maidservant

The night fell like a huge piece of black silk, gently but irresistibly covering the western suburbs training camp.

The torches in the camp were dotted, swaying in the night wind. The orange-red flames jumped unsteadily, stretching the tall figures of the soldiers and casting shadows on the tents and the ground, adding a bit of mystery and solemnity.

Occasionally, the neighing of war horses pierced the night sky, but was soon swallowed up by the wind. The entire military camp was like a dormant giant beast, hiding endless power in the silence.

Inside the tent, Lin Xiao had already taken off his armor and put on a round-necked robe.

"His Majesty was stunned at first, then burst into laughter. He said I was a man of my own ideas, but he didn't agree right away, saying he needed to reconsider. But I could sense that His Majesty had no objection."

Lin Xiao's voice was steady, echoing slowly in the slightly dim tent.

In fact, this was already a very good statement, and Lin Xiao understood it in his heart. He knew that recently a noble family had proposed a marriage alliance with the emperor, but the emperor had not told him about it.

Perhaps it was because the Lin family was too powerful. Both Lin Yu and himself were indispensable arms in His Majesty's harem and court. His Majesty was unwilling to let the corrupt old nobles cling to the Lin family, nor did he want to see the Lin family collude with the equally powerful old nobles.

Lin Xiao thought that he could handle these complicated court disputes by himself, without having to bother Yunshan and add to her troubles, so he kept these thoughts deep in his heart.

Seeing Lin Xiao remain silent for a long time, Yunshan thought that this matter had put him in a difficult position, and her heart was filled with worry and anxiety. She gently moved towards Lin Xiao, raised her head slightly, and asked in a low voice with a hint of timidity in her eyes, "What if His Majesty doesn't allow it, and your father..."

Lin Xiao looked at Yun Shan's worried expression and said softly, "Don't worry. I've made up my mind and I won't give up easily. If His Majesty doesn't agree, I will make more military achievements and ask for grace until he agrees. As for my father, just trust me."

His voice was low and firm, like a warm breeze, gently blowing away the worries in Yunshan's heart.

At this moment, Yan Lie's deliberate cough was heard outside the tent, breaking the slightly heavy atmosphere.

"You guys chat first, I'll prepare some food for you. You must be hungry after all this time." Yan Lie's voice was cheerful, and he left quickly after he finished speaking, his footsteps gradually fading away.

After Yan Lie walked away, Yun Shan asked seriously, "Why do you like eating grass?"

Lin Xiao was slightly stunned, then he reacted and couldn't help laughing: "This kid must have done it on purpose. I guess he wants to say that I have a simple diet and don't like those delicacies from land and sea. I prefer some light vegetarian food."

The two men smiled at each other, their laughter echoing in the tent, and the atmosphere suddenly became a lot more relaxed.

Yunshan mentioned the mansion. "I think it's still missing some flowers and plants. Since you're busy, I took the initiative to make a list for you. When you have time, if you find anything unsuitable, you can choose some flowers and plants that you like."

Lin Xiao looked at the anticipation in Yunshan's eyes and nodded gently, "Plant more of the crabapples you like. They will bloom brightly in the spring and fill the yard with fragrance."

As he was speaking, Yan Lie walked into the tent with food and said loudly, "Come, let's eat and talk."

He held several plates of simple yet steaming food, along with two jars of strong liquor. For a moment, the tent was filled with the aroma of food and the strong, pungent smell of liquor. The liquor was spicy and rich, with a burning sensation that seemed to ignite the air. The three of them sat together, enjoying the simple meal with extraordinary relish. Yunshan picked up the glass and took a sip of the liquor. The spicy liquid flowed down her throat, instantly making her cheeks feel hot.

In the palace, she often followed Lin Yu to taste various kinds of sake. Her alcohol tolerance was not too bad, but the strong taste of this military wine still made her a little unable to withstand it.

Lin Xiao and Yan Lie in front of him were drinking happily. While drinking, Yan Lie expressed his gratitude to Lin Xiao for his recommendation with a sincere face. He said that he would follow Lin Xiao for the rest of his life and follow his lead.

Lin Xiao was considerate of Yun Shan who was beside him, so he restrained his drinking.

After the meal, Yan Lie was already a little drunk, so Lin Xiao asked someone to carry him back to his tent.

Afterwards, he called two more soldiers and quickly set up a small tent for Yunshan nearby.

"The barracks are full of men, and they're not very good at keeping their mouths shut. If someone saw you spending the night in my tent, even if you were alone, they would definitely make fun of you, and it would damage your reputation. I can only put you in this small tent."

"You have thought so carefully for me. This little tent is great." Yunshan was deeply touched and responded softly.

Lin Xiao did not leave the tent to send her there. He only asked two soldiers on duty to take her there and guard outside her tent all night.

Yunshan walked into the small tent. The conditions in the military camp were poor, so she curled up in the quilt.

At this moment, the wind suddenly turned to the north, blowing hard, making the tent whistle. However, Yunshan didn't feel the slightest bit of cold, perhaps due to the strong liquor, she only felt warm inside.

Outside, the sound of patrolling soldiers' footsteps and the crisp clink of shoulder armor colliding woven into a unique melody in the wind. Yunshan listened to these sounds, feeling unusually at peace.

She is usually nervous, but whenever she is with Lin Xiao, she can always relax completely.

Yunshan hugged a corner of the quilt, her thoughts drifting away.

If so, if everything is settled, I will leave the palace one day and be like my predecessor Meng Sicheng, working as a tutor in Kyoto on weekdays, teaching girls in the boudoir around the beginning of spring or the beginning of autumn.

When she had some free time, she opened a pharmacy, specializing in treating ailments women were reluctant to discuss with male doctors. She closed her shop before entering meditation each day, returned home, and chatted with Lin Xiao about the day's events. She also made some fruit and vegetable pastries for the grass-loving Lin Xiao to review.

This kind of life is really wonderful.

Thinking of this, Yunshan felt that seeking medical treatment could not be delayed any longer. She would start learning after returning to the palace. The gong sounded at midnight, and Yunshan gradually fell asleep with a sweet smile on her lips. (End of this chapter)