page 52

"It's your incompetence," Fu Rushuang retorted through gritted teeth, "You're a bastard. You... you deceived me!"

"Ha ha ha!" Laughing, Xia Zhijin grabbed her hair, flinging her to the ground.

She landed hard on the white bones, a sharp pain shot through her back.

Moaning, she scrambled toward the bed using hands and feet, terrified of the bones beneath her.

Xia Zhijin's laughter bordered on manic as he took a long whip from the wall. With a swift strike, it lashed across Fu Rushuang's scar-covered back.

"No... please, it hurts..."

Curling up with her head shielded, she tried to find refuge in a corner. But the whip, precise as raindrops, found its mark every time.

"Stop it! I... I... let me out, and I will get you evidence of Fu Yicen's rebellion..."

She cried out, her voice escalating to a near scream by the end.

Xia Zhijin scoffed, "You're no longer valuable. His new favorite is Zhou Rendong."

"Zhou Rendong."

Fu Rushuang's eyes blazed with fury.

Zhou Rendong!

It's all because of you that I ended up in this mess!

If ever get out, I'll turn Zhou Rendong to ashes.

Xia Zhijin lifted her chin with the handle of the whip, flashing a wicked smile, "This chamber was originally intended for Zhou Rendong. Consider it a perk, you disfigured wretch."

Grinding her teeth, Fu Rushuang darted her eyes around, taking in the bones scattered across the floor.

She wouldn't allow herself to meet the same fate as those beneath her feet, tortured to death by Xia Zhijin and left to rot, forgotten and nameless.

She had tricks up her sleeve yet to be played!

With a sly grin, she proposed, "Release me, and I'll bring Zhou Rendong to you."

"I have my own ways."

Clenching her fists, Fu Rushuang panted, "I... I can assist you. Zhou Rendong... he won't escape."

Xia Zhijin raised an eyebrow, letting out a soft chuckle. Without confirming nor denying, with a mere gesture, he threw her onto the bed, descending on her like a beast devoid of humanity...

At the entrance of the General's mansion.

A discreet carriage, escorted by two rows of guards, awaited as the coachman led forth a majestic chestnut steed.

Fu Yicen took Zhou Rendong by the hand and guided him into the carriage, which was lined with a plush blanket and equipped with a warmer.

"Yuan Yue will accompany you. I'll be heading out of the city to lead the troops."

Zhou Rendong nodded obediently, clutching the small medicine box that Chu Yu had prepared for him. "Where are Dr. Chu and Mister Liu?"

"They've been waiting outside the city gates since early morning," Fu Yicen responded, tapping Zhou's nose affectionately. "I saw you sleeping soundly and decided to let you rest a while longer."

Zhou Rendong's cheeks flushed momentarily, and he looked away, embarrassed.

The shame of causing a delay in the departure because of oversleeping weighed on him.

Fu Yicen lifted Zhou's chin and captured his moist lips. After a tender conquest, the younger man's face had turned beet red, his body softening.

"I should get going now," Fu Yicen murmured with a gentle laugh, "I've prepared books, snacks, and tea for you. Rest if you're tired..."

"I know, I know." Zhou Rendong, still blushing, pushed him towards the exit.

How did he become so naggy like an old man?

Expelled from the carriage by his spouse, Fu Yicen chuckled and shook his head, then gracefully mounted his steed, leading the team out of the city with a commanding presence.

After traveling for seven days, facing the elements, Zhou Rendong's mood had darkened.

That evening, under the radiant moonlight and twinkling stars, the beautiful countryside unfolded.

Fu Yicen gave orders to set up camp at the foot of a hill, allowing the troops some early rest. He then took Zhou Rendong along a nearby trail, following the sound of running water to get some fresh air.

The secluded path led to a hidden paradise—a shimmering creek.

"It's so beautiful."

Zhou Rendong, previously trapped in mundane toil, had seldom experienced the captivating beauty of nature. The sight of a mere creek could uplift his spirits for a long time.

He joyfully ran towards it, scooping up a handful of crystal-clear water, watching the ripples under the moonlight, and breaking into a delighted smile.

"Look," he said, presenting the water to Fu Yicen with a proud, beaming face. "The water's so clear, you can see the fish—"

Before he could finish, Fu Yicen, unable to resist any longer, leaned down to capture his lips in a kiss.

Zhou Rendong's eyes widened in surprise. Tilting his head back, he let his mouth open in submission, becoming so engrossed that he forgot to breathe. The water he held spilled through his fingers, trickling down like a gentle stream.

"General... mm..."

His breathing grew heavier. Fu Yicen had no choice but to release him, cold fingers brushed against his flushed cheek, a soft chuckle escaping, "Silly boy."

Can't he remember to breathe?

Zhou Rendong huffed, slightly irked by Fu Yicen's teasing, but naively leaned into him as if seeking comfort, much like a clingy pet seeking its owner's embrace.

Fu Yicen wrapped an arm around Zhou Rendong's waist, tilting his chin up, peering into his eyes for a lingering moment. Swallowing hard, his heart raced, a surge of warmth emanating from his lower abdomen.

"Dong'er..." his voice was raspy.

Understanding his implication, Zhou Rendong retreated slightly, murmuring, "Not now."

Last time, it had been under the influence, and in his hazed state, he'd been the one to initiate.

His instinctual refusal gave way to fear that Fu Yicen might be angered. And yet, he irresistibly leaned in, raising his fair, moonlit face closer to his.

"A kiss... just a kiss, alright?"

His voice trembled with hesitance as he spoke.

Fu Yicen, feeling overwhelmed inside, gently pulled him back by the shoulders.

"No more kisses."

If he continued, he wasn't sure he could control himself.

Zhou Rendong, thinking Fu Yicen was upset, mustered the courage to pout, "My lord, I want to kiss you!"

Fu Yicen paused, his eyes darkening with emotion. His heart fluttered.

My lord...

"Say it again," Fu Yicen coaxed, "and I'll kiss you."