Chapter 80

That evening, after dinner, Chu Shaoling was in his tent writing a memorial to the imperial court. Taking advantage of the moment, Wei Zhan called Wei Ji over.

Although the two brothers had joined the campaign together, they had barely exchanged words along the journey. Wei Zhan had been mulling over how to start the conversation all day, but still didn’t know what to say. Wei Ji, unaware of his elder brother’s concerns, placed a carved redwood box on the table. Wei Zhan glanced at it and asked, “What’s this?”

Wei Ji smiled, “Some pastries from His Highness’s tent. I thought they were quite good, so I brought some for you to snack on when you return from evening drills.”

Wei Zhan frowned slightly, “And you think it’s appropriate to take things from the Crown Prince’s tent so casually? What would people say if word got out?”

Wei Ji chuckled softly and replied, “Big Brother doesn’t know—His Highness never eats pastries from outside. These were just sitting there untouched. I did ask His Highness before taking them, and he even handed me this box to store them.”

Wei Zhan sighed, “The reason I called you here today is exactly about such matters. From now on, whether in public or private, you must follow proper decorum. Don’t give anyone an excuse to find fault with you.”

Wei Ji paused and said, “I… Big Brother, are you referring to His Highness assigning me command of six thousand elite soldiers today?”

“That’s part of it, but not entirely.” Wei Zhan pulled Wei Ji to sit down, and after a moment of silence, he said, “The Crown Prince holds a position of immense power and influence, with many eyes watching him. You must be mindful. Advise His Highness whenever possible and help keep him from being too excessive.”

Wei Zhan’s words were somewhat unfair to Wei Ji. Others might not understand, but Wei Zhan knew well—his younger brother was more mindful of decorum than anyone. In all his years by Chu Shaoling’s side, Wei Ji had never asked for anything, even though Chu Shaoling spoiled him endlessly. Yet Wei Zhan couldn’t shake his unease. Wei Ji’s position was precarious, and any misstep could invite accusations of being a manipulative favorite, leaving him vulnerable to criticism.

Wei Ji nodded, “Don’t worry, Brother. I know what I’m doing. I often try to persuade His Highness, but… you also know his temperament.”

Wei Ji wanted to explain that Chu Shaoling’s stubborn personality made him difficult to influence. If he pushed too hard, he’d likely end up being “taught a lesson”.

However, Wei Zhan thought of something else. Back in the imperial city, he’d witnessed Chu Shaoling’s dealings—ruthless and sharp-tongued, turning against people without hesitation if they displeased him, no matter who pleaded for mercy. Unaware of how differently Chu Shaoling treated Wei Ji, Wei Zhan assumed his younger brother endured the same harshness. The thought of his naive brother suffering in silence filled him with heartache. Chu Shaoling’s temper was infamous, and Wei Zhan could only imagine how many grievances his foolish brother must have silently endured in private.

Patting Wei Ji’s shoulder, Wei Zhan consoled him, “Just bear with it. After all, the Crown Prince has treated you well.”

Wei Ji stared blankly at Wei Zhan, and after a while nodded: "Yes, I know, His Highness treats me very well." Wei Zhan thought Wei Ji was trying to comfort him, sighed softly, and the brothers ate the snacks Wei Ji brought while talking without actually clarifying anything.

In the end, Chu Shaoling sent someone to call Wei Ji back. In the tent, Chu Shaoling put his newly dried memorials into letters and sealed them with wax. He looked up at Wei Ji and asked: "What did your brother say to you again?"

Wei Ji told the truth, saying: "Brother was worried that after I got these six thousand soldiers, I might become arrogant, so he gave me some advice."

"Your brother is indeed cautious and prudent." After the wax seal dried, Chu Shaoling had someone send it out. He took the tea Wei Ji offered and took a sip, then thought for a moment and said, "I remember... Fuyi must be quite far along now, about seven months pregnant? It must be hard for Wei Zhan, this being his first child, he must be constantly thinking about it."

"Your Highness is mistaken." Wei Ji smiled, "It's already over eight months. By the time we return to the capital, my nephew will have been born."

Chu Shaoling laughed: "I was confused! In that case, when we next send a letter to the capital, we should tell the Empress Dowager that after Fuyi gives birth to send word. She's carrying twins, we don't know if they're boys or girls yet. It would be good if they were both boys..."

