El favor incomparable

Capítulo 1

Chapter One:

The roaring bonfire dyed the new moon red and warmed the slightly cool night at the end of summer.

In the square in front of the camp, soldiers in armor were eating and drinking heartily, their faces beaming with joy.

The Western Rong invaded the border, and the King of Ying led his troops to resist them. Now he has returned victorious, and his army is stationed ten miles west of the capital. He awaits the emperor's personal welcome back to the city with civil and military officials tomorrow. Afterwards, he will be rewarded with official titles and honors.

After several rounds of drinks, Prince Chu Yao of Ying, who was sitting at the head of the table, got up and left his seat.

"Go and invite her over." With that ambiguous remark, Chu Yao turned and went into the felt tent.

In a small, unremarkable felt tent in the northeast corner of the camp, Jun Wushuang was about to go to bed when she heard a guard relay Chu Yao's summons. She hurriedly jumped out of bed, slipped on her men's black boots with half-cotton lining, and rushed out.

Going to Chu Yao's camp in the middle of the night was against etiquette, but she needed his help and had no choice but to obey.

Why was he looking for her? Could it be that news had come from the capital?

Chu Yao said he believed her and would help her, but Jun Wushuang still felt uneasy. They were supposed to be engaged, but they had never met. In terms of their relationship, they were barely better than strangers. Why should Chu Yao believe her after just a few words and be willing to go to great lengths to clear her name?

Whether it's true or false, Chu Yao is the only person she can rely on now.

The commander's tent was indeed different; it was more than three times larger than the one Jun Wushuang lived in, and its furnishings were more luxurious and complete.

However, I didn't see anyone...

"Your Highness, are you there?" Jun Wushuang called out in confusion.

Chu Yao walked gracefully out from behind the four-panel screen inlaid with mother-of-pearl and depicting plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums. He had removed his armor and was wearing only a plain white undergarment made of Songjiang cotton, the front of which was wide open, revealing his well-defined chest.

The ground was covered with leather, footsteps were silent, and everything happened without warning.

Jun Wushuang abruptly turned around, her face flushed red, her ears burning, so embarrassed she wanted to run away immediately. But her stubborn nature prevented her from admitting defeat, and she forced herself to ask, "What brings Your Highness here?"

Where do you plan to stay after returning to Beijing?

Jun Wushuang could not answer.

She had a home, but now she can't go back.

Should we continue following Chu Yao?

Even if he didn't object, she found it difficult to shamelessly ask him to do so.

"It's not advisable for you to return to the Marquis of Runan's residence for the time being." As if knowing her thoughts, Chu Yao spoke up at the right time, "Why don't you stay at the Prince of Ying's residence for the time being?"

"Thank you, Your Highness," Jun Wushuang said gratefully.

"To express gratitude verbally while speaking with one's back turned, is there any manners in the world?" A deep, mellow male voice asked unhurriedly, with a hint of amusement in his tone, as if blaming or mocking.

Jun Wushuang was both ashamed and angry, and her retort blurted out without thinking: "Your Highness's attire is inappropriate..."

She stopped abruptly after only six words. In this situation, if she spoke inappropriately, it would sound like she was scolding him or being coquettish, unnecessarily belittling her status. What Jun Wushuang least wanted was to be looked down upon by Chu Yao.

Fortunately, Chu Yao did not reply. (txt download 80)

The tent fell silent instantly.

After standing there for a few moments, Jun Wushuang decided to take her leave: "Your Highness, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now."

Chu Yao remained silent.

The only response she received was the sound of water behind her.

He...he...went to take a shower?

She was still there, and he went and took a big, unrestrained shower?

Jun Wushuang was both surprised and suspicious, and tentatively asked, "Your Highness, shall I take my leave?"

Having said that, he turned and walked away without waiting for a reply.

"Stop!" Chu Yao shouted at her.

Jun Wushuang's right hand had already touched the curtain of the felt tent, but he could only wait there with a bitter face and reluctance.

"I helped you clear your name and restore your reputation, how do you plan to repay me?"

The delicate fragrance of agarwood drifted into Chu Yao's nostrils, swirling and coiling like silk threads, lending a touch of allure to his words.

Jun Wushuang closed her eyes, held her breath, and cleared her mind, banishing all distractions.

It is said that one should not expect anything in return for doing good deeds. How can someone ask for something in return before even helping someone?

Even though she knew that the other party had no obligation to help her unconditionally, Jun Wushuang couldn't help but feel resentful when asked this question so directly.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Chu Yao pressed. "Do you think it's not gentlemanly of me to ask for something in return for a favor?"

"Of course not," Jun Wushuang said, disclaiming her opinion. "I was just thinking about what Your Highness needs."

The sound of water filled the air, accompanied by Chu Yao's light laughter: "I didn't realize you knew how to cater to my tastes. So tell me, what do you think I need?"

He deliberately emphasized the word "need," but Jun Wushuang was oblivious to the subtle nuances and couldn't understand the ambiguity in it, only burying himself in deep thought.

Chu Yao is a prince, a general, and the commander of the Lingguang Guard, which is directly under the emperor's control. What would he need?

A sudden inspiration struck Jun Wushuang, who said with delight, “Your Highness, the restaurant Hongyunlai that my mother left me has branches in the capital, Zhili, Shandong, and Jiangsu and Zhejiang. I can give it to Your Highness for gathering information.”

"It's rare to find someone who even understands these things." Chu Yao first praised and then belittled. "However, do you think I lack ways to gather information?" His voice turned cold at the end, filled with undisguised contempt.

Jun Wushuang curled her lip; this person was really difficult to please.