Chapter 78: Her Essence Remained Unchanged

Zhang Qian entered the bathhouse carrying clothes. Di Luoxi leaned against Long Chen, her jet-black hair draped over his back, eyes gently closed, her cheeks flushed from the rising steam. Long Chen held her with one arm and, with the other, carefully wiped her with a towel, as if tending to a work of art.

Nearby, the female soldiers attended them, dressed in thin gauze. Watching this scene, their faces betrayed shock. The Fourth Princess of the Great Zhou, infamous for her explosive temper and cruelty—who would gouge out eyes or cut tongues without a second thought—now nestled in the arms of a eunuch like a docile kitten, allowing Long Chen to do as he pleased. The world, it seemed, had gone mad!

They could not comprehend why. With so many outstanding men in the world, why choose a eunuch?

Zhang Qian, however, was unfazed—she had long since grown accustomed to such sights. Setting the clothes aside, she untied her hair and shook it loose, then removed her outer robe and hung it on the screen, followed by her skirt and undergarments.

Once ready, Zhang Qian dipped her jade-like feet into the water and slowly lowered herself, soaking her entire body. The hot water induced a languid comfort, washing away not only the grime of battle but also relaxing body and mind.

She swam over and, from the front, began washing the princess. With one in front and the other behind, Di Luoxi finished bathing and stood up, saying, “This time, Little Dragon is the hero.”

“Qianqian, today we must give him a proper bath.”

Di Luoxi turned and pulled Long Chen over, Di Luoxi in front, Zhang Qian behind.

“So courteous?” Long Chen was surprised; usually, he was the one serving, with Di Luoxi enjoying his care unilaterally.

“Killing Murong Xiao, destroying the Tianwei Legion, and taking Stone Quarry City—these are great achievements,” Zhang Qian said with a grin, hugging Long Chen from behind to prevent his escape.

Long Chen found the sensation of her ample form against his back extremely comfortable—large was indeed a fine quality, perfect for leaning on. Di Luoxi’s delicate hands were attentive as she took the towel from Long Chen and gently scrubbed him.

“How is it? Does the princess’ technique suffice?” Di Luoxi asked with a bright smile, serving Long Chen.

“To be honored by the princess’ care—I am overwhelmed,” Long Chen replied, leaning back against Zhang Qian, thoroughly enjoying himself.

With a splash, Di Luoxi poured hot water over Long Chen’s face and scolded him playfully: “Overwhelmed, my foot! What did you do last night?”

Long Chen looked bewildered. “What did I do last night?”

Annoyed, Di Luoxi retorted, “Go look at my pants and tell me why they’re a mess down there. What did you do last night?”

Long Chen chuckled. “Princess, you fought with Shangguan Wei all day and sweated heavily—it’s normal for your pants to be messy, isn’t it?”

Last night, Long Chen had been preoccupied with the traitor’s matter; whenever his mind wandered, his hands followed suit, resulting in the state of Di Luoxi’s pants.

Di Luoxi pinched him hard. “Nonsense! Just because I sweat doesn’t mean I wet myself!”

Zhang Qian suddenly grabbed Long Chen’s hands, laughing: “Princess, hit him! Naughty hands, always acting up! I get the same—my pants are clean at night, but by morning they’re a mess!”

“And he says I’m a child who hasn’t grown up, accuses me of bedwetting—how outrageous!”

Di Luoxi tossed the towel into the water and lunged at Long Chen, dunking him into the bath.

Long Chen could only curse inwardly. They’d promised to reward the hero together, but it turned into a two-on-one beating.

Half an hour later, the three emerged from the bathhouse.

In the council chamber, Di Luoxi sat at the head, Long Chen stood beside her, and Zhang Qian, Qingyue, and Xuan Yi stood below, with Shui Han in the middle.

Shui Han had formerly been Li Xiannan’s deputy. Now, with Li Xiannan assigned to guard Stone Quarry City, Shui Han became the commander of Linjiang City.