Wei Ji smiled: "Boys or girls are both fine. Before I left, I even left two longevity locks for the children."

Chu Shaoling hesitated for a moment but didn't tell Wei Ji about the children's matter. He'd wait to see if they were boys or girls. If they were both boys... it would be better to let Wei Zhan bring up the adoption matter with Wei Ji himself. When the time came, he would just say it was Wei Zhan's idea and gently persuade Wei Ji to agree.

"It's already the hour of the Dog. Would Your Highness like to rest?" Wei Ji looked outside, "I need to go patrol once more, so I can't keep Your Highness company."

Chu Shaoling ruffled Wei Ji's hair: "It's not even your shift, what are you going for? Go to bed early. We don't have many peaceful days left. Once the war starts, you won't even have time to sleep, so take these few days to rest well and restore your energy."

Wei Ji had no choice but to nod. They bathed and lay down together, with Chu Shaoling holding Wei Ji while making casual conversation. Neither felt very sleepy. Chu Shaoling gently stroked Wei Ji's back and whispered: "How many days has it been since we've been intimate?"

In the candlelight, Wei Ji's face reddened slightly, and he turned his head away without speaking. Chu Shaoling chuckled and deliberately pressed on: "I'm asking you, how many days? I've forgotten."

Wei Ji lowered his eyes in silence. Chu Shaoling intentionally pressured him while his hands grew restless. Wei Ji, unable to resist, finally stuttered: "Se-seventeen days."

Chu Shaoling teased in a low voice: "You remember so clearly? Have you been thinking about it too?"

Wei Ji knew he would be teased no matter what he said. Being naturally shy, he simply lowered his head and stopped responding. Chu Shaoling, afraid of truly upsetting him, coaxed gently: "What's there to be embarrassed about? You really need to change this habit... Why are you still so shy when it's just the two of us? Being bashful in front of me? Hmm?"

Wei Ji lightly pushed against Chu Shaoling's chest, whispering: "It's precisely because it's in front of Your Highness that I'm embarrassed..."

Chu Shaoling couldn't understand this aspect of Wei Ji – during intimate moments, he would cling to him desperately like a beast in heat, depending on Chu Shaoling like a fish needing water, not wanting to be apart for even a moment. Yet afterward, whenever bedroom matters were mentioned, he would become incredibly shy, as if he were a different person.

"That's why I want you to change. I've never been shy with you." Chu Shaoling had his own twisted logic as he softly lectured, "How do I treat you, and how do you treat me? General Wei, where is your conscience?" Chu Shaoling's hand slipped inside Wei Ji's inner robes to touch his left chest, teasing: "Let me feel... and see if your conscience is still there?"

Wei Ji quickly tried to retreat toward the inner part of the bed, pleading softly: "Your Highness! There are so many guards outside, didn't you promise not to fool around while we're in the army? Your Highness..."

Chu Shaoling wrapped an arm around Wei Ji's waist, holding him tight in his embrace. Hearing Wei Ji's urgent pleading, he couldn't help but laugh: "That night before the expedition when you wouldn't behave, I only said that to make you settle down – I can't believe you took it seriously!"

Wei Ji was at a loss for words. Chu Shaoling had gone back on his word and was now blaming him for believing it. Unable to argue with Chu Shaoling, and not daring to push him away too forcefully, Wei Ji could only plead through his embarrassment: "Then... please don't be too rough, Your Highness. I'm afraid the brothers outside might hear..."

It was always like this – no matter how difficult the request, Wei Ji would agree to anything Chu Shaoling asked. Chu Shaoling's heart softened, and he gently kissed Wei Ji's forehead: "They're all personal guards I brought from the capital, don't worry. I'll be gentle, just be good..."

Chu Shaoling softly opened Wei Ji's inner robes, his hand still caressing Wei Ji's chest, his long fingers teasing that sensitive spot. Wei Ji blushed slightly. Chu Shaoling admired Wei Ji's shy expression intently, asking in a husky voice: "Does it feel good?"

