A flicker of warmth appeared in Jun Yelan's eyes, and he smiled, "Good." He watched Lan Yan sit down and slowly began to speak, "After every battle, I would watch the soldiers celebrate their joy, and I would always go alone to admire the moon."
"They were happy because they won, happy because they missed their families far away, happy because their brothers were still alive. But I couldn't feel anything, couldn't find any reason."
"On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. Every time I returned from the brink of death, I had to face the Crown Prince's instigation. I looked at the blood and was once lost in confusion, but later, seeing more people smile, I suddenly felt that this was how it should be."
Lan Yan quietly listened to Jun Yelan's heart. This man had suffered his entire life, as if heaven had never favored him. Yet, he had protected the peaceful lives of many with his own life.
At this moment, she felt even more heartache for Jun Yelan. She said, "Wait for me." She returned to her room, fetched needle and thread and the cloth doll from before, then embroidered a few characters on the back. She called out, "Here you go, may you always have good luck from now on."
Jun Yelan was stunned. He took it and touched the characters on the back. His heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but reach out and embrace the person before him. He whispered, "Yan'er, thank you."
Now it was Lan Yan's turn to be shocked. This was the first time Jun Yelan had said this to her. The corners of her mouth curved slightly upward, and she smiled, "It's nothing."
She only hoped that Jun Yelan would not be injured or feel lonely on the battlefield in the future.
Jun Yelan held the person in his arms tightly, wanting to merge Lan Yan into his very bones. After a long while, worried that Lan Yan couldn't breathe, he released her. "It's late, I'll escort you back to your room."
"Mm," Lan Yan nodded, walking side by side with Jun Yelan as they returned to their rooms.
And behind them, a pair of eyes had been watching them.
Three days later, Jun Yelan was having breakfast with Lan Yan when he received a notification from General Lan. He left, heading towards the study, and inquired, "General Lan, how is the peace talk?"
General Lan's expression was solemn. "I have reported it. His Majesty approves of this matter. However, he worries that it might be a trap."
"I will stake my life that I genuinely wish for peace talks. As I said before, my clan's king has mentioned this matter many times, but it was always sabotaged by the Crown Prince. This time, I will contact the king directly."
"As long as the kings of both tribes sign the alliance, no one else can break it." Jun Yelan's eyes were firm, his whole demeanor exuding an undeniable deterrence.
General Lan truly wanted to believe Jun Yelan, as this was beneficial to both tribes. But he couldn't understand why the bloodthirsty God of War of the Snake Clan on the battlefield would be interested in peace talks.
"General Jun, allow me to ask one more question. Why are you like this?"
Jun Yelan clenched his fist. "I'm tired of the battlefield, and I want someone to live like this forever." Lan Yan's smiling face flashed in his mind.
He didn't want to see Lan Yan troubled.
This made General Lan think more. He had seen Jun Yelan and Lan Yan interacting that day; their relationship was not ordinary. He asked, "General Jun, I am not one for beating around the bush."
"You said earlier that my daughter is very good. Do you have any other intentions towards her?" As a father, he had to ask clearly.
Jun Yelan did not hesitate and said directly, "General Lan, your daughter is the one I wish to protect."
General Lan was completely stunned, momentarily thinking he had misheard. "General Jun, my daughter is just an ordinary woman. I will not agree to you and her being like this."
He didn't want his daughter to be involved in the conflict between the two tribes; he just wanted her to have a simple life. Moreover, his daughter had bullied Jun Yelan before. What if Jun Yelan wanted revenge later!
No, absolutely not!
Seeing General Lan's immediate refusal, Jun Yelan had already anticipated this outcome. He said, "I will prove it with my actions." After saying that, he left the study.
General Lan behind him sighed heavily. "Alas, Xiao Yan getting involved with Jun Yelan, I wonder if it's a blessing or a curse!"
On his way back to the courtyard, Jun Yelan sensed someone behind him; it was his hidden guard returning. He walked to a secluded corner, looked at the person before him, and asked coldly, "How is it?"
The hidden guard knelt on the ground and respectfully called out, "Master, after the Crown Prince received Du Yin's body, he was furious. He also swore to dismember you."
"Heh," Jun Yelan sneered, "I've heard that line too many times. Anything else?"
The hidden guard continued, "Yes, the Crown Prince has been more active recently. He is not only recruiting troops but also contacting important ministers. His Majesty is also very worried and has written a reply to you." He handed over the letter.
Jun Yelan opened the letter and looked at His Majesty's handwriting, his brow furrowing. He put the letter away and pondered, "His Majesty is asking me to return. The Crown Prince's actions are likely a prelude to rebellion."
"Then what will Master do?" The hidden guard knew his master couldn't leave his lady.
Jun Yelan closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was a hint of determination within them. "I must go back." If His Majesty were to meet with an accident, this peace talk would fall through.
His plan would also vanish.
"Then I will prepare immediately." Seeing that Jun Yelan had no further words, the hidden guard left.
Jun Yelan stood alone for a long time before walking back. He arrived at Lan Yan's room door, raised his hand to knock, then lowered it.
He was usually decisive on the battlefield, but this time he didn't know how to speak.
Lan Yan had just finished bathing and was preparing to sleep when she saw a figure outside the door. She put on her outer garment, opened the door, and looked at Jun Yelan with confusion, "Why are you here?"
Jun Yelan looked at Lan Yan wearing her thin clothes, her hair casually draped over her back, her face unadorned, yet her beauty was undeniable. His eyes flickered, reminding himself of the important matter. "I have something to tell you."
"Then speak," Lan Yan blinked her eyes, letting Jun Yelan enter the room first, then looking at him earnestly. She felt it was something big!
Seeing this, Jun Yelan said, "The Crown Prince is rebelling. I need to return to the Snake Clan."
Lan Yan was a little surprised, but it was understandable. After all, Jun Yelan was the God of War of the Snake Clan and could not stay in the Human Clan forever. She nodded, "Okay, when are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow." His Majesty was already urging him.
Lan Yan was shocked. "That's too rushed." She quickly got up and went to the nearby cabinet to get things.
"What are you doing?"
Lan Yan said, "You're leaving tomorrow, of course, you need to pack your things." She took out the clothes and medicine inside and placed them in Jun Yelan's hands. "Take these for now. I'll prepare some food for you tomorrow morning."
"Oh dear, it's just too rushed, otherwise I could have made some dried meat." She looked regretful.
Jun Yelan looked at Lan Yan's troubled expression, and the tremor in his heart grew stronger. He put down the things in his hands, directly cupped Lan Yan's head, and kissed her talkative mouth.