ISWTDB Ch44

Chapter 44: The Mute Prince vs. The Rakshasa General (11, 12)

Duanmu Yi took a deep breath, feeling a heavy suffocation in his heart. A wave of bitterness rose, making it hard for him to breathe. He even felt that some whipping punishment might make him feel better.

When everyone suspected him, when everyone pointed fingers at him, Duanmu Yi didn’t care. The only thing he cared about was Ying Zhao’s trust. As long as Ying Zhao believed him, it was enough.

But he never expected to be disappointed.

Duanmu Yi lowered his gaze, silently allowing the rough servants to drag him to the ancestral hall. He knelt there with bound arms, not saying a word.

Ying Zhao watched the door of the ancestral hall slowly close, the solitary figure kneeling before the ancestral tablets making his heart ache deeply. His hatred for Bai Wenxuan grew even stronger.

However, the outcome was still acceptable on the surface. Ying Zhao couldn’t bear to see his man truly punished and had plenty of ways to make it up to his lover.

Now, letting Bai Wenxuan think that Duanmu Yi was no longer a threat would make him lower his guard, which would be advantageous for Ying Zhao’s actions.

Moreover, Bai Wenxuan knew Duanmu Yi’s special status, so this outcome was enough to satisfy him, and he didn’t pursue the matter further.

He understood the principle of not overdoing things. If he kept pressing, it might lower his standing in Ying Zhao’s eyes.

Ying Zhao praised him for his consideration and magnanimity, reminding him to rest well before leaving Bai Wenxuan’s room.

Late at night, Ying Zhao quietly sneaked into the ancestral hall. Seeing the man still kneeling there motionlessly, Ying Zhao felt a deep ache in his heart.

He silently approached Duanmu Yi, and under the dim candlelight of the hall, he saw that Duanmu Yi’s eyes were filled with dead silence, devoid of any light.

This made Ying Zhao’s heart tighten suddenly. He quickly grabbed Duanmu Yi’s arm, gently shaking it, and called out, “Duanmu Yi, are you okay?”

Duanmu Yi took a long time to respond upon hearing Ying Zhao’s voice. When he finally looked at Ying Zhao’s face, his gaze gradually focused.

Just moments ago, being locked in this dim ancestral hall had involuntarily reminded him of his time in the harem. He had been insulted countless times, called unlucky, and mocked as a mute.

Even as a royal descendant, he was often locked in the woodshed as a child by palace servants who took pleasure in his cries.

They all thought Duanmu Yi was mute and deemed unlucky by the late emperor. Therefore, no matter what happened to him, no one would stand up for him.

Over time, Duanmu Yi became increasingly silent. Until the age of fourteen, when the late emperor passed away and the new emperor granted a general amnesty. To show benevolence, he was given the title of a prince, making his life somewhat better.

However, although he was called a prince, he had no mansion of his own. As a child in the deep palace, he only ate leftovers, and even in winter, the firewood was often insufficient. Until those people found him…

Duanmu Yi lowered his gaze, feeling a sense of ridicule in his heart. Those people sought him out for their own purposes, never truly caring for him, which is why he preferred to stay in the palace.

Reflecting on those dark years, it turned out that marrying into the Ying family and wedding the young general was the happiest period of his life.

But just thinking that even his young general no longer trusted him filled Duanmu Yi with waves of sorrow and despair, leaving him utterly desolate.

It was only when that familiar voice called out again that Duanmu Yi’s consciousness returned. He turned his head, somewhat surprised to see Ying Zhao beside him.

Seeing the concern in Ying Zhao’s eyes behind the mask, Duanmu Yi couldn’t believe it. Could it be that the young general still cared about him and hadn’t completely given up on him?

Ying Zhao quickly untied the ropes binding Duanmu Yi, gently massaging his numb arms with a pained expression.

Holding Duanmu Yi’s large hand in his own, feeling its coldness, Ying Zhao immediately rubbed it vigorously. As he rubbed Duanmu Yi’s hand, Ying Zhao suddenly noticed the thick calluses.

Though they had been sleeping together for some time, Ying Zhao had noticed the calluses before but assumed they were from hard times in the palace, perhaps from being bullied and forced to do a lot of work.

But now, under the candlelight, he saw that these calluses couldn’t possibly be from labor. From their distribution and wear, they were clearly from frequent sword practice.

But wasn’t Duanmu Yi just a disregarded mute prince in the palace? How could he have access to swords, and how could he have had the opportunity to practice such high-intensity training repeatedly?

Ying Zhao’s own calluses from constant battlefield use were no thicker than Duanmu Yi’s, and Duanmu Yi was only two years older than the original host.

