Chapter 154: The Young General and the Handsome Emperor (7)

As for tonight’s raid, Sima Shan had not expected it to go so smoothly. Not only was the Fourth Prince brought back, but the First Prince of the Nunu Kingdom had also been captured and brought along.

When As and Yan Ancheng returned, they found Wei Jingyu standing amidst the swirling yellow sands, gazing toward the northwest with a cold, stern expression. Upon spotting his younger sister, he let out a long, heavy breath of relief. Before As could even reach him, Wei Jingyu stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, rubbing her head.

"You scared me to death! Why did you come back so late? All the other brothers have already returned!" Wei Jingyu’s tone was filled with unconcealable lingering fear.

As struggled out of his embrace and offered a sweet smile. "His Highness is right there on the horse," she said, lowering her head with a hint of grievance. "He is too tall, and since he had been drugged, I couldn't see the road if I sat behind him. That is why we were late."

As kept her head down, her small, fair hands clasped together. Her dark eyes blinked as she looked up at him. Wei Jingyu suddenly could not help but laugh, ruffling her hair. "As long as you are safe, it is fine."

After saying this, he turned to bow to Yan Ancheng, who was still seated on the horse. "Please forgive me, Your Highness, for the suffering you have endured."

Yan Ancheng remained on the horse, his pale face devoid of any color. Watching the intimate interaction between As and Wei Jingyu, he felt a sharp, unbearable sting in his heart. He let out a soft sound, then slumped and fell from the horse.

He was carried to the tent on Wei Jingyu’s back.

***

As went to wash up and change into clean clothes. Upon entering Sima Shan’s tent, she heard the men inside singing her praises. As soon as she walked in, everyone looked at her with beaming smiles.

"Our little general has returned!"

As blushed, reaching up to rub her reddened earlobes. "You are the general, not me," she said softly.

Sima Shan laughed heartily. "How can you say you are not, As? You rescued the Prince and captured the First Prince yourself. Don't let your small stature fool anyone; you are more capable than many men! When I return to the capital, I will certainly petition the Emperor to grant you the title of General!"

As rubbed her earlobes and sat down demurely. She had barely settled into her seat when a soldier entered. "General, His Highness has awakened. He says he wishes to see As."

As sat in her chair, swinging her small legs, and looked up in mild surprise. Her gaze was bewildered, as if asking why he would want to see her.

She followed the soldier to Yan Ancheng’s tent. Yan Ancheng had already been cleaned up and was now propped up on the bed, wearing a simple white garment. His slender, fair neck was slightly exposed, with the faint marks of injuries visible upon it.

"Your Highness..."

As had barely spoken when Yan Ancheng, sitting halfway up on the bed, looked over. His dark eyes were wet and glistening.

He looked at her, full of grievance. "Why were you not there?" he asked. His face remained pale, but now it held a touch of panic. "I didn't see you when I woke up. Where did you go?"

His expression was a clear testament to his silent plea: *I am afraid when I cannot see you.*

As’s heart skipped a beat in surprise. "Your Highness, you are injured and need to rest quietly," she said, earnestly repeating the military doctor’s words. Her dark eyes blinked as she stared directly at Yan Ancheng.

Upon hearing this, Yan Ancheng immediately pursed his lips in a piteous manner. He said nothing, but his half-lowered gaze made him look truly miserable. His hand, resting outside the covers, was tightly clenched, the knuckles white with strain.

As sighed. She stepped forward and whispered, "I will stay with you."

*So, do not feel lonely, and do not be afraid.*