Hot flashes

When the morning light pierced through the curtains again, Zhou Heng woke up and found himself still lying on top of Xiao Jue, in a position almost identical to when he fell asleep.

Xiao Jue's arms were still firmly wrapped around his waist, his breathing was long and even, as if he was still asleep.

Zhou Heng froze for a moment, trying to move away silently. The moment he made a move, the arm around his waist tightened.

"Awake?" A deep, slightly hoarse voice came from above, carrying the languor of someone just waking up.

Zhou Heng gave a muffled "hmm" and continued trying to tear himself off.

With this movement, the soreness from overuse throughout his body immediately became apparent, causing him to gasp involuntarily.

Xiao Jue seemed to chuckle softly, finally loosening his grip, but then turned to face him, embracing him directly.

He raised his hand to brush away the sweat-dampened stray hairs from Zhou Heng's forehead, his fingertips still warm from the morning: "Still feeling unwell?"

Zhou Heng's ears burned; not wanting to answer the question, he turned his gaze away: "...What time is it? Shouldn't we get up?"

"No rush." ​​Xiao Jue's hand slid down to his lower back, gently massaging the sore muscles. "You're allowed to sleep in an hour later, forgot?"

The warmth of my palm seeped through my skin, and the pressure was just right to relieve some of the discomfort.

Zhou Heng's body instinctively relaxed a little, but he still stubbornly insisted, "...Military affairs are of utmost importance."

"Military affairs have their own procedures; there's no need to rush," Xiao Jue said calmly, his hands still moving, but his gaze lingered on Zhou Heng's slightly swollen lips and the fresh marks on his collarbone. His eyes darkened. "As for you, you're always trying to hide. Do you think you can escape?"

Zhou Heng was speechless. The anger of being seen through resurfaced. He wanted to refute, but the massage on his waist felt so good that it made him feel weak for a moment.

The two remained locked in this awkward silence for a moment, bathed in the morning light and an ambiguous stillness. It wasn't until Chen Zhen's deliberately soft cough came from outside the tent, along with the subtle rustling of armor as the guards changed shifts, that they were able to speak.

Xiao Jue finally withdrew his hand and stood up first.

His movements were swift and agile, his bare feet stepping on the laid-out animal hides, his broad shoulders and narrow waist drawing smooth and powerful lines in the dim light.

Zhou Heng quickly looked away, slowly sat up, picked up the scattered undergarment on the ground, and put it on.

Xiao Jue dressed himself neatly, then walked over, picked up Zhou Heng's outer robe, and unfolded it.

Zhou Heng froze for a moment, wanting to say he would do it himself, but Xiao Jue had already draped the robe over his shoulders, wrapped his arm around him, straightened his clothes, and tied his belt.

As Xiao Jue adjusted his cuffs, his fingertips paused almost imperceptibly before he said calmly, "Today's banquet for demoted officials in Yingyang is crowded and noisy; it's all empty flattery and formalities, and it's meaningless. You can pretend to be sick and not go."

Zhou Heng was taken aback: "Why?" Although those banquets were boring, he could hear some local customs and even cryptic information, which was helpful for him to understand this era and complete his mission.

He thought for a moment and replied, "I'd better go. Listening and observing more might reveal things that can't be found in the documents."

Xiao Jue's gaze lingered on Zhou Heng's face for a moment. He gave a barely audible "hmm," continuing to smooth Zhou Heng's clothes, his tone revealing little emotion: "Whatever you say."

He fastened the last sash, his fingertips lightly brushing against Zhou Heng's waist before withdrawing them. He turned to fetch his outer robe, his back to Zhou Heng, and said, "Since it's a banquet, there will inevitably be some entertainment. Yingyang has a long tradition of appreciating music and entertainment. If you're not used to it, you can leave at any time. There's no need to force yourself to participate."

These words sounded like ordinary acts of kindness and consideration. Zhou Heng said "Oh," without thinking much of it, only feeling that Xiao Jue seemed unusually "easy to talk to" today.

The banquet was held in the main hall of the former Yingyang government office, which was more formal than the previous welcoming banquet and had a more deliberately created "harmonious" atmosphere.

The surrendered officials took turns offering toasts, praising the might of the Northern Liang army and the benevolence of the Marquis.

Xiao Jue sat at the head of the table, responding appropriately, but his expression remained the same as always—a distant and indifferent one, inspiring awe.

After several rounds of drinks, music and dance were indeed performed to liven things up. This time, the dancers were not from foreign lands, but rather local musicians and dancers, their style gentle and graceful. The music began, and the flowing sleeves danced, making for a delightful spectacle.

Zhou Heng sat to the left of Mr. Du, and felt much more relaxed because of Xiao Jue's words that "you can leave at any time".

The dancers were graceful and beautiful, especially the lead dancer, whose eyes were captivating. Zhou Heng was so engrossed in watching that he subconsciously picked up his wine glass and took a sip.

Just as his gaze followed the lead dancer's swirling skirt, a crisp sound, neither too loud nor too soft, suddenly came from the head of the table.

Xiao Jue placed his wine cup on the table. The sound wasn't loud, but it made several surrendered officials nearby, who were about to raise their cups, pause in their actions.

Xiao Jue frowned slightly and said to Zheng Huai, who was standing respectfully beside him, "Such a soft tune is tiring to listen to. Let's change it."

Zheng Huai's smile froze, and he quickly bowed, "Yes, yes, yes, it was my oversight. I'll change it right away, I'll change it right away!" He hurriedly waved his hand, and the music and dance stopped abruptly. The dancers retreated in a fluster. The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat stagnant for a moment.

Xiao Jue, however, seemed oblivious, and turned the conversation to Mr. Du about the spring planting and water conservancy in Yingyang, steer the discussion toward more important matters. The others had no choice but to focus and join in the discussion.

Zhou Heng's attention was also drawn back by the abrupt interruption. He muttered to himself, "It's fine, what's with the fatigue? Old-fashioned, doesn't know how to appreciate things." He pursed his lips and lowered his head to eat.

Not long after, in an attempt to salvage the atmosphere, Zheng Huai cautiously suggested, "My lord, we have some actors in our household who are skilled at performing military plays. Their performances are simple, humorous, and might bring a smile to your faces?"

The military drama, resembling a comedic sketch, was more relatable to everyday life than pure song and dance, which piqued Zhou Heng's interest, and he began to listen intently.

Xiao Jue's gaze swept across the room indifferently, lingering for a moment on Zhou Heng's slightly expectant face before he said, "No need. A banquet is for the guests and hosts to enjoy themselves, not for watching a play. Since everyone has had their fill, it would be better to leave early and return to your duties."

These words abruptly ended the entertainment portion of the banquet, and even hinted at the end of the gathering. Zheng Huai and the others dared not object, repeatedly agreeing and rising to offer the final toast.

Zhou Heng was somewhat disappointed, but he could only raise his glass in response.

After the banquet ended, Zhou Heng took his leave with the others.