Chapter 263
The envoy team was mostly composed of people arranged by Xu Lanxin to monitor Lin Qingyang. It could be said that apart from Lu Shi, there were no allies among them.
After about ten days of travel, their team arrived at the city where the army of the Huo family was stationed.
Originally, they had heard that Huo Luo had led the people to retreat to another city, and they thought it would be a scene of chaos and overcrowding. However, upon entering the city, they found that Huo Luo had managed everything well. Although the common people were still uneasy, with the flags of the Huo family army present, they knew that at least they wouldn’t be abandoned and exploited as they had been several years ago.
The envoy team waited near the city gate for Huo Luo to come and receive them.
Passing by, the common people couldn’t help but glance at them.
Lin Qingyang sat in the teahouse drinking tea, overhearing people nearby murmuring.
“Why negotiate? Why not just fight those bastards directly?”
“Yeah, haven’t we suffered enough injustice from them, the people of the Great Zhou?”
“Tianheng Kingdom is acting so arrogantly. If we keep retreating, we’ll only embolden them. I wonder what the officials in the court are thinking.”
“Look at who’s in charge now. What kind of courage does a girl like her have?”
“Don’t we have a new Grand General? Where is he? Enjoying himself in the capital? Seems like just another group of elites who don’t care about the life and death of us border people.”
“The dignity of the Great Zhou has been completely tarnished. We’re lucky if we can just protect ourselves, let alone seek revenge against Tianheng Kingdom.”
“You can’t say that. General Huo made the right decision. With three hundred thousand soldiers blocking our path, he can’t lead us to our deaths. Even if he’s the Crown Prince… even if he’s a military genius, there’s nothing he can do.”
“Did you just mention that criminal? You…”
“Hush, you can’t talk recklessly now. You don’t know… Actually, the truth from back then wasn’t like that at all. I came back from doing business outside the area, and the news here is so restricted, it hasn’t reached here yet. Look, this is the unjust decree issued by the court. Let me tell you, actually back then…”
“Oh my! I’ve heard rumors that the royal family would do anything for the throne, but it’s true? So you mean the Crown Prince was really framed?”
“More than that. The blood feud of the people from those three cities was all pinned on him? The late emperor was truly… ruthless. What a pity for the Crown Prince.”
“Hmph, I’ve been saying it all along, you kids don’t know a thing about what happened back then.” An elderly person became increasingly excited as they spoke.
“Back then, the Crown Prince and General Qi were invincible, undefeated in battle. We’ve been weak for so many years, but we’ve never been so resolute. The determination they showed could extend my life by several years. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. The soldiers the Crown Prince commanded were all skilled fighters who could take on three opponents at once. Their spirit was unmatched, even by the current forces of the Huo family. The way they collapsed like a mountain defeated in battle seemed fake to me. I said there must be hidden circumstances, but no one believed me. They even scolded me…”
The old man’s words immediately caught the attention of those around, and the discussions grew louder. It seemed that such discussions were quite common recently.
Lu Shi chuckled softly and whispered, “They were just as passionate when they cursed our master back then.”
“No enlightenment without comparison,” Lin Qingyang smiled. “At least for the people here, certain realizations are the most profound.”
The two were just talking when Huo Luo brought his troops to pick them up.
Huo Luo’s originally stern face finally relaxed a bit when he saw Lin Qingyang, and he immediately led them back to the temporary general’s residence.
After closing the door, the three could finally talk in peace.
“Do you know where Lishu is? Have you been in contact with him?”
“I don’t know either. There are too many eyes around me. Once, when I was out, I saw the secret code we used with Big Brother Qi before. It hinted for me to retreat, so I ordered the withdrawal before the army of Tianheng arrived. As expected, Tianheng only pressed our borders and didn’t attack, as if just threatening.”
“Could it be that the master knew you were imprisoned, so he deliberately used this method to rescue you?” Lu Shi looked at Lin Qingyang.
Huo Luo said, “I also think so, but it doesn’t rule out the possibility that it was done by Yu Suoxi.”
