Chapter 308: Ambush (1/2)

“How can you be blamed? You've given me days of companions.h.i.+p and peace. It's good enough for me.” Jun Huang continued with a decisiveness that was rare for most women, “It's only right for you to return to the army. We don't know who is pulling the strings, which is exactly why we must stay calm and cautious. The most important thing now is to keep the army under control.”

Nan Xun's heart grew heavier. Jun Huang had always been understanding, but her calm acceptance still surprised him. He didn't know if he should be glad or sad. Nevertheless, words weren't going to mean much now. he would make time for her after things were settled.

Ji Bo wasn't surprised that Nan Xun was returning to the army. When Nan Xun sought him out, they had a serious discussion about what would happen next.

Early the next morning, Nan Xun led everyone back to the camp. The officers cheered and celebrated his arrival like he was a ray of light s.h.i.+ning through a dark day. Nan Xun stood tall as he gave them a pep talk.

Returning to his tent, he saw Jun Huang, dressed in regular soldier armor, sitting at a table reading books. She looked a little ridiculous, but he couldn't find it in himself to feel amused.

Hearing footsteps approaching, Jun Huang glanced at him and went back to reading. Nan Xun didn't mind. He held her from behind and rested his chin on her head, breathing in the faint fragrance coming from her hair. “Originally I was going to leave you in the village, but I worried that there might be dangers. I don't know if it's the right thing to do to bring you here. I hope you won't blame me.”

Jun Huang chuckled without a word, but Nan Xun had learned to read her nonverbal expressions. He looked at her delicate profile, idly considering teasing her, but before he could reach out, Ji Bo's voice came from outside the tent. Nan Xun put his hand down and cleared his throat before calling Ji Bo to come in.

Ji Bo cupped his hands. He didn't mind Jun Huang's presence as he asked, “What does Your Highness plan to do?”

“Catch them off guard with a swift attack and be done with it.” Nan Xun's answer was brief and to the point. Ji Bo thought for a moment and nodded in approval. He didn't ask any questions since Nan Xun didn't seem eager to explain.

He excused himself, leaving Nan Xun and Jun Huang in the tent. Jun Huang put down her book and asked quietly, “Do you plan to launch an attack tonight?”

Surprise flashed through Nan Xun's eyes. He went up to Jun Huang. “How do you know?”

“You're going to catch them off guard, so you're launching an attack before they can get prepared. They're going to hear about your return soon, which will make them wary and prompt them to plan accordingly. You also said you wanted to eliminate them with one swift attack. That won't be possible if they are prepared. Therefore, it's best that you move out tonight.” Jun Huang arched a challenging eyebrow at him. “Am I right?”

Nan Xun's usual stoic look softened. “My wife is indeed smart and talented. No one in the world knows me better than you do.”

Jun Huang started when she heard Nan Xun call her his wife, but she quickly recovered. Her smile dropped and she said worriedly, “It's best that you make a move tonight, but… it's still going to be dangerous. I know you aren't going to take me with you. I'll be worried, however. Please remember not to be hasty. Look out for ambush and protect yourself.”

“Don't worry, I'll return safe and victorious,” Nan Xun promised, wrapping his fingers around Jun Huang's arm.

Jun Huang looked down at his hand and smiled at him. After a pause, she said in a low voice, “G.o.dspeed.”

She walked out of the tent. Nan Xun quietly watched her go. Only she could draw his eyes even in a set of armors he'd gotten familiar with for years.

Only after she was out of his sight did his smile drop. His eyes turned icy - it was a side of him he hadn't showed and didn't want to show Jun Huang.

Nan Xun summoned his shadow guard. “Have someone follow her to keep her safe. If anything happens, you'll be held accountable.”

The shadow guard made a sound of a.s.sent and vanished. Nan Xun went off to prepare for the attack.