Love of Nirvana (Liu Shui Tiao Tiao)

Chapter 103 The Wind Stirs the Lotus Fragrance

Pei Yan and Cui Liang calculated the days, realizing that in just over ten days, the Huan Kingdom's reinforcements would reach Huiyan Pass, which would lead to a bloody battle. Pei Yan sent an urgent military order to Tong Min in Longzhou, and then discussed matters with Cui Liang. With another long-planned affair on his mind, he headed towards Wei Zhao's residence in the east wing.

Seeing no one guarding the door, Pei Yan thought Wei Zhao wasn't in and was about to turn back when he faintly heard Jiang Ci's laughter from inside. His heart stirred. He activated his Yuan Power, concealing his footsteps, and slowly approached the courtyard gate, peering through the cracks.

In the morning sun, Wei Zhao sat on a stone bench under a large tree in the courtyard. Jiang Ci crouched before him, mending his white robe. Her fingers danced with needle and thread, while Wei Zhao silently gazed down at her. She occasionally looked up, smiling tenderly at Wei Zhao, sometimes saying something with a radiant smile.

Knowing Wei Zhao's inner power was similar to his own, Pei Yan held his breath and focused on the conversation between the two in the courtyard.

"I won't be a mouse," she said with a hint of coquettishness.

"I'm the shameless cat, so of course you're the mouse."

"Too ugly, and always bullied by you."

"Then what do you want to be?" Wei Zhao's voice was gentler than Pei Yan had ever heard.

She looked up, smiling coyly. Sunlight filtered through the tree canopy, dancing on her forehead like a blooming lotus. Her voice was as soft as drifting clouds: "I'll be a cat too. One cat is too lonely, but two cats can snuggle for warmth and play-fight. I had two cats at home, one black and one white—"

Her demeanor was so bright and gentle that even in their most intimate moments, Pei Yan had never seen her look at him that way.

She continued chatting happily, and Wei Zhao listened with great patience. Pei Yan suddenly felt this Wei Zhao was very unfamiliar. He could no longer see the arrogance from his time in the capital, the sharp cruelty when killing, or his usual bewitching demeanor in the palace.

Pei Yan silently watched the pair, listening to Jiang Ci's silvery laughter, feeling a tightness in his chest. Suddenly, he saw Jiang Ci bite off the thread and snap back to reality. Seeing Wei Zhao about to stand, he quickly retreated, walking slowly back to the main hall.

A servant brought fragrant tea. Pei Yan stared at the icy white jade teacup from the royal kiln on the table, lost in thought.

Cui Liang's hurried footsteps interrupted Pei Yan's contemplation. Cui Liang said with a smile, "My Lord, the 'Four-Directional Chariot' is ready!"

Pei Yan stood up excitedly: "Let's take a look!"

The two hurried to a large courtyard behind the prefect's mansion. In the yard stood an eight-wheeled large chariot. The top of the chariot was covered with over ten giant logs, concealing the iron cage below. The iron cage was wrapped in several thick layers of medicinal cowhide, and the wheels were extremely sturdy. Pei Yan and Cui Liang climbed inside the chariot. Looking at the catapult in the center of the iron cage, Pei Yan stepped on it and said happily, "I never imagined such a siege weapon existed in this world!"

Cui Liang smiled: "Although this catapult can send people onto the city walls, it requires someone with exceptional lightness skills. I'm afraid in the army—"

Pei Yan said, "Don't worry, Ziming. When I heard your description of this Four-Directional Chariot, I already summoned a group of people. They should arrive soon."

Cui Liang understood immediately: "People from the martial arts world?"

"Yes. Huiyan Pass is extremely treacherous, and the walls are so high. Even with the help of this Four-Directional Chariot, to leap onto the city walls, resist experts like Yi Han, and open the gates, we need a large number of martial arts masters. I've already sent a message to Alliance Leader Liu Feng, and the Crown Prince has issued an edict. Liu Feng has gathered people from the martial arts world and is rushing to the front lines."