Chapter 61: An Affair?

"A hundred strokes, is it? I know how to do that." A muffled laugh sounded from behind, followed by a woman's clear and bright voice.

Kaiming's ears turned a little red as she pinched her earlobe and turned around, pausing. "General."

On the bed behind her, Dayin lounged against the pillows in an outer robe, her bright eyes lively and spirited. "But Xuan braved danger and ventured into the enemy camp to rescue you—how should this debt be repaid?"

"There was no venturing into the enemy camp!" Kaiming protested, "He just happened to pick me up along the way."

"Whether it was venturing in or just by chance, the heart behind it is rare enough." Dayin smiled, putting aside the book she had been leafing through. "Speaking of which, Kaiming, you seem to have quite a good rapport with people."

"Eh?"

"As soon as Chang Geng woke, he made a great fuss about rescuing you. His wounds weren't even healed, but he grabbed his halberd and slipped out, fooling us all. And then there's Xuan..." Dayin glanced at him lightly, pausing. "I thought you would hold a grudge about the past, that you would never want to deal with me..."

Xuan picked up her words without a trace, "Kaiming is my wife. When my wife is in danger, I can't just stand by."

Dayin looked at him with a complicated expression. He avoided her gaze, staring at his own toes.

Kaiming glanced at one, then the other, and suddenly a strange thought arose: was she unnecessary here? What had happened between these two in the past? Dayin’s gaze seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words, while Xuan always deflected.

At last, Dayin turned her gaze to Kaiming. Noticing her embarrassment, Dayin was the first to laugh. "Chang Geng said you performed exceptionally this time. When we return to the Inner Palace, I’ll recommend you to the Emperor for a promotion. How about it?"

"No, no, that’s not necessary. Too kind!" She waved her hands hastily. She couldn't even recognize a single written word; what kind of official could she be? But then she grinned slyly, "But if the Emperor wants to reward me with gold and jewels, I wouldn't mind at all."

Dayin burst out laughing, and even Xuan couldn't help but smile. "Such insolence—how dare you say something so cheeky!"

"But," Kaiming's eyes darted toward the door, watching the passing figures. She lowered her voice. "We just lost a battle. Do we still dare ask for rewards? I'm not even sure if I can keep my head."

"Don't worry. Your head will stay firmly on your shoulders," Dayin said with a gentle smile.

Kaiming exhaled in relief and patted her chest. "That’s good to hear."

Dayin finally noticed the mud and grime all over her, her face streaked with black and white. She frowned. "Kaiming, if you have nothing else, go wash up and change into fresh clothes. You can't meet people looking like this."

Scratching her head, Kaiming wholeheartedly agreed; this sloppy appearance was certainly an injustice to her audience.

She turned to leave, but just as one foot crossed the threshold, Dayin's soft voice called after her, "How are the children?"

She answered calmly.

But curiosity filled her—what were they talking about, children? Did they mean Spoon and Little Wan? And what did the children have to do with them?

She wanted to listen more closely, but the door shut behind her, sealing off the conversation.

"So stingy, what's the big deal about listening in?" Her curiosity was piqued; she pressed her ear desperately to the door, but both inside were veterans at this sort of thing—not a word escaped.

Crouched low, ear pressed to the crack, she was startled by a light tap on her shoulder and jumped, glaring at her assailant.

Behind her, eyes wide with amusement, was Chang Geng. "Since when did you become a spy?"

And Dogzi was with him.

"A spy? Nonsense."

"Even if you were, you’re a terrible one. Who eavesdrops in broad daylight at the general’s door? Soldiers come and go here all the time—you’re not afraid they’ll take you for a traitor?" Chang Geng laughed.

"Well, you see..." Kaiming stammered, then improvised, "I’m just interested in the couple's conversation—is that a crime?"

"What couple? What are you talking about? This is the general’s room!" Chang Geng raised his voice. She hurriedly gestured at him to keep quiet, nervously watching the door. "If Xuan hears, I’m doomed!"

That was the man from before? He was inside? You're saying he and General Dayin are a couple?" Chang Geng was both exasperated and amused, tugging her sleeve. "Come with me, I have something to say."

Kaiming was baffled. She looked at Dogzi, who shrugged as if to say he was just as clueless.

They stopped at the corridor, and after making sure no one else was present, Chang Geng turned to her. "Kaiming."

"What is it?" she answered quickly.

"This time, it’s all thanks to you," Chang Geng said awkwardly, scratching his head and looking everywhere but at her. "I really should thank you—cough!"

She said quickly, "No need, no need. Protecting the commander is my duty."

"Don't be so formal—we’re friends, aren’t we?" A flush crept across his sun-darkened cheeks, making him look rather cute.

