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“Indeed, the person is no longer in the capital of the North!” Pei Yuanjun concluded after reading the letter, lazily remarking. He then set the letter aside and walked towards the desk, where a large map of the North was placed. The map was mostly complete, with a few areas still requiring further investigation. Currently, his focus was primarily on the location where the two armies were facing each other.

Pei Yuanjun gestured with his hand and a faint smile curled upon his thin lips, revealing a chilling demeanor. “I have been here for quite some time, yet only letters have arrived.”

“You mean… he left?” Ji Hai followed along, his eyes widening in astonishment. “But wasn’t it said that there was no definitive conclusion over there? After all, they are still family!”

“To achieve what the Second Prince has accomplished in this situation is no simple feat. He is truly extraordinary. No wonder he has been causing unrest and disturbances in the North for so many years, preventing the court from enjoying peace.” Pei Yuanjun remarked calmly, devoid of any anger. However, his demeanor sent shivers down one’s spine, as if at any moment, that coldness could pierce one’s heart like a sharp dagger.

“What do you mean, my lord?” Ji Hai cautiously inquired.

Knowing more about the matter made him increasingly wary. This issue has entangled the imperial dynasty for decades, affecting countless individuals, from the Empress to ordinary citizens. Moreover, it has occurred more than once, indicating that the actions on the other side are far from ordinary.

“Let him go. It ensures his safety and, when necessary, Duke Xing can assist him. Since he went through Duke Xing to get there, it’s evident that there is more to this matter.” Pei Yuanjun spoke leisurely, taking a seat in the chair. He reached up to his forehead, pressing it lightly, his captivating eyes exuding an icy air.

The sharpness in his gaze contained a hint of bloodlust. Border soldiers who have truly witnessed bloodshed often possessed this temperament to some extent. However, for it to accumulate to such an extent, manifesting as a domineering presence in the furrow of his brow, was rare. It revealed that he had indeed claimed numerous lives. This aura of hostility, typically concealed beneath his grace and elegance, now permeated through, betraying his innate nobility.

Only at times like these could one witness the true essence of his character.

“Just let him go like that? Isn’t that too easy on him?” Ji Hai pondered for a moment before asking.

“Naturally, he cannot be allowed off so easily. By concealing this from me, he must understand that I am aware to some extent. He ought to pay more for this.” Pei Yuanjun replied with a smile that held both amusement and cruelty.

“But… considering his current circumstances… does he have more to spare?” Ji Hai hesitated, wondering how much capability remained after fleeing.

“Perhaps he doesn’t, but isn’t there still the entire North?” Pei Yuanjun responded nonchalantly.

At first, Ji Hai did not comprehend, but he soon caught on, clapping his hands forcefully. “Right! I was mistaken. Even if he doesn’t have any now, there is still the future, not to mention the possibility that he may possess some now. After all, they are family!”

“You’re right!” Ji Hai beamed, relieved.

“Inform Liu Xiangshan that I will be returning to the capital in a few days. I have been here for quite some time, and the emperor has already urged my return.” Pei Yuanjun stated lazily.

“My lord, what about Lady Liu?” Ji Hai asked tactfully. This Lady Liu was persistent indeed. Previously, when she accompanied the Guardian General to meet the lord, he did not show her any favor, nor did he pay her much attention. However, she remained persistent, frequently coming over to deliver various items and displaying unwavering care.

For the sake of the general, the lord also couldn’t do too much.

Considering the relationship they shared as fellow soldiers, their connection was closer than that of typical courtiers.

“Is it related to me?” Pei Yuanjun raised an eyebrow, his expression turning cold. A sense of nobility emanated from him, yet it was accompanied by an air of aloofness.

“It has nothing to do with you, but what if Lady Liu intends to enter the capital again this time?” Ji Hai became increasingly cautious, as this matter was not without reason. The emperor had previously inquired about it, questioning the relationship between his lord and Lady Liu. It appeared that the emperor intended to facilitate their union.

“If she wishes to enter the capital, then let her. However, as for me, I can’t be involved anymore.” Pei Yuanjun said with a slight smirk, exuding both handsomeness and elegance. His words grew increasingly mocking, “If she wants to enter the capital, let’s make things difficult for her. The emperor’s choices are his own business. If the emperor takes a liking to her, he can include her in the palace.”

“My lord… I think the emperor might…” Ji Hai hesitated and glanced at his lord’s expression, unsure whether he should speak or not.

He believed that Lady Liu wouldn’t be so easy to deal with, and there was a high possibility of her following them into the capital.

“If the emperor wishes to summon her to the capital, then so be it. It has nothing to do with me. I still need to visit my second brother. It’s not convenient to have a woman following me.” Pei Yuanjun said in a leisurely manner.

“Yes, as you say, my lord!” Ji Hai nodded repeatedly, understanding in his heart that Lady Liu no longer had any hope. Despite her good reputation in this border region and the rumors linking her eye injury to the lord’s involvement, the fact that his lord dismissed it meant that none of those tactics would work.

Ji Hai had served the lord since childhood and witnessed his defiance of the emperor on many occasions. Although he felt that it was not right to defy the emperor, since the emperor didn’t say anything, as a servant, he didn’t think much of it.

After considering it carefully, besides the Fourth Lady Qu, his master hadn’t shown any interest in any other woman.

Even if this Fourth Lady Qu became a side princess in the mansion, so what?

