The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 171
by Little PandaDid You Have a Nightmare?
The fragrance on her lips drifted into Qu Sheng’s nose. Gazing at her wife, whose brows and eyes brimmed with tenderness, Qu Sheng could no longer hold back. She kissed those soft lips that had only just drawn back a fraction.
Months of separation had given their longing weight, pressing heavily upon her heart with an ache she could do nothing about. Lin Xizhao’s presence at her side was the only cure for that pain.
The scent of desire hung between them. Lin Xizhao’s breath came short under the kiss. Qu Sheng’s lips and tongue wandered, pressing against the fragrant curve of Lin Xizhao’s neck.
“Didn’t you need to go to the military camp…” Lin Xizhao reminded her between shallow breaths.
Qu Sheng paused at her words, but only for a moment.
The camp could wait. The wife before her could not. Qu Sheng’s kiss was long and tender. Lin Xizhao lost herself in it several times, and only when Qu Sheng tried to lift her into her arms did she stop her.
“Can we wait until later?” Lin Xizhao’s pale, slender hands cradled the head that had been kissing beneath her throat.
Qu Sheng lifted her face, breathing hard, her eyes hazy with want. She looked at Lin Xizhao’s pleading gaze and hesitated for a long moment before the fire in her eyes dimmed.
“All right.” Qu Sheng pressed her forehead to Lin Xizhao’s and nodded gently. She knew Lin Xizhao was thinking of her.
What she had discussed with Qu Jixian could not wait. It was nearly noon—the perfect time to inspect the troops.
The commander had been unconscious for days. Though she had awakened, the soldiers’ hearts remained unsettled after the defeat.
A general who had never known defeat now lay bedridden. Word of it spread through the ranks, breeding panic and despair.
Qu Sheng needed to walk among the soldiers herself and restore the morale that had been lost.
In the afternoon, Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng into her military uniform but did not accompany her. This war was different from the last. Facing such a powerful enemy, Lin Xizhao did not want to give anyone cause to speak against Qu Sheng.
Qu Sheng was a woman, yes, but not weak. Yet bringing a delicate woman into the camp might unsettle the soldiers’ hearts. Qu Sheng would not have cared, but Lin Xizhao had to think of these things.
Of course Lin Xizhao wanted to stay by Qu Sheng’s side every moment. But she could not always act on her own desires.
Qu Sheng entered the military camp in full uniform. Officers from every division gathered to receive her. Though Qu Sheng had used tactics like a god, she had never shown arrogance. She rewarded and punished fairly, never dealt harsh punishments without cause, and though she was a woman, the soldiers all respected her.
“General.”
“General…”
The soldiers’ eyes brightened when they saw that Qu Sheng had recovered her color.
Qu Sheng walked toward the main seat in the central command tent. When she reached Qu Jixian, she clasped her hands in salute. “Second Uncle.”
Qu Jixian bowed his head in return. Qu Sheng was the commander; Qu Jixian had come at a critical moment, and the Emperor had granted him a civil official rank equal to Qu Sheng’s military rank. But between uncle and niece, there was still the respect due to an elder.
Afterward, Qu Sheng inspected the various camps, with Qu Jixian following behind.
When night fell, a group arrived at the courtyard where Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng were staying. While Lin Xizhao looked on in confusion, an Assistant Commander under Qu Sheng knelt to report that Qu Sheng had ordered them to bring her to the camp.
Lin Xizhao hesitated for a long time. Only after the Assistant Commander repeatedly assured her that no one would think her presence in the camp would cause any problems did she pack her belongings and Qu Sheng’s, then ride a carriage out of the city.
Qu Sheng was in the camp processing correspondence when she heard that her Assistant Commander had brought Lin Xizhao. Before Lin Xizhao could even enter the tent, she hurried out to meet her.
“Jiejie.”
Lin Xizhao followed behind the Assistant Commander and looked up at the sound. Qu Sheng wore the same uniform Lin Xizhao had helped her into at noon. Seeing Lin Xizhao look her way, the corners of her mouth lifted.
“General.” The words slipped from Lin Xizhao’s lips. Qu Sheng’s expression froze for a moment, her eyes flickering before she quickly walked over.
The Assistant Commander stepped aside. Qu Sheng reached out to take Lin Xizhao’s hand and led her into the tent. A soldier set down their belongings, and Qu Sheng said, “Just leave it there.”
The soldier understood and hurried out without delay.
Qu Sheng watched the tent flap fall, then turned to look at Lin Xizhao with a serious expression. “Why didn’t Wife call me Sheng’er?”
Lin Xizhao’s brows curved at the words, and she called out in a soft voice, “Sheng’er.”
