EHW Ch83

(50)

“Lu He…” Gu Yunchan sighed, calling Lu He’s name with a helpless smile, clearly taking his request as a joke.

Lu He said, “Just one kiss.” 

Though Lu He appeared fierce, he was surprisingly clingy in private. Gu Yunchan, thinking of how Lu He was around the same age as his third younger brother, both orphaned at a young age, felt an extra surge of affection for him.

Lu He asked twice more, and Gu Yunchan, unable to resist the persistence, finally bent down and lightly pressed his lips to Lu He’s forehead. “Is this enough?”

Lu He nodded.

But though he nodded, the disappointment on his face was almost overflowing, his lowered lashes heavy with dejection.

Gu Yunchan, who had once been careless about others’ emotions, had become more attuned to them after losing his right arm. Lu He’s feelings were so obvious.

After some thought, Gu Yunchan guessed the reason for Lu He’s disappointment, he didn’t want a kiss on the forehead. He wanted another kiss on the lips.

A young man in his teens would naturally dwell on such things. Gu Yunchan had been that age too and understood.

But one kiss was enough. Any more would be improper.

Gu Yunchan pretended not to notice Lu He’s disappointment. He sternly reminded Lu He not to act so impulsively again and to apply the medicine twice a day without fail.

Lu He rested his chin on his firm, smooth forearm. “General, help me apply the medicine.”

“I came here for that,” Gu Yunchan said.

(51)

The medicine was in a small white porcelain box, no larger than a palm. Inside was a brown ointment with a strong herbal scent.

This was a new batch of medicine from the capital, said to be highly effective for external injuries. The formula had been developed by his second younger brother, and Gu Yunchan couldn’t help but feel proud whenever he thought of it.

He scooped some out with his finger and applied it to Lu He’s back, spreading it evenly with his palm. “Remember what I taught you? Warm the ointment with your palm first, then spread it.”

Lu He said, “I remember. I remember everything the general says.”

After applying the medicine to Lu He’s back, Gu Yunchan said, “You have injuries on your face too. Turn a little so I can help with those.”

Lu He complied, shifting to lie on his side on Gu Yunchan’s lap. His face was turned toward Gu Yunchan’s body, his nose barely two leaves’ width from Gu Yunchan’s abdomen.

Lu He’s breath stirred the hem of Gu Yunchan’s clothes, and Gu Yunchan suddenly recalled the image of Lu He kneeling on the ground, spreading his legs, and using his mouth, 

Gu Yunchan’s fingers trembled. He steadied himself with a deep breath and subtly shifted back, his gaze inadvertently flicking to Lu He’s pants.

How-

Lu He followed Gu Yunchan’s gaze and looked down. He smiled at Gu Yunchan and pulled over a nearby outer garment to cover himself. “General, my back is ticklish. When you applied the medicine just now, it became like this.”

Gu Yunchan felt awkward, but seeing Lu He’s natural expression, he tried to ignore it. He applied the medicine to Lu He’s facial wounds. The brown ointment left Lu He’s face unevenly colored, and Gu Yunchan couldn’t help but laugh. “You look like a little spotted dog.”

Lu He’s blue eyes curved in a smile. Suddenly, he turned his head and took Gu Yunchan’s finger into his mouth, his soft, wet tongue slowly licking it.

Gu Yunchan let out a startled “Ah” and hastily pulled his hand back. “You- ”

Lu He said, “I wanted to help the general clean the ointment from his hand, but I couldn’t lift my hand. Don’t be mad, General.”

As he spoke, Gu Yunchan caught sight of movement beneath the garment covering Lu He. He instinctively looked away, even more flustered. “I, I’ll leave now. Don’t let me disturb you. You should… take care of it soon. Don’t hold it in.”

Lu He nodded.

(52)

A cool breeze blew, and Gu Yunchan realized he had broken into a sweat at some point.

He truly didn’t know how to handle spirited young men, like his second and third younger brothers, the emperor, and Lu He.

