Chapter 489

Chapter 489

Having spent months listening to rumours and mentally preparing for the worst, Yan was pleased to find Rain in such good health, living comfortably in the northern citadel with only minimal discomfort. The proof was etched in his easy, relaxed smile as he lay asleep on his side, snuggling Mama Bun close and more relaxed than shed ever seen him before. Hed come a long way in the years since they shared a tent on the battlefield, a high-strung, jittery fool who came awake at every noise and movement. Back then, he wore a pensive frown even when fast asleep, tossing and turning about to escape the nightmares of his haunted past, but all that was gone now. It was odd how he could never sleep easy when he was a top tier talent, but now that hed lost his strength, hed made peace with his weakness, and while the Empire lamented the downfall of its Number One Talent, Rain seemed a happier man for it.

And so long as he was happy, Yan was happy too, though shed be happier still once his acne scars healed and he put on a little more weight...

Careful not to disturb the two sleeping beauties, Yan slipped out from under the covers, quietly got dressed, and snuck out the room, where her hopes of making her way out of the manor unseen were instantly dashed as she almost tripped over sweet Tate. Morning Yan-Yan, the sweet child said, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes while heading towards the dining room. Papa wants to know if you want breakfast?

Mother in Heaven... Thankful he didnt ask why she was coming out of Rains room, Yan pinched his soft, white cheeks and smiled at his disgruntled pout. Sorry sweet pea, Grandpa and Dain should be having breakfast next door, so Im heading over to join them, but Ill come back afterwards to watch you Demonstrate the Forms and see how strong youve gotten.

Puffing up with pride, Tate said, Real strong. Im gonna be the next Number One Talent, ya? Distracted by his gurgling stomach and wary of more cheek pinching, he ran off shouting, Okay, bye-bye Yan-Yan!nove(l)bi(n.)com

With Tate alerting everyone in the manor to her presence, Yan now had no choice but to go greet them before leaving, an awkward and somewhat embarrassing experience shed much rather avoid. Her future in-laws treated her warmly and no one brought up her overnight stay in Rains room, but Yan still lacked skin thick enough to pretend it wasnt a big deal. Traditional customs aside, being a family of Martial Warriors, they all undoubtedly overheard the entirety of Yan and Rains reunion, a minor detail shed forgotten until seeing everyone again in the morning. It was one thing to sneak into his tent or yurt while out on deployment, and another altogether when his bedroom shared a wall with his parents room.

Thankfully, Luo-Luo was a late riser and had yet to come out, because Yan didnt think she could handle the lovely courtesans accusatory gaze...

Utterly mortified by the thought of her in-laws knowing what she and Rain had been up to last night, Yan escaped as soon as she could, but things were no better next door. Awake and seated at a table in the courtyard, Grandpa and Dain both smirked when they spotted Yan peeking over the manor walls, and for a moment, she considered just running away and pretending she was never here. Unfortunately, Dain was not so merciful and waved Yan over with a smile. Yan! Oh Y-an! How good to see you. Come join us for breakfast. Ignoring Yans scowl as she dropped down from the walls, the slender beauty beamed prettily and said, Oh Yan, youre a grown woman now. The innocuous statement made Yans stomach twist and Grandpa choke on his tea, but Dain pretended like she didnt notice and continued, Its long past time you stopped climbing walls like a child. You should use the door like a normal adult.

Had she known which room was hers, Yan might very well have run into it to hide, but she couldnt. Instead, she did the next best thing and ignored the jibe as she sauntered over with an air of indifference, carefully stepping around all the adorable bunnies romping about the courtyard. Taking her seat with an apologetic smile, she filled Grandpas teacup with a grateful nod, because while he wasnt entirely thrilled by her behaviour, he was mostly happy to look the other way. The people of Central had a lax view when it came to matters of premarital sex, but it was a topic which Yan and Grandpa were both uncomfortable with, which meant Dain took great delight in bringing it up as often as possible in their presence. So tell me, she said, her wide eyes glowing with excitement, Was he still fit enough to

Rain was, but Yan didnt want to talk about it, especially in front of Grandpa. Breakfast smells delicious, she interrupted, spotting Eun coming out of the kitchen with two trays of food. What are we having today?

Tch. Setting a tray in front of Grandpa and Dain respectively, Eun planted her feet and crossed her arms while facing Yan with an expectant look. Youll have air for breakfast until you answer the question, sweet child. Love and loyalty are all fine for the dramas, but this concerns your future happiness.

Mother in Heaven. This was not happening. She must still be asleep, and all this merely a horrific nightmare, but Yan knew if she didnt say anything, then Eun could do much worse than withhold breakfast. Hes fine. Having said it, Yan didnt like the way her answer sounded, as if she were covering for Rains weakness, so she amended, Better than fine. Hes not as... vigorous as before, but it was... very nice.

Nice. Spitting the word out like a curse, Dain threw herself back in her chair with a pout, still girlish and charming despite her age. Boring.

