Search Bookmarks Jump: Comments
You have no alerts.
    Header Background Image
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    PreviousNext
    I Am Fish Meat

    Fish Meat – Chapter 224

    by Little Panda

    The First Year of Shunde

    Jointly Chasing The Lost Deer (20)

    After Yao Zhaoyi had applied the medicine, she only slept for two shichen​1 before being jolted awake by a sharp pain triggered by a fit of coughing.

    “Jiejie!” Ah Xiang, who had been keeping watch by her side all night without sleep, immediately came forward, grasping her hand, her brow deeply furrowed with worry. “Does it hurt terribly? Why don’t we return to Nanya to recuperate properly?”

    Yao Zhaoyi shook her head, gazing fixedly at the ceiling of the tent, and spoke softly: “Ah Xiang, help me call Cao Fei in.”

    “But…”

    Ah Xiang wanted to say more, but Yao Zhaoyi gripped her hand, her gaze holding a hint of pleading as she gently squeezed her fingers and repeated her request. Ah Xiang could never bear to see her like this; she couldn’t help but soften and had no choice but to leave the tent to summon Cao Fei.

    Cao Fei and several other advisors and officers had been waiting outside for some time. Seeing Ah Xiang emerge and ask them to enter, they hurried inside.

    Yao Zhaoyi, draped in a very warm fur cloak, sat on the edge of the bed, holding a pot of warming spiced wine​2. She invited everyone to sit and recounted the events of the night raid on Anfu Inn from beginning to end​3, including the details of how she was subdued by Zhen Wenjun. She made no attempt to hide her own underestimation of the enemy or her overwhelming defeat when facing Zhen Wenjun one-on-one.

    “It seems this person surnamed Zhen, despite her youth, hasn’t achieved dominance in her region through mere bluffing​4. She is indeed quite troublesome,” Cao Fei remarked curiously. “But she was used by Wei Tingxu in her early years, and even killed the Wei family’s most important secret agent on her wedding night. The discord between them runs deep. Why would they join forces today to set this trap?”

    Yao Zhaoyi felt much clearer after drinking the warm wine, gaining more strength to resist the pain. “The various matters between these two might not be as simple as we see them. Everyone knows the Wei and Zhangsun families are plotting a major undertaking. Attention is usually focused on people like Wei Lun, Zhangsun Yao, or Wei Jing’an. Observation of Wei Tingxu hasn’t been extensive; she only leaped into the public eye after becoming a female official. This Zhen Wenjun is even harder to guard against; suddenly she became the Zhonglang Jiang​5 of the Zhuiyue Army, then a General, and now she holds the Tiger Tally… What exactly has happened over these years? What is the true nature of the bond between Wei and Zhen? Are they temporarily allied for profit, or is their love stronger than gold​6, with all the unpleasantness just an act for outsiders? Unless we get close to them and observe carefully, I fear we won’t understand.”

    “Milady, you mean…”

    Yao Zhaoyi put down her wine cup. “I intend to personally infiltrate their circle.”

    “Absolutely not!” Ah Xiang was the first to object. “Jiejie, you’re so heavily injured right now, how can you risk danger again?! Those two Wei and Zhen scoundrels are inherently cunning and viciously cruel. What if you fall into their hands again!”

    Cao Fei, however, wanted to hear Yao Zhaoyi’s stratagem. Yao Zhaoyi continued:

    “If the two are temporarily allied for profit, it means their underlying enmity is difficult to resolve, and their relationship can easily be provoked.”

    “But what if the two scoundrels have genuine feelings? After all, during the Yanxing campaign, Zhen Wenjun risked her life to save Wei Tingxu. While one could argue it was related to mutual interests, giving no cause for criticism​7, in this old man’s humble opinion​8, I fear the emotional bond between the two scoundrels runs quite deep.”

    “Then there is even more room to sow discord.”

    Yao Zhaoyi explained her stratagem in detail, outlining different responses for various potential situations. After she finished, she saw Cao Fei reveal a meaningful smile. Yao Zhaoyi’s face flushed slightly:

    “Lord Cao, what are you smiling at?”

