It must be said that Pei Guanjing seems to truly possess the gift of foresight.
Recently, many in the army have caught a cold, including Zhou Laosan, who had been so boastful before. He came to the Medical Camp with a runny nose and a helpless expression.
Upon seeing Zhou Laosan, Ye Chen asked with concern, “How is Shuanzi doing lately?”
Ever since Shuanzi got together with Zhou Laosan, Ye Chen had been puzzled about how someone could kick their way into a relationship.
“He’s fine, just caught a cold, but it’s not serious. He’s in my tent. Do you want to see him?” Zhou Laosan replied while sniffing.
Ye Chen shook his head and handed over two packets of medicine, saying, “No need, just take good care of him. I’ve been busy these days and don’t have time to see him. Please send my regards.”
“Sure thing!” Zhou Laosan took the medicine and strode away.
Watching Zhou Laosan’s retreating figure, Ye Chen felt a mix of emotions. Shuanzi hadn’t gone to the Canteen; ever since he lost a leg, he had joined Zhou Laosan’s Patrol Team and now stood on the watchtower every day observing military movements.
Ye Chen had intended to advise Shuanzi against this. As a disabled person climbing to such heights, if a battle broke out and reached the Military Camp, he wouldn’t have time to escape. Moreover, some archers liked to target those visible figures up high first.
But as the words formed in his mind, he hesitated at the thought of mentioning Shuanzi’s disability and couldn’t bring himself to say it. Instead, he resignedly said, “Shuanzi, whatever you choose, I’ll support you.”
Hearing this, Shuanzi revealed a long-lost smile. Among those who doubted him, only Ye Chen had affirmed him.
In early spring, as the snow melted, the Wolf Tribe began to stir once more.
It was unclear who spread the news that Muer had become He Mu Ming’s favored concubine to the Wolf Tribe.
The Wolf Clan Leader was furious and demanded that He Mu Ming return Muer. Not only did He Mu Ming refuse to comply, but he also mocked the Wolf Clan Leader for being unable to protect his own brother and called him a coward. The Heaven’s Revelation Soldiers erupted in laughter at He Mu Ming’s words while the Wolf Tribe Soldiers glared in anger, their fury boiling over.
Thus began an official clash between the two armies.
This time, He Mu Ming led five thousand soldiers and decisively defeated eight thousand cavalry from the Wolf Tribe, boosting morale significantly. Although they also suffered considerable losses among their own ranks, this was the first victory in Lan Prefecture since the New Year began.
He Mu Ming ordered a bonfire party to celebrate. The soldiers went up into the mountains and caught over ten wild deer, while those from the Canteen bought plenty of chickens and ducks from town as rewards for the victorious soldiers.
In this battle, Lou Yu made the greatest contribution.
Hearing the soldiers return, they spoke of how he shot through the arm of the Wolf Clan Leader, causing the man to howl in pain.
Ye Chen sat by the campfire, tearing off a piece of venison and chewing heartily, his cheeks puffing up as he savored the meat.
Lou Yu had also arrived. As a hero of the battle, he had gained much this time. General He had rewarded him generously and reported his achievements to the court, likely ensuring that he would receive another promotion.
As soon as Lou Yu appeared, several people rushed over to engage him in conversation. After dealing with a few of them, Lou Yu noticed someone sitting in the corner, focused intently on eating—Ye Chen.
The boy's features seemed to have matured; his originally gentle face now appeared even more striking. When he enjoyed something delicious, his eyes would curve into crescent shapes as he smiled, reminiscent of a clear spring flowing gently after winter snow melts, bringing a sense of comfort to those who watched.
Lou Yu waved his hand dismissively, signaling for them to leave him be. The others took the hint and stopped bothering him.
Quietly, Lou Yu crept up behind Ye Chen and suddenly clapped him on the back. Ye Chen turned around but saw no one; when he turned back again, Lou Yu was already sitting beside him.
Ye Chen rolled his eyes and mumbled, "Aren't you a bit childish?"
His mouth was stuffed with food, grease smudging the corners of his lips as he chewed adorably. Lou Yu watched him and felt an inexplicable flutter in his chest.
What was happening to him?
Ye Chen was indeed handsome, but he was just a Zhong Yong. How could he have such feelings for him?
Remembering a letter from his cousin that mentioned she had arranged for the refugees from Cangzhou Yunlan County, Lou Yu decided to share this news with Ye Chen.
However, it seemed their focus was not quite aligned.
Upon learning that Lou Yu was Crown Prince Yong, Ye Chen's jaw dropped in shock, causing a piece of meat to fall from his mouth.
"Ah, you’re the Heir Apparent? Even persimmons come to the Military Camp to fight?" Ye Chen tilted his head in confusion and instinctively licked his greasy fingertips after finishing the meat.
Lou Yu's Adam's apple involuntarily bobbed at Ye Chen's actions. He quickly averted his gaze and stammered, "W-what do you mean? The Heir Apparent can’t come to the Military Camp?"
"I knew you were of high status but didn’t expect you were royal," Ye Chen remarked with surprise.
Had he known about Lou Yu's connection to Xiao Feng earlier, he would have handed over that seal directly to Lou Yu.
During these days in the military, Ye Chen had heard quite a bit of royal gossip. It turned out that Prince Yong's biological sister was the late Yuzhen Empress, which meant that Lou Yu and Xiao Feng were cousins.
Thinking about how he had been trying so hard to deliver the seal to He Mu Ming, only to find that the person involved's cousin was sitting right next to him, his feelings became complicated and hard to express.
"Why do you look so unhappy? Others know I'm a royal relative and are eager to curry favor, but you just let out an 'ah' and left it at that," Lou Yu asked curiously.
Ye Chen lifted his eyelids, chewing on some meat, and mumbled, "What does it matter? Aren't you still my brother?"
Upon hearing this, Lou Yu smiled and patted Ye Chen on the shoulder. "Right, well said. We are still brothers."
As the bonfire party reached its end, Lou Yu watched Ye Chen take a few pieces of meat with an Oiled Paper Bag and couldn't help but frown. "What are you doing?"
Without lifting his eyes, Ye Chen casually replied, "My master hasn't eaten yet today, so I'm bringing him some."
At these words, Lou Yu's frown deepened. Now that Ye Chen was Pei Guanjing's disciple, it wasn't appropriate for him to interfere in their matters.
Yet every time Ye Chen mentioned Pei Guanjing in front of him, he couldn't shake off an inexplicable discomfort.
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