Chapter 5

Chapter 5

My mother and the others were taken by Xiao Xing’s various subordinates, traveling separately.

We would reunite once we reached Mobei.

In just two short hours, the sheer extent of Xiao Xing’s influence had already left me awestruck.

We were currently staying at a courier station. The stationmaster treated him with profound respect, acting as if Xiao Xing were merely passing through on official business.

“Why were you willing to be imprisoned, General?”

I stood outside the washroom holding medicinal ointment. Xiao Xing emerged from his bath, bare-chested; the scars covering his body were a harrowing sight.

He sat down, and I began applying the medicine to his back.

“They had ironclad evidence that I couldn’t refute, so I decided to stay in the cell for a few days.”

Xiao Xing spoke nonchalantly about why he had been accused of treason.

His trusted Deputy General had defected to the Crown Prince and forged evidence of his crimes. After reading it, even Xiao Xing felt the charges were masterfully crafted, even praising the Deputy General for his improved competence.

As for why the Imperial Court hadn’t executed him?

He simply said, with total indifference-did they think the soldiers he raised were just for show?

I said, “Having survived such a narrow brush with death, you are bound to have great fortune in the future, General.”

He finished dressing and turned back to look at me.

“In that case, you must be a person of great fortune as well.”

I smiled and agreed.

“Only thanks to your blessing, General.”

He smiled without a word and walked over to lean against the bed.

I stopped by the bedside and removed my outer robe.

“Move over a bit, General. I’ll sleep on the outside so I can look after you during the night.”

When I finished speaking, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes, and the tips of his ears turned slightly red, though he quickly regained his composure.

“You are the most interesting woman I have ever met.”

I let down my hair and placed the lamp by the bedside.

“In what way am I interesting?” I asked him under the lamplight.

He smiled but didn’t answer.

“I offered myself to you, General, in exchange for saving my family. Now that you’ve done so, I must keep my promise.”

I lowered my gaze, my fingers twisting together tightly. I was terrified.

I had once fantasized about my wedding night-the flickering candlelight, the soft warmth of the silk quilts…

But I never expected it would be a transaction made after my family’s ruin, taking place inside this dilapidated courier station.

“You certainly are a woman of your word,” Xiao Xing said, propping up his cheek as he watched me. “However, I have a question.”

I took a deep breath and sat on the edge of the bed, signaling for him to ask.

“After tonight, what are your plans?”

I looked up at him abruptly, frowning.

“What do you mean? Does the General only want a fleeting affair?”

“I think it’s Miss Yun who’s looking for a fleeting affair!” Xiao Xing’s expression darkened slightly, as if he were dissatisfied with me.

I looked at him in bewilderment.

“Tell me about the future. What is your plan?” Xiao Xing’s gaze swept across my collarbone, lingering for a moment before shifting to the candle flame.

The flame flickered and went out.

The room was pitch black; there was only the sound of our breathing close to one another.

I said softly, “My brothers were exiled to Mobei. I want to save them. First, I must ensure my family’s survival, then I’ll make further plans.”

He suddenly sat upright, very close to me.

“And then?” he asked.

“I will slowly plot my return to the capital for revenge.” I gripped the bedsheets, leaning back to support myself. Even if I couldn’t see him, I could feel his overwhelming, aggressive presence.

This man was like a predatory beast.

He was unlike any man I had ever met.

“And then?” He leaned forward a bit more.

“If I’m still alive, I’ll just live my life well.” I couldn’t hold my position any longer; my arms began to wobble.

Suddenly, a hand caught my waist. He pulled me upright and grumbled with dissatisfaction, “You talk too much nonsense.”

I was baffled. Didn’t I only speak because you asked?

He rolled over to sleep with his back to me, then muttered, “I had someone bring a daybed. You’ll sleep there in a moment.”

“Are you sure, General?”

“Do you really think I fell for your attempt at seduction?” He whipped the blanket aside and stared at me.

I never knew someone’s eyes could be so bright in the dark.

Displeasure and mockery were written plainly in his gaze.

“I told you that you’re ugly. Your charms don’t work on me.” With that, he pulled the covers back over himself and ignored me.

This man!

Just as I was about to speak, the stationmaster knocked on the door and brought in a daybed and bedding, placing it next to the bed.

I lay down fully clothed and, surprisingly, had a dreamless night.

The next day, we switched to a carriage. Although there were searches along the way, Xiao Xing always found a way to avoid them.

I was still wondering why Xiao Xing had been unhappy.

Lifting the window curtain to look outside, I saw seven or eight small children playing in the fields. On a sudden whim, I asked him, “Do you like children, General?”

He had been resting with his eyes closed, but he suddenly opened them to look at me, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

I didn’t understand the meaning of that strange smile until we reached Mobei.

When the carriage stopped, seven or eight children suddenly rushed out into the street, boys and girls alike surrounding Xiao Xing.

They clamored all at once, “Daddy’s back!”

There was even a toddler who was just learning to walk, calling him “Daddy” in a slurred voice.

He suddenly scooped up the toddler and tucked the child into my arms, instructing, “Call her Mother!”

The child threw his arms around my neck and gave me a soft, mushy kiss on the cheek.

Showing off his tiny teeth, he smiled at me and called out in a crisp, clear voice.

“Mommy.”