Chapter 364: Heart Like a Ferocious Tiger, Gently Scenting Roses

Inside a pilgrim lodging at Dayun Temple, Fang Chongyong stared at the plainly dressed, unpainted Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, momentarily speechless, the two fixing wide eyes on each other.

Anaye, who was supposed to come, didn't; she wrote that she was mixing bruising and hemostatic powders in the Ili River Valley, and those wound medicines will soon be sent to Broken Leaf Town along with grain.

And the former Princess of the Stone Nation, former Zoroastrian saint, Fang Chongyong had no idea why she was here.

Could she be here to witness firsthand what Zhezhi City has become? Or to see whether her relatives have been wiped out?

In any case, this move is very unwise.

For a moment, Fang Chongyong couldn't figure out what this ill‑tempered "lady" actually wanted.

"I… I, your concubine, am a little worried about Alang, so I came to see Alang."

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya forced out a sycophantic smile and answered cautiously, the flattery heavy, even changing her address.

"Um, I still like the way you were unruly at first; please revert to that."

Fang Chongyong suddenly spoke seriously.

Eh?

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya was stunned, not grasping the meaning for a while. When she finally understood, she was so angry she wanted to fling the door open and leave.

But for some reason she lacked the courage, so she finally turned away. After holding back and stewing for a long time, when she turned again, it was as if performing a trick; a forced smile plastered on her face, she stammered, "Alang, you're joking; I was never unruly before."

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya not only changed from a luxurious brocade robe to a coarse hemp garment, but even her spirit seemed much diminished.

"Sit down; speaking like that is awkward."

Fang Chongyong pointed to the two cushions beside the table and said.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya finally breathed a sigh of relief and sat down cautiously. Fang Chongyong sat opposite her, glanced at the former Stone Nation princess with dark circles and blood‑shot eyes, and finally decided not to beat around the bush.

"Saintess, although you certainly cannot restore the former life of being surrounded by admirers, taking root among the fallen leaves of Chang'an is still easy, and you certainly won't lack suitors.

Broken Leaf Town is not safe, let alone the Stone Nation. Why did you come here, after all?"

"Um, if— I mean if—I agree to any condition you set, could you later find a chance to deal with Gao Xianzhi?"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya bit her lip, hesitated for a long time, and asked uncertainly.

"Supposedly, your beauty is on display, any man would want to taste its fragrance."

"I have now tricked you into my grasp; it was just a passing remark, and taking it on is fine, after all you never said how long revenge must wait."

"A year is a wait, ten years is a wait; in short, I can keep postponing indefinitely."

"If ten years pass, perhaps you'll have given me several children; how could you still care about Gao Xianzhi? Maybe by then Gao Xianzhi will have died on the battlefield."

"Moreover, Gao Xianzhi acts flamboyantly and has offended many; even if I don't act, someone will eventually settle scores with him, so it wouldn't hurt me to agree to you."

"But I must say, this matter is not acceptable."

Fang Chongyong said with a solemn expression, not a hint of joking.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya seemed to have anticipated this; she drooped her shoulders helplessly, her beautiful blue eyes filled with tears, and complained plaintively, "Do you die if you tell a lie? Can't even coax a woman?"

"If you truly are that unattainable woman, I would indeed be eager to drag you into the mortal world, to debauch you by any means."

"But now your nation is shattered, your family gone, and you can't even decide where to go next; how could I bear to amuse myself on such a weak person?"

"You say that's the reasoning, right?"

Fang Chongyong sighed lightly, saying that one who only finds pleasure in the weak is himself a weakling in this life, forever lacking the desire to challenge the strong.

"Because such behavior secretly hides a fear of the strong; thus those who bully the weak also bow to the strong."

"You, you always speak in set patterns; I'm tongue‑twisted and can't outtalk you!"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya wiped the tears from her face with her cuff, forced a smile, like a child who lost an argument yet stubbornly retorts.

"Just know that, and hurry back to Bagua City. I'm fine here; if I go on campaign I can't guarantee your safety."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand impatiently.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya bit her lip as if making a major decision. She suddenly brushed away her previous gloom, revealed a bright smile, and said to Fang Chongyong, "Jiedushi, may I show you the Zhezhi Dance?"

"Fine, go ahead, just dance; there's no one else here anyway."

"By the way, even if you dance well, I won't deliberately target Gao Xianzhi or anyone else because of this; consider that a prior statement."

Fang Chongyong warned half‑jokingly.

