When it came to commanding armies, Qin Qiancheng was undoubtedly the best candidate, but the problem was that he was a spy for Da Li.
Ji Jinmo had actually been contemplating this issue during this time. He wondered why. Qin Qiancheng was not a military officer he had personally promoted. Even when the late emperor was still alive, he was already the Deputy Envoy of the Pacification Commissioner's Office. During the battle against the Da Li Imperial Army back then, he had led the Liecheng Army to flank and surprise attack, effectively intercepting the Imperial Army who were fleeing after being slaughtered by the Demon Hunting Army. At that time, Zhang Heng was ordered to guard the rear and had not noticed anything amiss with Qin Qiancheng.
"Didn't we already discuss this?"
After receiving news of the border conflict, they began to deliberate on who should be dispatched to the border for support. If all objective conditions were excluded, Ji Jinmo would naturally be the best choice, but he could not go, at least not to lead troops to support the border when the imperial gazette had just entered the capital and Ji Hong was summoning ministers to the palace for discussion.
"But..."
Ji Hong felt uneasy. He looked at Ji Jinmo and slowly said, "Imperial Uncle, our ancestors said that the people are precious and the ruler is light. Although I wish to annihilate all the enemies plaguing Lin Yuan, and I am willing to go to any lengths to achieve this goal, this does not include popular sentiment, public opinion, or the lives and safety of the common people."
Ji Jinmo looked at him.
Ji Hong's wrist and disposition might still be lacking, but he had already proven to be a qualified ruler.
"I know!"
Ji Jinmo offered no further explanation. His rules, his knowledge, and his way of governing were all inherited from the late emperor, and Ji Hong inherited them from him. Although he had become increasingly ruthless over the years to contend with the hidden sinister forces, some bottom lines and principles remained unchanged.
Seeing Ji Jinmo like this, Ji Hong did not speak further. No matter how much they discussed this matter, or how uneasy he felt, the imperial decree had been issued, and Qin Qiancheng had already rushed to the Jiyang Army camp. All he could do was wait and see.
...
The Prince's Mansion prison.
Jia Huan held Liu Shi's leg and pressed her foot firmly onto the red-hot iron plate. Liu Shi's eyes widened in fury. The mouth, sealed with needle and thread, could only emit desperate whimpers.
Xiaoman stood by, quietly watching Liu Shi, listening to the sizzling sound of her flesh on the scorching iron plate as if it were being roasted. She was smiling, her eyes reddened with tears.
Nan Shiying gently stroked Xiaoman's head, not offering any comfort. The paleness of words was utterly insufficient to quell the heart-piercing pain and the implacable hatred.
Liu Shi finally fainted, only to be splashed with a basin of water and woken up.
The torment continued until the latter half of the night. When it came to the final step, Nan Shiying took Xiaoman and left the prison.
"Go rest!"
She said to Xiaoman, "After Liu Shi dies with her body rotting, I will take her remains to Wang Momo's grave and scatter them to the ashes."
"Niangniang, can you take this servant with you?"
"Alright!"
Nan Shiying did not refuse. After coaxing her back to her room to rest, she then dragged her tired body back to her own room.
The room was lit. Nan Shiying pushed the door open and took off her outer garment. Lu Wan, who would usually come to greet her, was nowhere to be seen. It seemed no one was attending to the room, but she didn't pay it much mind. She threw her cloak over the screen and had just stepped into the inner room when she saw Ji Jinmo reading a book by candlelight.
It had been some time since she had seen him reading that worn-out book.
Hearing the movement, Ji Jinmo looked up. The moment he saw Nan Shiying, the coldness on his face instantly melted. He closed the book, stood up, and walked towards her, taking her hand and pulling her onto a chair.
"Hungry, aren't you? I've asked the small kitchen to prepare some food!"
Nan Shiying was not actually hungry, just feeling a little tired. However, she still picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of the taro cake.
Ji Jinmo glanced at her and called out towards the outside, "Someone!"
Bai Zhi, who was on night duty today, walked in, bowed, and lowered her head, waiting for instructions!
"Take the food away!" he said.
Bai Zhi glanced at the untouched food on the table. With nimble movements, she put the dishes back into the food box. After taking the food box out, Lu Wan walked in, bowed to the two, and asked, "Master, Niangniang, the bathtub is ready. Shall we bathe and change clothes?"
Nan Shiying's face flushed, and she quickly glanced at Ji Jinmo.
Ji Jinmo, as steady as an old dog, responded with a "hmm." Lu Wan then carried the bathtub into the room.
Bai Zhi used a wooden pole to carry five buckets of water. After pouring the water into the bathtub, she sprinkled a basket of flower petals. Once everything was ready, she said to Nan Shiying and Ji Jinmo, "Master, Niangniang, you may bathe and change now."
As Bai Zhi spoke, she smiled teasingly at Nan Shiying. Nan Shiying glared at her fiercely and reprimanded, "Why aren't you getting out of here quickly!"
"Yes~"
Bai Zhi responded, picked up the empty water buckets, and left the room, closing the door.
Wisps of steam slowly rose, soon misting the entire room. The temperature in the room gradually climbed. Nan Shiying felt a slight tightness in her chest. Ji Jinmo turned his head, looked at her flushed profile, got up, walked to her side, bent down, and with his cool lips brushing against her ear, asked with a smile, "Do you need me to help you change?"
Nan Shiying grabbed Ji Jinmo's collar, looked up, and kissed him. It couldn't quite be called a kiss, more of a biting and nibbling, which vented her frustration. Only then did she release Ji Jinmo's collar. Her eyes were filled with desire, her breath perfumed, and her voice carried an irresistible allure as she lightly uttered two words: "Yes!"
Ji Jinmo's eyes were as dark as ink. He looked at the bewitching enchantress before him, picked her up with one hand, walked towards the bathtub, and with his other hand, helped her undress.
Her dress half-slid off, revealing her fair skin. As she entered the water, the warm water opened all her pores, and Nan Shiying let out a comfortable moan.
This sound, falling into Ji Jinmo's ears, was like the sounding of a bugle for advance. He pulled her into his arms and placed her upon him.
Ecstasy that pierced the bones, a joyous union like fish and water.
The water flowed back and forth, winding its way through hidden paths, an inch longer and an inch shorter, sometimes rapid and sometimes gentle. When rapid, it was like waves crashing against the shore; when gentle, it was like a feather tickling the sole of the foot. Nan Shiying's suppressed moans and Ji Jinmo's gasps echoed, like a musical movement, telling tales of sorrow and joy!
Nan Shiying was truly tired. Ji Jinmo did not torment her too much. After cleaning her body and drying her, he carried her out. Nan Shiying's legs were wrapped around Ji Jinmo's waist, her entire body as if hanging on him. By the time they reached the bedside, she had already fallen asleep.
Ji Jinmo carefully placed her on the bed, suppressing the urge to advance again. He lay down beside her, encircling her in his arms, and then closed his eyes.
Lu Wan and Bai Zhi entered the room, moved the bathtub out, cleaned up the messy floor, and then gently closed the door.
A peaceful night!