Chapter 389: Peerless in the World

The expeditionary army returned.

It had been an extraordinarily hurried campaign.

Its main force consisted of the Keyan Tribe, which had only just entered Snow Sea Pass territory and had not even undergone proper integration.

But haste was equal.

As the saying went:

*When things are difficult for you, difficult for me, difficult for everyone, I do not fear the difficulty.*

*When things are easy for you, easy for me, easy for everyone, I do not become careless.*

Under the same basic conditions, both attacker and defender had been rough around the edges.

The difference was that Snow Sea Pass still possessed order beneath its roughness.

The Naiman Tribe had been full of holes.

Against an opponent like that, if Snow Sea Pass had failed to produce both an extremely fast campaign and an absurdly favorable casualty ratio, it would almost have been embarrassing.

Weapons lined the northern gatehouse of Snow Sea Pass.

Ever since the army departed, defending the northern gate had immediately become one of the city’s highest priorities.

The Blind Man had always handled matters steadily.

He did not believe this expedition was especially dangerous.

But there remained one painful historical lesson: once, the armies of Dacheng had marched onto the snowfields only to be smashed backward in one wave and lose Snow Sea Pass itself.

Naturally, he would not allow himself to become careless.

Fortunately, news of the great victory had already reached Snow Sea Pass well in advance.

Inside and outside the city jubilation filled the air.

The Blind Man sat in a chair atop the gate tower.

A small tea table stood to his left, holding two oranges and one cup of tea.

Siniang sat in another chair nearby with one leg crossed over the other, knitting clothing.

“Have the rewards been distributed?” the Blind Man asked.

“I gave the order last night.

“They should have gone out this morning.”

Almost every industry inside Snow Sea Pass was controlled by the Count’s Residence.

With news of the victory arriving, welfare benefits and promotional discounts had immediately been rolled out.

And these were no fake bargains on useless luxuries.

The discounts covered rice, flour, cooking oil, grain, and other daily necessities.

Real benefits.

After a major victory, the people naturally had to celebrate alongside the army.

More importantly, the soldiers and civilians needed to feel in their own lives that warfare could bring them tangible rewards.

Only then would they begin supporting future wars on their own initiative.

The banner of national righteousness was certainly useful.

The problem was that Snow Sea Pass contained a mixture of many peoples.

That particular card could not really be played here.

But in the Blind Man’s opinion, building something closer to the spirit of a **military brotherhood** would not be bad either.

Liu Bei’s regime in Shu-Han had, in practice, possessed something of that character.

Adapt to local conditions.

Under Snow Sea Pass’s present circumstances, the main theme had to be this: bind army and people together as tightly as possible and expand outward.

Siniang put down the garment in her hands.

“Are the preparations for welcoming the army back finished?”

“They’re finished.

“I guarantee it will be lively.”

“Mm.

“After this campaign, we’ll finally have more room to breathe.

“A’Ming won’t need to keep running around either.

“He can focus on rebuilding the workshop system first.

“Once we survive this winter, everything should finally be back on the proper track.”

A person who had never managed a household could never understand how expensive firewood, rice, oil, and salt truly were.

Especially when the “household” in question was this enormous.

Count Zheng had long since become accustomed to acting as a hands-off manager.

Fortunately the Demon Kings beneath him could hold everything up.

“More refugees have been arriving every day recently,” the Blind Man reminded her.

“We need to make sure they’re properly received and settled.”

Now that Snow Sea Pass had stabilized, people who once fled into the surrounding mountains and forests to escape the war were gradually emerging.

At the same time, refugees from even farther away had heard that food could be found here.

They were beginning to migrate toward Snow Sea Pass as well.

That was partly thanks to the propaganda spread during the great migration.

Snow Sea Pass had been described all along the road as something close to paradise.

For people displaced by war and left without homes that description possessed enormous attraction.

“I know.”

Siniang nodded.

“We need workers everywhere anyway.

“No matter how many arrive, we’ll take them.”

Besides, among refugees capable of surviving the journey all the way here, the proportion of elderly, weak, sick, and disabled people was not actually very high.

Most people in those conditions simply could not endure the road.

And if such people did arrive it usually meant young and able-bodied relatives had accompanied and protected them.

“It’s also time to put military reorganization on the agenda.”

“Let’s wait until Master returns and discuss it with him.

“It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to decide that ourselves.”

“Master already discussed it with me before leaving.

“The broad framework is basically settled.

“In the future, Snow Sea Pass’s military forces will probably be divided into **Four Garrisons**.

