My Years in the Jianghu with the Prince: A Time of Unethical Conduct

Chapter 141 Flashback Part 8 - True Identity

Now that things have come to this, it seems there's no escaping it.

Xie Yan rubbed his nose, stood still with his eyes downcast, and after he was dried off, the servants changed him into the clothes he knew all too well.

The servants moved quickly, and after changing his clothes, they carried him out.

It seems that Wang Youdao and his group have been in the village for several days.

They did not live in the village, but instead cleared out a plot of land outside the village to serve as their temporary camp.

Every few steps between these tents, there would be a patrol of guards, making the entire camp so airtight that it would be difficult for even a mosquito to fly in.

Not to mention that some people tried to escape from inside.

Among these, a few tents stood out as particularly special.

These tents were not only more ornate than the other tents, but they were also located in the most open and conspicuous place in the entire camp.

Even the area in front of the tent was guarded by personal guards.

As Xie Yan was being escorted past, someone happened to lift the curtain and come out from inside.

A fragrant breeze wafted over, so strong that Xie Yan couldn't help but sneeze violently.

Looking to the side, he saw a boy of similar height to him.

The young man had delicate features, with red lips and white teeth.

He was slender, dressed in fine clothes, and his exposed skin was fair and delicate. At first glance, it was difficult to tell whether he was male or female.

This outfit looked particularly out of place on the boy, making him completely lose the innocence and childlike charm that someone his age should have.

When their eyes met, the boy subconsciously paused for a moment.

Upon seeing Xie Yan clearly, a flash of pity crossed his eyes.

Xie Yan looked past him and saw that the room was full of children dressed similarly to him.

But the air was deathly still, and even the expressions on their faces were exceptionally cold, carrying a numb and listless quality.

They were just like the group of young men in Fengyun Tower.

Unexpectedly, even when Wang Youdao was putting on an act and searching for targets, he didn't forget to bring his "spoils of war".

At the same time, a large army was heading towards Qingzhou.

Half a month ago—

A large and imposing army marched out of the capital.

Unlike in the past, this time the leader was a boy who was not even old enough to dance.

The young general was tall and imposing.

There was a youthful spirit between his brows, but his demeanor and actions exuded maturity and composure.

"Who is this? He's so young and he's already a leader in the army?"

The people standing on either side were discussing it animatedly.

"Is there even a question? That's the Chu family army! And since he's this young and capable of leading them, it must be His Highness the Second Prince!"

"What? That's the Second Prince?! Where is he heading with his army? But is there some kind of war breaking out somewhere recently?"

"Oh, it's not an internal conflict. I heard there's some unrest on the border, which is why the Second Prince was ordered to lead the expedition. After all, the Chu family has always been responsible for guarding the border."

"I see. To be able to lead an army into battle at such a young age, he is truly a prodigy."

Amidst the gasps and exclamations of the people, the young general remained calm.

He rode atop a tall horse, with an endless army behind him.

The young general's eyes were cold and sharp as he gazed towards the city gate. After a long while, he tightened the reins and led his troops straight towards Qingzhou...

Xie Yan didn't have time to stop and observe for long before the servants led her onward.

Until they arrived at a felt tent in the very center of the camp.

This was clearly the tent where Wang Youdao himself lived.

This felt tent was even more magnificent, situated in the center and not connected to the other tents, with a circle of satin tassels around its body.

His personal guards were heavily fortified, with dozens of men in the open and countless others hidden in the shadows.

Xie Yan was led to the tent by the servants, who then flung open the tent flap and pushed her inside.

The tassels rattled as they were pulled, followed by an instruction: "Master hasn't returned yet, wait here."

The tents were covered with thick carpets and luxuriously furnished with tables, chairs, beds, and curtains.

The air was filled with a pungent, unidentified fragrance that made Xie Yan feel dizzy.

He looked around and found that Wang Youdao was indeed not there.

As soon as he lifted the curtain to go out for some fresh air, two long swords were thrust across his chest with a clang.

It was the two guards standing at the door, weapons in hand, staring at Xie Yan from a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

They looked at Xie Yan with disdain in their eyes and said coldly, "Go back. No one is allowed to leave without orders."

Xie Yan took a deep breath, silently lowered her hand, and turned back to her tent.

He sat listlessly on the cushion, looking around before his gaze slowly settled on the coffee table beside him.

Xie Yan's eyes flickered as she stared at the exquisite tea set displayed there. She got up and walked to the tea table.

Brushing aside the pastries, Xie Yan picked up the plate below.

He was thoroughly searched from head to toe, and everything that could harm Wang Youdao was taken away.

Fortunately, this plate wasn't made of gold or silver.

Xie Yan's lips curled up slightly, with a hint of a smile that was barely perceptible.

But he never expected that his wait would last until the moon rose high in the sky and all was quiet.

Even the servants came in twice to add candles before footsteps could be heard outside the tent, and the curtain was lifted from the outside.

Wang Youdao hurriedly entered under the cover of night.

His hair was disheveled, his hair ornament was askew, and he reeked of alcohol. His eyes and brows were filled with drunkenness.

Upon seeing Xie Yan, he was stunned for a moment before slowly coming to his senses.

He slurred, "You...you...help me change my clothes."

Xie Yan touched the sharp object in her arms, calmed herself down, and then replied in a deep voice.

Wang Youdao nodded in satisfaction, then swayed as he sat down on the couch, his eyes glazed over, and took off his outer robe.

He raised his hand, gesturing for Xie Yan to step forward.

As Xie Yan approached, Wang Youdao suddenly opened his eyes, his cloudy pupils still gleaming with a drunken light.

He raised his hand and grabbed Xie Yan's collar, pulling her closer. He then narrowed his eyes slightly and moved a few steps closer to Xie Yan.

The strong smell of alcohol hit Xie Yan's face, making him frown and tighten his grip on the broken porcelain shards.

Wang Youdao stared blankly at Xie Yan, then suddenly reached out and tried to touch her face.

But he was drunk and didn't have much strength to move.

The hand fell halfway down.

But he kept staring at Xie Yan without blinking, muttering, "So alike, so very alike..."

"Your Highness..."

As Wang Youdao spoke, he immediately leaned on Xie Yan's shoulder and began snoring loudly.

Xie Yan lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes casting a shadow on her lower eyelids.

He tightened his grip on the broken porcelain shards in his hand, then slowly loosened it.