The Young Master Becomes a Wife Chapter 53 Part 1

Chapter 53: Garrison Duty

In the capital court far from Ningcheng, court officials engaged in a fierce debate over whether to send troops to aid Danu.

If Da Qi was to dispatch military forces to aid Danu, this action would be tantamount to a formal declaration of war against Bei Di. Initiating such hostilities would inevitably create a protracted and perilous conflict, burdening the empire with severe and unending consequences for the foreseeable future. Conversely, should Da Qi choose to ignore Danu's plight and permit its complete annexation by Bei Di, the resulting expansion of Bei Di territory, resources, and power would significantly strengthen a rival entity. This outcome—a more powerful and emboldened Bei Di on its borders—was precisely the scenario Da Qi court was determined to avoid.

Fortunately, the onset of winter brought heavy snows that sealed off the northern mountain passes. Danu, situated in the extreme north, found itself shielded by a natural barrier of deep snow, which effectively halted Bei Di army's offensive movements. This provided the beleaguered state of Danu with a crucial, though temporary, respite from the assault. This also granted the court officials of Da Qi several months to slowly debate and reach a conclusion

The war between Bei Di and Danu temporarily halted, but the vigilance of the Ningcheng garrison did not relax in the slightest.

Now in his third year of marriage, Jiang Chenghan no longer received the special consideration from Kou Shijun that had allowed him to remain in Ningcheng during his newlywed years. He was assigned to garrison Tianming Pass, the pass closest to Bei Di, for a period of six months.

It was currently early winter, he would not be able to return to Ningcheng until the fourth month of the following year.

In the past, when Jiang Chenghan was alone and only needed to worry about feeding himself, he was often sent on assignments by Kou Shijun and never thought much of it. But this time, having to leave home and thinking about not seeing Yan Jingshu or their child for half a year, he felt rather uncomfortable.

Even though he had anticipated this due to his past life, Yan Jingshu was still filled with great reluctance upon hearing the news. However, military orders were as immutable as mountains—personal matters had to be set aside. Thus, after learning of it, Yan Jingshu said nothing more and silently went to pack Jiang Chenghan's clothes and luggage.

"Don't rush, there's still time to pack later. Come here, let me hold you first." Seeing Yan Jingshu's despondent expression, Jiang Chenghan felt equally upset. He took the clothes from Yan Jingshu's hands, tossed them aside, stepped forward, and embraced him.

Yan Jingshu didn't struggle and compliantly leaned against Jiang Chenghan's chest. He pressed his lips together but ultimately couldn't help saying softly, "Can I really not go with you?"

Jiang Chenghan smiled wryly. Though he didn't want to disappoint Yan Jingshu, he had to say, "Tianming Pass is a crucial military site. Non-military personnel are strictly forbidden from entering. It's a military order."

Yan Jingshu, still unwilling to give up, added, "Then, what if I rent a place in the village closest to Tianming Pass? Would that be acceptable?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chenghan lightly spanked Yan Jingshu's backside and feigned anger, "No mischief allowed. Most rural houses are simple and thinly built. It's the middle of winter, what if you freeze?"

The spank was so light it felt like a mere pat, Yan Jingshu hardly noticed it. He lifted his head from Jiang Chenghan's chest, wanting to say more.

But before he could speak, Jiang Chenghan lowered his head and nipped Yan Jingshu's lips, saying, "I won't allow this. Be good and stay in Ningcheng with Grandmother and Uncle. Take good care of Jiajia, and set my mind at ease."

Hearing the gentle yet firm refusal in Jiang Chenghan's tone, Yan Jingshu knew further pleas were useless and could only reluctantly fall silent.

Jiang Chenghan couldn't bear to see him sad but even more so didn't want him to suffer. Thus, he ultimately didn't relent. However, he then lowered his head to soothingly kiss Yan Jingshu again and again, until Yan Jingshu was left breathless and his mind blank, unable to think about the matter anymore.

In the evening, when Xie Huan returned from school, Jiang Chenghan announced at the dinner table to the Dowager Lady Yan and Xie Huan that he had been assigned to garrison Tianming Pass for six months.

Upon hearing this, the Dowager Lady Yan and Xie Huan immediately looked at Yan Jingshu. Seeing his calm expression, they realized he already knew and were slightly reassured. They then assured Jiang Chenghan that he should go without worry, as they would help look after Yan Jingshu and the child.

Jiang Chenghan was, of course, completely reassured and immediately expressed his gratitude to the Dowager Lady Yan and Xie Huan.

The next day, as the time for departure neared, Yan Jingshu showed no particular emotion in front of the Dowager Lady Yan and Xie Huan. But that evening, back in their bedroom, he could no longer suppress his feelings.

However, he wouldn't say anything to make Jiang Chenghan's departure harder, like asking him not to go. Instead, the moment Jiang Chenghan lay on the bed, Yan Jingshu moved close and wrapped his arms around Jiang Chenghan's waist.

The soft, warm, fragrant body pressing tightly against his own immediately aroused Jiang Chenghan, who hadn't shared a bed with Yan Jingshu for many days due to busy military affairs. He promptly turned over and covered Yan Jingshu beneath him.

The pain of separation intensified their already deep feelings. Coupled with the thought of not being able to hold Yan Jingshu's comforting body for the next six months, Jiang Chenghan, compared to his usual gentle and meticulous self, became fierce and greedy this night, as if trying to claim his share for the next half year all at once. He tormented Yan Jingshu until well past midnight, only stopping when Yan Jingshu's voice was too hoarse to even beg for mercy.

Yan Jingshu had long since passed out from exhaustion. Jiang Chenghan, having thoroughly vented his passion, felt even more invigorated. Knowing that Yan Jingshu was particular about cleanliness and would be embarrassed if others saw him in such a state, Jiang Chenghan did not summon any servants. Instead, he personally fetched a brass basin and a soft towel. He poured warm water from the copper kettle that had been heating on the charcoal stove, and with great care, he gently cleansed Yan Jingshu's body himself.

After washing Yan Jingshu's body, Jiang Chenghan carefully changed the bedding and blankets for clean ones. Once he had finished tidying the room and ensuring everything was in order, the first hints of dawn were already lightening the sky beyond the window.

Having changed into his official travel attire, Jiang Chenghan returned to the bedside. He leaned down and pressed a gentle, lingering kiss to the forehead of his still deeply sleeping fulang. He then moved quietly to the adjacent bedroom to gaze upon their peacefully sleeping child, the little shuang'er named Jiajia. With one last look at his family, he finally picked up the luggage that Yan Jingshu had prepared for him and stepped out of the house, disappearing into the cold, misty gloom of the early morning.