The moon is frost-like, and evening arrives at the dark mountain peak; cold light illuminates the iron armor.
Feng Autian has no trace of sleepiness. When she used to dwell with the wolf pack, the night was the prime time for hunting. Later, as she became a shadow, every cold and windy night marked the time for her bloodthirsty killings.
Now, with no need for hunting or bloodshed, she skillfully bandaged the arrow wound on her chest. On the first day of her rebirth, she found an unexpected moment of leisure.
The night is quiet. If it were the usual, the regent prince’s tent would be filled with nightly revelries, intoxicated and dreaming. The sound of music and revelry would carry for miles, portraying an extravagant scene quite unlike a military campaign.
Such behavior seems more like the lord enjoying scenic outings with beautiful companions, rather than marching and fighting. It appears luxurious and pleasing, far from the harsh reality of war.
However, it truly reflects the lines of that poem, “The commercial girl is unaware of the nation’s sorrow, singing happily across the river.”
Unfortunately, this regent cares little for women and exclusively favors men, maintaining a harem of three thousand beautiful youths, indulging in nightly revelry.
Now, having marched to the border for five days, any soldiers with outstanding looks are summoned into his tent. Those who resist face severe punishment, with countless being torn apart alive.
With her peculiar temperament, any slight mistake may trigger his wrath. In just a few days, numerous military leaders have been killed by him. From generals to soldiers, all endure silently, full of resentment. No one dares to express their anger, as this regent seems truly blessed by the heavens. Possessing extraordinary martial skills, he is unmatched in his brutality. No one dares to confront him.
Currently, morale among the troops is low, rather than pledging unwavering loyalty, those stationed at the border hope for the swift demise of this ominous ruler. They yearn for an end to the devastation, praying that no more lives will be lost and that the people will no longer suffer.
The regent, oblivious to the growing discontent caused by his immoral behavior, was becoming a target for countless people who wanted him gone.
Li Ying knew that the current calm wouldn’t last long. Since she didn’t meet her end, those who wished her harm were likely restless, secretly plotting on how to end her life.
Remembering the past life of this body, she realized that despite his indulgence, she wasn’t naive. Aware that many sought her death, leaving the military camp alone for a distant place seemed unwise.
She was good at hiding her thoughts. Who could guess her defiance of norms, falling in love with her royal brother, the late emperor who passed away two years ago?
The person who lured her away possessed the same appearance and figure as the late emperor, who was her Achilles’ heel. However, with a shred of reason, she relentlessly pursued the distant figure that seemed like a world away.
It was evident that this person had meticulously planned, understanding her thoughts and manipulating her like a puppet. Otherwise, how could they have led away the two souls with the highest martial arts skills by her side? Despite the valiant efforts of the hidden guards, they ultimately couldn’t escape the fate of being killed.
Looking back on the past, it was nothing more than fleeting memories. The connection between her and that person was also a thing of the past. Until her last moment, she faced death with a smile on her lips.
What confused her was that, with her strong martial skills, it shouldn’t have been so easy for others to take advantage of her. There must be something overlooked.
Feng Autian stood quietly outside the tent on the grass, holding a piece of white jade behind her. She delicately touched the warm jade with her slender fingers, and the moonlight created a calm atmosphere.
The person in green hesitated but moved forward, looking at Feng Autian standing solemnly outside the tent. The regent’s face was cold, and he wore a satin robe, giving off a chilly vibe.
As the cold wind blew in, he suddenly felt a chill and quickly looked away. After a brief adjustment, his features softened with a faint smile. His handsome face, set against the cold moonlight, gained a touch of charm. He hastened his steps with gentle movements.
In recent days, he could be considered the regent’s favorite. The idea of a strong man like him having to mimic a woman’s coquetry and willingly share intimacy with another man made him shiver at times.
But, now that things had come to this point, how could he abandon it halfway? He endured the shame, willing to be despised by the world, simply because the regent disliked the cultivation of Du Ruo. An order was given that anyone found growing Du Ruo would face extermination of their entire family and public execution.
Poor him and his family of over ten people, all facing destruction just because of the regent’s dislike. He likely managed to escape the calamity, but now, he probably faces a fate worse than death.
Setting aside the resentment in his heart, he approached quickly, and his body unconsciously leaned towards Feng Autian. With a coquettish tone, he said, “My lord, you’re naughty, just now…”
Before his hands could reach Feng Autian’s arm and finish his playful words, he met a pair of eyes as cold as an icy pond. The regent’s demeanor sent shivers down his spine.
He froze for a moment, still holding back the rest of his words, but a sudden gust of cold wind enveloped him. Before he could react, with a splash, he fell into the icy lake one li away.
Feng Autian cast a disdainful glance at his sleeve, tainted by the strong and pungent fragrance he had inadvertently picked up. Lifting her left hand behind her back, she pointed her index finger at the sleeve, and a piece of satin was carried away by the wind.
The lake water was bone-chilling, and after struggling in the lake for a while, the person in green managed to climb ashore. Exhausted and lying on the cold ground, he gasped for air. When the regent returned, he thought there would be a furious outburst or perhaps summoning male concubines for retribution. Unexpectedly, the regent returned to the tent in silence, as if the dangerous incident just now had nothing to do with him.
He pondered in secret, wondering if the regent was tired of him after being coldly treated twice today. Or perhaps, did the regent harbor suspicions about him?
At this thought, he suddenly sat up from the ground, feeling uneasy. Upon further consideration, it couldn’t be the case. If the regent truly suspected him, he would already be a corpse.
With an anxious heart, he dragged his damp green clothes, looking disheveled, and walked towards the military camp. No, he couldn’t give up like this. At this point, he had no choice. Even if it meant death, he had to give it a desperate try.
Feng Autian didn’t enter the tent but stood there coldly. She was convinced that this person approaching her had ulterior motives. However, she wanted to know more about who was behind him, pulling the strings.
Shrinking, the man in green returned to the military camp. The bone-chilling cold wind ruthlessly swept across his already-soaked body. His lips turned bluish, but he stubbornly clenched his teeth.
The sudden incident just now was witnessed by many soldiers. Knowing the regent’s temperament, they considered the punishment relatively light. However, looking at the disheveled man in green, they couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy.
Wearing a straight posture as much as possible, Qing Yi dismissed the significance of such humiliation. Compared to the inhuman torment in the intimacy of the bed, he had to feign an extremely indulgent posture, which couldn’t truly be considered anything.
With his body growing numb, he raised his gaze only to find that the Regent had not returned to his tent. He still stood tall like an icy peak. Qing Yi twitched his frozen lips, lowered his eyes, and unsteadily approached Feng Autian. Kneeling, he said sorrowfully, “This servant has displeased the Lord. Please punish me, my Lord.”
