"Spare me the nonsense, it's my bad luck to fall into your hands today!"
Chu Yanxi never expected that despite his meticulous calculations, one mistake would be made, and it had to be caught by Ling Mohan.
If he were truly captured by Ling Mohan this time, he would likely have no chance to recover. Therefore, no matter what, he had to find a way to escape.
"Ling Mohan, consider our past acquaintance. If you let me go this time, I will repay your kindness a thousandfold and ten thousandfold!"
This was the first time Chu Yanxi had spoken to Ling Mohan so humbly. It was a stark contrast to his previous arrogant demeanor as a prince, looking down on everyone. The immense difference even surprised Ling Mohan.
"I've always seen the Third Prince full of spirit and arrogance. It's truly rare to hear the word 'beg' from your mouth today. Unfortunately, it is the Emperor who has ordered your arrest, and I must strictly carry out this order. I cannot fail His Majesty's command, so I must offend the Third Prince!"
Ling Mohan's tone was cold, his hand idly toying with his folding fan, not sparing Chu Yanxi a glance.
He disdained Chu Yanxi's words even more, wondering what Chu Yanxi was thinking to say such things, and if he wasn't afraid of being scorned.
He had abandoned his dignity for the sake of survival. If Chu Yanxi had been more defiant or surrendered without a fight, Ling Mohan might have respected him.
But now, seeing Chu Yanxi so lowly and without principles in his desperation for survival, Ling Mohan truly looked down on him.
"Ling Mohan, are you so heartless? Do you not care about any face at all? Aren't you afraid of pushing me to desperation..."
"Having fought in battles for so many years, there is nothing for me to fear. Move, tie up the Third Prince and escort him back to the capital to await the Emperor's judgment."
Ling Mohan found further conversation with Chu Yanxi tiresome. No matter what, the outcome would be the same. He would never let Chu Yanxi go, as releasing him would be like letting a tiger return to the mountains, posing endless threats. He would have to be out of his mind to do such a thing.
Chu Yanxi scanned his surroundings. The area was surrounded by the black-armored army, all seasoned warriors. With his skills, he might stand a chance against one or two, but against so many, he had no power to resist.
If he surrendered now, the rest of his life would be spent in a dark and dismal prison. That would be a good outcome. A worse one would be losing his life and enduring the judgment of these lowly men.
Proud as he was, with an unyielding spirit, how could he endure such humiliation? If it came to that, he would rather die here and now, at least sparing himself some disgrace.
Having made up his mind, Chu Yanxi's gaze fell upon the long sword in his hand. He hardened his heart and raised the sword, intending to take his own life.
Fortunately, Ling Mohan sensed Chu Yanxi's true intention and swiftly drew the sword from someone behind him, striking at Chu Yanxi's wrist.
Chu Yanxi's wrist was cut, and blood gushed out. The sword fell to the ground. As he reached for it, Lu Shi quickly kicked it away.
"Seize him and escort him to the capital!"
Lu Shi gave the order, and the soldiers behind him swarmed forward, firmly restraining Chu Yanxi.
"Third Prince, I truly apologize," Lu Shi said with a hint of mockery. To be safe, he tied Chu Yanxi securely with ropes. The journey to the capital was long, and this would make them feel more at ease.
After all the effort to capture him, they couldn't let him escape on the way back, or he'd be utterly dejected.
"Don't waste time. Since it's still early, send the Third Prince back quickly so he can see the woman he loves one last time in his life. We can't let him die with regrets!"
A flash of inspiration struck Chu Yanxi, and he immediately understood Ling Mohan's implication. "Ling Mohan, what have you done to Feng Ruoyan? If Yan'er suffers any harm, I will not forgive you even as a ghost! Ling Mohan... why aren't you speaking... speak!"
Without answering Chu Yanxi's words, Ling Mohan found the noise unbearable. He rubbed his ears and, with annoyance, turned to leave. Only Chu Yanxi was left, desperately yelling at Ling Mohan's retreating back. The only response was Ling Mohan's resolute departure and the rustling of falling leaves.
Nothing else. Yet, Chu Yanxi showed no intention of giving up, continuing to shout at Ling Mohan's retreating figure with all his might.
He was desperate to know Feng Ruoyan's fate, and that was all that mattered.
Whether she was alive or dead, his heart was filled with anxiety. If his entire body weren't bound by ropes, Chu Yanxi would have rushed forward to question Ling Mohan.
"Enough, Third Prince, just calm down. Save some strength to explain yourself to His Majesty when you reach the capital. Besides, the young general just told you that you could go back to see Feng Ruoyan one last time. Doesn't that prove Feng Ruoyan is still alive? Just calm down!"
Lu Shi couldn't bear Chu Yanxi's wailing. Hearing that sound all the way back to the capital would be worse than killing him. He absolutely couldn't stand such torment.
He could only open his mouth to persuade him, hoping Chu Yanxi would listen. Even a half-hour of silence would be good, giving his ears a moment's rest.
"You dog slave, you're just a dog by Ling Mohan's side. I am a prince, a heaven's favored one! What right do you have to speak to me? Go and call Ling Mohan! I want to ask him for an explanation!"
Chu Yanxi was enraged and naturally couldn't listen to anything Lu Shi said. He showed no good countenance towards Lu Shi, spitting out insulting words without thinking.
Little did he know, these words not only offended Lu Shi but also thoroughly offended all the soldiers. He hadn't realized that from now until they returned to the capital, he would be entirely in Lu Shi's hands.
Offending Lu Shi now was clearly not a wise choice. Chu Yanxi's difficult days had just begun.