"One qian each of Ganzi Xiang, Suhe Xiang, Musong Xiang, Qinghuo Xiang, and Dinglan Xiang; one and a half qian each of Jigu Xiang, Baitan Xiang, Wuhui Xiang, and Jinxiu Xiang; two qian each of Kouzhi Xiang, Shelan Xiang, and Niangxi Xiang; Baihui Xiang, Liuli Xiang..."
The young maid Qiusui chattered on, listing the items to bring along. The prescriptions for incense and medicine specially prepared for Chu Qiao by the imperial physicians were carefully tucked close to her person. Outside, carriage after carriage was loaded with silks and satins, valuable furs, precious curios and utensils—everything one could imagine, as if they were moving house.
Last night, when she told Li Ce of her intention to depart, he did not put up much resistance, only insisting that the imperial physicians examine her once more today and prepare a full supply of medicine before she could set off. Most of the elderly physicians from the Imperial Hospital came today. The chief physician, Old Master Du, gave detailed instructions for quite some time and wrote down all the matters Chu Qiao needed to pay attention to in the future, handing the notes to Qiusui to keep safe. They bustled about for half the day before finally leaving.
Illness strikes like a collapsing mountain, but recovery is as slow as untangling silk. The poison had penetrated deeply over a long period, making a complete cure far from simple. It required careful nurturing and attentive care, gradually expelling it with mild medications. Li Ce selected several palace maids with no family ties to accompany Chu Qiao to Yanbei and dispatched fifty guards to escort them along the way, led by his chief guard Tie You, who would clear the path with Li Ce’s golden token.
"Miss, is Yanbei very cold?"
Ever since learning this morning that she would be accompanying Chu Qiao to Yanbei, the young maid Qiusui had been in a state of unusual excitement. This girl, who had grown up in the palace since childhood with no parents or relatives left, kept seizing opportunities to ask Chu Qiao questions, her large eyes filled with anticipation and hope for the journey.
"It’s quite cold. It snows for six or seven months every year there, much colder than here."
"Really?" Qiusui froze, her eyes widening, and she quickly said, "Then we must bring more furs."
With that, she hurriedly turned to pack more things. Soon, not only had she added many more furs, but she had also incidentally gathered a pile of hand warmers and braziers of various sizes.
Chu Qiao couldn’t help but laugh at the sight and said, "That’s enough. With this much, it would be more than sufficient even for a trip to the North Pole, let alone Yanbei."
"The North Pole?" The young maid asked curiously, "Where is the North Pole?"
"The North Pole is a place even colder than Yanbei," Chu Qiao said with a smile. "It’s covered in snow all year round, so cold it could freeze your nose off."
"Ah!" Qiusui froze, covering her nose with her hand as if it were about to fall off, then sighed in admiration, "Miss, you’re so knowledgeable. You know everything."
Chu Qiao’s eyes curved into crescents as she gently lifted the corners of her mouth. "Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. It’s a long journey from here to Yanbei. By the time you reach Yanbei, you’ll have read ten thousand books and can sign up to take the imperial examinations."
The maids in the room burst into laughter together. Qiusui’s face flushed red, and she twisted the fur in her hands bashfully, saying, "Miss, you always tease me."
Just then, someone arrived outside. Chan’er hurried out and soon ushered in a middle-aged eunuch in his forties. The eunuch held a horsetail whisk, his face pale and beardless, and spoke respectfully, "Miss Chu, the Crown Prince requests your presence."
"Me?" Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow. "Do you know why His Highness is summoning me?"
"This humble servant does not know."Chu Qiao nodded, set down the fruit bowl in her hand, and passed it to Qiusui, saying, "I'll be right back."
Qiusui quickly rose. "This servant will accompany you, miss."
"No need, I won't be long."
The midday sun hung directly overhead, with a gentle breeze and brilliant sunshine. Sparse shadows slanted elegantly across the vast, deserted imperial garden. Chu Qiao wore a soft, tender-green chiffon dress, its delicate layers cascading like cotton floss. As the breeze stirred, the hem of her skirt floated ethereally, pale as mist. Ascending the stone bridge, her soft-soled embroidered shoes trod upon slabs that had weathered countless seasons. Weeping willows flanked the path sparsely, and the warm golden sunlight filtered through the branches like flowing water, casting fragmented, dappled patterns on the sun-warmed bridge. Chu Qiao's silhouette faintly mirrored on the surface, fractured into disjointed fragments of varying sizes.
"Eunuch, where are we headed?"
