Chapter 28: Arriving at the Capital's Outskirts, Drilling the Troops!

Despite her composed exterior, she harbored intense hatred for Zhao Ang’s teasing. Once the ropes binding her were untied, she vowed to teach this scoundrel a lesson. The Old Prince had promised her as much—if Zhao Ang ever overstepped his bounds, she was authorized to discipline him.

Jiang Qin’s thoughts were too transparent, and Zhao Ang saw right through them. However, he didn’t care; given her current skill level, she needed much more practice. Besides, a woman with a bit of pride was far more interesting to conquer.

"There, that’s done!" Zhao Ang clapped his hands, taking the opportunity to grope her a little more. He couldn't help himself; Liu Yu had tied those ropes in such a provocative way, and as a man, he had his limits.

As the ropes fell away, Jiang Qin lunged at him instantly. "I’ll kill you!" She clawed at his throat, her murderous intent genuine. Yet, the moment her hands reached him, Zhao Ang seized her. With a subtle surge of internal energy, he pinned her against him.

"If you have feelings for me, there’s no need to be so forward."

"You... I am going to teach you a lesson today!" Jiang Qin kicked toward his lower regions, but he blocked her effortlessly.

"Trying to leave me without an heir? Is that how you repay the Old Prince?" Zhao Ang didn't stop his hands; the more furious Jiang Qin became, the more amused he felt. The journey was so dull; he needed some entertainment. Moreover, he hadn't tested his cultivation since his recent breakthrough. Liu Yu was too much of a freak to practice with, but Jiang Qin was a worthy opponent.

They sparred back and forth, causing the sedan chair to rock violently. By now, they had left the outskirts of the capital, and some passersby recognized the ugly woman, Liu Yu, correctly deducing who was inside the carriage.

"Heh, look at how the carriage is shaking. What they said is true."

"The heir isn't running away from home; he’s just found a new way to toy with women!"

With witnesses present, no one bothered to tail Zhao Ang anymore. Why waste resources tracking a good-for-nothing?

As the carriage veered further away, Jiang Qin finally realized she was no match for him. The only reason she could still move was that Zhao Ang was holding back, merely playing with her.

"I quit!" Jiang Qin deflated. There was no point in wearing herself out against someone she couldn't defeat. She had previously dismissed Zhao Ang as a wastrel, but clearly, rumors were unreliable. At the very least, she was in no position to judge him.

"Why stop? I haven't had enough fun yet!" Zhao Ang was surprised that the proud girl had conceded so quickly.

"Hmph, don't get smug. If you have the skill, defeat my father; only then will I truly submit to you!"

"Fine, I will make you submit willingly!" Zhao Ang smiled and released her, letting her retreat to the side. There was plenty of time; he didn't need to conquer her right now. Besides, he didn't actually have those intentions; she was beautiful, but he wasn't a stallion who lost his mind at the sight of every pretty face.

Seeing that Zhao Ang didn't try anything else, Jiang Qin felt a strange flicker of surprise. She looked up, meeting his faint smile, and quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly. She hadn't paid attention before, but now she realized that Zhao Ang was actually quite handsome.

"Young Master, we have arrived." Liu Yu’s voice came from outside. At the same moment, a high-pitched, pig-like scream echoed from the distance.

"Young Master, help! Someone is trying to kill your servant!" It was Fu Gui!

"What’s going on?" Zhao Ang pushed aside the curtain and leaped out. Fu Gui came sprinting over, throwing himself at Zhao Ang’s legs, snot and tears streaming down his face. "Young Master, you’re finally here! I thought I’d never see you again!"

"What happened?" Before Zhao Ang could get an answer, a large man in armor appeared behind him.

"Father, you’re here?" Jiang Qin cried out in delight, rushing to the man.

"Yes. Are you alright? Are you hurt?" After checking his daughter and confirming she was safe, the man turned his gaze toward Zhao Ang and bowed respectfully. "General Jiang Cheng pays his respects to the Heir!"

Fu Gui stood by, dazed. Did this giant know his master? And who was this stunning woman? Was she the beauty the Young Master had been trying to hide? At that thought, Fu Gui began to wail again. "Young Master, it’s him! He wanted to kill me!"

Jiang Cheng looked helpless and explained to Zhao Ang, "Young Master, we didn't intend to kill him. It was a misunderstanding..."

It turned out that when Fu Gui arrived at the estate, he had efficiently settled everything in two days. With one day to spare, he had been busy adding little touches Zhao Ang liked—such as pink whips and candles—when Jiang Cheng arrived with thousands of soldiers.

"Young Master, they were all armed!" Fu Gui cried. "They drew their weapons the moment they saw me. They said they weren't here to kill me, but I only survived because I hid and waited until I heard Liu Yu’s voice!"

Seeing Fu Gui’s pathetic state, Zhao Ang couldn't help but laugh loudly. "You, you’re far too timid. Get up!"

As he pulled Fu Gui to his feet, Zhao Ang turned to Jiang Cheng. "Where were these soldiers recruited? Are they reliable?" He was building a private army; he needed men he could trust.

"Young Master, rest assured. These men are death soldiers recruited by the Old Prince. They will never betray you."

"Good. I trust the old man’s judgment. Take me to see them."

"As you wish, Young Master."

As Jiang Cheng led the way, Fu Gui finally realized what was happening. He looked between the general and his master, then clamped his mouth shut. Whether the Young Master wanted to hide a beauty or build an army, he would follow.

Fu Gui did not realize that his earlier reaction had saved his life. Jiang Cheng had truly intended to kill him; had he shown even the slightest sign of treachery, the general would have struck him down. The survival of the Southern Garrison Prince’s estate was at stake, and there was no room for error.

"This is the Heir!"

Thousands of death soldiers stood in perfect formation. Upon hearing the command, they turned to look at Zhao Ang in unison.

"Greetings, Young Master!"

Their voices were thunderous and synchronized, clearly the result of rigorous training. Jiang Cheng bowed again. "I have led troops before, and I am ready to serve you!"