His Highness the Madman gave in again today.

"It wasn't him."

Gu Jinzhi shook his head: "It's the female strategist beside him, Wen Zhixia. It is said that this woman is an orphan girl that Chu Tianxiong picked up in his early years. She is exceptionally intelligent and a master strategist. The fact that Tiehe Kingdom has been able to resist the invasions of several neighboring countries in recent years is largely due to her."

When he spoke of this woman, admiration shone in his eyes.

"I have long heard of this strategist Wen. If we can bring him under our command, it will not only be beneficial for attacking the Iron River Kingdom, but will also be a great help in managing various regions in the future."

Feng Xingyu pondered for a moment: "Chu Tianxiong is a famous and fierce general. It will probably not be easy to poach people from his side."

"That's why it's necessary for you to personally take action, or... it would be even better if you took action yourself."

Gu Jinzhi glanced furtively at Mo Sangyu standing to the side.

Mo Sangyu was organizing blueprints when she heard this and looked up: "What are you looking at me for? I'm not good at poaching people."

"Madam is too modest."

Gu Jinzhi revealed a sly smile: "I think there is nothing in this world that Madam is not good at. As long as Madam takes the lead, the matter is already more than half done."

That's just flattery.

Mo Sangyu didn't deny it: "Let's conquer the Iron River Kingdom first. We haven't even seen them yet, so thinking about anything else is pointless."

"You are right, madam."

Gu Jinzhi was not discouraged and nodded: "Then I will take my leave and go arrange the road survey."

He carried the stack of blueprints and walked away with light steps.

Only two people remained in the tent.

Feng Xingyu looked at Mo Sangyu: "You...are you really planning to help Jinzhi poach people?"

"Give it a try."

Mo Sangyu tidied up the things on the table: "Someone that Mr. Gu cares about so much, we should help him this once."

She sat down next to Feng Xingyu: "Iron River Kingdom, when do you plan to make your move?"

"The grasslands have just been established and need time to settle down; the earliest we can expect to see them is autumn."

Taking the opportunity, Feng Xingyu grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms, talking about serious business while doing what he wanted.

"Moreover, attacking the Iron River Kingdom is not like attacking a grassland tribe. It is the power of an entire nation, with cities, a regular army, and a complete defense system."

"I...I know."

As soon as Mo Sangyu opened her mouth, he leaned in and kissed her.

From slow, tentative exploration, it gradually became more in-depth and urgent.

Mo Sangyu was a little breathless from his kisses. She managed to turn her head away and quickly said, "Feng Xingyu... we're talking about serious matters..."

"Okay, say it," he replied, but his kisses trailed down her neck.

Feng Xingyu has been very restrained in the grassland tribe for so long, and apart from the occasional light kiss, he has not done anything else.

Mo Sangyu thought he had changed his personality.

However, now...

Is he finally about to lose his temper?

Well then, we can put important matters aside for now and balance work and rest.

Mo Sangyu not only didn't refuse, but instead climbed onto the back of his neck and returned the kiss.

Sensing her initiative, like sparks flying into dry tinder, Feng Xingyu's kiss became even more intense and passionate.

But just as he was about to lose control, he suddenly stopped.

Feng Xingyu's body was tense, his breathing was heavy, and even fine sweat seeped from his forehead.

He was clearly struggling to hold back, but he forced himself to stop.

Mo Sangyu was also panting. She opened her eyes and looked at him with some confusion.

Could it be that... you feel it's inconvenient to be in this tent with people coming and going outside?

Feng Xingyu paused for a while before slowly raising his head, looking at her with deep, unfathomable eyes.

He didn't continue what they were doing, but suddenly asked her, "When are you planning to... go to the Iron River Kingdom?"

Mo Sangyu was taken aback: "When did I say I was going to the Iron River Kingdom?"

She has no plans to do so for the time being.

Feng Xingyu pursed his thin lips slightly, his voice a little husky: "If you're going, be sure to tell me. I'll go with you."

"…Um."

Although she found it a bit strange that he brought this up at this time, Mo Sangyu nodded and agreed, "Okay."

Seeing the fine beads of sweat on his forehead and the darkness in his eyes, she gently wiped them away and tentatively asked, "Feng Xingyu, are you sure... you don't want to continue?"

This time, it was Feng Xingyu's turn to be stunned.

He looked at Mo Sangyu's face so close to his, and at the hint of expectation in her eyes... He slowly realized what was happening, and a mischievous smile curled at the corner of his lips: "So, Yu'er wants me to continue?"

Mo Sangyu felt a little embarrassed by his blunt question and turned her head away: "I don't want to."

As she spoke, she tried to get down from his arms.

Feng Xingyu tightened his grip, pulling her back and holding her tightly.

He buried his face in the crook of her shoulder, his voice low and seductive: "But I wonder... what should I do?"

That's what I meant.

Mo Sangyu was speechless.

How was she supposed to answer that?

"Feng Xingyu!"

Mo Sangyu pushed him away slightly, cupped his face in her hands, and asked, "When did you become so self-disciplined and proper? Is this still you?"

Feng Xingyu looked very aggrieved.

"I...I dare not, I'm afraid you'll run away again."

Mo Sangyu: "???"

After a few seconds of mental blankness, she finally understood what he meant.

So, this man endured so many days, being so careful, because he was afraid she would run away again because of this?

