The following day, Muxue noticed how everyone treated her much gentler. She knew they felt guilt and pity toward her and so continued to use it to her full advantage. Especially Tsai Xuan who felt the most guilt for hiding his identity. By now, he hadn't known how to reveal to Muxue who he really was. When he previously had purposely mocked his own name, Muxue reacted strongly by to defend his name. Tsai Xuan felt nervous to her reaction if she learned who he really was. Tsai Xuan never cared what anyone thought of him. Now all of a sudden, he was afraid of one little woman's opinion of him. The thought troubled him - unable to let him confess to Muxue.

"How long until we reach the capital?"

Every time Muxue asked the question with uncertainty in her voice, the guilt in the men increases. No one dared to speak because no one wanted to lie to her. They have been circling around the capital city for days now because Tsai Xuan had not want Muxue to enter the capital. His general and soldiers all understood why. The man was clearly afraid to tell Muxue the truth because once she knew, it would be over. Judging from Muxue's temper and personality, she would not take it kindly to have been lied for so long. No one in her shoes would be happy to being tricked.

"General An... are we almost there to the capital?" Muxue looked at Tsai Xuan with concern. "It's been over a week..."

"A few more days" Tsai Xuan voice was hard - as if he was forcing himself to say those words.

Muxue didn't question him further and remain silent while trotting her mule along.

"Muxue" Tsai Xuan could see her unhappiness and didn't like it. "There is a hot spring nearby. You have not bath in days. Why don't I take you there?"

"No" Muxue shook her head. "It's fine general. I... I don't want to hold up our journey..."

"Muxue" Tsai Xuan blocked her path with his big black stallion. "We'll arrive the capital soon. I thought you didn't want Tsai Xuan to see you when you're dirty"

Tsai Xuan can only use such method to get Muxue to comply.

"But..." Muxue looked at the soldiers all around them. "I_ I can't trouble everyone to wait for me."

"It's no trouble Miss Han"

Everyone immediately assured her.

"Come with me" Tsai Xuan suddenly reached for her and easily pulled her up to sit in front of him.

"I_ I can ride the mule_"

"Everyone set up camp up ahead" Tsai Xuan ignored Muxue protest as he ordered.

Everyone took off leaving Tsai Xuan alone with Muxue.

"General An, I can ride the mule"

But Tsai Xuan continued to ignore her as he pulled on his horse's rein, guiding it through the forest. Seeing that the man was ignoring her words, Muxue didn't bother to say anything else. Soon, they reached a secluded area where an unmarked cave was hidden deep within the forest. Muxue hide her smirk at the sight of the cave. Tsai Xuan guide his horse inside the cave until they reached the beautiful hot spring with clear blue, misty water. Muxue was amazed by the sight and itched to jump inside and savor the heated water.

"I discovered this place years ago." Tsai Xuan got off the horse and helped Muxue down. "You've been traveling for days... The water will help ease any soreness you have"

"Is it fine for me to bath here...?" Muxue looked at the hot spring and then at Tsai Xuan. "It's your sanctuary... isn't it?"

"If you like it, it belongs to you"

Muxue looked down with embarrassment causing Tsai Xuan's smiles to soften.

"Then I have to trouble General An to wait outside..."

"Of course" Tsai Xuan then took his horse by the rein and guide it back outside.

When she was alone, Muxue looked at the hot spring with a happy smile. Stripping down, leaving no piece of clothing on her, she stepped into the hot water. For a long time, Muxue enjoyed the heat of the water while cleaning her hair and body. Just when she was done and thought to leave the water, she noticed a garden snake slithering near the edge of the rocky walls. Seeing the snake, Muxue smiles went sly. Glancing toward the cave's entrance, Muxue smiles grew much more evil.