Wei Ji couldn't bring himself to answer and looked pleadingly at Chu Shaoling. Chu Shaoling paid no attention and increased his ministrations, occasionally tending to the other side. Wei Ji couldn't bear it anymore and pleaded softly: "Your Highness... I can't take it anymore, ah..."

Chu Shaoling rewarded him by gently caressing the sensitive area he had been teasing, and chuckled: "Now that's being good. Every time we're in bed you become speechless. If you're sweeter with your words, I'll be even more tender with you..."

Chu Shaoling parted Wei Ji's legs and gently caressed him there. Wei Ji bent his knees and bit his lip to stay silent. Chu Shaoling sighed softly, leaned down to kiss Wei Ji's lips, and coaxed in a low voice: "Let your voice out... they can't hear these soft sounds outside, only I can hear them. What are you afraid of when it's just for me? Hmm?"

Wei Ji shook his head, tightly furrowing his brows, refusing to let out a moan. Chu Shaoling didn’t force him further, flipping him over so Wei Ji’s back faced him. Wei Ji’s silk trousers had yet to be removed, and Chu Shaoling wasn’t in a hurry. Through the thin layer of fabric, he gently caressed Wei Ji’s backside. Wei Ji had broken out in a bit of sweat, causing the fabric to cling tightly to his body, accentuating his alluring figure.

Chu Shaoling softly kneaded the flesh at the back and murmured, “Take off your trousers yourself...”

Wei Ji bit his lip lightly, turning his head awkwardly to look at Chu Shaoling, his voice carrying a hint of a sob: “Your Highness…”

Chu Shaoling ignored him, coaxing softly, “Take them off yourself, be good…”

Wei Ji truly couldn’t bring himself to do something so embarrassing, especially with Chu Shaoling watching from behind. To remove his trousers on his own in this way felt unbearably shameful. His face burned bright red, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. Chu Shaoling’s heart softened. He leaned down and gently kissed the corner of Wei Ji’s eye, murmuring, “Good boy. If you don’t, we’ll just stay like this... Don’t you want it? Hmm?”

As Chu Shaoling spoke, he stroked Wei Ji over his clothes, occasionally giving a light touch to the tented area. Wei Ji couldn't help but call out, "Your Highness...Spare...Spare me..."

Chu Shaoling chuckled softly: "Spare me, won't you? Be good, take it off yourself. Once you do, I'll hold you properly and make you feel comfortable..."

Wei Ji's mind was already in disarray, and several sensitive spots on his body were being toyed with by Chu Shaoling. However, one particular area received no tender care. Wei Ji let out a few sobs, endured his embarrassment, and took off his pants.

Chu Shaoling gently caressed the Wei Ji in front of him as a reward, took the prepared ointment from the side, and lubricated Wei Ji. Wei Ji had already gone boneless, and he easily slipped three fingers in. As he rubbed over a particular sensitive spot, he asked, "Is this comfortable?"

Wei Ji cried out and begged softly, "Your Highness...Your Highness..."

Chu Shaoling didn't continue to tease him. He lovingly kissed Wei Ji's forehead, then flipped him over and entered him...

......

After their intimacy, Chu Shaoling personally cleaned Wei Ji before dressing himself. Just as they were settling down, a guard came to report trouble in General Bai Yunjiang’s tent. Initially unwilling to intervene, Chu Shaoling grumbled, “It’s the middle of the night—what trouble could there possibly be? Can’t he just sleep like everyone else?”

Wei Ji, dressed and ready, suggested, “If Your Highness doesn’t wish to go, I can check instead. General Bai wasn’t in good spirits earlier today during the discussions; perhaps there really is an issue.”

Reluctantly, Chu Shaoling waved the guard inside. The soldier bowed from behind the screen and reported, “Your Highness, General Bai is drunk and causing a disturbance. General Wei has already gone to mediate, but General Bai drew his sword… and tried to attack General Wei. General Wei sent me to request orders.”

Hearing this, Chu Shaoling’s expression darkened. “Where did Bai Yunjiang get alcohol? Drinking in the army is strictly forbidden!”

The soldier trembled, falling to his knees. “I don’t know, Your Highness. When I arrived, General Bai was already drunk…”

Wei Ji sighed softly, feeling for the soldier. He asked, “How is the situation now?”