"In reply to the young lady, His Highness the Crown Prince is at the Jade Water Pavilion. We are proceeding in that direction."
Chu Qiao nodded and fell silent. After all, Biantang was an ancient eastern land with a millennium of heritage. The expansive Jinwu Palace, with its exquisite craftsmanship, far surpassed Daxia's Holy Gold Palace. Though she had stayed here for several days, she had seen less than one or two percent of it. Passing through blossoms and willow tendrils along the way, she glimpsed an elegant waterside pavilion perched on a small island in the lake. White pear blossoms drifted lightly on either side, the azure palace half-concealed amidst layers of pear blossoms, its form indistinct.
A small boat approached, and a eunuch bent to offer a hand, saying solemnly, "Young lady, please board."
Chu Qiao nodded, lifted her foot gracefully, and stood steadily at the bow. The boat was poled by a young maiden in lake-green robes, her trousers rolled up to reveal pale calves. With delicate features, she occasionally stole glances at Chu Qiao.
As the boat docked, Chu Qiao leaped ashore ahead of the eunuch. Several young guards stood at the shore, their eyes uniformly turning toward her and her companion. Two guards stepped forward, silently gesturing an invitation.
The eunuch did not follow. As Chu Qiao turned, she noticed the elderly eunuch heave a sigh of relief, pulling a silk handkerchief from his collar to dab his forehead.
"Where is His Highness?"
Chu Qiao tilted her head slightly, addressing one of the guards.
The guard replied woodenly, "Just ahead."
Chu Qiao nodded and asked, "Where are you from? Your accent doesn't sound local to Tang Capital."
The guard said, "I serve in the northern border army, under General Xu."
"I hadn't realized Biantang's imperial guards included northern border troops. I must be poorly informed."
"Biantang's military structure differs from Daxia's. Elite soldiers from border garrisons across the regions are selected for the imperial guard," explained another, younger guard.
"Oh?" Chu Qiao turned, smiling faintly. "This guard seems quite knowledgeable about Daxia's military organization."
The man's expression shifted, and he laughed awkwardly. "I know a little."
"Young lady, let's hurry. His Highness is waiting."
Chu Qiao nodded, then suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no!" She halted, vexed. "I forgot the cloak His Highness left with me this morning."The two men were taken aback, and the older one quickly said, "It's no trouble, we'll send someone to fetch it later."
"How could I trouble you like that? I'd better go myself."
The young guard immediately grew anxious and said, "There's no need. Iron Guard has already returned to the Crown Prince's hall to retrieve it. Please go see His Highness first."
"Oh, is that so? That's good then." Chu Qiao smiled brightly and followed the two men with a cheerful expression, heading toward the palace hidden beneath layers of pear blossoms.
A sudden gust of wind swept past, rustling an old pear tree behind them. Petals drifted down, lightly settling on the woman's slender shoulders.
At that moment, a swift breeze cut through the air. A figure in light green leaped up instantly. With a loud "thud," Chu Qiao delivered a powerful kick to the back of one guard's waist. Her body rebounded backward, crashing directly into the guard following behind. The girl curled her hand into a claw, twisted sharply, and with a "crack," the guard's wrist bone snapped. Without pause, she followed with an elbow strike and a side kick. The once delicate and charming young woman instantly transformed into a bloodthirsty demon. In the blink of an eye, after a few leaps, she landed five zhang away and sprinted toward the small boat!
The sound of blades being drawn rang out immediately as several guards unsheathed their sabers, shouting as they ran, "Capture her!"
Chu Qiao sneered coldly. If she had held back earlier because she was unsure of their identities, there was no need for such restraint now.
She shook her arm, and the dagger strapped to her upper arm slid smoothly into her hand.
A cold glint flashed. Without even glancing, Chu Qiao leaped into the air, kicking the man charging toward her squarely in the chest. He let out a miserable cry as he was sent flying backward. Yet Chu Qiao maintained her running posture, continuing to stride swiftly toward the boat.
"Capture her!"
Over a dozen guards from near and far rushed forward, closing in on Chu Qiao. Each wielded deadly weapons, making no attempt to conceal their intent.
Sabers gleamed, carrying a bloodthirsty aura. A veteran soldier in his thirties charged forward, his blade work precise and his strikes ruthless. Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow, her body gracefully sidestepping along the path of the saber. The weapon whistled through the air, slicing the silk ribbon fluttering in the wind. Her expression unchanged, she slipped forward like an eel, her movements fluid and agile. She struck with her knee, using hidden force to subdue the enemy, while her dagger pressed against the man's throat.
