# Chapter 24: Origins: The Fork in the Road
The army stationed at Pinliu began to stir restless, preparing for another assault.
The military council to discuss strategy was in full swing when a shout came from outside the tent: "General Xia!"
Mancheng strode in, looking nonchalant, munching on a stick of candied hawthorns. He found a chair in the corner and sat down. The others paid him no mind, continuing their discussion.
Daochun's gaze lingered on him with obvious affection, tracking his every movement. Mancheng curled up in the chair, glanced up and met Daochun's eyes, then smiled—a smile that could charm anyone.
Daochun had grown up surrounded by luxury and indulgence, and in the realm of romance he could summon wind and rain whenever he pleased. Yet upon seeing Mancheng's slight smile, he felt like a first love—overjoyed beyond measure, unable to hide the tender affection on his face.
Peng Hong, watching these two exchange glances after knowing each other only a few days, couldn't help but frown. He secretly glanced at Zhang Zhou's expression.
Zhang Zhou, whether genuinely oblivious or simply choosing to ignore it, discussed military affairs with an open expression.
General Xiao Zhan from Xiongzhou suddenly brought up a condition: "Once Your Highness the Third Prince conquers the Yuanliao kingdom, please return the He River region that the traitor Zhang Shun seized to Xiongzhou."
Zhang Zhou nodded, then heard Xiao Zhan continue: "And there's Liji as well..."
Zhang Zhou's expression changed. "Liji is a strategic border town of Yuanliao. Is it not a bit excessive for General Xiao Zhan to make such a demand at this time?"
Daochun sneered. "Third Prince, Xiongzhou's army supports you in seizing the throne—how could wanting back two cities that originally belonged to Xiongzhou be excessive?"
Zhang Zhou's face showed anger. "Liji was incorporated into Yuanliao during my father's reign. Does Your Highness the Crown Prince not know this?"
"I certainly know!" Daochun remained composed, his tone relaxed yet carrying a subtle threat. "It was taken from my father by your father! My father no longer harps on these old matters. He only hopes I can help Your Highness reclaim Yuanliao, so our two nations can live as friendly neighbors!"
Zhang Zhou snorted inwardly: This Yang Daochun is inflating Xiongzhou's military power far too much! Giving them the He River is generous enough, and now they want more! Without their help, we might still be able to eliminate Zhang Shun! With this thought, his expression darkened as he said, "What if I refuse?" The implication was that he had no interest in cooperating with Xiongzhou's army.
Daochun didn't budge. "Third Prince, what if I cooperate with Zhang Shun instead?"
For a moment, the atmosphere in the tent turned heavy, with both armies on the brink of conflict.
Then a light laugh broke the tension, as Mancheng foolishly blurted out: "Zhang Zhou, that's just a tiny county. If he wants it so badly, just give it to him."
Zhang Zhou's expression grew stern. "Mancheng, don't speak out of turn!"
Daochun couldn't help but laugh, stealing a glance at Mancheng, who immediately lowered his eyes and fell silent, focusing on eating his candied hawthorns. His mouth was smeared with red here and there—cute and ridiculous, completely out of place in this serious military gathering.
The two army leaders, thrown off by Mancheng's interruption, abandoned the Liji issue for the moment and turned to discuss other strategies for attacking the city.
Daochun, however, was elsewhere in his mind: Judging by the situation, Mancheng is completely obedient to Zhang Zhou. I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to get close to him.
The desire to get close to Mancheng was far stronger than the desire to reclaim Liji! Daochun glanced across again, only to see Zhang Zhou frowning at Mancheng, while Mancheng grinned and picked sugar residue off his face. The way Mancheng looked at Zhang Zhou was so tender and gentle! Zhang Zhou responded with a loving smile.
Daochun's heart sank. He had been rolling in the seas of romance and pleasure since his teens—he was more sensitive to these things than anyone. Now he could roughly guess the relationship between Mancheng and Zhang Zhou. A treasure like Mancheng wouldn't have only one admirer.
All of Xiongzhou's generals were in the Crown Prince's tent discussing military strategy, yet Yang Daochun appeared completely distracted.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Daochun propped his head on his hand, lost in thought.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince!" Xiao Zhan called again.
"What is it?" Daochun replied impatiently.
Xiao Zhan said seriously: "Zhang Zhou has been avoiding the Liji issue. If he refuses to return Liji, I think we should consider retreating to Guidu."