“Each Garrison will contain multiple battalions.

“For now, the four categories would roughly be:

“the **Yan Garrison**, the **Barbarian Garrison**, the **Jin Garrison**, and, once we finish disciplining the snowfields, perhaps a future **Savage Garrison**.”

Siniang lifted her teacup.

She took a sip.

Then smiled.

“You’re copying the Eight Banners?”

The Eight Banners system also divided its forces into Manchu, Han, and Mongol banners.

“More or less.

“Our forces genuinely are too complicated right now.

“Rather than forcibly mixing everyone together and pretending there’s no difference between them, it might be better to preserve certain distinctions at the institutional level first.

“Then we work harder on integration among the commanding officers.

“Of course, the Four Garrisons won’t literally be given names as crude as those.

“We can attach proper titles later.

“Tiger Might.

“Enemy Breaker.

“Ten Thousand Victories.

“Something along those lines.

“For now, we establish the structural framework.

“Then we can reorganize again later as circumstances require.”

The Blind Man rubbed between his brows.

“In truth, we’re still crossing the river by feeling for stones.

“One step at a time.

“Change things one step at a time.

“We have time.”

“Mm.”

“But the most urgent issue right now is still advancement.

“Siniang.

“Have you decided?”

Siniang put down her teacup.

She said nothing.

“I haven’t figured it out either,” the Blind Man admitted.

Siniang spoke.

“I have.”

“Oh?”

Siniang stretched.

Her graceful figure unfolded with the motion.

“At the end of the day, we’ve already shared the same bed.

“There shouldn’t be anything between us that can’t be said openly.

“I don’t know whether his fate was always destined to contain me.

“But it’s obvious my fate absolutely has to contain him.

“In ordinary households, a woman depends upon the man supporting the roof.

“Once that pillar disappears, life becomes difficult.

“This old lady has lived long enough.

“I can understand a principle that simple.

“In this world— love and affection oaths beneath mountain and sea all of that is beautiful.

“But when everything is stripped away—

Heaven only knows how many husbands and wives sleep on the same pillow every night while dreaming completely different dreams.

“And yet— don’t they keep living together anyway?”

The Blind Man slapped one hand lightly against his chest.

“Why does your tone make me nervous?

“Master may have lived two lives, but he’s never actually had a proper romance or marriage.

“Don’t be too ruthless.

“If you genuinely break Master’s heart, what then?”

“Oh?

“You care that much about Master?”

“Of course not.

“I’m worried about you.

“Think about it.

“Madam Ke is still living beside Master.

“She’s already given birth before, sure, but her looks are genuinely good.

“And who knows?

“Maybe Master returns from this expedition carrying some fox spirit from the snowfields.

“Don’t play with fire until you burn yourself.

“If even our mistress ends up getting replaced— you may not feel awkward.

“But the rest of us certainly will.”

Siniang gave a soft “heh.”

The half-finished garment she had just knitted suddenly shook by itself.

A silver needle threaded with yarn began circling continuously around Siniang’s fingertips.

She left only two words.

“He dares.”

...

“Listen.

“Eat what you want.

“Drink what you want.

“But don’t resent Third Master because I won’t let you remain beside Master.

“I’m doing this for your own good.

“Don’t assume that just because you’re a fox spirit, you can really seduce every man beneath Heaven.

“That son beside our Master is famous for jealousy.

“He may not currently possess the strength to kill his father and become a gloriously filial son— but he would absolutely be one hundred percent willing to watch his father remain a widower for the rest of his life.

“And even if you somehow survive the son— there’s still a woman beside Master.

“In looks.

“Figure.

“Bearing.

“You can’t compare with her in a single category.

“And if we’re talking about schemes and methods— give up now.

“Third Master is keeping you beside me out of pure kindness.

“I simply don’t want to be cooling watermelons in a well one summer and suddenly haul up a fox corpse.”

The fox curled miserably into one corner of the wagon.

She was furious but did not dare show it.

Why was the black cat allowed to remain beside Count Pingye while she had to stay next to this stunted tiger?

People—

No.

Spirits were all the same.

What hurt most was comparison.

Once comparison existed the damage immediately doubled.

While Huaji remained curled up, quietly shedding tears of grievance—

Count Zheng rode at the head of the column on the Pixiu.

One hand absently stroked the black cat’s fur.

Beside him, Liang Cheng rode on horseback.

“Did we send envoys to all the other tribes?” Zheng Fan asked.

“Yes, Master.

“They’ve already gone.”

“Good.

“When we return, mention the matter to the Blind Man.