Spin, sweep, seize the saber, slit the throat!
Her movements were seamless and efficient. By the time she had run five steps without hesitation, the man collapsed to the ground, his eyes filled with disbelief!
Amidst the fragrant flowers swaying in the wind and the lush trees thriving in their glory, Chu Qiao's movements resembled a dance. Even slaughter, in her hands, seemed to become an art.
Falling! Soaring! Breaking bones! Screams!
Chu Qiao no longer held back. Faced with their clear intent to kill her, she no longer concealed the murderous aura and sharp fangs hidden beneath her elegant robes. The clatter of metal hitting the ground echoed incessantly. With her hands crossed, Chu Qiao blocked two sabers simultaneously, then slipped between them like a nimble cat. She delivered a ruthless kick with her calf, striking the man's vital spot.
The crowd surged like a tide, growing larger and larger. Chu Qiao leaped into the air, grabbing one guard's head and driving her knee upward. A spray of blood shot into the sky!The small boat was just ahead. The young boatwoman, terrified by the horrifying scene of slaughter, had turned deathly pale. Seeing Chu Qiao charging toward her like a demon, she hastily picked up the oar and prepared to flee.
Closer! Almost there!
Chu Qiao gathered her strength, took three swift steps forward, and delivered a powerful kick to a man’s crotch. Using the momentum, she leaped into the air, soaring like a great bird. Amidst the stunned gazes of the onlookers, she landed firmly on the bow of the boat with a thud!
The boatwoman stared at her in shock. Chu Qiao’s expression was icy, her body untainted by a single drop of blood, yet the shore behind her was a scene of chaos. Under the terrified stares of the crowd, the young woman turned and commanded coldly, "Set sail!"
The boatwoman gaped at her, too frightened to move.
Swish! A glint of cold steel flashed as Chu Qiao pressed a dagger against the boatwoman’s throat. "Set sail," she repeated, her voice frigid.
The boat began to sway as it moved away, drifting farther and farther. On the small island in the lake, people ran back and forth, shouting something.
At first, Chu Qiao paid no mind and was about to relax. But then, an overwhelming sense of dread surged within her. Without a moment’s hesitation, she leaped from the boat. At the same instant, a thunderous explosion echoed across the water. The boatwoman let out a blood-curdling scream as a massive rock, weighing over two hundred pounds, crashed down. The boat shattered into pieces, and the mangled corpse of the boatwoman floated amidst the wreckage on the water’s surface.
The stench of blood filled the air. Chu Qiao didn’t need to look back to know what weapon had been used. Clenching her jaw, veins bulging on her forehead, she realized that if the earlier fight had been an attempt to capture her, this attack was unequivocally an attempt on her life.
Her eyes gleamed with the ferocity of a wolf!
Spreading her arms, she began swimming swiftly. With no boats nearby, she was confident she could reach the opposite shore before her pursuers caught up. Once on land, she was certain she could escape alive.
But just as she vowed to herself that she would settle this score, a dark shadow loomed before her. Startled, Chu Qiao heard a splashing sound as bubbles erupted all around her. Before she could dive to evade, she felt her body lighten, as if caught in something, and she was dragged upward against her will.
A fishing net? I’ve been caught?
The thought flashed through her mind in an instant. With a flick of her wrist, Chu Qiao slashed the net with her dagger, tearing it apart. Splash! Her body plummeted back into the icy water.
But there was no time for relief. The sensation of weightlessness returned, and her vision spun. By the time she broke the surface again, she was tightly entangled in another net.
"Damn it!" Chu Qiao cursed under her breath. As she prepared to cut the net once more, several sharp, cold points aimed directly at her head. Looking up, she saw several boats emerging in unison from under the willow trees nearby. The guards on board were fully armored, each holding a close-range crossbow aimed squarely at her, their arrowheads gleaming with a sinister blue hue.
On both sides of the lake, large groups of men lay in ambush among the trees. Long ropes stretched across the water, firmly securing the net that held her captive.It seemed the other side had long made thorough preparations.
"Drop your weapon!"
The guard on the small boat shouted loudly, his finger already on the crossbow trigger. Chu Qiao knew, judging by how they had just operated the small catapult, that if she dared offer the slightest resistance, she had no doubt those clearly poisoned arrows would pierce through her chest without hesitation.
So, wisely recognizing the circumstances, she released her grip. With a splash, the dagger sank into the water, slowly descending to the lakebed.
"Bring her over!"