    “Milady means to insert herself between the two scoundrels, tempt one of them, investigate their true relationship, and then defeat them one by one.”

    Ah Xiang’s brow furrowed tightly, eager to speak.

    “Correct, that is precisely my meaning.”

    “But Milady has already encountered Zhen Wenjun. Aren’t you afraid she’ll recognize you?”

    “It was a dark and windy night; even if she saw me, she might not have seen clearly.”

    “Actually, this old man agrees with what Lady Ah Xiang said. Milady is already injured, and these two scoundrels are not easy to deal with. Most importantly…” Cao Fei paused, seemingly finding it difficult to continue.

    “What is it!” Yao Zhaoyi pressed.

    “Forgive this old man for being blunt, but with Milady’s fierce and unyielding​9 personality, I fear you won’t be able to accomplish this task. Asking Milady to shoot a willow leaf from a hundred paces​10 would be easy, but when it comes to seduction…” Cao Fei didn’t finish, presumably to save Yao Zhaoyi some face.

    Yao Zhaoyi was speechless, glancing around at the others present. From their expressions, she could tell they all agreed with Cao Fei.

    Yao Zhaoyi fell silent, head lowered, seemingly dealt a heavy blow.

    Ah Xiang couldn’t bear seeing her like this. Changing her earlier firm opposition, she asked Cao Fei, “Lord Cao, is there any other way to break those two scoundrels? After all, their current trip to Julu is to eliminate the Liu Clan. This is a tremendous opportunity for us. Wouldn’t it be too regrettable to miss it?”

    Cao Fei said, “Actually, Milady’s strategic thinking is correct; it’s just that she herself is unsuitable. Although the two scoundrels are women, they prefer women. To succeed with seduction, one must find a woman who is graceful and charming​11, possessing a foxy charm​12. Milady possesses too much righteous aura; I fear she cannot act this part well.”

    As Cao Fei spoke, someone suddenly looked towards Ah Xiang. Then, one after another, everyone’s gaze turned to her in unison.

    Ah Xiang was voluptuous and bewitching, with a naturally supple, water-snake waist​13 that was most captivating. Though not old, she possessed the alluring charm of a young married woman that was unforgettable after a single glance. Although she and Yao Zhaoyi were sisters—one of commoner birth​14, the other legitimate​15—they had entirely different temperaments.

    Ah Xiang immediately understood Cao Fei’s meaning. Stepping forward, she took Yao Zhaoyi’s hand and said, “Jiejie, leave this matter to me. I underwent rigorous training since childhood precisely because I wanted to protect you and contribute to your grand undertaking! Now is the perfect time!”

    “But, you don’t know the situation there, and I don’t want you to venture into danger.”

    Ah Xiang gazed into Yao Zhaoyi’s eyes and smiled with gratification. “Having these words from Jiejie is enough.”

    Ah Xiang was of commoner birth. Having shown martial talent since childhood, the Yao family had intentionally cultivated her to be Yao Zhaoyi’s assistant.

    Yao Zhaoyi had shouldered heavy responsibilities over the years and mostly had no time to pay attention to her. She didn’t have particularly deep feelings for this younger sister who accompanied her daily. In the state of Da Yu, the relationship between legitimate and commoner-born siblings (díchū/shùchū​16) was like that between master and house slave, and Yao Zhaoyi and Ah Xiang were no exception.

    She had always understood Ah Xiang’s unwavering loyalty to her. When setting out for Julu, Ah Xiang had insisted on accompanying her. Now, seeing her disregard danger to accomplish this grand plan for her, Yao Zhaoyi understood even more the depth of her affection and loyalty.

    “Zhen Wenjun tends to be soft-hearted towards women. Use this weakness to get close to her smoothly,” Yao Zhaoyi instructed specifically as she saw Ah Xiang off before her departure. “Although there might be opportunities to sow discord, both of them are intelligent people. Ah Xiang, do your best, but if your life is endangered, absolutely do not force things. Escape back here immediately. I will also dispatch people to protect you in secret. Prioritize your own safety above all else, understand?”

    Ah Xiang said, “With these words from Jiejie, Ah Xiang has no regrets in this life. Ah Xiang will definitely not fail Jiejie’s trust!”

