Chapter 48 Drinking

Where Is That Bastard Xuan Rui

The next day, Xuan Rui went out to train troops, leaving a squad guarding outside the tent.

Zhenbei Wang Lu Zhan lingered outside, trying every possible way with sweet words to request an audience with the princess. Unfortunately, blocking the tent entrance was the inflexible Yuchi Meng.

Before leaving, General Xuan had instructed that unless the young lady agreed herself, absolutely no one was to be allowed in.

After wasting half a shichen with no results, Lu Zhan grew furious and pointed at Yuchi Meng’s nose, cursing, “Do you only have eyes for that bastard? Don’t think I won’t have you dragged away and beheaded!”

Yuchi Meng laughed heartily, completely unfazed. “Since Your Highness ordered those Red Feather Army bastards to surround and suppress us in Ming City, one more execution won’t make much difference. But please take a good look—this is the Zhenbei Army camp. You can’t just execute anyone here with a single command. You’ll need our general’s permission first!”

The nine-foot tall man put on a proud expression, acting as if he were General Xuan’s trusted right-hand man who would never be punished for this, further infuriating the other party.

“I’ll kill you with my own hands right now and see who dares stop me!” In his youth, Lu Zhan had been a fierce warrior who could take on five men alone. Now, drawing his sword and stepping forward, he somewhat regained the heroic bearing of his commanding days.

Yuchi Meng, even more formidable, was about to draw his blade and confront him directly when the princess’s cold voice came from inside the tent: “Your Highness, why must you persist like this? What exactly do you want?!”

Having been thoroughly exhausted the previous night, Li Youqing felt weak all over and had been lying listlessly in bed resting.

Hearing the commotion outside only made her mood more depressed.

She truly couldn’t understand what Xuan Rui was thinking by keeping that old lecher Zhenbei Wang here.

Did he not know about that man’s intentions toward her? Or did he know full well but simply not care?

After doing what he did to her last night, he was now allowing another old man to clamor outside her tent.

If this was intentional, then he was really going too far.

The more Li Youqing thought about it, the more wronged she felt. Enduring her physical discomfort, she walked to the entrance and said coldly, “I’m not feeling well today… Your Highness may come back tomorrow.”

Though feeling aggrieved, she didn’t want to cause any trouble in the military camp because of herself, so she could only temporize with him for now.

If Xuan Rui didn’t resolve this matter tomorrow, she would definitely settle accounts with him.

Hearing this, Lu Zhan grew even more anxious. “Where are you feeling unwell? This old subject can call a physician to examine you.”

“No need!” Li Youqing absolutely refused to let anyone examine her in her current state. She angrily scolded, “You may withdraw now. I need to rest.”

Her head was throbbing painfully. She turned and lay back down on the couch.

After waiting a while and hearing the gradually receding footsteps outside, she finally felt somewhat at peace.

The camp probably wasn’t far from the General’s Mansion. She began planning to move back to the mansion, as this place was full of men everywhere, making everything inconvenient.

She slept a while longer in the afternoon. By evening, she could feel it gradually getting livelier outside.

Someone was playing a flute, its melody haunting and evocative, stirring homesick feelings.

After a while, it changed to cheerful zither music, the atmosphere growing even more boisterous, as if some lively gathering was about to take place.

Along with the music wafted the aroma of roasting meat.

At the same time, Yuchi Meng’s dry voice came from outside the tent: “Miss, His Highness and the others went to the city early this morning. You may safely come out for dinner now.”

Li Youqing paused for a moment before asking, “Has General Xuan not returned yet?”

Yuchi Meng replied, “The General is quite busy.”

Li Youqing was rendered speechless by his response. She walked to the washstand and carefully examined her appearance in the mirror.

She wore a modest cyan cross-collar gown with a matching velvet long skirt that trailed on the ground, presenting an elegant and dignified look.

After fastening the top button of her cross-collar to ensure no traces were visible, she draped a pure white fur cloak over her shoulders and stepped out.

Having been confined in the tent all day, the chill wind outside actually eased her headache somewhat.

With both Xuan Rui and Xiao Ziqi absent, aside from the rough-mannered Yuchi Meng, there wasn’t a single familiar face around.

Walking behind Yuchi Meng through crowds of soldiers, Li Youqing felt utterly uncomfortable.

Just then, a young soldier called out to her respectfully: “Madam, are you heading to Xiaoqi Camp for dinner? Our Reconnaissance Camp is roasting a whole lamb today. If you wouldn’t mind joining us?”

Li Youqing recognized him as the soldier who had accompanied her to visit plague-stricken households back in Ming City.

“I remember – your name is Liu Zhen, isn’t it?” She recalled this name from his signature in the stack of record books.

In this unfamiliar Zhenbei Army camp, unexpectedly encountering an acquaintance brought her unexpected warmth.

