Le charme d'une femme puissante se répand à travers le monde - Chapitre 110
It was several days later when we caught up with the main army in Xuzhou. After Xuzhou came Qingzhou. If Tianqing wanted to attack Yecang, they would have to cross a section of Longyao's border after passing Qiqing Pass before reaching Yecang's border. Although this border crossing wasn't long, the fact that Tianqing's army needed to enter Qiqing Pass made the matter extremely important—this was why the old man agreed to my mission to Longyao, and why Xilan later also went on a mission to Longyao.
Border issues can range from minor to major, and it's not feasible to allow foreign troops to pass through or even be stationed there casually. If the fox has already agreed, then he must have negotiated some conditions with both Xiu Ruo and Tian Qing separately on this matter.
It was still General Zhan Yan and General Duan Sheng leading the troops. When Xi Lan appeared, the two men were visibly excited. After the previous Battle of Wangyue, judging from their current attitude towards Xi Lan, they had definitely elevated her to a certain level, making her their idol. I had changed into men's clothing and was still Xi Lan's close bodyguard. When they saw me, there wasn't even a hint of surprise on their faces. Suddenly, I thought of Qing Lin and found a common trait among the generals.
After taking the medicine for several days, my body had actually recovered quite a bit, although I still couldn't speak. I insisted on riding a horse to avoid being treated specially, but Xi Lan insisted that I ride in the carriage. We were at an impasse for a while. I didn't dare to be too presumptuous in front of everyone, after all, my status had returned to that of a guard, and I couldn't yell at my superior. So in the end, I could only obediently climb into the carriage and sit inside, sulking.
That night, we camped at the border of Xuzhou and Qingzhou. As usual, Xilan and I shared a tent, with a cloth separating us on either side. Actually, there hadn't been any snow since leaving Tianzhou, and the weather along the way had been quite nice, but it was winter after all, and it got unbearably cold at night. Perhaps Xilan hadn't expected me to accompany the army, because this time the bedding wasn't as warm, soft, and comfortable as the last time.
Although I'm an easygoing and adaptable person, I still felt a bit uncomfortable lying on the hard floor. As I tossed and turned, the blankets went cold. I vaguely felt a slight weight on my body, and when I opened my eyes, a white figure came into view. His hand was tucking the blanket around me, trying to cover me more tightly. As if sensing that I had opened my eyes, he stopped and looked up at me.
I stretched out one hand, pulling at the top of the blanket, indicating that I should return the extra blanket to him. In the dim light of the tent, I shook my head at him. His clear eyes shone even brighter in the darkness. He took my hand from the blanket with one hand, and with the other, he lifted a corner of the blanket and placed my hand back under it. He then tucked the blanket more tightly around my neck, doing these actions as naturally as if he had done them a thousand times before. His voice was also calm as he said, "I'm fine. Wei Mian gets cold easily. Cover yourself with another blanket and go to sleep early."
I blinked a few times, weighed my options briefly, smiled at him, nodded, closed my eyes, and pretended to be asleep. Since Xi Lan had already brought his blanket to help me, there was no point in refusing. Besides, communication was difficult now, and there was no hope of anything else, so I might as well accept it obediently. Furthermore, the martial arts novels I'd read before all indicated that those with unparalleled skills could generate heat simply by circulating their internal energy and were generally not afraid of the cold.
At first, I pretended to be asleep with my eyes closed to avoid embarrassment, but later, whether it was because I was sleepy and tired, or because the two blankets were warm, I quickly fell asleep. There's an old saying, "When you're well-fed and warm, you think of lust," and that's absolutely true. I had eaten a full meal that night, and now, with two blankets covering me, I felt warm, so I subconsciously started having a erotic dream. In the dream, I saw a fox, and his hands gently stroked my face. I eagerly moved closer, and I felt him pull me into his arms, and he, true to his fox nature, kissed me. Although it was just a dream, when I woke up the next morning, I touched my lips and felt how warm the embrace and how real the kiss had been. Thinking about it, I smiled again. Perhaps it was because I was getting closer to Long Yao, and my heart was flying towards the fox, that I had such a dream last night, and I was still savoring it even after waking up.