    Wei Tingxu, disturbed by the fire​17 that night, continued to recuperate in Ze County for two more days before packing up and setting out again towards Julu.

    When they were still over a hundred li​18 from Julu, they received a battle report stating that the Liu Clan, having detected the approach of their large army, had sent troops to intercept them. Zhen Wenjun did not advocate for a head-on clash with the Liu family army at this time. Furthermore, the mountainous terrain ahead was treacherous, making it highly likely that ambush troops were lying in wait. For outsiders like them, unfamiliar with the terrain, bypassing the dangerous area was the best strategy.

    Thus, Wei and Zhen changed their route, traveling an extra twenty-odd li via Feng County to continue towards Julu.

    The seesaw battle​19 in Runing had already dragged on for nine months. Feng Erke stubbornly held the city, refusing to come out, even cultivating crops within the walls, producing a considerable amount of grain himself, causing their plan to cut off food supplies and starve the Hu scoundrels to death inside the city to vanish like bubbles​20. It had to be said that this Feng Erke was a troublesome opponent. Zhen Wenjun knew this battle would likely continue to drag on. At this time, various regional warlords were restless and ready to make trouble​21, beginning actions of annexation and expansion. If she remained bogged down in Runing, she feared others would seize the opportunity for gain​22. After discussing with Bu Jie, Zhen Wenjun felt it best to temporarily entrust Yanxing to Wei Jing’an and Zhangsun Wu to maintain the standoff with the Chongjin people, while Zhen Wenjun and her forces preserved their strength and shifted elsewhere. Breaking emerging powers that were about to rise was key.

    In Nanya, Xiao Xiao, along with Zhu Maosan, Ah Xi, Guan Xun, and Jiang Wang, had already managed to divert a significant portion of the wealth from the Path of Ten Thousand Directions. Zhen Wenjun wanted Xiao Xiao to continue honing her skills, so she wrote her a letter detailing some points needing attention before heading southeast towards Julu.

    Besides suppressing the Zhiqiu Faction on this trip to Julu, Wei Tingxu had a premonition that the Yao family might continue to target her, perhaps striking again en route.

    Wei Tingxu and Zhen Wenjun had already been communicating via flying letters before they even met up, formulating a plan in their correspondence to hunt and kill the Yao Clan.

    Zhen Wenjun wasn’t entirely convinced the Yao Clan would follow them to Julu this time; making a move so easily didn’t seem like the Yao style.

    “No, the Yao Clan will definitely make a move,” Wei Tingxu stated with certainty in her letter.

    “Why?”

    “Because they consider me a defeated opponent​23 and will surely underestimate the enemy.”

    Wei Tingxu’s words made sense. Zhen Wenjun kept watch in secret as suggested and indeed caught assassins. It was somewhat regrettable not being able to kill the assassins personally, but the most important thing now was to scatter the Zhiqiu Faction, letting these rats​24 who only know how to make up ditties​25 understand that disaster comes from the mouth​26, and allowing Wei Tingxu’s good reputation for supporting the True Dragon’s return to his throne to further penetrate the people’s hearts​27.

    Upon arriving in Feng County, they discovered it had already been occupied by the Liu family. Zhen Wenjun took only one day to breach the city walls. The Liu family army fled upon hearing the news. Zhen Wenjun immediately led her troops into the city, incorporating Feng County into her command​28.

    By the time the army reached Feng County, more than half of their provisions had been consumed. They had intended to purchase grain in the city, but heard that the Liu Clan had already plundered the place clean when they occupied it, leaving the common people with no grain.

    The provisions issue was a serious problem. Zhen Wenjun ordered the soldiers to hunt and dig up tree roots, collecting anything edible. After several days of collection, it was still insufficient. Just as Zhen Wenjun was worrying, the common people voluntarily brought out their privately hoarded grain and meat, delighting her greatly.

    The people of Feng County all said the Liu Clan’s soldiers were like mountain bandits, completely disregarding the people’s feelings, robbing and injuring them upon arrival. They were fortunate the General had driven them away; this grain was their way of repaying the General.

