OL CH23

Having just finished discussing post-war matters with General Shang, Bai Su happened to pass by and heard their conversation with utmost clarity.

Naturally, he also caught Chen Tian’s claim that he already had someone in his heart.

Yet, “a delicate little maiden,” “a rare and exquisite beauty”…

Which of those descriptions bore even the slightest resemblance to himself?

As expected, King Ning’s beloved had never been him. Whether there had been someone in the past was unknown, but who was it now? Was it some noble daughter residing in the imperial capital?

What did that woman look like? Was she gentle as water, making a perfect match of talent and beauty with King Ning?

Bai Su could not suppress the sharp pang in his chest. His eyes hardened when he noticed the dagger resting in Chen Tian’s hand. The weapon was exceptionally exquisite, particularly its blade, bearing distinct craftsmanship unique to the surrounding frontier tribes.

Recalling the rumor he had heard earlier about the Take Tribe’s envoy bringing a princess for a marriage alliance, could this dagger be a token of love gifted to King Ning by that very princess?

Bai Su’s gaze turned chillingly cold. It seemed he had grown far too complacent, naively believing that taking command of the three armies would guarantee he obtained what he desired. Yet evidently, King Ning harbored other intentions.

When the time came, how would the man explain it to him?

Would he claim that the Emperor’s marriage decree could not be defied, or that this pampered princess was merely for display in his manor?

Or perhaps he would insist that Bai Su remained his one true love, but that he had no choice but to father an heir?

Others might compromise and endure such indignities, but Bai Su could not. He would never tolerate it.

He could not bear the thought of this man sharing intimacy with anyone else, could not stomach him fathering a child of flesh and blood with another woman, and refused to let anyone else touch him even in the slightest.

In his heart, this man belonged to him alone; no one else held the right to share him.

Clenching his fists, Bai Su turned and walked away, ensuring no one noticed he had ever been there.

At this moment, he refused to listen to any more duplicitous falsehoods. Since King Ning had come here of his own accord, the heavens must have answered the plea in his heart.

Therefore, King Ning rightfully belonged to him.

Remembering there was wine among the provisions King Ning had brought, Bai Su had someone fetch a jar. Seeing that darkness was falling, he ordered a few savory dishes to accompany the drink.

He then stationed guards around the entire camp, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving at will, including the personnel who had delivered the provisions today. Only then did he return to his command tent, waiting in silence.

Chen Tian did not return particularly late. Still keeping Bai Su in his thoughts, he ate some roasted meat, chatted briefly with the soldiers, and headed back.

Upon returning to the tent, he found his beloved waiting on the bed. Night had fallen outside; the candlelight inside cast a soft glow, while charcoal crackled quietly in the brazier.

The flickering light softened Bai Su’s features, creating an atmosphere ripe with unspoken intimacy, leaving Chen Tian momentarily captivated after their long separation.

A strange, unprompted feeling struck him that Bai Su seemed distant, driving him to step forward quickly.

He reached out tentatively, almost hesitant.

“Bai Su…” Chen Tian murmured.

It was Bai Su who caught his hand first, pulling him down firmly onto the bed. A burning kiss descended upon him. The young general had already shed his armor, clad only in soft robes.

While Chen Tian was still bewildered, Bai Su deftly stripped away his outer garments, until somehow both were left in only their inner layers. Moreover, Bai Su showed no sign of stopping.

His lover’s motions were fierce and direct, the crimson flush at the corners of his eyes weaving an intoxicating net that bound Chen Tian fast.

Once Chen Tian caught his breath, he found himself somewhat unprepared.

He had only just arrived; wasn’t this moving a bit too fast?

Strictly speaking, this tent was not a sturdy room, but merely fabric stretched over poles, surrounded by patrolling guards outside. Who knew how soundproof it was?

Most importantly, he had prepared nothing; no balms or soothing ointments for before or after.

He had come to visit his wife and deliver supplies, not to play the rogue; who would carry those items on them during a military march?

Truth be told, he was kicking himself now, because he had never dreamed Bai Su would be willing to be with him right here.

He had assumed that managing to share a single tent would already be a monumental blessing.

Thinking of this, Chen Tian hastily halted Bai Su’s advances, saying cautiously, “Zisu, this tent is far too crude after all. I… I don’t want to wrong you.”

Chen Tian felt a touch of sullen regret mixed with eager anticipation, but he resolved to consult Bai Su’s wishes first.

Upon hearing those words, the young man actually ceased his movements, sitting up to gaze at him in silence.

As expected, another rejection.

A mocking laugh sounded in Bai Su’s heart. He suspected King Ning might not despise his physical form, yet he was still a man; when it came to going all the way, King Ning simply could not accept it. Perhaps the man even found the reality revolting.

Dark, twisted thoughts surfaced one after another, yet Bai Su’s expression remained entirely placid.

