Since the world knows of the Mu Family's young lord's admiration for Prince Rui, why does the latter still intentionally get closer? According to Mu Qingge, it is mostly Qin Jinhao who takes the initiative.
Although, he has never shown any romantic inclinations. However, for a girl who must conceal her identity, such closeness undoubtedly becomes something she relies on and cherishes.
"I am a useless body, born unable to cultivate. If I were not arrogant and domineering, I'm afraid the Mu Mansion would have long become a place where anyone could be bullied." Mu Qingge seemed to be defending herself.
However, this statement was met with a mocking laugh from Mu Ge: "You are only relying on your grandfather's influence. If the old man is no longer around one day, do you think this arrogance you displayed can continue to uphold the prestige of Duke Yongning Mansion?"
"I know." Unexpectedly, Mu Qingge did not fly into a rage but instead lowered her eyes: "So, I..."
Dong——! Dong——! Dong——!
The sudden drumbeats interrupted the words that Mu Qingge had not finished.
"What's going on?" Mu Ge looked towards the source of the drumbeats outside the tent, raising an eyebrow to ask.
Mu Qingge bit her lip and said, "It's the drum for assembly in the military, it must be a command from my grandfather."
Before the words had even faded, Mu Ge saw the tent's curtain pulled open from outside, revealing two soldiers in light armor, their expressions tense.
Raising an eyebrow again, Mu Ge did not speak.
"Young lord, the old general is requesting your presence," the two said clangorously.
In the military, they were more accustomed to addressing Mu Xiong as the general.
Mu Ge licked her lips and leaped up. Casually flicking at her slightly wrinkled sleeves, she walked out of the tent with her figure upright.
Her steps were calm and unhurried, her head held high and her chest out, as if even if there were mountains of knives and seas of flames ahead, they could not make her frown.
The two soldiers, ordered to come, exchanged a glance, both showing some surprise in their eyes. The person before them seemed somewhat different from the young lord they were familiar with.
He actually didn't berate them?
Walked out on his own accord?
The two soldiers internally grieved: 'Young lord, aren't you supposed to point at our noses and scold us, then kick us a couple of times, make us kneel and beg for forgiveness before you reluctantly leave? Your quick departure doesn't make sense! Ah!'
But, Mu Ge couldn't hear the thoughts of these two. Following the sound of the drums, she was wondering what Mu Xiong was planning to do.
Step by step, Mu Ge's eyes grew brighter.
In less than an hour, what was originally a barren place had sprung up a well-organized military camp. Patrolling guards, both obvious and concealed, were in their respective positions. This shows that Mu Xiong's ability to lead troops is not just talk.
The war drum stood on the open ground outside the central tent, and Mu Xiong sat in the main seat, with Prince Rui Qin Jinhao, in a python robe, on his right. The other officers who came with the army were lined up on both sides.
Moreover, soldiers without ranks were lined up, standing like steel guns, making not a sound.
Mu Ge swept her gaze, her sight falling on a raised platform directly in front of Mu Xiong.
Though called a platform, it was merely three feet off the ground.
However, on this square platform stood two pillars. On the pillars were nailed two iron rings respectively. On the platform stood a man, his upper body bare, muscles tensed like hills. He stood wide-legged, holding a whip as thick as a baby's wrist, his expression indifferent.
Mu Ge's eyebrow twitched, and a foreboding feeling rose in her heart.
"Mu Qingge, kneel now!" Mu Xiong suddenly roared, making Mu Ge look over.
"Why?" Mu Ge's exquisitely beautiful yet youthful face showed no fear, only calmly looked at Mu Xiong, with a frail figure standing as straight as a sword, neither humble nor arrogant.
Mu Xiong's tiger eyes glared, but a quick flash of appreciation crossed his face at his grandchild's demeanor. "Hmm! You left the capital on your own, got involved in the battlefield, causing the innocent death of five hundred trusted aides, and you still don't know your wrongs?"
Mu Xiong was a man who cherished his soldiers; each one under his command was like his sons and nephews. He wanted to punish Mu Qingge not as an act but because Mu Qingge must give an explanation and justice for those deceased soldiers. More importantly, he wanted Mu Qingge to understand the cost of acting recklessly.
Amid his words, infused with Inner Strength, Mu Ge's energy and blood churned.
However, she was neither angry nor opposed.
She was silent.
But sitting to Mu Xiong's right, Qin Jinhao spoke: "Old Duke, five hundred heroic souls were lost on the Sunset Wilderness, Qingge must be disheartened. Now that he has just escaped a great hardship, I ask the old Duke to be lenient."
After speaking, he looked at Mu Qingge. However, he saw no expected gratitude or admiration in her eyes.
Qin Jinhao was taken aback, suppressing the disgust in his heart, his fingers gently pinched at the armrest. It seemed something was slipping from his control.
Mu Xiong glanced at Qin Jinhao, then at Mu Ge, asking: "Mu Qingge, do you also think this matter should just be brushed over?" In his words, there was a hidden tension, as if afraid his grandchild's answer would disappoint him and dishearten the generals.
The Mu Family's grandson's useless physique was not a problem, as long as he could earn the soldiers' respect. Even if one day he dies, his grandson could still protect himself. However...
"How does grandfather plan to punish me?" Mu Ge calmly retorted, seemingly oblivious to Qin Jinhao's intercession.
"A hundred lashes with the Teng Whip." Mu Xiong replied.
This answer made many generals turn their heads. It seemed they were all wondering whether Mu Qingge's frail little figure could endure a hundred lashes from the Teng Whip.
Mu Ge pressed her lips together, said nothing, and turned to stride towards the punishment platform.
The crowd was silent, even the calculative Qin Jinhao was waiting for her next move.
Mu Ge ascended the platform, yet she did not stand between the two pillars. Instead, she faced all the soldiers below, her hands folded behind her back, and calmly said to the executioner: "The old general punishes me with a hundred lashes, I will add another hundred, to console the five hundred heroic souls! Begin!"