"If you step out of this camp now, you're walking straight to your death."
The woman's voice was cool and clear as she spoke, sitting leisurely in the central command tent of the Elite Cavalry Camp, her expression composed without a trace of panic.
Zhao Che had already donned his armor. Were it not for the urgency of the situation, he might have severely punished this insolent woman for her presumptuous behavior. But the noise outside grew increasingly piercing, and the situation more critical. Though he held no affection for the Muhe Clan—even felt an indescribable disgust—his fate was now inextricably tied to theirs. Like lips and teeth, if one perished, the other would suffer. He could not stand idly by.
"I'll deal with you when I return." Zhao Che shot a cold glance at the woman, his hand resting on his sword hilt, and said quietly to his deputy Cheng Yumo, "Muster the troops and follow me."
A sharp "swish" sounded instantly. Zhao Che, agile and alert, swiftly tilted his head to dodge as a streak of white light shot toward him, striking a pillar with a loud thud. The force was so great it left a deep dent.
Zhao Che's personal guards were horrified, shouting sharply, "Audacious assassin! Guards! Protect His Highness!"
Soldiers from outside rushed in immediately, their war blades drawn in unison. The cold steel gleamed, reflecting the candlelight in the tent, dazzling to the eyes.
Zhao Che frowned deeply, his thick, dark brows slightly raised as he said in a low voice, "You have some nerve."
Chu Qiao tilted her head, her gaze sweeping over the room full of hostile soldiers before settling on Zhao Che. A sarcastic smile touched her lips as she stood up naturally, walked to the corner of the tent, and picked up an object from the ground—a piece of broken silver. Blowing the dust off it, the young woman raised her eyebrows and said, "You call this a hidden weapon?"
Zhao Che's expression instantly turned awkward. He barked at his subordinates, "All of you, out!"
The crowd retreated like a receding tide. Chu Qiao looked up at the tall Zhao Che and said seriously, "Did you not hear what I said earlier?"
Zhao Che snorted coldly, "This is a military camp. What right does a woman like you have to speak? Step aside!"
No sooner had he spoken than the petite woman moved like a swift leopard, leaping up from her spot, her hand shooting forward, wrist twisting, fingers forming a claw. Before anyone could react, she had seized Zhao Che by the throat.
Faced with such swift movements, no one could doubt this woman's ability to snap a neck.
Chu Qiao smiled brightly, "You're my superior, so I won't use a blade. I'll just spar with you using my hands."
"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" Zhao Che's voice was icy, each word gritted out between his teeth.
"Of course I do," Chu Qiao replied with a laugh. "I'm saving you."
"Saving me?"
"Yes," the woman lifted her head, her eyes bright, a confident smile playing on her lips. "If you step out of the Elite Cavalry Camp's gates now, you will surely die. Not a single person here will live to see tomorrow's sun."
Zhao Che let out a cold laugh, "With just them?"
"Exactly. With just them."Chu Qiao narrowed her eyes and said coldly, "The Muhe Clan is implicated in an embezzlement case. Muhe Yunye knelt outside the Holy Gold Palace for an entire afternoon, yet the Emperor refused to grant him an audience. Why? This matter erupted suddenly—from the accusation to the Elder Council's investigation and the final conviction, it all happened within half a day. Who would believe it wasn’t prearranged? The Eighth Princess, Zhao Chun'er, is holding her engagement banquet tonight. Why weren’t you summoned to the palace? Even if you and the Empress are not close, Zhao Chun'er is still your own sister—why exclude you? The Muhe residence is under siege. The Muhe Clan is your maternal family, and you command a powerful army. Logically, you should have been restrained beforehand. Yet, the troops surrounding us are completely disproportionate to your forces and pose no real threat. What are they waiting for? Don’t you understand yet?"
Zhao Che was momentarily stunned, his eyes flickering with sharp intensity. After a moment, he said in a low voice, "Are you implying... it’s Father Emperor..."
"Not necessarily," Chu Qiao chuckled lightly, lowering her hand. "The Emperor may have kept you in the Elite Cavalry Camp to test you—to see whether your allegiance lies with the Zhao Clan or the Muhe Clan. As for those outside, they might not be the Emperor’s doing, but rather those who most wish to see you dead."
Zhao Che was inherently clever, but momentary shock and anger had clouded his judgment. Now, as he carefully reconsidered, everything fell into place, sending a chill of cold sweat down his spine.
