FBC – Chapter 167 Offering Flattery

Overseer Luo quickly saluted him. “Greetings, Commander-in-Chief.”

Mu Junyan gave a slight nod. “Overseer Luo, what brings you to my tent so early?”

Overseer Luo felt a bit flustered. He harbored some small thoughts about the young lady and couldn’t let the Commander-in-Chief see through him—how humiliating would that be?

He hurriedly raised the medicine in his hands. “This subordinate… This subordinate came to deliver some injury medicine to Lady Gu, and then escort her to reunite with her caravan guards and send her out of the camp.”

Mu Junyan let out a faint “Oh,” and said with a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “I already applied medicine for her last night.”

Overseer Luo: “……”

What… did he just hear?

Before he could even recover, Mu Junyan had already turned and walked over to Gu Hua. He frowned slightly and scolded in a low voice, “So disobedient. Getting out of bed so early without dressing warmly.”

As he spoke, he took off the black wolf-fur cloak on his shoulders and draped it over her, carefully tying the straps.

Gu Hua lowered her head nervously, not daring to look at anyone.

Overseer Luo was struck as if by lightning.

His tone was so intimate, his actions so close…

His eyes suddenly widened, and he blurted out without thinking, “You… you, the two of you last night…”

Gu Hua was so mortified she wanted to dig a hole and crawl into it.

She shrank her neck like a turtle, curling herself up into Mu Junyan’s embrace.

Mu Junyan looked calm and natural. He reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into his arms. Then he turned to the stunned Overseer Luo and said, “This is my wife. She’s young and inexperienced. She came here without prior notification. Thank you for guiding her yesterday.”

“Wi-wife?”

Overseer Luo’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

Suddenly, he remembered the gossip he overheard among the officers yesterday when he brought her into camp—something about the Commander-in-Chief having taken a stunningly beautiful concubine.

And that this concubine was the young madam’s younger sister.

Wasn’t the young master’s wife also surnamed Gu?

Overseer Luo’s mind exploded.

Then the sounds of the young lady crying last night… weren’t they just… the affectionate activities between husband and wife?

Dead. He was completely dead.

He wished a bolt of lightning would strike him down on the spot.

He had actually tried to curry favor with the Commander’s beloved concubine right in front of him?

That was a death sentence!

Overseer Luo hurriedly shoved the medicine back into his sleeve and shook his head repeatedly, saying, “No, no, this was just part of my duties, not worthy of thanks. This subordinate takes his leave now.”

Mu Junyan glanced at his flushed, black-and-red face and nodded. “Alright.”

Overseer Luo fled like his pants were on fire, dashing away like he was running for his life.

He was terrified that even a second’s delay might earn the Commander’s grudge.

Mu Junyan looked down to find the young girl looking up at him with sparkling eyes.

Her face was bright red, a little shy, but clearly happy.

“You called me your wife?”

Mu Junyan tapped her delicate nose. “What, do you think there’s another woman beside me?”

Gu Hua’s heart was sweet, but she suddenly remembered the current circumstances.

She said nervously, “You’ve always been strict with military discipline, and now you’re the commander of the Mu Army. Publicly breaking the rules—how will the soldiers respect you? I should leave quickly.”

Mu Junyan brought her over to the bed, gently pressed her down onto it, lifted her foot onto his thigh, and inspected the area where he’d applied medicine the previous night.

His tone was calm. “No worries. I’ve already handled it. You can stay at ease for a couple more days. Your caravan has already returned, and I had them send word to Deputy Chief Pei that you’re safe. Don’t worry.”

Gu Hua didn’t understand much about military matters, but since he said so, it should be fine.

She quietly let him reapply the medicine on her foot and hand.

Outside the tent, Chi Yu called, “My lord, the new clothes and breakfast have arrived.”

Mu Junyan pulled the blanket over Gu Hua. “Come in.”

Chi Yu brought the items inside and, from behind the screen, asked, “My lord, should I prepare a bath?”

He figured that the lady must have had a tough journey and, being pampered by nature, would surely want a hot bath.

Seeing Gu Hua’s delighted expression, Mu Junyan agreed, “Yes.”

Gu Hua drank her porridge with pickled vegetables, watching Mu Junyan help Chi Yu set up the bath outside.

The porridge was white and thick, fragrant and glutinous, though the steamed bun was made of coarse flour and a bit hard.

Still, she had gotten used to dry rations on this journey and wasn’t bothered.

Soon, the wooden tub was half-filled with hot water. Mu Junyan tested the temperature and, satisfied, had Chi Yu dismissed.

He returned to find she’d only eaten half a bowl of porridge and half a bun. Without hesitation, he picked up her half-finished bowl and downed it.

“The white porridge was specially instructed to be made this morning. Normally, army porridge is made with coarse grains and doesn’t taste good.”

He set aside her bun. “This is hard to swallow. Don’t force it. I’ve told them to cook you a bowl of egg noodles—softer. It’ll take a bit since they have to find eggs.”

Gu Hua felt a wave of bittersweet warmth.

She hadn’t expected him to be so thoughtful.

Just earlier, she’d worried he might think her too delicate for not eating coarse food and porridge.

“Go have a nice wash to relax.” Mu Junyan stepped forward to untie her belt.

“I’ll do it myself.” Gu Hua hastily stopped his hand, blushing.

Mu Junyan raised an eyebrow. “Still shy in front of me? If you fuss more, I’ll just rip it off.”

Gu Hua’s expression froze.

“Arms out.”

She had no choice but to stretch out her arms, letting him undress her and carry her into the tub.

The warm water wrapped around her body, and Gu Hua couldn’t help but let out a soft moan. But as she met his eyes—those deep eyes flickering with firelight—she immediately fell silent and crossed her arms over her chest.

Mu Junyan chuckled lowly and shook his head as he walked away.

Gu Hua finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Still not quite used to all this.

Before long, Mu Junyan returned with a stack of new clothes.

“Want me to help you wash?”

“No!” Gu Hua refused at once.

If he helped her wash… that wouldn’t be a bath, it would be sin.

Mu Junyan looked at her exposed, delicate shoulders, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he quickly looked away. He dragged a chair to the side of the tub and placed the clothes on it.

“These are new winter clothes sent by the Pei family. I picked the smallest set. I’ll go handle some matters and return soon to reapply your medicine.”

“Okay,” Gu Hua nodded obediently.

After changing and reapplying the medicine, Mu Junyan went to attend to military affairs.

Gu Hua followed Chi Yu to the supply warehouse to help Commander Zhao tally and distribute the newly delivered supplies.

She was a bit nervous, afraid her presence would reflect badly on Mu Junyan, so she kept her head down during the distribution.

Each division sent people to collect grain and medicine. Everyone already knew her identity. Although many were struck by her ethereal beauty, none showed surprise. They treated her with utmost courtesy and respect.

After distribution, Chi Yu took her on a tour of the camp, including the wounded soldiers’ quarters.

Despite the brutal month and a half of war, the Mu Army had won successive victories. The soldiers were full of morale, and wherever she went, they looked fierce and proud.

On the training grounds, the sound of combat training thundered. Every strike was sharp, kicking up clouds of dust.

Even as a woman, Gu Hua couldn’t help feeling her blood stir.

Yet, all this war… was tied to Brother Ji.

Gu Hua’s heart sank with sorrow.

She had to tell Mu Junyan the truth.

She didn’t want to hide anything from him.

If he blamed her, she would bear it.

But between them—there could be no misunderstandings.