unedited

The seated generals focused on eating.

The meat on the tip of the knife was cut neatly and handed to Meng Huan’s lips. In front of everyone, Meng Huan could not refuse but still shook his head.

Unappetizing.

He hoped Lin Bozhou would understand.

The military’s bold style was unsuitable for his intestines.

Lin Bozhou raised his eyebrows and gently said, “Huh?” He seemed a little surprised to be rejected for wanting to feed Meng Huan and put the fork back on the meat, nodding his head. “Don’t like to eat this?”

Meng Huan made a slight “mm” sound.

“Try the roast goose,” He said again.

The generals at the bottom occasionally looked up to see Lin Bozhou with one hand propped up on his knee, the sleeve of his robe lifted, seemingly looking at the wine servant on the side. He appeared distant but occasionally gave people the illusion that he wasn’t very distant.

Although they overthought…… an idea coincidentally floated into everyone’s mind: Lin Bozhou married a male consort, so was he…… really gay?

It was almost midnight when the banquet was over, time for the military night curfew.

The full and intoxicated people in the tent went to bed, and Meng Huan was ready to return to his tent in the dark. He had just gotten up when Lin Bozhou’s drunk voice sounded behind him. “Has everyone settled in?”

Chen An reported, “They are all settled in the tent.”

Lin Bozhou responded, “Go and take a look.”

Meng Huan looked sideways at him quietly.

Lin Bozhou could not say he didn’t empathize with his subordinates, but his status was so high that he did not need to go where the subordinates settled to check. As expected, this act was also done to check up on Meng Huan’s living place.

Meng Huan gritted his teeth, thinking that Lin Bozhou was really worried.

The tent was lit with dim lights, with people reading books and playing chess. These days, they had to wait for Lin Bozhou to organize the army, so they might not necessarily go to war. After Lin Bozhou arrived, some who had already slept under the covers climbed up in succession.

“Greetings to the prince.”

Lin Bozhou slightly asked a few questions, his eyes stopping at Meng Huan’s quilt.

The quilts were neatly laid and well-positioned, so he could sleep soundly, which was not a big problem. However, another head poked out nearby, and Zhu Dong looked at him respectfully.

“……”

Lin Bozhou pulled down his lips, and his eyes swept lower.

Meng Huan did not think much of it; it was similar to living in a dorm room.

Speaking wanly, Lin Bozhou said, “There are some fresh vegetables and meat in the supply wagon, so if you are not used to eating in the army, you can eat them. It’s getting late, so rest well.”

After checking, he drunkenly waved his sleeve and left the tent.

Meng Huan followed him out of the tent and set up a torch at a high place as he saw Lin Bozhou let a group of people walk away with him and return to his commander-in-chief tent.

With the cool breeze blowing gently, Meng Huan stood there when a voice rang out behind him, “You went to serve wine today. Did he promote you?”

“……” Meng Huan jumped from being scared by him and moved to the side. “What ah?”

Zhu Dong showed an unbelievable expression. “To be honest, Brother Chen, you were indeed born handsome. I’ve been thinking recently that the prince has been eyeing you. Could it be that he has intentions for you?”

“……”

The more Meng Huan heard, the more outrageous he became. He turned his head and walked into the shadow of the torch. “Can’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Hey. I kindly remind you that the prince likes men, and you are born handsome. These military camp days are bitterly cold and lonely. I am afraid he can’t resist calling you to serve him on the bed sooner or later. You should think carefully. He has a proper wife, and you can only be a concubine.” Zhu Dong had a solemn expression.

Is there a possibility that his wife is me ah?

Meng Huan frowned more tightly. “You–”

In his ears, a violent shout suddenly rang out.

“Quiet! The soldiers have banged the gongs. Is there anything that can’t wait until morning to be said? Everyone here is asleep!”

The tone was so fierce that Meng Huan became confused and turned around, only to find that it was someone from another tent. He was not dressed like a soldier and was probably a member of the army of a general’s residence.

When he yelled, Meng Huan remembered Chen An’s advice not to make trouble in the army, so he shut up and walked inside the tent.

Unexpectedly, when the other party saw him walking towards the prince regent’s tent, he hurriedly said, “Brother, sorry, it’s my poor eyesight. I didn’t see it was someone from the prince’s residence just now. Pardon me–”

The other side changed their faces so quickly. Meng Huan was puzzled while Zhu Dong smilingly said, “The prince killed a noble in the tent tonight to establish authority. These people do not dare to be domineering.”

Speaking of this, Meng Huan nodded. “Indeed, the prince is quite fierce.”

“He is fierce, but he has offended people.” Zhu Dong said, “Wait for it. Even if no one is in the barracks makes trouble, someone from the court will do it.”

Hearing these words, Meng Huan’s mind stirred.

He remembered Lin Bozhou was outside the Pass to meet the enemy but suffered from back-stabbing behind his back, constantly being impeached and pulling tricks to undermine him. He was stunned for a moment.

“Why ah? Apart from the deceased’s family, is anyone else making trouble?”

“Of course.” Zhu Dong sat back on the bed and asked softly, “ Do you know who the Great Zong is being impoverished by?”

Meng Huan: “His Majesty?”

“As well.” Zhu Dong said, “The Great Zong was impoverished by the imperial clan, the nobles, and bureaucrats. They possessed many lands, one-half of the world, but the people had no fields to plow. These people were born with everything and would make trouble once it was taken away from them.”

Meng Huan vaguely understood something. “So……”

“The noblemen thought they had no problem taking empty pay, but the prince came to meddle; wasn’t this breaking their livelihood? Moreover, he also killed a person. This community is not clean. They are interdependent, and if the prince moves one of them, this group of people will desperately attack the prince for their safety, even if they find some false excuses.”

Meng Huan understood.

That was why so many people hated him.

“Is it okay for the prince not to kill? No. This group of slick old people is the best at judging people. If the prince doesn’t dare to kill, they will assume that the prince doesn’t dare to touch them and become even more unrestrained.” Zhu Dong said, “Damn it! Over two hundred years of the Great Zong’s dynasty, the fervor and loyalty of this group of noble ancestors have long been worn away, leaving only a head full of money and wine.”

What he said made sense.

Meng Huan looked at him admiringly, “You still have some things*. You understand all this. Unlike me, I don’t understand anything.”

*To describe someone whose actual strength is far higher than their superficial strength.