The Soldiers' Feast I

I lower the net full of fish on a table by the Camp's kitchen, Zhou and Xu Lei behind me with wild herms in their bags.

-There wasn't a lot left alive in the river so we couldn't get as much as we need but... It's still something- I murmur in front of the cook -It's alright Ying TongJun, you're already doing so much for us... If we are carful enough this should lasts us for quite some time- he smiles as I bow down and leave.

Just a few steps ahead we get stopped by Wei Xuan and the others -Something happened guys?- Wei smirks at me with a sinister expression -Guys, get her!- he orders and soon after He Rang and Kasuo Gu are blocking all my limbs, dragging into a tend -Guys wait... What's happening, explain please???- I try to ask but Wei covers my mouth with a cloth.

...

I get tied to a chair and all the guys circle me -Are you all for real? Tying me with ropes?- -Hehe, it's for s worthy reason- says Wei -Such as?- -The men decided to make a little feast tonight, to boost everyone's morale and let off some fear... Nothing fancy, some soldiers will play music while others will sing town's songs and we can all dance around the fire!- -And what does this have to do with me getting tied here?- I begin to free myself but Shun comes behind and locks me with his arms -I'm sorry Lai'Er...- -Ah, it's ok...- I sigh annoyed -Just what the hell is happening?-

Wei takes out a few cosmetic containers while grinning -We're gonna let you enjoy the evening! We know you've not stopped working ever since you came here so tonight you'll wear some damn lipstick, do you hair, eat, drink and dance!- as I am about to say something he pushes a finger over my lips -Shut up, I don't care that your a high ranked official or about your responsibilities either. Just relax once in a while, will you? We're all gonna be awake so there's no need for you to keep guard or anything- I turn my face around ashamed -Fine-.

...

Once Wei's done I take a mirror and look at myself -You did quite a good job...- -Hehe, my twin sister has been using me as her practice doll for all her looks so I've learnt a thing or two about makeup for female features!- he comes behind me and start braiding my hair with a few chains -These aren't exactly jewels but... It fits the atmosphere more, doesn't it? You look like a War Princess- -Thanks Wei, I appreciate it- he blushes happy -Now let's get you dressed hehe! I added a few decorations to one of your hanfus to make it looks as elegant as possible while still keeping it practical-

He goes toward his bed and brings forward one of my everyday attires, a black hanfu with various opening on the legs and black pants. He added a few red pieces of fabrics between the layers over the thighs and some chains around the waist, it kind of reminds me of the outfit I wore for the Wedding of the Heir... Few memories of those days comes back to me, practicing the moves with LingHe, buying shack with Hua when leaving the sect, sneaking away at night, going to the market with everyone...

-Lai'Er...? You don't like it?- -Oh? Sorry I got lost in thoughts. No I like it a lot, it's very fitting- he lights up again -Oke then let's go!-.

...

Reaching the other guys they all greet me awkwardly, Kasuo looks away flustered along He Rang. Zhou simply blushes no knowing what to say, Xu Lei smiles kindly and Shun takes my hand beginning to walk toward the feast -You're beautiful Lai'Er, as always. I'm sure everyone will be twice as excited tonight- he chuckles, while nodding toward the more simple minded men, and I laugh with him -I've only ever wore armors or training clothes since I joined the army, who knows... Maybe this will help to win over some men haha- -Oh you definitely won some over...- he laughs looking at a few men passing by us with blank stares.

Approaching the dining area we can see some changes have been made. The chairs, benches and other improvised seating all stand to the side while a few instruments have been placed close to the cooking area -Those bigger musical instruments are from some men in our Army, they are musicians and decided to take some with them to war. The others are just men with a liking for music who maybe took a flute or a Xun as their hobby... It's definitely gonna be fun with so many peoples from different regions!- jumps Wei in front of us -I wanna hear someone throat singing!- -Oh and I wanna dance with the desert peoples!- says He Rang.

-I guess it doesn't hurt to have fun if it's just for one night... They really seems excited- murmurs Xu Lei coming besides me, I nod not really looking at him and my eyes falls on a figure a few meters ahead of me. A torch over a wooden pole enlightens Qin Luo, leaning over it with crossed arms and closed eyelids... Once hears steps approaching he opens his eyes and immediately finds me.

-Oh guys look who's there! Hi Gener...!- begins saying Wei, walking past us, but Shun grabs him and places a hand over his mouth as we stop in front of him -Read the room, idiot...- -We're gonna go grab some food, I'm so hungry- -Yep definitely, let's go guys. You can wait here for us, Lai'Er- agree Shin -What? I'm not really hungry tho- proteste Wei but Shun loads him on his shoulder dragging him away.

I open my mouth to greet Qin Luo but he beats me on the timing -You're beautiful- he smiles -You're always beautiful to me, but this is the first time I see you dressed up so... I just cannot help but feel butterfl in my stomach as I look at you- I widen my eyes and then facepalm with a laugh -How you can say that so easly really leaves me puzzled, do you feel no shame General?- he chuckles -Some have no problems talking about beheaded corpses and ripped guts, like you, while others feel no shame in saying what they feel toward the person they love. You already know what I feel so why should I hide it or feel shy?- he offers me his arm -Shall we go and join the feast?- I grab his forearm, winking with a smile -Don't enjoy this too much, it's only for today- -I think I already failed the mission, Ying TongJun- he says and I end up laughing.