Given the choice between dining with the ferocious, bear-like Yuchi Meng and the refined-looking Liu Zhen, she didn’t hesitate to accept the latter’s invitation.

To her surprise, Yuchi Meng continued to follow closely behind her.

Li Youqing couldn’t help saying, “General Yuchi, you may attend to other matters. There’s no need to accompany me.”

Unexpectedly, the man stiffened his neck and retorted, “General Xuan’s orders – must protect the young lady without leaving her side. Wherever the young lady eats, we eat there too.”

Just as Li Youqing found his bluntness somewhat amusing, Liu Zhen beside them paled, not daring to speak up.

Everyone across the six battalions of Zhenbei Army knew Yuchi Meng lived up to his name – practically a reincarnated black bear.

Not only was he born with immense strength, but his appetite was astonishingly large, capable of consuming twenty men’s portions without difficulty.

His accompanying them would surely bankrupt the Reconnaissance Camp’s provisions.

Bonfires dotted the camp as soldiers, finally relaxed after battle, drank heartily from large bowls and feasted on meat, savoring this rare moment of peace.

“Young lady, please sit here.” Liu Zhen escorted her to the eastern end of the camp where a felt carpet had been specially laid out, clearly prepared in advance.

Nearby, bold soldiers teased: “Old Liu’s really done it – actually invited our sister-in-law!”

Hearing the term “sister-in-law,” Li Youqing’s face flushed immediately. These people’s speech was just as improper as his – simply unbearable.

Between her and Xuan Rui, they clearly hadn’t even—

Upon reflection, she couldn’t quite define their relationship either, leaving her standing there in awkward silence.

This place was full of crude men like him – she never should have left her tent.

Noticing her discomfort, Liu Zhen comforted her: “Please don’t take it to heart, miss. They’ve been pushed hard by the general all day, so their tongues get loose at night. No harm intended.”

Li Youqing shook her head, forcing an unconcerned smile.

Recalling the vulgar remarks Xuan Rui had made before—ten times cruder than this—the address “sister-in-law” truly felt insignificant.

“On this day each month, married soldiers can return home for family reunions. Sometimes when training delays them, the General permits their womenfolk to come here.” At this point, Liu Zhen’s face flushed slightly as he confessed, “Later, my bride will also arrive.”

Hearing other women would be present, Li Youqing relaxed considerably, carefully gathering her skirts to sit on the ground.

Before her stood a separate grill holding a lamb leg.

Liu Zhen thoughtfully brought her a water flask, smiling, “This belongs to the General.”

As she accepted it, Li Youqing worried about potential teasing, her cheeks burning again.

Fortunately, dusk was falling, and the bonfire’s glow painted everyone’s faces ruddy, masking her discomfort.

Curious, she asked, “Is your new wife from the Central Plains?”

“Yes, my wife is the daughter of a camp cook and brews excellent wine.” Having settled her in, Liu Zhen cheerfully went to meet his bride.

Feeling thirsty, Li Youqing raised the flask and took a sip, then froze in astonishment.

Good heavens—he’d secretly replaced the water with wine.

The thought of him sternly forbidding soldiers from drinking while sneaking sips himself was utterly infuriating.

The crisp liquor flowed down her throat, slightly easing the day’s tension and unease.

Unable to resist, she took a second sip.

Nearly choked by the sudden astringency, she maintained composure and paused to recover.

To counter the bitterness, she nibbled a small piece of grilled lamb from the skewer.

Just then, she saw groups of women approaching ahead, carrying fresh flowers, fruits, and daily supplies for their husbands, their faces radiant with genuine happiness.

As military families who could only meet their husbands once monthly, they’d donned their finest dresses, applied delicate makeup, and piled their dark, glossy hair high.

Noticing Li Youqing, they instinctively hushed their chatter, studying her with curiosity.

Most northwestern women were tall and rough-skinned, but this young lady seemed to glow with porcelain fairness—so beautiful she appeared almost unreal.

They’d never seen anyone so exquisitely lovely and stared in mesmerized silence.

Liu Zhen led his wife forward first, introducing, “Miss, this is my wife.”

The plump, gentle-featured woman couldn’t conceal her awe upon seeing Li Youqing, promptly bowing respectfully, “This humble woman, Liu Shi, pays respects to the General’s lady.”

Li Youqing nearly choked on her saliva at the address.

“General’s lady”? Why does everyone keep calling me that—

Suppressing her turmoil, she offered a gracious smile and nodded.

Seeing the women gathered without needing him, Liu Zhen departed.

Once her husband left, Liu Shi shyly proposed, “If the General’s lady doesn’t mind, may I attend to you tonight?”

“Very well.” Li Youqing responded noncommittally, eyeing the “water flask” before taking another small sip.