Quiet you. Let her speak, Eun scolded, having long since taught the Ryo Scion her place in the Du household hierarchy, which as far as Yan could tell, went Eun, Grandpa, then everyone else. Go on then.

Cheeks burning as she sank into the memory of last night, Yan said, It was... different. Slow and tender, but sweet and intimate. Not necessarily better or worse from before, but... good. Really, really... good. There were many other words to describe it, but she couldnt bring herself to use them with Grandpa right there. Where before, they would engage in a hungry and passionate embrace, last night was an intimate and unhurried affair, with a gradual build up and release instead of a rush to sate their appetites. While this was mostly because Rains body was frail and weak, he made up for it with attention to detail and boundless enthusiasm, plus Yan found the need to restrain herself rather titillating, and the results spoke for themselves.

At least this time he remembered to lay out towels beforehand...

Better than good, judging by your smile there. Nodding in approval, Eun left to fetch Yans breakfast while muttering, Injured he might be, but at least the boy knows what hes doing, which is more than you could say for most...

Grandpas cheeks took on a shade of red which Yan had never before been seen, and neither she nor Dain could restrain their laughter. Clearing his throat, Grandpa waited for their hilarity to die down before asking, So what are your plans for the day?

Well, Rain arranged a private arena so we can exchange pointers with his friends, but thats not until after lunch. Theres also a banquet tonight in Grandpas honour, so that will be fun. Perhaps Yan would even wear her new gift, a lovely, pink formal gown which revealed scandalous amounts of leg when loosened. The outfit also came with a matching set of pink-diamond jewellery, so similar to the outfits and accessories worn by Mila and Li Song during their recent and much-talked-about public spar. In the meantime, I promised Tate to go watch him train, but youre free to do as you please.

Huffing in displeasure, Dain poked at her grilled fish and scowled, yet somehow still looked radiant in doing so. So just like that, Im supposed to entertain myself until the afternoon? How cruel, I followed you all this way and kept you company on the journey over, only to be tossed aside for a handsome young face.

Um... Youre going to have to be more specific. Weathering her murderous glare, Rains eyes widened as he realized what she meant. Oh, you mean with err... them. The bigwigs.

From context, Yan took it to mean he understood, but with Rain, it was always best to be sure, so she Sent, If that means the Imperial Clan, then yes.

Yea, sorry I didnt tell you sooner, but I didnt want to bring up my problems so quickly, so I figured it could wait. I was going to clear out the warehouse for you to stay in, but Mom and Dad said you guys would be unaffected if you stayed at Teachers home, because hes not one of the People.

This was the first Yan had heard of it, and apparently Rain didnt wholly understand either, but Mother-in-Law Sarnai nodded and that was good enough for Yan. The Medical Saint had always been a bit of an oddball, but a lovable one with a noble spirit, so if he wasnt a part of the People, it wasnt because they wouldnt have him, but rather the other way around. No matter, because in the end, it was a difference without a distinction considering his close ties to Rain, but it should be enough to keep the Medical Saint insulated from Imperial Wrath should things go poorly. Grandpa wasnt entirely convinced, but after a brief back and forth between him and Sarnai, the latter snapped and said, If I say its fine, then its fine. Should you think my word not good enough, then move your things to the manor the Legate gave you. I care not.

Mom... Diplomatically stepping in, Rain quietly elicited a begrudging apology from Sarnai before offering a more heartfelt one himself. Things are tense, he said, offering a helpless shrug. Were all on edge waiting for our foe to make the first move for a whole week now. Ive taken hits on the business side of things, like losing all cases in Adjudication and paying fines for trumped-up charges, but otherwise, things are quiet.

Lord Husband is being modest, Luo-Luo said, so quiet and unassuming Yan didnt see her until she spoke up, though it also been because the bears were stuck to her side, their furry, fat forms pressed against her while gurgling in contentment at her touch. In the past week, we have lost a small fortune and will only lose more as we are forced to turn down new contracts for fear of stumbling into a trap.

Its not really losing money if were rejecting work. No, I get it, no need to argue again, but its just gold. Spoken like a true silk-pants, and as Luo-Luos hands balled up into fists, Yan offered her a sympathetic and encouraging smile. The poor girl worked herself silly training and running his business, but Rain didnt seem to appreciate her much, somehow unaffected by the beautiful womans many charms. Perhaps Yan should have a word with Luo-Luo and point out the fact that Rain was hardly in a position to resist if she were to slip into his room and refuse to leave. Thick though his skin might be, even he would balk at asking his guards or family to help remove his naked concubine from his bed, and once there, it was only a matter of time before he succumbed to lust.

Perhaps Yan would even help arrange it and stick around to see how it worked out...

Unaware of Yans lecherous plots, Rain continued, What I mean is, if all he can do is hurt our profit margins, then our opponents are not as fearsome as they let on. Theres more coming, but I have no idea what. Not assassins, though there have been people probing our defences these past few days. Whatever our enemies have planned, we will deal with it as it comes, and if they think the People will go down without a fight, then they are sorely mistaken.