Retreat to Guidu? Daochun frowned: How would I find Mancheng then? With this thought, this usually arrogant prince waved his hand. "He hasn't said he won't give it. What's the rush?"
"But..."
"But what?" Daochun yawned. "Let's wait until he takes Yuanliao City. That won't be too late."
The generals exchanged glances: If he refuses by then, won't our soldiers have bled in vain?
"Your Highness the Crown Prin—"
"Enough." Daochun cut him off. "I have my own plans. I'm tired. Everyone out."
The generals all knew this willful prince was arrogant and overbearing, but also exceptionally talented and intelligent. They assumed he had a strategy in mind, so they departed with relief, kneeling and bowing before leaving.
Once the tent was quiet, Daochun sat in a daze, smiling to himself—a stark departure from his usual domineering demeanor.
Then a soft sound came from outside the window: "Ah... ah-choo!"
Daochun startled. Could that be an infiltrator? He low-pitched a喝: "Who's there?"
A figure in gray civilian clothes climbed in through the window. Daochun flew into a rage: What audacity! This person has no respect for me at all! Just as he was about to call the guards outside, he heard the person say: "Why are they talking so long? I was squatting outside and getting cold again!"
That voice, haunting his heart day and night—Daochun brightened. "Mancheng?"
Mancheng climbed in, brushing dust off his clothes while grumbling irritably: "Zhang Zhou and the others are discussing some pointless plan again! I thought you'd be free, but turns out there are crowds of people around you too!"
Daochun put on an expression of profound regret. "If I'd known you were outside, I would have driven out even the heavenly kings."
With such ambiguous words, Mancheng understood perfectly, so he flashed Daochun a flawless smile and walked over.
To Daochun, this smile was enough to enchant his soul. His heart was racing with joy, when suddenly he remembered Mancheng's intimate exchange with Zhang Zhou that morning, and his excitement cooled by half. He couldn't hold back anymore—though he knew asking would serve no purpose—he blurted out: "Mancheng, it seems like Zhang Zhou doesn't have time to properly love you!"
Mancheng froze. "How do you know about us?"
Daochun couldn't help but grin: I knew he'd incriminate himself!
Mancheng realized his slip, extremely embarrassed, just grinning foolishly.
Daochun thought: This Zhang Zhou is truly blessed. Even with three wives and four concubines, I couldn't match what he has in just one Mancheng!
"Daochun," Mancheng lowered his voice, a hint of frustration in his words. "Don't go telling everyone about this! Zhang Zhou says this kind of thing is immoral and shameful, something to be kept hidden. If it got out, his reputation would be ruined."
Daochun's heart raced: Looking at him like this, could he actually have feelings for that taciturn Third Prince?
Jealousy burned in Daochun's heart. He dared not think further and couldn't bear to continue thinking. He quickly nodded, then changed the subject: "How are Sihu and that monkey? Fun?"
If he hadn't mentioned the monkey, fine—but the mention sent Mancheng through the roof. "That's exactly what I came to talk to you about! How come the little ghost you gave me didn't take better care of my monkey? My monkey died for no reason! If Zhang Zhou hadn't gotten in the way, I'd have killed that little ghost already! Hmph, he probably went to Jinlu anyway!"
Daochun frowned, feeling guilty toward Sihu: I gave Sihu to you to win your favor, never expecting you'd treat him like a toy and want to kill him over a monkey. But since I already gave him to you, how can I take him back?
Mancheng only knew that Sihu could amuse monkeys—he knew nothing else about him. Seeing the shifting expressions on Daochun's face, he thought: This person is so petty, actually getting upset over some insignificant soldier!
Mancheng's anger still showed on his face as he asked, "What? You have some objection?"
Daochun had been respected and cherished since childhood—no one had ever dared defy him in the slightest. Hearing this teenager speak so dismissively, he wasn't of good temper either and was about to lose his cool. But when he raised his eyes and saw Mancheng frowning with his lips pouting, his angry face only appeared more adorable.
His anger dissipated instantly. He smiled. "How could I possibly have any objection? Don't be angry. The monkeys in Xiongzhou all have white fur. I'll find you an even better one."
Mancheng's anger turned to delight. He hopped excitedly. "Really?"
"Of course. There are so many wonderful things in Xiongzhou," Daochun's heart stirred, and he took the opportunity to fawn: "Let me take you to Xiongzhou for a good time. I guarantee you'll enjoy yourself."
Mancheng beamed and nodded repeatedly. "Great! So when do we go?"
