Zi Nan and Zi Liu were anxious to the point that they pinched and urged her: “What’s going on, you should tell us something at least?” Zi Nong then retold them the scene in the death row prison, and finally made a given up gesture said: “What do you think, how we should approach this?”

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The trio and Zi Yan, who is currently fighting in Qi with Yu Cang, are Wan Yan Xu’s most beloved servants. They were smart and masters in martial arts; hence, their ranks were much more than simple maidservants. After hearing the situation, they have no idea what to do. Disorderly discussed for a while, but still nothing had changed. Zi Liu hastily exclaimed: “Why are we still discussing about this? If we are continuing, there would be nothing left of Su General’s bones.”

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Zi Nong pouted and said: “Will there be any bones left even we were not discussing about it? No matter how we are going to analyse, we still are only our King’s servants. We’re not Su General. Though he was pitiful, our loyal is with His Majesty. Since when the King decided this course of action, we …… we do not have the position and the power to stop it. Moreover …… what’s the point of forestalling it? It’s quite useless given the King’s temperament; you should already know this.”

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The trio looked at each other although they knew Zi Nong’s speech may sound foolish, but it was the reality and could not help feeling slumped down. Zi Nan said: “What does he look like? I heard he’s only frail, not like the usual rough and forthright type General. How could three thousand beauties in the palace not pleased His Majesty, but him? I must see the man for myself one day.”

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There, the trio discussed the incredible possibility in account of their King’s preference. Wan Yan Xu, who saw injured Su Yi’s body, did not rush to force the other man. He was not a hot headed man, but took things slowly even with intimacy, in order to experience the most pleasure out of it. Otherwise, like a pig (Zhu Bajie in Monkey Magic) that gulped a fruit in general, with only momentary gratification, but was dull without flavour. This thought was very consistent with his disposition. At this point, the other man in his eyes has become very thin, and seems to be easily slaughtered as his mind started to contemplate several ways in order to have fun with him.

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Su Yi has remained alone in the Royal Study Room. He found that the place was quiet and serene, not a torture room since there was not even a single rope insight, ‘how will he interrogate a prisoner. Does he still want to use that persuasion strategy,’ he looked at the other man’s expressionless face, without slightest smile but maybe there is a hint of it.

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He was puzzled over Wan Yan Xu’s intention and was surprised to find that he has come over; the determined eyes were focused on his, suddenly, he deeply chuckled: “Su general, these last few days, you had been mistreated. I feared you had not even showered. Look at this body, blood stains are everywhere. This truly is not consistent with your noble character. Alas, it is my negligence, but does not matter. I can compensate this overlooked matter, do follow me.” Then with one punch, the force had broken the chain in half as he pulled Su Yi along at the back of Royal Study Room.

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Su Yi felt even more clueless about what the other man’s intentions were, though they are adversarial stance, so he stood motionless and not moving an inch. In reality, he suffered a lot of tortures with little rest. Thus, his strength has long gone, but with the sheered will of unyielding has stopped him to find support. Wan Yan Xu was a little surprised but chuckled: “You actually still have some strength left; truly amazing, even better.”Wan Yan Xu finished as he tucked the hair away from his forehead. Suddenly, with one arm wrapped around his waist and picked him up, hastily walked to the backroom. While he walked, he said: “Su General, I have never carried anyone else before, even my favourite concubines. You should feel honoured.”

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Su Yi was surprised, for this is no trivial matter. Although he was not knowledgeable in regards of sexuality, but knew that this carrying was somewhat wrong. Moreover, Wan Yan Xu was parring him with his concubines. Subsequently, with this line of thought, the intention seems to be very obvious. Nevertheless, he does not understand even with his former appearance that was a hundred times more attractive than now, had unmoved Wan Yan Xu. ‘Why does he desire the present body that is covered in filth?’ Besides, he had never heard this young Emperor ever caring for a male partner before. ‘Am I being too suspicious? But …… but……’

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Su Yi’s silent had killed Wan Yan Xu’s amusement. Of course, in case of his courtiers, some would not be panicking in such situation but to be nonchalant like Su Yi, then there is none. Even Yu Cang, who’s also a great warrior, though compared to Su Yi, would be a little off the mark in reaction. However, he did not know. In fact, Su Yi had no idea of what his intentions are. The other man did not want to overly interpret those words; seems to be vulgar by doing so.

