Dragon Boat Race Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Chapter Nine: A Vow of Love

Epigraph: Fireflies like stars on the riverbank at night, unspoken feelings secretly pledged between two souls. Not the work of seasoned romantics, but true affection born naturally from the depths of the heart.

Su Mo’s arrival was like a stone tossed into a lake, stirring up ripples throughout the military camp. For several days in a row, she frequently appeared near Wu Ge, using the excuse of boosting troop morale. At times, she brought meticulously prepared refreshments; at others, she discussed military strategy and political affairs. Her demeanor was proper, yet carried an unspoken intimacy.

Qin Gong deliberately maintained his distance. Whenever he saw Su Mo walking side-by-side with Wu Ge, or heard the camp gossip about them being a “match made in heaven,” he felt a suffocating blockage in his chest, making him restless.

That afternoon, Qin Gong was studying a map in his tent when Ah Sheng rushed in, whispering, “Strategist, Miss Su has gone to the Commander’s tent, and she brought a food box…”

The brush in Qin Gong’s hand paused. He said flatly, “I know.”

“Strategist!” Ah Sheng stamped his foot in frustration. “Why aren’t you worried at all? Miss Su is clearly trying to…”

“Trying what?” Qin Gong interrupted him, his tone calm. “She is the Prime Minister’s daughter, sent by imperial decree to boost morale, and discussing military matters with the Commander is perfectly normal.”

Ah Sheng wanted to say more, but Qin Gong waved him away.

Silence returned to the tent, but Qin Gong could no longer focus on the lines on the map. He put down his brush and rubbed his temples, feeling a wave of exhaustion.

He didn’t know how much time had passed when familiar footsteps sounded outside the tent. Qin Gong’s heart tightened. Before he could react, the tent flap was lifted.

Wu Ge stood in the doorway, holding a food box, his brow slightly furrowed. “Why are you here alone? Have you had dinner?”

Qin Gong was somewhat surprised. “Commander, why have you come? Miss Su…”

“She went back,” Wu Ge walked in and placed the food box on the desk. “These are the snacks she brought. Try some.”

The food box opened to reveal exquisite Jiangnan pastries, clearly prepared with great care. Qin Gong looked at the pastries but did not reach for them.

“Not to your taste?” Wu Ge sat down opposite him.

“No.” Qin Gong lowered his eyes. “It’s just… I’m not very hungry.”

Silence fell in the tent. The last rays of the setting sun filtered through the canvas, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” Wu Ge suddenly stated.

Qin Gong’s heart skipped a beat. He forced himself to remain composed. “Commander, why would you say that?”

“Ever since Su Mo arrived, you have been avoiding me.” Wu Ge’s gaze was sharp, as if it could pierce through his thoughts. “Why?”

Qin Gong opened his mouth, unsure how to answer. Should he say it was because seeing him and Su Mo together made him uncomfortable? Was it because the rumors about the marriage proposal were unsettling him?

“I haven’t…” he managed weakly.

“Look at me, Qin Gong.” Wu Ge’s voice was low.

Qin Gong raised his head, meeting those deep eyes. Under that scrutiny, all his pretense vanished.

“I…” He had just started to speak when Wu Ge suddenly stood up.

“Come with me.”

Before Qin Gong could react, Wu Ge had taken his wrist and led him out of the camp.

“Commander, where are we going?”

Wu Ge did not answer, merely holding his wrist with an undeniable strength. Soldiers they passed along the way saluted respectfully, their eyes holding a hint of curiosity as they looked at Qin Gong.

The two walked in silence until they reached the familiar riverbank.

Night had fallen, and fireflies were rising again over the river, as dreamlike and ethereal as that previous night.

“Do you remember this place?” Wu Ge released his hand, looking at the glowing insects over the water.

“I remember,” Qin Gong said softly.

“Do you also remember what I said that night?” Wu Ge turned to look at him, his eyes especially profound in the firefly light.

Qin Gong’s heart rate suddenly accelerated. Of course he remembered—”I already have someone in mind.”

“I…” He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Wu Ge took a step forward, closing the distance between them. “Qin Gong, I, Wu Ge, have never said such words to anyone in my life. But to you, I don’t want to hide it anymore.”

His voice was deep and firm. “The person in my heart, is you.”

Although he had sensed it, hearing the words spoken aloud still made Qin Gong feel dizzy. He looked at Wu Ge; those eyes, usually so calm and sharp, were now filled with an unprecedented tenderness and sincerity.

“But…” Qin Gong’s voice trembled slightly. “You are the Commander of the Northern Expedition Army, and I am…”

“You are the person I have chosen,” Wu Ge interrupted him. “It has nothing to do with status, nothing to do with gender, only with the heart’s intent.”

Another firefly landed on Qin Gong’s shoulder, its tail flashing with a soft glow. Wu Ge reached out and gently brushed the firefly away, his fingertip inadvertently grazing the side of Qin Gong’s neck.

That slight touch made Qin Gong shiver.

“What about Miss Su?” he couldn’t help but ask.

“My relationship with her is merely that of ruler and subject.” Wu Ge’s tone was decisive. “I will find a way to reject this marriage proposal.”

Qin Gong looked at him, a myriad of emotions flooding his heart. Gratitude, joy, worry… all intertwined, nearly suffocating him.

“But the court…”

“Leave the court matters to me.” Wu Ge took his hand. “You only need to tell me your heart’s intent.”

His hand was warm and strong, enveloping Qin Gong’s slightly cool fingers. On this firefly-lit riverbank, witnessed by countless stars, Qin Gong finally let go of all his reservations.

“I…” He took a deep breath, meeting Wu Ge’s expectant gaze. “I feel the same way.”

Four simple words, yet they made a dazzling light burst forth in Wu Ge’s eyes. He tightened his grip, holding Qin Gong’s hand firmly in his palm.

“In this life, I swear I will never fail you.” His voice was low and solemn, like an oath.

More fireflies gathered, dancing around them, as if blessing this love that was not accepted by the world. The river wind blew past, bringing the humid scent unique to a summer night, and the sound of the distant camp bugle.

“We should go back,” Qin Gong said softly, though he did not pull his hand away.

“Stay a little longer,” Wu Ge squeezed his hand. “Just a little longer.”

They stood side-by-side by the river, watching the myriad fireflies. In this moment, court struggles and the looming enemy seemed far away. There was only the warmth of their hands and the overflowing emotion in their hearts.

“When this war is over,” Wu Ge suddenly said, “I will take you to see the fireflies in Jiangnan. I hear they are even more beautiful there than here.”

Qin Gong leaned his head on Wu Ge’s shoulder and nodded gently. “Alright.”

He knew the road ahead would be difficult, and that this affection was not tolerated by the world. But in this moment, he was willing to trust, willing to be brave.

On the way back to the camp, their hands remained clasped. They only had to let go as they neared the military camp.

“See you tomorrow,” Wu Ge said in a low voice, his eyes full of reluctance.

“See you tomorrow,” Qin Gong replied with a smile.

That night, Qin Gong slept soundly. His dreams were no longer filled with political scheming, but only with the sky full of fireflies and the man who held his hand.