    Zhen Wenjun knew better than anyone how precious food was in times of war. She couldn’t let the villagers suffer a heavy loss​29, so she purchased the food at a price higher than the current market rate. She personally inspected the food to ensure it hadn’t been poisoned before letting the cooks take it away, planning to let everyone eat heartily tonight.

    The soldiers enthusiastically helped the cooks carry the food away. Zhen Wenjun picked up two clusters of sparkling, translucent grapes​30, intending to send them to Wei Tingxu. Mounting her horse, she saw two soldiers ahead detaining a peasant woman who had delivered vegetables and fruits, laughing and joking as they blocked her way.

    Zhen Wenjun slowly rode closer on her horse.

    “Young lady, don’t be in such a hurry to leave! How old are you this year? Are you betrothed​31?”

    The soldiers blocked the peasant woman’s path from both sides. Zhen Wenjun saw the woman wore a patched old lined coat​32, only a pair of worn-out cloth shoes despite the cold weather and frozen ground, and a hemp cloth hat fashioned from an old coat. She clutched a bamboo basket to her chest, continuously backing away, trying to escape. Every few steps she took sideways, the soldiers would pursue, refusing to let her go.

    The peasant woman had her back to Zhen Wenjun, so her face couldn’t be seen yet, but judging by the excitement of those two rogue soldiers​33, she must be quite pretty.

    The peasant woman, finding no escape, could only stop and force a smile at the soldiers. “Thank you, Sir Officers​34, for your concern. This humble one is eighteen this year, still unmarried, solely because I have an ailing elderly mother at home who needs care. Please, Sir Officers, do me the convenience of letting me pass to get medicine for my mother. This humble one will come thank you properly another day.”

    The peasant woman’s voice was quite pleasant, making the two soldiers even more excited. “Eighteen and still not married? Waiting for your young master​35, were you? What illness is so serious? One day without medicine won’t kill anyone! Come on, see this big silver ingot​36? If you stay and keep your young master company tonight, this silver ingot is yours!”

    The peasant woman was both startled and humiliated. She declared in a clear voice, “Though this humble one was born into poverty, I have always relied on my own efforts​37 and would never do such a base​38 thing! Sir Officers, please be more respectful!”

    The angrier the peasant woman became, the more amused the rogue soldiers were. They completely disregarded her indignation and continued to pull at her, trying to drag her away. The woman cried out for help. Zhen Wenjun spurred her horse forward, its hooves kicking the two soldiers in the back and sending them flying.

    The two screamed as they fell to the ground. Covered in mud, they turned around furiously, about to retort fiercely, but saw Zhen Wenjun sitting atop her horse, staring at them with a grim face. They immediately fell silent and hastily ran off.

    Zhen Wenjun dismounted personally to help the peasant woman up, asking if she was alright.

    The peasant woman shook her head. “Many thanks to the heroine for saving my life.”

    Zhen Wenjun smiled. “I am no heroine.” Saying this, she handed the woman the silver ingot the soldiers had dropped.

    “This isn’t mine.” The peasant woman was indeed very pretty, and seemed honest.

    “It’s yours now. I am the General here. My soldiers harassed you because my usual discipline was lax. I apologize to you. This silver ingot is a small token of my regard. Take it to get treatment for your mother.”

    The peasant woman hesitated but eventually accepted it, kowtowing​39 to Zhen Wenjun. Zhen Wenjun had a few accompanying female soldiers escort her back to ensure her safety. Afterwards, she found the two soldiers who had been kicked by the horse. The soldiers thought the General was looking for trouble with them and repeatedly apologized, saying they would never dare do it again, hoping the General could spare them this once.

    Unexpectedly, Zhen Wenjun not only didn’t punish them according to military law, but instead returned their “dropped” silver ingot and chatted with them sincerely: “I often admonish you all not to harass the common people. Why did you do it?”

    The two hesitated for a long while before telling the truth: “General, we two brothers naturally respect you immensely for following you, but no matter what, men and women are different. We men need a place to release​40 this vital energy​41. Once it’s released, we feel refreshed and invigorated​42, and have the strength to kill enemies. If we can’t release it… well, it’s always uncomfortable.”