Everyone knows that Yu Suox is the one in power in Tianheng Kingdom. After all, how could Chu Lishu mobilize so many troops within two months?
But if it’s not Chu Lishu, then why would they ask Huo Luo to retreat? And why pretend not to attack?
Lin Qingyang couldn’t figure it out either. “Anyway, as long as Chu Lishu is involved in this matter,” Lin Qingyang said. He didn’t want to worry too much. Right now, all he wanted was to see Chu Lishu.
Staying on Huo Luo’s side for only a day, Tianheng Kingdom immediately sent a messenger to arrange for someone to escort the envoy to the imperial city for negotiations. Usually, when two armies meet, they negotiate at the border. But this time, since neither side had engaged in battle, the other side insisted on meeting in the imperial city. As the weaker party, Huo Luo had no choice but to agree.
Huo Luo was worried and wanted to send someone to accompany them. After all, they couldn’t trust the envoy’s team. However, with the three hundred thousand strong army blocking the way, no one was allowed to approach. All Huo Luo could do was anxiously watch Lin Qingyang leave with the envoy’s team.
The team sent by Tianheng Kingdom to escort the envoy was a well-equipped and elite group, said to be the exclusive guards of the royal family. Normally, they wouldn’t be used to receive envoys, but this time was an exception.
Lin Qingyang wanted to inquire about the situation, but he couldn’t find a way to start. Even when Lu Shi went to eavesdrop, he didn’t hear anything significant. It seemed like everything was ordered by that young emperor.
After another five days of travel, when they reached the final relay station before reaching the imperial city, the guards suddenly presented Lin Qingyang with a set of luxurious ceremonial garments.
“Please, Lord it’s necessary for you to change into these garments tomorrow. A royal carriage will be specifically sent to escort you into the imperial city.”
Immediately, someone from the envoy team stepped forward to voice their objection, “Envoys have their own official attire. How can we casually wear clothes sent by Tianheng Kingdom? Are you trying to insult us?”
“Exactly! And look at these bright colors. Are we envoys meant to be objects of spectacle?”
“Gentlemen, arguing with us won’t change anything. Someone will come to escort you tomorrow, and if you refuse to wear them, we don’t know what might happen,” the leader of the guard clearly issued a veiled threat.
The envoy team was in turmoil outside, and Lin Qingyang and Lu Shi couldn’t understand what was happening. They weren’t familiar with diplomatic protocols either. However, Lin Qingyang felt the fine craftsmanship of the garment, clearly a top-quality item adorned with auspicious mythical creatures and clouds. It shouldn’t be meant to insult anyone. But that shade of red… was just too conspicuous.
Lin Qingyang curiously took out the garment and tried it on, even putting on the outer coat.
Lu Shi, however, was momentarily stunned. Before him stood Lin Qingyang, clad in an exquisite red silk robe tailored to perfection. The cut accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, highlighting his well-proportioned physique. The red fabric, contrasted against the white lining, enhanced Lin Qingyang’s handsome features.
Perhaps because Lu Shi had never seen Lin Qingyang wearing such a color, he was unexpectedly captivated. Yet, there was an undeniable awkwardness about it, as if… as if he were dressed as a groom ready to meet his bride.
“This outfit does feel a bit strange… doesn’t it?” Lin Qingyang asked.
Lu Shi, feeling uneasy, replied, “If the master sees it, he’ll definitely be unhappy.”
Lin Qingyang didn’t think much about anything else, but when Lu Shi mentioned Chu Lishu, he couldn’t help but feel gloomy.
That night, the others decided they needed to appear more assertive the next day and pressured Lin Qingyang to do the same. However, Lin Qingyang had no interest in playing along. Instead, he was preoccupied with why, after five days in this place, there was still no news from Chu Lishu. They were in Tianheng now, and even though the accompanying people were all monitoring, they were not a concern. Why hadn’t Chu Lishu come to find him? Unless arranging him as an envoy was indeed the work of Yu Suoxi, as that man was unpredictable, and who knew what he was up to?
