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Chapter Seventeen

Back with the prisoners

Smoke filtered through the forest, making it hard to see until the morning light filtered through the trees. The exiles slowly came out from their hiding places, all those who hadn't taken the attack from the bandits as a chance to run away.

Si Muchen surveyed his surroundings, his expression tight with displeasure as he took in the dead bodies that littered the ground. "Damn, Bandits."

Dou Yi approached him, his own appearance covered in ash and blood. "Sir, it appears we've lost five men, and over twenty of the prisoners have been taken."

Si Muchen stopped when he spotted Lu Yuxian, whose expression was icy. Over the course of their travels, no matter how he'd watched the General, he hadn't seen his expression so cold. In fact, on seeing the others' chilly gaze, he felt the immediate need to lower his own gaze.

Frowning, Si Muchen stiffened at how own reaction. "What is it, General Lu?"

Jing Yu and Wu Hao followed Lu Yuxian; from their appearance, it was obvious they, too, had taken part in the fighting. "My wife has been taken, as well as their children. I want your permission to go after them."

Even though Lu Yuxian was requesting permission, Si Muchen felt that if he said 'no,' this man, with his cold pose, would go anyway. Those who stood around expressed anger and anxiety.

Si Muchen found himself with a headache. If he had arrived at the last post with half the prisoners and half the men, it wouldn't have looked good for him, especially since most of these people were still going to oversee guarding the border despite being exiled from the capital. And while he wouldn't go out of his way to improve their lives, he didn't want to be the face of "prisoner mistreatment."

Sighing, he brushed a hand through his hair, which was already a mess from fighting. "General Lu, you're putting me in a difficult position. The prisoners taken by the bandits might not even be alive. And how can I trust you'll return after I let you leave."

Lu Yuxian glanced at Dou Yi who stiffened when he felt his stare. "Send him with us, and we'll save the prisoners within two days and return. If we don't, you can tell those who you meet at the next location that we've kidnapped him and run away."

Si Muchen's expression darkened, even as he thought over Lu Yuxians offer. If he said yes, at the very least, he wouldn't have to take the fall if General Lu didn't return, seeing as he could imply due to being worried for Dou Yi's life, he couldn't move. While it's a brittle excuse, it's still something he could offer the higher-ups.

"If I send you, and you do manage to save the criminals—"

"Then the credit will go to you," Lu Yuxian finished for him.

"Fine," Si Muchen half-turned to Dou Yi. "Provide them with weapons and rations. I'll give you two days; we will not leave this spot, and if you do not return in two days, we'll continue, and I'll report you as a runaway."

Lu Yuxian gave a short nod and left with his men following him. No one showed a humble nod to Si Muchen, but he didn't care.

"Sir, are you sure we can trust them," Dou Yi whispered.

"Hmm, if there is one thing General Lu is good for, it's his word."

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