The girls of Shi Zhan Yuan had been testing and scheming against each other for thirty days. From the original group of over 20 people, only three girls now stood unflinchingly before the old woman.
The old woman looked at these three outstanding and radiant girls, revealing a rare smile. Gently, she said, “From today, you are free. Your future is up to you. I believe with your abilities, you’ll encounter unexpected surprises. Dan Xiao Ya, go to the General’s Mansion; Zhou Ling Ling, go to Bai Xiang Yuan; Li Xiao Mei, go to the Prince Jing’s Mansion. Say your goodbyes and go with them.” As the old woman was about to turn and leave, Dan Xiao Ya called her to stop. “Please wait, I want to ask you a question.
The old woman stopped, turning back, unexpectedly looking at Dan Xiao Ya. No girl had ever taken the initiative to ask her a question. She was the first, and the most impressive in recent years. She learned the fastest and knew best how to protect herself. While others would inevitably become intimate with men here, she could learn her skills and make her instructors completely submissive without violating her.
“What is it?”
“I want to know where the others went.”
Sadness flashed across the old woman’s face. She sighed deeply. “Alas! This is fate. They went where they were meant to go.”
Dan Xiao Ya’s calm face showed no emotion. She coldly said, “Thank you!” and gave a complex look to the two other women before being the first to leave the room.
Chapter 082
Hu Yan Nan knew Dan Xiao Ya was returning today, feeling a tremor, a heartbeat, and an impatience… In his anger, he had sent her to Shi Zhan Yuan, wanting her to forget that man. The next day, he regretted it, but it was too late.
Hu Yannan passively took the wine cup and drank it in one gulp. During the days she was not around, he was filled with endless longing. He would make it up to her and ensure she only had him in her heart…
Putting down the cup, he looked at Shan Xiaoya with affectionate eyes and sincerely said: “Xiaoya, I will never forget you, now…”
Shan Xiaoya heard these words without any emotion. She smiled lightly. “Thank you, General, for your kindness to this humble woman. Would Xiaoya dance to wish you well?” Before Hu Yannan could respond, Shan Xiaoya had already glided to the center of the room and begun her dance performance. Her flexible waist and silk dress swaying captivated Hu Yannan.
After the dance, Shan Xiaoya breathlessly flew into Hu Yannan’s arms. Sitting on his lap, she wrapped one hand around his neck. “General, did I dance well?” Hu Yannan looked at Shan Xiaoya in his arms, and his heart spasmed. Her cold, heartless eyes and passionate behavior made him feel guilty yet also stirred his heart. To possess her but not her heart – perhaps this was heaven’s punishment for him.
Shan Xiaoya’s expression brightened at his words, feeling a warmth in her heart. “General, you promise?” she asked, her eyes sparkling.
Hu Yannan nodded firmly, “I promise.”
Just then, a loud bang interrupted their moment, causing them to jump apart. They looked towards the door, tension flooding the atmosphere as they prepared for whatever might come next.
The door swung open, revealing a servant looking flustered. “General, there is urgent news from the northern front!”
Hu Yannan turned serious, stepping away from Shan Xiaoya. “I’ll be there shortly,” he replied, his military instincts kicking in.
Shan Xiaoya watched him go, her heart sinking at the thought of his duties pulling him away from her. She vowed silently to do whatever it took to keep him by her side.
“The translation continues in this manner, maintaining the original narrative style and tone.”
Sweet and satisfied, they gently broke into Hu Yannan’s heart. He reached out and pulled her small hand from around his neck, drawing her into his embrace, gazing at her beauty, and passionately kissed her. Her long eyelashes covered Shan Xiaoya’s eyes, responding to his gentle kiss. Shan Xiaoya’s hands caressed his broad shoulders, her expression one of pure enjoyment and intoxication.
Hu Yannan felt her response, and the fire of desire within him became uncontrollable. His love and passion transformed into a raging power. The trembling in his heart accompanied his heartbeat, along with his desire for her. His burning hand caressed her full chest, kneading gently. The softness in his palm ignited an indelible passion.
Her long eyelashes trembled, and Shan Xiaoya’s eyes suddenly filled with passion. She moaned softly: “My lord, Xiaoya was supposed to serve you in bed tonight, but…” Her cheeks blushed, looking shy and hesitant.
Her words tightened Hu Yannan’s chest, intensifying his tender feelings.
Hu Yannan’s voice was hoarse: “Xiaoya, what’s wrong?” His lips left marks on Shan Xiaoya’s ear.
Huoyan Nan held Shan Xiaoya’s hand, standing on the city wall, looking into the distance… An endless plain and mountains. No one knew when blood and the stench of carnage would arrive. The Manyi Kingdom was growing, eyeing his country. If he didn’t stay alert, it could pounce and devour him at any moment… Sadly, the Emperor didn’t understand this, treating his advice as a joke. The emptiness of national defense would surely give the enemy an opportunity, and would eventually destroy the Jin Ri Kingdom.
Shan Xiaoya looked at the mountains shrouded in clouds, then glanced at the worried Huoyan Nan. The warmth from his hand seemed to calm her unease. She placed her other hand on the back of his hand. “General, do you have something troubling you? Why not share it?”
Huoyan Nan gently looked at Shan Xiaoya, pulling her into his embrace and covering her with his cloak to shield her from the strong wind. He pointed into the distance. “Xiaoya, do you see? That’s the Manyi Kingdom. Its ruler has enormous ambition.
With his strength, he will eventually invade our Jin Ri Kingdom. By then, our people will become enslaved, at the mercy of others.”
Single Xiaoya’s cold eyes flickered with curiosity. She asked puzzledly, “General, that won’t happen with you around. They all say you’re a great hero. As long as you’re here, no other country would dare to attack.”
Huoyan Nan sighed deeply. “When the previous Emperor was alive, he was very concerned about border defense. Military provisions were never lacking. Now, alas! In this situation of significant disparity, I can only do my best to protect the Jin Ri Kingdom.” His face was full of worry.
Single Xiaoya spoke coldly and indifferently: “General, why worry about this? No matter who rules, people’s lives remain the same. Throughout history, regime changes have always been like this – not something one or two people can decide. At worst, we’ll go somewhere new and restart our lives.”
“Xiaoya, if only it were that simple. You don’t understand. As a general, I have my mission and responsibility. It’s not something I can just walk away from.”
“General, perhaps you’re right. But if your abilities can’t change anything, I advise you to think more openly.”
Huoyan Nan was moved by Single Xiaoya’s words. What a phrase – ‘humans cannot overcome heaven’s will’.
Could the Jin Ri Kingdom’s fate be exhausted? No! He couldn’t have such treasonous thoughts. He had promised to support the current Emperor and must not go back on his word. Guilt filled his heart for that momentary thought… He was also shocked by Single Xiaoya’s strange perspective…
Hu Yannan said without changing his expression: “No need to trouble yourself, Xiao Ya and I came out for a stroll, and we should go back now.”
“Xiao Ya is a princess of Manyi Kingdom. Since she’s here, how can she not go inside?” Man Hanting said, reaching out to grab the horse’s reins. His hand was so quick that people couldn’t react, and in the blink of an eye, the reins were in Man Hanting’s hand… Hu Yannan’s palm was forcibly withdrawn…
