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The Strategy of Washing Clean a Slag Shou Chapter 28 part3

The Prince's escaped fiancée (Arc 2-11) Part 3

Su Yang lay stiffly on the bed for a long while, pretending to be dead. He refused to look at a certain ruthless, tyrannical, cold-hearted man.

Jing Cheng laughed, “You will not recover if you do not take medicine. Come now, stop sulking like a child.”

Su Yang continued to ignore him.

Jing Cheng heaved a particularly exaggerated sigh. Of course, his acting skills were nowhere near to Su Yang's level.

But then he said softly, “I will be leaving Jianzhou in two days. I wanted to accompany my stupid little puppy in these last few days. It's a pity though, that he does not want to see me at all. Never mind then. It was my fault for forcing him.”

Su Yang thought, who's the stupid little puppy? Wait wait, the main point should be—– leaving Jianzhou?!

He jolted in shock, then asked in a fluster, “Why, why are you leaving?”

A hint of bitterness flickered in Jing Cheng's eyes. He said, “Isn't it all because my stupid little puppy was tricked into entering the Palace? In order to retrieve him, I had to agree to join the battle at the South China Sea.”

Su Yang's heart trembled. This, this was done for his sake……

For him, Jing Cheng actually agreed to this all loss and no gains deal.

Seeing his stunned expression, Jing Cheng smiled and pulled him into his arms, “Silly, I was just pulling your leg. Defending our territory has always been my duty. I have long intended to put an end to the Wōkòu pirates at the South China Sea, all you did was light the fuse.”

{T/N: Wōkòu were pirates who raided the mainland from islands in the Sea of Japan and East China Sea.}

He may have lit the fuse, but it was still a fuse that will cost Jing Cheng all his hard-earned ascendancy.

{T/N: In short, Jing Cheng is comforting Su Yang by saying he did not cause anything to happen that would not have eventually happened, but it does not change the fact that the timing was terrible and puts Jing Cheng at a severe disadvantage.}

Su Yang leaned against his chest, listening to the man's rhythmic heartbeat. A rare sense of guilt and shame rose in him.

He asked, “Then, then, when will you be back?”

“Heh,” Jing Cheng chuckled. “I have not even left yet, and you're already planning for my return. Taking all things into consideration, it would probably be half a year. After all, I can't bear to leave you at home for too long.”

Su Yang fell silent. Half a year, just half a year. By the time Jing Cheng returns, what would the circumstances in Jianzhou city be like.

Would he be joyously celebrated, just like back when he returned from the Northern Desert campaign, with all the officials falling over themselves to congratulate him, and the streets thronging with the common people to welcome him home?

Or rather, would he leave the city as a hero, but return to find himself branded as a filthy traitor, and in the end, be dragged to prison for his accused crimes.

The rims of Su Yang's eyes turned red. He grabbed on to Jing Cheng's robes tightly, refusing to let go.

He said, “Half a year is too long, can you not go? I don't want you to go.”

“This time, I have to go.”

A sharp, penetrating light flickered in Jing Cheng's dark eyes. His voice was resonating as he spoke, “Greater Ming was founded by my Jing clan. No matter whose hands it falls into in the end, foreign enemies must never be allowed to take a bite out of it! Those Northern barbarians and Southern midgets, I have already dealt with the Northern barbarians, the Southern Wōkòu pirates are of no consequence. I want our beautiful nation to be whole and intact, not a single plot of land can be taken!”

{T/N: 南倭北蛮 (Nán wō běi mán) – lit. Southern dwarf (derogatory, referring to the Japanese) Northern barbarian (referring to the nomads/Mongols). A bit of history compressed into 4 characters. The intrusion of the southeast coast and the Mongolian cavalry in the northern border, were two major problems that have long plagued the Ming court and threatened the community of the Ming Dynasty.}

Unlike his cold-faced indifference and austerity when dealing with outsiders, or even the occasional gentle warmth that leaked through when he was with Su Yang, this declaration was brimming with sharp intent, full of hot-blooded vigor and resolve.

Su Yang looked at him, blinking. Jing Cheng lowered his gaze and laughed softly. He gently cupped Su Yang's cheek, and pressed a light kiss to it.

“I know you don't understand, but I just wanted to tell you anyway. Everyone says that the Róngwáng Jing Cheng is but an ambitious wolf with rapacious designs, who views the imperial throne as a purse to be plundered, but who truly understands my real aspirations? Jing Qian is a useless man who only knows how to dine and drink and make merry. Jing Sheng is smarter, but he is too short-sighted. These two plot to get rid of me, but they have not considered on who they would call on to defend our country in the future.”

