After Li Long left the tent, Feng Li's reassuring words hung in the air. "Xiao Bai, don't worry; nothing will happen to you," he spoke gently.
In response, Yu Xin expressed his trust by delicately licking Feng Li's hand.
Feng Li carried the little fox out of the tent, cradling him gently in his arms. He made his way to the campfire where all the other soldiers were gathered, awaiting their meal.
In the early days of his presence in the barracks, Feng Li had dined in solitude. The other soldiers perceived him as a royal figure and believed that royalty did not partake in meals with commoners. There was, they thought, an immeasurable divide between them and people of his stature. However, everything had transformed when Feng Li, of his own volition, began to share meals with his comrades, dispelling any such notions.
As Feng Li drew nearer, the soldiers, in a display of respect, promptly rose to their feet and bowed in greeting. Feng Li responded with a casual wave, prompting them to sit back down. Everyone began serving themselves, savoring their meals and sharing lighthearted jokes, creating an atmosphere brimming with joy.
Amidst the merriment, Feng Li observed his subordinates, their smiles warming his heart. He couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as he watched them bond and enjoy each other's company. Meanwhile, he lovingly fed morsels of roast chicken to Xiao Bai, who was nestled in his lap.
Yu Xin indulged in the delectable roast chicken, all the while observing the lively camaraderie around him. It was evident from the reverent attitude of the soldiers and the mysterious woman's audacious advances that the man beside him held significant authority. Hearing the man, Li Long, address him as "Regent" confirmed his earlier suspicion.
As the meal progressed, Yu Xin's tiny belly swelled from the delicious food, and drowsiness began to wash over him. Sensing the little fox's fatigue, Feng Li tenderly stroked his fur and announced, "I'm heading to my tent now. Rest up, everyone. We'll resume our journey to the Capital City early tomorrow morning."
With tenderness in his heart, he made his way to his tent, carefully extracting a warm blanket from his bag. As he unfolded it onto the ground, he considered the little fox's comfort. The hard earth would be an unkind bed for the delicate creature, he thought. Gently, he cradled the small fox in his arms, nestling it on his chest.
Yu Xin, soft and feathery, rested lightly on him, like a cherished treasure. The little fox's presence brought an unexpected comfort to Feng Li as he lay there. He marveled at how such a tiny being could have such a profound impact.
When Feng Li tenderly scooped Yu Xin into his arms, the little fox made no attempt to evade him. Instead, it seemed to trust Feng Li implicitly. Nestled on Feng Li's chest, Yu Xin soon found solace and drifted into a peaceful slumber.
Knowing that the little fox had succumbed to sleep's embrace, Feng Li continued to caress it gently. The soothing rhythm of their breathing filled the tent as both man and fox surrendered to rest, wrapped in a tranquil night's embrace.
As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky with subtle hues of orange and pink, Feng Li stirred from his slumber. With gentle care, he cradled the still-sleeping Yu Xin and carefully rose to a seated position. In the quietude of the early morning, he held the little fox close, bestowing a tender kiss upon its furry forehead.
The stirring of movement against his chest signaled that Yu Xin was slowly waking. Feng Li's fingers traced gentle patterns through the soft fur, and he whispered softly, "Xiao Bai, I need to step out for a while. Rest here."
With care, Feng Li set the drowsy little fox upon a nearby chair and left the tent. The soldiers, already awake and aware of the Regent's presence, offered their respectful greetings. Feng Li acknowledged them with a nod before returning to the tent.
With practiced ease, he settled Yu Xin snugly within his clothes, the little fox finding a warm sanctuary against Feng Li's chest. Then, mounting his horse, he led the procession of soldiers as they continued their journey toward the capital city.
The sun began its slow descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the horizon as they reached the towering entrance gate of the capital city. The entire city seemed to be ablaze with light, a dazzling display of lanterns and flowers adorning the gate in a radiant welcome. It was a tribute to those brave souls who had shed their blood to protect the city's safety.
With steady and determined steps, the soldiers passed beneath the gate, and their arrival was met with an outpouring of gratitude from the citizens. The streets were lined with people, their emotions as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. Tears glistened in the eyes of some, while others beamed with pride. The air was thick with an overwhelming sense of happiness and relief.
