Chapter 336: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 336: Xiao Ruiyuan's Anger and Unexpected News (1)
The moon hung high, marking the third watch of the night. The hazy moonlight cast a quiet glow on the ground, adding a touch of melancholy to the desolate night.
Three hundred miles from the capital, in a makeshift camp, rows of white military tents stood exposed in the cool night air. Except for the patrolling guards, the ten thousand soldiers, exhausted from their march, lay on the ground asleep, their snores rising and falling.
In the central command tent, the light still burned. As the commander of ten thousand troops, Xiao Ruiyuan had to handle all military affairs daily, reviewing urgent reports from the border to make correct strategic deployments upon arrival.
Xiao Ruiyuan was engrossed in reading official documents, the dim light casting a soft glow on him, giving him a gentle appearance. His flawless profile was like a finely crafted sculpture, neither too much nor too little—perfectly balanced.
After finishing the military affairs, Xiao Ruiyuan glanced at the pile of military reports on his right. Fatigue flashed across his handsome face. He hadn't had a proper night's sleep for days and had been marching all day. Even a body of iron couldn't withstand such exhaustion.
He stood up and paced around the tent, stretching his stiff muscles, his mind still busy. He wondered where the hawk was now.
The hawk flew fast, but today's strong north wind forced it to fly against the wind, making the three hundred miles journey take at least an hour and a half.
Glancing at the water clock on the table, Xiao Ruiyuan's lips curved into a slight smile, feeling less tired. If his calculations were correct, the hawk should be nearby.
Sure enough, soon after, scratching sounds came from the tent's entrance. Xiao Ruiyuan went over and opened the flap, allowing the hawk to rush in, rolling on the ground.
The poor hawk, missing many feathers, found flying quite strenuous and was utterly exhausted.
Seeing the once majestic hawk in such a sorry state, Xiao Ruiyuan could hardly believe this was the same bird he had meticulously raised for years, capable of flying thousands of miles a day.
But his mind was on the letter he hoped to receive from his beloved. Ignoring the hawk's pitiful state, he eagerly grabbed its leg and opened the message tube.
Finding it empty, not even a scrap of paper, Xiao Ruiyuan's previously gentle face darkened. His sharp gaze fixated on the hawk, a cold aura emanating from him.
"Did you lose the letter?"
Feeling utterly ignored and already distressed, the hawk was heartbroken by its master's accusation. Furious, it pecked at Xiao Ruiyuan's leg.
One could doubt its abilities but never question its professional integrity!
Xiao Ruiyuan was prepared and dodged the attack. Seeing the hawk squawking angrily, he feared it would wake the nearby soldiers. Reluctantly, he extended his left arm, signaling for it to perch.
The hawk glared at him for a long while before begrudgingly landing on his arm, turning its back to him in defiance.
Xiao Ruiyuan's eye twitched, feeling that the little creature had become more spirited after staying with the Mo family. It used to be much more docile. He gently stroked its ruffled feathers, knowing it couldn't have lost the letter. He was just looking for an excuse to vent his frustration.
If she received the letter, why didn't she reply? Was it a matter of time or unwillingness? If she was too busy, that was understandable. But if she was unwilling, why? Did she not want any further connection with him, or was there another reason?
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