Thinking about this, Ying Zhao frowned slightly. It seemed there were hidden plots not uncovered in the original storyline.

In the original plot, though Duanmu Yi was later sent to prison by the original host, it was merely a rumor that he died there; no one actually saw him die in prison.

Lowering his gaze, a hint of interest flashed in Ying Zhao’s eyes. But feeling the coldness in Duanmu Yi’s hands brought him back to the present. He quickly took a blanket from his bag and wrapped it around Duanmu Yi.

With a pained expression, he said, “The ancestral hall is very cold. Does the blanket make you feel a bit warmer?”

He then remembered that the servants, under Bai Wenxuan’s orders, likely wouldn’t bring food to Duanmu Yi at night, perhaps only once every day or two, just enough to keep him from starving.

Ying Zhao immediately took out several oiled paper packages from his chest and handed them to Duanmu Yi. He said softly, “Eat something quickly! You probably haven’t eaten all day. How could those guys bring you food?”

At this moment, Ying Zhao had forgotten his intention to maintain a proud demeanor, filled only with worry for the man. Duanmu Yi felt a warm current in his heart seeing Ying Zhao like this.

The blanket was warm, the food in his hands was warm, and the person in front of him was even warmer.

Thinking about this, he couldn’t help but reach out and pull Ying Zhao into his arms. He breathed heavily, wanting to confirm that the person in his embrace was real and not a hallucination in the dark ancestral hall.

Ying Zhao didn’t understand why the man was suddenly so emotional, but he gently embraced him back. Patting his lover’s back, he comforted him:

“I know you’ve been wronged. I believe you didn’t do such a thing. But I have my difficulties too. I’m sorry, Duanmu Yi.”

Hearing this, Duanmu Yi immediately shook his head vigorously. He didn’t need Ying Zhao’s apology; hearing these words was enough to relieve him.

So, the young general did trust him. So, this little guy hadn’t abandoned him. A wave of immense joy surged through his heart, and he buried his head deep in Ying Zhao’s neck, nuzzling him.

Feeling the warmth of the person in his arms, he realized this sense of solid happiness was something he’d never experienced before. Ying Zhao, seeing the man in his arms behaving like a big dog, nuzzling him, smiled slightly and patted his head, saying softly:

“Alright, stop being so affectionate. Since I married you, I will trust you and treat you well. Now, quickly eat something before it gets cold.”

Duanmu Yi raised his head and gave Ying Zhao a grateful smile. Then he opened the oiled paper package and started eating the braised beef and meat buns inside voraciously.

Ying Zhao watched Duanmu Yi wolf down the food, patting his back and saying with concern, “Eat slowly, don’t choke.”

Seeing that Duanmu Yi had almost finished eating, Ying Zhao took out a water pouch from his bag and handed it to Duanmu Yi.

Duanmu Yi gratefully took it and took a sip. He found that the water in the pouch seemed to have a bit of honey added, making it very sweet and warming his heart even more.

After Duanmu Yi had eaten and drunk his fill, Ying Zhao diligently massaged the areas where the ropes had bound him. Duanmu Yi felt Ying Zhao’s small hands moving over his body, instantly relaxing the stiff and painful areas.

When he felt better, he patted Ying Zhao’s hand, signaling him to stop. Seeing the little guy massaging him so diligently, Duanmu Yi felt a bit of heartache for Ying Zhao.

Afraid that he might be tired, Duanmu Yi wrapped his small hand in his own and gently rubbed it. Seeing his lover being so considerate, Ying Zhao felt sweetness in his heart.

Noticing that it was already late at night and thinking that everyone in the Ying residence should be asleep, Ying Zhao tugged on Duanmu Yi’s clothes and said softly, “Follow me.”

With that, they sneaked out of the ancestral hall and went to a hidden spot in the Ying family’s garden. Ying Zhao led Duanmu Yi to a corner of the garden.

Only then did Duanmu Yi notice a small door there. He watched as Ying Zhao skillfully pulled aside the vines and then followed him through the small door, hand in hand.

Inside, Duanmu Yi discovered that it was a garden within a garden. Although it wasn’t big, it was lush with plants, and on the left side, there was a large stone table with several chairs around it.

Ying Zhao jumped onto the stone table and reached for the fruit hanging from a nearby tree. He picked one and tossed it to Duanmu Yi.

Smiling, he said, “Try it, this fruit is really sweet!”

Duanmu Yi caught the red fruit Ying Zhao threw to him and took a small bite. The fragrant and sweet juice filled his mouth, making Duanmu Yi smile involuntarily.

Seeing Duanmu Yi’s satisfied expression, Ying Zhao felt pleased and said proudly:

“How is it? Not bad, right? This is my big secret; even the old lady doesn’t know about it! Back in the day, my father built this garden within a garden. In his spare time, he would bring me here to play. Whenever I felt upset or sad, I would sit here and think about the past.”

