I Was Sold to My Mortal Enemy (Double Transmigrations)

The mountain path, recently wet from rain, was slippery. Shi Liu, who had walked this path numerous times and practiced martial arts since childhood, had no trouble navigating it.

Observing Shi Liu’s steady steps, Shi Wu thought of the time when enemy had attacked. Shi Liu had wielded a sword to defend against the assailants, demonstrating martial prowess that was clearly above average.

“Xiao Liu, who taught you martial arts?” Shi Wu inquired.

“When Brother Pei was at home, he was our teacher for Sister Hong Luo, and me. Later, when he and the third brother went to Xizhou, it was Father Song who continued our training.” Shi Liu explained as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “I’m not as quick a learner as Sister Hong Luo, so she often helps me.”

Shi Wu thought of the woman who had intervened to block Shi Liu’s attacker that day. Her martial skills were indeed remarkable, and he couldn’t help but think that if she was a man, she could have become a formidable general with proper military training.

“You and Sister Hong Luo must be close growing up together.” Shi Wu remarked.

“Of course, Sister Hong Luo is very kind to me. She’s knowledgeable and skilled in martial arts. If she joined the army, she would certainly excel as a general.” Shi Liu praised.

Shi Wu felt a twinge of discomfort upon hearing Shi Liu speak highly of Hong Luo. He was secretly relieved that Hong Luo was a woman. If she was a man who had grown up with Shi Liu and was so admired by him, it might have caused jealousy.

As they picked mushrooms on the mountain, they noticed other villagers doing the same. Choosing a less crowded spot, they collected a modest quantity of mushrooms. Villagers typically gathered mushrooms to exchange for money to supplement their incomes, but Shi Liu and Shi Wu were motivated by their love for the delicious food.

On the way back, Shi Wu discreetly walked a half-step behind Shi Liu, pondering how to seize the opportunity to capture Shi Liu’s heart.

Unaware of Shi Wu’s intentions, Shi Liu was lost in thought and abruptly halted, causing Shi Wu to collide with him, nearly knocking him down.

In a moment of panic, Shi Liu reached out and grabbed Shi Wu’s sleeve to steady himself. Shi Wu instinctively held onto Shi Liu’s waist, but the soft waist leaving him confused, leading him to pinch Shi Liu’s waist.

Shi Liu’s eyes widened in surprise, his face reddened, and he stepped on Shi Wu hard before glaring at him in embarrassment. He opened his mouth but struggled to find words to express his indignation, ultimately turning away and leaving.

Shi Wu looked at his own offending hand, then at Shi Liu’s departing figure, raised his hand, and slapped himself while berating his ineptitude.

At the same time, his mind replayed the sensation of that soft waist. Lost in thought, he returned home in daze, but Shi Liu was nowhere in sight.

.

Shi Liu rushed back to his room, his complexion as pale as jade, with a blush that added a touch of charm to the cinnabar moles at the corners of his eyes. Recalling the recent incident, he felt a rush of heat through his entire body. He stood up and grabbed a round fan to cool himself down.

Shi Liu was already eighteen years old. His eldest brother had mentioned that when his shuanger turns eighteen, he would likely have passion wave within half a year. He had nearly three more months to go before that half-year mark. Although he had never experienced the passion and couldn’t quite understand why marriage was necessary, the thought of suffering wasn’t very appealing.

Up to this point, he hadn’t developed any feelings for anyone. If he were to choose, the fourth brother was kind and handsome. Marrying him would be as comfortable as staying at home. Marrying another man would undoubtedly bring the complexities of mixing two family into his life. When he contemplated it this way, the fourth brother seemed like an excellent choice.

As he imagined the scenario of marrying the fourth brother, he couldn’t help but blush. His bright eyes shone as if they had been cleansed by water. Shi Liu covered his heated face with embarrassment.

.

Shi Wu had noticed that Xiao Liu had been avoiding him for a few days. He assumed the young shuanger was upset him and he was trying to figure out how to make amends. Before he could come up with a solution, an imperial court transfer order arrived, instructing him to lead the army and garrison Baiyin City.

Taking up the new position would require about ten days to arrange matters, and once in office, he couldn’t leave the city at will. Realizing that Xiao Liu might not come to Baiyin City to find him unless necessary, then they could potentially be separated for a year and a half.

This concern left Shi Wu feeling anxious. He hurriedly entered Shi Liu’s room, but Shi Liu was in the middle of changing his clothes, so he quickly put them on. Seeing Shi Wu’s sudden appearance, Shi Liu glared at him with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, his face reddened.

Shi Wu turned away from the white shoulder he had glimpsed, cleared his throat, and closed the door.

Alone in the room with Shi Wu, Shi Liu couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. He wasn’t sure what he was afraid of, as normally, the fourth brother wouldn’t harm him. However, for some reason, he sensed danger in the air.

Without further ado, Shi Wu stated his purpose directly, “Xiao Liu, I’m going to Baiyin City to assume my new position in a few days. The general guarding the city can’t leave without good reason. I came here to ask you, what do you think of me these days? If you think I’m suitable, let our eldest brother arrange a wedding for us tomorrow, and once the wedding is done, we can go to Baiyin City together.”

“Wedding?!” Shi Liu exclaimed, taken aback, his face flushed, and he stammered, “T-tomorrow for the wedding is too soon…”

Hearing his response, Shi Wu felt elation. He took two steps forward, gently grasped Shi Liu’s pale fingers, and said, “If not tomorrow, then we’ll have the eldest brother make preparations first. Xiao Liu, are you willing to marry fourth brother?”

Shi Liu’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, it was too embarrassing for him to speak, so he simply nodded.

With joy, Shi Wu kissed Shi Liu’s blushing face, then rushed out to find Shi Mo to start the preparations for the wedding.