Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 81: The princess is single, and so are you, General

Chapter 81: The princess is single, and so are you, General

The spell binding Han Xin ended abruptly. That’s because as soon as Xiang Yu saw who it was, the smile on his face vanished, replaced by a look of annoyance. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

Han Xin was taken aback, though he didn’t let it show on his face. "I came to find you... I heard what happened," he replied evenly, his eyes searching hers for any hint of the smile she had on before. But there was no trace of it and in its place was just pure disdain and hatred. He was beginning to ask himself what he did to make her this resentful towards him.

Xiang Yu crossed his arms, his posture defensive. "Well, you have found me. Now what?" He never thought this man was this nosy. Yi Nuo should have told him what happened so why did he come running here like he was rushing to save a damsel in distress.

If their relationship was good, that rescuing a damsel in distress statement would make sense. This could only mean he wasn’t worried about him but rather that he was worried that this was a plot to escape. Having realised that, Xiang Yu couldn’t help but smirk with a look of disdain flashing in his eyes. He could read Han Xin like a book.

"You thought I ran away, didn’t you?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Why Han Xin would think like that, Xiang Yu didn’t know? He must have found out something about Peng Xiu that he didn’t know about. It must have been something so bad that it would make the real Peng Xiu nervous enough to run. "Now that you see I am taking my punishment, you can leave... General."

Han Xin stared into her eyes, his gaze unwavering. He didn’t know what exactly he was searching for. When his gaze shifted, he couldn’t help but notice the spots of sunburn marring her smooth skin and the cracks on her lips.

Her knees were rooted on the pebbles and it was clear the position was causing her immense pain. Despite his feelings towards her, he couldn’t stand to see her suffer like this. She was a princess after all regardless of her circumstance.

Without a word, he turned and stormed off, his steps purposeful as he went to find the head monk. Xiang Yu watched him go, a sneer curling his lips before he turned his attention back to the incense stick that was more than half way burnt.

He blew on it fanning the flame for it to burn faster. The ember blew bright but it was barely helping. Because he had been in his spiritual space, he didn’t notice that his body was in terrible shape. This was all Han Xin’s fault for drawing back to reality. He now realised that he was in so much pain, his skin was burnt up and he was hungry. It brought back memories of a time long past.

Meanwhile, Han Xin approached the head monk, his anger barely contained. He could have approached this situation calmly but he just felt angry for some reason. Maybe it was because he couldn’t confront the person he was really upset with and could only take it out on the monk. "This punishment is excessive," he said, his voice low but firm. "She is a princess, and while she must face consequences, this is not the way."

The head monk looked at Han Xin, his expression calm but resolute. "All are equal in the eyes of the temple," he replied. "She must atone for her actions... General Han, you know the importance of this Lenten period. It is to pray for the blessing and prosperity of the country. Its for the goddess to bless our country with more marriages and children. You could use some of those blessings, General."

This old man was obviously throwing shade at him and this General noticed. He was giving the same look his mother gave to him each time he went home. It was as though she was wordlessly expressing her dissatisfaction with him. His jaw tightened. "There are other ways to atone. This is not necessary."

The head monk was as stubborn as a mule. He refused to let Peng Xiu go. "She is already half way done with her punishment so why not let her finish it? General, I don’t come to your military camp and tell you how to command your men so please don’t come into the temple I oversee and tell me how I should punish those who break the rules."

Han Xin’s anger simmered beneath the surface, but he contained himself. Why was he standing up for her in the first place? Why was he advocating so hard for her when she wasn’t a good person? He didn’t like her, and she certainly didn’t seem to like him. Yet, something about her situation had stirred a sense of duty within him. Sure, the emperor had entrusted her to him but this wouldn’t kill her.

Once he came to terms with it, he turned to leave. As he did, the monk smiled and said, "The princess is single, and so are you, General. Perhaps this is the deity, telling you something."

Han Xin’s steps halted, his back still towards the monk. He listened to the monk’s words, wondering if this was part of Peng Xiu’s plan all along. How could he not think that when she had been sending him so many letters like a stalker? But if it was, why did she treat him with such disdain? It didn’t make sense.

He walked out, past the garden, leaving Peng Xiu behind. The sight of her kneeling on the pebbles, enduring the punishment, lingered in his mind. He left the temple and mounted his horse, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and frustration.

***

At sunset, the incense finally burned out, marking the end of Xiang Yu’s punishment. He tried to stand, but his legs were numb and he fell forward, his knees scraping against the rough gravel. Blood trickled down his shins, mixing with the dirt. His skin was sunburnt and his throat felt like sandpaper. The weather, which had been cool and forgiving yesterday, now seemed to have conspired against him because it was extremely hot.

Lian, Mei, and Lieutenant Yi Nuo rushed over to help him. They had showed up two hours ago to pick him up. While waiting for the time to pass they kept him company despite the head monk’s disapproval. Lian’s hands were gentle but firm as she lifted Xiang Yu’s arm over her shoulder. Mei supported him from the other side, her face a mask of concern. Yi Nuo stood in front, ready to catch him if he stumbled again.

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