    Zhen Wenjun asked, “How uncomfortable?”

    “Well… you just keep thinking about it.”

    “Could the two of you relieve each other?”

    Zhen Wenjun asked very seriously, but the two men’s faces turned green​43. “General, not every man likes to walk the dry path​44.”

    “Exactly, we brothers still prefer women.”

    Zhen Wenjun and Bu Jie took a stroll around Feng County city. Without telling Wei Tingxu, the two of them visited the largest brothel in the city, inquired about the prices, and Zhen Wenjun found them quite cheap. Being able to handle an important matter with little silver was quite good. The brothel madams were also very willing.

    Bu Jie was about to select the women, but Zhen Wenjun stopped him. After pondering for a long time, she felt it necessary to ask Wei Tingxu first. Although this matter was a good thing, it felt somewhat improper, so it was necessary to inform Wei Tingxu beforehand.

    “This is the most normal thing possible,” Wei Tingxu had no objections at all. “Armies on campaign are normally supplied with camp followers​45. Otherwise, after conquering a place, incidents of violating local civilians easily occur, even extending to women delivering vegetables. Human desires​46 must be satisfied. Let them all come.”

    “Alright.”

    Zhen Wenjun was about to leave when Wei Tingxu called her name.

    “Hm?”

    Wei Tingxu smiled sweetly. “Go quickly and return quickly. I’ll wait for you.”

    Thinking of that long-awaited sleepless night when they had reunited, Zhen Wenjun’s chest grew hot. The myriad flavors of that time were understood only by the two involved and the bite marks on their shoulders.

    Responding swiftly, Zhen Wenjun immediately went out the door.

