Feng Autian’s cold eyes swept over the kneeling generals at her feet, including the steadfast Mu Hanyao who stood proudly before her, unmoved. Some people need no flattery, no groveling, and certainly no fawning sycophants. He was like a thousand-year-old forged mystic iron sword, honed through countless trials and fires, becoming sharper and more unstoppable with each passing test.
Mu Hanyao was just such a fine sword. He possessed a belief that could stand tall against the heavens, a conviction that kept him alive: the glory of the Mu family army, and the oath to serve the country with unwavering loyalty.
Who wouldn’t know of the loyalty of the Mu family army? Who wouldn’t admire the unwavering determination of the Mu family army to defend their home and country?
In their eyes, Feng Autian was nothing more than a bloodthirsty and tyrannical king. They naturally scorned him and would never bow down to him. Their allegiance lay with the proud Mu family army and, above all, with the loyal general, Mu Hanyao, who had stood by their side through life and death.
Now, the Regent Prince, who they should have dismissed with disdain, someone they wished to kill for good, dared to speak to them with such contempt. It was as if he was condemning them to hell, and the bone-chilling cold penetrated their entire beings. The generals trembled in both body and soul.
“General, it’s this subordinate’s fault,” Li Su’s face turned ashen, repeatedly kowtowing to Mu Hanyao. Lowering his head, he glanced at the dagger he had worn for many years, the one that had witnessed his countless kills. Raising his hand, he struck his own head.
A gust of cold wind swept through. Mu Hanyao remained bare-chested, and a forceful clap echoed as he knocked Li Su’s hand away.
“The soldiers of the Mu family army will never be so timid. Rather die on the battlefield than die by your own hands,” Mu Hanyao coldly rebuked.
Li Su endured regret and lifted his gaze, staring into the resolute eyes of Mu Hanyao. Although Mu Hanyao was now without a shred of clothing, he seemed to be clad in silver armor, standing before them like a giant pillar. It felt as though with him around, all difficulties and dangers could be easily overcome.
Mu Hanyao turned coldly and faced Feng Autian, who was kneeling on one knee. With neither humility nor arrogance, he asked, “May this humble one dare to inquire why the Regent Prince summoned this humble one?”
Jibai raised his eyes and, along with the other generals, gazed at the upright figure before them. In the dazzling candlelight, his figure appeared even more imposing. The collapsed mountain that they seemed to be earlier now stood tall before them once again, as if it had experienced a thousand years without ever crumbling.
Feng Autian smiled with satisfaction in his heart. She had indeed chosen the right person. Confronted with his current situation, he remained calm and composed, displaying an air of great dignity. It was evident that the strength of his inner restraint had reached an unsurpassable limit. However, it had not yet reached the level of satisfaction in Feng Autian’s mind.
Nevertheless, there was plenty of time ahead. Now was the opportune moment, and whether it led to life or death depended entirely on his decision.
“Ji Zhonglang, based on Lieutenant Li’s arrogant words today, showing disloyalty to the state and disrespect to this king, according to military regulations, how should he be dealt with?” Feng Autian caressed the warm jade in his hand with one hand, while the other arm naturally hung at his side. His phoenix eyes were cold and fierce.
Jibai, upon hearing this, suddenly raised his gaze and coincidentally met Feng Autian’s piercing eyes. Lowering his eyes, he truthfully replied, “According to the law, he should be beheaded, and his nine generations should be exterminated.”
“If bystanders do not intervene and allow such words, what crime should they be charged with?” Feng Autian’s slender jade-like fingers glided over the warm jade, casting a cold gleam on Jibai’s face.
Jibai’s face turned pale, and his mind trembled. In a low voice, he said, “Anyone involved will be sentenced to hanging, and their families will be sent to the bitterly cold lands of the North Pole, never to return.”
“Mu Hanyao, even though you have been relieved of your general’s position, you are still the leader of the Mu family army. In this matter, you cannot escape blame either.” Feng Autian solemnly stood up, leisurely walking to Mu Hanyao’s front. His cold and handsome face took on a layer of bloodthirsty chill. “Among these nine generations, it also includes you. The Mu Mansion will undoubtedly be the first to bear the brunt.”
Mu Hanyao’s eyes were cold and deep. He lowered his gaze, concealing the anger in his heart, but more than that, there was shame. The glory of the Mu family for a hundred years should not be destroyed by his hands. “If the Regent Prince truly orders this, this humble one and his family will certainly comply. However, as the war is imminent, the military morale is in turmoil, and the enemy may seize the opportunity at any time. This humble one earnestly requests the Regent Prince to consider temporarily postponing the execution.”
“We implore the Regent Prince to temporarily postpone the execution!” Jibai and the others pleaded in unison.
A subtle victorious smile appeared at the corner of Feng Autian’s mouth. Then, he spoke in a deep voice, “Are you trying to use the safety of the border regions to persuade me to relent?”
“Exactly,” Mu Hanyao replied in a solemn tone.
“Mu Hanyao, I have never known the meaning of relenting. If you want me to change my decision, you must show sincerity,” Feng Aotian’s mouth tilted. “You should understand my intentions.”
Mu Hanyao’s eyes tightened. He truly didn’t understand what plans the Regent Prince had in mind. Hadn’t Han Jin been insulted enough? Did he, too, have to fall into such a state?
Even if the Regent Prince showed mercy, what authority would he have in the army? Even if he relented, how could he face his ancestors and forefathers? How could he face the soldiers who had fought alongside him without a clear conscience?
Li Su and Jibai’s expressions turned cold. They quickly lifted their gazes and focused on Mu Hanyao. They exchanged a gesture, indicating that if the situation became irreparable, they would not hesitate to take action. Even if it meant killing the Regent Prince, the country still had an emperor in place. Although young, as long as they guarded the border faithfully, when the young emperor came of age, they would still be the loyal Mu family army.
Mu Hanyao knew of Feng Autian’s martial prowess. Earlier, he had easily subdued him, revealing the depth of his martial skills. Killing him would not be an easy task.
Seeing Mu Hanyao remain silent, Feng Autian cast a glance at Jibai and the others. He observed their covert actions, chuckling coldly. He raised his arm and snapped his fingers skyward. “Since you are unwilling, I won’t force you. The treasures I keep in the forest are now starving, urgently in need of food. If you refuse to be my man, then I’ll reward you to them.”
She finished coldly, murderous intent gleaming in her eyes. In an instant, she and the two soul reapers flew into the tent. Before Mu Hanyao’s feet touched the ground, he had been lifted by the two soul reapers and swiftly taken away.
Jibai and the others were instantly alarmed, and Li Su, even more so, turned pale with shock. Recalling the gruesome scene in the forest, he quickly shouted, “Not good! The general is likely already taken into the woods five miles away. There are wolf packs there.”
“Regent Prince, if anything happens to the general, we will surely follow him,” Jibai signaled to the others, speaking boldly to Feng Autian. Meanwhile, he slowly drew the dagger from his waist.