The army continued its march for another two days. Despite it being winter nights, these two nights were filled with erotic dreams. Every morning upon waking, recalling the previous night's dreams always made me blush and my heart race. It's only been a little over two months since I left Fox, and I'm already missing him this much; I wonder if Fox feels the same way.
On the evening of the third day, we finally arrived at Qiqing Pass and camped outside it that night. I had heard that Qiqing Pass was now personally guarded by Qinglin, so when the army stopped, I ran to Xilan and gestured that I wanted to go to Qiqing Pass to see Qinglin.
"Weimian, do you want to go back?" He was looking at a map on the table, seemingly studying something. When I tugged at his sleeve, he looked up at me and gestured for a long time. His eyes dimmed, and although he had a warm smile on his face, there seemed to be a hint of fatigue between his brows. Perhaps he hadn't slept well for the past few nights. But his voice was still gentle.
I paused slightly, then shook my head. Although I did intend to use this opportunity to return to Longzhou, firstly, I hadn't formally said goodbye yet, and secondly, according to the plan, the army would enter Qizhou through Qiqing Pass tomorrow, then march along the easternmost edge of Qizhou until it crossed the border of Longyao Kingdom and camped in the area between Longyao and Yecang, which were not under the jurisdiction of either side. At the speed of the army's march, it would probably take almost a day from entering Qiqing Pass early tomorrow morning to leaving Qizhou. Although I wasn't worried about Fox's decision, nor was I worried that the Tianqing army led by Xilan would use trickery, since both sides were being so cautious, I actually wanted to see the Tianqing army successfully leave Qizhou before bidding farewell to Xilan.
I have no interest in Ye Cang, and I feel this war has little to do with me. The reason is simple: I was the one who came up with the idea of persuading others to form an alliance during the Battle of Wangyue, so naturally I was quite concerned about that war, because the outcome directly determined the success or failure of my initial idea. As for this war, although I still had to make an errand, everyone had already planned ahead and had probably agreed on the initial conditions. I didn't need to spend any effort or brainpower; it was really just a matter of running back to deliver a letter, so naturally I had no interest in it.
“Then let’s do it tomorrow. We’ll enter the pass tomorrow and we’ll run into General Mu there.” He looked up at me, his clear eyes revealing an unwavering determination.
I sighed inwardly. Things are different now. The Xi Lan of the past would never refuse any request I made, always just smiling and saying yes. But now, this Xi Lan who is so determined to do what he wants—is it a good thing or a bad thing? I couldn't tell for the moment.
I was about to argue again when Xi Lan approached and took my hand. As always, she was so natural and without the slightest bit of awkwardness. As she walked, she said, "Take Wei Mian somewhere."
"Where to?" I mouthed as I pulled my hand away.
He smiled but said nothing, simply pulling me by the hand and leading me outside. Soldiers had already brought over the "Horse of Heavenly Light," and Xi Lan, ignoring the strange looks from others, grabbed my waist and leaped onto the horse. Sitting on the horse, my back against his chest, I could only let the horse run. To be honest, after learning to ride, riding the "Horse of Heavenly Light" felt incredibly dashing and exhilarating.
"Where are we going?" As the sky gradually darkened, I gestured with my hand in front of me, knowing that he could see me from behind.
He remained silent, but his hand on my waist tightened, and the horse beneath him sped up. I stopped worrying. I figured that even though Xi Lan had lost her memory, she wouldn't hurt me.
It seemed like a long time had passed, or perhaps not so long, but it was clearly completely dark. The horse beneath us stopped, and Xi Lan, with his arm around my waist, leaped down from the horse, carrying me with him. Ahead lay a dense, dark, and silent forest. He took my hand and led me into the depths of the forest. The moonlight was faint, but I couldn't see the expression on his face.
His hands were warm and dry. Perhaps it was because my state of mind was different now, or perhaps Xi Lan was different now. He had held my hand countless times before, and I had never been aware of the difference between men and women. I had never had any gender boundaries with Xi Lan. But on a night like this, with Xi Lan holding my hand so tightly, and remembering how another pair of slender hands had once so alluringly run through my hair and caressed every inch of my skin, I reflexively wanted to break free.