For safety’s sake, Lin Qingyang and Lu Shi decided to escape that night. Even though Lin Qingyang only had two points of energy left, he could still use one to instantly find someone.
Setting fire to the carriage to create a distraction, Lin Qingyang and Lu Shi planned to escape. However, just as they were about to flee, a green signal arrow suddenly shot up from the horizon in the imperial city.
“That’s from Lu Yi!” Lu Shi exclaimed, pointing at the gradually descending light in the distance. “It must mean our master is in trouble. This is a special signal arrow for summoning and gathering. Let’s head there…”
Lin Qingyang quickly made up his mind and turned to Lu Shi. “You have lightness skills. Go help immediately. In situations like this, uncertain as they are, I can’t afford to lag behind. I’ll stay with the envoy team and wait for you both.”
“But…”
“At least you’ll know where I am, and judging by their current stance, they won’t harm me for now. Chu Lishu is the priority. Let’s go!”
Lu Shi had no choice either. Without knowing the specifics of the situation, but finally having a lead on their master’s whereabouts, they couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity. Before the guards could catch up, Lu Shi managed to escape successfully, while Lin Qingyang calmly walked over, saying he had just taken a stroll.
In truth, Lin Qingyang wasn’t overly concerned about Chu Lishu. Without any imminent danger warnings, he decided to wait for Lu Shi to reunite with Chu Lishu.
It seemed that Chu Lishu was indeed up to something here.
Lin Qingyang was politely escorted back, treated fairly well by the guard, but the envoy group, sensing his potential escape, wasn’t as courteous.
Before Lin Qingyang could utter a word, he was struck unconscious by one of them.
When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a swaying environment.
Lin Qingyang realized that beneath him was a soft and yielding surface, the swaying rhythm resembling that of a carriage. There was not a lack of light, but rather something covering his eyes.
His hands were also bound by thin chains, fixed not far above his head, unable to stretch or remove whatever was covering his eyes. There was a faint jingling sound with every movement. His fingers could barely touch a fabric-like material, with some thickness to it. As he moved his fingers, a cool night breeze seeped in.
Lin Qingyang was completely unable to comprehend his current situation. However, he could smell the scent of blood and medicine, yet he himself was not injured.
“Are you awake?”
Lin Qingyang was startled. He should have been on the carriage alone, so who was this other person?
A deep voice resonated within the carriage, echoing like the crisp sound of water droplets falling onto jade in the depths of a quiet mountain. It was pleasing to the ears yet filled with a sense of danger. Lin Qingyang was certain he had never heard such a distinctive voice before.
A stranger.
The current situation was definitely not right, and Lin Qingyang panicked instantly.
“Who’s there?” Lin Qingyang immediately shouted, “Who are you?”
Before he could react, a sudden surge of danger enveloped him. He stopped breathing, unable to react in the darkness, before his lips were forcefully covered.
Lin Qingyang’s mind exploded with a deafening roar.
Lin Qingyang was overwhelmed with shock and anger as he realized he was being kissed by a man!
Instantly, he erupted with fury, attempting to punch and kick, desperately trying to twist away. He was a man, how could he be… by anyone other than Chu Lishu…
This was madness, he must have encountered a lunatic!
But not only could he not resist, the other person ruthlessly grabbed his chin, causing pain that forced Lin Qingyang to open his mouth involuntarily. In an instant, he was invaded, and Lin Qingyang’s mind exploded with rage. How could he endure such humiliation? He wanted nothing more than to bite off the intruder’s tongue.
But his attempts to bite back seemed feeble in the eyes of the other, unable to make any impact. His resistance, instead of pushing the intruder away, seemed to be interpreted as compliance. He was forced to endure the kiss, which felt more like a punishment than an affectionate gesture. Lin Qingyang didn’t even perceive it as a kiss, but rather as a form of torture, a lash upon his body.
