Chapter 279: Resolution in a Dominant Fas.h.i.+on (I)

Qin Yining tensed. She could endure any pain but the humiliation of rape!

The stranger's callused fingers and stench of his sweat gave her the urge to retch! Her eyes suddenly snapped open and she glared viciously at him.

The man was watching her, entranced. He'd never seen such a beautiful girl in his life and felt that it didn't matter if he caressed her a few times. Who knew she'd suddenly wake up?

He jumped and took a few frantic steps backwards, almost tripping over himself.

Relief crept in when Qin Yining saw his reaction and she grunted, "What do you want? Don't you know who I am?"

The twenty-some-year-old man coughed awkwardly, his gaze still lingering despite his bright-red ears. He finally fled, helter-skelter, in the end.

Raucous laughter greeted his exit from the tent. Some joked that he'd been disdained by the beauty, while others boasted of their prowess had they been the ones in the tent. Collective jeers sounded again.

Qin Yining frowned ferociously with anger as she listened to the base mockery and lewd remarks. She took a look around to get her bearings.

It was a medium-sized military tent. She was sitting on wooden, military-grade bed-slats that faced the tent door. A lantern made out of an ink well was placed on the table to her right, and a small jug next to a ceramic bowl off to the side. It looked to be for fetching water. There was a night bucket to the left corner of the bed.

Though her hands were tied, her feet were unfettered. She rose to blow out the light. Once it was dark enough in the tent, she would be able to clearly see the shadows of those outside.

There were five men standing guard around her. They were all very tall and broad, looking to be less than two steps away from the tent. Two were ramrod straight at the door while the other three were on her right. Their whispered conversation was punctuated by a round of snickering.

Her brow remained tightly furrowed. What the duke said earlier probably gave these people hope that they'll get me when the duke is done with me.

She smiled coldly. Who would have the last laugh, hmm? They could have their fun for now.

Qin Yining laid back down and decided to rest while she awaited news from Bingtang.

Scattered footsteps sounded when dawn broke. The Qin fourth miss had been feeling a bit sleepy, but she quickly sat up at the disturbance. The tent door lifted and a man shoved in Bingtang, her hands bound behind her back.

"Do as you're told or we'll kill you!"

Bingtang spat viciously at the man before slowly walking over. Qin Yining relaxed to see the maid unharmed.

The two sat shoulder-to-shoulder on the bed slats. When Bingtang saw that no one was forthcoming, she murmured next to her mistress' ear. "Miss, I saw the prince."

Qin Yining nodded and breathed back, "Did you go directly to the Great Zhou camp? How is Jiyun?"

"I did. Jiyun got there ahead of me. The prince is fine. He's recovered and tells you not to be afraid. He can handle this. Don't worry and stay here for now. He'll have us released before the day's out."

"Good. That's good." Qin Yining heaved a sigh of relief. "What did you tell the Duke of An? Didn't he have someone follow you?"