This was Lan Yan’s first time seeing Jun Yelan in armor. Astride his horse, he was dazzling, emanating an aura of awe, both commanding and intimidating.
This was where Jun Yelan truly belonged.
She noticed Jun Yelan glance in her direction and quickly lowered her head. She had snuck in and didn't want him to find her. She had a feeling that if he did, he would send her away.
Jun Yelan merely glanced over before continuing on his way. This battle was proving more difficult than he had anticipated. He would need to convene a war council with his generals soon, and he left with a heavy heart.
"It's only been a few days, but I feel like he's lost weight," Lan Yan muttered to herself. She adjusted her satchel and headed towards the army medical clinic. There was only one army doctor and one apprentice, both with serpent tails.
The army doctor saw a man without a serpent tail enter and said, "Young sir, you must be married. You married a human girl. Don't worry, we don't care about such things here."
Lan Yan: "..." She had changed into men's clothing for convenience. No wonder the soldiers had looked at her strangely as she passed by earlier. She had been confused about the talk of serpent tails, but since the soldiers hadn't asked, she hadn't said anything.
She figured the soldiers probably thought it impossible for a human to be here.
She could only smile and say, "Yes." Thinking of Jun Yelan, she asked, "Can one grow a serpent tail even if they're not married?"
The army doctor looked at her, puzzled. "As long as you have the desire, you will grow one. It seems you decided to marry immediately after confirming your feelings, which is why you don't know about this. You are truly blessed."
"Yes," Lan Yan didn't know what else to say. So, Jun Yelan had developed feelings for her that day and had hidden his serpent tail. No wonder Jun Yelan had looked so displeased when she had asked him the next morning.
She couldn't help but smile. She finally understood. And now she was certain that Jun Yelan liked her.
This made her even more determined to linger in front of Jun Yelan, to make him like her even more.
Seeing her fall silent, the army doctor introduced himself, "My name is Nie Qing, and this is my nephew, Nie Yu."
"Hello, my name is Xiao Yan," Lan Yan replied, then moved to organize the herbs nearby.
Nie Qing immediately found this young man to be excellent, as he was diligent. The girl he married would surely be very happy.
All three began their tasks.
Meanwhile, inside the command tent, Jun Yelan looked at the sand table before him and said, "The Crown Prince's army will divide into several groups, surging from all directions. We must not only defend effectively but also disrupt their plan."
He had been away from the battlefield for so many years, and the Crown Prince's power had grown considerably. He had even managed to recruit many of Jun Yelan's former soldiers.
Moreover, the Crown Prince was ruthless. This time, he had allied with major aristocratic families, ostensibly to resist peace talks with the human race, but in reality, to seize power. If the Crown Prince succeeded, both races would be in grave danger.
Therefore, he had to succeed this time.
"Yes, General. We will follow your orders," the generals below shouted. They had followed Jun Yelan all the way, watching him rise from a mere soldier to the great general he was now over ten years.
Furthermore, after his promotion, he had promoted them based on their achievements, regardless of their background. When they heard Jun Yelan had died, they had mourned for a long time, and now their efforts had finally borne fruit.
Jun Yelan didn't notice the expressions of his subordinates, his gaze fixed on the sand table. It was incredibly dangerous. The terrain had mountains, water, and a canyon nearby. If he were the Crown Prince, he would definitely choose a surprise attack.
"Issue a directive to strengthen patrols and prevent any unauthorized personnel from entering."
The others promptly left to carry out the orders.
Jun Yelan then sat alone in his chair, pressing his temples. He couldn't help but take out the plush toy from his embrace. Thinking of someone waiting for him, his weariness vanished.
"General, it's time for dinner."
"Come in."
A soldier entered with a food tray and immediately noticed the plush toy in Jun Yelan's hand, feeling puzzled. When had the General become interested in plush toys? And wasn't that a human girl?
Jun Yelan shot him a cold glance, causing the soldier to lower his head. "Leave it here." He looked at the food, completely devoid of appetite. He ate only a few bites and had the soldier take the rest away.
The soldier had no choice but to leave. As he walked outside the tent, he muttered, "Alas, if the General doesn't eat, how can his body endure!"
"Please wait, brother," Lan Yan, just coming from the medical clinic, saw the soldier muttering. She looked at the food and indeed, it wasn't what Jun Yelan liked.
The soldier looked surprised. "You're Doctor Nie's assistant."
"Yes," Lan Yan said. "I saw you holding the General's food. Actually, I know some medicinal cuisine and can help adjust the General's appetite. Perhaps you could let the General eat a bit more."
She showed a innocent smile.
The soldier couldn't help but believe her. "Alright, I'll entrust it to you, young sir."
Lan Yan smiled, asked the soldier to wait a moment, and went to the kitchen. Fortunately, it was evening, and the cooks were gone. She could operate alone and made a bowl of shredded pork noodles.
She also made an extra small bowl and handed it to the soldier. "Brother, you've waited hard. Eat your fill first."
The soldier was initially reluctant to eat, but upon smelling the aroma, his stomach rumbled. He swallowed, smiled, and said, "Young Sir Xiao Yan, I won't stand on ceremony."
He took a bite and then couldn't stop, even drinking the soup. He gave a thumbs up. "Young Sir Xiao Yan, your cooking is truly excellent. Your family is very fortunate."
Lan Yan smiled and gave the soldier another bowl with added scallions. "Please take this for me."
"Don't worry," the soldier burped contentedly, patted his chest, and ran off with a grin.
Seeing this, Lan Yan returned to her rest with peace of mind.
The soldier arrived outside Jun Yelan's tent, announced himself, and entered. "General, this is medicinal cuisine made by a doctor to help adjust your appetite. Please eat a little."
The military treatise on the table was open. Jun Yelan was about to refuse when he smelled a familiar aroma. He turned his head and saw the layer of scallions floating on the noodle soup. His pupils widened slightly. "Who made this?"
"Someone from the army medical clinic." The soldier knew the General would be interested, as the noodles were truly good. He added, "General, that young sir's cooking is really superb. You can tell by the smell."
Jun Yelan nodded, told the soldier to leave the noodles and exit. He sat at the table, picked up his chopsticks, and took a small bite. The familiar taste bloomed in his mouth.
For a moment, he felt as if Lan Yan had come. But Lan Yan was a thousand miles away; it was impossible for her to be here. He smiled bitterly and finished the bowl of noodles.
After finishing, he looked out the window. Tonight, there was another bright, full moon. He stared at the moon and murmured, "Yan'er, what are you doing now? Are you well?"
Not far from the command tent, Lan Yan was also opening her window, looking at the same moon. She murmured, "Alas, I wonder if Jun Yelan has finished eating? I really hope he can have a better appetite."