A hint of triumph curled at the corner of Daochun's lips. "You can go whenever you want—but just the two of us, no Zhang Zhou."
Mancheng's face flushed red. He stammered, "What? Are you making fun of me on purpose? I'm not going."
Watching his cheeks bloom with color, Daochun's heart raced. Involuntarily, he reached out and grabbed him: I'm not some ascetic saint, and here you are delivering yourself to tease me. If I can still hold back, my surname isn't Yang!
Mancheng didn't pull away from Daochun's hand, instead curiously looking around the tent with its somewhat exotic ambiance.
"Mancheng..." Daochun's head heated up for a moment, then cooled again: I've only known him for a few days—why would he let me take liberties? If I force the issue, he'll fly into a rage and probably kill me! Then another thought came: Zhang Zhou can do it, so what's wrong with me? Besides, no matter how capable he is, in the end he's no match for me.
With this thought, Daochun was about to drag Mancheng over, but hesitated again: If he gets angry, even if he can't kill me, he won't come near me afterward—that would be even worse!
This son of heaven, who had been imperious since childhood, who had never hesitated or feared in doing anything earth-shaking, now couldn't make up his mind, acting like a timid old woman.
"Daochun!" Mancheng called out to him, laughing. "Why are there so many expressions on your face?"
Daochun stared fixedly at his exquisite, beautiful smile, and simply gave up thinking: Fine, at worst it's death! With this thought, he used force to drag Mancheng over. Mancheng startled as he was pushed onto the bed.
Daochun had calculated it well—quickly removing Mancheng's sword and tossing it aside. Mancheng's face reddened even more as he cursed, "You scoundrel! What—what are you doing?"
Daochun grinned wickedly. "Isn't it obvious? You're not a woman, so why would you care about chastity?"
Mancheng tried to struggle. Daochun wouldn't let go, his face earnest and sincere as he pleaded: "Mancheng, from the moment I saw you, I've been madly in love. Zhang Zhou doesn't have time, but I will love you well! As long as you're willing, I'll give you all my time!" With that, he pressed his lips to Mancheng's face in a frantic kiss.
Mancheng had never been particularly fastidious about himself, and besides, he had long admired Daochun's looks. Now he stopped pretending, his hands and feet growing docile.
Daochun knew Mancheng had submitted to him. Overjoyed, he murmured softly, "Mancheng, I truly love you!" His hands had already loosened Mancheng's clothing as they tumbled together.
Though Mancheng was young, his technique was skilled and bold—truly shocking and delighting Yang Daochun. One night of passionate entanglement and intoxicating pleasure felt like nothing he'd experienced in all his life.
Both men were unbridled and indulgent by nature. After this night, their relationship rapidly deepened, as if they had met too late. Yang Daochun neglected everything except being with Mancheng, leaving all matters to Xiao Zhan to handle.
Xiongzhou's army and Dudong's army advanced from Pinliu together, sweeping forward like a devastating force. In one swift campaign they broke through several strategic towns, finally pausing at Wang County to rest and regroup.
But these two men didn't show their faces at all. While battles raged ahead, the two of them leisurely traveled the mountains and toured the waters, sometimes disappearing for days at a time. Mancheng had always despised military campaigns, and now with Daochun's indulgence and company, he didn't even want to return to the Dudong camp. Zhang Zhou was helpless and had no time to deal with it, so he could only let Mancheng go and enjoy himself.
This close companionship, so openly displayed, was understood by soldiers and officers alike. Some laughed in secret, others shook their heads and sighed. Yang Daochun was immersed in unprecedented happiness, sinking deeper and deeper. He didn't know when he had become such a sentimental person. He only felt he could never exhaust his words with Mancheng, only felt that saying "I love you" thousands upon tens of thousands of times a day wouldn't be enough. He pulled out all the stops to please Mancheng, inventing countless ways to delight him, pursuing every possibility.
Peng Hong heard the rumors in the army growing increasingly unsavory. He truly couldn't bear it anymore and, behind Zhang Zhou's back, gave Mancheng a thorough scolding. Mancheng behaved like a child caught misbehaving—blinking his eyes and flushing red with shame. He老实了几天 before succumbing to Yang Daochun's persistent pawing and clinging to him again.
In his life, Yang Daochun had never failed to obtain anything he wanted. He confidently believed he could claim Mancheng as his own. But he never anticipated that this天真少年 who spent his days flirting with him would be his nemesis—dragging him into an abyss of irretrievable ruin, never to be reborn.