"That person wants you to let your guard down," she continued. "They deliberately surrounded the Elite Cavalry Camp with a small force, but the moment you step outside, you’ll be branded a rebel. Then, the forces coming to kill you won’t be limited to those few outside."
Zhao Che frowned deeply, remaining silent for a long while before finally asking in a heavy tone, "Why are you saving me?"
"Because I am now a member of the Elite Cavalry Camp. If you die, I won’t escape unscathed either." With that, the girl dropped to one knee with a sharp, decisive motion and said in a clear, cold voice, "This humble general, Chu Qiao, archery instructor of the Vanguard Camp, pays respects to the General."
Zhao Che gazed at the girl’s face, his expression calm and unreadable, and did not speak for a long time.
By the third watch, the commotion in the northwest had not subsided but instead intensified. The girl finished writing a letter, lifted the tent flap, and whistled sharply with her fingers to her lips. A pitch-black eagle descended swiftly and stealthily, unnoticed by anyone in the tense, restless night.
Soon, the eagle soared again, heading toward the resplendent palace.
On the snow-covered path, a man in luxurious robes, his face slightly flushed with drink, still had bright, alert eyes. A sharp cry suddenly echoed through the air. He looked up abruptly as A Jing raised his arm, and the eagle landed gracefully upon it.
Unfurling the letter, bold and sharp handwriting immediately caught his eye: "The Twin Stars Shining in the Sky situation must be forged with unwavering resolve. The forbidden palace runs deep—tread with utmost caution."
The man smiled gently, his gaze distant as he looked northwest, toward his homeland.
The entire night, the turmoil showed no signs of ending. The citizens of Zhenhuang City remained shut inside their homes, none daring to venture out. The sounds of killing echoed from late night until dawn, accompanied by blinding flames and billowing black smoke, filling the air with cries of despair.
The rebellion of the Muhe Clan was expected. Even if they hadn’t realized the severity of the situation, hadn’t foreseen the impending doom of their clan, or hadn’t imagined the Emperor would show no mercy, the Wei Clan and the Zhao imperial family would inevitably force them onto this path of no return.When the clan's military forces were completely unprepared, the Muhe Clan—a century-old aristocratic family that had produced many court strategists and powerful ministers—fell into disarray like scattered sand. The consequence of fighting independently was being gradually devoured by the imperial army, utterly defenseless and unable to retaliate.
By dawn, the battle was nearing its end. Muhe Xichu, Muhe Xili, and Muhe Yunxiao were executed on the spot, with over two thousand clan soldiers killed or wounded. Muhe Yunye was captured and imprisoned. Every member of the Muhe family, regardless of age or gender—from Muhe Yunye's ninety-year-old mother to newborn infants in swaddling clothes—was taken into custody. The imperial prison in the capital was instantly overcrowded.
Simultaneously, the capital's city gates were sealed, prohibiting anyone from leaving. The thirteenth prince, Zhao Song, carrying the Muhe family token and forged letters from the Chongwen Pavilion, headed to the 23rd and 26th Eastern Garrison Armies, the Southeastern Field Army, and the 16th Southeastern Naval Fleet. He conveyed the news that Muhe Yunye, the head of the Muhe family, was critically ill, urgently summoning Muhe Xichi, Muhe Xisheng, Muhe Xiyu, and Muhe Yunye's young great-grandson Muhe Jingran back to the capital to discuss the succession of the next family head.
However, as soon as the chief commanders of these four major military forces set foot in Zhenhuang City, they were seized by the imperial troops. The last hope of the Muhe Clan vanished like flowing water, ending in utter defeat.
Yet, on that very night, Muhe Yunye's grandson, Song Duan, managed to escape the heavily guarded imperial prison. Breaking through all obstacles, he fled Zhenhuang City and galloped eastward on horseback.
The Muhe family erupted in cheers, but Muhe Yunye was struck dumb. After a long silence, he slowly closed his clouded eyes, cried out in remorse to his ancestors, and shed two streams of clear tears.
Three days later, Meng Zhan, the grandson of General Meng Tian, led the Meng army eastward to suppress the Huaidong Song Clan, who were accused of conspiring with the Muhe Clan in rebellion. The Song Clan was thrown into panic. The Song patriarch acted decisively, binding both Muhe Minglan (Muhe Yunye's daughter) and Song Duan, and delivering them to the gates of the Meng army camp.
Unexpectedly, Meng Zhan refused to accept them. After a volley of arrows, the army continued its march. Within five days, they breached the gates of the Song Clan, the foremost family of rites and education in Huaidong.