He stopped, turned around, and looked at me with clear eyes, a hint of a smile in them. I couldn't see if there was a smile on his face either. His voice was gentle and soothing: "Weimian, are you scared?"
I stopped and nodded hastily. To be honest, I didn't have the guts to cross the jungle in the dark. Having watched too many Japanese horror movies, the rustling in the woods sent chills down my spine. But actually, I wasn't afraid of that right now. Xi Lan was with me, and I trusted he would protect me without hesitation, as always. What I was worried about was where Xi Lan would take me. A moonlit, dense forest—could something be wrong?
He chuckled softly, then suddenly pulled me to his side, leaping lightly into the air. His toes barely touched the treetops, and with one hand tightly around me, he used his light-footed skill to carry me forward. At first, I was so shocked I closed my eyes, but slowly opened them, looking at the forest we were flying past below and the distant, scattered lights, and I suddenly felt excited. Wow, the feeling of flying! And Xi Lan carrying me didn't seem to affect him at all; Xi Lan's martial arts skills were truly extraordinary.
After crossing a vast, dark forest, we finally stopped at a spring. Although my feet were on solid ground, I felt as if I were still flying. I think if the moon were bright enough, Xilan would have seen my flushed face, because I was so excited that I could feel my face burning.
“This is it.” He let go of my hand, then took mine again, and we walked closer to the spring.
I was still immersed in the wonderful feeling of flying, feeling dizzy, and didn't understand Xi Lan's words for a moment. I could only look at him with confusion. He affectionately patted my head and smiled, "I haven't taken a bath since I joined the army. This hot spring is secluded, and no one will come at this time. Take a bath here without worry."
My jaw nearly dropped. Was Tian Xilan planning to take a bath with me? I hurriedly pulled my hand away, gesturing rapidly in the air: Men and women should be different! Men and women should be different!!!
That's right, writing this is my once-in-a-lifetime "triple exclamation" technique, used to express the intense shock and dissatisfaction I feel at this moment. He looked at me, but there was a look in his clear eyes that I didn't understand. He let go of my hand, turned around and walked away, saying, "Weimian, don't worry about washing up. I'll go outside."
I wanted to pull him away, but after taking a step, I realized I couldn't say anything. What if Xi Lan misunderstood and thought I wanted him to stay and bathe with me? I'd be in deep trouble. Watching his white figure disappear from my sight, I immediately turned around. The hot spring was surrounded by trees, so it seemed quite secluded and safe. I stared in the direction Xi Lan had disappeared for a long time. Sigh, letting him stay wasn't an option, but now that he's gone, I worry about what might happen. I mean, what if someone breaks in? I can't even scream for help right now; wouldn't I just be vulnerable to being taken advantage of?
It was dark, and the moon wasn't very bright. I glanced again in the direction where Xi Lan had disappeared, looked down at the hot spring that seemed to still be steaming, raised one hand and sniffed it under my armpit, then ran behind a big tree, quickly took off my clothes, and jumped into the hot spring with a "plop".
Ah, it feels so good! I can finally take a proper shower. Oh my god, it feels like I haven't washed my hair or taken a bath in almost half a month. The water wasn't deep. I stood in the water and spun around. I didn't notice anything unusual, and I didn't see Xilan peeking at me, so I started washing my hair with peace of mind.
I soaked in the hot spring, idly playing with the water, my thoughts drifting to tomorrow. Tomorrow, the army will cross Qiqing Pass and enter Longyao. But what if something happens? How should I say goodbye to Xilan? Regarding the Phoenix Orchid Jade Pendant, Xilan said she returned it to the fox. Did the fox receive it? Fox, are you still thinking of me? Since that day we parted, I haven't heard from you again. How have you been coping these past few days? Do you know my current situation?
After I finally finished showering and got out of the hot spring, I immediately squatted down again. Oh no! There was nothing to dry me off with. Was I supposed to let my clothes air dry in the winter night before putting them back on? Putting my clothes back on wet would give me a cold. I get a cold that lasts at least a month. My nose gets red and peels. I can't let myself suffer like that!
