After all, he had loved and protected her once . She had also thought that Southern and Northern Kingdom could coexist in harmony and that she and Xiao Yin could be friends since they were linked together by Jin Se . But after tonight, that dream shattered . As soon as they left the residence, several men in black emerged from their hiding places . Riding over on horseback, it was clear they were Ji Feng Li s men . A horse of maroon hue with a hint of gold trotted over to Ji Feng Li . It s eyes were bright and luminous, flas.h.i.+ng ablaze . It was a purebred Huohorse that was extremely rare . No one was more clear than Hua Zhu Yu how important it was for a general to have an excellent horse on the battlefield . As soon as she saw the horse, Hua Zhu Yu had taken a liking to it . In the past, she rode a horse named Zhui Dian Chasing Lightning . Its body was white with a large red patch on its chest . From afar, the patch looked like a strike of lightning bolt . When she returned to Yu City, she had handed her horse over to Kang Xiao Si s care . As soon as she saw this towering Huo horse tonight, she was reminded of Zhui Dian . This Huo horse was highly intelligent . It trotted over to Ji Feng Li and got down on its two front knees like it was cognizant that Ji Feng Li was injured . Ji Feng Li tore his clothes and used it to bandage his injury before slowly mounting the horse . Neighing twice, the horse then stood up . Every horse was accounted for with a rider on its back there wasn t an extra one for her to ride . Hua Zhu Yu was hesitating, not sure what to do when suddenly his voice sounded above, Give me your hand . His soft voice was like the fleeting wind, pure as wine . Rockets soared across the night sky to land on the eaves of the houses behind them . Each equipped with a cloth soaked in oil, which caught fire in the howling wind . Hua Zhu Yu looked back to see Ji Feng Li before the backdrop of this burning fire . His face was pale and he was gazing deeply at her . He had one hand on the reins and the other extended toward her . The sleeve of his white robes trembled in the wind like a furling cloud . Though the feud between them ran deep like the endless sea, when she heard Ji Feng Li s words, she couldn t help but be slightly shaken . She slowly lifted her hand but before she placed it in his, she abruptly stopped . Her attention was drawn to the bandage soaked in crimson red . Xiao Yin s strike was not weak . She could see how pale his face was under the light of the fire . His wound was so grievous she was afraid he would lose too much blood if he were to command the horse . It would surely worsen his injury, maybe even result in his death . She hated him but she knew he couldn t die just yet . Hua Zhu Yu furrowed her brows and refused his offered hand . Instead she jumped up and seated herself in front of him, grabbed the reins, and gripped the sides of the horse with her legs commanding it to move . The horse obediently ran forward . translations at peachblossomgrove . com Hua Zhu Yu could faintly feel Ji Feng Li lean against her back from behind . She stiffened feeling a strong sense of regret . She was too impulsive earlier Two people riding the same horse of course they would have physical contact . She coldly shouted, Stop flailing about or I ll kick you off the horse Her voice was exceedingly cold and sharp . The body behind her stiffened before scooting back . The horse didn t seem to like her tone and after a dissatisfied neigh, slowed down . Hua Zhu Yu realized she was being unreasonable, afterall it wasn t like Ji Feng Li was her subordinate . Not to mention it was his horse to begin with . Ji Feng Li didn t seem to mind as his lips hooked into a smile . He patted the horse s side and whispered, Sui Yang, be obedient Hua Zhu Yu let out a sigh of relief as the horse resumed its previous speed . With Sui Yang s swift speed they left Yangguan city in no time, proving just how precious this purebred was . The army of Southern Kingdom was still besieging the city . One could hear the rallying cries of the bugle horns and drums in addition to the earth shattering sounds of battle . They could see the reflection of the torches in the sky as they left the city gates, the Southern Army not too far off in the distance . Suddenly the tw.a.n.g of multiple bowstrings tore through the sky as a rain of arrows fell down from above . Hua Zhu Yu glanced back at the city wall towers through the rain of arrows . She could see a line of Northern soldiers aiming at them . Xiao Yin stood clad in his black armor like a lofty figure looking down at them his expression completely hidden by the chaos . He was indeed the Northern Emperor, true to his word . In complying with his promise he didn t touch them while they were in the city, but they were fair game the moment they exited the city gates . To think they would meet on the battlefield again so quickly . Although there was a group of men behind s.h.i.