But deep down, he genuinely liked them, their vitality, their cleverness, their ability to say things he couldn’t and do things he wouldn’t dare. They were like the gallant heroes he had once dreamed of becoming.

Wiping the thin layer of sweat from his forehead, Gu Yunchan realized he had brought the ointment with him.

He turned to take it back to Lu He but then hesitated, thinking that Lu He might be… occupied at the moment.

Perhaps it was better to go later.

(53)

Gu Yunchan had nothing urgent to do, but he couldn’t sit still. He decided to visit the training grounds to practice.

Just as he finished changing, someone called out to him from outside the door. “General! General!”

“What is it?”

The person said, “Lu He asks that you come see him.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

Gu Yunchan walked to Lu He’s tent, worried something might be wrong. When he arrived, he found Lu He lying in the same position as before, but sweating, his damp hair sticking to his cheeks. Seeing Gu Yunchan, Lu He called out, “General.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It hurts,” Lu He said, his voice hoarse and tinged with grievance. “My back hurts when I move. I can’t get up.”

Gu Yunchan took a moment to understand what Lu He meant.

Seeing Lu He’s pitiful expression, he felt both amused and awkward. Lu He drew out his plea, “General, help me.”

“This kind of- ”

Gu Yunchan started to say that this wasn’t something someone else could help with, but he stopped himself mid-sentence.

Lu He had helped him before and had even said he would do it again if needed.

Though Gu Yunchan didn’t remember exactly how things had escalated that night, Lu He had indeed helped him relieve his discomfort and even changed his clothes afterward.

Gu Yunchan didn’t like owing favors. He gritted his teeth, slammed his hand on the table, and made up his mind. “I- ”

His voice rang with determination. “I’ll help you!”

(54)

Lu He lay on his side under the blanket.

Gu Yunchan sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out several times but withdrawing his hand halfway.

“General, don’t trouble yourself,” Lu He said, lowering his lashes. “Forget it.”

“I haven’t changed my mind!” Gu Yunchan said firmly. “It’s just… this position makes it difficult for me to…” His voice, strong at first, weakened by the last word.

Gu Yunchan explained, “I can’t reach you like this.”

Unless he lay down too, or Lu He sat up.

But the bed was too small, and Lu He’s back was injured.

Just as Gu Yunchan hesitated, Lu He sat up first, leaning his shoulder against Gu Yunchan’s shoulder and chest. This way, he wouldn’t touch his injured back, and the position was manageable.

It was still daylight. Even with the door and windows closed, the room was brightly lit. Gu Yunchan took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and reached under the blanket.

The unfamiliar sensation made Gu Yunchan want to break out in goosebumps. Lu He took a deep breath. “General…”

“I…” Gu Yunchan, eyes closed, said, “I’m starting.”

“Yes.” Lu He said. “Thank you, General.”

Gu Yunchan slowly opened and closed his fingers, and Lu He’s breathing grew heavier.

Gu Yunchan squeezed his eyes tighter, trying not to think about the strange sensation in his palm. His mind was filled with one thought: Get it over with quickly.

Lu He seemed to tilt his head, his warm breath falling on Gu Yunchan’s neck.

“General,” Lu He said, his breath growing warmer, “why are your eyes closed? Are you embarrassed?”

“The general’s palm is so warm. His fingers are slimmer than mine.”

“The general’s neck is so white, and his heartbeat is so fast… General.”

Gu Yunchan felt a rush of heat from his chest to his face. His face and neck must have turned completely red. “You… Don’t talk.”

Lu He seemed to smile but obediently fell silent.

After a long time, Gu Yunchan inexplicably recalled something he had heard others joke about years ago: “Foreigners have such stamina. It’s like they’re born with it.”

Gu Yunchan’s wrist began to ache, and Lu He finally showed signs of finishing. Dissatisfied with Gu Yunchan’s movements, he pressed Gu Yunchan’s hand through the blanket and began moving himself.