He couldn’t make a clear sound, and even the saliva in his mouth was forcibly swallowed down.
Lin Qingyang wasn’t sure if his tears had managed to escape, but his head was ringing loudly. He was kissed to the point of suffocation, feeling a faint sense of familiarity amidst the chaos.
Then, before he could fully process this familiar sensation, something even more terrifying happened.
With a tearing sound, his robe was instantly torn apart. As the coldness seeped into his skin, Lin Qingyang felt as though he had been scraped by ice blades. He could distinctly feel a hand, slender and well-defined, exerting force on him. Though not particularly strong, it sent shivers of fear down his spine.
Unable to see, but feeling the overwhelming pressure emanating from the other person, Lin Qingyang, like a fish on a chopping board, finally reacted. He fiercely pushed away the person pressing on him and immediately tried to crawl away.
But he was quickly grabbed by the shoulder from behind and forcefully pressed back onto the soft bedding. Lin Qingyang’s head was forcibly buried in a pile of gauze, loosening the blindfold slightly, allowing a flicker of candlelight to seep in. It was still nighttime.
Breathing heavily, Lin Qingyang’s voice was both firm and trembling as he demanded, “Let me go!”
“Let you go?”
The man behind seemed to savor these two words. Instead of releasing him, he pressed down instantly. Lin Qingyang felt himself being firmly pressed down by a heavy weight. The contours of the man’s body were clearly visible, indicating the physique of an absolute powerhouse. His muscles were tight and undoubtedly packed with explosive force. The scent of blood emanating from him added to the sense of danger. Lin Qingyang immediately struggled to break free, but felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck, as if being bitten by a ferocious beast.
With a mixture of… emotion… and desire.
Lin Qingyang’s pupils contracted. What was happening? Was this arranged by Yu Suoxi to humiliate him?
His complexion grew increasingly grim as he sensed the martial prowess of the man. In the hands of this person, he felt as powerless as a little chick. The more Lin Qingyang struggled, the more ruthlessly the man suppressed him.
“Let go of me! Are you out of your mind? I’m a man, what are you doing! Who are you!”
But the other party ignored him, and the biting sensation spread to his back, down to the sensitive waist, Lin Qingyang could clearly feel the reaction of the other person’s body, as if he had fallen into hell. Lin Qingyang struggled even more crazily, even pulling with all his might on the restraints on his hands, the person seemed to notice, immediately reaching out and pressing down on his hands. The other hand went down, and the next second, there was a tearing sound, Lin Qingyang stiffened all over, his pants…
That large hand attached to it, Lin Qingyang’s whole body froze, his hair standing on end, feeling like this was even more unbearable than being beaten to a pulp.
“Stop it! Stop it! Why are you doing this! Do you even know me? Don’t… don’t…” Lin Qingyang’s voice sounded as if he were being bullied, already tinged with a sense of brokenness. He didn’t want to show weakness, but no one could accept such a thing. Lin Qingyang felt like he was going crazy. He was scared, he surrendered, he couldn’t let this happen.
Absolutely not.
But the pain from a single finger almost made Lin Qingyang feel like he had died for a moment.
Lin Qingyang’s face turned pale, cold sweat pouring down, his whole being stupefied, as if his soul had been dragged out of his body by the stabbing sensation. He suddenly turned his head, but his vision was still obscured by the cloth strip, and he could only see the person pressing down on him was wearing red clothes, tall in stature.
“No… please, whoever sent you, don’t do this. Have I offended you? Why are you doing this!”
Two more…
“No… please, I beg you. You can make any demand, just don’t do this! Please!”
Lin Qingyang was consumed by fear, his voice finally carrying a tone of crying, his breath seeming unable to keep up. Feeling the fingers leaving, only to be replaced by another danger approaching.
Lin Qingyang’s mind went blank. He never imagined that as a grown man, he would encounter such a situation. If Chu Lishu found out, if he knew…
Lin Qingyang was in despair, shaking his head desperately, struggling, but it was like a prey falling into the jaws of a predator. All struggles were futile, and escape was no longer possible.
