Chapter 17: The Tyranny Of The Sovereign Regiment

"Looks like fate isn't planning on allowing us to part ways anytime soon."

Lanying's breath caught in shock, glancing at the person who had rather forcefully 'accompanied' her. Standing just inches away from the cliff, she stumbled back a few steps.

"Be careful!" Xiao Fei's anxious cry nearly coincided with his intention to pull her back, but the other person was already ahead by a step.

"You might as well start getting accustomed to my presence. After all, our paths will be crossing frequently from now on," Yan Changmin murmured into her ear as his arm instinctively encircled her waist to steady her.

"What exactly are you after?" Lanying locked her gaze onto his eyes, perplexed by his persistent proximity. They weren't adversaries, and she held no grudge against him. She struggled to pinpoint a reason for his behavior. Then, why was he so determined to agitate her? On reflection, she realized he hadn't actually harmed her in any way. It was just his incessant invasion of her privacy, whether during her walks to the forest or inside the carriage, that grated on her.

Observing the contemplative expression on the woman's face, Changmin felt a pang of bewilderment. What did he want? The answer should have been clear to him when he chose to approach her in the first place. So why did he now sense an undercurrent of different motives?

"I'll reveal my intentions when I am certain," he stated, tugging her back slightly. From his peripheral vision, he caught the penetrating, questioning look from the other man.

'What an annoyance!' he thought, tightening his grip around her waist. Leaning in, he moved closer to her face, his free hand gently lifting her chin. After a few seconds, he eased his hold and offered her a fleeting smile before releasing her.

Xiao Hei shifted his gaze uncomfortably, his complexion noticeably pale.

—-------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile in the outskirts camp,

"Bringing a young lady here with the Sovereign Regiment? What foolishness are you talking about?" Zhou Xianjun, amidst arranging his weapons in the weaponry, reprimanded his younger brother with an incredulous tone.

"I wouldn't dare fabricate such a story. He's currently introducing her to the wounded soldiers," Zhou Minghui retorted with a defiant volume.

Xianjun's hands paused in the task. After a brief pause, he gestured to Minghui to lead the way.

"From this point forward, you will accord her the same respect as you do for me. Is that understood?" The authoritative tone silenced the injured soldiers in its wake.

Although hesitant, they nodded their consent. How could a lady who had seemingly appeared out of thin air be equated to the Sovereign Regiment? She resembled any other delicate princess, seemingly eager to curry favor with feigned grace.

"Should you have any complaints, do not hesitate to voice them," Fenhua stated deliberately. His measured words invoked a tremor of fear in the silently disgruntled soldiers. Anyone who had dared to protest the sovereign's orders had been dispatched to the trial chamber—a training facility that inflicted more torment than a torture dungeon.

"We pledge to hold the Princess with the same esteem as we do the Sovereign Regiment."

The two hundred and fifty warriors of the wounded troop bowed, cementing their promise.

Yan Huiqing was momentarily overwhelmed. As a princess, she had rarely encountered such respect from soldiers. War matters held little interest for her; hence, neither her brother nor her grandfather had brought her to the camp. The empress dowager had vehemently opposed her desire to become a healer from its very conception.

She sensed that the respect displayed wasn't wholehearted; it was merely a response to a military command from their superior. Yet, she comprehended the situation. Why would the red scorpion yield to a mere princess? The northern culture upheld earned honor. To prove herself, she couldn't lean on the kingdom's strength or her brother's influence.

Still, she valued the opportunity. A subtle smile graced her lips as she acknowledged the man standing beside her. Beyond being a crown prince, he held the title of a sovereign regiment—the highest command in the camp. He hadn't required an elaborate introduction or compelled his subordinates to honor her. A warm feeling enveloped her heart.

"I wish to contribute to the Red Scorpion by offering my potions and healing skills. I extend my gratitude to all of you for granting me this chance to heal you."

Stepping down from the plinth, she bowed resolutely, astonishing the troop and mellowing their resentment somewhat. Here, she wasn't a princess; she was a healer, committed to fulfilling her responsibilities to the best of her abilities.

Ji Fenhua's heart swelled with pride. Could the woman he had chosen to pursue ever be ordinary?

Zhou Xianjun disapprovingly shook his head observing the scene unfolding before him.

'This is bad. His majesty had consistently upheld fairness and integrity, refraining from the misuse of authority. Even when he resorted to disciplining soldiers in torture dungeons in the past, it was always grounded in just cause. Yet now for a mere woman he now oppressed the voices of his own subordinates?'

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