Water Margin: The Tale of Li Erlang of Guankou

Chapter 204 The Wedding Night: Dragon and Phoenix Play, Luring the Enemy Deeper - A First Test of St

Inside the command tent, the pair of enormous dragon and phoenix red candles had burned out completely, with only a single wax tear clinging to the candlestick, as if it were their last vestige of life. The candlelight flickered erratically, swaying gently in the breeze, seemingly trying to break free, but ultimately powerless to do so. Finally, the candles went out, and the wicks turned into wisps of smoke, rising slowly and disappearing without a trace.

The once bustling camp was now eerily quiet, devoid of its usual clamor and boisterous drinking. In its place lay a chilling silence, as if time itself had frozen. This deathly stillness carried a peculiar atmosphere: the slightly sweaty, masculine energy of men and women who had just experienced passionate lovemaking, and a uniquely feminine, delicate and alluring fragrance, like that of orchids and musk.

Li Hanxiao took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, as if expelling all the stale air from his body. After a period of continuous battles and strategic calculations, he was already exhausted, both physically and mentally. But at this moment, in this place filled with tenderness and affection, that weariness seemed to be swept away by a gentle breeze, vanishing instantly. He slowly opened his eyes and saw the faint morning light filtering through the gaps in the tent flaps, casting a long, bright golden band on the ground, adding a touch of mystery and warmth to the entire tent.

He gently turned his head, his gaze slowly shifting to the left, and there before him lay the gentle and beautiful Li Shishi, as soft as spring water. She lay there quietly, like a sleeping fairy, radiating a captivating and serene aura.

Her long, jet-black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, flowing freely across the snow-white pillow like ink spilled from a bottle, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Her eyes were tightly closed, immersed in a deep sleep. On her exquisitely beautiful face, a faint blush and a satisfied expression remained, characteristic of their recent lovemaking. The slight upturn of her lips seemed to suggest she was weaving a sweet and beautiful dream, evoking a feeling of tenderness and affection in one's heart.

Gazing at the heartwarming scene before him, Li Hanxiao's heart was filled with tenderness and affection. He gazed quietly at Li Shishi, feeling her soft breathing and warm body temperature, as if time itself had stood still. Li Shishi, too, maintained her natural beauty and tranquility, even her sleeping posture was so elegant and serene. One slender hand rested naturally on Li Hanxiao's broad, firm chest, as if this were her eternal safe haven, a gentle haven where she could rest peacefully.

On the right, slept a woman as fiery and resolute as Hu Sanniang. Normally, she always kept her hair neatly combed, but now it was slightly disheveled. A few unruly strands clung to her porcelain-smooth forehead. She didn't seem to be sleeping soundly; her long, thick eyelashes fluttered occasionally, as if she were still engaged in fierce battle in her dreams. Her slender hands, which had been tightly gripping the twin swords, now clutched the corner of the quilt, as if she wanted to continue wielding her weapons in her sleep. She lay on her side, her back to Li Hanxiao, and the graceful lines of her back, illuminated by the first rays of morning sunlight, displayed a breathtakingly beautiful curve; even in her deepest sleep, one could still feel the indomitable spirit within her.

The humble door is now opened for you. That touch of crimson is like a delicate flower blooming on a pristine white sheet, exuding a captivating yet shy aura. Li Han gazes at this vibrant scene before him with a smile, but deep down, he feels no pride, only an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

He moved his body carefully, his movements so gentle that a breeze could blow him away, lest he disturb the beautiful woman sleeping soundly beside him. However, the moment he made a move, two beautiful and captivating eyes opened almost simultaneously.

"My lord..." Li Shishi's voice was like heavenly music, with a touch of languor and huskiness, like a cup of the finest, sweetest wine, intoxicating and mesmerizing. She gently rubbed her still slightly sleepy eyes, then naturally wrapped herself around Li Han, her soft, warm body pressed against him, exuding a unique charm and body heat that was captivating and alluring.

"Chieftain..." Hu Sanniang's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, tinged with a barely concealed shyness and trepidation. Her hands, as if acting on impulse, gripped the corner of the blanket tightly and slowly pulled it upwards until it completely covered her alluring, barely concealed figure. At this moment, only her bright, shy eyes, like two sparkling gems, peeked cautiously at the person before her through the gaps.

Last night's events felt like a distant memory to Hu Sanniang, like a bizarre yet beautiful dream. However, as dawn broke, the dream vanished, leaving her bewildered and unsure how to face the stark reality before her.

Li Hanxiao observed the two women's contrasting reactions with great interest, a faint smile appearing on his lips. Then, he gently rolled over and lay back on the bed, opening his arms and unhesitatingly embracing both beauties beside him. The gentle and graceful Li Shishi on his left and the passionate Hu Sanniang on his right gave him an unprecedented sense of satisfaction, even creating the illusion that his life was complete.

"Shishi, Third Sister," Li Hanxiao's deep, magnetic voice rang out, like a warm, gentle spring breeze brushing past one's ears. "After this war is over, I will choose an auspicious day and, according to proper etiquette, marry you two into the family."

"Shishi, you are my legal wife, and Sanniang, you are my concubine. No matter when or where, you will always be the loves of my life, Li Hanxiao."

