Chapter 11: Riding High on the Spring Breeze

Just as Jiang Wan finished speaking, the carriage came to a halt. The voice of a maidservant sounded from outside.

"Miss, we have arrived at the villa."

Zhao Mang thought to himself that since things had reached this point, how could he possibly refuse? He took the initiative to rise and stepped out of the carriage first.

Indeed, the place where Jiang Wan had invited him to dine was the very same small courtyard he had intended to rent. After several days apart, he had not expected to return here so soon. The courtyard, which had looked somewhat dilapidated last time, now appeared brand new after just one afternoon. He felt a sense of emotion; his luck in being able to live here was truly boundless.

The maid at his side gestured politely, "Please, Master Zhao, this way."

Zhao Mang had only taken a few steps when Jiang Wan, supported by another maid, stepped down from the carriage. The two walked one after the other, looking exactly like a married couple returning home. The evening sunset bathed the courtyard in a warm and cozy glow, and the fiery red clouds were so captivating one could hardly look away.

Inside the main hall of the courtyard, the two took their seats. The table was already laid with wine and dishes. The variety of food was vast, and for someone of his standing in this world, it was truly an eye-opening experience. Looking at the sumptuous spread, Zhao Mang exclaimed in wonder, "Miss Jiang, you have truly gone to great lengths. I am quite overwhelmed by your generosity."

Jiang Wan replied nonchalantly, "It is my good fortune to have met you, Master Zhao."

Seeing that the time was ripe, Jiang Wan spoke again, "I see that you are currently serving as a garrison soldier in a village west of the city. I also know that your strength is not to be underestimated. I wonder if you would be interested in becoming a company commander under Captain Liu. It would save you the hardship of working your way up, and it would also allow me to repay the debt of saving my life."

Zhao Mang thought to himself, just as expected. Jiang Wan had further plans, though he hadn't anticipated that these plans would involve him taking a shortcut to a higher military rank. At first glance, it seemed like a wonderful opportunity, but he had seen Liu Can before. He was an upright and incorruptible soldier; if he attained a military post under him through a woman's recommendation, his future path would not be smooth. He might even become a thorn in the captain's side. Furthermore, Zhao Mang had his own principles.

After a moment of reflection, Zhao Mang calmly declined. "I thank you for your kindness, Miss, but I prefer to rely on my own abilities to forge my path, step by step."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wan was quite surprised. She had not expected an ordinary garrison soldier to possess such integrity and courage. He was a rare individual indeed, and she held him in even higher regard. At the same time, she felt gratified by her decision.

Thinking this, Jiang Wan took the initiative to pour wine for Zhao Mang and placed a serving of a dish he had never tasted into his bowl. Zhao Mang felt truly delighted; having such a beautiful woman serve him food and drink was, to be honest, not much different from the life of a capitalist in the twenty-first century. It confirmed that saying of Liu Bei’s: "After fighting for so long, can I not enjoy myself for a while?"

Strangely enough, that meat he had never eaten tasted exceptionally good. He couldn't help but finish the entire plate, feeling a fire rising within his chest. He immediately alternated between sips of wine and bites of meat. The wine of this era was not as strong as others; it tasted quite sweet.

Watching Zhao Mang finish the dish and drink most of his wine, the smile on Jiang Wan's face grew increasingly intense. By this time, the maids had already withdrawn. The room held only Zhao Mang and Jiang Wan. Sated with food and drink, Zhao Mang leaned back, feeling very comfortable against something placed behind him. By now, his eyes were somewhat unfocused, and he glanced inadvertently at Jiang Wan.

At some point, she had shed her outer jacket, leaving only her breast-binding ru-qun. As his mind wandered, the fire in his belly grew more intense and unrestrained. Seeing that Zhao Mang looked weary, Jiang Wan rose and came to his side, saying softly, "Master Zhao... what is wrong?"

Zhao Mang could no longer restrain himself. He might have been able to hold back before, but with Jiang Wan leaning in, it was like a white lamb walking into the mouth of a wolf.

...

An hour later, Zhao Mang gradually regained some clarity. Upon waking, he found Jiang Wan weeping as she dressed herself. The bed was in a state of disarray. Zhao Mang was shocked; what had happened? He had absolutely no memory of what had just occurred, nor did he know how he had ended up in the bedroom. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind. Seeing the situation, he realized what had transpired, but why couldn't he remember any of it? Helpless, he asked tentatively, "Miss Jiang, I just..."

"Don't say it..." Jiang Wan was unwilling to listen to another word, her face full of grievance as tears continued to fall. "I only helped you, Master Zhao, and you did this to me... How am I to face the world, or my parents?"

Zhao Mang felt a splitting headache.

"I..." Seeing Jiang Wan so aggrieved, Zhao Mang felt uneasy. After all, it was his own mistake. He said with some guilt, "I will certainly take responsibility for what happened, Miss Jiang. It is just that my current status is too humble. Please, give me some time, and I will surely go to ask for your hand from your father."

Jiang Wan replied, "Master Zhao, say no more. I am feeling a bit cold." With that, she leaned toward the edge of the bed, hugging her knees and resting her head upon them, looking pitiful. Zhao Mang quickly pulled up the quilt and covered her.

Feeling a hint of warmth, Jiang Wan looked up at Zhao Mang. Seeming a bit more composed, she said slowly, "I see that you are not a man of petty schemes like Zhang Mo, and I am sure you will keep your word. Just do not treat me so coldly again; I do not wish to be wronged."

Having received a definitive answer, Zhao Mang quickly responded, "Yes! Yes! I certainly won't."

Jiang Wan, wearing only a thin garment and looking so fragile, coupled with the bright moon hanging high in the deep night, made Zhao Mang truly take the initiative. He leaned toward her and pulled her into his arms. Seeing that Jiang Wan did not offer much resistance, merely patting his chest softly, he let himself go.

...

The next day, Zhao Mang climbed out of bed, still feeling lingering excitement. Jiang Wan was closing her eyes, enjoying the residual warmth of the bedding. Looking at her exquisite and beautiful face, Zhao Mang couldn't help but kiss her forehead. He then said he was going back to take care of some business and would move in that evening. Jiang Wan, whether awake or not, finally just murmured a soft "Mmm."

After bidding Jiang Wan farewell, Zhao Mang hurried toward his home. He did not notice that after he left, Jiang Wan woke up, a look of triumph appearing on her face.

Before he had even left the city, he encountered Jiang Shan. Jiang Shan narrowed his eyes, looking impatient. "Zhao Mang, you have made me search for you so hard! Regarding the grain tax, you had better come with me."