Chapter 305: Eating Sweet Potatoes

In a land of endless yellow sands, the city of Dunhuang carved out a circle, creating a paradise for seventy or eighty thousand souls. The snow-white Yuzhao Lion, a steed of rare beauty, did not approach through the southern gate but rode toward the northern entrance. Xu Fengnian knew that according to the original architectural design of Dunhuang, entering through the northern gate was akin to entering the imperial palace through the Xuanwu Gate in Tai’an City. However, Hong Shu, with her meticulous nature, had long established herself in Dunhuang, and Xu Fengnian was content to follow her lead without question.

As they approached the northern gate, known as the Gate of Ksitigarbha’s Vow, Hong Shu dismounted and offered to lead the horse into the city for him. Xu Fengnian declined, choosing to dismount and walk alongside her. She insisted on taking the book chest upon her back, and side by side, they approached the northern gate. There stood two rows of elite guards, clad in armor and wielding ceremonial halberds—ornate weapons with dulled edges, unique in design. Upon seeing Hong Shu, dressed in her resplendent robes, they knelt without hesitation, a wave of kneeling figures stretching back for over a hundred men. Xu Fengnian passed through the gate in bewilderment, only to find his vision suddenly broadened. Indeed, as described in the geographical records of Dunhuang stored in the Tingchao Pavilion, the northern end of the city had been split in two by unknown means, dividing the area into the Eastern Palace, the Yeting Palace, and the Western Palace, the Zijin Palace, two realms locked in enmity.

Following Hong Shu, Xu Fengnian led the white steed westward. Beneath their feet lay thick slabs of jade as pure as sheep’s fat, gleaming white. Before a heavy palace gate slowly opening, he even crouched to touch the ground. The sight startled the young palace maids in red and green robes behind the vermilion doors, who widened their eyes in disbelief, astonished at the young outsider’s apparent lack of refinement.

As Xu Fengnian stood, he softly asked, “Are you the city lord’s confidante or a minor official in the Zijin Palace?”

Hong Shu replied solemnly, “Both.”

Xu Fengnian said nothing more. Dunhuang was a city of tangled loyalties, and the origins of these soldiers and palace maids were far from clean; too much talk could be dangerous. They passed through corridors and halls adorned in splendor. The white steed was handed over to palace maids who led it to the stables. Eventually, they reached the inner palace gardens. At a pavilion bearing the plaque *Qingliuzhai*, Hong Shu gently pushed open the door and smiled, “My lord, are you not afraid that I might betray you? What if this is a trap, luring you into Dunhuang?”

Xu Fengnian merely smiled and stepped inside. He paused in surprise—before him lay a layout identical to the Wutong Garden in the Beiliang Mansion. The elegant curios, porcelain vases, incense burners, and writing implements all exuded a familiar air. He reached out to touch a large Ge kiln vase filled with white chrysanthemums, then let his fingers trail over the carved dragon on the sandalwood desk. Hong Shu, watching him, felt a surge of pride and satisfaction. Gazing at his profile, she whispered tenderly, “My lord, you’re home.”

Seeing his puzzled expression, she no longer teased him. Setting down the book chest, she led him to a couch by the window and lay beside him, explaining softly, “The city lord is my aunt, placed in her position through secret support from the Beiliang Prince’s Mansion. I was sent to the Wutong Garden as a sort of hostage, but the princess treated me as her own daughter, teaching me martial arts. I grew closer to her than to my own aunt. My aunt’s fate was bitter—once a consort in the Northern Yan imperial court, she was framed by Empress Murong and lost her position as empress. However, the late Emperor Yelü had left a secret decree forbidding Murong from killing her and demanding she be kept safe for life. Her family fell, and she wandered with me, safe in life but enduring many hardships. There were many rumors at the time, but not all were false. Later, she met General and Princess of the borderlands, and her fortunes turned. Moreover, Tuoba Bodhisattva had once received kindness from my aunt. After he became the Northern Court King, commanding half the empire’s armies, he protected Dunhuang, and the Northern Yan court had to turn a blind eye to many of the city’s transgressions. But in recent years, my aunt has struggled, mainly because the Northern Yan Empress’s patience has reached its limit, and her bond with Tuoba Bodhisattva has faded.”

Hong Shu sat cross-legged, Xu Fengnian resting his head on her lap. She loosened her hair ribbon and began combing his hair. With his eyes closed, he asked, “My aunt?”