Someone on the island shouted loudly. Resigned to her fate, Chu Qiao allowed herself to be tightly bound, then the boat was rowed, slowly advancing into the vast expanse of pear blossoms.
The weather today was exceptionally fine, as clear and calm as a still pond, with golden sunlight and the lake filled with dancing white willow catkins. Escorted by two burly men, she passed through flowers and willow trees, arriving at an extremely tranquil palace. The palace gates were wide open, and a woman lay lazily on a soft couch, her luxurious robes adorned with pearls and jade, so dazzling at first glance it was almost blinding.
Zhao Yan, the Ninth Princess of Daxia, gazed at her coldly and said indifferently, "It's truly difficult to invite you for a chat."
"Like master, like guest. With such hospitality from Your Highness, how can you blame others for not following the rules of etiquette?"
"What a sharp tongue!" Zhao Yan snorted coldly, immediately sitting up and staring at Chu Qiao with a cold expression. "Let's see if you can remain this stubborn later!"
Chu Qiao showed no fear, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. "That depends on Your Highness's methods."
Furious, Zhao Yan coldly shouted, "Guards! Give our esteemed guest from Yanbei a proper reception!"
Chu Qiao slowly closed her eyes. Falling into the hands of the Zhao family, she had no other expectations. She only hoped this woman, blinded by hatred, wouldn't kill her immediately. If Qiusui and the others were clever enough, there might still be time to seek help from Li Ce.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Chu Qiao was dragged back into the main hall, but by now, she could no longer stand on her own.
Her legs had been brutally struck with wooden clubs, and her body had suffered a severe beating. These soldiers showed no mercy to a delicate young girl like her, as if each held a deep-seated grudge, striking with vicious cruelty, almost intent on beating her to death.
Chu Qiao's clothes were stained with blood, the blood from her forehead flowing down and obscuring her vision. Weakly, she opened her eyes, yet there was not a trace of fear in her gaze. She merely looked coldly at Zhao Yan, at the Ninth Princess of Daxia, her expression calm, even carrying a hint of arrogance and pity.
Zhao Yan's face was cold as she mocked, "How do you feel now? Who would have thought that the person my seventh brother and the others couldn't find despite turning the world upside down would fall into my hands? Such a heinous criminal, tell me, what should I do with you?"
Zhao Yan snorted coldly, drawing a sword in one swift motion. The Daxia princess, whose family rose to power on horseback, stepped forward with a cold laugh, her lips curled in cruel hatred. "I truly regret not having killed you lowborn scum earlier!"Chu Qiao's consciousness was fading in and out. Someone had just struck her head with a club, and her vision kept flickering with darkness. She looked at Zhao Yan but couldn't clearly make out her face. Her features seemed to ripple like water, gradually shifting into the image of her childhood self—arrogant and domineering, standing amidst a crowd. Back then, Zhao Yan, out of spite toward Zhao Chun'er, had constantly sought ways to oppress Yan Xun, whom Zhao Chun'er cared about. Those were their most difficult days in the Holy Gold Palace, when they bore injuries almost daily. In those times when even resistance was forbidden, they secretly made so many vows, yet ultimately, those promises were gradually forgotten over the years.
She let out a soft, disdainful laugh, her eyes filled with contempt. Staring coldly at Zhao Yan, she said, "I will remember this day."
Zhao Yan flew into a rage. "How dare you! At a time like this, you still dare to threaten me!"
Chu Qiao sneered, her gaze toward Zhao Yan brimming with scorn. Breathing faintly, she said calmly, "Given our current positions, there are many ways you could kill me. Officially, you could notify Daxia and pressure Biantang, forcing Li Ce to expel me from the palace. Then you could ambush and kill me on the road. Privately, you could bribe my maids or the imperial physicians treating me, eliminating me without a trace. But you didn't do any of that. Instead, you made a grand, blatant spectacle of it. You thought this would intimidate those who dared to underestimate you, that this was the first blaze you ignited in the Biantang palace, and from now on, the Crown Prince's women would regard you with awe and respect. You, the princess of Daxia, would rise in status and secure your footing in the Jinwu Palace. But have you considered what your actions mean for Li Ce? For Yanbei? You no longer represent Daxia but have become nothing more than a jealous woman. You've abandoned your initially justified stance and turned into an arrogant, unreasonable troublemaker, trampling Biantang's dignity into the mud. Do you still take pride in such behavior? Are you still smug about it?"
