Chapter 788 – Breaking Out, The Beauty’s Plea (12)
“You don’t have to sacrifice so much.”
Jiang Pengji wanted to say “there’s no need,” but considering Hui Jun’s feelings, those three words rolled around in her mouth before getting swallowed back down.
She added, “The situation is still under control, I have a plan in mind, you don’t need to worry.”
Hui Jun’s expression dimmed slightly, her brows furrowed in an ambiguous way. Not only would a man pity her, even a woman would feel a pang of sympathy.
“But, Young Master… besides this, I don’t know what else I can do for you.” After being rejected by Jiang Pengji, Hui Jun seemed to deflate, speaking softly, “…You once said not to harbor idlers… After indulging in comfort for so many years, I’ve forgotten how to care for others. In the infirmary, even the most ordinary medics are more capable than I am. When I think about it, this whole skin and bones feels so lowly, as if I can only survive by selling myself…”
By the end, Hui Jun’s voice trembled and strained.
For her, the past was a wound deep enough to see bone; her flesh had rotted and festered, and even the finest cosmetics couldn’t mask the stench and pain that clung to her like a shadow. She could fool others, but not herself.
“Foolish girl,” Jiang Pengji sighed, almost inaudibly, “Even if you’re just an idler, I see you as a sister. Even if you do nothing and just live a life of luxury, I can take care of you. What’s your past matter? As long as I’m here, who dares to say a word against you?”
A person shouldn’t be bound by their past. Jiang Pengji both admired and pitied Hui Jun, naturally hoping she could focus on the future.
Jiang Pengji thought Hui Jun was caught up in her identity issues, so she said, “If anyone speaks out of turn, let them come to me. Once we return to Wanzhou, I’ll have someone arrange a new identity for you, and you can support yourself.”
Originally heartbroken, Hui Jun suddenly burst into laughter at Jiang Pengji’s words, catching Jiang Pengji off guard.
Though they were both women, Jiang Pengji’s way of thinking was unlike ‘normal’ person’s, and she didn’t share Hui Jun’s intricate sensitivities. She could understand why Hui Jun felt sad, but couldn’t grasp why her mood changed so quickly, like a cloud clearing after rain.
A woman’s heart, as elusive as a needle in the ocean.
Suddenly, Jiang Pengji recalled what the audience had said during the live stream and found something off about her thoughts.
Feeling so emotional, it seemed like she was excluding herself from the “woman” category.
“Young Master, I don’t have any ulterior motives, I just want to contribute a little,” Hui Jun said, biting her full lower lip thoughtfully. She hesitated to add, “I may not be knowledgeable, but I know there’s currently a lack of support. Delaying further would only be harmful to you. The commander at Jiamen Pass is a man who loves beauty. If you let me show myself in front of him, even if I don’t capture his heart, at least it might arouse suspicion among his subordinates. Once their morale is shaken, it will weaken our enemies… it’s very beneficial for us…”
Jiang Pengji frowned, still disapproving.
“It’s too dangerous, it’s unnecessary.”
“Young Master!” Hui Jun mustered her courage and grabbed her sleeve, her tone teasingly feminine. “Please allow me to do this.”
Jiang Pengji remained unmoved, her eyelids lowered, speaking with an air that left no room for negotiation, “No means no.”
Hui Jun felt a bit disheartened, but she knew Jiang Pengji seemed cold yet kind-hearted, so maybe with more coaxing, she’d relent.
“Why won’t you agree?”
After all, she was the one volunteering.
Jiang Pengji replied, “Although Meng Xiaowei says Fu Wang seems reliable, a battlefield general and a man in daily life are two completely different concepts. The latter might show mercy out of goodwill, but the former only considers the larger picture. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call him ruthless. Not to mention you’re a woman sent by the enemy— even if you were his wife or concubine, he wouldn’t hesitate to make sacrifices when necessary. You’ve read enough history; Meng’s ancestor Meng Jing, known as the ‘White Dragon among Men,’ killed his own concubines and daughters to inspire his shambled troops. That was ruthlessness, wasn’t it? Yet, he’s praised as a war hero in history.”
Hui Jun’s face turned pale, realizing Jiang Pengji’s concerns.
Sure enough—
“If Fu Wang is heartless enough to stabilize his troops and gain their trust by personally slaying you, what then? Beauty can indeed be a weapon, but I wish it to protect you, not become a double-edged sword that harms you. You don’t need to argue further; I won’t allow it.”
Having hit a wall with Jiang Pengji, Hui Jun felt helpless.
The next day, just as she was headed to the infirmary, she happened to run into Feng Zhen, who was clearly suffering from a drinking urge.
With Feng Zhen’s years of flirting experience, he quickly noticed that Hui Jun’s beauty was crafted from a façade; underneath her plain appearance was an exquisite beauty. However, standing next to the Young Master, he could only admire her from a distance, guessing her true appearance without daring to speak openly.
“Is something wrong, Hui Jun?”
Seeing her troubled expression, Feng Zhen couldn’t help but ask.
Who would dare to bully someone sheltered by the Young Master?
Hui Jun was deep in her thoughts when she heard someone call her name, her heart jumping, suddenly brought back to attention.
“Good morning, Mr. Feng.”
She was still in her regular medic’s uniform, but seeing Feng Zhen take a couple of steps closer made her more flustered.
Feng Zhen frowned, sensing a hint of caution and suspicion.
While in this military camp, with the Young Master protecting her, who could make Hui Jun display such a distracted expression?
“Have you encountered some trouble, Hui Jun?” Feng Zhen asked further.
Hui Jun thought for a moment, looking around before signaling Feng Zhen to talk privately.
She expressed her worries, drawing an surprised glance from Feng Zhen.
“Mr. Feng?”
Feng Zhen snapped back to reality, saying, “Hui Jun’s worries are not without reason. If you could use beauty to sow discord, it truly could be an option. While there are many rumors floating inside Jiamen Pass about Fu Wang possibly submitting to the Young Master, if an exceptional beauty were to appear now, even if Fu Wang grew scales all over, he wouldn’t manage to explain it away. But, Hui Jun, have you thought this through? If you do this, not only could you be at a disadvantage, but your life could also be in danger.”
To eliminate rumors, the best method is to kill the beauty that walks right in.
From Fu Wang’s previous actions, this guy could be quite ruthless, so it wouldn’t be beneath him to resort to cruel means.
Hui Jun gritted her teeth, “If it means alleviating worries for the Young Master, I’m willing to do it. Please guide me on how to persuade him.”
Feng Zhen’s expression turned even more peculiar.
He sighed, “Beauty can be a disaster.”
Hui Jun’s expression stiffened, but he quickly added, “Not talking about you, I mean the Young Master.”
Having a sweet girl willing to make such sacrifices is scarier than a beautiful disaster.
“Come closer, Hui Jun, just say this to the Young Master…”
Feng Zhen lowered his voice and explained in detail to Hui Jun. “If you do it like this, she’s likely to agree.”
