The military camp was surrounded by neighing, heavy breathing, and insect chirping. Even the wind sounded dreary and bleak. Nurse Ping tossed and turned throughout the night. She looked at Chen Rong’s bed several times, wanting to talk to her. But no matter how many times she looked, she only saw Chen Rong in a deep sleep.
Early next morning, with dark circles under her eyes, Nurse Ping yawningly combed Chen Rong’s hair and said, “You slept so well last night. I was so scared, but you didn’t even turn once.”
Chen Rong’s mouth made a twitch but she did not answer.
Just then, a loud voice called in: “Is the young miss ready? The general wants to see her.”
Nurse Ping was startled by his voice. Her hand jerked and almost dropped all the combs to the floor. She quickly picked them up, winced twice, and hollered back: “Almost finished, just a second.”
She soon finished dressing Chen Rong, at which time she tilted her head to take a look, nodded with satisfaction, and urged her mistress: “Miss, let’s go.”
Chen Rong hummed and stepped out of the tent.
Nurse Ping followed behind. After a few steps, she began to worry and thus leaned in to say: “Miss, when you’re with General Ran, do try to make a good impression. If he expresses his wish to marry you, then you mustn’t reject him.” She stared at Chen Rong and sincerely added, “Please agree. Don’t change your mind then!”
Chen Rong paid little attention to her. She just kept her head down, wove her hands in front of her abdomen, and slowly walked ahead.
The soldiers had all left their tents by now. A few paces later, they heard footsteps pounding from the other side of the cleft, along with rumbling hooves and billowing smoke.
By the time Chen Rong arrived at the centermost tent, a line of soldiers were already standing there, holding polearms and staring expressionlessly at her.
Nurse Ping’s legs gave out upon seeing these people.
Chen Rong hastened to hold her. She kept her head down and soon passed the heavily guarded area into the tent.
Inside, Ran Min was sitting on the divan using a red cloth to wipe his spear. He slowly raised his head when he heard the arriving footsteps.
His inky eyes patiently fixed upon Chen Rong before they glanced over at Nurse Ping. By the time he turned back to Chen Rong, his thin lips were smiling.
“Sit,” he motioned.
“Thank you.”
Chen Rong let go of Nurse Ping and scurried to the seat he had pointed to.
Ran Min poured her a cup of wine, then pointed and ordered: “Drink.”
Chen Rong received it from him and threw her head back for a swig.
“How straightforward,” Ran Min laughed.
He put the flagon down and then turned to stare at her.
Eventually, his thin lips curved into a smile. “You seem calmer this time.”
Chen Rong demurely smiled back. “It’s not as if you will eat me.”
Ran Min’s brow slowly furrowed.
He leaned down in front of Chen Rong, stiffening her when his breathing fluttered across her face.
Then, he reached out and lifted her chin.