She offered no explanation. It had indeed been a slip of the tongue, and they were in the military camp.
Qu Sheng seemed to realize that Lin Xizhao’s presence here was not as lighthearted as the last time.
During the previous rebellion, Qu Sheng had been full of confidence, and the atmosphere in the camp had not been this tense. Now, after a defeat, even though casualties had been light, every soldier knew they faced a powerful enemy with little hope of victory.
Qu Sheng had brought Lin Xizhao into the camp because she missed her and worried for her. But now that Qu Sheng’s injuries had healed, she should not remain in the city. She needed to be here with her soldiers, holding the line outside the walls.
“Wife.” Qu Sheng lowered her gaze to Lin Xizhao’s soft red lips. Her breath quickened, and without another word, she kissed her.
Lin Xizhao let her, responding to her. The space between their lips and teeth grew sweet. Qu Sheng’s tongue tangled and swallowed the sweetness it found, while her fingers began to wander toward soft warmth.
Lin Xizhao felt the change in Qu Sheng’s breathing. The arm around Qu Sheng’s neck withdrew and pressed between them, stilling her wandering hand.
“Wife.” She had been refused at noon, and now she was refused again. Qu Sheng felt wronged.
Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng’s pouting expression and felt both heartache and amusement. She kissed Qu Sheng’s lips. But that single kiss made Qu Sheng think Lin Xizhao had agreed.
“Sheng’er…” Lin Xizhao pressed her lips to Qu Sheng’s, forehead to forehead, and slowly pulled away.
When she had changed Qu Sheng’s dressing today, the wound had not fully healed. The military physician had said it would take two more days before it stopped bleeding. Lin Xizhao was deeply worried.
“Wait until your wound heals, all right?” Lin Xizhao’s gentle voice negotiated with Qu Sheng.
Qu Sheng stared at Lin Xizhao’s brows and eyes. Her gaze shifted. After a long moment, she steadied her breathing.
Qu Sheng always listened to Lin Xizhao. Just like at noon, she answered, “All right.”
Lin Xizhao went to put away the clothes they had brought. Qu Sheng stood beside her and helped.
“You still have work to do. I’ll handle this.”
Qu Sheng nodded. They were nearly done, and she did have duties. The moment she arrived, Qu Jixian had handed everything over to her, and she had agreed she could handle it.
Qu Jixian was returning to the capital tomorrow. Tonight, they needed to complete the handover—especially the matter of the Bei’an envoys demanding ten cities in exchange for Qu Jiqin and Jin Yunyou’s lives.
“Go on.” Lin Xizhao took the clothes from Qu Sheng’s hands, her expression tender.
Qu Sheng looked at her, then walked behind Lin Xizhao and wrapped her arms around her. She pressed her lips to the spot behind Lin Xizhao’s ear and whispered, “Wife, don’t wait for me. If you’re sleepy, go to sleep early.”
She did not know how late she would be working.
Lin Xizhao made a soft sound of acknowledgment, her voice holding a note of reluctance. Qu Sheng released her and walked out of the tent.
Lin Xizhao watched Qu Sheng’s figure disappear, then returned to her senses and continued putting away the clothes.
In the evening, Qu Sheng returned to eat dinner with her, then left again after bathing.
It was the third month, and the nights were still cold. Lin Xizhao lay on the campaign bed under a thick quilt. For some reason, she was incredibly drowsy tonight. Perhaps it was the worry of the past few days over Qu Sheng’s condition; now that the military physician had said she was fine, Lin Xizhao’s body and mind had finally relaxed. With Qu Sheng nearby in the central command tent, Lin Xizhao sank into exhausted sleep.
In her hazy state, she occasionally heard the rhythmic footsteps of patrolling soldiers outside. Then she sensed someone entering the tent.
Lin Xizhao opened her eyes. She thought she had heard a soldier call out “General.”
Soon Qu Sheng’s figure appeared beside the bed, but Lin Xizhao’s body would not move. Qu Sheng undid her sash, a faint smile on her lips, and climbed onto the bed.
Qu Sheng drew Lin Xizhao into her arms. The chill from being outside made Lin Xizhao shiver, but she instinctively embraced Qu Sheng, warming her body.
“Wife?” Qu Sheng asked softly near Lin Xizhao’s ear.
Lin Xizhao wanted to answer but could not speak. Seeing that Lin Xizhao neither moved nor spoke, Qu Sheng noticed the drowsiness in her expression and curved her lips to capture Lin Xizhao’s mouth.
Qu Sheng kissed Lin Xizhao while reaching over to undo the ties of her sleeping robe. The night’s cold quickly invaded her bared skin, but the lips at her neck burned with heat.