The soldier, startled to hear Wei Ji’s voice, stammered, “General Wei asked me to inform Your Highness… and suggested binding General Bai until he sobers up.”

Chu Shaoling sneered, “Why bother restraining him? Drinking alone is enough to strip him of his rank.”

Wei Ji gently held Chu Shaoling’s hand and advised, “Your Highness, punishing one of our own before the battle even begins might not be wise. It would give Liaoliang something to gossip about. General Bai may be at fault, but for the sake of morale, I suggest waiting until we return to the capital to deal with this.”

After a moment of thought, Chu Shaoling relented. “Fine, for now. But when we return, he’ll answer for this!”

Chu Shaoling also knew that it would be disastrous to let such a scandal occur now. Suppressing his anger, he said, “Enough. Wei Zhan might not be able to hold it down. I’ll go take a look.”

Wei Ji prepared to get up and help Chu Shaoling dress, but Chu Shaoling firmly pressed down on Wei Ji’s shoulder, preventing him from rising. Pulling the nearby quilt over Wei Ji, he softly said, “You rest first. I’ll be back shortly.”

Wei Ji nodded. Chu Shaoling dressed himself, stepped behind the screen, and extinguished a few candles in the tent before heading out.

After all the earlier commotion, Wei Ji was also exhausted. As he drifted into a hazy sleep, his mind wandered—first worrying that Chu Shaoling might lose his temper and execute Bai Yunjiang on impulse, then thinking of the twins in the imperial city with Fuyi. Half-awake and uneasy, he finally got up, dressed himself, and relit the lamps in the tent. After waiting for some time without Chu Shaoling’s return, Wei Ji grew concerned that Chu Shaoling might actually cause a scene. After a moment’s hesitation, he stepped out of the tent.

The guards outside had all received Chu Shaoling’s orders. Wei Ji explained briefly and, taking two guards with him, headed toward the generals’ tents.

After walking a few steps, Wei Ji sensed something was off. In a low voice, he asked, “Why are there two rows of soldiers standing there? The number of night guards is fixed. If there are extras here, there must be a shortage elsewhere. Who arranged this?”

One of Wei Ji’s guards went to inquire. The soldiers couldn’t give a clear answer. One group claimed that their captain hadn’t given them proper orders tonight, so they followed the previous night’s arrangement. Another group said they were originally scheduled to guard this area. Wei Ji’s heart sank. Tonight, it was Bai Yunjiang’s shift. He must have started drinking after nightfall and failed to give proper instructions.

Wei Ji said coldly, “Bring me the roster. I’ll reassign the shifts for tonight.”

The guards moved to fetch the roster, while Wei Ji ordered a few junior officers from the camp to assist. After giving the necessary instructions, Wei Ji rubbed his temples. This time, Bai Yunjiang’s position was likely unsalvageable. Dereliction of duty due to drinking could have led to disaster. Fortunately, they hadn’t engaged in battle with Liaoliang yet. If this had happened while facing the enemy, it would have been catastrophic.

While waiting outside Chu Shaoling’s tent, Wei Ji suddenly noticed commotion near a supply depot. Approaching, he saw several soldiers surrounding and kicking a smaller figure.

“What’s going on?” Wei Ji demanded.

One soldier stepped forward and saluted. “This military slave went crazy and rushed in to grab food. He won’t answer any questions. Has he gone mad with hunger?”

The military slave’s face was covered in mud. He cowered on the ground, but upon hearing Wei Ji’s voice, he scrambled over, kowtowing repeatedly. Wei Ji scrutinized the figure closely, hesitating. “You...”

Before he could finish, the slave suddenly lunged at Wei Ji, drawing a curved dagger from his boot and pressing it against Wei Ji’s neck. With his right hand, the slave twisted Wei Ji’s arm behind his back. A cold chuckle escaped the assailant’s lips—a woman’s voice.

The assassin barked sharply, “Stay back! Anyone moves, and I’ll kill him!”

Wei Ji slightly adjusted his arm and glanced at the dagger’s length. He gauged the situation and said quietly, “What do you want?”

The assassin growled, “Take me to your crown prince—now! I have something to say to him. Try any tricks, and I’ll end you!”

After a moment’s silence, Wei Ji replied in a deep voice, “I am the crown prince. What do you want to say?”