Chapter 107
As Feng Suige stepped onto the carriage footboard, the evening breeze carried a faint scent of incense mixed with the metallic tang of blood through the swaying curtain. His heart tightened, and he forcefully flung the curtain aside. Before he could clearly see inside, Yixiao’s familiar voice called out, “Get in quickly!”
Instinctively, Feng Suige released the curtain, letting the heavy fabric fall shut behind him.
Once his eyes adjusted to the dim interior, Feng Suige gasped softly, “Xia Jingshi?” Dressed in the Holy Emperor’s robes, Xia Jingshi leaned wearily against the carriage wall and nodded in greeting.
Yixiao had already forgotten their earlier quarrel. She threw her arms around Feng Suige’s arm and said with a light laugh, “See? Doesn’t His Highness look just like the Holy Emperor? Even the palace guards didn’t recognize him—we’re going to rescue them soon. With the Holy Emperor’s token, we can leave this place by dawn…”
Noticing the bloodstains covering her, Feng Suige ignored her chatter and pulled her closer to inspect her. “Why are you covered in blood? Are you hurt?”
“Not a scratch on me,” Yixiao replied, tugging at her sleeve. “It’s all from His Highness.”
Relieved, Feng Suige asked, “How did you get out?”
Yixiao pointed to a shadowed corner of the carriage. “We took the Holy Emperor hostage, knocked him out, and tied him up there. He hasn’t moved the entire way. You weren’t here earlier—you have no idea how dangerous it was…”
“There’s no time for details now,” Feng Suige interrupted, removing his outer robe and draping it over Yixiao’s shoulders. “We don’t have much time. Go inside and change into something easier to move in, and find some medicine to stop the King Who Pacifies the South’s bleeding—be quiet, don’t alert anyone.”
Yixiao nodded and nimbly jumped out of the carriage, dashing into the guesthouse.
Inside the carriage, only Feng Suige and Xia Jingshi remained.
“I didn’t expect you to come,” Xia Jingshi broke the silence first. “You’ve taken good care of her. She’s much steadier than before.”
Feng Suige smiled faintly. “People always grow up—can you hold on?”
“Of course,” Xia Jingshi exhaled. “Thank you both.”
“Save your thanks for her. I have my own reasons for doing this,” Feng Suige said, his lips quirking slightly. “Tell me how you escaped, and let’s figure out how to get everyone out of the Holy City safely.”
In the western part of the Holy City stood a heavily fortified stone prison, a place reserved for high-profile prisoners throughout the ages. The entire prison was embedded deep within a mountain, with a raging torrent flowing in front of it. The only connection between the two banks was a single iron-chain bridge.
Under the cover of night, a group of soldiers dressed as Brocade Guards escorted a carriage toward the prison.
“Halt! Who goes there?” A heavily armored guard strode forward to investigate, prompting the coachman to hastily rein in the horses. The steeds stamped impatiently, snorting loudly.
“How dare you!” A sharp rebuke came from inside the carriage. Fu Yixiao lifted the side curtain from the window. “This official is here by the Holy Emperor’s decree to interrogate a high-priority prisoner. With His Majesty’s token as proof, who dares obstruct?” As she spoke, a gleaming golden edict bearing the imperial seal dangled from her hand against the carriage frame, tapping lightly against the wood."Ah! It's Princess Xingping!" The guard hastily dropped to his knees. "This humble servant did not know Your Highness was visiting and has offended you. I beg for your forgiveness."
"Enough," Yixiao coldly snatched back the token. "His Majesty wishes to personally interrogate all prisoners involved in the illegal arms case. Hurry and fetch them!" The guard stammered agreement and began backing away.
"Wait!" A plainly dressed officer stepped forward, halting the guard. He bowed deeply to Yixiao before rising to continue, "His Majesty previously decreed that this case is of great importance. Without his handwritten order, no one—"
"Enough nonsense!" Yixiao's expression darkened. "I am acting on orders, yet you obstruct me. Are you defying me, or are you questioning His Majesty's decree?"
"This humble servant dares not," the officer replied respectfully but firmly. "But the matter is too grave—I must be cautious. If Your Highness would wait briefly, I will send for His Majesty's written command and then escort you back to the inner city—"
Yixiao flung aside the carriage curtain and leapt down, her face livid as she strode forward. Without hesitation, she struck the officer across the face, sending him staggering. "Because I am not of the direct imperial bloodline, you look down on me and refuse to obey my orders, is that it?" she hissed.
"I would never—" The officer, now furious from the blow, raised his voice. "Your Highness was once in the military—you should understand—"
The argument echoed through the silent night, drawing the attention of several patrolling guards who gathered at a distance to watch. Yixiao grew impatient, her expression hardening. "Today, I'll teach you the meaning of obedience!"
Before the words had fully left her lips, she lunged forward, her sleeve fluttering as her hand shot toward the officer's waist—where his sword hung.
The officer reacted too slowly. As he moved to block her, Yixiao's fingers closed around the hilt. With practiced ease, she pressed the release, withdrew the blade, and in one fluid motion, slashed it across his throat. Blood sprayed like blooming roses.
"Just one stroke—remember it well," Yixiao murmured mockingly before turning a cold gaze on the stunned guard. "Why are you still standing there? Fetch the prisoners!"
"Y-yes!" The guard stammered, scrambling to obey.
"Wait," Yixiao called again, freezing him in place. Pale-faced, he dropped to his knees. After a brief hesitation, she said slowly, "Have someone prepare his body for burial. I will report this matter to the Emperor myself. Until a new appointment is made, you will temporarily take over his duties."
As the guard rushed toward the prison, Yixiao glanced back at the disguised Vermillion Sand Guards—now posing as Brocade Guards—and exhaled deeply. "It's done."
Meanwhile, Feng Suige and Xia Jingshi waited for Yixiao's return at the guesthouse. The warden of the imperial prison lay bound and gagged with hemp in the adjacent hall, alongside the still-unconscious Holy Emperor, guarded by four Vermillion Sand Guards.
Xia Jingshi's wounds had been cleaned and bandaged, and he now wore fresh undergarments beneath the Holy Emperor's outer robe. He sat silently by the lamp, watching the flickering flame. Feng Suige stood frowning by the door, lost in thought, equally silent."You..." Suddenly, they both spoke at the same time. Seeing the other had something to say, they paused simultaneously. After a moment of eye contact, Xia Jingshi asked first, "Besides for her, what else are you doing this for?" Feng Suige raised an eyebrow. "What if I said it was only for her—would you believe me?" "Yes," Xia Jingshi replied simply with one word.
"You shouldn't believe that," Feng Suige laughed, turning to pace a few steps around the room. "Actually, what I wanted to ask earlier was—if my Su Sha fully supports you, would you be willing to raise the banner of rebellion and take the throne for yourself?" He glanced back at Xia Jingshi. "This is my other selfish motive besides her—my condition is simple. After you ascend to the throne, make Xiyang your empress, and... treat her well!"
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