Chu Qiao let out another contemptuous snort, her eyes sweeping dismissively over Zhao Yan's paling face. Her voice was icy as she said, "Zhao Yan, you are a fool. You were one in the past, and you still are. It seems the pain of Daxia's fallen capital has not awakened you. You haven't improved in the slightest."
"Shut up!"
Zhao Yan suddenly roared, slapping Chu Qiao hard across the face.
Chu Qiao slowly turned her head back, her eyes fierce and ruthless. In a low, steady voice, she said, "I will remember this slap. One day, I will make you repay it tenfold!"
"I doubt you'll live to see that day!"
Zhao Yan raised her sword high. Chu Qiao, crouched on the ground, took advantage of everyone's attention being fixed on Zhao Yan to secretly reach for the last dagger hidden on her thigh.
This was her final life-saving move. If she could subdue Zhao Yan, she would have a chance to escape. Even if it meant taking a heavy blow, she had to strike with precision!
The sword gleamed coldly, its sharp edge poised to pierce Chu Qiao's chest. Just then, a furious roar erupted, followed by the sound of the door shattering. Two guards were sent flying into the room, crashing heavily to the floor!
"Bang!"A sharp crack instantly echoed through the hall. No one even saw how the newcomer had entered—his figure was too fast, nearly impossible to discern with the naked eye. The dark red hem of his robe bore auspicious cloud patterns, and his light golden boots strode boldly across the soft Nansi carpet. With a single palm strike, the man sent the sword-wielding princess tumbling aside. Behind him, guards surged into the grand hall like wolves and tigers, swiftly pinning the terrified Daxia attendants to the ground.
Li Ce crouched before Chu Qiao, his usually frivolous brows tightly furrowed. His eyes seemed to hold ice—not particularly angry, nor revealing any distinct emotion, yet the usual pretense and disguise had completely vanished. He reached out, wanting to lift Chu Qiao, but hesitated, unsure where to place his hands. His trembling fingertips betrayed a sliver of uncontrollable emotion.
Zhao Yan scrambled up from the ground, clutching her face in disbelief as she cried out, "Crown Prince Li! How dare you—"
"Shut your mouth."
A low voice slowly emerged, no longer carrying the usual careless tone but instead cold, calm, and even tinged with a hint of bloodthirsty anger. Without turning around, he spoke almost cruelly, "Get out, before I lose control and kill you."
Zhao Yan’s eyes were red, her hairpins askew. Her furious voice trembled as she pointed at Chu Qiao and shrieked, "How dare you speak to me like that? What is she? A lowly commoner! I am a princess of Daxia, your future wife! How dare you—"
"Guards, throw her out."
"Yes!"
Deep voices responded immediately as two sturdy guards stepped forward and seized Zhao Yan. The room instantly filled with her frantic screams, like a crazed night owl or a wildcat with its tail severed.
With a dull thud, Zhao Yan cried out in pain as Li Ce’s attendants hurled her out the door.
The door slammed shut, and the Daxia attendants on the floor were dragged out like dead dogs.
Li Ce remained crouched before Chu Qiao, his brow tightly knit, his expression grave and silent for a long while.
Chu Qiao looked at him and finally sighed helplessly, "Aren’t you going to help me up?"
"If you can still talk, it means you won’t die."
It was his usual tone, but as Chu Qiao met his eyes, she detected no trace of mockery or jest. He gazed at her seriously, his expression tense. Though he tried to conceal it, she could still sense his unease and fear.
She had to nod, a strange emotion stirring in her chest. With a somewhat heavy tone, she replied firmly and earnestly, "Yes, I won’t die."
"Hah..."
They were so close that Chu Qiao seemed to feel the long, relieved breath Li Ce exhaled. The man’s tense expression instantly relaxed. He looked at her, then suddenly lowered his head, as if he were the one gravely injured, irresponsibly resting his forehead against her shoulder—yet so lightly, without any pressure.
But Chu Qiao could still feel it—as if all the strength in his body had been drained away in an instant.
"Thank goodness..."
The man muttered softly, his voice so faint that Chu Qiao couldn’t make out the rest.
The afternoon breeze remained stiflingly hot, sunlight streaming through the window to cast a bright patch of light. Li Ce wore a dark red robe embroidered with delicate, shadowy roses in fine stitches. His skin was pale, his hair neatly combed at the temples, though slightly damp, as if glistening with a sheen of sweat.Li Ce raised his head without lifting his gaze, kneeling on one knee as he reached out to gently cradle Chu Qiao’s neck and the bend of her legs. Chu Qiao’s body tensed, a sharp, burning pain immediately flaring from her wounds. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and her complexion paled by several shades.