Hearing that Ying Zhao had shared such a secret place with him, Duanmu Yi felt his heart pounding. Then he saw Ying Zhao jump down from the stone table, brush off the dust on his knees, and sit on a chair, continuing:

“In the past, my father and I often talked here. Most of the time, he would teach me martial arts here. After all, the Ying family’s martial arts are secret and cannot be easily seen by others!”

As he spoke, Ying Zhao stood up, broke off a tree branch, and playfully swung it in front of Duanmu Yi. He pressed down on Duanmu Yi’s shoulder, making him sit by the stone table, and said with a smile:

“Do you want to see me perform some sword moves? Although I can’t exert much strength after the last battle, I can still show you some basic moves!”

Hearing Ying Zhao’s words, Duanmu Yi thought about the severe injuries he had sustained in the battle against the Red Moon forces, which had rendered him unable to fight on the battlefield. His heart ached.

But seeing Ying Zhao in such high spirits, he quickly nodded and smiled at him, watching as Ying Zhao took the branch and started performing sword moves.

Under the bright moonlight, Ying Zhao’s sword movements appeared ethereal and otherworldly. The falling leaves danced around him, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing scene.

Ying Zhao seemed fully immersed in his performance, each move swift and powerful, making Duanmu Yi’s blood surge with excitement.

In his heart, Duanmu Yi imagined how impressive and heroic Ying Zhao must have looked on the battlefield, wielding his sword with such ease and grace.

But just as Ying Zhao was in high spirits, he suddenly performed a spinning move to thrust the sword, and his mask’s strap got caught on a tree branch, snapping it off.

Ying Zhao’s mask fell off immediately, revealing his true face. He seemed stunned for a moment, staring blankly at Duanmu Yi, who was visibly surprised by the sudden turn of events.

Ying Zhao quickly snapped out of it, threw away the branch, and hurriedly tried to cover his face with his hands, then swiftly picked up the mask and put it back on.

After a moment, Ying Zhao seemed to realize something. Angrily, he ripped off the mask again and threw it forcefully to the ground.

He shouted at Duanmu Yi, “You saw everything, didn’t you? You must be laughing at me in your heart, right? Thinking how ridiculous it is for me to be called the Rakshasa General or the National Protector General, yet looking like this. You must think I’m just a snot-nosed kid, don’t you!”

Hearing this, Duanmu Yi immediately shook his head vigorously. He stood up and hurried to Ying Zhao’s side, trying to touch his shoulder, but Ying Zhao forcefully brushed him away.

Duanmu Yi opened his mouth anxiously, trying to explain that he didn’t mean any of that. However, being mute, he could only make a few strange sounds, unable to express his thoughts to Ying Zhao.

He had never hated his inability to speak so much before. In desperation, he suddenly pulled Ying Zhao into his arms.

Ying Zhao struggled a bit, but he couldn’t exert any strength, so naturally, he couldn’t break free from the man who was much taller and stronger than him.

He looked up with tearful eyes and glared at Duanmu Yi, biting his lower lip and saying:

“You must think I’m a joke now! You won’t respect me anymore, or see me as your husband!”

Duanmu Yi shook his head vehemently upon hearing Ying Zhao’s words, but no matter what he did, Ying Zhao still ignored him.

Seeing Ying Zhao’s sad expression, Duanmu Yi felt like an ant on a hot pan. Suddenly, a surge of determination rose in his heart. He tightened his arms around Ying Zhao’s waist.

He lifted his hand, cupped Ying Zhao’s chin, and kissed his lips fiercely. Ying Zhao’s eyes widened in surprise, and he struggled a bit, but the other man only held him tighter.

With his lover’s breath surrounding him, Ying Zhao secretly felt pleased, almost wanting to make a victory gesture. It had been a long time since they kissed each other while both were fully aware and conscious. Ying Zhao could feel the man’s love and cherishment for him.

His struggle gradually ceased, and he closed his eyes, nestling into the man’s embrace, quietly savoring his lover’s presence.

Duanmu Yi hadn’t expected himself to suddenly kiss Ying Zhao like that. In that moment, he didn’t know how else to express his feelings.

This proud young general must have been genuinely hurt to say such things. Duanmu Yi just wanted to tell him how much he loved this adorable face.

This face was so endearing, why should he feel inferior about his looks?

But then Duanmu Yi thought that no matter what his little guy looked like, he would still find him incredibly cute and lovable. Feeling Ying Zhao gradually stop struggling, a gentle light flashed in Duanmu Yi’s eyes.