The warmth between their lips drove away the chill. Lin Xizhao suddenly had no strength to resist.
Some time later, Lin Xizhao woke from the dream with fine sweat on her brow. The pleasure in her body slowly faded. Watching the candlelight flicker as she sat up, she realized with a start that she had been dreaming such a shameful dream.
“Wife.”
Lin Xizhao suddenly heard Qu Sheng’s voice. She looked up to find Qu Sheng standing there with a brush in her hand, as if she had rushed over.
“Did you have a nightmare?” Qu Sheng set the brush on a simple cabinet nearby and sat down on the edge of Lin Xizhao’s bed.
But if it was a nightmare, why were Lin Xizhao’s cheeks flushed?
Qu Sheng’s eyes searched Lin Xizhao’s face. Lin Xizhao lowered her head and did not answer. Qu Sheng blinked, confused. After a moment, she helped Lin Xizhao lie back down to continue sleeping.
“When did you return?” Lin Xizhao asked after lying down, the corners of her eyes glistening.
Qu Sheng smoothed the hair at Lin Xizhao’s temple and tucked it behind her ear. “I came back at the Hour of the Rat1.”
She had worried that Lin Xizhao would not sleep well in the military camp. After finishing the handover with Qu Jixian and meeting with the senior officers, she had brought a pile of correspondence and memoranda back to the tent.
Since the Hour of the Rat, she had been working by candlelight.
Lin Xizhao heard this and seemed to understand. She began to rise, wanting to help Qu Sheng with whatever she could.
“Wife, what are you doing? Do you need water?” Qu Sheng gently pressed Lin Xizhao back down.
Lin Xizhao looked up and shook her head. “I’ll help you grind ink.”
“No need. I’ve finished most of it. The rest can wait until tomorrow.”
It was nearly the Hour of the Rabbit2; she should rest a while. Seeing that Lin Xizhao had just had a nightmare, Qu Sheng worried. “Wife, wait for me.”
Qu Sheng rose, removed her outer robe, washed her hands and face, and climbed into bed, afraid Lin Xizhao would get up again while she was gone.
Lin Xizhao watched Qu Sheng climb onto the bed and sit with her knees drawn up. She lifted the corner of the quilt and let Qu Sheng slip inside. A few days ago, she could only sit by Qu Sheng’s bedside or rest in the outer room. Now the one who had scolded her was actively crawling into her quilt. Lin Xizhao smiled as she lay in Qu Sheng’s arms.
Qu Sheng kissed Lin Xizhao’s forehead. She looked down at Lin Xizhao’s soft lips, reluctant to look away, but forced herself to.
Half an hour3 later, the patrolling soldiers had passed by who knows how many times. Qu Sheng’s breathing remained unsteady. Lin Xizhao noticed and opened her eyes to check on her, but Qu Sheng had extinguished the lamp, and she could not see clearly.
Lin Xizhao reached out to touch Qu Sheng’s cheek, then slowly moved her hand to Qu Sheng’s forehead. Her breathing was a bit rapid, but her forehead was not hot. Lin Xizhao was just about to call out to her when Qu Sheng stirred.
Qu Sheng’s eyes were bright. In the darkness, she looked at her wife—her lovely, gentle face, the softness in her arms—and the desires she had suppressed for months rose within her.
Qu Sheng caught the warm fingers Lin Xizhao had extended and pressed them to her lips. She kissed them, her voice rough and low. “Wife, just once, all right?”
The fragrant, soft person in her arms was the one she had longed for day and night. How could she not want her?
Qu Sheng gazed into Lin Xizhao’s hesitant eyes and slowly leaned in to kiss her.
One kiss, then another. She tangled and sucked gently, and Lin Xizhao did not resist. Qu Sheng grew bolder, her hand rising to the sash at Lin Xizhao’s slender waist.
Just like in the dream, the scene from Lin Xizhao’s dream replayed itself. Her body seemed to awaken, responding on its own.
Her lips and teeth answered Qu Sheng’s kiss. Qu Sheng’s heart leaped with joy. She quickened her undressing, her fingertips teasing upward until Lin Xizhao could not help but moan against her mouth.
The sound Qu Sheng had not heard in months was like an aphrodisiac, making her breath even more ragged as she kissed.
Skin like snow, impossibly smooth. Qu Sheng was like a cultivator who had spent years in the mountains, suddenly descending into the mortal world and finding the one she had never forgotten. She could not restrain her greed—again and again, until the first light of dawn whitened the eastern clouds.