"Don't worry, don't worry, I'm willingly dancing for you; you don't need to do anything for me."

Having said that, she began dancing on her own, while Fang Chongyong clapped his hands to keep the beat.

In the torchlight, Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya resembled a moth dancing beside the flames, dreamlike and ethereal.

Her clothing was far poorer than when first seen, yet her movements were fresher than before, achieving a unity of spirit and form, fully immersed, exuding a decisive beauty.

Like a bright shooting star streaking across the night sky!

Dazzling, with a beautiful radiance!

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya danced with increasing vigor, completely losing herself. Suddenly, her body hesitated for a split second, then she sped toward a pillar in the corner and slammed into it!

Prepared in advance, Fang Chongyong sprang up like a leopard, leapt, pinned her to the ground, crushing her delicate body beneath him, preventing her from moving.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya lay on the ground, pounding the earth with both hands, kicking wildly, emitting a high‑pitched howl!

He Changqi, who was on guard not far from the lodging, rushed over and flung open the room's door.

Then he saw Fang Chongyong pressing down on Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, both of them with their heads toward the floor.

At first glance, it looked like they were engaged in something indescribable.

He Changqi instantly understood: their own Jiedushi must have grown tired of a concubine who eagerly cooperated in bedroom affairs and wanted a more wild woman. Well, that's how the powerful are, always seeking thrills.

Very normal!

He Changqi immediately shut the room door, as if he had never been there.

"Aaaah!" "Aaaah!" "Aaaah!"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya writhed on the ground like a madwoman, continuously shrieking and crying, venting the bitterness and hatred hidden in her heart over the ruin of her nation and family.

Bang!

Fang Chongyong grabbed Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's collar and pulled it up, then, controlling his strength, gave her a loud slap!

Are you done messing around?

Fang Chongyong shouted angrily.

Waa—aa—aa—aa—aa—waa—aa! Waa—waa, ahhh—!

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya clutched the robe at Fang Chongyong's shoulders tightly, shaking it back and forth.

She cried and screamed pointlessly, tears pouring like rain, her body trembling, looking rather out of breath.

The Yinqiang Xiaojie Army soldiers on guard outside the door all wore ambiguous smiles, exchanging glances as if they had imagined some lewd scene.

You lot, why don't you get farther away!

He Changqi, furious, pointed at those soldiers and shouted.

Are you all blind? Don't you know the Jiedushi is handling official business!

And you keep eavesdropping—what's the use of that!

If you provoke the Jiedushi, I'll have you lead every fight and see whether you die!

He Changqi spat vulgarities, berating those riffraff from head to toe.

General He, so the Jiedushi likes brutality, whereas he's usually quite gentle; I never saw that he liked this.

One of the riffraff wore a lewd grin, leaned over and whispered.

These are what you don't get; actually the Jiedushi is…

He Changqi got stuck mid‑sentence, as if he also didn't understand what Fang Chongyong was doing. He couldn't just say that Fang Chongyong was venting all his built‑up anger on a woman, could he?

Or is this the legendary notion that the more you resist, the more excited I get?

Does the Jiedushi truly enjoy this sort of thing?

He Changqi's curiosity burned, wanting to ask Fang Chongyong, yet he knew such matters couldn't be asked face‑to‑face.

……

The pillar's over there; if you want to ram it, go ahead.

Fang Chongyong returned to the desk, pointed at the distant column, and said weakly.

The mad woman's strength is truly considerable, but fortunately the uproar has finally reached its limit.

She wants to die with no one stopping her; with so many lakes, ponds, and rivers, she could just pick one, jump in without struggling, and be gone in an instant. Why does she have to die in front of me? What a paranoid woman!

Fang Chongyong sighed inwardly, finally understanding why Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya, after completing the Zhezhi dance, seized the chance to crash into the pillar to end her life.

She just wants her death to be remembered forever!

As Fang Chongyong shook his head and sighed, Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya quietly slipped to his side, gently tugging his sleeve, like a child who had done something wrong, head lowered.

"You already rammed the pillar, you already performed the Zhezhi dance, you already made requests. After all this fuss, you should be satisfied now—wash up early, get some sleep, and return to the Ili River Valley tomorrow."

Fang Chongyong pulled his sleeve out of Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's hand, saying somewhat helplessly.

"You wanted mine, didn't you? Now you're sending me away again, why are you like this?"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya looked at Fang Chongyong with a plaintive expression, her body already limp against his arm.

Changing faces faster than flipping a book!

"You keep flirting with life and death, and I still want to get you and toy with you—does that make me still human?"

