Chapter 222: Chapter 222: Some Things Are Beyond Willpower
Prince An was taken aback at first, then instinctively moved aside a little, crossing his arms with full vigilance and defensiveness, "What do you mean? I treat you like a brother, and you’re lusting after me?"
The Big Housekeeper was also stunned for a moment, then furiously slapped the other’s head in anger.
This wasn’t the Capital City, where warlords had prestige over princes and dukes, so the Big Housekeeper wasn’t afraid of the other’s status.
"Even though you’re a bit effeminate, no matter how little I’m picky, I wouldn’t choose someone like you. What are you thinking?"
"Who are you calling effeminate? Watch out or I’ll punch you!" Prince An raised his fist.
The Big Housekeeper wasn’t intimidated at all. If those words were said by someone else, they might have been convincing. Prince An appeared to have no strength, clearly someone who never faced hardships since childhood. When fighting, he’d lose his nerve, unable to distinguish north, south, east, and west, with an expression like ’Who am I? Where am I? What should I do?’
Yet, in such circumstances, no one expected that the person who appeared to need protection the most stood up with impressive courage and became the team’s main force, truly commanding respect.
But such a person, with bow in hand, would shoot the enemy with no hesitation, and when putting down the bow, could make soup with equal competence.
How could he not attract attention?
So, during these days, while watching him, the Big Housekeeper developed some subtle feelings.
Putting aside the age issue, one was over thirty and the other barely out of his teens; no matter how reckless, it wouldn’t be... right?
To start pondering the age issue means considering possibilities.
But now how could the Big Housekeeper be pondering those?
For a grown man to ignore so many fair-skinned girls, what kind of situation is this?
It must be due to being single for too long.
"Isn’t there something like that in the barracks? Let’s give it a try?"
The Big Housekeeper wasn’t picky; in a place like this, having it is good enough; what’s there to pick?
Prince An was different; it was his turn to slap the Big Housekeeper in the face, "Go if you want, I’m not interested. Hurry up lest you get so pent up you can’t tell men from women later."
The Big Housekeeper then suspiciously scrutinized Prince An, "Aren’t you a man? Don’t you have those needs?"
How could he not? When hanging out with those from Prince Wei’s group, where haven’t they gone and what new experiences haven’t they tried? Having tasted the good, one becomes a bit picky.
He was already doing well; the real exemplar was the leader, who though having entered such places, miraculously remained untouched, calmly drinking tea while staying unmoved by tales of romance around him.
The leader said he wouldn’t have come so far without such restraint.
Once a man withstands allure, there are fewer weaknesses to exploit.
Hence, he became a young general, whereas others...
That "others" being Prince An himself.
Before reaching the border, he always thought himself extremely capable, achieving instant fame with one move.
Yet in reality, he wasn’t even on par with a woman.
If not for Qu Fulan, he would’ve been shot dead already.
While the Big Housekeeper got lost in worries about possible body issues, Prince An was immersed in "turns out I’m utterly useless" thoughts.
Yes, whether a mule or a horse, you’ll know when you take it for a ride. Now, Prince An truly felt this, leaving him somewhat disheartened.
Qu Fulan, having just finished preparing food for Heir Pei, left a portion for Prince An and the Big Housekeeper, serving some to Heir Pei’s tent, only to see Prince An sitting there looking dejected, an air of despondency around him.
She pretended not to see it, turning into the tent.
A sharp person like Pei Ji’an naturally sensed the Big Housekeeper and Prince An’s awkwardness. The Big Housekeeper was understandable as he knew the whole story. What the Big Housekeeper admires is capability, and Qu Fulan’s performance naturally intimidated many.
It’s normal for the Big Housekeeper to become sycophantic.
Prince An being saved and becoming a sycophant is also sensible, but what’s with him looking so unspirited now?
Men’s minds aren’t as delicate as women’s, and Qu Fulan could deduce the reason, "He was used to being confident, imagining everything should unfold according to his plans, but reality proved otherwise. His confidence has shattered, and rebuilding it takes effort."
She also once went through a period of feeling defeated when, during modern times, her grandpa, who taught her medicine, couldn’t save himself, nor could she save him.
During that time of self-doubt, feelings of frustration and impotence made her realize that no one is omnipotent, even in their expertise, there are moments of helplessness.
Even Pei Ji’an, who has won many battles, has known defeat; no one stands unbeaten forever.
It was once again time for Qu Fulan to change Heir Pei’s bandages; she thought nothing of it—it’s a doctor’s normal duty to treat patients.
So she calmly untied the bandages, layer by layer; doing this meant being very close, you could even feel the other’s breath.
Each time during such moments, Heir Pei didn’t know where to look, her breath faintly brushing against him, warm and gentle like a feather gliding over the skin, causing him to blush at the ears.
Previously, military doctors treated him, all men, so naturally, there was nothing about it. But with swapped genders, who knew the difference would be so stark.
Especially since he was shirtless.
Initially, when Heir Pei’s wounds were severe, Qu Fulan didn’t have spare thoughts for anything else. Now as he gradually healed, and the wounds no longer appeared frightening, she couldn’t help but glance a few more times while changing dressings.
Some things are beyond one’s willpower control.
For instance, men admiring beauty—that’s instinctive.
But in truth, women also appreciate handsome men, particularly ones with six-packs, fit bodies, they are indeed pleasing to the eyes.
At this moment, Heir Pei displayed a muscular chest, unlike those pampered young lords in the Capital City with pale skin; his was a healthy bronze, full of strength, robustness, with each firm abdominal muscle exuding allure, making one eager to touch and feel...
Qu Fulan also blushed a little, quickly reflecting on herself, feeling it’s unprofessional for a doctor to be distracted by beauty, leaving her deeply embarrassed.
From Pei Ji’an’s perspective, he saw an obedient Qu Fulan, with her head down, eyes lowered, her long eyelashes forming a fan-like silhouette under her eyes that cast adorable shadows, fluttering softly occasionally like invisible feathers sweeping over his heart, making it tremble and tingle, along with her flushed cheeks, slender elegant neck, with skin like jade.
Pei Ji’an’s Adam’s apple moved up and down, his fingertips slightly twitching.