Chapter 76 (1/2)

Chapter 76 Remembrance: Friend

Feng Luodi quickly disappeared back into her tent the moment they reached the camp, Situ heading to the meeting tent to tend to his own duties. Indeed, he was much busier in the North than when he was in Chang’an, but they were challenges of the sort that he was familiar with and enjoyed.

Although Feng Luodi was given the permission to wander around the camp on her own, she did not leave her tent for fear of garnering more attention to herself. Despite only spending two days in the camp, she was already aware of the high pedestal that Situ was put upon in the hearts of the soldiers. He was animated and pa.s.sionate when it came to matters of war, despite his usual stoic demeanour. Quickly feeling bored, Feng Luodi decided to check out Yunzhong Pa.s.s. Bringing along her purse and scarf with her, Feng Luodi strolled out of the camp. Believing the Pa.s.s to be safe and orderly because of its close proximity to the camp, Feng Luodi did not think of informing Situ of her departure. Of course, she did not know of the Covert Guard sent by Situ to watch over her at all times.

Yunzhong Pa.s.s was huge, its judicial boundaries encompa.s.sing the lands of twenty nearby districts. With the distinct flavour of the North in its streets and shops, the Pa.s.s itself quickly attracted Feng Luodi. Strolling along the streets, it wasn’t long before Feng Luodi ended up with her belongings in her left hand and food in her right, feeling relaxed and joyful with the spoils she’d gotten from the shops. Seeing the infectious smile on her face, many citizens that brushed past her on the streets started smiling unconsciously along with her.

She checked out the distinctively local dramas that were put up in the Pear Gardens and stumbled into teahouses, attracted by the legends and stories told by the storytellers. She watched as merchants gambled in good nature in the restaurants and bars, and almost wandered into a brothel by accident. Before long, dusk had fallen, and Feng Luodi finally felt ready to face Situ again. Slowly making her way back to the camp, she was surprised to see the camp enveloped in darkness, but sounds of laughter and the lights of bonfires drew her to the training field in the middle of the camp.

Soldiers filled the square, some with a flask of wine in their hands while others tended to spitfires. Some were dancing together around the various bonfires while their comrades sang at the top of their voices. Pairs of soldiers wrestled each other on the floor, cheered on by the watching crowd.

What an eventful place the camp can be at night!

A woozy Zhang Xin quickly noticed Feng Luodi hiding in the corner of the field, and ambled slowly towards her with a flask in his hand.

“Miss Feng, would you like to join in the party? You can have as much wine as you want!”

Feng Luodi looked at the man before her and fanned her nose lightly, overwhelmed by the smell of alcohol. “General Zhang, does this happen every night in the camp? What a lively celebration!”

“Nah, not every night.” Zhang Xin waved his hand in the air. “It only happens once a month. We aren’t allowed to drink more than three ounces of wine on other days – it keeps us from our responsibilities.”

Feng Luodi could hardly recognise the drunken man in front of her as the same man that had demonstrated himself to be a clever and efficient man in the day. I’m sure it does…

“Miss Feng.” Zhang Xin’s smile was lopsided. “Are you here to look for the General? He’s not with us.”

“Oh.” Feng Luodi nodded. That makes sense; I can’t imagine him getting drunk with these soldiers. I’m sure he can’t stand the rowdiness anyway.

“Gee,” Zhang Xin laughed again, “did you get into an argument with the General? His face was so dark just now that n.o.body dared to even get near him.”

“He always looks like that, alright?” Feng Luodi felt her heart skip a beat.”

“Yes, he does…but we know the difference. His stern face in the morning was his usual expression, but when he returned in the afternoon, he was definitely upset and dispirited. What a rare thing to see!” He burped loudly, as if to demonstrate his confidence in his understanding of Situ.

Feng Luodi pushed him towards the field in disgust. “Don’t drink so much, General Zhang. I’ll take my leave for now.”

“Alright, alright.” Zhang Xin stumbled towards the field, but called out after her. “The General is in his tent! Go and comfort him, Miss Feng!”

“I’m sure he isn’t someone that needs comforting.” Feng Luodi mumbled as she slowly made her way back to the tent. She stood for a moment outside the tent, and took a deep breath before entering. To her surprise, Situ was not in the tent, but Mama was cleaning up the tables.

“Mama.” Feng Luodi nodded to the old lady, and headed to her small tent. Before she could enter, the Mama called out to her.

“Please stay, Miss Feng.”

“Is anything the matter?” Feng Luodi turned back towards the Mama.

Mama took a few steps towards Feng Luodi, and stopped three yards away from her. “I wish to have some words with you.”