After saying this, Li Hanxiao paused for a moment, then continued, "I have already instructed my men to prepare a generous betrothal gift, which will be sent to the Hu family village today. I request that Lord Hu Taigong personally handle this matter and complete our marriage."

Upon hearing this, Li Shishi felt a warmth spread through her heart, as if touched by a spring breeze, and was immersed in sweet honey. She couldn't help but take a step forward, gently approaching him, and quickly planted a deep, tender kiss on his cheek, whispering, "I already understand my husband's thoughts. However, at this moment, the battle is urgent, and the military situation is critical. These trivial and complicated formalities can be set aside for now. It won't be too late to handle this matter after we successfully defeat the government troops. My sister San Niang and I will patiently await that day."

At the same time, Hu Sanniang's whole body trembled violently. Her eyes, which had been tinged with coldness, instantly became misty and watery, as if shrouded in morning fog. She didn't utter a word, but simply buried her head deeply in his broad and strong embrace. Feeling his strong arms encircling her, touching the texture of his firm and muscular skin, listening to the steady and powerful beating of his heart, and experiencing the unique charm of being a woman for the first time last night... all these things intertwined, giving her a peace and certainty she had never felt before. The fear and unease of being adrift and dependent on others seemed to vanish in that instant, disappearing without a trace.

“Sister…” Li Shishi called softly, then slowly sat up straight from Li Hanxiao’s warm embrace. She reached out her slender hand and tightly grasped Hu Sanniang’s slightly rough but strong hand. With a gentle and kind smile like a spring flower in bloom, she continued, “From now on, we will truly become a loving and supportive family! However, sister, you are too strong-willed and straightforward, and not very good at expressing your true thoughts and feelings. So, you will definitely need to help manage all the big and small, complicated and trivial matters in the backyard. Of course, if you encounter anything difficult or unsure of what to do, feel free to come and discuss it with your older sister for advice!”

Upon hearing this, Hu Sanniang's fair and delicate face instantly flushed with a shy and charming blush, as lovely as a ripe apple. She lowered her head slightly and replied in a voice barely audible, "Sister, you're too kind! Actually, I'm just a rough and uncultured woman who hasn't read many books and can't read a few characters. How would I know anything about etiquette and manners? I'll have to rely on you for guidance in the future! Otherwise, what if I accidentally say or do something wrong and cause trouble for the household..." As she spoke, Hu Sanniang involuntarily raised her head and gazed into Li Shishi's clear, beautiful eyes, filled with sincere emotion. At this moment, the last remaining trace of estrangement and suspicion in her heart vanished like snow melting under the warm sun. Through the brief conversation and observation of details such as the other person's eyes and expressions, Hu Sanniang clearly realized that the stunningly beautiful woman standing in front of her not only possessed an amazing appearance, but also had a broad, generous, kind and compassionate heart.

Seeing the deep sisterly affection between the two women, Li Han smiled, and the last trace of doubt in his heart completely disappeared. He knew that Li Shishi's intelligence and generosity were more than enough to manage this inner quarters perfectly. Just as he was about to spend a few more moments of tenderness, he heard hurried footsteps outside the tent.

"Report! Chieftain! The vanguard of the government troops has reached ten miles outside the city!"

A glint flashed in Li Hanxiao's eyes, and the warmth that filled the room was instantly replaced by a chilling killing intent. He abruptly stood up, his movements swift and decisive.

"Pass on my order! The entire army shall proceed according to plan!"

Three days later, at dawn, sunlight filtered through the dense foliage and dappled the military workshop on the back hill, casting a fiery red glow. The roaring furnaces shot skyward, illuminating the entire workshop. Five hundred brand-new hook-and-sickle spears stood neatly arranged in the center of the courtyard, like sleeping behemoths.

These hook-and-sickle spears have incredibly sharp tips, and the newly forged barbs below them resemble crescent moons, radiating a chilling light. They seem to be waiting for their chance; once awakened, they will be as ferocious and ruthless as demons, easily taking the lives of their enemies.

Standing before this row of hook-and-sickle spears was Zhang Xiong, the "Purple-Faced General." He was shirtless, his bronze muscles clearly defined, glistening with sweat and soot. He gently stroked the cool shaft of one of the spears, his eyes revealing a pride and confidence only a craftsman possesses.

Just then, a voice came from afar: "Chief! All five hundred hook-and-sickle spears are complete, not one more, not one less! In addition, all kinds of 36,000 horse rivets have been forged and are ready to depart at your command!"

Li Han smiled and nodded in satisfaction. Meanwhile, at the government army camp, Hu Yanzhuo, hearing that the Liangshan army had been holed up in Yuncheng for days, grew increasingly contemptuous.

"Hmph, coward! Issue my order: Xuan Zan will lead 3,000 infantrymen as the vanguard to attack the city and test its strength!"

Xuan Zan accepted the order, but inwardly he was filled with bitterness. He was Cai Jing's confidant, and although he was nominally the deputy general, he was actually the supervisor. Now he had been pushed to the front line, which was the most dangerous position. It was clear that Huyan Zhuo did not trust him and was using him as cannon fodder. He dared not disobey the order, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and lead three thousand infantrymen to the foot of Yuncheng County.

On the city walls, flags fluttered, but not a single person was in sight. Xuan Zan was suspicious and dared not attack the city rashly. He only ordered his soldiers to wave flags and shout insults at the foot of the city.