Hong Shu’s tone was calm. “A few years ago, the great demon Luo Yang passed through Dunhuang. My aunt fought him but died within a year. Luo Yang had intended to enter the city and massacre it, but my aunt split the Juxian Palace, offering the Yeting Palace as his residence. It was a desperate move to secure a guardian for Dunhuang. The city benefited from this misfortune, and even the Northern Yan Empress ceased many of her infiltrations, withdrawing the Zhuwang forces. Though Luo Yang, the number one cultivator of the demonic path, is nominally the Yeting Palace’s master, he has not appeared in years. After my aunt’s death, we concealed it, and I took over the Zijin Palace. She left instructions: when Luo Yang entered Yeting Palace and became our protector, I would assume the role of city lord and announce her death.”

Xu Fengnian furrowed his brow. During his journey to Northern Yan, the infamous demon Luo Yang had been a name that echoed like thunder.

Opening his eyes, he asked, “Who exactly is Luo Yang?”

Hong Shu shook her head. “No matter how hard the various factions in Northern Yan searched, they could find no trace of him. My aunt once told me that this young man had a somewhat feminine appearance—his features were slightly delicate, yet his demeanor was heroic, even surpassing the young Tuoba Bodhisattva. He favored white robes and bore no weapon. There were rumors, however, that several exquisite women had appeared by his side, treated as his concubines. Among them were daughters of noble families. Dunhuang had once sent a beauty to him, and it is likely that Luo Yang indulged in carnal pleasures.”

Xu Fengnian took her hand, which had been caressing his cheek, and absentmindedly rubbed it. “Then might this Luo Yang take a fancy to you?”

Hong Shu laughed, “My looks probably wouldn’t catch his eye.”

Xu Fengnian scolded, “Nonsense.”

Hong Shu lowered her gaze, her breath like orchids as she whispered, “My lord, when you returned from your three-year journey and told me stories, I learned that eating too many sweet potatoes would make one fart. You haven’t even eaten any sweet potatoes yet.”

Xu Fengnian suddenly widened his eyes. Hong Shu’s hand, which had been wandering, slipped down to his waist, boldly reaching below. Yet, as she gazed into his eyes with a seductive expression, her cheeks flushed with a maiden’s shyness. Xu Fengnian was both amused and exasperated. He thought to himself, *You’ve got guts, but not enough to match me, a seasoned player in the flower garden. In the end, you’ll only end up embarrassed.* He felt no shame about his own body’s reaction, but Hong Shu, who had only secretly glimpsed a few erotic paintings with Green Ant and others, found herself in a bold beginning but unsure how to end. Staring at her, she turned crimson, at a loss.

Seeing her eyes and cheeks nearly dripping with emotion, Xu Fengnian no longer made her uncomfortable. He smirked, “Stop playing around. I’ll take a bath first, then get a good night’s sleep. Today, I won’t cultivate my sword. I’ll rest until I wake naturally, then we’ll talk more.”

Hong Shu was relieved, but as she bent to put on her shoes, Xu Fengnian gave her particularly full buttocks a slap. It was elastic and playful. He teased, “You don’t know, on this trip to Northern Yan, I’ve been flirted with by women all the way. In a border city, a girl even slapped my butt, but she wasn’t as pretty as you. Her face was ten streets behind, and only her chest could rival yours. Her butt paled in comparison.”

Hong Shu, bold in heart but timid in action, fled in embarrassment.

Half an hour later, Hong Shu led Xu Fengnian to a side room where a Huanghuali wooden bathtub steamed with fragrant water awaited. Without any flowers, the aroma was already intoxicating. Xu Fengnian glanced at Hong Shu, who had removed her robe and now wore only a thin undergarment. This was the natural gift of the first-class maid of Wutong Garden—her body exuded a unique fragrance, so potent that in early spring, it could attract bees and butterflies. The sight of her walking with butterflies fluttering around her was a vision beyond compare. Even the refined tastes of scholars and aristocrats, who cherished jade beauties and rare treasures, paled in comparison to her “peerless beauty.”

Hong Shu helped him undress, her movements deft and practiced. In the Beiliang Mansion, she was the only truly intimate maid, only lacking the final step of becoming his concubine. Thus, she was the first to see him naked, except when she was absent and Green Ant took over, who always closed her eyes in shyness.

Looking at Hong Shu, who now seemed like Green Ant, Xu Fengnian teased, “You weren’t like this before. Is it because you’re near home and feeling shy? Come on, are you really getting shy at the last minute?”

