Chapter 16: The Military Camp, Tang Ziyun

Shadow Butterfly stood silently to the side, feeling increasingly estranged from her young mistress. According to the temperament of her mistress in the past, she would never have indulged the whims of the little miss. Yet now, the little miss could persuade her with just a few words—how strange!

"Shadow Butterfly, what are you daydreaming about?" Xifeng gracefully mounted her horse, holding the plump little one in her arms.

"Miss, I..." Shadow Butterfly wanted to voice the doubts that had been troubling her these days, but when she met the gaze of her young mistress, the words caught in her throat, her face turning a shade of deep iron.

Xifeng noticed Shadow Butterfly’s oddness, tugged at the reins, and turned the horse’s head in another direction. "If you are uncomfortable, there’s no need to follow me. Go and rest well!"

With that, she didn’t wait for Shadow Butterfly’s reply, squeezed the horse’s belly with her legs, and rode off in a whirlwind.

The southernmost borderland of the Tianqing Kingdom was Liao Prefecture, where the trees grew thick and lush. Even the broad main road, beneath the dense canopy, possessed an uncanny tranquility.

That tranquil avenue was suddenly broken by the pounding of hooves—a robust horse thundered along, ridden by a stern-browed, striking woman, a child cradled in her arms. The child’s cheeks were flushed red by the wind.

"Han’er, sit tight," Xifeng called, excitement bubbling as she hadn’t ridden like this in a long time, urging her horse on.

The steed neighed, speeding up, galloping like the wind.

In the blink of an eye, they covered ten miles.

"General! Deputy Commander Xi has arrived, and she’s brought a child along!"

Chu Xiong, inspecting the troops on the training ground, wished he could vanish on the spot when he heard the report. "Go tell the deputy commander that this general is pressed by urgent matters and cannot meet her. Ask her to return quickly."

"No need to say anything, I heard it." Xifeng, holding Chu Junhan's hand, stood just a short distance away, her anger blazing as she fixed Chu Xiong with a glare that could kill.

Chu Xiong chuckled sheepishly, rubbing his head. "My lady, you’re here—ah! Is my little Junhan cold?"

"Lieutenant Tang Chen reporting to Deputy Commander Xi! General, who is this?" A soldier arrived, respectfully saluting Xifeng, his gaze shifting to the little toddler before him.

As the soldier looked at Chu Junhan, Chu Junhan looked back.

On the youth’s face was a striking scar, stretching from his left ear down to his neck. It was indeed a bit intimidating, but aside from the scar, the youth was quite handsome.

His name was Tang Chen, courtesy name Ziyun—a trusted officer under his father's command. Though only sixteen, he had slain countless enemies and earned great distinction.

Chu Junhan would never forget that scene: when her father was dismembered and hung upon the city wall, Tang Chen, who was supposed to escape with her, instead fought his way up alone, covered in blood, just to retrieve her father's body!

Ziyun, it’s been a while—may you be well!

Tang Chen noticed the tears glimmering in the eyes of the four-year-old child. His face flushed instantly, and he awkwardly covered his scar. "Am I really that frightening?"

"No, brother, you’re very handsome." Chu Junhan shook her head, squeezing out an adorable smile, warm and gentle like the last sunlight of winter.

Chu Xiong saw Tang Chen’s embarrassment and clapped him heartily on the shoulder. "Ziyun, come, let me introduce you. This is my youngest child, Chu Junhan."

"So this is the young master Chu Junhan. Tang Chen pays his respects." Tang Chen bowed with dignity toward Chu Junhan.

Chu Junhan took small steps to the youth’s side, tugged gently at his trouser leg, and said softly, "Brother, I am not a young master. My name is Chu Junhan. Just call me Junhan."