“Li Xiannan will hold Stone Quarry City. From today, you are the commander of Linjiang City. Coordinate with Stone Quarry City, and hold the line south of the river,” Di Luoxi declared, exercising her authority as princess.

Shui Han bowed. “Thank you for your trust, Princess. I will defend Linjiang City with all my might!”

Di Luoxi asked, “What are the casualty and prisoner reports from this battle?”

Shui Han presented a ledger detailing the aftermath.

After reading, Di Luoxi handed it to Long Chen, who sighed softly.

Southern Liang had lost 160,000 men, with 120,000 taken prisoner; the rest had fled. Counting the wounded, who were half-dead from burns, Southern Liang’s losses were around 310,000, with 90,000 escaping.

On the Eastern Zhou side, over 70,000 had fallen—an excellent result, yet more than Long Chen had anticipated.

Shangguan Wei had not been inept; it was only thanks to Long Chen’s insight into his tactics and knowledge of the Shangguan clan that victory was achieved.

“All prisoners are to be sent to the northern border. Bury our fallen comrades with honor,” Di Luoxi said with a heavy tone. The battle had been hard-fought.

“Xuan Yi, prepare what we need. Once arrangements here are complete, we’ll return,” Di Luoxi instructed.

Xuan Yi obeyed. At this, Qingyue recalled something. “Princess, we captured an officer who spied for Shangguan Wei. We meant to execute him, but he claims to have information to report.”

Shui Han immediately added, “Yes, we captured a certain officer responsible for Shangguan intelligence. He requests an audience with the princess.”

Long Chen asked at once, “Feng He?”

Shui Han started, then nodded. “Yes, Lord Long, how did you know?”

Long Chen glanced at Di Luoxi. “Bring him to the secret chamber.”

Shui Han looked to Di Luoxi, who nodded. He went to fetch the prisoner.

Di Luoxi and Long Chen entered the secret chamber, with Zhang Qian standing guard outside.

Before long, Shui Han brought Feng He in, shackled hand and foot.

The door closed. Di Luoxi sat in the chair, Long Chen stood at her side, and Feng He remained standing.

“State your name and rank,” Di Luoxi demanded coldly.

Feng He glanced at her, then turned his gaze to Long Chen. His filthy face twitched as he said, “You must be the famous Lord Long Cheng’en, yes?”

“I’ve long heard of you. I’d very much like to know your true identity.”

Long Chen regarded him silently, then replied, “Feng He, from Qiantang in Southern Liang. Lost your father young, have two younger brothers, and have been fond of prying into others’ secrets since childhood. Served as a captain under Shangguan Wei, commanding fifty spies, in charge of intelligence gathering and spreading rumors.”

Di Luoxi turned to Long Chen in surprise. “How do you know all this?”

Feng He was also taken aback—not that someone knew his military position, but that Long Chen knew his family background. Those in intelligence always erased such details; outsiders could not know.

This made Long Chen’s identity highly unusual.

“Who are you, really?” Feng He fixed his gaze on Long Chen.

“I once served as a bodyguard in the Long family’s army, so I know your background,” Long Chen replied coldly. He had told Di Luoxi this before and stuck to the story.

Feng He shook his head. “No, I know every Long in the Long army—there’s no such person as you!”

Long Chen laughed. “Because my surname isn’t Long. My name is Zhang Cheng’en. After General Long’s death, I took the Long name to avenge his family.”

Feng He’s expression froze, then relaxed with recognition. “Zhang Cheng’en—so it’s you. Your appearance has changed, but not your build.”

Long Chen sneered, “Thanks to Li Chengdao, I was burned and disfigured at White Wolf Mountain.”

Di Luoxi also knew of Zhang Cheng’en, once General Long Ye’s personal guard, famed for his talent, especially in strategy and intrigue.

In truth, Zhang Cheng’en had died at White Wolf Mountain; Long Chen had assumed his identity.

“All right, what do you wish to say?” Long Chen asked coldly.