Feng Li led the procession, his horse striding proudly at the front. Each soldier sat tall and resolute in their saddles, their expressions serious but their hearts shining with a fierce sense of accomplishment. The pride they felt was palpable in their gleaming eyes, a testament to their unwavering dedication.
Unmarried girls stood by the roadside, their cheeks flushed as they watched the procession of handsome soldiers. Some among them were bold enough to offer handmade purses, little tokens of their affection, to the men who had captured their hearts.
However, not all held such admiration for Feng Li, for his reputation as the Crown Prince and Regent was tainted with tales of cruelty and bloodshed. They wisely refrained from participating in the token exchange.
The city's inhabitants, on the other hand, celebrated their heroes' return with an explosion of colorful flowers, tossing them toward the soldiers in joyful tribute.
Within the protective warmth of Feng Li's clothing, Yu Xin peered out at the heartwarming scene. Cheers and laughter filled the air as the people showered the returning soldiers with flowers. It was a sight that stirred something in him, a sense of pride that swelled in his tiny chest.
He couldn't quite explain it, but he felt a connection to the jubilant crowd. After all, they were not just cheering for his human; they were indirectly cheering for him too. This newfound sense of belonging made Yu Xin feel content, and he soon nestled back into Feng Li's clothes, drifting off to sleep.
As Feng Li observed his fox's actions, a tender smile graced his lips, a sight that left those who witnessed it in awe. To the young women who had hesitated before, this smile was a newfound motivation. They gathered their courage and began throwing purses, unaware that this gentleness was reserved solely for Feng Li's little fox, his one and only cherished treasure.
Moments later, a spirited chorus of young girls began showering Feng Li with their handmade purses. At first, he instinctively dodged when he saw one hurtling his way. But as the onslaught of purses continued, Feng Li gracefully swayed and shifted, a dance of evasion that left the girls laughing and cheering.
Purses sailed through the air in colorful arcs, and Feng Li, displaying a rare moment of vulnerability, became a nimble target. Yet, as the barrage subsided, he settled back into his seat, his demeanor now a captivating blend of regal composure and the playful joy of the moment.
In the grand residence of the right prime minister, a picturesque scene unfolded. Qin Ling, an ethereal beauty akin to a fairy, gracefully sprinkled fish food into an ornate pond teeming with vibrant Koi. Her outward appearance belied the weariness that clung to her like a shadow, revealing the burdens she bore.
Amid this tranquil moment, Qin Ling's devoted maid, Hu Yi, approached with news that carried the weight of destiny. "Miss, the Crown Prince has returned from the war. He's en route to the palace at this very moment."
Qin Ling, her lovely countenance betraying an inner turmoil, replied with a measured tone, "I am well aware, Yiyi."
Confusion played across Hu Yi's features as she dared to inquire further, "Miss, do you not wish to wed the Crown Prince?"
With a sigh heavy with unspoken concerns, Qin Ling replied, "Yiyi, we must tread cautiously in these perilous times. Even the very walls may have ears, and we cannot discern who listens to our whispers."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Hu Yi nodded in compliance.
A summons arrived swiftly, heralded by a maid's discreet approach. Her voice was hushed with deference as she conveyed the urgent message, "Miss, Madam is requesting your presence immediately."
Qin Ling acknowledged the summons with a nod, prompting the maid to depart the tranquil pavilion.
In unison, Qin Ling and her ever-loyal maid, Hu Yi, made their way towards her mother's domain. Madam Qin's attentive maid, quick to inform her of their arrival, sought permission for them to enter. Following the protocol, mother and daughter were granted access.
The setting was a picturesque garden, alive with the vibrant colors of blossoming flora and the soothing rustle of leaves. Nestled within this natural splendor stood a serene pavilion, where Madam Qin awaited their arrival. The lines of weariness etched into her face mirrored those found on her daughter's countenance.
Upon encountering her daughter's fatigued expression, Madam Qin could not hide her empathy. She addressed Qin Ling with a mix of reassurance and concern, "Ling Ling, does it continue to trouble you so?" Her voice carried the promise of resolution. "Fear not, my child; together, we shall uncover a path through these trying times."
A wry smile tugged at Qin Ling's lips as she replied, "Mother, I find it nearly impossible to remain composed amidst such uncertainty."