Mu Han Yao’s face darkened slightly as she recalled what she had said after carving the characters yesterday. Her thoughts sank as she spoke, “A commoner… A commoner is under the regent’s command.”
“As long as you remember.” Feng Autian was quite satisfied with Mu Han Yao’s response. Then he reached out to close the opened clothes and said, “From today on, you will resume your official position.”
Upon hearing this, Mu Han Yao took a step back, knelt on one knee, and expressed his gratitude, “This humble subject will not disappoint the regent’s high expectations and will defend the border with my life, not allowing a single step of the Qi nation soldiers.”
Feng Autian slightly bent over, helping him up, “Since you understand my intentions, there is no need for me to say more.”
“I have no other intentions.” Mu Han Yao lifted his gaze, locking eyes with her. He was only taking a gamble now, having spent just six or seven short hours with Feng Autian. However, he believed that the regent, though cruel, was not incompetent.
Now, with the people suffering and the Qi nation taking advantage to incite war, he had no choice but to take a gamble. If he lost, he would share the fate of Feng Country. If he won, there would be a glimmer of hope for Feng Country.
Feng Autian fell silent. Her goal had been achieved, and she could leave the next matters to Mu Han Yao. She could now return to the capital to handle other affairs.
The incident of her being attacked is undoubtedly related to the person in the capital. Now that he knows she is still alive, that person must be restless, perhaps planning other conspiracies. If she stays here for a few more days, there will be more disturbances in the capital. With her notorious reputation, if there is a rebellion in the capital, it would be difficult for her to return safely.
Outside the tent, Si Xi had already ordered someone to retrieve Mu Han Yao’s battle robe. “Your Highness, General Mu’s battle robe has been retrieved.”
“Well, wait for me and General Mu to wash up.” Feng Autian said coldly, the smile disappearing from between his eyebrows.
Mu Han Yao also remained solemn, maintaining the proper decorum between ruler and subject, standing respectfully beside Feng Autian.
Si Xi led the attendant eunuch into the tent, carefully serving Feng Autian and Mu Han Yao in washing and changing clothes.
Qingyi had been waiting outside the tent since early morning. Her complexion is slightly pale. She wore a long indigo gown, her hair secured with a bamboo hairpin. There was a fragrance of wood, different from the musky scent, and no trace of powder. She appeared delicate and fragile.
Last night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He couldn’t fathom why the regent spared his life. Thinking about her cruel methods, he couldn’t help but sigh, wondering if he could endure these three years.
After taking a bath, Feng Autian wore a long indigo robe with silver-threaded cloud patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs. A wide blue cloud-patterned silk ribbon was tied around her waist. Her black hair was tied up and adorned with a small silver crown inlaid with jade. The white jade on the silver crown was lustrous, enhancing the glossy darkness of her hair like satin.
Her phoenix eyes were cold and deep, her face resembling the autumn moon, exceptionally beautiful, exuding an extraordinary and noble air. Like a lofty sun, she was not to be directly looked at. She turned around, surveying Mu Han Yao, who was already dressed in front of her.
Mu Han Yao wore silver armor, his figure straight and towering like a towering pine tree, with a vigorous and majestic aura, and his sharp and bright eyes beneath his sword-like eyebrows radiated a powerful and extraordinary presence.
Feng Autian’s lips curled slightly as she approached unhurriedly, a charming smile on her face. “In the future, except for me, no one will be allowed to come within three steps of you, regardless of gender.”
Mu Han Yao’s deep eyes flashed with a hint of confusion, gazing at Feng Autian’s even more charming and beautiful face. He suppressed the doubt in his heart and replied in a deep voice, “I will obey.”
“I, the King, do not allow others to spy on me.” Feng Aotian warned coldly, “If someone dares to covet you, do you know the consequences?”
Mu Han Yao lowered his eyes, looking at Feng Autian’s slightly enchanting smile. The black pupils revealed a cold, ruthless, and bloodthirsty demeanor. Her words constantly reminded him that from now on, he, Mu Han Yao, was the regent’s person, the king’s man, not a subject. Even though he had no choice but to submit willingly, he couldn’t overcome the moral bottom line in his heart. Suppressing the tangled emotions within, he responded in a wooden tone, “I will obey.”
Feng Autian desired exactly this outcome. Instead of expending energy and time to regain the hearts of the soldiers in the camp, winning the loyalty of one influential person, who would undoubtedly be respected by the soldiers, was more effective.
“Go with me to welcome your Mu family troops back to camp.” Feng Autian raised her arm and casually tapped Mu Han Yao’s forehead. Then, she took his helmet and personally placed it on his head, took his hand, and walked out of the tent.
Mu Han Yao still felt awkward about Feng Autian’s casual gesture of tapping his forehead, but he had no choice. His hand was unexpectedly held by her, feeling soft compared to the solid warmth in his palm. Feng Autian’s hand was boneless, incredibly smooth.
He glanced sideways, scrutinizing Feng Autian’s profile. Various images of her floated in his mind, making it difficult to distinguish which one was the real her.
The two walked side by side, hands clasped, exiting the tent. The soldiers outside couldn’t help but cast their gazes on the pair.
The return of General Mu to the camp brought joy to the soldiers. However, seeing General Mu and the regent now walking out of the tent intimately, thoughts of the beloved General Mu being tainted by the regent last night overwhelmed them with sadness. The conflicting emotions left them both happy and sorrowful. They quickly averted their gaze, silently lamenting.
“I greet the Regent.” Qingyi looked at the two holding hands, suppressing the bitterness in her heart, and bowed.
Feng Autian glanced sideways at Qingyi. There was indeed no overpowering fragrance emanating from her body. Upon closer inspection, she seemed to exude a bit more tenderness. Feng Autian turned her gaze towards Mu Han Yao and remarked, “In the future, he will follow you. When he learns how to wield a knife and kill, send him back. Playing with such a fragile bone is not satisfying.”
“Yes.” Mu Han Yao was unsure why the regent wanted to keep Qingyi in the military camp. He raised his eyes, glanced at Qingyi, and recalled the scenes of her being with Feng Autian these past few days. For some reason, a trace of discomfort flashed through his mind.
Qingyi trembled slightly, softly responding, “I will obey.”