No wonder he suddenly asked her when she was going to the Iron River Kingdom.

Mo Sangyu was speechless for a moment, and also found it a little funny.

She didn't know how to explain it to him.

"Feng Xingyu, I didn't leave because of that. I had already planned to come here first to scout out the situation."

Mo Sangyu admitted it.

It's also somewhat related to his lack of self-control.

However, since he's already in this state, it's best not to talk to him about it.

"real?"

Feng Xingyu asked softly, "It's not because I pester you every day..."

"no."

"That……"

He looked at her, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes: "Is now alright?"

Mo Sangyu didn't say anything, but leaned over and gently touched his lips.

A very light kiss served as an answer.

Feng Xingyu's eyes lit up instantly. He tightened his arms and kissed her again.

This time, there was no more hesitation.

As darkness fell outside the tent, the footsteps of patrolling soldiers passed by rhythmically and then faded into the distance.

Inside the tent, however, the temperature quietly rose.

His clothes had slipped off at some point, and Mo Sangyu was pressed against the soft animal hide, their skin touching. He could clearly feel the man's taut muscles and burning body temperature.

Feng Xingyu's kiss moved away from her lips and traveled downwards.

Mo Sangyu's breathing became slightly disordered: "...Feng Xingyu."

"Hmm?" he mumbled in response, but his movements didn't stop.

"Wait...wait a minute."

"No, we won't wait."

Mo Sangyu wanted to say something, but his next action made her tremble, and all her words got stuck in her throat.

Night completely enveloped the grassland.

The next day.

When Mo Sangyu woke up, it was already broad daylight.

Sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the felt curtains, making it feel warm and cozy.

Last night, she was worried that someone might come in or that her voice might be heard, so she tried to set up a barrier with her spiritual power, but Feng Xingyu didn't give her the chance.

It was only later that I learned that he had already used his own methods to isolate himself from everything outside.

No one could hear what was happening inside, and no one could just barge in.

What did he use to set it up?

Is it the power that is restricted by bloodline?

Mo Sangyu moved around a bit; her body felt a little sore, but it was alright, within an acceptable range.

The seat next to him was empty; Feng Xingyu had already gotten up.

She sat up and found that she had been cleaned and changed into clean nightgowns.

Inside the tent, on a low table, lay a steaming breakfast.

She had just finished dressing when Feng Xingyu lifted the curtain and came in.

He had changed into a neat black outfit, his long hair was tied up, he looked refreshed, and had a satisfied smile on his face.

"woke up?"

He walked over and kissed her on the forehead: "Are you hungry? Eat something first."

Mo Sangyu glanced at him, said nothing, and picked up her bowl to drink the porridge.

Feng Xingyu sat opposite her, his gaze fixed on her, a smile never fading from his lips.

Mo Sangyu felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze and put down her bowl: "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"It looks good," Feng Xingyu replied frankly.

"You can't keep looking at something just because it's beautiful."

"Why can't I watch it?"

He leaned in and kissed her: "My woman, I can look at her whenever I want."

"..."

They're being shameless again.

Mo Sangyu quickly pushed him away: "Aren't you busy today?"

"Um."

Feng Xingyu added again: "There's one more thing that's not urgent, I'll deal with it later, by the way..."

He then changed the subject: "Jinzhi took people to survey the road conditions today. I've also made arrangements for the subsequent management of the grassland area. Yuan Zhao and Han Chong will be in charge for the time being, and the handover will take place once things have stabilized."

"Then we'll have to stay here a few more days."

"Um."

After finishing her meal, Mo Sangyu suddenly spoke up, as if remembering something: "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"What is it?"

"We will be attacking many more places in the future, and it won't work if Youdu City, as our base, is left unguarded year-round."

Mo Sangyu looked at him: "Do you think Chu Canglan is trustworthy?"

When Feng Xingyu heard her ask this question, he understood her thoughts.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Chu Canglan, perhaps he can be trusted. However, his heart is not in Youdu City. He has finally broken free from his constraints and regained his freedom. If you want him to go back and manage that mess, I'm afraid... he won't agree."

Mo Sangyu smiled and said, "It's alright, I have a trump card."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Chu Canglan's lazy voice came from outside the tent: "This early in the morning, I heard someone talking bad about me."

The felt curtain was lifted, and Chu Canglan walked in with Yan Xu and Ya Zi.

After Ya Zi followed him in, he went straight to Mo Sangyu.

"Miss, the Blackstone Tribe has been completely pacified."

Mo Sangyu nodded: "Thank you for your hard work."

"It's not hard work, it's what a slave should do."

After saying that, he turned around, bowed to Feng Xingyu, and then left.

Feng Xingyu put his mask back on, and his aura returned to its usual cold and indifferent state, showing no trace of the way he had when he was alone with Mo Sangyu.

Chu Canglan walked to the low table, poured himself a cup of tea without any ceremony, and sat down opposite Mo Sangyu.

Yan Xu stood respectfully behind him.

"Speak."

Chu Canglan took a sip of tea, then looked up at Mo Sangyu: "Trying to use Yue'er to threaten me into doing something again?"

Mo Sangyu didn't beat around the bush: "I want to invite you back to Youdu City to continue being the city lord."

"puff."

Chu Canglan spat out his entire mouthful of tea: "What did you say?"