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When they entered the backroom, there really was a large pool, surrounded by heavy crimson curtains. At a distance, vapours curled upward due to transpiration of heat. Wan Yan Xu was not into pleasures in life, so this pool was not as grand as the one in Qi’s palace, magnificently built but with rather striking formal layout. Several handmaids have knelt down and were waiting for them. Wan Yan Xu gestured for them to leave, “If I am not calling for you, then do not come disturb me.”

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Su Yi felt slightly shaken over the whole thing. Wan Yan Xu’s statement was very ambiguous, even those handmaids looked at him in amazement, ‘could it be…I have unfortunately guessed it right?’ He could not convince himself that is was a possibility because of what he knew about Wan Yan Xu’s personality, ‘the other man had never done that kind of thing.’

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Although it was unbelievable, but in such circumstances, Su Yi started struggling, though his body was held in Wan Yan Xu’s arms so there was no leverage around for him to make use. Before he tried to give the other man a few kicks, Wan Yan Xu bantered a smirk, a “boom” sounded. Fully clothed, he was thrown into a deep and large pool.

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Su Yi suddenly choked on the water and he heard Wan Yan Xu laughed on the surface: “Su General should be at ease, for this water is from the back garden spring water, and is absolutely clean. It’s actually quite good for your health; drinking more would only benefit you. Perhaps it would add a little to your effort, and may even help you struggle in my arms a few times.” After he removed his garments, shows a bronze body then another “boom” sound as he jumped into the water. The splashes have busted the water to cover Su Yi’s sweating face. The messy black hair has become wet, sticking to the shoulder and looked a lot softer.

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Su Yi subconsciously took a few steps back, his clear eyes for the first time has clouded, looking alert at Wan Yan Xu. The other man’s body has no trace of fat nor scars, like the jungle’s most vigorous elegant panther that he saw once at royal hunting ground, seems to be the most appropriate to describe the other man at the moment.

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Wan Yan Xu’s eyes flashed with frantic excitement, went forward step by step closer to Su Yi. Walked to his aside and said: “Why are you wearing clothes here? Not to mention they’re rags, there is no difference in wearing them or not. Or maybe Su General rather let me undress you personally? Ha ha ha, you know how to play hard to get.”

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Su Yi was forced to step back at edge of the pool, and then listened to the lewd speech; he could not help but trembled, knowing that he had the misfortune of being correct in his deduction. His hands clutched the pool edge, and attempted to stay calm and said: “You’ve always been serious in your approach, so please control yourself. A person can be killed but cannot be humiliated, such despicable act, you should not do it.”

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Wan Yan Xu crooked his eyebrows in challenge, leisurely said: “Serious approach? Oh, what a joke. Su General has experienced in battle field and worked hard to maintain your country’s peace, but seemed to lack knowledge on human desire. Have you ever heard of a King who takes serious approach in their love life? I simply do not behave wildly like Qi’s King but these words, I certainly do not deserve to bear.”

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Su Yi wondered whether the person in front of him was a fake Wan Yan Xu poser. The man’s speeches were frivolous, teasing eyes and not the same man he had known, who looked cold and dangerous. Although acting seems to be easily played out, but the dominance of royal bearing could not be mimicked by anyone. Currently, Su Yi has nowhere to retreat. Wan Yan Xu was not worried, took another step forward whilst Su Yi clenched his fists and prepared for a fight, though he knew it was impossible to struggle due to his exhaustion. Nevertheless, as a seven-foot man, he cannot face such a humiliation, not to mention, the worst case scenario is death. He was captured and has no right to live any longer. Though, through his fear that if he offended Wan Yan Xu, his soldiers would be killed, so he only bitterly endured to this point. Death to him is like a road to freedom.

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His mind quickly held onto the idea and his eyes intently stared at Wan Yan Xu, waiting for the other man’s action. At this point their bodies gradually close in. Suddenly he was leaned into the water; Su Yi did not comprehend it until his foot was taken a hold by a strong force, at once fell in the pool, once again swallowed a large gulp of water. Then a pair of strong large hands tightly embraced his waist, crashed sound, both were simultaneously returned to the surface, his ears were echoes of Wan Yan Xu’s laughter: “Ha ha ha, I’d caught you.”Before he finished his sentence, the hands have already begun to move, torn off Su Yi’s tattered wet clothes, and thrown very far away.

