The princess regretted it.

"A-choo!" This sneeze came from the mouth of a tall and straight middle-aged man wearing heavy black armor at the northern border of the Great Jin State.

The man stood proudly in front of the tent. His bronze face beneath the helmet was angular, his sword-like eyebrows were as black as ink, slanting into his temples, and his eyes, as deep as cold stars, were gazing into the boundless horizon in the distance. His expression was solemn and resolute.

A closer look reveals a resemblance between his features and Mu Zixuan's. Both are exceptionally handsome, though time has left more traces of age on his face. He appears more composed and solemn than Mu Zixuan, lacking his youthful air and those adorable dimples. His armor is thick and gleaming with a cold light. The red tassel on his helmet flutters in the wind like a burning flame. His shoulder armor rises high, like the wings of an eagle ready to take flight, creating a powerful sense of oppression. A dark red belt, studded with sparkling gems, cinches his waist, adding a touch of elegance to his solemnity.

This man was none other than General Mu En, the Northern Guardian and Mu Zixuan's father. A gust of cold wind blew by, whistling like a sharp blade, making his cloak rustle behind him like a flamboyant battle flag. He raised his hand and gently rubbed his nose, trying to relieve the sudden itch.

On the right, the armored deputy general Zhan Yu looked concerned and asked, "General, have you caught a cold?"

Mu En waved his hand slightly and said in a deep voice: "No, I just suddenly felt an itch in my nose."

Another deputy general on the left, named Chen Hu, laughed, a hint of ridicule on his face, "Someone must be thinking about the general!"

Mu En glanced at Chen Hu, who quickly suppressed his smile and scratched his head, saying, "This war has been going on for six years. Once we take down these Yu State thieves, the general can ask for permission to go back and take a look. I wonder what the young master looks like now."

Mu En was slightly startled, a subtle tenderness flickering across his eyes. "Six years... It's been a long time since I've seen that kid." His thoughts drifted away, as if he could see the once innocent boy in his current state.

Zhan Yu said from the side, "Don't worry, General. The young master will be as brave and extraordinary as you. When we return triumphantly, you will be able to reunite with your family."

Mu En took a deep breath, his gaze becoming resolute again. "Continue to strengthen our vigilance and don't let your guard down. We must win this battle."

The two lieutenants responded in unison: "Yes! General!"

The cold wind is still biting, but their figures in this northern land are like a fortress made of steel, guarding the peace of the country.

The young master they described as heroic and extraordinary was caught by his mother again today for coming home late. In his yard, the lights were on. Zhong Wenqing, holding a ruler, looked at Mu Zixuan, who was standing at the door with one foot already in the house, with a half-smile on his face.

"Are you back?" Zhong Wenqing's tone was a little teasing.

Mu Zixuan looked at Butler Han and the servants who had appeared behind him, as well as the already restrained servant Asong. He smiled awkwardly, slowly retracted his other foot that had not yet stepped into the house, and consciously covered his butt with both hands. He said slowly, "Mother, why haven't you rested yet?"

Zhong Wenqing raised the ruler in his hand slightly, "Hey, if I rested, how could I catch you, a kid who never comes home all day? Tell me, where did you go out today?"

Mu Zixuan rolled his eyes and quickly said flatteringly, "Mother, I just went out of town with my cousin to go horseback riding and had dinner with him. I forgot the time for a moment. I didn't cause any trouble."

Zhong Wenqing rolled his eyes at him and said, "Put away those little tricks of yours. You've used this excuse before."

Mu Zixuan hurriedly stepped forward, holding Zhong Wenqing's arm, and said seriously, "Mother, I didn't lie. I asked my cousin to accompany me to practice with the ebony bow. Mother, I can now use this bow to shoot at a target a hundred feet away."

Zhong Wenqing looked at him with a mixture of anger and amusement, "If you were half as steady as your father, I wouldn't have to worry so much."

Mu Zixuan chuckled, "I will definitely work hard and learn from my father."

Zhong Wenqing shook his head helplessly. "Forget it. I'll let you go today. If you come home late again in the future, I'll show you how I'll deal with you."

Mu Zixuan was as if he had been granted amnesty. He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, mother. I will definitely remember this." After that, he looked at Zhong Wenqing with a smile on his face, "Mother, what about Asong?"

Zhong Wenqing rolled her eyes at him again, a look that was both helpless and doting. She raised her chin slightly towards the servants who had grabbed Ah Song, and the two servants understood and loosened their grip, releasing Ah Song.

Asong knelt down to thank Zhong Wenqing, then quickly ran to Mu Zixuan, lowering his head as if he had done something wrong.

Mu Zixuan gently patted Asong's shoulder, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, as if to comfort him. Then, he turned to look at Zhong Wenqing and saluted again, "Then please go back and rest early, mother."

Zhong Wenqing poked Mu Zixuan's forehead with his finger, shook his head with a helpless smile, and said, "Okay! I'll go back first. You should wash up and rest early."

After saying that, he stood up and walked out of the house. Mu Zixuan touched his forehead, where his mother had poked him, and the corners of his mouth turned up, revealing a bright smile. "Farewell, mother." He said softly.

After his mother disappeared from his sight, Mu Zixuan turned to look at Asong. "Come on, get the hot water ready. I need to go wash up quickly. I'm exhausted today." He turned and walked quickly towards the bathroom. Asong followed closely behind him.