In an instant, two allied aristocratic families were massacred. On the twenty-eighth day of the third month, over four thousand heads from the Muhe and Song Clans fell before the executioner's blade at the Nine Nether Platform. Across five generations of the Muhe Clan, none were spared except for the Empress Muhe Nayun. Even Consort Ting Muhe Nari and Consort Xiang Muhe Lanxiang were forced to drink poisoned wine bestowed by the emperor, ending their lives.
On the day of the executions at the Nine Nether Platform, the entire populace of Zhenhuang City flocked to witness the spectacle. For a time, the streets were empty as everyone gathered, the atmosphere more festive and bustling than during the New Year.
Thus, a once-prosperous and powerful clan, a family of grandeur and favor, with bustling carriages and horses, was buried deep in the earth. They crumbled into the mud of the wild, dissipating in the turbulent currents of time, becoming yet another sacrifice in the shifting tides of imperial power. Those noble heads, once adorned with gold, pearls, and jade, were finally bowed low, spraying forth their lifeblood before the empire's merciless executioner's blade.
So-called prosperity and glory, blessings and riches—all are but dust in the end.For fourteen full days, Zhao Che remained within the military camp without taking a single step outside. Yet, news continuously flowed in—not from his own spies, but rather, as he grew increasingly aware with bitter clarity, these messages were nothing but bait designed to provoke him into leaving the camp. Though his eyes remained closed, he could already envision the cold glint of blades waiting beyond his tent.
On the second day of the fourth month, the Holy Gold Palace issued a commendation decree: praising Zhao Che for his profound understanding of righteousness, loyalty to the sovereign, and devotion to the nation. He was specially awarded two thousand taels of gold and promoted to the rank of Eastern Route General. Although this military title currently held no real authority, should the emperor personally lead a campaign, Zhao Che would become his personal guard commander—a clear indication of the emperor's satisfaction and trust in him.
Instantly, news of the Seventh Prince Zhao Che regaining imperial favor spread throughout the Great Xia Dynasty. Countless eyes watched him closely, secretly envious.
On the evening he received the imperial decree, Zhao Che stood silently on the training ground of the Elite Cavalry Camp, remaining motionless and wordless for a long time. He could despise the Muhe Clan—loathe their arrogance and domineering attitude, their disregard for hierarchy, their abuse of power and disruption of governance.
Yet, he had to admit that his ability to stand firm among the numerous princes for many years was also thanks to this powerful maternal clan. Now that the Muhe Clan had collapsed like a mountain, how could he maintain his position facing royal brothers who were like bloodthirsty wolves?
For five full days, the Elite Cavalry Camp was shrouded in gloom. Those with influential family backgrounds had already bribed the military ministry to quietly transfer to the Green Camp Army. Those who couldn't be transferred claimed illness and retired from military service, returning home. Zhao Che didn't stop them—after all, these noble sons all understood that to establish themselves in Daxia, besides imperial favor, the most crucial element was formidable backup strength.
Within five days, the Elite Cavalry Camp's personnel was reduced by two-thirds. Those remaining were either loyal followers who had been with Zhao Che for years, or promising talents promoted from the border regions from humble backgrounds.
On this day, as the snowstorm grew increasingly fierce, Zhao Che—dressed in black leather armor—pushed aside the tent flap with natural ease.
At that moment, a white flash suddenly shot toward him. Zhao Che dodged awkwardly, hearing a sharp clang as the white light embedded itself deeply into a tent post. Turning to look, he saw it was a sharp dagger!
"What are you doing?" Zhao Che roared in fury. "Do you have a death wish?"
No sooner had he spoken than the Seventh Prince of the Great Xia Dynasty flushed red. Years of military life, exposed to wind and sun, had tanned his skin beyond the jade-like fairness of capital aristocrats, giving him a healthy duskiness and weathered steadiness. Yet at this moment, he stood dumbfounded. After a long pause, he finally burst out angrily: "What are you doing?"
The woman stood with a slender waist and jade-like shoulders, long arms and legs completely exposed except for a leather hide held against her front, revealing delicate shoulders and shapely legs. Though her expression showed embarrassment and anger, she lacked the panic typical of other women. Standing confidently in place, she enunciated each word clearly: "I'm changing clothes."
Flustered, Zhao Che turned away and snapped: "Changing clothes in broad daylight? Hurry up."The clattering of armor sounded from behind. Feeling uncomfortable, Zhao Che's eyes wandered until they suddenly fell upon a massive bronze mirror opposite him, where a woman's graceful figure was unmistakably reflected. The man's eyes widened, and he found himself unable to look away. Just then, a sharp gaze shot over, directed straight at the mirror. The woman, clad in close-fitting undergarments, appeared even more alluring, her face flushed with anger and her eyes icy cold.