Xu Fengnian stepped into the tub, and Hong Shu expertly scrubbed his back, a long-awaited feeling of comfort washing over him like a heavenly experience.

Noticing a scar on his waist that hadn’t faded despite the protection of the Huang Ting, Hong Shu’s lips trembled. Xu Fengnian, eyes closed and enjoying the moment, said casually, “Bad luck. Tuoba Chun Sun brought two great demons to hunt me. After escaping, I was ambushed by Duan Bao Hui Hui’s thunder spear during a hunt.”

Hong Shu remained silent, her body pressed against the tub’s wooden rim, her head resting on his shoulder. She whispered, “It’s hard to reach from outside. Should I get in?”

Xu Fengnian nodded.

She didn’t remove her thin garment, squatting within the wide tub, her touch gentle. The soaked clothes were almost like nothing, making the scene even more intimate.

As Hong Shu, like a plump koi fish, swam behind him, her hands tracing the scars on his back, Xu Fengnian chuckled softly, “Not long ago, I had a fight with the demoness Xue Song Guan. I broke two of her zither strings. Her *Eighteen Laments of the Hu Jia* gave me a hard time. Thinking back, I’m still shaken. It seems that when facing those rare Zhi Xuan experts, one should avoid them at all costs. At first, I thought that breaking into the Zhi Xuan realm would make her strength comparable to that of a Jin Gang expert like Duan Bao Hui Hui, but I was wrong. Though the three realms may have no hierarchy in theory, in the martial world, a single realm’s difference can mean heaven and earth. Hong Shu, what realm are you in?”

Hong Shu, her chest rubbing against Xu Fengnian, her eyes hazy, her body trembling, whispered, “Both false Jin Gang and false Zhi Xuan. Enough to kill ordinary people.”

Xu Fengnian, inhaling her natural fragrance like agarwood and musk, said, “Enough.”

Hong Shu murmured, “Okay,” and rose first, carefully drying her hands with a silk cloth before picking up a pile of clean clothes. On top was a purple robe, intricately woven, a royal purple dragon robe from the Central Plains.

Xu Fengnian stepped out of the tub, approached, and examined it in surprise, “This is a dragon robe from the Southern Tang royal weaving bureau? How did it end up in Dunhuang?”

Hong Shu smiled, “Back then, when scholars from the Central Plains fled north, a head of the weaving bureau secretly kept this robe and sold it to a noble in Dunhuang, who then gifted it to my aunt. There were two robes. This one was originally meant for a prince by the Southern Tang king and fits you perfectly. The other, a yellow robe, is smaller and more delicate. I could wear it, but it would be too tight for you. Try it on.”

Xu Fengnian didn’t refuse. In Northern Yan, wearing the dragon robe of a fallen kingdom was nothing compared to wearing the emperor’s dragon robe of the Zhao family. With Hong Shu’s help, he donned the Southern Tang royal purple dragon robe, adorned with a purple crown, each side of the crown adorned with silk ribbons hanging down to his arms.

Standing before a large bronze mirror on a sandalwood stand, Hong Shu’s eyes were filled with admiration as she whispered, “My lord, it’s such a pity you won’t become emperor.”

Xu Fengnian laughed, “I’ve tried it. Now I need to sleep. Don’t ruin this robe. You change too.”

After taking off the luxurious robe, Xu Fengnian went to the room and fell asleep.

Hong Shu quietly approached, sitting by the bed, listening to his soft snoring, feeling a pang of sadness. Before his journey, he had never snored. How exhausted must he be?

Lying beside him, gazing at his peaceful face, Hong Shu whispered, “My lord, you are mine, only mine. I don’t ask for much—just one day is enough.”

Dunhuang’s days and nights were like two seasons: sweltering like summer by day, cool like late autumn by night.

When Xu Fengnian awoke, he was alone. Putting on his boots, his stomach growled with hunger, so he picked up a small bell on the desk and rang it a few times.

A palace maid arrived, and Xu Fengnian, speaking in the language of the Southern Dynasty, said, “Bring me some sweet potatoes.”

The maid seemed to understand but also not quite. She dared not ask more, assuming she had encountered a strange noble guest, and went to fetch a plate of sweet potatoes. Xu Fengnian waved her off and took a pile of books to the courtyard. He lit some freshly cut branches, dug a small pit, and began roasting the sweet potatoes. Fresh branches with moisture weren’t suitable for roasting, but this was something old Huang had taught him. Sitting on a small embroidered stool, chewing a red-fleshed sweet potato, he turned to see a tearful woman—she was, after all, the empress of Dunhuang. She sobbed, “My lord, is this what you meant by eating sweet potatoes? You broke your promise!”