She made a fist and lightly tapped his shoulder. He yelped, grinning in pain. "That hurts!"

"Now we're even," she said with a smile.

"What?"

"I saved you; you saved me. We're even now." She carefully straightened his bandages, shaking her head at the fresh blood. "Take care of your wounds. Don’t go charging into battle for no reason."

Chang Geng looked at her, momentarily stunned. "Kaiming, that man Xuan—he’s really your husband?"

She smiled at him, a little sadly. "That’s the real reason you wanted to talk, isn’t it? Chang Geng, since when did you learn to beat around the bush?"

Chang Geng scratched his head in embarrassment. "You know, it’s not easy to ask about that sort of thing."

Kaiming nodded, then asked in turn, "What do you think of Xuan?"

"What do I think? What difference does my opinion make?" Chang Geng snorted. "I don’t like that arrogant guy, that’s for sure."

Kaiming looked at him, her long-held doubts bubbling up. "Chang Geng, how long have you known Dayin? You don’t know anything about her past lovers?"

"Lovers?"

"You know, a sweetheart, a paramour."

Chang Geng chuckled. "General Dayin has spent years on the battlefield. I’ve never heard of her having any lovers."

"Maybe it was all in secret," Kaiming mused, stroking her chin. "Do you know where to get any gossip?"

"Gossip?" He was even more puzzled.

"Rumors," she covered with a laugh. "It’s just that I really admire General Dayin, so, ahem, you know—I want to know about her likes, her past, that sort of thing."

"Kaiming, you’re wicked," Chang Geng teased, seeing through her. "You have designs on General Dayin."

"Shh! Don’t say that!" she said nervously. "So will you help or not?"

"Of course, you’re my friend," Chang Geng said heartily.

She was delighted. After all, Chang Geng had been in the Inner Palace army for years—if he was willing to help, the secrets between Dayin and Xuan would soon come to light. Then she wouldn’t have to worry anymore, always feeling as if her marriage was a sham, as if she’d unwittingly become the third party in someone else’s happy union.

Why was it that in both reality and dreams, she couldn’t find the marriage she wanted? Her requirements weren’t that high.

She sighed softly. Chang Geng, not knowing why her mood suddenly fell, patted her shoulder and said, "We’re lucky to have made it back alive—we should celebrate!"

"Celebrate?" Her eyes lit up, and she grinned mischievously. "Is there wine?"

Chang Geng was momentarily surprised, then laughed aloud. "As much as you like! Let’s go drink our fill!"

She was overjoyed. "Really? Don't lie to me!"

Chang Geng laughed even harder. "I, Chang Geng, never lie!"

The two of them joked and teased like old friends, arms around each other’s shoulders, searching for a place to satisfy their thirst. As they turned, they nearly collided with someone—no, the person had been standing there, and they’d walked straight into him.

Kaiming rubbed her nose and steadied Chang Geng, stepping back. Only then did she recognize who it was, and her face changed dramatically as she stammered, "What are you doing here?"

Standing before them was Xuan, her sharp-eyed young husband, his gaze sweeping over them.

She wondered sourly, You were just inside reminiscing with Dayin—what are you doing here, sneaking up on me?

Xuan's gaze fell on their interlinked arms. Kaiming shivered inexplicably and hurried to pull her hand away from Chang Geng. But Chang Geng, taller than her, wrapped his arm tighter around her shoulder, shooting a defiant glance at Xuan.

"We’re good friends who escaped death together—can’t we go celebrate?" he said.

Kaiming whispered urgently, "Chang Geng..."

"Don’t say another word," he ordered, and she dared not disobey. When this young commander put on a stern face, his presence was truly intimidating.

Xuan's eyebrows rose, his expression shifting, but he said nothing.

"You’re her husband, aren’t you?" Chang Geng taunted, "Neglecting your own wife to flirt with some other woman—is that what a husband should do?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Xuan’s expression grew even darker. He frowned, his stern gaze piercing right through Kaiming.

Under that sharp look, Kaiming nearly crumbled to dust. She hurried to stop Chang Geng. "Don’t talk nonsense!" This boy had no filter. She regretted telling him anything; he blurted out whatever was on his mind—not to be trusted at all.

But Chang Geng ignored her warning, mocking, "Seems your marriage isn’t so great after all..."

"Chang Geng!" she said in exasperation, helpless against him.

"Our relationship is none of your concern, Commander Chang Geng," Xuan finally responded, his slow voice silencing Chang Geng. Then he looked to Kaiming. "The general told you to wash up—why are you here?"

"Right," she muttered, hastily pulling her hand free, glaring silently at Chang Geng in frustration until he nearly burst out laughing.

Having delivered his message, Xuan turned and walked away. Kaiming hurried after him.