With his eyes closed, Gu Yunchan’s other senses sharpened. He could hear the sounds Lu He made, part satisfaction, part frustration, from deep in his throat. He could feel Lu He’s skin growing hotter beneath his palm.

Gu Yunchan felt as if he were sitting in a hot spring, enveloped by steam from all directions, his mind boiling.

He heard Lu He’s voice through the haze: “General.”

Suddenly, Lu He’s breath grew closer. The next moment, Lu He’s tongue licked up Gu Yunchan’s neck.

The wet sensation startled Gu Yunchan. Before he could react, Lu He pressed a hand to the back of his head and fiercely kissed and nipped at his neck, then moved down to kiss his chest through his clothes.

Gu Yunchan gasped. Lu He pulled open his collar and buried his face against him, sucking.

“Lu… Lu He!”

“General’s skin is so white,” Lu He said. Gu Yunchan opened his eyes and saw Lu He’s wheat-colored fingers against his own skin, the stark contrast between them. Lu He pressed with his index and middle fingers.

Gu Yunchan had seen this gesture before. He had noticed that Lu He often used it when reading or learning characters, pointing at the text, a unique habit. But now, instead of turning pages, those fingers were on him.

Lu He said, “General, you’re so beautiful here.”

As he spoke, he leaned down to kiss again, pressing Gu Yunchan’s hand through the blanket. The room was filled with the sound of water, including the chaotic whirl in Gu Yunchan’s mind. He stared blankly at Lu He’s blue eyes like a bewildered goose.

Lu He met his gaze, his body suddenly shuddering as he lifted his head and kissed Gu Yunchan’s lips with his wet mouth. His tongue forcefully invaded Gu Yunchan’s lips.

Gu Yunchan heard Lu He say, “I like the general the most.”

(55)

When everything finally settled down, Gu Yunchan sat with pursed lips while Lu He used his outer robe to wipe Gu Yunchan’s chest and hands.

Lu He sincerely said, “Thank you, General.”

“I… You…” Gu Yunchan tried to say something, but his clumsy words tangled in his chest, ultimately turning into a few stern words: “It’s nothing. No need to thank me.”

He pressed Lu He’s hand down. “Alright, no need to fuss. I’ll go to the training grounds first.”

Just as Gu Yunchan finished speaking, someone knocked on the door, following his words. “Why is the door locked? Lu He? Lu He!”

Gu Yunchan froze, motionless.

Lu He whispered, “It’s Wang Jiu. He said he’d come by later to bring me something.”

Gu Yunchan paid no mind to who Wang Jiu was. He furrowed his thick, dark brows and shook his head at Lu He, signaling him to be quiet.

Lu He said, “Don’t worry, General. If he doesn’t find me, he’ll leave soon.”

Wang Jiu outside the door said, “Lu He? Are you in there? I thought I heard you talking.”

Gu Yunchan felt sweat beading on his forehead. Lu He spoke again: “I talk too much. Sorry, I get chatty when I’m happy. The general knows that.”

Gu Yunchan’s heart pounded anxiously, like a bell hanging from the eaves, battered by wind and rain. Seeing Lu He’s lips move as if to speak again, Gu Yunchan hastily raised his hand to cover his mouth.

Lu He took his wrist and gently pulled his hand away, replacing it with his own lips. He softly kissed Gu Yunchan’s lips, a sudden and light peck.

“I like the general the most.” Lu He repeated, his chest rising and falling as he finished.

(56)

After summer arrived, the sun grew scorching. Standing under it for even a short while made one sweat as if drenched in water. Gu Yunchan found this time of year the most unbearable. The soldiers suffered, and he couldn’t bear to watch, always wanting to let them rest more.

Fortunately, Lu He and the other deputies weren’t as soft-hearted as he was. They told him: “We’ll be the bad guys.”

Speaking of Lu He, Gu Yunchan’s thoughts always scattered.

