"Speak less nonsense, today I, this Crown Prince, am unlucky to fall into your hands!"
Chu Yanxi never imagined that his calculations, so meticulous, would still lead to an error, and it was precisely Ling Mohan who caught his slip.
If he were truly captured by Ling Mohan this time, he would likely have no chance of turning the tables. Therefore, no matter what, he had to find a way to escape.
"Ling Mohan, for the sake of our past friendship, if you let me go this time, I will surely repay your kindness a thousand times over!"
This was the first time Chu Yanxi had spoken to Ling Mohan in such a humble tone. Compared to his previous arrogant demeanor, relying on his status as a prince, he was like two different people. This stark contrast even surprised Ling Mohan.
"I've always seen the Third Prince as spirited and arrogant. It's truly rare to hear the word 'beg' from your mouth today. It's a pity that His Majesty has ordered your apprehension, and I must strictly carry out this order. I cannot fail His Majesty's command, so I can only offend you!"
Ling Mohan's voice was cold, and he idly played with his folding fan, not sparing a glance at Chu Yanxi.
Regarding Chu Yanxi's words, he felt even more contempt. He truly didn't know what Chu Yanxi was thinking to be able to say such things, and wasn't he afraid of being scorned and ridiculed?
He was willing to abandon his dignity for the sake of survival. If Chu Yanxi had been more defiant, or had surrendered directly, Ling Mohan might have had a shred of respect for him.
But now, seeing Chu Yanxi so abject and without principle for the sake of survival, he genuinely looked down on him.
"Ling Mohan, you are so heartless, disregarding all decorum. Aren't you afraid of pushing me to my limit..."
"Having fought in wars for so many years, there is nothing I fear. Make your move, tie up the Third Prince, and escort him back to the capital to await His Majesty's judgment."
Ling Mohan couldn't be bothered to waste any more words with Chu Yanxi. Regardless, the outcome would always be the same. He would never let Chu Yanxi go. Otherwise, it would be like releasing a tiger back into the mountains, posing endless trouble. He would have to be insane to do such a thing.
Chu Yanxi surveyed his surroundings. The area was surrounded by the Black Armored Army, all seasoned warriors who had fought on the battlefield. With his own abilities, he might have had a slight advantage against one or two, but against so many, he naturally had no power to resist.
If he surrendered now, he would spend the rest of his life in dark and desolate prisons. That would be a good outcome. A worse fate would be losing his life and enduring the consequences of being judged by these lowly individuals.
He, who had pride throughout his life and an unyielding spirit, how could he endure such humiliation? If it truly came to that, he would rather die here and now, at least to escape some of the indignity.
Having made up his mind, Chu Yanxi shifted his gaze to the long sword in his hand. With a grim determination, he raised the sword, intending to take his own life.
Fortunately, Ling Mohan sensed Chu Yanxi's true intention and drew the sword from a subordinate, striking Chu Yanxi's wrist.
Chu Yanxi's wrist was cut, and blood flowed immediately. The sword fell to the ground. As he reached for it, Lu Shi, with quick reflexes, stepped forward and kicked it away.
"Take the man down and escort him to the capital!"
Lu Shi gave the order, and the soldiers behind him surged forward, firmly restraining Chu Yanxi.
"Third Prince, I truly must apologize." Lu Shi said with a hint of sarcasm. To be safe, he tightly bound Chu Yanxi with ropes. The journey back to the capital was not short, and this way, he could be more at ease.
After exerting immense effort to capture him, he couldn't let him escape on the way back, or he would be utterly frustrated.
"Don't waste time. Since it's still early, send the Third Prince back quickly so he can see his beloved woman one last time in his lifetime. We can't let the Third Prince die with regrets!"
Chu Yanxi's mind flashed, and he immediately understood the meaning behind Ling Mohan's words: "Ling Mohan, what have you done to Feng Ruoyan? If anything happens to Yan'er, I, even as a ghost, will not forgive you. Ling Mohan... say something... say something!"
Without answering Chu Yanxi, Ling Mohan found the noise in his ears unbearable. He rubbed his ears and turned away in annoyance, leaving Chu Yanxi alone, frantically yelling at Ling Mohan's retreating back. The only response he received was Ling Mohan's resolute back and the rustling sound of falling leaves.
Nothing else. Yet, Chu Yanxi showed no intention of giving up, continuing to shout at Ling Mohan's retreating figure with all his might.
It was all for Feng Ruoyan. He was desperate to know what had happened to her.
Whether she lived or died, he was filled with anxiety. If his body weren't bound by ropes, Chu Yanxi would have rushed forward to question Ling Mohan.
"Alright, Third Prince, just calm down. Save your strength to explain yourself to His Majesty when we reach the capital. Besides, the young general just told you that you could go back and see Feng Ruoyan one last time. Doesn't that prove Feng Ruoyan is still alive? So, just be quiet!"
Lu Shi simply couldn't stand Chu Yanxi's wailing echoing in his ears. Escorting him back to the capital while listening to this sound would be worse than killing him. He absolutely could not endure such torment.
He could only helplessly try to persuade him, hoping that Chu Yanxi would listen to him, and at least be quiet for half an hour so his ears could rest.
"You dog slave, you are merely a dog by Ling Mohan's side. I am a prince, a favored son of heaven. What right do you have to speak to me? Go call Ling Mohan here. I want to ask him clearly!"
Chu Yanxi was in a rage, naturally unable to listen to anything Lu Shi said, and treated him with no pleasantries. Insulting words blurted out of his mouth without any thought.
Little did he know, these words had not only offended Lu Shi but had also thoroughly offended all the soldiers. He completely failed to realize that from now until their return to the capital, he would be entirely in Lu Shi's hands.
Offending Lu Shi at this moment was clearly not a wise choice. Chu Yanxi's hardship had only just begun.