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Su Yi’s heart sank as he immediately noticed one pair of hands, like slippery fish, carefully stroking his wounds; he had never received such humiliation even when he was a child. His blood boiled; the two rows of white teeth clenched hard and about to bite his own tongue to suicide.

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Those hands, suddenly like lightning, changed their directions, and instantly grabbed his jaw. Wan Yan Xu’s laughter was gone and back to his scornful attitude, his eyes cold as the autumn bottom lake, also restored his consistent chilly tone: “Su General, do you really want me to learn from our ancient predecessors by killing all the prisoners? If this does not matter to you, then I’ll immediately give command to Yu Cang so that he can execute the two hundred thousand prisoners of war instantly. There is also Qi’s citizen matter, if they are of no concern to you; in fact, my people are quite populated and have been suffering these last few years. They should enjoy themselves when they are moving to Qi’s capital, the southern prosperous land. Oh right, by the way, Yu Cang ‘s army has come to Yangtze River. Your emperor had fled the capital, took a few of his close ministers and henchmen to Suzhou. He has established a small court in Suzhou. Yu Cang is currently resting his army, and ready to head south. Su General, the prisoners of war plus Qi’s citizen, should be over hundreds of thousands of people. Since you do not care for them, why should I need to pay them any attention? It is your choice.” Then he slowly loosens his hands.

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Su Yi saw his smile with a touch of sarcasm; evidently, the other man knew he could not selfishly allow other people to go on suffering if he could help it. He tried to calm himself, made an effort to persuade: “I’d always respect that you are a wise King. Even if I die, I believe that you will not do anything without benefits to you. Are you not afraid of the wrath of God, retribution of karma?” Although he may said those words but his heart knew it did not count, so quickly he side away from Wan Yan Xu’s hands.

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Wan Yan Xu snorted, hold him again and solemnly said: “Su Yi, listen to me. I do not believe in gods or spirits. Qi’s soldiers, besides those under your command, simply could not take a blow in battle and I have no interest in them. Your subordinates, who had followed you to battle for many years, they are brave and loyal. Therefore, only a few is really willing to surrender. Why should I heed for the rest since they are wasting food? Only with your life, really do not justify being the exchange for their lives. Although, if you’re dead before surrendering, this would be the one thing I’ll surely regret in this life. So Su Yi, you have to believe, I could easily take action according to what I say, otherwise I’ll never be able to quash down my anger.”

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Su Yi looked calmly into his cold eyes, broken-hearted and grief-stricken as he bitterly said: “If you want me to surrender, at least resort to an open means and not via such depravedly, vile method. This only sullied your reputation and will only make me despise you.”

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Wan Yan Xu sneered and said: “A means to an end. Why is it a matter whether it is through an honourable act or despicable one? What’s most important…is for me to have you under my body, listen to your crying out for mercy. Whether you’ll surrender or not today, your body will be used to gratifying my needs.” Then suddenly leaned over and gripped the desirable lips, also prevented him from breathing.

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Su Yi was born into a scholarly family, with great emphasis on ethics. He did not get a chance to wed before he led the troops to war. During his time at the barracks, he was also abstinent and not engaged with any prostitutes. So although he is full grown man, he did not understand the taste of love affair. When Wan Yan Xu forcefully kissed him, his mind was buzzed with an “Om” sound, like countless of stars flying around. Although he did not understand this kissing, but intuitively guessed that it was probably a dirty move. Therefore, his hands tried desperately to push the other body away as it was pushing his down.

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Wan Yan Xu found his innocent reaction very exciting. He saw that Su Yi was a naïve kisser, did not even know how to avoid being kissed. Apparently, this man knew nothing about love affair and was very much like a piece of white paper; a man likes him, who is very possessive and selfish. To know that Su Yi’s first time belonged to him, of course would please him greatly. Then he excitedly placed Su Yi at the pool edge where half of the body is still immersed in the water. His hand started tearing off what little left of Su Yi’s clothing.

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End of Chapter 9