Lu He’s back injury healed quickly, youth recovered fast. But since then, Lu He had developed a habit:

He could no longer relieve himself alone and instead asked Gu Yunchan for help.

Gu Yunchan felt something was off, but he couldn’t resist Lu He’s drawn-out pleas. Every time those sincere blue eyes gazed at him, Gu Yunchan found it hard to refuse.

Later, he helped Lu He a few more times, each time an ordeal.

It wasn’t that the act itself was difficult, but Lu He couldn’t control his mouth, saying sweet, embarrassing things that made Gu Yunchan’s face burn. He also nipped and kissed Gu Yunchan all over, as if trying to devour him, leaving traces of saliva everywhere.

(57)

At the end of July, Gu Yunchan received a letter from home.

The letter was filled with words, the child’s handwriting much improved. With barely legible ink blots, his youngest brother cooed at Gu Yunchan, calling him “Big Brother” and saying how much he looked forward to Mid-Autumn Festival.

Gu Yunchan would return to the capital for Mid-Autumn.

The day before his departure, Lu He had already packed his luggage and prepared plenty of food.

Gu Yunchan laughed. “That’s enough. I’ll be back in less than a month. I won’t need all this.”

“Better to bring too much than too little. I can’t go with you this time, so I’m worried,” Lu He said, tying the luggage tightly, the muscles in his forearm bulging with veins.

That night, it rained, cooling the stifling air. Gu Yunchan couldn’t sleep, excited about leaving tomorrow but also worried about being away for a month.

He tossed and turned, then suddenly heard a knock at the door.

Who would knock at night in the military camp? Gu Yunchan’s heart tightened, and he hurried to open the door, only to find Lu He.

“What’s wrong?”

“General, I want to sleep with you tonight,” Lu He said. “The thought of not seeing you for a month makes me feel terrible.”

(58)

The young man’s blue eyes always looked at him with admiration. Gu Yunchan had become less able to refuse Lu He in recent months. He shifted aside to let him in. “Come in.”

They had shared a bed before, back in Liangshan.

Gu Yunchan assumed Lu He would sleep on the floor again and moved toward the cabinet where the bedding was kept. “Should I get you a few blankets?”

“It’s too much trouble to take out the bedding at night and put it back tomorrow. Let me sleep in the bed with you, General. We can talk. Is that alright?”

“Fine. I’ll get you another blanket.”

“I’ll do it, General.”

Lu He quickly made the bed, and the two of them lay down on the pillows.

Gu Yunchan gave Lu He a few reminders, from daily necessities to the well-being of the entire army. Lu He agreed to each one. Gu Yunchan then asked, “Is there anything you want to eat, or play with, or any books you want me to bring back?”

Lu He said, “General, let me think.”

“No rush. Take your time,” Gu Yunchan said.

Lu He fell into deep thought, but his hands and feet slipped out from under his blanket, entwining with Gu Yunchan’s limbs. His warm fingers unconsciously traced Gu Yunchan’s palm, then moved up his arm, following the lines of his muscles to his chest.

Lu He’s movements were smooth and seamless. Gu Yunchan shuddered unexpectedly at the touch. He was a tall, imposing man, yet Lu He seemed to adore his chest.

Lu He suddenly came to his senses. “Sorry, General. It’s become a habit.”

Gu Yunchan laughed helplessly. “Since when did you develop this habit?”

Lu He smiled. “I’ve been so close to you lately. It’s become second nature.”

Gu Yunchan sighed in resignation.

(59)

This habit of Lu He’s really wasn’t good. As they continued talking, Lu He’s hand wandered up again. Gu Yunchan let out a small “Eh,” and Lu He withdrew his hand.

Gu Yunchan felt a strange sensation in his chest and hastily shook his head to dispel the thought.

But Lu He was as perceptive as an animal. “General, your breathing has gotten heavier.”

