Xiang Yu glanced up from his bowl, offering a piece of steamed bun. "Do you want some?" he asked, and how could Han Xin refuse? Leaning closer than necessary he whispered into her ear,
"Yu Yu... my arm is broken... I can’t eat... will you help me?"
Xiang Yu stared at him, incredulous. This was the same man who had once offered to boost him up to climb the rocks in the cave yet now he was claiming he couldn’t eat by himself. Han Xin pulled back, showing his broken arm, looking pitiful.
"Why are you looking at me like I am an idiot?" asked Han Xin, struggling to stifle his smile.
"That’s because you are an idiot," said Xiang Yu, but in the end, he sighed dramatically before feeding him a steamed bun.
Han Xin chewed with a bright smile, licking his lips. "It tastes sweet," he said, and Lian and Mei giggled like they were high schoolers reading a BL manga under the desk. Baihe, who was lost, looked at them with a look of confusion. What was so funny? The man broke his arm.
The night air was crisp and clear, a perfect backdrop for the breathtaking canopy of stars that twinkled above. Xiang Yu sat outside the carriage; his eyes fixed on the celestial display. He had been trying to get the Divine Emperor’s attention but the old god was still ignoring him. He couldn’t help but think that the Divine Emperor was the most childish god he had ever encountered.
Just as he was about to admit defeat and retreat to the campfire where Lian and Mei were stirring trouble, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Turning his head, he saw Han Xin, who was holding out a cup of steaming tea.
Xiang Yu accepted it with a smile. He took a sip of the tea, savouring the sweet, fragrant aroma. "Delicious," he murmured, his eyes closing momentarily in appreciation. "Thank you. This is just what I needed."
Han Xin’s fingers brushed against hers as he took the cup back, their touch sending a jolt of electricity through his body. He silently sat down next to her. His tongue was restrained but his body wasn’t. His leg swung casually, his thigh brushing against her knee, a subtle yet seductive gesture. Xiang Yu’s heart quickened, his body responding to Han Xin’s subtle advances.
He placed his thigh on Han Xin’s leg and teased. "General, we should be mindful of our surroundings," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "We are not even married yet, and I would hate for rumours to start circulating."
Han Xin’s lips curved into a seductive smile, his eyes locking with hers. " I will only belong to one person, and that’s you. I don’t care about my reputation."
Xiang Yu’s breath caught in his throat as Han Xin’s words sent a rush of desire coursing through his veins. He placed his hand on Han Xin’s thigh, feeling the warmth and strength beneath his fingers. He chuckled as he took the cup back and took a sip of the warm tea.
Han Xin watched her intently, his gaze unwavering. When her lips left the rim of the cup, he asked, "Do you like it?"
Xiang Yu nodded. "Yes, it tastes sweet."
Han Xin’s gaze intensified, his eyes burning with passion. He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against Yu Yu’s ear, sending shivers down his spine. He hesitated, then finally asked, "What is your plan when you reach the capital? Can you tell me?"
Xiang Yu looked down at the surface of the steaming tea, biting his lower lip slightly. "Han Xin, do you trust me?"
Han Xin’s expression softened. "Honestly, I want to trust you. I hope you can be more honest with me. I want to know everything about you." He paused, then added, "I want to know where you are from and what it was like for you growing up."
Xiang Yu sighed. "You can’t know that yet. One day you will know it all... I promise I won’t implicate you."
Han Xin’s jaw clenched his jealousy flaring as he asked, "Does your plan involve the Crown Prince of Zhen? I have heard rumours of how vile and cunning he is. He is known for his treachery and lust for power. How can you trust him? How can you be sure that he won’t betray you?... I can’t watch you walk into the fire."
Xiang Yu the vile and cunning crown prince, "???" He wanted to know who was spreading such malicious rumours. First, it was that he was ugly, and now it was that he was vile. Dang, who hated him that much?
He met his gaze. "It does. And when I am done, Yige and Zhen will be at peace again."
Han struggled to believe it, given the Crown Prince of Zhen’s reputation. He was ready to go to war, but he had to ensure Yu Yu remained by his side. The thought of losing her was unbearable, and he would do whatever it took to keep her close.
Xiang Yu’s fingers traced the rim of the teacup, wondering how he would react when he finally knew the truth. Would he hate him? Would he never talk to him again?
The small convoy of soldiers entered the capital of Yige, their presence commanding the attention of the bustling city. The people parted like the sea, making way for the soldiers who proudly carried the banner of the northern regiment. At the forefront, General Han led the procession with a stern expression, his eyes fixed ahead as he guided the carriage behind him.
Inside the carriage, Xiang Yu sat alone, his demeanour calm and composed. He had sent Lian, Mei, and Baihe to meet up with Xiang Wei. The three of them slipped away in the early morning. With his legs elegantly crossed, he read a book, his mind seemingly at ease despite the gravity of the situation.
As the carriage came to a halt, the curtain was drawn back, revealing a maidservant who bowed deeply. "Your Highness, you have arrived at the palace," she announced with reverence.
Xiang Yu stepped out, her navy and gold outfit dazzling in the sunlight. He had chosen to wear the gift Han Xin gave him hoping it would put a smile on his face. The maidservant offered her hand, assisting him as he descended from the carriage.
The eunuchs and servants bowed low, their respect evident, though the head eunuch’s salute was half-hearted. "Your Highness, His Majesty the Emperor is excited for your arrival. Please follow me," he said, raising his head to meet Peng Xiu’s gaze.
A chill ran down his spine as he encountered her cold, menacing eyes, more intimidating than those of the deposed empress. Han Xin and Han Zhan stood to the side, their expressions unreadable. Han Xin, though anxious, maintained his impassive facade. Han Zhan leaned in to whisper to Yi Nuo, "Where are the twins and Baihe?"
Yi Nuo approached the carriage to check, only to find it empty. She returned to Han Zhan, whispering the news. Han Zhan nodded, conveying the information to Han Xin, who acknowledged it with a subtle nod before following the group walking towards the palace.