Lin Xizhao sat in Qu Sheng’s arms, her slender white arms wrapped around Qu Sheng’s neck. The trembling of her body made her briefly forget the wound on Qu Sheng’s shoulder. When she came back to her senses, she tried to let go, but Qu Sheng held her and pressed her down onto the bed.
Qu Sheng lay on her side and kissed Lin Xizhao’s swollen lips. A mischievous smile played on her face. “Is Wife satisfied?”
At the beginning, she had barely done anything before Lin Xizhao’s body was ready. That had made her shameless later, asking for more again and again.
Lin Xizhao’s already flushed cheeks grew even redder. She lowered her eyes, refusing to look at Qu Sheng. But Qu Sheng was so captivated by her reactions that she lost all restraint.
She was about to lean down for another round when someone called her from outside.
Qu Jixian needed her.
It was already bright outside. In less than an hour, it would be time for breakfast.
“Go quickly. Don’t delay your business.” Lin Xizhao, having heard the voice outside, urged Qu Sheng to go first.
Qu Sheng turned back to look at Lin Xizhao’s damp lashes. She lowered her head and kissed them, then raised herself. “I’ll be right back. Wife, sleep a little more.”
Lin Xizhao opened her eyes and made a soft sound of acknowledgment. Qu Sheng was reluctant to leave, but Qu Jixian seeking her this early likely meant news from the capital.
Qu Sheng did not dare delay. She rose, and Lin Xizhao followed to help her dress.
As Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng with her clothes, she noticed the wound at her shoulder had torn open slightly, seeping fresh blood. Though it had already stopped, Lin Xizhao’s heart ached as she hurried to fetch medicine.
Qu Sheng saw the reproach in Lin Xizhao’s eyes and held her hand still as she changed the bandage. She turned and smiled. “Sheng’er was greedy. It has nothing to do with Wife.” She had not felt any pain at the time—she had been too happy. But making Lin Xizhao sad made her own heart ache.
Lin Xizhao lowered her gaze. Her nearly dry lashes grew wet again.
After Lin Xizhao finished changing the bandage, she did not let Qu Sheng wear armor today, only a military uniform, before sending her to Qu Jixian.
When Qu Sheng returned, her expression was not as relaxed as when she had left. Seeing Lin Xizhao, who had asked someone to bring breakfast to the tent, she ordered everyone else out.
As Lin Xizhao set out the dishes, Qu Sheng embraced her from behind.
“Wife.” Qu Sheng’s voice was filled with reluctance.
“What is it?” Lin Xizhao turned to look at her.
Qu Sheng said nothing, only blinked. When Lin Xizhao noticed something unusual in her manner, she turned and asked, “What happened?”
Qu Sheng met Lin Xizhao’s gaze. After a long moment, she said, “Second Uncle is returning today. Wife, you should go back with him.”
Lin Xizhao froze. She had planned to stay a few more days. Why was she suddenly being sent back with Qu Jixian?
“A rebellion has broken out in the south. The noble families and powerful clans have incited the vassal lords to revolt. Fighting has already begun. I’m worried it won’t be safe for you on the road back.”
These people might become desperate—a cornered dog jumping the wall4. The Qu family was all in the capital, but everyone knew Lin Xizhao had traveled to the Northern Frontier with Qu Jixian. Qu Jixian would have a large escort, so the road would be safer. If she traveled alone, even with guards, Qu Sheng would not be at ease.
Besides, Feng Qi and the others had not yet arrived.
Lin Xizhao lowered her eyes. She could not bear to leave Qu Sheng. But this was wartime; she should not let Qu Sheng worry about her. Still, Qu Sheng’s wound…
“Your injury.” Lin Xizhao looked up at Qu Sheng, her voice trembling.
“My injury is nothing. The military physician said it’s fine. I’m only worried about Wife’s safety on the road.” Qu Sheng’s brow was filled with reluctance. She could not bear to let Lin Xizhao go either.
Though Lin Xizhao had been here for days, they had only been truly together for one day.
Lin Xizhao hesitated for a long time. Finally, she wrapped her arms around Qu Sheng’s strong waist and pressed her cheek to her chest. “Must I leave today?”
She did not want to go. She had not seen enough of Qu Sheng.
Qu Sheng held Lin Xizhao. Her heart ached no less than Lin Xizhao’s. But for Lin Xizhao’s safety, how could she selfishly keep her here?
There was still much to do in the camp. The army might march again tomorrow. Qu Sheng could not even guarantee her own safety. How could she feel at ease with Lin Xizhao in the camp?
“Yes.” Qu Sheng’s voice was heavy.
Lin Xizhao heard the answer and held her tighter.
