Chapter 1231 – Preparing for Battle, Rest and Recovery (Part Ten)
As he spoke, Wei Ci’s eyes sparkled with a twinkling joy, like the scattered stars in a galaxy.
Jiang Pengji clicked her tongue and lifted the little creature up with one hand.
The creature obediently cowered, its chubby face drooping, its half-round ears twitching as it pitifully blinked at Jiang Pengji.
“How has it been so long and still so small?”
After weighing it a bit, it felt heavier than before, but according to the growth pattern of Iron-Eating Beasts, this was clearly out of the ordinary.
Wei Ci said, “I had an experienced beast officer take a look at it; it’s in perfect health.”
“Healthy?” Jiang Pengji replied, “Tsk—an unknown little thing, not growing up is normal; it’s more convenient for you to take care of.”
An adult Iron-Eating Beast stands almost as tall as a person, weighs a lot, and is incredibly fierce; keeping it could be dangerous for Wei Ci.
If this guy never grows up and stays like this, it wouldn’t be a problem to keep.
Jiang Pengji placed it in the backpack, and the little creature perked up, half its head poking out to observe in secret.
Wei Ci helped Jiang Pengji sort through documents, making it easier for her to handle official papers.
With this cooperation, documents that would normally take all night were completed in just an hour.
Jiang Pengji put down her brush, shaking her sore wrist.
After working for so long, her eyes were tired, and she felt hunger deep in her belly; if only a delicious meal could appear right now, that would be perfect.
Just then, a whiff of egg aroma wafted into her nose.
“When did Zixiao go out?” Jiang Pengji looked up to see Wei Ci holding a lantern in one hand and a steaming egg custard in the other. Smelling the delicious food made her mouth water with yearning, “Ah, Zixiao understands me. You’ve really starved me out here.”
Wei Ci set the plate down, “I noticed you were so engrossed in work, so I didn’t disturb you. I borrowed the little kitchen in the courtyard to make some late-night snacks.”
Jiang Pengji, under the eager gaze of the Iron-Eating Beast, quickly polished off the bowl of egg custard.
“Zixiao’s cooking is just too good; I really wish I could marry you off quicker.”
Jiang Pengji mumbled with a lingering taste, licking her lips.
Wei Ci brushed off the comment, saying, “It’s getting late; you should head back now, Master.”
Jiang Pengji wiped her mouth with a napkin and rolled onto Wei Ci’s bed like a spoiled child. The Iron-Eating Beast awkwardly climbed out of the backpack, wiggling its plump bottom inch by inch toward Jiang Pengji, who scooped it up into her arms. Cradling the Iron-Eating Beast in her left arm, she used her right hand to pat the corner of the blanket, playfully inviting Wei Ci to join her. Her eyes sparkling with mischief made Wei Ci’s ears burn.
Wei Ci sighed, tightened his nightclothes, and slowly shifted closer to the bed, lying stiffly on his side.
“Zixiao’s body is feeling much better now; before, sharing the bed felt like having an ice pop, but now there’s finally some warmth.”
Jiang Pengji nudged his calf with her foot.
If Wei Ci were a mobile refrigerator, she’d be a bouncing furnace.
With just a little time in his usually cold bed, she could warm it up comfortably.
When Jiang Pengji’s bare foot touched his lower back, the heat felt almost scalding.
“Master—”
Jiang Pengji said, “Sigh, Zixiao, you’re quite the gentleman. Even a sage said that food and lust are basic instincts. It’s natural for people, regardless of gender, to yearn for the opposite sex once they reach a certain age. I see you don’t have a wife, concubine, or male pet in the back courtyard; if you feel anything, do you still need to be independent?”
Wei Ci maintained a calm demeanor, lying perfectly still like a monk in meditation, completely unreactive.
Inside, Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but sigh.
Sometimes, she couldn’t help but question her judgment.
Which man could stay calm when facing a woman’s provocation?
Liu Xianghui?
Not a chance!
Jiang Pengji couldn’t resist reaching below, causing Wei Ci’s face to flush as if blood could drip from it.
“Master!”
Jiang Pengji innocently replied, “I’m just worried about your health.”
Wei Ci: “…”
In her previous life, she already had two kids; there was nothing to worry about!
Don’t be fooled by how relaxed Wei Ci seemed; it actually took immense willpower for him to hold himself back.
He said, “Tomorrow morning there’s government business to handle; it’s better for you to rest early, Master, to recharge.”
Jiang Pengji rolled her eyes internally.
At times, she wished she didn’t have to be some troublesome leader, stuck following the Federation’s thousands of regulations.
Delicious food was practically within reach, ready to be devoured and chewed to bits, yet she couldn’t act on it due to principles.
“Fine, sleep!”
She thought—
Maybe if Wei Ci didn’t hold himself back, she’d break her own principles.
A dreamless night passed until dawn, and Jiang Pengji stealthily carried a backpack of documents back to the official residence, pretending to wake up and calling the maidservant to help her dress. While having breakfast, she timely opened her live stream, with the screen flooded with “Good morning” comments.
As Jiang Pengji pushed open the door, golden sunlight spilled onto the ground, illuminating everything and lifting spirits.
“Great, keep busy, and let’s try to get an early break for the holidays!”
Jiang Pengji motivated herself; her subordinates seemed indifferent, but Han Yu, Xie Ze, and Qin Gong all seriously responded with “Yes, my lord.”
Hahaha—
Holidays?
Not a chance!
Feng Zhen and Yang Si, those seasoned pros, looked like they hadn’t slept enough and were clearly overworked, occasionally stifling yawns.
Qi Guanrang also bore heavy dark circles but held a fan to partially cover his face whenever he needed to yawn.
Feng Jin and Xu Ke complained endlessly.
As members manning the rear lines, their tasks were no light matter; they had to maintain logistical supplies for the battlefield while considering development and construction in various territories. Just when they finally got everything on track, the lord returned, burying them in a mountain of official duties.
Speaking of—
Couldn’t the lord stay out to celebrate the New Year instead of rushing back?
Xu Ke looked dead inside; he’d been following the lord for nearly ten years, and since the East Qing earthquake, he’d never enjoyed a holiday break. While others gathered with family for a feast and celebrated the New Year, he was left to scarf down two bites of food and get straight back to work.
Damn it!
Holiday breaks? Completely nonexistent!
Oblivious, Han Yu was rolling his sleeves, while Xie Ze and Qin Gong were itching to dive in.
While other regions prepared their armies in spring and autumn, Jiang Pengji’s side was different; military training mostly concentrated in winter and summer.
During these seasons, the military camp never rested, and training escalated to high intensity.
Xie Ze and Qin Gong, two newly appointed military generals, could seize this opportunity to familiarize themselves with the strange military systems, preparing for their future command.
Qin Gong had to spend the New Year in Wanzhou before leading troops to Zhe Jun, where he’d be stationed long-term for training.
Given the current situation, when Jiang Pengji faced off against Huang Song, she’d surely draw from Zhe Jun and Hu Jun’s forces nearby.
The burdens of Qin Gong’s upcoming mission were heavy, so he needed to work extra hard to prepare.
As the lunar New Year approached day by day, Wanzhou and surrounding areas gradually filled with festive spirit, with red silk and lanterns adorning the doorways of every household.
The lively atmosphere brought warmth even to the cold winter.
Students at Golden Scales Academy donned blue and white uniforms, shielded by bright red winter coats, their little faces rosy from the biting wind.
“Father, what brings you here?”
Though bundled up, Feng Yi was growing into the elegance of a young noble and didn’t look bulky or unattractive at all.
