Chapter 246

Chapter 246: Remember It Well

Shang Hang Yu, after all, was the prince consort and Shang Tian Hao’s son. Emperor Chong Sheng naturally wouldn’t send him off merely as a common soldier.

Instead, he was assigned to serve beside Pei Ling Yuan as a subordinate general—one who must obey orders without any real authority.

When news spread that Shang Hang Yu would head to the battlefield, the newly named General’s manor plunged into chaos.

Shang Tian Hao pressed his forehead wearily, reassuring Liang Rao, “If he wants to go, let him. A subordinate general without true power can’t possibly earn merit. Moreover, Northern Desert is uncertain now… he might never return.”

Had that not been the case, Shang Tian Hao wouldn’t have used drugs to harm his own body, just to avoid going north. Yet the aftereffects had turned out stronger than expected.

“General, is this true?” Liang Rao asked skeptically.

Shang Tian Hao nodded solemnly, and Liang Rao quickly brightened. Indeed, Shang Hang Yu was a mere wastrel—perhaps he’d frighten himself to death at the first sight of the Northern Di army.

At Duke Qi’s manor, Duke Qi harbored the same thoughts.

How could a spoiled good-for-nothing like Shang Hang Yu even compare with his talented Shu Xian? Qi Shu Xian himself had tasted defeat against the Northern Di—surely Shang Hang Yu would lose his life there.

It would be best if he died in battle.

Sheng Zhi Wan was already known as an ill-fated woman, having divorced and now, perhaps, destined to lose a fiancé before even marrying again. Such a reputation would ensure no other would dare approach her.

With this hopeful thought, Duke Qi felt some of his earlier anxieties ease.

The Northern Desert army had suffered devastating losses, prompting Emperor Chong Sheng to send Pei Ling Yuan northward with eighty thousand reinforcements.

The day before departure, Shang Hang Yu arrived openly at the Princess’s residence, carrying several gifts.

An Zhi, Ting Lan, and Liu Shang discreetly retreated, leaving the pair alone.

Sheng Zhi Wan studied the items he placed before her—a ring, a hairpin, and a pair of finely crafted sleeve crossbows.

“This ring holds a secret mechanism. Turn the inside slightly, and a poison needle emerges,” Shang Hang Yu demonstrated carefully.

“The hairpin looks solid, but this pearl at its tip hides a compartment,” he twisted gently, and the delicate pearl opened. “You can conceal something for protection inside.”

“These sleeve crossbows each hold three arrows—those in the left sleeve are harmless, but the ones in the right are coated with a powerful numbing poison.”

After demonstrating each item, he looked up at her quietly.

Sheng Zhi Wan regarded him with curiosity, “Are these the parting gifts you wished to give me?”

Shang Hang Yu obediently nodded. “When I’m away, Princess must take care. If you like, I’ll send Xiu He tomorrow.”

He had hesitated before to place his people around her, fearing she’d misunderstand his intentions. But now that he was leaving, his heart wouldn’t rest without assurance.

Sheng Zhi Wan gazed deeply into his eyes, and Shang Hang Yu returned the look steadily.

Outside, the harsh wind blew fiercely, yet his tall figure shielded her from it entirely.

But Sheng Zhi Wan was no fragile flower sheltered in a greenhouse. She rose, fingers hooking lightly onto the ties of his cloak, gently pulling him downward.

Though her touch was soft, Shang Hang Yu felt himself helplessly drawn to her, willingly bowing lower and lower, until he stood a full half-head shorter.

Her cool fingertips brushed lightly across his cheek, her warm breath whispering close to his ear.

“Thump… thump…”

The steady beat of his heart thundered loudly, powerful and consuming.

“Princess…” Shang Hang Yu’s voice grew husky, “What are you doing?”

Eyes lowered, Sheng Zhi Wan drew a shaky breath. Her moist lips softly brushed against his startled, parted mouth.

In that instant, even the howling winds ceased.

Shang Hang Yu’s eyes widened in shock. Witnessing his surprise, Sheng Zhi Wan felt her hesitation vanish. She drew him closer, voice firm and commanding, though quiet:

“I will wait in the capital. You are allowed only victory, never defeat!” [You must return alive.]

“Do you understand?” she pressed softly.

Shang Hang Yu swallowed, muscles tensed tightly. “Princess… can you say that once more?”

“I will wait in the capital. You must only—mmph!”

Shang Hang Yu shut his eyes, pulling her tightly against him.

He hadn’t wished to act rashly or presumptuously.

Yet she tested his restraint again and again.

Even his most virtuous intentions couldn’t withstand her provocations forever—just as now.

He swallowed her unfinished words deeply, imprinting them into his being, not merely remembering them, but engraving them within himself.

Breathless, Sheng Zhi Wan clung to him weakly, her fingers leaving faint marks upon his neck before he finally released her reluctantly.

His gaze had transformed from that of a tame hound into a hungry wolf, his dark eyes full of unsatisfied longing.

“Did you remember clearly?” Sheng Zhi Wan gasped softly.

His eyes curved gently, instantly reverting from wolf back to obedient hound. “I remembered. The Princess awaits my return in the capital as her consort. For your sake alone, I promise to fulfill your command.”

Her command?

Sheng Zhi Wan trembled faintly. She wanted to say there was more meaning behind her words. Yet, biting her lip, she chose silence, thinking the sentiment clear enough.

She steadied her heartbeat. “Good, as long as you remember.”

“Yes,” Shang Hang Yu’s gaze lingered warmly upon his handiwork. Her beautiful lips, now flushed from his kisses, had become even more enticing, infinitely more tempting than he’d ever imagined…