“Is this statement true?” Feng Autian asked with a hint of disbelief.
“A man’s word is as weighty as Mount Tai; once spoken, it cannot be taken back,” Mu Hanyao replied resolutely. At this point, if he did not agree, the entire Mu family army would be destroyed at the hands of Feng Autian.
In just half an hour, Feng Autian had carefully orchestrated everything. First, he led Mu Hanyao into the woods, then guided the Mu family army into the forest, using this as leverage. Now, Mu Hanyao had no other choice.
“General, where are you?” Jibai also saw the wolf pack gradually closing in on them. They watched as the wolves bared their fangs, displaying a menacing appearance as if ready to devour them. The warhorses beneath them were panicking and stepping backward.
“We may have to fight for it,” Li Su drew his saber, issuing a stern command.
Jibai, steadier than Li Su, observed the situation. With the General’s life hanging in the balance and the formidable wolf pack before them, even with their bravery and military prowess, victory seemed elusive. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.
After a moment of contemplation, Jibai’s eyes darkened. “We’ve fallen into a trap.”
“A trap?” Li Su and the other generals focused their gaze on Jibai.
Jibai’s expression turned cold. “Feng Autian deliberately led us here, intending to force the General to submit. It’s us who have harmed the General.”
Upon hearing this, the generals’ faces grew even darker. However, in the current situation, what should they do?
Feng Autian nodded in satisfaction, lowering his gaze to observe the scene below. Moonlight bathed Jibai in a black suit of armor. While his appearance might not match Mu Hanyao’s extraordinary handsomeness, he was still a handsome young man, especially with those eyes that bore a resemblance to Mu Hanyao.
Mu Hanyao’s gloomy gaze remained fixed on Feng Autian, who was just a foot away. He couldn’t believe that Feng Autian was truly interested in him. However, the sudden incident, being inexplicably brought into the military camp, threatened and mocked by him, left Mu Hanyao in a passive position he had never experienced before.
Feng Autian turned his gaze, giving Mu Hanyao an indifferent glance. For now, he was just temporarily compromising, but deep down, Mu Hanyao was sure he wouldn’t accept this. The future held a long journey, and Feng Autian was determined to thoroughly subdue this spirited steed for her use.
“Since you’ve allowed me to handle it, then come back to the camp with me,” Feng Autian said, reaching out to grab Mu Hanyao’s wrist, leading them away from the woods.
Mu Hanyao spoke in a deep voice, “Regent, what about the soldiers trapped in the forest?”
“The night is silent. Since my precious ones couldn’t have a delightful feast, it’s good to take a look. Yesterday, I was almost in danger, and no one in the camp came to my aid. If not for your sake, would they have been unharmed? They’ve already become a meal for my precious ones early this morning.” Feng Autian’s eyes were chilling, his tone harboring a bloodthirsty intent. In this cold wind, the atmosphere became even more gruesome.
Mu Hanyao naturally knew about the events of yesterday. Although he was at the stone quarry, he still had a complete understanding of the happenings in the camp. Regarding the Regent’s actions in the tent, he was well aware, but despite all his calculations, he hadn’t anticipated that Feng Autian would act unexpectedly. Unlike in the past, Feng Autian didn’t act impulsively but set a trap, letting him fall into it on his own.
In an instant, Feng Autian brought Mu Hanyao into the tent. Outside the tent, the blue-clad figure was now disoriented, feeling a strong gust of cold wind passing by. Then, two shadows were seen entering the tent.
“Si Xi, prepare the bathwater,” Feng Autian’s cold voice echoed.
Si Xi, who was outside the tent, softly replied, “Yes, I will go and prepare it immediately.” After saying this, he ignored the kneeling figure not far away and quickly left.
Feng Autian released Mu Hanyao’s wrist and reclined on the soft couch.
Mu Hanyao stood upright on one side. The wrist that had been grabbed by Feng Autian still faintly retained a chill. He looked up, gazing at Feng Autian with a complex mood. Having heard about the Regent’s preferences, her harem was full of exceptionally beautiful young men. After each indulgence, they would be carried out of the sleeping quarters the next day, covered in wounds, and some cases, they even met their demise on the spot.
So, how should he handle himself tonight?
His pitch-black eyes flashed with a dark and resigned determination. He had endured various kinds of pain, and even if tonight brought a fate worse than death, he couldn’t waver. Compared to the plight of the Mu family’s soldiers, what was this humiliation to him?
Si Xi had already prepared the bath, quickly entering the tent and respectfully reporting, “Your Highness, the bath is ready.”
“Good, attend to General Mu for his bath and change of clothes,” Feng Autian said indifferently, playing with the warm jade in his hand.
“Yes.” Si Xi acknowledged and turned to Mu Hanyao, saying, “General Mu, please!”
Mu Hanyao’s face remained stern, his cold countenance devoid of any emotion. He turned and walked out of the tent.
After a refreshing bath, Mu Hanyao changed into a simple brown robe. His ink-black hair hung behind him, and Sisi instructed two eunuchs to attend to him.
Having led troops into battle for several years, Mu Hanyao was accustomed to handling his daily affairs. Seeing the two eunuchs approaching, he waved them off, saying, “No need.”
Si Xi signaled the two eunuchs to step back and personally pick up the hairband from the dressing table, handing it to Mu Hanyao. “General Mu, this is the hairband that His Highness usually likes the most.”
Mu Hanyao recalled the scene in the woods where Feng Autian had personally tied his hair. He lowered his gaze and accepted the hairband from Sisi, made of cloud-patterned silk that felt smooth to the touch. His slender fingers touched it delicately. Almost absentmindedly, he lifted his hand and used it to tie his hair, walking steadily towards Feng Autian’s tent.
As he approached the entrance of the Regent’s tent, Mu Hanyao glanced at the figure of the young man kneeling not far away. The man was beautifully delicate, like a weak willow in the wind, indeed a rare handsome youth.
The young man raised his eyes, meeting Mu Hanyao’s profound gaze. His heart sank as he quickly lowered his eyes. Filled with sorrow, he thought of the General he had admired since childhood. Now, he was forced to associate intimately with the Regent. What hope did he have left? With these thoughts, he resigned himself to his fate.
Mu Hanyao only gave him a brief look before turning away indifferently and entering the tent. Inside, Feng Autian still reclined on the soft couch, and as Mu Hanyao entered, a playful smile curled up at the corner of his mouth.
Seeing this, Si Xi quickly exited the tent and lifted his gaze to glance at the sky, his expression unsettled.