+elding them from the oncoming attack, she knew they wouldn t be able to block every arrow . The arrows aimed at her and Ji Feng Li were particularly fast and powerful . A whistle sounded behind and Ji Feng Li reached out with his fan to block it . Hua Zhu Yu tried to pick up speed, just a little more and they would escape Xiao Yin s reach and meet up with the Southern Army . As Southern Army soldiers rode up to meet them a heavy weight fell onto her back . Something warm soaked through her uniform making her knit her brows . The internal force Ji Feng Li used to block the arrows earlier must have reopened his wound . His head rested on her shoulders from behind . His warm breath made her uncomfortable so she moved her shoulder, causing Ji Feng Li to fall backwards . Upon seeing this Lan Bing immediately flew over to catch Ji Feng Li . Through the glimmer of the torches Hua Zhu Yu could see that Ji Feng Li s robes was soaked through in crimson . Though she was accustomed to such b.l.o.o.d.y scenes on the battlefield, Hua Zhu Yu felt slightly uneasy at this moment . Perhaps it was the contrast of the blood against the white of his robe that made it so shocking . His face being so pale only added to the severity of the image . It was also her fault that he was injured . In short Hua Zhu Yu felt extremely uneasy Upon seeing his master fall Sui Yang neighed and lifted his two front legs up, pus.h.i.+ng Hua Zhu Yu off center . She jumped off just as Lan Bing shouted, Lord Chancellor, why are you this injured Ji Feng Li s lashes slightly stirred when he heard Lan Bing, however they did not open . There was only a bitter smile on his lips . Tang Yu also rushed over . He quickly tore open the bandage and his face was in total shock, Quickly carry the stretcher over Tang Yu turned around and ordered a soldier in a low, slightly trembling voice . Though Tang Yu didn t speak any further, Hua Zhu Yu knew his condition wasn t great . Two soldiers immediately carried the stretcher over . Lan Bing a.s.sisted Ji Feng Li onto it and then carried it with Tang Yu . Before leaving, Lan Bing didn t forget to shoot a glance at Hua Zhu Yu . His eyes were exceedingly cold and didn t conceal the complicated look in them . Tang Yu also coldly glared at her, Lord Chancellor s injured because of you, yet you even pushed him off the horse . The combination of Lan Bing s accusing gaze and Tang Yu s heavy words really bothered her . She couldn t do anything but follow behind silently . Chapter 101 part 2 Editor Otwentyfirst Carried to the army camp stationed behind the battlefield, Ji Feng Li was brought inside a tent . Hua Zhu Yu didn t follow the Imperial military physician inside but waited by the entrance, watching them scurry in and out carrying bandages soaked in blood . Ji Feng Li s precarious condition made her uneasy . She knew his death would leave the nation at a disadvantage . Although he was technically only an official presiding over the campaign, his importance could not be overstated . Everyone understood the impact his condition would have on the war so no one dared openly discuss it as a result Hua Zhu Yu couldn t find anyone willing to talk, leaving her completely in the dark about his condition . Although she wanted to know how he was doing, standing in the cold breeze wasn t doing her any good . It wasn t until half an hour later that she saw two physicians stepping out . After the commotion died down, she rationalized that Ji Feng Li had to be fine as the physicians would not have left his side otherwise . She was just about to turn and leave when someone called out to her, Yuan Bao, come here Lord Chancellor is calling for you Hua Zhu Yu furrowed her brows and slowly stepped inside . She chided herself for being too slow, it would have been better if she left earlier . What could Ji Feng Li want with her Lan Bing narrowed his eyes, watching Hua Zhu Yu approaching . With his head lowered he said, Had that strike been any deeper Lord Chancellor s life would have been forfeited . You know this was all thanks to you right Yuan Bao Hua Zhu Yu halted her steps, her back rigidly stiff . Everything was because of her Lan Bing was parroting the same thing Tang Yu said earlier She acknowledged that was the truth, and she was thankful to Ji Feng Li, but to hear it from someone else mouth made her feel as though she owed him What did she owe him Didn t she once use her own blood to save Ji Feng Li Him saving her this time, it could only be considered as fair repayment . Therefore she didn t owe him a thing On the contrary when considering past deeds it was he who owed her, after all there was still Jin Se s life to account for The moment she walked in she noticed the medicine brewing in the kettle above the fire, filling the air with a thick smoke and pungent smell . At the sound of her footsteps Ji Feng Li, who was laying on the bed, opened his eyes . Meeting her gaze, his eyes were unfathomable, like the darkest of night, making her feel as though she could fall into those depths of darkness at any moment . After Hua Zhu Yu composed herself, she examined Ji Feng Li . He no longer reeked of blood . Those white robes that were once drenched red had been changed and his injuries were freshly bandaged . Hua Zhu Yu slowly approached the bed . Lord Chancellor, you really gave Yuan Bao a scare . Is your body alright now Hua Zhu Yu was full of suspicion . She really didn t understand why he saved her . While imprisoned, she had wondered how Ji Feng Li would punish her, a Northern spy, if she were to return to camp . Who would have antic.i.p.ated he d not only rescue her, but also get a serious injury in the process No one could comprehend such a turn of events Ji Feng Li raised a brow as his dark eyes flashed with a faint light, So it was actually because you were frightened . This Chancellor had thought so, otherwise Bao Er certainly wouldn t push this Chancellor off the horse . Thats right, that s right Hua Zhu Yu agreed rather quite awkwardly . Ji Feng Li faintly a.s.sessed Hua Zhu Yu with his cold indiscernible eyes, preventing her from gauging his thoughts . Lan Bing, carry down the command, begin to withdraw the troops he suddenly instructed Lan Bing who was standing at the entrance of the tent . . Yes Lan Bing a.s.sented and bowed before withdrawing . Hua Zhu Yu thought