His hand moved downward, and in an instant, he knew something was wrong. Gu Yunchan panicked and quickly pressed Lu He’s hand down. “Lu He, you- ”

Lu He said, “Let me take care of you, General.”

As he spoke, he burrowed himself under the blanket. Gu Yunchan felt his own blanket being lifted, and Lu He slowly moved in. Lu He grabbed the edge of his pants and said, “General, lift your hips a little.”

“No, ”

Gu Yunchan hadn’t intended to cooperate, but as soon as he refused, Lu He opened his mouth over the fabric. Gu Yunchan’s words caught in his throat, turning into a gasp.

In the cramped space under the blanket, wet sounds filled the air. Gu Yunchan heard Lu He say, “General’s waist is so slim and firm. Now it’s trembling again.”

His undergarments were removed in the midst of this trembling, and a place he rarely touched himself was being treated in such a way. Gu Yunchan’s mind went blank, and he belatedly realized his throat was emitting low, embarrassed sounds. Feeling ashamed, he raised his hand and bit into his own arm.

But as soon as he bit down, Lu He noticed and pulled his hand away, offering his own shoulder instead. “Bite me, General. Don’t hurt yourself. I’d be heartbroken.”

(60)

After returning home, Gu Yunchan learned some news.

His second younger brother was to marry the emperor.

He wasn’t… surprised. In fact, Gu Yunchan was genuinely happy for his brother.

His third younger brother looked at him in shock. “Big Brother, you’re not surprised?”

“There are men who like men,” Gu Yunchan said. “Lu He told me about it.”

His second and third brothers exchanged a glance, their expressions odd.

(61)

Because of the emperor’s wedding, Gu Yunchan stayed in the capital longer than planned.

When he returned to the military camp, it was already early winter, the air damp and cold.

Lu He had ridden two nights to meet him. From afar, Gu Yunchan saw the tall figure on the warhorse, imposing and majestic.

That night, they stayed at an inn. Gu Yunchan hadn’t slept well during his journey, but with Lu He there, he felt more at ease.

After the lights were out, he began to feel drowsy. Lu He got up from his bed, crouched by Gu Yunchan’s bedside, kissed his fingers, and then passionately kissed his lips.

Gu Yunchan didn’t know when he had grown used to his kisses. He opened his mouth, allowing Lu He to tease his tongue for a while before coming to his senses. “…Lu He!”

“I missed you, General,” Lu He said, holding his hand and rubbing it against his cheek. “Did you miss me?”

The inn was on the official road, bustling with travelers, and already showing signs of wear. The wind rattled the window frames, bringing cold gusts and moonlight that illuminated Lu He’s blue eyes.

Gu Yunchan suddenly remembered the emperor’s grand wedding to his second brother.

Golden and crimson figures flashed before his eyes, overlapping with Lu He’s blue eyes.

Lu He leaned in to kiss him, pressing his body against Gu Yunchan’s. After a couple of pleading kisses, Gu Yunchan allowed him to use his leg. But something went wrong later, and his leg wasn’t enough for Lu He.

Gu Yunchan swayed, holding Lu He’s shoulder, listening to his praise: “The general is so obedient. The general is so good tonight… I could just, die for you, General.”

Gu Yunchan couldn’t speak. His voice was completely hoarse.

(62)

If Gu Yunchan had to compare himself to something, he sometimes felt like a tree.

Its branches weren’t lush, but its trunk was thick and sturdy. Standing quietly, passersby didn’t look at it for long, so no one noticed that this big tree was actually lonely and wounded.

But the tree’s seeds had fallen to the ground, sprouting three small saplings and a blue-eyed puppy, willing to rest in its shade.

Like a wandering traveler finally returning home, his restless heart found peace.

As he drifted off to sleep, Gu Yunchan thought he should talk to Lu He.

Tomorrow, when they woke up, in a sunlit room.

Tomorrow would come soon.

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Yayyyyyy its done! The story is very light and funny perfect for passing time.  If you like the story pls vote 5 stars in NU