Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 124 : The Die Is Cast

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The first glimmer of dawn appeared in the sky. Yu Xiaozai was a scholar after all, and it was hard for him to hold up mentally after a time, so Shen Zechuan got Chen Yang to lead Yu Xiaozai away for a rest. They could always discuss the remaining matters another day. Yu Xiaozai did not force the issue and withdrew out of the room after leaving behind the letter Cen Yu wrote to Shen Zechuan. 

Xiao Chiye went to take a bath, while Shen Zechuan read Cen Yu’s letter under the candlelight. The morning light from the courtyard seeped into the room. Shen Zechuan read the part about Bianjun Commandery. He waited for a moment, but Xiao Chiye was still not back. He set aside the letter, lifted the bamboo curtain, and walked along the narrow corridor to the inner area. Then he stepped around the screen for a look. Xiao Chiye was soaking in the pool, fast asleep. 

Xiao Chiye had been feeling a little tired as he thought about some matters, but who would have known that he would fall asleep while thinking? A sudden chill on his cheek woke him up.

Shen Zechuan scooped up the water and stroked Xiao Chiye again. He said, “The water has gone cold. Go back and sleep in the room.” 

Xiao Chiye rose, sending water droplets splashing all over. He lowered and buried his head into Shen Zechuan’s bosom, rubbing against him until half of Shen Zechuan’s body was wet. He said in a muffled voice, “Hug me.” 

Shen Zechuan lifted his hand to squeeze Xiao Chiye’s nape. He said, “Aren’t you making things difficult for me?” 

Xiao Chiye said, “Then I’ll hug you instead.”  
 
Shen Zechuan kicked off his shoes and stretched his arms around Xiao Chiye’s neck that still had water droplets on it. He said a little lazily, “Come on then.” 

Xiao Chiye raised his head to press his forehead against Shen Zechuan’s forehead. He embraced him and said, “I’ve seen the Beiyuan Hunting Grounds. It’s still passable. It can be made into a military camp after a little tidying up, but the towers have to be constructed anew. All these will cost money.” 

The lamps were not lit on this side, and the lightning added a touch of sensuality to the atmosphere. 

Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye pressed against each other up close. Shen Zechuan said, “The city of Dancheng lies to the west of the Beiyuan Hunting Grounds. If we are going to come face to face with the Eight Great Training Divisions in the future, we can’t skimp on this place.”

“No rush.” Xiao Chiye exerted a little force to pick Shen Zechuan up and carry him into the room. 

Shen Zechuan knew that Xiao Chiye did not intend to use those silvers of his. The Imperial Army’s expenditure could not always be pegged to Cizhou. What’s more, Xiao Chiye was about to return to Libei soon. To lack money was to lack confidence. He was probably considering this matter himself. 

“Cen Yu went to the trouble to get Yu Xiaozai to bring a letter to you. He must have a favor to ask of you.” Xiao Chiye got onto the bed. Without even taking off his robe, he leaned back against the pillow, half-embraced Shen Zechuan, and rested his chin on top of Shen Zechuan’s head. He asked, “What is it?” 

Shen Zechuan had already finished reading the letter. Resting his head against Xiao Chiye, he folded the letter and answered, “Cen Yu hopes that you can give everyone another chance and act as the bridge between Qudu and Libei.”  

With his eyes half-closed, Xiao Chiye said, “They are in need of help now, that’s why they are willing to lower themselves. If the Grand Secretariat and the empress dowager get along in the future, then Libei will have to send another person in as a hostage. If not me, then Xun-er.”