Rationality was being torn apart bit by bit, and his heart was in excruciating pain. Finally, with no hope left, he cried out, “Lishu… Lishu… Save me… Lishu!”
The person behind him paused, their movements freezing.
“Do you regret it? Are you scared?” The person behind finally spoke. Their slender fingers pinched Lin Qingyang’s chin, forcing him to tilt his head up.
Lin Qingyang was stunned, trembling violently in fear.
“Who is Chu Lishu? Answer me!” the person demanded sharply.
“My… my lover,” Lin Qingyang replied instinctively, his spirit shaken by fear, only able to comply with the questions in order to delay the inevitable.
“Then why aren’t you with your lover?”
Lin Qingyang was taken aback by the question.
“Why aren’t you staying by his side?”
“Why didn’t you go with him?”
“Don’t you trust him?”
The tone… though the voice wasn’t familiar, but the tone…
Lin Qingyang’s gaze desperately swept backward, with limited visibility, but he could only see the person’s jet-black long hair, fair skin, and… a mole on their earlobe.
Lin Qingyang’s eyes gradually widened, the feeling of fear vanished in an instant, and the sense of sorrow seemed almost ridiculous.
That mole…
“Yuan… Ran?”
Yuan Ran paused, his heart churning with turbulent waves, hating him for not keeping his promise, hating him for not leaving with him, hating him for preferring to stay in the capital rather than go, hating him for being engaged to someone else, wishing he could just swallow the person in front of him whole.
He feared what expression would he have once he realized he had lost his mind.
He was afraid. Forcing the Great Zhou to hand over Lin Qingyang this time was just wishful thinking on his part. He knew it was impossible, but he couldn’t stop the fear from overwhelming him. Regardless of why Lin Qingyang wasn’t by his side, all Yuan Ran knew was that he couldn’t control his own rationality anymore.
But even in the midst of this madness, just being called a name was enough to shatter his heart.
“Lin Qingyang, do you know how I’ve been getting through these days? I was afraid for you, afraid you’d get hurt because of me, afraid you’d reject me. Ha… you broke your promise again. Were your promises always just lies to me?”
A voice, heavy with resentment, echoed through, but its tail end carried a hint of grievance.
Lin Qingyang couldn’t decipher what he was saying, only feeling waves of palpitation and fear. “Chu Lishu, is it really you? Lishu!”
In an instant, as if angering a lion, “It’s me! Besides me, who else would dare to hold you like this, who else!”
Yuan Ran’s emotions inexplicably spiraled out of control, and so did his strength. Lin Qingyang let out almost a scream of agony. A sense of frenzy surged through every nerve.
Despite him never speaking, despite covering Lin Qingyang’s eyes, he hoped that in the moment he kissed him, the other would realize. It was as if only then could he prove that even when Lin Qingyang wasn’t by his side, he had never forgotten him for a single moment.
In Yuan Ran’s mind at this moment, this unreasonable logic was the confidence and proof of love.
Finally, feeling the gentle breath that belonged solely to Lin Qingyang, Yuan Ran’s heart returned to its place, and his soul found liberation. His Lin Qingyang was back by his side. Within his reach, they were intimately together, inseparable by anyone.
Ignoring the unusual scent of blood, Yuan Ran’s eyes were tinted blood-red. The dreams of these days and nights had finally come true. The trembling drapes, the jingling of bells, echoed incessantly in his ears.
With no need for further words, only madness prevailed.
“Lishu, Lishu, I can’t anymore, I’m afraid, let me see you, just let me see you…”
Yuan Ran continued his fervent actions, flipping Lin Qingyang’s trembling body over. Lin Qingyang’s blindfold had already been shaken off in the frenzy, and he saw everything before him.
Dressed in a red robe embroidered with silver-threaded mythical beasts and auspicious clouds, Lin Qingyang found the style somewhat familiar. The black waistband accentuated his waistline gracefully. While the upper body appeared dignified enough for courtly affairs, the scene below was the most indecent.
