Hot flashes

Zhou Heng felt the weight and warmth coming from the back of his neck, as well as the scorching breath that gushed onto his skin.

He could feel Xiao Jue's body trembling slightly, smell the strong smell of alcohol and the faint, rusty scent of the battlefield on him, as well as a very faint, uniquely Xiao Jue's cold aura.

All of this mixed together assaulted Zhou Heng's senses.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment. Outside the tent, the faint, rhythmic footsteps of night patrol soldiers and the occasional snorts of warhorses could be heard.

Inside the tent, only the intertwined breaths of the two people and the occasional crackling of the last embers in the charcoal brazier could be heard.

After an unknown amount of time, the weight in the hollow of my neck grew heavier and heavier, and my breathing gradually became even and long.

Xiao Jue... fell asleep.

He fell into a deep sleep, leaning against Zhou Heng in a posture of complete trust and reliance.

Her brows were still slightly furrowed, as if there was still an unyielding heaviness in her dream, but the extreme loneliness and sharp pain seemed to be temporarily soothed by this warm and quiet embrace.

Zhou Heng sat motionless, letting him lean against him.

His arms started to go numb from maintaining one position for so long, and his neck was also a little sore from the pressure, but he didn't move.

He looked down and could only see Xiao Jue's jet-black hair and a small section of his neck, which had a hard, cold look but appeared unusually fragile at this moment.

This powerful and fearsome man, at this moment, resembled a wounded beast that had sheathed all its claws and fangs, quietly curled up beside him.

Zhou Heng's heart was incredibly soft.

All those complex thoughts about the times and the future were overwhelmed at this moment by a purer, more surging emotion.

It was heartache, it was pity, and perhaps something else, something deeper, quietly growing in the still unresolved depths of his heart.

He slowly raised his other free hand, hesitated for a moment, and finally, very lightly, very gently, placed it on Xiao Jue's head. His fingertips ran through the cool hair, clumsily and gently combing it.

The person in the sleep seemed to sense the comfort, unconsciously nuzzling against his neck, letting out a barely audible, satisfied sigh, and relaxing their brow slightly.

The flames of war in Cangyun Ridge had just been quelled and the northern border was initially pacified, but Xiao Jue did not intend to stay at Eagle Beak Cliff for long.

Firstly, after this battle, Huo Yi's main force was wiped out, and Ningwu Pass was no longer able to pose a threat in the short term. The defense of the northern border could be handed over to generals such as Zhao Ting. He needed to return to the Zhenbei Marquis's Mansion to take charge of the central government and coordinate the overall situation.

Secondly, undercurrents were surging in the southern capital. Although his trusted confidants were managing the rear, some decisions still required his personal approval.

Three secret reports from the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence mentioned some internal matters that required his personal attention. Although they were not urgent, they still needed to be handled with caution.

The decision to return was made quickly.

Xiao Jue made meticulous arrangements for the military affairs in the northern border, leaving Zhao Ting to oversee the overall situation, while he himself only took two thousand personal guards, Zhou Heng, and necessary clerks and staff, traveling light and simply on his way back to Beiliang City.

The return journey was different from the trip there; the tension before the big battle was gone.

Officials from the prefectures and counties along the way had already received the news and came out to greet them with great respect.

Xiao Jue usually only gave brief greetings and did not linger. His thoughts seemed to be more focused on the people traveling alongside him in the same car.

The spacious but not luxurious carriage was covered with thick felt and had a small stove burning, which kept out the chill of spring in the north.

Xiao Jue sat back in the main seat, holding a copy of the latest household registration and land register from various counties in the northern border. His gaze occasionally swept over Zhou Heng, who was sitting to the side and curiously looking at the scenery outside the carriage window.

Since that night of drinking, an invisible atmosphere has subtly changed between the two of them.

"Hands." Xiao Jue suddenly spoke, his eyes not leaving the booklet.

"Huh?" Zhou Heng turned his head, puzzled.

Xiao Jue looked up at Zhou Heng's hand resting on his knee. Zhou Heng subconsciously curled his fingers.

"Stretch it out." Xiao Jue's tone was calm, yet brooked no argument.

Zhou Heng hesitated for a moment, but still reached out his hand.

Xiao Jue put down the booklet, took his hand in his large, warm palm, and gently rubbed his fingertips against the cool back of his hand and knuckles, as if to check the temperature.

"It's still cold." Xiao Jue frowned slightly and pushed the heater next to him closer to Zhou Heng. "Move closer."

Zhou Heng's ears burned slightly, and he tried to pull his hand away, but Zhou Heng held it even tighter. "I'm fine..." he mumbled softly.

Xiao Jue glanced at him, picked up the booklet again, but didn't let go of Zhou Heng's hand. He held it loosely and placed it on his lap, continuing to read the document.

Zhou Heng couldn't break free, and was too lazy to struggle anymore, so he let him hold him.

The warmth from his palms did indeed dispel the chill from his fingertips, and even made him feel a little drowsy.

The journey was long, and the carriage was quiet most of the time. Xiao Jue handled official business, while Zhou Heng either read a book, took a nap, or stared blankly out the window.

When camping at night, Xiao Jue's command tent was naturally the largest and the most heavily guarded.

Zhou Heng originally had his own separate tent, but on the first night, the guards delivered his luggage and belongings directly to Xiao Jue's main tent.

Zhou Heng looked at the extra set of bedding that had appeared in the tent, and then looked at Xiao Jue, who was removing his armor.

Xiao Jue unfastened his sword without turning his head: "What are you standing there for? Pack your things and get some rest. We have to travel tomorrow."

Zhou Heng opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing and silently went to make his bed.

Forget it, it's not like it's the first time we've slept in the same tent. We've done even more intimate things, so why are you being so dramatic now?

Halfway through the journey, when they passed through a relatively large town, Xiao Jue ordered a day of rest.

That evening, local officials hosted a banquet, which Xiao Jue attended with only a few generals and Zhou Heng.

During the banquet, toasts were inevitable. Xiao Jue drank a few cups and then declined further toasts, citing his travel fatigue. His gaze occasionally swept over Zhou Heng, who sat below him and seemed somewhat reserved.

After the banquet, Xiao Jue returned to the inn, carrying a faint smell of alcohol, but his eyes remained clear.

The two returned to their room. Xiao Jue took off his outer robe, walked behind Zhou Heng who was sitting at the table drinking water, and suddenly reached out to wrap his arms around Zhou Heng's waist from behind, resting his chin on Zhou Heng's shoulder.

"Tired?" Xiao Jue's voice sounded close to his ear, low and slightly hoarse.

"It's...it's alright." Zhou Heng felt warm breath on the side of his neck, and his heart was beating a little fast.

Xiao Jue didn't say anything more, just quietly hugged him for a while, his arms strong and powerful, encircling him completely in his embrace.

After a moment, she let go of his hand and instead ruffled his hair: "Go wash up and go to bed early."

Zhou Heng felt that the places he had touched were faintly hot.

Several days later, the towering city walls of Beiliang finally appeared on the horizon.

Under Xiao Jue's management, this formidable city in the northern border region has shed its former ruggedness as a frontier military town and is beginning to show signs of grandeur and prosperity.

Upon seeing the commander's flag from afar, the city gate guards stood in solemn formation, and the people of the city also came out upon hearing the news, lining the streets to welcome him, creating a lively atmosphere.