It was unclear how much time had passed before Feng Yexuan's chaotic aura finally began to calm.
He sat up, his back to Chu Qianli, his eyes closed as he rested.
The battle between emotion and reason just now had been agonizing.
It was more tormenting than any battlefield!
Chu Qianli, finally regaining her freedom, immediately scrambled up. She crawled towards the inner side of the bed, pulling at her torn and tattered clothes.
She glanced down at her body, feeling a mix of anger and annoyance.
Her clothes were ripped to shreds and were no longer wearable.
However, as she looked up, she accidentally caught sight of the broad lines of his back.
The anger in her heart suddenly dissipated by more than half.
Feng Yexuan was shirtless, fine beads of sweat dotting his back.
It was evident how much effort he had exerted to suppress his desires.
He would rather endure the pain himself than force her. Chu Qianli felt grateful for this, at least.
Yet, she didn't know what to say to him at this moment.
The atmosphere was undeniably awkward.
"What will it take for you to believe that this prince will not desire any other woman?" Feng Yexuan suddenly asked.
This was the matter that this stubborn woman cared about the most, wasn't it?
He hadn't forgotten what she had said to Qian'er tonight.
She had said she would never share a man with another woman.
Now he was giving her his promise, but she didn't believe him.
Chu Qianli pouted her lips and remained silent.
Feng Yexuan turned his head to look at her.
The young girl's clothes were disheveled, her collar ripped and hanging loosely, her fair neck clearly visible.
This sight almost made him lose control again.
But he still managed to restrain himself.
The desire in his eyes slowly receded.
"What do you want?" he asked. What did she want him to do to dispel her thoughts of leaving?
This time, Feng Yexuan's attitude was serious.
Chu Qianli met his gaze, and she was serious too.
"Your Highness, if I told you that I am not Chu Qianli at all, would you believe me?"
"This prince has already had inquiries made!" From the night of their wedding, when her changes began, doubt had taken root in his heart.
She was truly completely different from the Chu Qianli of the past.
Therefore, he had quietly ordered an investigation.
"But you are, undeniably, the seventh young lady who grew up in the Duke's mansion, Chu Qianli!"
Chu Qianli bit her lip, knowing her statement was absurd.
"Then, if I told Your Highness that my body truly belongs to Chu Qianli, but my soul..."
"Your Highness!" Outside, Qingming's hurried footsteps suddenly sounded. "Your Highness, urgent report!"
"Speak!" Feng Yexuan cast another glance at Chu Qianli, then grabbed his clothes and put them on.
Qingming's voice was somewhat somber, and his anxiety was palpable. "Your Highness, General Qin Xiao, who was ordered to annihilate the bandits in the Phoenix Mountain area, has just received an urgent report. General Qin has gone missing in Phoenix Mountain!"
"This detestable cur!"
Feng Yexuan snorted. Although his expression remained as cold and clear as water, Chu Qianli could tell that he was also somewhat anxious.
Qin Xiao was one of the few friends he could truly rely on.
If Qin Xiao was in danger, he couldn't possibly not save him!
"Your Highness, the Phoenix Mountain area is rampant with bandits. Several generals sent by His Majesty have not returned alive. Your subordinate fears that General Qin is in danger, and implores Your Highness to make a decision quickly!"
"Prepare the horses and order the brothers to get ready!"
"Yes!" Qingming immediately turned and left.
Feng Yexuan stood up from the bedside, adjusting his clothes.
Looking again, he was once more the proud and resolute Iron-Fisted War God, Prince Xuan.
A trace of unease flickered through Chu Qianli's heart. "Are you going to war?"
The bandits in Phoenix Mountain, the fallen generals... Suddenly, her heart was pulled by an unseen force.
Why did a desolate scene flash through her mind?
Bodies strewn everywhere...
Chu Qianli blurted out, "Your Highness, this is a trap!"