As Lin Qingyang’s gaze shifted, he struggled to lift his eyes and finally saw Yuan Ran’s face clearly.
He was even more perfect than depicted in paintings, a living embodiment. Yuan Ran was right before his eyes, the real Yuan Ran.
With high brow bones, intense eyebrows, and a prominent nose bridge, his entire face exuded a noble and three-dimensional aura. The angular jawline highlighted his exquisite features, presenting a perfect bone structure. His appearance was rich in masculine charm, distinct from Chu Lishu’s, exuding a unique blend of elegance and charm. No man would dare to covet him again; they would only be conquered by the allure emanating from his entire being.
What Lin Qingyang most wanted to see were those eyes. As long as he could see those eyes, even facing the relatively unfamiliar Yuan Ran, he could swiftly sense affection and dispel his anxiety.
But he didn’t see them; a red veil covered them, obstructing the flow of his gaze.
Lin Qingyang could feel the gaze behind the thin veil firmly fixed on his face, as if it were tangible, but the lack of direct eye contact made him afraid, especially as the situation on his body became increasingly uncontrollable. He became even more fearful.
“Lishu… your eyes…”
“Lin Qingyang, I’m still angry, so you’re not allowed to make demands.”
Yuan Ran said, his voice husky and seductive, like an aphrodisiac. However, it no longer carried the extreme emotions as before; it seemed to soften slowly as the intimacy between the two deepened. Whether it was a lack of understanding or intentional ignorance, he simply lowered his head and kissed Lin Qingyang’s eyes, then trailed along his cheek, sliding to his full lips. Despite his bullying actions, he couldn’t restrain himself from using gentle kisses to soothe. However, his body continued its stormy onslaught.
Lin Qingyang’s eyes reddened at the corners, tears filling his eye sockets. The pain had subsided, replaced by waves of intense sensation. He could only grasp Yuan Ran’s broadened shoulders helplessly.
A myriad of complex emotions flooded Lin Qingyang’s heart. He could sense Yuan Ran’s lack of control and anger, yet he also felt a deep sense of grievance. However, in this moment, all those thoughts paled in comparison to the joy of seeing his lover right in front of him.
The kisses were no longer resisting but seeking eagerly, craving the new sensation. His bound hands even attempted to hook around Yuan Ran’s neck.
Trembling, Lin Qingyang raised his body slightly to alleviate some of the pain. Even if Yuan Ran wasn’t particularly gentle, Lin Qingyang endured it. He was willing to accept everything. He attempted to soothe the restless lion, ignoring the voice of shame, as his mind had long been blanketed by Yuan Ran’s assault. He had lost all rationality and consciousness of the world outside.
After all, Yuan Ran knew this body too well.
Just as Lin Qingyang was about to lose consciousness, Yuan Ran stopped and pulled him up, holding him in his arms.
Lin Qingyang choked back a sob, feeling like Yuan Ran was intentionally torturing him. He felt like crying in Yuan Ran’s ear.
But Yuan Ran showed no mercy. It seemed like he was challenging Lin Qingyang, and himself as well. It was punishment, yet it became increasingly sweet.
Yuan Ran wanted to drag Lin Qingyang into the abyss, yet he always held him in his arms, shielding him from the frightening environment of the abyss. But at the same time, he never gave him a chance to leave.
After what felt like an eternity, Lin Qingyang felt like he was falling apart.
Finally, Yuan Ran let out a muffled grunt, and his voice, filled with primal menace, echoed once more.
“Lin Qingyang… you can’t leave my side anymore, you can’t…” It sounded like he was declaring some kind of iron rule.
Lin Qingyang listened dazedly as his consciousness sank, while his body was pulled awake, never resting.
The sound of a carriage… sunlight… bustling noise, people’s voices bustling, then gradually quieting down.
Where was he, in what environment? He didn’t know, only feeling his body sinking time and time again, completely under Yuan Ran’s control.
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