19 #19: Call to the Front

* Jia Li's P.O.V*****

It has become such a mess, I was tired. Just how did Peng Ju even think this would work? Had he always been such a fool? I don't know. I feel powerless. If General wouldn't have come, all the plan would have gone down the drain.

What should I even do? Usually, girls in the novels.. who get married to General are mostly doctors, as they can cure the mysterious poison their love interest is affected by, or they would be warriors of equal power to them. But I... doctor? No chance, learning the skill itself takes a decade, being a master is just impossible.

A warrior? I may try it, but it is not that easy, my body has never experienced the hard work or any sort of exercise, the only time I ever panted was, while reading a steamy version of my novels. Should I just write novels? That does seem like a good idea. I have read so many that plot ideas come to naturally. Shall I?

But, that alone is not enough... Moreover , rumors about a Marquis's daughter and mistress of Lei household, writing romance novels will not do any good. I should get power in my own way... I need to get power otherwise I would just become a pushover.

"Miss, what are you doing?", Xin Xin called out to me.

"Uh... nothing, why? What is it?", I asked a bit irritably, I was finally using my brain and I get interrupted.

"The first master of Huo house has come to visit you.", she said.

"First Brother?... let him in.", I said.

My first brother... I am sure he has come to nag me. From when we were kids, the one who would nag me the most was first brother. I wonder what is he even doing, instead of spending time in his study.

"Hello sister... How are you now?", He came and first checked my whole face.

"I m Fine...", I told.

"Huh.. If you knew there was something weird going on.. why didn't you inform your brother first! Do you know how much scared Father and I were???", He started nagging already.

"I am sorry.. It was all so fast I didn't quite think properly...", I said.

"Well, I suppose that is great enough idea for the brains of your size.", He said, throwing in random boring jokes.

"Ha ha, very funny brother.", Soon, brother and I spent a bit of time with tea and later he left back to his mansion.

I spent a few hours just staring into the wall, there really isn't much to do. There are novels to pass time, but I really want to do something else. Should I just watch a local play? but almost all of it is boring stories. Wish there would be another special event like before.

I got up, and went to the main hall, to see of anything is there to do, obviously, the Madam was the incharge and would handle all stuff, so there was nothing for me. Brother in law was spending his time under the care of second sister. General is too boring and stuff just becomes awkward while talking to him.

Huh... It is so much boring. Guan is sent to another place for some work. Xin Xin can't abandon her duties, the other noble ladies are all busy with suitors and beauty massages. There really is nothing to do. I don't have paper to write novels. I wonder who the hell even burnt all papers... Like what is their point?

I went out, there was nothing special to do, so I kept on walking towards... Red Lake brothel. Of course, I changed my clothes and wore a veil, there is no way I am going to give the townspeople a thing to gossip about. The Red lake was really beautiful. The last time I came here, I obviously didn't look at these carefully.

I was called by the Madam, we both had a chat together.

"So, your purpose of visiting?", Madam asked.

"I want to be powerful.", I said.

"Do you wish to learn medicine?", She asked.

"I would be lying to say I don't, but I know how long it takes to learn, and I am not exactly the patient type. I need power faster. Medicine is just too long and doesn't give enough power.", I said.

"Hmmm", She became dull.

"I apologize, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I was just honestly expressing my opinion.", I said.

"I am not hurt at all, as what you have spoke is quite true. I spent 20 years to learn the basics of medicine.", Madam said, pouring herself a cup of tea.

"Wait. 20 years??", I asked shocked. I knew it would be a few years but a genius like Madam taking that much time is really unbelievable.

"Yes, 20 years basics, 30 for intermediary procedures and 20 more for surgeries and potions.", She said.

"Uh...20, 30, 20... 70 years????", I asked.

"Yes, It took me 70 years to learn medicine.", She said.

I was completely shocked, the Madam looked old, but not of 70! she only looks like a 35 or 40.

"If I may be so rude, what is your age?", I asked.

"128, this year.", She said calmly.

"128????", I asked.

"Don't be that shocked! I am a heavenly doctor, I ingested many herbs as my daily diet, thus, I am so young looking.", She said.

"So, which age did you even start? what was your first lesson?", I asked with a sudden interest.

"Well, I was an orphan from the mountains, It was heavy snowfall during winter of my 10th birthday when I came to the town beside the mountain, I fainted due to the cold and hunger, I was then rescued by my master.

He was a lonely guy, and was almost at the end of his life, he looked almost 60. He began teaching me, at first he didn't accept me as a disciple, but just taught me basic medicine, as to what is poisonous and what is antidote.

He then put a test for me, which I surely passed. From then, my 12th birthday, I officially became his disciple, My diet only contained herbs, I was forced to taste every herb I found in the mountain, This was the start.", She said.

"OOO... How old was your master?", I asked.

"289 when he passed away..", She said.

"I hope he rests in peace.", I said.