Zhao Che's face reddened, but he suddenly widened his eyes and glared back even more fiercely, as if he were entirely justified.
Chu Qiao curled her lips coldly, watching him as she dressed. She put on a black, form-fitting night suit, wrapping a self-made grappling hook around her waist as a belt. Two throwing knives and a dagger were tucked into her leg wrappings, while a gleaming blade was sheathed in the armguard on her upper arm. Over the night suit, she donned armor, fastened a long sword at her waist, and placed a foldable crossbow within easy reach, its sharp arrows neatly arranged in the quiver.
Zhao Che's frown deepened, and he finally couldn't hold back. "Why are you arming yourself like this?"
Chu Qiao shot him a cold glance and replied sternly, "I'm used to it."
Zhao Che sneered, "You really are a slave at heart, always thinking of running away."
The woman showed no anger at his words, merely continuing to adjust her boots. Seeing her lack of response, Zhao Che felt somewhat bored.
"May I ask why the General has come here?"
Zhao Che was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words. Indeed, why had he come to her tent? He seemed to have had a reason earlier, but now he couldn't recall. The young prince's expression darkened, annoyed that Chu Qiao had brought up such an awkward question. He simply sat down by the low table, picked up the wine pot, and took a sip.
Every room in the military camp was equipped with a wine pot, containing just enough to warm the body on cold winter nights. Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow and said coolly, "You didn't come here just to drink, did you?"
Zhao Che lifted his brows. "Is that not allowed?"
"Of course it is," the woman smiled. "This is your territory. You could even drink in the stables or latrines, and no one would dare stop you."
Zhao Che snorted coldly. "Sharp-tongued. Sooner or later, that mouth of yours will be the death of you."
"Thank you for the kind words. At least it won't be by your blade."
After taking a sip of wine, the man looked up and said, "Don't think that just because you helped me once, I won't kill you."
"How could I dare entertain such hopes?" Chu Qiao replied. "The Seventh Prince is a man who kills without batting an eye. When have you ever cared about others' lives? Over the years, you've slaughtered no less than a thousand slaves—how could you possibly spare the life of a lowly subordinate like me?"
Despite the provocation, Zhao Che remained unprovoked and instead asked, "Why are you wearing night clothes underneath?"
Chu Qiao was startled by the sudden question but answered, "I'm used to sleeping in them. It's easier to run if needed."
Surprisingly, the young general refrained from sarcasm and simply nodded silently, continuing to drink quietly.
Just then, the rapid sound of hoofbeats echoed outside the tent. Zhao Che frowned and stood up to head out. Chu Qiao's eyes flickered, and she followed him out.The visitor was from the Green Camp Army. He went straight to the central command tent and, finding Zhao Che absent, left a letter before turning to leave. Spotting Zhao Che approaching from afar, he pretended not to see him, mounted his horse, and rode off in a cloud of dust.
Zhao Che narrowed his eyes but remained silent. Deputy General Cheng handed him the letter, frowning as he reported, "Your Highness, the Third Prince has sent a military dispatch stating that the Elite Cavalry Camp is to be deployed outside the city to construct a post road at Yucheng, thirty miles away, to facilitate the journey of the Crown Prince of Bian Tang."
Zhao Che did not take the letter, instead slowly clenching his fists until the veins on his arms bulged and his blood seemed to boil.
Half a month earlier, the Third Prince Zhao Qi had personally requested to leave the city and build the post road. Yet, as the Muhe Clan incident had proven, Zhao Qi had never actually left the imperial capital. The Green Camp Army had been lying in wait outside the city, biding their time. Now that the Muhe Clan had been eradicated, leaving the Wei Clan dominant, Zhao Qi had taken all the credit and public acclaim for the road construction. And now, he was ordering Zhao Che to lead the Elite Cavalry Camp out of the city to build roads—was this the contempt of the powerful? Or the bullying of the victor?
Zhao Che’s eyes turned fierce, his fists clenched tightly. Standing beside him, Chu Qiao felt for the first time that this prince was not as detestable as she had imagined. She sighed softly and whispered, "A little impatience spoils great plans. You must endure this."
Zhao Che let out a cold laugh, then suddenly turned to gaze at the resplendent Holy Gold Palace, his eyes sharp as gleaming blades.
