Chapter 249

The military camp was a few miles in area, not big but not small either. News of what happened here quickly spread among the "lowly slaves" from Zhang Mo's mouth.

It was not the first time these soldiers had forcibly taken civilian women.

Any family with young maidens had to hide them well to keep them out of sight.

When the Prince was around, these soldiers would rein themselves in a little.

But now... Alas, this maiden had come at an inauspicious time.

Everyone felt pity and sympathy for Gu Ying, but didn't dare say anything, let alone go to General Zhang's tent to rescue her. They were powerless common folk who could barely protect themselves, how could they stand up to an official?

Many people, looking at General Zhang's tent, sighed heavily. "This poor girl, blessed with such beauty, how could she not catch someone's eye? If only the Prince was here, that would be good. Unfortunately, I'm afraid by the time the Prince returns, General Zhang would have already ravaged her beyond recognition."

"Didn't she come here with Young Master Ning? Where is Lord Ning? We could at least go inform him."

"It seems Lord Ning was sent away by General Zhang. We don't know where he is now, and don't dare ask too many questions."

Everyone sighed regretfully again.

In the distance, the sound of a man's lewd laughter and a girl's muffled cries of pain could be heard from the tent.

Many who could no longer bear to listen turned away and went back into their own tents.

Let it be, let it be. Out of sight, out of mind.

Yet on this dark rainy night, the sound of galloping horses approached the camp at breakneck speed...

...

Time passed quietly.

Inside the tent, candle flames flickered unsteadily.

Gu Ying's breathing was chaotic. Gripping the hairpin she had pulled out of her hair, her beautiful eyes stared fixedly at Zhang Mo.

After several clashes, Zhang Mo still could not overpower her and was left gasping for breath, exhausted. He looked admiringly at Gu Ying who had collapsed in the corner, seeing her clutching her stomach in pain, her little face pale and beaded with sweat. He casually squatted down in front of her. "Why force yourself to keep resisting? Wouldn't it be better to just submit to me? Can't you see how frail your body is, even my heart aches for you. Come, let this General comfort you properly, how about that?"

Gu Ying's eyes were bloodshot. "Get lost!"

Zhang Mo was even more amused. "Shall we get lost together on the bed then?"

Gu Ying gritted her teeth. "Go die!"

She swung the hairpin angrily. The sharp tip sliced Zhang Mo's nose bridge.

But Zhang Mo was not angered at all. He patiently grabbed her fair, delicate wrist to stop her from committing suicide. A wicked smile curved his lips as he slowly took off his shirt, tempting her, "Didn't you want to see the Prince? Sleep with me once and I'll bring you to see him. Otherwise, this General has plenty of ways to make it so you will never see the Prince again."

Gu Ying spat at him and closed her eyes, long lashes trembling intensely.

She clutched her stomach as a sharp twisting pain spread inside. It felt like someone was stirring her abdomen with a knife.

"Ngh..." She couldn't help letting out a groan. She felt a warm flow surge out between her legs.

Gu Ying seemed to realize something terrible. Her heart inexplicably filled with panic.

"It hurts so much..."

That beguiling voice stirred Zhang Mo's desires.

He had completely run out of patience. He bent down to grab her and half dragged, half hauled her onto the bed.

Gu Ying tumbled into the covers. The warm wetness spread outwards from her panties, a crimson stain slowly revealing itself under her skirt.

She dazedly looked down between her legs for a moment, before shaking her head in flustered alarm. "Don't... the Prince will kill you."

Zhang Mo loomed over her, a smug smile on his face. "The Prince needs me in too many ways, you're just an insignificant woman. Do you think just because you have some looks you can seduce the Prince? Why would he care for someone like you."

As he casually undid his belt to take off his pants, the wicked grin on his face intensified.

"No!"

A piteous shriek rent the night air, startling birds roosting in the trees into flight...

...

Outside the large tent, torrential rain drowned out the sound of approaching galloping hooves.

At the camp's entrance...

The thunderous sound of galloping horses.

Over a dozen well-trained men in black raced on horseback into the camp.

The man wearing a black trench coat had frost-cold brows like a winter's night. On the large powerful horse beneath him, he charged straight through the camp entrance and halted right in front of Zhang Mo's main tent. In neat unison, the dozen plus men dismounted. Their intimidating manner exuded an aura ready to kill.

"Zhang Mo! Come out here!"

From inside the tent came curses. "Who dares disturb this General's pleasures!"

In the night rain, the man in black swiftly dismounted. Black rage on his face, long sword in hand, an icy edge to his lips. He enunciated each word clearly, "Zhao Changdu."

Silence instantly fell in the tent.

Many people had noticed the commotion outside and now craned their necks out curiously to watch the spectacle.

The figure wearing an ink black cape threaded with gold ferociously swept into view like an arc of noble yet aloof loneliness in the night.

In the blink of an eye, they witnessed that man who was the spitting image of the Prince stride with large quick steps into Zhang Mo's tent.

Everyone was overjoyed. The Prince had returned! ...

Meanwhile, inside Zhang Mo's tent.

The atmosphere was frozen. The air seethed with boundless fury.

Zhang Mo stood there half undressed, caught completely off guard. Before he could react, a long sword of such ice-cold intensity struck him down. Then several vicious kicks landed squarely on his vitals, nearly taking his life.

Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Zhang Mo painfully clutched his chest. Terror and humiliation filled his eyes as he struggled to look up at the tall, trench coat clad man. His voice seemed to vanish. "Y-Your... Your Highness the Prince... You, why have you returned?"

"Scram!"

Zhao Changdu's gaze was deathly cold. Long slender phoenix eyes narrowed, sweeping over the curled up form on the bed. Noting the blood stained sheets, his heart clenched tightly.

Thankfully her clothes seemed intact, he had arrived in time!

If anything had happened to her, he would never have forgiven himself.

He exhaled heavily in relief and strode over to the bed. Carefully, he wrapped her bundled form securely in blankets before lifting her gently into his arms. Tenderness and joy filled him for that moment.

Remembering how Zhang Mo dared treat her so, Zhao Changdu became incensed. Holding the precious soft girl in his arms, he walked over to Zhang Mo.

Zhang Mo's face had already drained of color. When he witnessed the usually aloof and noble Prince's face reveal a smile towards that girl, Zhang Mo's heart thudded ominously.

He... seemed to be in deep trouble!

"This subordinate has done nothing yet... Your Highness, please... for the month I have faithfully served under you..."

"Zhang Mo, I have given you a chance before. You refused to listen to me. But now you actually dare lay hands on someone of mine?" Zhao Changdu's voice was like steel. Gazing down at him in disgust, the Prince's eyes turned lethally icy cold, thick killing intent emanated from him.

Zhang Mo was struck speechless, hands continuously wiping away nervous sweat. Overcome with fear and panic he stammered, "This... this lowly one... ignorant and blind... did not recognize... did not know she was His Highness's..."

The man's eyes held endless contempt. "Huai An, take him away to receive eighty military strokes!"