"My dear, If you want power, the most best areas, are shops and business.", She said.

"Shops and business?", I asked.

"Wealth is the fastest way to have power, but trust is what makes power everlasting. Wealth can be easily gained, whereas trust takes longer depending on the other.", She said.

"ok.", I told listening intently.

"A commoner can easily rise to ranks by wealth, but a poor noble can't stay longer in power. So, the best way to get power which is not given to you as a courtesy of being a person's wife is to get hold of the market.", She said.

"alright, Thank you Madam!", I said.

"No problem, If what ever on plan on trading is ever required by my brothel, please do give us a discount.", She said smiling.

I got up, and began going back, on my way I met up with all my previous acquaintances. I soon reached the mansion. I had dinner and was almost about to sleep when, General had come to visit me.

"What are you doing here, General?", I asked.

"Am I not allowed to roam about my own house?", He said

"I was just asking the purpose of your visit.", I said.

"I thought we had gotten closer, but I guess it isn't true considering your formal speech.", He said.

"I am just showing my respect to my husband.", I said.

"Husband? I don't think you see me that way!", he said.

"I do.", I said.

"You don't! You never rely on me, nor ever talk with me! It's like we are just two people sharing a same home.", He said.

"Isn't that the very definition of marriage? considering ours is an arranged one, it is the best definition.", I said.

"Do you really hate this?", he asked.

"I don't particularly hate or like.", I said.

"Well, I can't argue anymore with you. I am just too much tired. Please comfort me.", he said, putting his head on my shoulder.

"C-comfort?? I don't know how to!", I said, I know the General didn't mean anything weird, but my great mind couldn't stop thinking about the similar incidences in novels.

"Just let me hug you and you hug me. Its more than enough.", He said sitting on my bed.

"Miss, would you like a snack-", Xin Xin entered the room.

"uh... Never mind Miss, Enjoy your time.", She said and left in a hurry.

"Come let's sleep.", He said looking at me with puppy eyes. It was too much. I had to agree.

But it was uncomfortable, He was too close! I never allowed anyone to come this close, Is this guy planning something?

He put his hand around me and puled me closer, I could feel his breath on my scalp, he was breathing a bit heavily. I guess he really was tired. but sadly, I was not able to sleep, if he moved slightly too, I would flinch. It is not fair!

I can't sleep like this! I too want to sleep! Not only this guy! But General.. no why that much respect! Huang Lei was sleeping so well, that even babies would be jealous of him. He mumbled a bit but soon went back to sleep.

I tried to rack my brain in order to think how I must get into the business side, but my brain just told, 'sleep or romance', It wasn't listening to me at all. I turned a bit, and I could see the General's.. I mean Huang Lei's face, his face was really good. His eyes and nose perfect, his lips soft and good.

I am sure, If this guy tried to seduce anyone, he would surely succeed. his hair was so soft, I men how? I, a lady had rougher hair than him, who probably might have spent days without bathing in the border. I then realized I had my hands all over his head. I removed them when my eyes fell to his.. chest.

It's nothing wrong! He is my husband! I can see!.. right? well... It doesn't matter, I am just collecting material for my novels and paintings. My hand slowly went towards his outer clothing.

No! you mustn't do this Jia Li! but... his outer clothing was a mess, it totally revealed his... um.. body. Oh! I don't care, I put my hand on the clothes. That made my heart go on a run, it beat so loudly, I could feel it clearly. I slowly moved the cloth aside a bit. Not too much, just a bit. ...

It was different from the paintings of Qing yuan..! Not that I saw all of it... but Huang Lei is really a handsome guy through and through. I don't know how long I was thinking about him, It was almost dawn, an hour more till the servants get up I guess.

I have to do it! God know when again this chance would come for me to touch his chest! In my whole single life, I can finally touch a guy! Who wouldn't. hehehehe ( (¬‿¬))

I slowly and carefully first touched by my index finger... OOOOO it was so scary, I though he would get up... Well, It was only a matter of time, until all my fingers were firmly placed. It was different from my imagination, It wasn't exactly hard as rock, nor soft as cotton. it was weird. It was warm.

"You could have just asked me if this is what you wanted.",

huh... IS it my imagination?....

"Do you like it?"

Please God! Let it be my imagination!!! Please!

"hey...um.. you should really remove your hands.", Huang Lei said.

"Uhh... yes.", I removed my hand. It is so embarrassing... What will he think about me! I committed a crime, touching a nobleman without his permission!! Will he think I was trying to do something??? Argh! Stupid me! I read a thousand novels, where the lead is just as stupid and tries to touch their lover and it always ends like this!!!!

"Do you want it that much?", Huang Lei asked me weakly.

"Huh.. What?", I asked.

"Your hand, its still on my chest.", he said.

I looked, and yes, it was. It is not my fault that I never touched anyone like this before, everyone tries to make most of their first experience right?