about Yangguan s position . It was a firm stronghold due to the valley of mountains facing its side, leaving a dangerous terrain for invading enemies . As proof, it had taken Xiao Yin quite some time to break through Yangguan . They wouldn t be able to take it back from him overnight . Ji Feng Li had to be aware of this since he ordered the troops to retreat . However, if he knew this then why did he order an attack on the city earlier Was it really just to save her Lord Chancellor, why did you rescue this subordinate tonight Doesn t Lord Chancellor think this subordinate is a Northern spy Hua Zhu Yu couldn t help but ask . Hearing her question, he faintly glanced at her . The corners of his lips lifted in a self mocking smile as he replied, This Chancellor thought it would be fun, that s all, nothing more . For fun Perhaps he was telling the truth because besides this reason, she couldn t come up with any other plausible explanation . Does Lord Chancellor have any further instructions If not, this subordinate shall withdraw, said Hua Zhu Yu . The medicine is done, Ji Feng Li plainly stated . Not answering her question, he remained lying on the bed, picking up a book and opening it . Hua Zhu Yu furrowed her brows and looked around the tent only to find that there was no one else around . The pot of medicine was boiling fervently and she had no choice but to walk over and take it off the fire . There s a bowl on the table, he said in a faint voice . As a subordinate, Hua Zhu Yu could only obey . She poured the medicine in the bowl and said, Lord Chancellor, the medicine is placed here, this subordinate shall withdraw now . Bring it over, Ji Feng Li commanded in an indifferent tone, his eyes still fixed on the book . Annoyed, Hua Zhu Yu wrinkled her brows and wondered why Xiao Yin s sword didn t plunge just a little deeper so that he d be unconscious for a few days how great that would have been . However, seeing that he did save her from Northern Kingdom, she told herself to bear with it this time . translations at peachblossomgrove . com Although she brought the bowl over to him it was obvious he had no intentions of receiving it and remained in his same position . Hua Zhu Yu narrowed her eyes . He didn t move so neither did she . He didn t talk so she remained silent . His attention was on the book while she remained staring at the bowl of medicine in her hand . It was uncertain who was testing whose patience but fortunately she had used a handkerchief to cus.h.i.+on this bowl so her hands were not scalded . Set in a deadlock, the atmosphere became somewhat off . After a long while, Ji Feng Li finally couldn t take it any longer and placed the book down to look up at her . Meeting his gaze, Hua Zhu Yu blinked her eyes and smiled . Her smile, with eyes gleaming like the brilliance of spring flowers, made Ji Feng Li s heart skip a beat . It was a glorious smile that could bring down a nation . Yuan Bao, don t you know how to wait on a sick person His chilly eyes which seemed to have sparked with a fire was watching her closely . So he wanted her to personally feed him the medicine Well, not just anyone can bear her service . Why didn t Lord Chancellor say so sooner Half sitting, half kneeling on the rug, Hua Zhu Yu picked up a spoonful of medicine and brought it to his lips . Upon drinking the medicine, Ji Feng Li s brows slightly wrinkled . Anyone could tell this bowl of medicine was bitter from just the mere smell of it . Moreover, the medicine was just taken off the fire and still hot . But it was unfortunate this bowl was so small . Nevertheless, Hua Zhu Yu continued to quickly feed him and since he didn t refuse, the bowl was soon emptied . She didn t think that Ji Feng Li was so fond of taking such bitter medicine . The mere smell of it had made Hua Zhu Yu gag, don t even mention drinking it . Hua Zhu Yu stood up intending to place the bowl down on the table when she felt a tug on her bun, immediately bringing her to a halt . Dressed as a man, she had always fixed her hair up in a high bun with a wooden hairpin . Her hand reached out to probe around . It seemed her hairpin was hooked onto the bed curtains . The sight of her trying to free her hair with one hand while balancing an empty bowl in the other was so comical and hopeless it caused Ji Feng Li s eyes to fill with mirth . He moved the blanket over and leaned against the bedpost as he slowly moved toward her . Let me, he said in a light voice as his hand reached out to a.s.sist her . He stood so close she could make out the distinct medicinal smell on his breath . When she lifted her head, she could see his handsome face and the concentration in his deep yet gentle eyes . Hua Zhu Yu was worried he would realize she was a woman if he took her hairpin out and saw her with her hair down . Lord Chancellor, no need, I can do it she lowered her head pus.h.i.+ng him away . However, she didn t expect she would push directly on his newly bandaged wound . Above her she could hear his sharp intake of breath Ji Feng Li instantly stumbled and his whole body fell backwards . Hua Zhu Yu reflexively reached out to grab his waist . Ji Feng Li went rigid and brushed her hand away as if he didn t want her touching him, thus accelerating his fall and forcing both of them to topple to the ground . The bowl dropped from her hand and the drapes were yanked down resulting in a loud clatter . Her pin was still stuck, so everything came tumbling down with her when she fell and they were instantly cloaked beneath layers of drapery . Hua Zhu Yu fell on top of Ji Feng Li s chest, her lips upon something soft and gentle, like another pair of lips .