Chapter 338 - A Quick Recovery (1/2)
Ling Zhang had only known by hearsay that it was a convention in the army to throw a celebratory banquet after winning a victory, that all soldiers needed liquor to help them relax after a battle. However, things were different in the army under the command of Yuwen Tong. They had all become accustomed to clearing the battlefield and establis.h.i.+ng the numbers of the dead and the injured first before holding a victory banquet. Firstly, this could help stabilize the chaotic situation as soon as possible; secondly, it was a habit they had developed during the many years of war. Although they had won, they still had to stay alert, because if they got drunk and the enemies launched a sneak attack, things would be very tricky. As a result, Yuwen Tong’s soldiers had all made a habit of this, and none of them would raise any objections.
“Young Master, Marshal, we’re here to deliver the food.”
“Come in.”
w.a.n.g Dashan and Qiu Bing entered carrying food, accompanied by Xie s.h.i.+, who examined Ling Zhang.
“Childe Ling, you’re recuperating quicker than I expected. The medicine Qiu Bing prepared turns out to be quite effective. Take a medicated bath before you sleep tonight and another one tomorrow, and you’ll fully recover,” said Xie s.h.i.+.
Ling Zhang cast an appreciative look at Qiu Bing, who scratched his head and said, “Young Master’s strong const.i.tution was the reason why the medicine worked so soon.”
Previously, when Yuwen Tong had been unblocking Ling Zhang’s meridians, he had been intentionally strengthening his meridians, too. Also, the cultivation method that Ling Zhang had adopted afterward suited his const.i.tution perfectly, so although this time his meridians had been damaged, he was recovering much faster than common people would.
There was some color back in Ling Zhang’s cheeks. Although his face still appeared pasty, he looked much better than he had during the day.
After having a meal, Ling Zhang got out of bed and walked around the tent with Yuwen Tong, slowly stretching his muscles.
During the process, Ling Zhang stole several glances at Yuwen Tong and eventually, Yuwen Tong was unable to pretend not to notice even if he wanted to. “Why are you sneaking looks at me? Is there anything you’re not telling me?”
Ling Zhang hurriedly said, “Of course not. It’s just…” He gave a cough and then continued, “I was just observing the look on your face, trying to find out whether or not you’re going to tell me off.”
Yuwen Tong paused, looking at him. “Why would I do that?”
Ling Zhang said, “Because I didn’t stay in the city as you told me to.”
Yuwen Tong gazed deeply at him. “I should indeed be angry, but more with myself than with you.”
Ling Zhang was confused. “Ah?”
Yuwen Tong explained, “You wouldn’t have got hurt if it weren’t for me.”
Ling Zhang caught on and immediately said, “What are you talking about? This injury of mine is nothing. I probably would’ve taken my own life had you died there! You know what? During the day, I originally planned to stay in the city as you’d told me to, but when I was on the gate tower, I suddenly felt very uneasy and I kept having this foreboding feeling that something bad was going to happen. I was worried, so I went to the battlefield, and fortunately it was not too late.”
Yuwen Tong raised his hand to stroke Ling Zhang’s face. “Then why do you think I’d be angry with you?”
Ling Zhang was at a loss for words for a brief moment. “Well, it would seem I asked the wrong question, but you need to wipe that look off your face. It makes me upset.”
Then he took Yuwen Tong’s hand which was caressing his cheek, kissed it and then looked at Yuwen Tong with gleaming eyes. “Now I’ve given you a kiss. Stop overthinking it.”
Yuwen Tong, who was staring at him with burning eyes, abruptly pulled him into his embrace and started kissing him.
…
The two of them kissed for quite some time before parting. Though fully aroused, Ling Zhang knew that he was still weak and not in a fit state to have s.e.x.
“Let’s stop it. This kiss turned me on, but right now we can’t do that,” muttered Ling Zhang under his breath.
Chuckling, Yuwen Tong carried him back to the couch and sat down. In a somewhat hoa.r.s.e voice, he said, “Just now you seduced me first.”
Ling Zhang slid him a sideward glance. “I just gave you a kiss.”
Yuwen Tong said, “A single kiss from you is more than enough to send me giddy.”
A smile curled the corners of Ling Zhang’s mouth. “Then why are you not giddy? Just now we had more than one kiss.”
Yuwen Tong drew Ling Zhang’s hand to a certain part of his body and, as his hand gently touched it, he gasped lightly and croaked, “What about now? Are you feeling it?”
Ling Zhang, “…”
He quickly tried to withdraw his hand but Yuwen Tong didn’t let him.
“You…You… It’s almost time for the medicated bath. Qiu Bing might come in at any moment. Let go of me!”
Yuwen Tong said, “I believe he knows better than that.”
“Are you not afraid people might hear us?” Ling Zhang glared at him. “I feel weak and I don’t want to move. Get your hands off me.”
Yuwen Tong said, “It’s okay. I’ll help you move.”
Ling Zhang, “…”
He was utterly resigned.