"Um.. Sorry. I wasn't trying anything. I swear!", I said.

"You mustn't lie, Jia Li.", he said smiling.

"Huuhhhh... I didn't.", I said flustered because he caught me off guard by calling me by my name.

"When did you get up?", I asked.

"When you placed your really cold hands on my face, and your gaze was dangerous, I got up then, I saw how creepily you looked with your eyes at me face and my body.", He said.

"I was scared by that gaze, it was as though you would eat me~!", he added.

"I...I.... I was just curious!", I said.

"Then...It is a problem, curiosity leads to many disasters so...", he said.

"So...?"

"I guess, you need to satisfy it all.", He said and I was on top of him. It was a fast movement, I was sitting on top of him, my hands placed on his collarbones.

"Wait... What?", I asked.

"You can see me whole, I don't mind. Just be careful while touching.", he said, his eyes a bit glassy.

"hmm..", I said. That right there is the devil's temptation. Who wouldn't agree... So I agreed. I pulled the clothing off slowly. It was weird. The General, was blushing. He turned totally red! His ears were so pink!!

I removed the top, he was really a General, aside from really hot and handsome maintenance of his body He had enough scars. enough to prove he was a warrior. this scene is probably in many novels, where the hero just shows his scars of war to his loved one. It always ends with the dialogue, 'Isn't it painful?'

But I don't really feel sorry for him. Is it bad to not to?

"What do you think? I did get a lot of scars right?", he said a bit dull.

"It is just scars.", I said.

"Just scars? It was really painful when I got them.", he said a turning his head away from me.

"Scars are memory of pain, It reminds you the pain whenever you try to forget it, It makes sure you never get weak. So, Scars are good.", I said. I don't know if I just killed the mood or anything. but it was true. Scars are a proof that you won. You survived.

It is to remind you that you are a survivor. Because only the potentially dangerous wounds cause scars. I looked at him, he was still not making eye contact. I guess, I should have told, the same dialogue from the novels.

He placed his hands on my waist, and pulled my closer. I was pulled into sleeping beside him. I was back to the position I was in before. He looked at me, and came ad kissed my eyes. He told,

"Yes It is.", he said.

"Are you angry?", I asked.

"No... why do you think that?", he asked.

"Then why did you pull me?", I asked.

"It is just that I am too much excited. You being on top of me will just make it worse so...", he said blushing.

"Excited?", I asked.

"I think you know? Come on! Don't act that innocent.. I know what kind of books you read!", he said blushing.

"No.. I really don't get it.", I said. I don't understand how me reading Bl novels was related to this.

"Huuuu... What should I even do.....", He pulled me near and whispered in my ear.

"I mean to say, I will eat you up If you keep this any longer, just sleep.", he said.

I blushed. I got it. It was so stupid of me that I didn't get it!!

"Yes, I will sleep.", I turned around and I slept. It was too embarrassing. I turned and the General turned the other side. I still couldn't sleep, not a bit.. nothing at all. Soon, a maid came and knocked the door.

We both got up at the same time, he put on his clothing quickly and called the maid in, the maid was smiling a bit too much, her eyes fixed on general's loose clothing.

"General should I help you wash your face?", she asked.

How audacious! In front of me she dares to ask this???

"No, I don't require.", he told as he took the water and began washing his face. The maid then did the most ridiculous thing of attempting to fall on the General. She suddenly tripped on him. But I was quick. I pulled the General towards me, but we both tripped and fell on my bed.

And the most ridiculous thing happened, his lips were on mine,..... My first kiss.... gone.... The maid did trip and fall on the floor. Another maid came and pulled the tripping maid and went out. It was quiet. I was wondering why the General is not getting up, turns out, my hands were a bit tightly wrapped. I removed and he got up, we both quietly washed our face, when suddenly, the doors were pushed open, by the steward, who was shivering in fear.

Huang Lei immediately covered me up with his coat, and asked why the steward rushed into my residence.

"Your grace, an imperial edict has arrived asking you to be present.", he said.

"Come let's go!", he told, as he and I wore a proper dress and came out to see, the head eunuch had personally come to deliver the edict.

"Come receive the decree.", the Eunuch called.

"Yes, we shall.", the whole mansion said.

"There are signs of disruptions of peace in the north-western border, with high number of casualties everyday, the military is strained and people are rioting, the General Huang Lei is asked to be the bringer of peace to these lands.

The time to spent on the battlefield is considered indefinite, so, I, the emperor, request you to bid proper farewell to your family and leave for the front in a few hours.", he said.

"Alright, I will receive it.", Huang lei said, as he went on quickly with bath and it was only a matter of time, when he again climbed his horse. While going this time, he kissed my cheek and told, in my ear,

"I sure hope you will take responsibility for making my heart like this when I come back. Please give yourself to me then.", He said, giving me a playful smile and left for the front.

A war in the north-west. It doesn't do us any good. I hope he will be safe.