However, the general called out to him. He narrowed his eyes, a knowing smile playing on his lips, as if he had seen through Ah Qi's plans. "Ah Qi, are you going to leave with your men?"
The general spoke slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable air of authority.
Ah Qi coldly replied, "Yes, we will no longer participate in this meaningless war."
The general chuckled softly and shook his head, seemingly unconcerned about Ah Qi's decision.
Then, he pointed to the quiet woman next to Ah Qi, "However, you leave her here."
Ah Qi was taken aback, a hint of displeasure flashing between his brows.
Xu Yuehuai, who was beside him, also frowned slightly, as if he had a premonition that something bad was about to happen.
The general leaned back in his chair, smiling as he looked at them. "Ah Qi, you have no choice in this. After all, Xu Yuehuai is someone the King specifically requested."
His words struck Ah Qi like a boulder, leaving him momentarily stunned. Xu Yuehuai, standing beside him, also showed a slight change in expression, clearly surprised by the general's words.
Upon seeing this, the general took out a piece of paper from his pocket, on which was clearly a portrait of Xu Yuehuai.
When Xu Yuehuai saw the portrait, her face turned pale instantly. She hadn't expected that the person who had once been by Wu Hanqing's side would still remember her so fondly, even going so far as to have someone draw her portrait and issue a warrant for her arrest.
Ah Qi looked at the portrait, his face turning grim. A flicker of anger and helplessness flashed in his eyes, clearly indicating his dissatisfaction with the general's actions.
Xu Yuehuai gently patted Aqi's hand, signaling him to leave first.
Then she took a deep breath, turned and walked towards the general. "General, I am willing to follow you." Her voice was firm and calm, without the slightest fear or hesitation.
The general looked at her, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He nodded, indicating that she could leave.
Then he turned away, refusing to look at Ah Qi again. Ah Qi stood there, clenching her fists, watching Xu Yuehuai leave with the general.
His eyes held a hint of reluctance and worry, but even more so, a resolute and fearless spirit. He knew he had made his choice, and now he could only forge ahead.
Ah Qi led his men away from there, walking on the desolate land, with the army gradually receding into the distance behind them.
The road ahead was unknown and full of challenges, but Ah Qi was fearless. He knew that there were no eternal enemies or eternal friends in this world.
Only by firmly believing in oneself can one survive in this world. And what he needs to do is lead his people forward until they find their own piece of sky.
As for Xu Yuehuai, he believed that with her intelligence and wit, she would definitely be able to survive well in the Mingyue Kingdom's palace and wait for him to rescue her.
Xu Yuehuai followed the general to a carriage. A faint fragrance filled the carriage, completely different from the cold atmosphere outside.
The general suddenly lowered the carriage curtain, staring intently at her with a strange smile on his lips.
“I suddenly understand why the King went to such lengths to find you, this little maid,” the general said slowly. “It turns out you’re not just an ordinary little maid; you’re quite bold and beautiful.”
Xu Yuehuai's heart suddenly raced. She tried to remain calm, sitting upright opposite him. Her eyes met the general's, attempting to find a clue in his deep pupils.
"So, how did you find my whereabouts?" Xu Yuehuai took a deep breath, trying to take control of the conversation.
The general didn't seem to be in a hurry to answer. He leaned back on the soft cushion, his fingers lightly tapping his knees.
“We recently discovered that someone was buying large quantities of medicinal herbs in the city, which caught our attention.” He finally spoke. “After some investigation, we found something on him and, following the clues, we found where you and Bei Ye were hiding.”
Xu Yuehuai's heart tightened; she knew who "he" referred to. Her gaze shifted to the window, looking at the city walls shrouded in night, her thoughts racing.
She recalled the time she spent with Bei Ye in that simple little house, and the warm laughter seemed to still echo in her ears.
"So, you found us using that stupid guy?" She turned her head and looked directly into the general's eyes.
The general nodded, a playful smile still playing on his lips. "He's quite useful," he said casually. "Without him, we probably would have had to go through a lot more trouble to find you."
Xu Yuehuai remained silent for a moment, feeling a mix of emotions. That Yue Wei, who had been taking care of her for the past two weeks, had ultimately become someone else's pawn.
The carriage slowly drove into the palace of the King of the Underworld. The tall city walls appeared even more solemn and mysterious in the night.
Xu Yuehuai looked out the window and saw a brightly lit palace, with guards standing ramrod straight at the palace gate, spears in hand. "What's going on?" she couldn't help but ask. "Why is the palace so lively?"
The general smiled faintly. "Tonight is the king's birthday, and the entire palace is celebrating for him." He paused for a moment. "Except, of course, those who risked their lives for him on the battlefield."
Xu Yuehuai's heart sank. She hadn't expected to be brought back to the palace on such a day. She thought of the king, sitting high on his throne, his eyes cold and aloof.
What will he do with her?
The carriage stopped at the palace gate, and the guards immediately surrounded it. The general got out of the carriage, turned around, and extended his hand to her.
Xu Yuehua hesitated for a moment, then took his hand. She felt his fingers were cold and strong, a stark contrast to Qi Guze's warm fingers.
They walked through a long corridor, with palace lanterns illuminating their path.
Xu Yuehuai noticed that the general's steps were somewhat heavy, as if he was carrying an indescribable fatigue.
She couldn't help but think of the soldiers who fought valiantly on the battlefield. Were they as exhausted as he was, both physically and mentally?
Finally, they arrived at a magnificent hall.
Seated on the central throne was a man dressed in magnificent robes, his face bearing an arrogant and indifferent expression.
Xu Yuehuai couldn't help but lower her head; her heart was like the moon obscured by dark clouds, dim and without light.
"Raise your head!"
However, Wu Hanqing made her raise her head; his voice was as cold as stone, forcing her to face this cruel reality.
Xu Yuehuai was forced to raise her head, and the sight before her made her heart tremble.
The once-prosperous palace is now deserted. All the palace maids and guards have left, leaving only her and Wu Hanqing.
She felt a nameless fear, like a helpless fawn being hunted in the wilderness.
Wu Hanqing's eyes were like an abyss, making it impossible for Xu Yuehuai to look directly at him.
He approached slowly, each step like a heavy hammer blow to her heart.
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