Proud as she was to hear Rains confident declaration, she feared he was taking this too lightly. Grandpas noisy throat clearing told her he felt the same way as he said, As impressed as I am by your courage and resolve, our foe is not so simple. A crafty, cagey bunch, they see direct confrontation as a weapon of last resort, used only when all else has failed. While the People will no doubt put up a stalwart defence in the event of an attack, I fear our enemy will strike in more subtle and insidious ways.

As if on cue, a Death Corps guard marched in and the rooms mood plummeted as everyone noticed the Justicar only a single step behind. Displaying his Token of Authority for all to see, the Justicar wasted no time with preamble or niceties and jumped straight to business. Given recent events, this Official has seen fit to review past cases concerning individuals amongst the People and discovered inexcusable lapses in judgment which make a mockery of Imperial Law. For their part in the defence of Sanshu, numerous local bandits were pardoned of past crimes by Magistrate Chu Tongzu, including notable individuals such as Ulfsaar the Voracious and his wife, Neera the Miserly, Hangman Jorani of the Mothers Militia, Siyar of the Sharktooth Syndicate, Jester Wang of Butcher Bay, and countless others. Given the severity of their many crimes, I have found them unfit for pardon, reinstated the bounties upon their heads, and demand the People hand over any and all criminals hiding within their ranks, especially individuals who once belonged to the Azure Ascendants, Butcher Bay Bandits, and Crossbone Corsairs.

Which meant most of Rains retinue were now criminals again, and to contest this would mean a trial by combat for every accused soldier, but the Justicar was not yet done. Further investigation has also uncovered proof of stolen property in Falling Rains possession, as well as individuals found living in Defiled rebel Yo Lings island camp where said property was illegally plundered. As such, Imperial Consort Falling Rain is hereby ordered to hand over all ill-gotten gains to the Disciplinary Corps, thereafter to be returned to its rightful owners, as well as any and all suspicious individuals previously residing on the aforementioned Yo Lings island for questioning. For his part in concealing these crimes, Imperial Consort Falling Rain will be fined an amount equal to the value of the stolen goods, a figure which has yet to be determined.

Taking a deep breath, the Justicar continued, For their crimes of rebellion and their part in the Battle for Sanshu, Dastan Zhandos and his retinue should have been sentenced to torture until death, but instead were granted clemency by Magistrate Chu Tongzu. In lieu of execution, they were made slaves to serve in defence of the Empire, but now they sit idle in the Citadel living lives of luxury. Such an affront is an insult to the loyal Imperial citizens who suffered due to their actions, and as such, Imperial Consort Falling Rain is hereby ordered to hand over command of Dastan Zhandos and the remainder of his former retinue, so that they may serve out their sentence on the front lines.

Holding his hand out, the Justicar waited for Rain to obey, but Yans idiot beloved shook his head. Trembling from head to toe in rage, Rain growled, The token burned up and was destroyed in Sinuji.

Very well. Wholly expecting this answer, the Justicar moved on. For his crimes, Imperial Consort Falling Rain is hereby stripped of his rank of Second Grade Warrant Officer and ordered drafted into the Imperial Army as a liaison for the criminal slave soldiers in his possession. Private Falling Rain is to report for duty within the hour, alongside the aforementioned slave soldiers.

You dare?

Sarnais famed temper erupted and Yan feared for the Justicars life, but Alsantset moved to block her mother from doing anything which might be construed as rebellion. Luckily, Baatar had long since left to carry out his duties else Yan feared the Bloody Fanged Wolf might have already torn the Justicar into pieces. Unfazed by Sarnais anger or the threat of her Aura crashing down upon him, the Justicar nodded and said, I dare, for I uphold the Emperors laws. He wasnt done either, and he announced he was charging Rains co-conspirators for being complicit in his crimes and recited a long list of names, crimes, and fines which started with Marshal Yuzhen, Marshal Yo, and Magistrate Chu Tongzu before moving on to other notable personages from North and Central. While the punishment never went any further than a fine, the implicit warning was that their punishments could be raised if Rain didnt roll over for the Disciplinary Corps, and the message to the world needed no clarification: anyone and everyone who dared to support Falling Rain would share in his misery.

Merely the opening gambit and already it neatly cut Rain off from his allies, because while these crimes were neither shocking nor heinous, it showed just how much power their enemy had and just how far he was willing to go, even drafting a crippled war hero and risk angering both soldiers and civilians alike. One thing was for sure though: with the Disciplinary Corps involved, unless Rain contested the charges in hundreds of separate trials by combat, then Yan and even Grandpa could do naught but stand on the sidelines and watch. The Disciplinary Corps represented the Emperors justice, and to retaliate meant rebelling against the Empire itself, not so daunting a task when the People were home in their mountains, but here in Central, thousands of kilometres away from home and surrounded by millions of loyal Imperial soldiers?

The only outcome was defeat, and Mother help her, Yan had no idea how anyone could save her beloved Rain.

Chapter Meme