Chapter 50: Selling Skills, Not the Body

Bai Mucheng gave a quick glance, and Tian Mi had already charged ahead. He assessed the situation and directed the others to move left, attempting to surround the remaining troops in the valley.

This valley was home to a large garrison of 50,000 soldiers. Many were suddenly awakened, not to resist but to flee in panic.

Bai Mucheng knew this was just the appetizer—the real challenge lay ahead with Bai Dongyuan, though he didn’t know when he’d arrive.

Soon, Bai Dongyuan received the news. This place was too critical for him to lose. If it fell, not only would he lose the chance to negotiate with the court, but he might also become a bargaining chip for one of his subordinates.

A midnight raid was ruthless and unexpected—he had to be prepared for such moves.

He immediately led his 100,000-strong army out. If someone dared to raid his garrison, it could only mean one thing: a large force was coming. Bai Mucheng’s numbers were likely known to him, and this battle was a do-or-die scenario. If he could wipe out Bai Mucheng’s forces, his own leverage would increase.

As expected, the more he hurt Bai Mucheng, the higher his price would be in negotiations.

By the time Bai Dongyuan set out with his troops, dawn had broken. The small-scale skirmish in the valley had already ended, with the remaining forces from both sides now holed up in one place. Only 3,000 men from each side remained, facing off.

The road from Qinghe County’s north gate to the valley garrison was 18 miles, though there was a large open area ideal for digging ponds and storing water, which made it an excellent defensive location.

However, the route from Qinghe County to this place was steep, and Bai Mucheng had positioned his forces here to hold the advantage. The odds were against him in terms of numbers, but he intended to use the terrain to his advantage. This battle had to be fought, and it would be a hard one. It all depended on Zuo Zhengfeng’s performance.

Bai Dongyuan wasn’t one to underestimate his opponents. As his army approached the steepest section of the road, he held up his hand, signaling for the troops to halt. It was eerily quiet—too quiet, a deathly silence.

He had traveled this route many times, but this stillness was unprecedented.

He immediately ordered the rear troops to fall back two miles and rest. He couldn’t retreat, but he could still surround the mountain. After all, his numbers gave him an advantage. A few days of cutting off their water and food, and Bai Mucheng would be begging him to negotiate.

Bai Mucheng saw the enemy retreat and knew this was trouble—he hadn’t retreated far enough.

Tian Mi, feeling a bit excited, watched the battle unfold, wondering whether Bai Dongyuan would be able to sell out his father.

Then she saw Bai Dongyuan’s army quickly disperse, intending to surround the mountain where they were.

Everyone’s eyes went wide in shock.

“Ignore everyone else, just capture Bai Mucheng alive!”

“Bai General, what does Bai Mucheng look like?”

Bai Dongyuan answered, “He’s a handsome little pretty boy.”

“Capture Bai Mucheng alive, capture the handsome little pretty boy!” The shout rang through the air, loud and clear!

It was a sharp blade, piercing straight to the heart!

Damn it, Tian Mi was startled by the loud shout. Could you be a bit clearer? He’s a tall and handsome little pretty boy, not just any small pretty boy!

Here, it was just her and Bai Mucheng who were the handsome little pretty boys—she was short, but Bai Mucheng was tall.

The problem was, Bai Dongyuan hadn’t described him well enough.

Bai Mucheng instantly realized that Qinghe County had fallen, and he understood Bai Dongyuan’s thoughts. He quickly reacted.

The soldiers were no longer their target. Let them resist for a while, then retreat back to Qinghe County.

He grabbed Tian Mi and they immediately mounted their horses, quickly leaving.

Once they entered the deep mountains, it would be hard for anyone to catch them. This would also allow the other soldiers to escape and end the relentless battle.

Tian Mi followed, but she wasn’t worried at all. She wasn’t afraid of being captured.

“Boss, did you see that? When you’re running for your life, who is there beside you, protecting you?”

Bai Dongyuan, leading his cavalry like a sharp sword, quickly tore through the defenses and charged straight at Bai Mucheng and Tian Mi, closing the distance in an instant.

Bai Dongyuan had seen Bai Mucheng a few years ago, so he recognized him immediately.

The two rode swiftly, darting through the trees in the mountain. Bai Dongyuan’s men were close behind, their eyes fixed on their targets.

They soon left the battlefield behind, with Bai Mucheng heading deeper into the dense forest. Bai Dongyuan lost sight of them, only able to hear the sound of hooves. Their pace had slowed, and Bai Mucheng ordered Tian Mi to dismount. He jumped off the horse as well, allowing it to run ahead.

“Damn it!” Tian Mi cursed, quickly dismounting. She nearly tripped, but Bai Mucheng caught her just in time, and the two of them rolled into a patch of grass.

Bai Dongyuan’s men were closing in, and they didn’t dare to make a sound. Bai Dongyuan, however, kept following the sound of the hooves.

Once the danger of being pursued passed, Tian Mi sighed in relief, but then she realized she was clinging to Bai Mucheng. The position immediately reminded her of that night, and she quickly tried to get up, but Bai Mucheng held her back.

“Don’t move!” The sound of hooves was approaching again.

Tian Mi quickly stayed still.

An odd feeling arose in Bai Mucheng. Ever since that fat fool had taken advantage of him, he had despised any kind of contact with women.

When his father ascended the throne and returned to the capital, the Empress would often hold palace feasts. Noble women would approach him, but he would always turn away in disgust. Once, a woman tripped and nearly fell on him, and he had kicked her far away.

But now, with Tian Mi clinging to him, he didn’t feel any repulsion. In fact, he felt a strange sense of delight.

Looking at Tian Mi, whose face was as beautiful as a peach blossom, he was suddenly struck by the impulse to kiss her.

Tian Mi saw that the people above had passed, but when she noticed Bai Mucheng moving closer, she pushed him away with all her strength and quickly rolled off him.

“I sell my skills, not my body!”