After breakfast, they stayed in the tent for a long time, unwilling to leave. Qu Sheng simply sat there, quietly holding Lin Xizhao. Lin Xizhao leaned against her, her heart filling with more and more reluctance.
Neither knew who moved first. Their lips met, tangling together, until a voice urged them from outside.
Qu Jixian had prepared the carriage and was waiting for Lin Xizhao to come out and return to the capital with him.
They stopped kissing. Lin Xizhao slowly rose. She had only brought a few changes of clothes, and she had already packed them.
“I’ll carry it for Wife.” Qu Sheng picked up Lin Xizhao’s bundle.
Lin Xizhao nodded gently and did not refuse. As long as Qu Sheng did not faint, she was fully recovered. The wound that had reopened last night was nothing to someone who practiced martial arts. Besides, Lin Xizhao’s clothes were few and light.
“Second Uncle.”
“Second Uncle.”
They reached the carriage outside the camp and bowed together.
Qu Jixian had been waiting outside for a long time. Seeing the young couple so reluctant to part, he could only sigh. He would have liked to stay longer, but many matters in the capital still needed decisions. Qu Sheng’s recovery had been unavoidable, but now that she was well, he needed to return quickly.
“Get in the carriage.” Qu Jixian did not waste words. He had already given Qu Sheng all the necessary instructions the night before and that morning.
They looked at each other. Qu Sheng’s lips trembled. “Sheng’er will carry Wife up.” She bent down and lifted Lin Xizhao into her arms.
Lin Xizhao wrapped her arms around Qu Sheng’s neck. Her eyes were already wet. She gazed at Qu Sheng without caring who was watching, her eyes full of love. Qu Sheng set her in the carriage and, without any hesitation, kissed her lips.
Their lips met. Many soldiers nearby, as well as the guards who had come with Qu Jixian, saw it.
Lin Xizhao’s lashes trembled. She raised her hand to Qu Sheng’s cheek. Since childhood, she had never tired of touching Qu Sheng’s face.
Qu Sheng tilted her head, pressing her cheek more firmly into Lin Xizhao’s palm. After a moment, she moved her warm lips to kiss Lin Xizhao’s palm. She lingered there, then raised her hand to hold Lin Xizhao’s pale fingers. “Take care of yourself. Wait for me to come back.”
“Mm.” Lin Xizhao pressed her lips together. Silent tears fell.
A guard at the carriage opened the front door. Lin Xizhao moved inside, and their fingers slowly separated as she entered.
Once seated, she lifted the carriage curtain. Qu Sheng looked over, the corners of her mouth lifting. She fought back the sting in her nose and met Lin Xizhao’s reluctant gaze.
The carriage departed. When Lin Xizhao could no longer see her, tears finally fell from Qu Sheng’s eyes.
Long after the carriage had vanished into the sunlight, Qu Sheng remained standing there.
The rebellion in the south had flared again. What began as small uprisings had now gained the support of vassal lords. The Jin family in Lingyi was already dispatching troops to suppress them.
These people were taking advantage of the foreign invasion and the defeat at the Northern Frontier to start wars. They were pushing Tiansheng into an inferno. Qu Sheng intended to have Qu Jixian act swiftly and punish them severely—to kill the chicken to scare the monkey5.
After sending Lin Xizhao away, Qu Sheng returned to the camp and summoned a messenger. She handed him a prepared letter to deliver to the Bei’an army.
She was preparing a plan to rescue Qu Jiqin and Jin Yunyou.
Heyi Kingdom and the Chemu Tribe were vast grasslands where Tiansheng forces had been at a disadvantage. But once the enemy entered Tiansheng’s complex mountain terrain, Qu Sheng no longer feared their superior equipment.
The Bei’an army had grown arrogant from their victories. Their confidence had made them careless. Qu Sheng intended to lure them in and make them suffer.
The author has something to say:
Author: “What is most hateful?”
Qu Sheng: “Being betrayed by someone you trust.”
Leave a comment for a red packet.
Footnotes
- The Hour of the Rat (zǐshí) corresponds to approximately 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. in traditional Chinese timekeeping.
- The Hour of the Rabbit (mǎoshí) corresponds to approximately 5 to 7 a.m. in traditional Chinese timekeeping.
- A 'ke' is a traditional Chinese time unit of approximately 15 minutes. Two 'ke' periods equal roughly 30 minutes.
- An idiom (gǒu jí tiào qiáng) meaning that desperate people will take desperate actions when cornered, much like a cornered dog that jumps over a wall to escape.
- An idiom (shā jī jìng hóu) meaning to punish one person as an example to warn others against similar behavior.
Gosh I have a terrible feeling 🤧💔