Li Ce noticed this but showed no outward reaction. He simply watched her quietly, waiting for the pain to subside before cautiously drawing closer and gathering her into his arms.
“Endure it a little longer.”
His deep voice murmured by her ear. Chu Qiao gave a slight nod, and Li Ce exerted strength, rising to his feet in one fluid motion.
The guards on either side bowed their heads respectfully. The door swung open, revealing the blindingly bright sunlight outside. As soon as they stepped out, they encountered Zhao Yan stubbornly standing in the center of the courtyard. Though no more than fourteen or fifteen years old, the girl carried an unusually sharp and imposing aura, glaring fiercely at Li Ce and Chu Qiao as if she wished to bore holes through them with her gaze.
Li Ce’s eyes swept lazily across her face before he addressed the attendants behind him. “Before nightfall, escort the Ninth Princess out of Tang Capital. Within seven days, I want her to leave the borders of Biantang. From this day forward, she is forbidden to set foot in Biantang for the rest of her life.”
At these words, Zhao Yan’s eyebrows shot up, and she stepped forward as if to speak, only to be firmly restrained by her personal maid close behind her.
Sun Di, clad in an elegant robe and exuding an air of refinement, frowned slightly and said in a grave tone, “Your Highness, this may not be appropriate. After all, the Ninth Princess was personally sent by Daxia as a candidate for a marriage alliance. Though not the principal consort, the betrothal documents have already been issued. Acting in this manner could harm the diplomatic relations between our two nations.”
Hearing this, Zhao Yan’s expression softened slightly. She looked provocatively at Li Ce, as if confident he could do nothing to her.
“Do you still believe Daxia is the unchallenged tiger of the north it was half a year ago?”
Li Ce let out a disdainful snort, his narrow eyes coldly sweeping over the Daxia attendants prostrated on the ground. He said indifferently, “Tell Emperor Xia that if he wishes for a marriage alliance, he should send someone with better upbringing. This woman—I, Li Ce, dare not accept her.”
With that, he strode forward, still holding Chu Qiao. Sun Di was taken aback and hurried after him, asking, “What about these people…”
“Execute them all.”
Li Ce’s voice drifted faintly on the breeze. “How could we allow such arrogant and reckless individuals who dare to act so boldly on Biantang soil to leave the royal domain? The Ninth Princess should not journey alone. Sun Di, assign a few rough soldiers to escort her on her way.”
A collective gasp arose from behind them, followed by a moment of silence before desperate roars and broken pleas erupted.
The sounds were so piercing they seemed to tear through the high clouds of the afternoon.
Along the shores of the emerald lake, weeping willows draped their branches like freshly painted eyebrows. Li Ce carried Chu Qiao horizontally in his arms, leading the way as countless willow tendrils swayed in the wind, brushing against their entwined robes and thick black hair. The cool breeze sweeping across the lake carried the refreshing, lush scent of water, and the shimmering waves rippled like poured jade. Chu Qiao suddenly felt dizzy, unsure whether it was due to her old wounds flaring up or sheer exhaustion. For a moment, she could barely keep her eyes open.
“Sleep for a while.”
The man’s voice sounded by her ear, carrying a reassuring tone unlike his usual banter and jest. His arms tightened around her slightly as he murmured softly, “It’s alright now.”Yes, it's all right now.
Chu Qiao slowly let out a breath. Hadn't she known all along that nothing would happen? After all, this was Li the Fox's territory—who could be more cunning than him? He was bound to come to her rescue.
It seemed she had always thought this way, never showing cowardly panic even when facing Zhao Yan's sword tip.
Her head felt heavy, resting firmly against Li Ce's chest. She had once believed this man must be as fragile as cotton, unable to withstand storms, but lying in his embrace now, that notion instantly crumbled. In truth, he was also a man with sturdy shoulders—warm, capable of shielding against many external hardships.
Soft breaths rose from within his arms. Li Ce lowered his head, his gaze momentarily dazed.
The emerald waves rippled, willow branches swaying gently. The man's tightly knit brows gradually relaxed. He thought, he must summon the imperial physicians at once, employ the finest medicines and best doctors. Then, the journey to Yanbei would likely have to be delayed.
The summer breeze was gentle, at the tail end of midsummer. A hundred flowers exuded subtle fragrances, the warm wind carried a soothing haze. In the distance, lotus leaves stretched to shield the sky, already the last pond of fading lotuses.
————Dividing Line————
Got back late, just finished writing, sorry
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