"Xi...Xi Lan!" I almost choked on my own saliva. I opened my mouth, trying to speak, but only managed to make incoherent sounds. Oh my god, when did Tian Xi Lan appear? Luckily, it was dark and I couldn't see very well, but was this guy trying to openly watch me get out of the bath?
"Ah..." I wanted to scream, I wanted to faint, but only a suppressed, low groan escaped my lips. Good heavens, this Xi Lan not only ignored me, but he's also taking off his clothes! God, Jesus, Mary, is Xi Lan some kind of werewolf in the moonlight?
"Come on up, you'll need to dry off before you get dressed." A strange light flashed in his clear eyes as he took off his outer robe, unfolded it, and gestured for me to come up.
I crossed my arms and shook my head vigorously. I remembered that he had seen me completely naked last time, and I would never give in this time. Ugh, why do I always forget that Xi Lan is a man? Being seen naked like this is such a huge loss! There's nowhere to hide, nowhere to escape, and damn it, I don't even seem to blush this time. Just like last time, my anger outweighs my shyness.
Clearly, Tian Xilan can be stubborn and disobedient at times. Just like last time, he pulled me out of the hot spring with one hand and quickly wrapped me in his robe with the other. But this time, my hands weren't covering my face, so they were also wrapped in the robe, preventing me from choking him like last time. I was furious and opened my mouth to bite his shoulder. Even though he meant well, he shouldn't take advantage of me like that.
He just kept smiling, ignoring my anger, and watched with satisfaction as I struggled a few times inside his robe. Then he turned around and retrieved all the clothes I had left next to the tree.
I reached out and tightly wrapped Xi Lan's outer robe around myself to prevent it from slipping off. Watching Tian Xi Lan approach me, still holding my robe, I was so nervous I couldn't utter a word, and my face quickly flushed. Was this kid going to watch me get dressed?
Tian Xilan walked up to me, but turned around and handed the clothes to me with her other hand.
I breathed a sigh of relief. This kid was a lecher one minute and a gentleman the next, he was driving me crazy. But weighing the situation, it was safest for him to be facing away from me like this, rather than letting him sneak up where I couldn't see him and peek in my direction. I hurriedly grabbed the clothes from his hands, and after a flurry of activity, I realized I was too nervous. Suddenly, I was clumsy and couldn't put on my clothes properly—well, not properly, I couldn't wrap my bra properly. 5555, when I was with the army, Zisu helped me wrap myself up. I hadn't taken off my undergarments since then. I actually only have experience wearing women's clothing; whenever I wore men's clothing, someone always helped me dress.
The longer it went on, the more worried I became about Xilan turning around. The more worried I became about Xilan turning around, the more nervous I became. Besides, even though I had put on my pants, my upper body was still half-naked, and I really felt cold. My hands trembled, making me even more clumsy.
"Let me do it." Xi Lan's voice suddenly appeared above my head, startling me so much that I almost fainted. I hesitated and looked up, meeting his smiling, bright black eyes. My heart skipped a beat, and my hand loosened, causing the bra to come undone from the tight wrapping.
Before my underwear was fully exposed, Xi Lan grabbed my bra with one hand. My tongue was tied in knots, and I couldn't make a sound. I just watched helplessly as Xi Lan wrapped the bra around and around again, and then somehow secured it behind me. I felt a sense of relief. Xi Lan was still the same gentlemanly Xi Lan. Just as I was about to reach for the clothes in his hand, I suddenly felt a warmth on my body. He had pulled me tightly into his arms. I looked up to protest, but he quickly lowered his face and pressed his lips to mine.
I was so startled that I reached out to push him away, but he didn't budge. I could only grit my teeth and keep my lips tightly shut. He just gently lingered on my lips for a long time before finally letting go of me, his grip loosening slightly. I took a deep breath, struggled to raise one hand to wipe my mouth, and then screamed while raising my hand to strangle him.
His voice was still hoarse, but seemed a little heavier than before. Just before my hand touched his neck, his grip tightened, and he wrapped his clothes tightly around my back with one hand, then lowered his face again. This time, before I could shut my mouth, his tongue had already found mine and was playing with it skillfully.