His master’s word was final. No one could surpass her. Moreover, his master was fiercely protective. If he really cared, he would never let her suffer. Ultimately, his master’s decision determined everything. Even if the emperor took a liking to her, it would be in vain if his master disagreed.

If his master were pushed to the edge, he would even say it in front of the emperor…

The General’s Mansion was one of the two largest mansions in the city, with the other serving as the Lord Yun’s temporary palace.

Despite being in a border region with limited resources, the back garden of the General’s Mansion had everything one could ask for. It was no less impressive than the mansions of the great families in the capital.

The garden was adorned with exquisite pavilions, their construction cost even surpassing those in the capital. After all, in a place like this, everything was scarce. Whatever was desired had to be obtained at a high price. Some items might even have been brought from the Jiangnan area. Not to mention the cost itself, just the transportation expenses were beyond the means of ordinary people.

On the second floor of one of the pavilions in the garden, two women were sitting.

One of them was Lady Liu Lanxin, who had been frequently visiting the Lord Yun’s Palace. At this moment, she had removed her eye bandage. It was true that her eyes had been injured before, but the reason behind the injury had nothing to do with Pei Yuanjun. It was simply an accident that occurred while she was accompanying him.

Unexpectedly, they encountered the enemy, and she was injured by a stray arrow that grazed her eyelid while she was inside the sedan chair. Since then, the vision in one of her eyes had become blurred. Although she had received medical treatment for some time now, it still wasn’t clear.

Sometimes she would take medication, and Liu Lanxin always felt that since the injury to her eye, the size of her eyes had become different. Therefore, until her eyes fully recovered, whenever she went out, she would use a bandage to cover her eyes. Later, she discovered that this had a more pitiful and charming effect. In addition, when news of this spread outside, her reputation improved even further.

After all, as a woman, she was respected for risking her life in battle to save Lord Yun.

People couldn’t help but admire the daughter of a great general, calling her a heroic woman. She was different from those pampered young ladies raised in the capital.

Sitting across from her was a beautiful woman who appeared to be around twenty years old. She not only surpassed Liu Lanxin, who was known as the first beauty of the frontier, in terms of appearance, but also possessed a mature charm. Her every movement exuded a feminine allure. With a slight glance, she could captivate hearts and souls.

The two women sat there playing chess, and as a move was made, Liu Lanxin furrowed her brow.

“What’s wrong? Is your heart in turmoil?” The woman across the table asked gently with a smile, and she also made a move.

“How can it be like this? I’ve done everything I can. Why is it still… like this?” Liu Lanxin said, frustrated. She furrowed her brow and placed the chess in her hand back into the chess basket. Wearing a troubled expression, she genuinely desired to marry Lord Yun.

She had done everything she could, so why wasn’t it having any effect?

“That only means that Lord Yun hasn’t taken a liking to you.” the woman across the table replied, smiling softly. There was a hint of coquettishness in her voice as she spoke gently, “I haven’t seen Lord Yun for several years either, but back then, he was quite different. He didn’t push people away like this, or… perhaps something has made Lord Yun angry.”

“What happened?” Liu Lanxin asked, somewhat irritated. Although she believed the woman opposite her, she couldn’t help but feel angry at this moment.

“Well… I’m not really sure. I only remember that Lord Yun at that time was a gentle and noble young man. He doesn’t seem to be the same person you described.” the woman said with a delicate smile, her gaze shifting to a point outside the window. It seemed like she was recalling something or perhaps seeing something. The smile on her lips became even more tender.

It inexplicably gave people a sweet feeling.

“Was Lord Yun really different back then? Aren’t those just appearances?” Liu Lanxin questioned, doubtful and unwilling to believe.

“Of course, he was different. Lord Yun back then had only recently taken command of the army and wasn’t as furious. Or… his heart was more genuine than it is now.” the woman withdrew her gaze and turned to Liu Lanxin’s face. Her smile became increasingly alluring as she spoke, “Don’t rush. Take it slow. You need to make him accept you. If he accepts you, everything else will fall into place.”

“But he doesn’t even want to see me!” Liu Lanxin exclaimed in frustration.

“So what? There’s always a way to make him moved. Didn’t your father send a letter to the capital, subtly mentioning your situation with Lord Yun? A decree should arrive soon.” the woman said tenderly, pushing the chess basket towards Liu Lanxin. “Don’t be angry. Someone like Lord Yun naturally needs to be approached gently. No one has been able to capture his heart for so many years because they can’t go on to the end!”

Liu Lanxin made her move, and the woman casually followed suit. “Softness overcomes strength. It has been known since ancient times. You don’t need to rush. This time, follow him to the capital without making any demands. Just be there. During the journey, you’ll also have opportunities for private interaction. Prepare yourself well.”

Liu Lanxin’s eyes lit up, nodding repeatedly before tossing the chess piece aside. “I’ll start preparing right away.”

“That’s good. Prepare thoroughly. The journey to the capital will take some time!” The woman watched Liu Lanxin leave and offered a few more instructions. Liu Lanxin continued nodding, then left decisively with her entourage to make preparations for their journey to the capital.

As the woman watched her depart, a smile adorned her face. She exuded a gentle and captivating charm, the kind most admired in the capital. If they were in the capital, she would likely be bestowed with the title of the first beauty.

Once Liu Lanxin was out of sight, the woman expressed a sense of self-satisfaction and muttered in a voice only she could hear, “Pei Yuanjun is not someone who easily changes his affections, no matter how gentle and persistent one may be.”