Chapter 14: Surrounded by Peril

Chapter 14: Surrounded by Peril

Alright, Mu Lan admitted she had "pity for the fair sex," yet she still mischievously took out some rouge and, using the two crimson dots on his chest as a guide, drew two large chrysanthemums.

Hmm, the skin was smooth, and the muscles were firm. However, the thought that this body had likely been touched by countless women made Mu Lan instinctively wipe her hands on her clothes.

"Emperor Chrysanthemum, since you say I owe you a favor, I'll just draw on your chest to settle the debt. From now on, we are even."

Picking up the bundle from the ground, Mu Lan took a moment to admire her masterpiece. Imagining the "stunning" scene when Dongling Jue was discovered, she couldn't help but smile triumphantly and ran out of the tent without looking back.

Under the cover of night, only a few campfires illuminated the surroundings. Using the light, Mu Lan made her way to where the horses were tethered.

She had given the other horses laxatives, so they wouldn't be able to run right now. So, she should have just lost this one, right?

Mu Lan vaulted onto the horse, flicked the whip, and disappeared into the darkness without a backward glance.

Fortunately, the moonlight was good tonight. Although the surroundings were desolate and silent, it wasn't so dark that she couldn't see the path. However, being in such a wild, mountainous area at night for the first time, Mu Lan's initial joy of freedom gradually turned into a sense of nervousness.

Under the hazy moonlight, tree shadows flickered. The only sounds in the world were the chirping of insects and the occasional distant howl of a wild beast.

Whether it was psychological or not, Mu Lan felt as if something in the darkness was watching her, forcing her to cast aside all distracting thoughts and urge her horse to gallop faster.

After traveling for about a few hours like this, several points of firelight suddenly appeared in the distance.

Could there be people living in this wasteland? Mu Lan felt a surge of curiosity, but at the same time, the inexplicable sense of danger in the dark caused her to instinctively head toward the light.

She had traveled at night while climbing mountains before, but there had never been just her on the road, nor had it ever been this desolate and dark. Therefore, if she could encounter a human now, it might at least alleviate some of her fear.

However, Mu Lan did not forget her current situation. She understood well how high the probability of crime was for a single woman in ancient times. Thus, as she approached the firelight, she dismounted and walked forward cautiously, leading the horse by the reins.

"Quick, hurry up with the preparations! We must have everything ready before dawn!" Amidst the strange sounds of digging and shoveling, someone was shouting orders.

"Do you think this news is reliable? Don't let everyone's digging go to waste."

"The secret report came in three days ago. It's almost certainly that group. They'll arrive at the earliest the day after tomorrow. Otherwise, why would the higher-ups transfer us here so urgently? If we succeed this time, we'll be credited with a massive achievement."

"Hehe, our General is truly strategic. By setting this trap, he'll ensure that Dongling Jue Emperor has no way out."

Upon hearing the words "Dongling Jue Emperor," Mu Lan broke into a cold sweat. At the same time, aided by the firelight ahead, she finally saw the situation ten yards away: hundreds of men dressed in soldier's uniforms were busy wielding shovels and hoes. Some were digging pits, while others used branches and weeds to cover the holes. Near a nearby campfire, four people stood in a circle, looking like overseers; they were the ones who had been chatting just now.

"With our five hundred troops this time, we'll take down Dongling Jue. Let's see how arrogant the Western Chu Kingdom can be after that," one of them said with a smug expression.

"Alright, talk less and dig faster. Check the archers' side again," another ordered. After the command, the four men dispersed into the crowd of diggers.

Hearing this, Mu Lan understood completely. Having watched plenty of television in her modern life, she knew that with this kind of setup, they were likely planning to use traps to trip up people and horses first, followed by a volley of arrows.

At this thought, she broke out in a cold sweat. If she had escaped just one day later, wouldn't she have lost her life for nothing as well?

Following Dongling Jue really brought nothing but trouble.

After being shocked for a long while, Mu Lan finally calmed down. Then, she thought: this was a matter of life and death; should she notify Dongling Jue?

Even though it had nothing to do with her, and even though Dongling Jue had offended her, she had already let it go after her previous act of revenge. Besides, throughout their journey together, he had been quite considerate toward her.

As much as she disliked him, it wasn't to the point of wanting him dead, let alone when dozens of lives were at stake. In a larger sense, it concerned two nations.

But she also hadn't forgotten her current status as a fugitive. She knew exactly what kind of fate awaited her if she went back to deliver a message.

Especially after what she had done to Dongling Jue.

She wasn't a saint; only a fool would engage in such a losing business that risked her own life.

She would just pretend she saw nothing tonight. This was Dongling Jue's tribulation; if he died, she couldn't be blamed.

With this thought, Mu Lan led her horse and prepared to quietly detour in another direction.

However, Dongling Jue's wicked, handsome face involuntarily surfaced in her mind, along with his malicious teasing and his nightly respect...

*Sigh! Such a fine piece of skin; it would be a waste if he died. And if he dies, it's not just him—how many women will have to live as widows for him? I heard he hasn't even left an heir; to have his lineage end like this is quite pitiful.*

When Mu Lan realized such absurd thoughts were entering her mind, she felt an impulse to knock herself unconscious. Yet, her footsteps involuntarily slowed.

Forget it, leaving someone to die wasn't her style. Besides, if she kindly saved their lives, he couldn't possibly repay her kindness with enmity and settle scores with her later, could he? Moreover, their horses couldn't run for the time being; if she just went back to give a warning and then fled, they likely wouldn't be able to catch her.

Having made up her mind, Mu Lan turned her horse around and began to head back, her heart feeling inexplicably more at ease.

But not long after, she discovered to her sorrow that she seemed to have lost her way.

Mu Lan looked around blankly. Under the moonlight, everything looked the same. Now, even if she wanted to save them, she was powerless.

As she hesitated, a dark shadow suddenly darted out from the darkness, abruptly blocking her horse's path.

"Who's there?" Mu Lan was so startled she nearly fell off her horse, her hair standing on end.

"Don't be afraid," a familiar voice whispered, "Princess, it's me."