Liu Shi had come prepared tonight, and so she took a seat beside Li Youqing amidst the envious gazes of the other women.

She then brought out freshly picked fruits and melons from her basket, along with a handkerchief for wiping hands, and said with a smile, “The other day, my husband sent word home that General Xuan intended to find a personal maid for you, madam, so I volunteered to come.”

Hearing that it was Xuan Rui’s arrangement, Li Youqing was slightly surprised, never expecting him to think of such matters.

With Liu Shi by her side, chatting and keeping her company, the night passed much more quickly.

Having grown up in privilege, Li Youqing had never been around rustic village women before. Seeing them sit with unbridled posture, eating while bantering and laughing with the soldiers around them, she found it utterly novel.

Though their speech was coarse, their conversations were remarkably amusing.

A plump middle-aged woman was teasing Yuchi Meng, saying he alone ate enough for twenty people. Li Youqing laughed uncontrollably, and Liu Shi seized the moment to explain, “That’s my mother. If you ever crave anything to eat or drink, madam, feel free to ask her to prepare it.”

Li Youqing took a sip of wine, her complexion growing even rosier. After a moment’s thought, she looked at Liu Shi seriously and said, “I’d like to eat Scallion Jade Tofu. Can your mother make it?”

Liu Shi was momentarily taken aback, then replied with a chuckle, “We can grind the tofu, and I’m sure the general has jade, but as for scallions… I wonder if we could substitute them with leeks.”

Having grown up in the northwest, she had never encountered such a dish, accustomed only to pancakes rolled with leeks.

Li Youqing burst into laughter, tilting her head to study Liu Shi as if observing some rare creature. Finally, she sighed softly and said, “When the opportunity arises, I’ll take you back to the Central Plains to try this dish.”

Being close in age to Li Youqing, Liu Shi naturally felt a kinship, though she had remained reserved due to the difference in their status.

Seeing Li Youqing so approachable, she relaxed completely and poured two cups of wine suitable for women, offering one and saying, “Madam, please don’t just drink water. Try this wine I brewed myself.”

Li Youqing set down her “water pouch,” took the cup, and downed it in one go.

Surprised by her bold drinking, Liu Shi’s eyes lit up with admiration.

This scene did not go unnoticed by others nearby, who now felt the general’s cherished lady was not as aloof as she appeared. They began crowding around to toast her.

By this point, Li Youqing was already intoxicated, her tongue numb, and she accepted nearly every toast, downing seven or eight cups in quick succession.

Fearing trouble, Liu Shi hurriedly stood to intervene, scolding the crowd, “The general’s lady can’t drink anymore. All of you, back off!”

“Who says I can’t drink? This young— this miss can drink plenty!” Li Youqing lifted her chin with an air of haughty pride, glancing at the exuberant soldiers and their families around her, and declared loudly, “Today, anyone who drinks with me, no matter who, can go claim ten taels of silver from that scoundrel Xuan Rui!”

After a moment’s thought, she decided ten taels was beneath her dignity and amended, “Fifty taels! This miss will give each of you a red envelope of fifty taels!”

She held up a slender finger to signify five, then decided it still wasn’t enough and was about to raise both hands for a hundred when Liu Shi grasped her hand, torn between laughter and exasperation. “Enough, enough! Fifty taels is half a year’s military pay for them!”

“Not enough, add fifty more—” Li Youqing, fueled by alcohol, couldn’t be restrained as she declared with bold arrogance, “I keep my word! Tomorrow, you—”

Her gaze swept through the crowd until it landed on the stunned Yuchi Meng. Pointing at him, she proclaimed, “You will go collect from him!”

Liu Shi, touched by the sentiment, couldn’t help but smile. Gently coaxing the drunken young mistress, she said softly, “Alright, alright, we’ll all go ask for it tomorrow. But it’s getting late now—you should rest.”

Li Youqing, just hitting her stride, refused to comply. Pushing away Liu Shi’s supporting hand, she grabbed a waterskin and took another swig.

The mix of liquors blurred her vision, making everyone appear as hazy double images.

This feeling was sheer bliss, like ascending to immortality.

Chuckling to herself, she stumbled forward with a drunken hiccup, resembling a silly, adorable child—much to the amusement of those around her.

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent. People lowered their heads, no longer daring to watch the spectacle.

Liu Shi looked up and spotted a tall, brooding figure approaching from afar. Her heart fluttered with panic as she hastily stepped aside, bowing her head.

Unaware of the impending danger, Li Youqing continued to stagger forward, grumbling discontentedly, “Tell me—where is that scoundrel Xuan Rui? Why hasn’t he come to toast me? Hmph—”

【Author’s Note】

Family Visit Night:

General Xuan in the past: Those annoying couples are so noisy! What’s so great about being with a woman!

General Xuan now: I really want to join them…