Tan Hua - Chapter 104: The Scent Is Off

Chapter 104: The Scent Is Off

Three days later, the Jing Kingdom’s Northwest Army achieved a major victory upstream of the Deadwood River. The Xiao Family Army, formed by Crown Prince Xiao, was no match for the battle-hardened Northwest Army and suffered a crushing defeat, retreating a hundred miles.

After cleaning the battlefield and giving their fallen allies a proper burial, the Northwest Army set up camp to rest and reorganize.

“Your Highness, this battle has claimed 3,000 enemies and captured 451. We lost 329 soldiers, including one centurion and three decurions. The wounded are still being counted,” reported Yuchi General, a man with thick eyebrows and a square face, as he handed over a roster.

Jun Qiyu opened the roster and examined the names marked with red crosses, able to recall each face. With a photographic memory, Jun Qiyu could distinguish even soldiers with the same name from different battalions, though he rarely used this ability for reading books, preferring to memorize the military rosters.

“Provide compensation at twice the usual rate, and ensure the remains are returned to their families,” he instructed.

“Twice the usual rate…” General Yuchi was startled. The Northwest Army’s compensation had always been generous; doubling it would require a significant sum.

“Yes,” Jun Qiyu affirmed. “The Jing Kingdom is now wealthy. What we lack are warriors willing to die for the country. If necessary, we can levy more taxes from merchants. It’s a small burden for them.”

He set down the roster and adjusted the light-blocking bandage over his eyes. Though his vision could no longer rival his previous hawk-like acuity, it was now normal for everyday purposes, save for sensitivity to sunlight or prolonged focus. Physician Qi Miao had recommended he continue wearing the bandage for a few more days.

“Your Highness is compassionate. I admire you,” Yuchi General praised.

Jun Qiyu scoffed. “Cut the flattery. If you die in battle one day, I’ll give you ten times the compensation.”

General Yuchi grinned cheekily. “Haha, my life is tough. Xiao’s scattered troops can’t take my head.”

“Come with me to the medical tent,” Jun Qiyu said, rising. General Yuchi eagerly followed.

As they entered the tent, the injured soldiers tried to rise and salute, but Jun Qiyu’s loud voice stopped them.

“If you’re hurt, stay put! Brothers, the Northwest Army doesn’t stand on ceremony. Except for following military orders, rank means nothing here. Wu Datou, lie down properly—injured soldiers should act like it.”

The tent burst into laughter, transforming the somber atmosphere into a lively one.

Jun Qiyu moved around, chatting and joking as if he were close friends with everyone. Even soldiers who had never spoken to him were astonished when he called them by name, feeling both flattered and awed.

After visiting several tents, Jun Qiyu was about to leave when he crossed paths with Qi Miao.

Outside the tent, Jun Qiyu paused abruptly, almost causing General Yuchi to bump into him.

“What’s wrong, Your Highness?”

“Who just walked past me?” Jun Qiyu asked.

“Physician Qi,” replied General Yuchi.

“No, that’s not it.” Jun Qiyu shook his head, sniffing the air.

“What’s wrong?” Yuchi General was puzzled. “You invited him to be the army physician. His medical skills are highly praised by the troops.”

“The scent is off.”

Jun Qiyu had caught a familiar, faint fragrance that differed from Qi Miao’s medicinal aroma.

“What scent?”

“Perfume.”

General Yuchi chuckled. “Your Highness, have you been in the tents smelling sweat and feet for too long? The fresh air must feel wonderful.”

Jun Qiyu tilted his head. “Was it only Physician Qi who passed by?”

General Yuchi thought for a moment. “There was also a short medical assistant.”

“Oh.”

Jun Qiyu dismissed the matter, thinking he might be hallucinating from yearning for someone too much.

After all, Song Liqing was far away in the Qilin Prefecture. How could he be here in the army camp?

The “short medical assistant,” however, let the tent flap fall behind him after Jun Qiyu left, revealing a handsome face. Who else could it be but Song Liqing?

“Good thing he’s blind now,” Song Liqing muttered, patting his chest. “Wait, I didn’t mean to curse you.”

Qi Miao chuckled. “I told you sneaking into the army camp wouldn’t last long. The Crown Prince is sharp and will find you out eventually.”

“By the time he does, I’ll already be in Loulan!” Song Liqing grinned. “Thanks, Brother Qi, for covering for me and getting me this outfit.”

Song Liqing wore an army uniform that hung loosely on his slim frame, making him look like a child in oversized clothes. The wide hat almost completely concealed his face, giving him confidence that even a sighted Jun Qiyu wouldn’t recognize him.

Not one to idle, Song Liqing assisted Qi Miao in tending to the wounded. While dressing the leg of a round-faced soldier, he overheard the troops praising Jun Qiyu.

“Although His Highness resides in the royal court, he’s compassionate toward us, the lowest-ranking soldiers. He knows every man in the army by name, even a lowly grunt like me! He’s destined to be a ruler admired for generations!”

Compassionate?

Song Liqing didn’t think so. To him, Jun Qiyu was a terrifying, ruthless tyrant.

He smirked derisively, drawing the round-faced soldier’s attention.

“What are you laughing at? Am I wrong?”

“You’re sure the Crown Prince is compassionate? Has he never scolded or punished you during drills?” Song Liqing retorted.

“He has, even kicked me. But His Highness’s strictness is for our own safety! Did you know he remembers every soldier’s name, even someone insignificant like me? What other commander has such a heart?”

This soldier, nicknamed Wu Datou for his large, round head, was unshakable in his admiration for Jun Qiyu.

Conceding the point, Song Liqing nodded. “Fair enough.”

“But that doesn’t mean he’s kind-hearted. He’s arrogant, domineering, and black-hearted,” Song Liqing muttered.

“That’s disrespectful!” Wu Datou glared. “Apologize.”

“Sorry.”

Song Liqing apologized without hesitation. Debating with soldiers was a pointless endeavor.

“Not to me, to His Highness.”

“I won’t.”

As Song Liqing tied the soldier’s bandages, he deliberately tightened them, eliciting a yelp.

“Ah—! You’re holding a grudge!”

The other injured soldiers burst into laughter at Wu Datou’s misfortune.

“Let it go, Wu Datou. Don’t bully the new guy,” one advised.

Wu Datou grumbled but let it drop, lying still and watching Song Liqing. The more he observed, the more he noticed the newcomer’s delicate features, far more refined than any courtesan he’d met.

“What are you staring at?” Song Liqing asked, catching Wu Datou’s gaze.

“Nothing. Are you new here? You look unfamiliar,” Wu Datou replied, softening his tone.

“I’m Physician Qi’s apprentice.”

“From the capital?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Nothing. Despite your insolence, I’ll let it slide…” Wu Datou’s face flushed, turning a strange reddish-purple against his tanned complexion.

“You’re quite pretty,” he blurted out.

“What?”

Song Liqing was taken aback, unprepared for such a comment in this rough, male-dominated camp.

“I said you’re pretty. Do you have a partner? If not, how about being mine?” Wu Datou asked directly.

Song Liqing blinked, unsettled by the blunt proposal.

“Look, I’m a man,” he clarified.

“So? The Jing Kingdom has a male consort. Even the Crown Prince once had a male consort. Why should only nobles enjoy such customs? You’re better looking than any courtesan I’ve seen. If you’re with me, I’ll treat you well and give you all my wages. What do you say?”

Song Liqing stared at him, dumbfounded.

—

Author’s Note: Third update!