    TOC

    Footnotes

    1. four hours
    2. 驅寒熱酒 | qūhán rèjiǔ | Lit. “expel cold hot wine”; likely a heated alcoholic beverage, possibly spiced, intended to warm the body.
    3. 從頭到尾 | cóng tóu dào wěi | Lit. “from head to tail”; an idiom meaning “from start to finish” or “completely”.
    4. 虛張聲勢 | xūzhāngshēngshì | Lit. “make empty display of power”.
    5. 中郎将 | zhōnglángjiàng | A historical military title, roughly equivalent to a Colonel or Commander of a regiment.
    6. 情比金堅 | qíng bǐ jīn jiān | Lit. “feelings compared to gold are stronger”; a Chengyu meaning love or affection that is extremely strong and enduring.
    7. 無可厚非 | wúkě hòufēi | Lit. “nothing can be severely criticized”; a Chengyu meaning understandable, not deserving blame, giving no cause for criticism.
    8. 愚見 | yújiàn | Lit. “foolish view”; a humble way of referring to one’s own opinion.
    9. 剛烈 | gāngliè | Strong-willed, uncompromising, fierce, fiery (often used for women with strong character).
    10. 百步穿楊 | bǎi bù chuān yáng | Lit. “pierce a willow leaf from a hundred paces”; a Chengyu describing exceptional marksmanship, derived from the story of legendary archer Yang Youji.
    11. 婀娜多姿 | ēnuó duōzī | Lit. “graceful and multi-postured”; a Chengyu describing someone (usually female) as lithe, graceful, and captivating in movement and appearance.
    12. 狐媚之氣 | húmèi zhī qì | Lit. “fox-bewitching aura”; the seductive charm or allure associated with fox spirits in folklore, implying captivating beauty and potentially dangerous seductiveness.
    13. 水蛇腰 | shuǐshéyāo | Lit. “water snake waist”; describes a slender, supple, and alluring waist.
    14. 庶出 | shùchū | Born of a concubine or secondary wife, as opposed to the primary wife (嫡出 | díchū). Carried significant social implications regarding status and inheritance.
    15. 嫡出 | díchū | Born of the primary wife, legitimate heir, as opposed to born of a concubine (庶出 | shùchū).
    16. 嫡庶 | díshù | Refers to the distinction between children born to the primary wife (嫡 | dí) and those born to concubines or secondary wives (庶 | shù). This distinction heavily influenced social status, inheritance rights, and familial relationships in historical China.
    17. 走水 | zǒushuǐ | An older term for a fire breaking out.
    18. Over 100 li is over 50 km or about 31 miles.
    19. 拉鋸戰 | lājùzhàn | Lit. “pull-saw battle”; a war of attrition, a stalemate, a seesaw battle where lines move back and forth.
    20. 化為泡影 | huà wéi pàoyǐng | Lit. “turn into bubbles and shadows”; a Chengyu meaning to come to nothing, vanish without a trace.
    21. 蠢蠢欲動 | chǔnchǔn yùdòng | Lit. “wriggle wriggle about to move”; a Chengyu describing restless movement, often implying stirring up trouble or preparing to act.
    22. 趁機得利 | chènjī délì | To seize an opportunity for profit or advantage.
    23. 手下敗将 | shǒuxià bàijiàng | Lit. “under hand defeated general”; someone whom one has previously defeated.
    24. 鼠輩 | shǔbèi | Lit. “rat generation”; a contemptuous term for insignificant, despicable people.
    25. 編兒歌 | biān ér’gē | To compose or make up children’s songs/ditties.
    26. 禍從口出 | huò cóng kǒu chū | Lit. “disaster follows from the mouth”; a Chengyu meaning careless talk leads to trouble.
    27. 深入民心 | shēnrù mínxīn | To deeply enter the people’s hearts; to win popular support, be deeply trusted/accepted by the populace.
    28. 劃入賬下 | huàrù zhàngxià | Lit. “劃入 (incorporate into) 賬下 (under the tent/account)”; to bring under one’s command or administration.
    29. 血虧 | xuèkuī | Lit. “blood loss”; slang meaning to suffer a heavy financial or material loss.
    30. 蒲桃 | pútáo | While this can refer to the rose apple or Malay apple (Syzygium jambos), given the description 晶瑩剔透 (jīngyíng tītòu – sparkling and translucent) and the commonality, ‘grapes’ is a more likely interpretation in many contexts.
    31. 許了人家 | xǔle rénjiā | Lit. “promised to a family/person”; betrothed, engaged to be married.
    32. 襖子 | ǎozi | A traditional Chinese lined jacket or coat.
    33. 兵油子 | bīngyóuzi | Lit. “soldier oil slick/stick”; derogatory slang for a cunning, slippery veteran soldier, often undisciplined or roguish.
    34. 軍爺 | jūnyé | Lit. “Army Master”; a term used by civilians to address soldiers or officers, can range from respectful to fearful depending on context.
    35. 小爺 | xiǎoyé | “Young master,” an arrogant and informal way for a young man to refer to himself.
    36. 銀錠 | yíndìng | A silver ingot, historically used as currency in China. ‘大’ (dà) means big.
    37. 自力更生 | zìlì gēngshēng | Lit. “self-strength renew life”; a Chengyu meaning self-reliance, supporting oneself through one’s own labor.
    38. 下賤 | xiàjiàn | Base, lowly, vulgar, despicable.
    39. 磕頭 | kētóu | To kowtow; kneel and touch one’s forehead to the ground as a sign of deep respect, submission, or gratitude.
    40. 發洩 | fāxiè | To vent, let off steam, release (pent-up energy, emotion, or frustration). Here used as a euphemism for sexual release.
    41. 精氣兒 | jīngqìr | Vital energy, essence, vigor. Here used colloquially as a euphemism for sexual energy or drive.
    42. 神清氣爽 | shénqīng qìshuǎng | Lit. “spirit clear qi refreshed”; a Chengyu meaning feeling refreshed, clear-headed, and invigorated.
    43. 綠了臉 | lǜle liǎn | Lit. “face turned green”; an expression indicating shock, disgust, extreme embarrassment, or sometimes fear or anger.
    44. 走旱道 | zǒu hàndào | Lit. “walk the dry road/path”; a euphemism for male homosexual intercourse (anal sex).
    45. 軍妓 | jūnjì | Lit. “army prostitute”; military prostitutes, camp followers. Women officially or unofficially attached to an army to provide sexual services to soldiers.
    46. 人欲 | rényù | Human desires, sensual appetites, lust.

    0 Comments

    Note