Sleep early; we set off tomorrow.

After all that's happened, you should be more prudent; isn't living properly a good thing?

"What's the point of crashing to death?"

Fang Chongyong's tone was rather impatient, the wicked fire in his heart flaring upward.

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya seemed angered by his cold attitude, said nothing, walked to the already‑laid mat, then, out of spite, lay flat, pretending to be a corpse, staying motionless.

Fang Chongyong also felt bored, got up alone and walked toward the side‑room doorway.

But before he could open the door, his heart suddenly stirred. It seemed he had grasped something!

A woman walks a thousand miles to find you—could it be merely because of national grudges or family hatred?

How is this fundamentally different from a long‑distance lover taking a ten‑hour train to seek a hug from a man?

Fang Chongyong suddenly realized that Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's unspoken meaning was already crystal clear! He just wasn't usually that impatient, maintaining the bearing of a high Tang official, so he hadn't sensed the woman's subtle changes.

It's like a respectable married woman having an affair; once she steps into a hotel room, it already signifies inner desire. Whether she insists it's just a casual chat with a lover, she inevitably ends up doing everything.

Fang Chongyong hurried back, walked to the side of the mat. Sure enough, in the firelight, Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya smiled at him.

Her eyes fluttered, full of tenderness and shyness.

"Good that you didn't leave; if you had, I'd run west tomorrow and find a powerful noble from the Great Song Kingdom to beat you!"

Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's soft, delicate hand grasped Fang Chongyong's large hand. She spoke harsh words, yet her face smiled like a blooming flower, enchanting his heart.

"If a child misbehaves, they get a spanking; tonight I'll give this disobedient child a good spanking."

Fang Chongyong said as he slowly stripped Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya of her garments, until she was bare.

He gazed brazenly, admiring Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's jade‑white body, unable to suppress his sigh.

Such outstanding beauty, truly…

This former Fire‑Cult saintess now lies on the mat, meeting his gaze with bright eyes, a tempting and proud smile, showing no fear.

The saintess has fallen to the mortal realm, and will use her pure and beautiful body to welcome the king's arrival.

"That day you taught me a few moves, today I let you, teacher, see how my student has learned!"

Seeing Fang Chongyong lying beside her, Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya held him tightly, whispering in his ear.

She breathed lightly, as if ill, her whole body devoid of strength.

"You really did watch after all."

Fang Chongyong bit Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's ear and said, their hearts were racing wildly.

"It's not just that I've seen it; every day I dream that I've become Anaye, and you..."

Before Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya could finish speaking, Fang Chongyong kissed her small red lips.

In an instant, emotion and desire, like a landslide and earth fissure, overwhelmed their reason.

By now, there's nothing left to say, and no one or anything can stop them from becoming one tonight.

With Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Thus Character: Jinsikaiya's wholehearted cooperation and service, a spring melody soon rang out inside the room, joyful and distant.

The guards outside, including He Changqi, heard the commotion inside and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Looking at this situation, it seems Fang Jiedushi is still a normal man; they had originally felt a bit sorry for that delicate holy maiden being abused to death by Fang Jiedushi, but now they can finally relax.

……

"Vice Protector Gao, there's a new development over at Ju Zhan Ti!"

Xi Yuanqing hurried into the Zhezhi City palace hall and reported to Gao Xianzhi, who sat on the throne.

"Speak, what's the new situation?"

Gao Xianzhi frowned slightly and asked.

He wondered dubiously, could it be that the Arabs refuse to withdraw their troops?

"Outside Ju Zhan Ti City they've set up several large camps, and along the Yaoshui riverbank they've placed anti-cavalry stakes and fences."

"Day and night, soldiers patrol, with plenty of both open and hidden sentries."

"The subordinate sent out scouts to investigate, and found… it's not easy to attack."

Xi Yuanqing reported with a troubled expression.

"No surprise, then let's strike at Dong Cao City first."

Gao Xianzhi said calmly, clearly having made up his mind.

"Vice Protector, the troops are eager to go home; are we really not withdrawing?"

Xi Yuanqing seemed somewhat reluctant to speak, as many of his subordinates had already complained to him.

"Even if we go back now, even if Envoy Fang doesn't pursue it, the sage doesn't pursue it, Abu Muslim won't let pass the chance to chase us on the road."

"Notify the entire army: withdrawing now means certain death; only by making the Arabs fearful do we have a sliver of hope."

Gao Xianzhi warned Xi Yuanqing.

(End of chapter)