Xu Fengnian opened his mouth, at a loss for words.

Hong Shu had clearly dressed up carefully, her fox-like charm captivating. Now, with tears like rain, she was even more alluring.

Xu Fengnian said helplessly, “Why the rush? I said you can’t think of lust on an empty stomach. Can’t I eat sweet potatoes before eating sweet potatoes? You’re being unreasonable.”

Hong Shu burst into laughter through her tears.

Xu Fengnian brought several pieces of sweet potato into the room and handed her one, but she shook her head.

As he ate, he said gently, “During my travels, whenever I finally got to eat roasted sweet potatoes, I always thought, when I return home, I must change your name. Hong She, Hong She—nothing is as endearing as Hong Shu. Holding her warm hands, eating warm food, thinking of her warms the heart, right?”

Hong Shu blushed.

A woman adorns herself for her beloved. The hours spent on makeup were worth it. A woman undresses for her beloved. The joy of wearing elaborate clothes was worth it.

Perhaps because they were too close, having been together for so long, when Hong Shu was finally stripped bare, Xu Fengnian realized just how extraordinary she was.

Beneath him lay a piece of Mutton Fat Jade, emitting a fragrant aroma.

A gentleman’s virtue is like jade; a woman’s body is like jade.

His fingers traced every inch, and her body, sensitive and trembling, gave rise to a vivid scene of entwined passion: her full breasts quivered defiantly.

Lower down, it was muddy and slick.

Hong Shu covered her face with both hands, unable to bear the sight, trying to suppress the soft moans escaping her throat.

Xu Fengnian leaned down, biting her earlobe softly, whispering, “Do you want bitterness to turn into sweetness?”

Hong Shu pulled his head down, pressing it against her chest.

An hour of springtime is worth a thousand pieces of gold.

A single night of passion may bring no pleasure to a woman on her first time, filled with pain and discomfort. As for those tales of women who supposedly grow more eager and passionate that very night, in Xu Fengnian’s view, they must be female heroes or martial artists—almost impossible. Yet Hong Shu, her limbs taut as a string, seemed to be experiencing the height of ecstasy, her psychological pleasure far outweighing the pain. She no longer hid, staring intensely at Xu Fengnian as he worked over her, her face flushed pink like a peach blossom, her legs and arms entwining his tall frame, her black hair scattered across the pillow, making her body appear even more like white jade. When Xu Fengnian lay motionless on top of her, she playfully licked his face with her small tongue, teasing, “My lord, how are you doing?”

“Don’t ask such questions that invite a beating.”

“My lord, punish me as you wish. Don’t hold back.”

“I’ll definitely grant your wish.”

An hour worth a thousand pieces of gold—by now, it must have cost thousands of taels of gold.

After the second round, she showed no sign of fatigue, drenched in sweat, yet still not begging for mercy.

Gradually, they reached the peak.

“My lord, this is the third time. I really will die.”

“Now you know what it means to feel like dying and coming back to life. Come, turn over.”

The woman wept and pleaded, her eyes filled with desire, “My lord, this position is so shameful…”

No more words were spoken, only the sound of heavy breathing.

Xu Fengnian, like a diligent old ox plowing the fields, finally grew exhausted and rolled off, both lying on their sides, facing each other. Xu Fengnian saw the marks of his fingers on her chest, held one of her full breasts in his hand, and with a hint of guilt, asked, “Does it hurt?”

Hong Shu countered, “Is my lord tired?”

Xu Fengnian didn’t pretend to be strong, gently squeezing her breast, exhaling deeply, “Don’t think I’m invincible like a Jin Gang monk.”

Hong Shu murmured, tilted her head back, and placed a finger in her mouth.

Xu Fengnian laughed and scolded, “Now I finally know what a Calamity’s Bane is.”

Suddenly, she sat up, put on her clothes, and said, “My lord, wait a moment.”

Xu Fengnian was puzzled but turned to lie on his side, watching her open a secret room and walk inside, only to emerge shortly after.

Xu Fengnian was stunned.

She was wearing a golden dragon robe.

Underneath the yellow robe was nothing at all.

Hong Shu didn’t go to the big bed but walked to the small couch by the window, placing her hands on it, turning her head, and then lifting her robe with one hand, smiling seductively at her master.

Xu Fengnian muttered to himself, “Let me die already.”