“Have him continue following up.

“Every tribe that tried to reinforce the Naiman Tribe— must bleed a little for me.”

“Yes, Master.”

Around noon the returning army finally reached Snow Sea Pass while escorting cattle, sheep, captives, and slaves.

The northern gate opened wide.

A grand ceremony welcomed the victorious soldiers home.

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony came rewards for military merit.

For the people of the Keyan Tribe, those rewards were true rain after drought.

Especially when the returning warriors discovered their families had already been settled into tents and provided with sufficient grain.

The joy the excitement the sense of satisfaction could hardly be expressed in words.

Unfortunately, there were still many more ceremonial steps ahead.

Count Zheng had to attend every one.

That night there would also be an enormous bonfire gathering.

Count Zheng not only had to appear.

He had to deliver a speech.

Only after every last event finally ended did Zheng Fan drag his slightly exhausted body back to his residence.

Truthfully sometimes attending political performances like these was even more tiring than fighting a war outside.

After returning home, Zheng Fan sat down in a chair in the hall and waited for Madam Ke to bring over the basin for his feet.

Unexpectedly a fragrant breeze drifted toward him.

The scent was extraordinarily familiar.

Zheng Fan raised his head.

Siniang stood before him holding the wooden basin.

Before the expedition, the incident involving Xue San had left everyone somewhat awkward around one another.

They all needed a little space.

A little time.

Then this unexpected campaign against the Naiman Tribe had stretched that awkward interval even longer.

“You’ve worked hard these past days,” Zheng Fan said with a smile.

A perfectly ordinary courtesy.

Siniang smiled softly.

She crouched down, lifted Zheng Fan’s feet into the basin, and prepared to wash them.

“No need, Siniang.

“I can do it myself.”

“Madam Ke is allowed to wash them, but this concubine is not?”

“She’s a servant.

“You’re not.”

Siniang gave a slight curtsy.

“Then this servant will prepare a late-night meal for Master.”

Trying to eat properly at the bonfire gathering had been impossible.

There had simply been too much socializing.

Nobody dared force Count Zheng to drink.

But he still had to carry a wine cup around...

Mm.

Walk around patting people on the shoulder.

That too was exhausting.

Zheng Fan washed his own feet.

Then he entered the bedroom.

Several delicate dishes had already been placed on the small table inside.

Siniang was pouring wine.

Zheng Fan sat down beside the table.

Then gave a quiet sigh.

He knew—

Siniang had something to say.

Some barriers could not be jumped over.

Nor could they simply be ignored.

“Master.

“This servant has some things she wants to say to you.”

Siniang offered him a cup of wine.

Zheng Fan accepted it.

He did not drink.

Instead, he placed the cup before him, picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of food, and chewed.

“Mm.

“Go ahead.”

As a Master as an advancement machine he needed to grow accustomed to his role.

Siniang seemed to have already drunk some wine beforehand.

A faint, alluring flush moved through her brows.

“Master, while you were away on campaign, this servant thought for a long time.

“Thought again and again.

“In the past— we simply lived.

“Living with everything painfully clear does not necessarily make life comfortable.

“Sometimes living half-confused is how one understands the freedom of rare foolishness.

“But now— we can no longer leave things unclear.

“This servant wants to advance.”

“Mm.

“I know.”

No Demon King could resist the attraction of recovering strength.

“But, Master— whether you believe me or not if advancement were the only issue, this servant truly would not be in such a hurry.

“Some thorns have already pushed their heads out.

“Once they appear, we can’t pretend they don’t exist.

“They hurt.

“Every so often— they remind you they’re still there.”

Zheng Fan took another bite of food.

Then lifted his wine cup.

“Master.

“Let this servant speak from the heart.

“This servant does not possess romantic love for Master.”

The hand holding the wine cup froze.

“This servant really has thought about it for many days.

“Again and again.

“I even considered whether I should simply deceive you.

“Deceiving men— that is what this servant does best.

“But in the end, I decided I should tell Master the truth.

“This servant... truly does not love Master.

“At least— not in the way lovers love one another.

“Truly not.

“This servant tried to find that feeling.

“But I cannot.

“I genuinely cannot find it.”

Zheng Fan drained the wine in one swallow.

His face showed no obvious emotion.

Then he raised his eyes toward Siniang again.

And discovered that somehow he felt more at ease.

Some things became easier for both sides once spoken openly.

“This servant has never had a man.

“Many parts of this servant’s body have already been used by Master.

“But that one place— this servant has always kept untouched.”

