Mu Hanyao reached out and slapped Feng Aotian’s hand covering his eyes. He turned around and turned his back to her. He tried his best to hide the flutter and panic in his heart that she had noticed when he saw her profile just now. Cursing myself loudly, how could I look at a man and become crazy? Moreover, he is still the cruel regent who is unbearable.
With a deepening gaze and tightly pursed lips, he questioned himself repeatedly, trying to understand what had come over him that day.
Feng Autian, noticing his reaction, paused briefly but paid it no mind. She casually lay on the bed, having not slept the previous night and busy throughout the day. Fatigue was setting in, and she soon fell into a peaceful slumber.
As the tension in his body gradually eased, the tent became exceptionally quiet. With each passing moment, he slowly released the burdens of the day. Accompanied by the faint breathing sounds from behind, he, too, succumbed to a gentle sleep.
In the woods, Ji Bai and others were in a stalemate with the wolves. They could neither attack by force nor let the wolves succeed. Therefore, they suffered from the cold wind all night and faced the wolves with all their strength until dawn.
Feng Aotian always slept lightly. Even if she was exhausted, she would not fall into a deep sleep without knowing it. Therefore, she only rested for two hours. As the sky grew brighter, she no longer felt sleepy.
Rising to her feet, Feng Autian lifted the brocade quilt and saw Muhanyao lying motionless with his back towards her. Of course, she was aware that he had awakened the moment she opened her eyes.
Feng Autian walked behind the screen, undressed from her regular attire, fastened her chest, and emerged. She found Muhanyao already settled, wearing the attire from the previous night, standing respectfully to the side.
“Come here.” Feng Autian stood solemnly in place, wearing a slight smile with a lingering tenderness in her eyes. She believed that those close to her should be treated with gentleness.
Muhanyao gazed directly at Feng Autian, observing her graceful and elegant figure. She looked like a queen, adorned in her purple garments, bathed in the soft morning light, exuding a stunning beauty. He found it difficult to reconcile this image with the ruthless regent. He couldn’t help but wonder if something had changed.
Having heard earlier about the unpredictable nature of the regent, he began to suspect whether this was a prelude to her cruel actions. With the weight of too many responsibilities on his shoulders, including the honor of the Mu family army, the solace of the Mu Mansion in the distant capital, and his imprisoned brother, he felt he had no right to refuse. The throbbing pain at the spot where the letter was engraved on his chest served as a constant reminder that from now on, Muhanyao belonged to the regent.
With a stern countenance, his black brocade robe radiating a dazzling glow, he approached her with firm and measured steps. Each step felt arduous yet signified his commitment to her.
Feng Autian, seeing his persistently cold expression, walked toward her, maintaining a proper distance. She then spoke in a deep voice, “Too far, come closer.”
Muhanyao tried to keep a distance from her, maintaining a mere two feet between them. Even at this close proximity, they could discern subtle changes in each other’s facial expressions. Wasn’t this close enough?
He took a step forward, bridging the last barrier between them, leaving no room for retreat.
Feng Autian, with her slender figure, was still slightly shorter than Muhanyao. Now, with the two of them standing so close, she was half a head shorter than him.
He remained expressionless, his face unchanged, and his cold and profound gaze focused straight ahead. It was unclear what he was looking at. Feeling somewhat ignored, Feng Autian habitually raised her finger and tapped his forehead, saying, “Lower your head.”
Muhanyao had already been playfully tapped on the forehead twice by Feng Autian, an unexpectedly skillful gesture coming from a man, especially directed at him. It felt a bit awkward, yet strangely, he didn’t feel the slightest aversion. Obediently lowering his head, he met her slightly narrowed phoenix eyes.
Compared to his own deep black and bright eyes, exuding a chilling severity, hers were even more captivating, now carrying a hint of amusement. The contrast made them seem profound and enchanting. At a glance, it was impossible to look away.
Muhanyao thought that a man too beautiful was somewhat otherworldly, but this regent was not only handsome but also possessed an inherent charm that belonged to women. Moreover, she had an unreachable dignity and elegance, creating a conflicting allure. Even as a man, just this gentle smile at this moment could make one lose self-control, regardless of gender.
“Si Xi, bring General Mu’s armor. From now on, he will stay in my tent,” Feng Autian said, gazing directly at Muhanyao.
“Yes, I’ll go right away,” Si Xi quickly responded and hurried toward the tent where Muhanyao used to stay.
Seeing Muhanyao’s gaze fixed on her, Feng Autian’s smile deepened. She raised her hand, pulling at his attire. Staring at his chest, which was swollen and bruised, she focused on the distinct “天” character. Her fingers traced over his chest inch by inch, creating a burning sensation as if the skin was scorched. When Feng Autian withdrew her fingers, the redness on his chest disappeared. The character remained, resembling a birthmark eternally engraved on his skin, a memory he couldn’t forget.
“What does this represent?” Feng Autian pointed at the “天” character, asking in a cold tone.