“Wu Xingde has spent half his lifetime in defense of Greater Ming, but ended up losing both his sons. With his own hands, he fed his daughter medicine so that she will be barren, all so to protect you, their sole remaining heir. And in the end, you still fell into my grasp.” His gaze turned gentle for a moment on the last few words. He continued, “Wu Xingde is no saint, how could he not possibly bear a grudge? Once the occasion arises, he will spare no effort to destroy the country of my Jing family.”

Su Yang's mind was in an upheaval as he listened. What does this mean? Not only was his grandfather not a loyal subject, he was a traitor who conspires to see the current dynasty overturned?

Jing Cheng saw the bewildered look on his face, and laughed again in spite of himself, “What am I saying, I should not be telling a stupid little puppy these things.”

Su Yang muttered resentfully, “I'm not a puppy……”

Jing Cheng stretched out a finger and teasingly poked Su Yang's jaw, “Then who was it who started biting people when we first met?”

Su Yang blushed as he mumbled, “You bullied me, so I bit you. Before that, I've never bitten anyone!”

After saying this, he turned glum again, “Half a year, is a very long time.”

This little creature who wholeheartedly depended on him, made Jing Cheng's heart go soft. He never wanted to let him go.

In the two days before Jing Cheng was due to leave for battle, Su Yang followed him like a shadow. The reason was simple. They would not be seeing each other for a whole half year, so he must make the best of time to increase the goodwill progress.

However, in the eyes of the spectating masses who do not know the truth, what was this if not love!!

The Wángyé is leaving to make war, the Wángfēi keeps close to him and constantly waits for him. See how their faces are full of sadness and reluctance over the upcoming separation. See how they struggle to express their yearning, yet hold themselves back each time. Listen to them exchanging sweet, honeyed words of love and promises. Those watching them play out the scene of star-crossed lovers were all struck with a face full of PDA, simply too blinding!

Within the capital, another new book sent waves sweeping through the literary publishing houses. From the earliest “The Cold Wángyé Neglects his Fiancée”, to “The Wángyé Fell For Me”, the latest release now was “Wángye and Wángfēi, Two Hearts as One”.

The passion and sentiment depicted were deeply moving. In Jianzhou city, a loyal support party popped up, known as the Cheng-Yu Organization, which strongly endorsed the Wángye x Wángfēi pairing. The line up was totally awesome and formidable!

{T/N : Cheng for Jing Cheng, Yu for Tao Ziyu.}

It is a pity, that the happy days passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was time for the army to march for the Southern campaign. This loving couple was doomed to part in the end.

Su Yang cried till his eyes were swollen red as he bade them farewell. The sight of the tear-stained face of a beauty stirred pity in the hearts of those present.

“Fūjūn, you, you come back early, I'll be waiting for you at home,” he sobbed and sniffled.

Jing Cheng couldn't help but laugh as he wiped away Su Yang's tears. “Alright, that's enough now. You have been crying non-stop since you opened your eyes this morning. What need to make a spectacle of yourself, aren't you ashamed?”

Su Yang was certainly not ashamed. He had cried the whole morning, and watched as the progress rose steadily from 48% to 67%. If this rate would continue, it's not a problem to cry himself blind!

This could be said to be little Su Yang's sense of professionalism!!

The oh-so-dedicated Su Yang buried his head in Jing Cheng's chest again. He had intended to lean his head against His Highness the Róngwáng's solid armor, but ended up accidentally whacking his forehead instead. He lifted his gaze, his eyes glassy and red as a rabbit's. A tear was already rolling down his cheek.

——That fucking hurt!!

Jing Cheng only felt that his emotional defenses were crumbling bit by bit. This little animal barged in with no heed for rule or order, and began crying up a storm. In the end, he could only admit defeat.

He seized Su Yang's slender waist somewhat crudely, tilted his head up, and began kissing him fiercely. Despite having kissed numerous times before, it never seemed to be enough. These lips that were sweet as honey belonged to him, no one else could have them, no one else could covet them!

Regardless if it was Jing Qian who was sitting on the Imperial throne, or the Wu Xingde who was right now, 10 lǐ away, standing guard and ever alert.

{T/N: 1 lǐ is approximately 500 m, so 10 lǐ is around 5 kilometres}

When Jing Cheng ended the kiss, Su Yang's entire body was limp. He could barely stand upright, and had to lean on Jing Cheng's arm to keep his balance.

Su Yang's pretty lips were moist, and his eyes were dazed. He remained in Jing Cheng's arms with a foolish expression on his face.

Then he heard a soft, teasing whisper by his ear, “Silly little thing, how could I leave you here alone?”

From his early years as child, Jing Cheng has always kept a truth in mind; what was most important to you must be kept by your side at all times, to ensure its safety.