He tenderly kissed the little guy in his arms, finding his lips unbelievably sweet. For the first time, he was kissing Ying Zhao completely while he was fully conscious.

Duanmu Yi felt a surge of warmth in his heart. After a long time, he finally stopped. Looking at the little guy in his arms, who was panting with flushed cheeks, he kissed his forehead, a joyful smile on his face.

Ying Zhao looked up, blinked at Duanmu Yi, then blushed deeply and buried his head in the man’s chest.

He let out a muffled hum and then bit Duanmu Yi’s chest hard. Duanmu Yi felt the pain in his chest and hissed but didn’t stop Ying Zhao.

He just thought the little guy in his arms was adorably fierce, like a kitten showing its claws. If biting him more would ease his little general’s anger, Duanmu Yi wouldn’t mind at all.

Hearing Duanmu Yi’s pained cry, Ying Zhao let go, feeling a bit heartbroken. He pouted, looked up, and glared at Duanmu Yi. In a somewhat angry tone, he said, “Did I tell you to kiss me?”

Duanmu Yi saw the look in Ying Zhao’s eyes and a trace of amusement flashed in his own. He shook his head but then kissed Ying Zhao’s lips again. Ying Zhao’s face turned even redder.

He stared at Duanmu Yi for a while, then turned his head away as if he didn’t want to look at him. But his outstretched arms hugged Duanmu Yi’s waist tightly.

Ying Zhao, looking reluctant, leaned into Duanmu Yi’s chest, muttering softly, “Idiot!”

After a while, he looked up and rolled his eyes at Duanmu Yi. Tugging at his collar, he forced him to lower his head, then bit Duanmu Yi’s lips hard, saying angrily:

“From now on, you’re only allowed to kiss me, and only I can kiss you. Do you understand?”

Seeing Ying Zhao’s haughty look, Duanmu Yi’s body instantly tensed. He couldn’t help but take a deep breath, then nodded vigorously at Ying Zhao.

Of course, he was willing to do that; he couldn’t ask for anything better! Holding the little guy who had become so obedient in his arms, Duanmu Yi felt his heart swell with love.

Just now, the young general had said he would only allow himself to kiss him and not anyone else. Didn’t that mean the little guy liked him, cared about him, and considered him his own?

They stayed in the garden, cuddling for a long time until Ying Zhao’s feet started to feel numb from standing. Then he instructed Duanmu Yi to carry him back to the ancestral hall.

Duanmu Yi, being tall and strong, made Ying Zhao, who was much smaller, look like a child in his arms.

Although Ying Zhao wasn’t satisfied with his petite stature, sitting in the man’s arms was a novel experience. Besides, he had a bit of a hedonistic streak and enjoyed not having to walk himself, which made him somewhat content.

Duanmu Yi had been punished to stay in the ancestral hall for a month, and during this time, Ying Zhao would visit him every night. He carefully brought food and necessary items, even preparing everything needed for the next day.

At night, if there was a chance, Ying Zhao would have dinner with Duanmu Yi. Usually, after dinner, they would sneak out of the ancestral hall and go to that little garden to play and chat.

Of course, it was mostly Ying Zhao talking while Duanmu Yi sat beside him, smiling and listening quietly. Sometimes, when Ying Zhao was in high spirits, he would perform some sword moves for Duanmu Yi.

Moreover, when alone with Duanmu Yi, Ying Zhao no longer wore his rakshasa mask but faced him with his true appearance.

After they had their fun at night, Ying Zhao would take out the blankets and bedding he had hidden under the offering table in the ancestral hall, and they would lay them down to sleep together.

Duanmu Yi was surprised that Ying Zhao didn’t return to his room at night but insisted on sneaking out to sleep on the cold floor with him.

He felt sorry for Ying Zhao and didn’t want him to sleep there. But Ying Zhao wouldn’t listen, simply wrapping himself in the blanket without a word, leaving only his eyes visible, and glaring at Duanmu Yi as if he were the bad guy.

Whenever this happened, Duanmu Yi felt helpless and could only indulge Ying Zhao. However, to prevent his little guy from getting cold, Duanmu Yi would always hold Ying Zhao tightly.

Gradually, Duanmu Yi discovered that his little general really depended on him. Ever since revealing his true self to Duanmu Yi, Ying Zhao would cuddle up in his arms every night to sleep.

Although sometimes Ying Zhao would still boss him around and say unpleasant things, Duanmu Yi knew that Ying Zhao was tough on the outside but tender-hearted inside, and cared deeply for him. Just by looking at the assortment of food and supplies he brought, Duanmu Yi couldn’t help but feel sweet inside.

________

Author’s note:

Yes, he’s truly “harsh in words but soft in heart”~