Zheng Fan very much wanted to ask:

*Then what exactly does that make us?*

*Friends with benefits?*

*A regular customer and his favorite?*

But he immediately felt that anything he said right now would inevitably carry the sourness of a man who had just been handed a good-person card.

Better to keep his mouth shut.

Tsk.

How should he describe this feeling?

“Master.

“Do you think this servant originally approached you— helped you with that because she wanted to use that method to advance?”

Zheng Fan shook his head.

“No.”

“Master truly never thought that?”

“I truly never did.”

Zheng Fan answered firmly.

Because Siniang had never needed to do that.

Nor had she possessed any reason.

She was not a decorative vase.

Nor was she merely the madam of the Red Tents.

She possessed ability.

In fact, from Tiger Head City through every migration that followed, all the way to Snow Sea Pass—

Siniang had always managed the household’s industries and financial flows.

The Blind Man handled more of the other affairs.

She could rely on her own competence and strength just as Liang Cheng, Xue San, A’Ming, and the others did.

Since Liang Cheng and the others had been able to advance step by step through their own paths there was no reason she could not.

And from the very beginning, Zheng Fan had carried a certain shadow of “fear” toward Feng Siniang.

Yes, he admired her beauty.

Her charm.

But he had never seriously imagined that he might one day taste those lips himself.

She was too frightening.

Zheng Fan did not dare.

If Siniang had not taken the initiative back then, Count Zheng would never have dared take that first step himself.

Of course, hearing her words now did make him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

But he genuinely did not blame her.

He had spent all this time enjoying himself.

What right did he have to turn around afterward and complain about the other party?

How was that any different from visiting a prostitute then solemnly urging her to redeem herself and become a good woman afterward?

What kind of shameless bastard did that?

Still a faint sense of discomfort was unavoidable.

People naturally constructed fantasies about their lives.

Their futures.

Beautiful things.

Human beings were extremely poor at genuine contentment.

Wanting Shu after already gaining Long was instinct.

“Master, many times even this servant doesn’t understand exactly what she is.

“I’m different from Ah Cheng, San’er, the Blind Man, and the others.

“They have a past.

“A beginning.

“A before.

“They once walked forward step by step.

“Changed little by little.

“Matured.

“Experienced.

“But I—

I only have experiences.

“Does Master understand what this servant means?”

Zheng Fan nodded.

He understood.

Characters such as the Blind Man, Liang Cheng, and A’Ming possessed stories with actual beginnings and developments.

Their histories formed a comparatively complete line.

Siniang was different.

In most of the comic stories involving her, she simply operated a brothel in different ages different backgrounds different cities.

Her most iconic image was always the same: leaning against the second-floor railing of a pleasure house looking into the distance.

What lay in that distance might be the romantic splendor of Chang’an during the glorious Tang.

It might be the drunken luxury of Bianliang during the Northern Song.

It might be the decadent dreamscape of the Republican era.

Or traffic flowing beneath neon light.

She was extremely shrewd.

But deep inside she was confused.

She always seemed to be searching for something.

Gradually perhaps even she forgot what she had originally been searching for.

She merely kept searching.

And searching.

Siniang raised her hand.

She touched Zheng Fan’s face.

Then, she leaned closer.

Their breath brushed over one another’s cheeks.

Softly itching.

“Master.

“This servant genuinely does not understand what people mean by the love between man and woman.

“This servant feels that—

Master you are not the man this servant loves.”

Count Zheng suddenly felt the warning signs of angina.

Still he kept smiling.

Maintained his composure.

Preserved his dignity.

And asked:

“Then what kind of man do you like?”

The moment Siniang heard that sorrow immediately spread across her face.

She leaned backward.

Then threw the wine jug in her hand onto the floor.

Fortunately, the room was carpeted.

The jug did not break.

But wine spilled across the floor.

The rich fragrance of alcohol immediately filled the room.

Siniang raised one hand.

She swept the dark hair away from both temples.

Then, with extraordinary bitterness, said:

“In this servant’s eyes— men are filthy things.

“The instant they come close, they stink beyond endurance.

“They are nothing more than rats crawling through filthy gutters.

“They cannot even truly be called human.

“Master.

“This servant does not feel toward you the kind of romantic affection a woman feels toward a man.

“That sentence— was not a lie.

“Master asked what kind of man this servant likes.

“But in truth— this servant has no choice at all.

“Because— in this servant’s eyes in this entire world there is only one man.

“And that man— is Master.”

————

Good night, everyone.

[End of Chapter 389]