If that is how it must be, Situ Chenye, do not blame me for being ruthless.

Bai Su’s eyes flickered slightly as he offered Chen Tian a tender smile. “Chenye is always so considerate of me. Having been apart for so long, I was merely too impatient. Why doesn’t Chenye share a drink with me instead?”

Chen Tian nodded. Following Bai Su’s gaze, he finally noticed the fine wine and food arranged on the table nearby.

Had his lover prepared this long beforehand, wanting to enjoy a candlelit dinner together?

At this thought, a warm smile spread across Chen Tian’s face. He was naturally eager to share such romantic moments with his beloved.

Recalling the gift he had specifically coaxed out of the Emperor earlier, Chen Tian calculated the days in his mind.

After arriving, he had never intended to return to the capital, planning instead to remain here at Bai Su’s side until the conflict concluded. To his surprise, he had arrived just in time to hear the good news of Great Yan’s surrender.

He would wait until Bai Su finished wrapping up post-war affairs before presenting that gift. His lover would surely be overjoyed.

Chen Tian’s mind was full of grand visions of their shared future, already daydreaming about what intimate rewards he would coax from his wife.

Slipping on an outer robe, he sat down by the table in high spirits.

Encouraged by his lover, Chen Tian cheerfully drank the cups Bai Su poured for him. Yet after only a few drinks, he began to feel something was amiss.

Why did his head feel so heavy and his vision so blurred? His tolerance for alcohol was hardly this poor.

Before he could decipher the reason, the wine cup slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the ground, and his entire body slumped over the table.

Watching King Ning fall unconscious under the drug, Bai Su set down his own cup. He reached out to stroke the man’s cheek gently, his eyes darkening with intense, undisguised obsession.

Standing up, he moved to lift Chen Tian, but paused. Reaching for the quilt on the bed, he wrapped the man securely before lifting him horizontally into his arms, carrying him out into the night.

He had no idea how long he had been unconscious. When Chen Tian finally woke and opened his eyes, he found himself in a completely unfamiliar place.

It was a modest chamber, tastefully furnished, yet clearly a bedroom belonging to a private residence rather than a military canvas tent.

Why was he here?

Chen Tian was thoroughly bewildered for a moment. Once his mind cleared, he rose, recalling the scene before he lost consciousness. He had clearly been sharing affectionate drinks with his lover; how had the setting changed entirely upon waking?

Sitting up, he donned the clothes hanging on the rack and hurried to the door.

Pushing against it, he found it firmly locked from the outside. The telltale sounds of pacing footsteps confirmed guards were stationed within earshot.

Turning toward the only window in the room, he found it locked as well. There was no need to guess that sentries were posted outside there too.

“009, what happened?” Chen Tian frowned, querying the system in his sea of consciousness.

“Boss, the Heir slipped a sleeping drug into your wine last night, then brought you here. And then…”

Through 009’s explanation, Chen Tian learned that he was currently in the border city closest to the army camp. This residence appeared to be private property Bai Su had purchased, and the guards stationed outside were all his most loyal private retainers and Iron Xuan Guards.

In other words, even knowing he was King Ning, they would guard him diligently and never permit him to escape.

The wine! It was the wine from last night!

Why would his lover drug his drink?

Pondering for a moment, connecting a few dots, the expression on Chen Tian’s face shifted rapidly from blank stupor to sheer exhilaration.

Even if he could not fathom what triggered this state of affairs, it did not prevent him from grasping his current situation.

Could it be that he had entered the legendary “little dark room” scenario?

This was simply thrilling!

Chen Tian basked in his secret excitement for quite a while before managing to compose himself, pressing down the corners of his upturned lips so he would not look overly delighted.

He deduced there must be some misunderstanding. His Xiao Bai was inherently open-minded and gentle; taking such extreme measures was very likely driven by the lingering taint of corruption.

Yet why had he failed to notice his lover’s abnormalities earlier? He had truly been too careless!

At this realization, Chen Tian felt a twinge of guilt. Knowing Bai Su would certainly return to find him, he made no attempt to leave, waiting obediently inside the room.

Regrettably, after waiting the entire day, the person he longed for did not appear. Meals were delivered strictly on schedule, however, all tailored to his favorite tastes.

Late into the night, Chen Tian took off his outer robe in dejection and lay down on the bed. Just as he assumed his lover would not arrive tonight, movement rustled outside the door.

Hearing those familiar footsteps, Chen Tian opened his eyes and sat up at once. Seeing his lover still clad in armor, he parted his lips to speak.

Before he could utter a word, Bai Su closed the distance to the bedside in a few swift strides, clamped Chen Tian’s chin in an iron grip, and kissed him with bruising force.

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Author’s Note:

Chen Tian’s inner thoughts: Thrilled!!!