Since the Emperor has dared to threaten him with Su Yang once, there will be a second time. As for the old grouch Wu Xingde, he has been waiting for an opportunity for years, and the time has finally come. Unfortunately for him, the person he wished to place on the Imperial throne will be taken away to the South China Sea by Jing Cheng.

Su Yang has yet to regain his senses, when Jing Cheng lifted him over his shoulder. He was about to say “What?” when a person suddenly showed up within the pavilion. No matter in dress, style, height, appearance, features, even down to the smallest characteristics, this person was identical to him. For a moment, he was frightened speechless.

What, what the hell is this!!

Jing Cheng threw the person a cold look, a faint trace of disgust and revulsion on his face. He said curtly, “Do not be found out.”

The person immediately answered ‘Yes'. Even his voice was exactly the same!!

Su Yang looked at the person, the person looked back at him. He grinned, and it was immediately copied. If the other person had not been standing, whereas he himself was currently carried over Jing Cheng's shoulder, he could have believed that he was looking into a mirror!

This was beyond incredible, the people of ancient times' ways of changing their appearances were simply amazing, he really really wanted to apprentice himself to this master!!

Jing Cheng placed Su Yang into a horse drawn coach, and helped him settle down. From the outside, the coach looked like a run down, shabby little buggy, but it was completely different on the inside. The floors were padded with five or six tiger skin rugs, airy muslin hung above them to provide protection against the heat of the sun. Pastries, snacks and other little necessities were all present. To stave off boredom, there were even some illustrated books inside. Clearly, these were prepared for fear that he wasn't able to read.

After he was placed down, Su Yang finally blurted out excitedly, “That person just now, that person, he looks just like me!”

Jing Cheng frowned, “Just a shoddy imitation, it's nowhere comparable.”

Su Yang: “…….” Boss, how deep is your love for me!

The two looked at each other silently. Su Yang was waiting for Jing Cheng to explain this strange situation to him, but Jing Cheng did not seem to have any inclination to do so. The silence turned awkward.

Su Yang finally pried his mouth open to ask, “Fūjūn, am I going to, to war with you?”

Jing Cheng lifted a brow, “You're not willing?”

These past two days, he had been stubbornly clinging to Jing Cheng with a death grip, bawling his eyes out tragically, only stopping short of singing “Love you even unto death” at the top of his lungs. Right now, if he were to say he wasn't willing, Jing Cheng would most likely strike him dead on the spot.

{T/N: 死了都要爱 – Click to listen XD}

And so, he nodded firmly, “Willing willing, Yu-er wants to stay with Fūjūn.”

Isn't it just experiencing the horrific cruelties of war for yourself? This little Master is not terrified at all!

Jing Cheng smiled, and reached out to gently stroke his eyelids, which were red and puffy from crying. There was an ache deep in his chest which he struggled to ignore.

He explained, “It was not my intention to deceive you, but if I did not do this, I would not have been able to take you with me while concealing it from those people.”

Watching as Su Yang nodded in his understood-but-not-really manner, Jing Cheng added, “This journey will be long and difficult, we may have to suffer some hardships, but rest assured that I will not allow any harm to befall you. It is much safer than staying in Jianzhou city.”

Su Yang gazed at him vacuously for a moment, then a sunny smile lit up his face, “Yu-er is not afraid of hardships, Yu-er is happy as long as Fūjūn is here.”

The boy's bright, beaming smile captivated Jing Cheng. He almost threw aside his resistance, badly wanting to press Su Yang down beneath him and kiss him wantonly, but this was obviously neither the time nor place for it.

He struggled to keep a clear head, pushed open the doors of the carriage, and got down. Then he mounted his own chestnut stallion and waved his arm.

“Move out.”

“Yes—–!!” The resonant cries thundered out and split through the skies.

These are the men that Jing Cheng had rallied to his army. Ferocious as tigers, tenacious as wolves, yet maintaining an iron grip on discipline. Every single one of them have been sharpened and polished by experience into keen, double edged swords. No mercy will be shown to their enemies.

This majestic assembly thus began their march to the South, and Jianzhou city's newest celebrity—– the Tao family's Young Master, was also unobtrusively stolen away.

Su Yang nibbled on a pastry as he enjoyed the lush scenery along the way. His heart was thrilled, there was a sense of embarking on an adventure, like they were sneaking away to elope. He was full of excitement, and would lift the window flap to poke his head out from time to time, sending coy little winks and making cute faces at Jing Cheng, flirting and teasing for all he was worth.

Jing Cheng also felt that his little puppy was exceptionally adorable, exceptionally obedient, and not in the least bit finicky.

Well, that was what he thought at first.

Thanks to Anon for the ko-fi!!

Note to self : Stay far far away from translating war stories in the future. QAQ

This was a bit rushed. Lemme know if you spot any mistakes.

Thanks for reading!

-Syeki

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