Chu Qiao knew it then—the seed of hatred, born from humiliation and contempt, had taken root in his heart. Given time, it would surely grow.
The next day, the entire Elite Cavalry Camp set out for Yucheng to construct the post road in preparation for the arrival of the Crown Prince of Bian Tang—Li Ce.
**
Bian Tang was not impossibly far from the capital of Daxia—a fast horse could make the journey in a month, while a carriage would take two months at a leisurely pace. Yet this crown prince had set out a full four months in advance and was still nowhere in sight.
Most of Daxia’s princes had experience garrisoning the borders, traveling through grasslands, wilderness, mountains, and rivers with the army. But this distinguished guest from Bian Tang was different: he required bridges to be built for river crossings—sturdy stone bridges wide enough for four warhorses to cross abreast. Grasslands had to be cleared before he would traverse them, under the pretext of not soiling the hooves of Bian Tang’s golden steeds. He avoided mountain paths, deserts, and any route without a town within fifty miles. He refused to sleep in tents, drink any water but from springs, consume any tea but the freshest, or taste any wine but the finest. His provisions were brought all the way from Bian Tang. His entourage included over two hundred carriages just for his clothing, utensils, and other belongings. He would not touch anything handled by men. To sustain this only heir, the Tang Emperor had exhausted his ingenuity. Even the rice, vegetables, and fruits Li Ce consumed were grown in fertile land specially cultivated within the inner palace. Talented farmers were selected from among the common people, and palace maidens were trained to tend the crops by hand before the crown prince would deign to eat them.
Upon learning all this, Chu Qiao was inwardly astonished. To receive such an extraordinary personage, the Daxia imperial family had sent Zhao Che, accompanied by a host of Elite Cavalry Camp soldiers—was this not deliberate provocation?
In any case, the soldiers of the Elite Cavalry Camp braved wind and snow to clear a path through the snow for ten days, finally putting everything in order as they eagerly awaited the grand arrival of the Crown Prince of Bian Tang. Then, suddenly, news came from the front: the crown prince had kicked off his blankets at night, caught a chill, and had already turned back.Upon hearing this, Zhao Che was so enraged his nose nearly twisted. He mounted his horse and led his troops away in a whirlwind. Chu Qiao watched his departing figure and sighed softly. For some reason, a trace of apprehension arose in her heart—this Crown Prince of Bian Tang was either truly absurd or a terrifyingly skilled master adept at concealing his true self.
By evening, Zhao Che sent a messenger with news: the highly demanding Crown Prince had finally agreed to pause for recuperation but refused to enter the military camp. He ordered Deputy General Cheng to temporarily command the Elite Cavalry Camp and await further instructions. Additionally, he summoned Chu Qiao, the archery instructor of the vanguard battalion, to join him at the forward camp with his personal guards.
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow, puzzled, and inquired further.
The soldier hesitated for a long moment before whispering, "The Crown Prince refuses to see you, Commander, saying your aura of killing intent is too strong and would worsen his condition. These words were relayed by a young maid serving the Crown Prince of Bian Tang."
Everyone was immediately exasperated. Was this eccentric Crown Prince actually a man unwilling to speak with other men?
The soldier specifically instructed Chu Qiao to dress in female attire. After a hasty preparation, she set off immediately.
The weather was favorable, with no heavy snowfall these past few days—otherwise, all their previous efforts would have been wasted. Chu Qiao and four personal guards galloped on horseback, clad in fiery red fur cloaks. Though the style was masculine, it still exuded luxury, accentuating her delicate features and snow-white complexion.
The distance between the two places wasn’t far—just a two-hour journey. But before they had even traveled an hour, a carriage approached slowly from the opposite direction. Adorned with gold and draped in fine silks, it was pulled by four majestic white horses, temporarily blocking the entire road.
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow and reined in her warhorse. She noticed the carriage was driven by two young girls. One wore a white marten-fur vest over a pink cotton skirt, while the other was dressed in hunter-style green trousers and a top. Both had their hoods up, their faces flushed from the cold, and they occasionally turned back to chat and laugh with someone inside the carriage, their clear voices carrying far.
“Ah! Sister Fu, there are people ahead!”
The carriage halted right in front of Chu Qiao and her companions. The girl in green brightened and cheerfully called out to the carriage.
“What kind of people?” a charming voice replied from inside. “Men or women?”
The girl bit her lip and giggled, completely ignoring the others. “Four men and one woman.”
“Oh?” The voice paused briefly before continuing, “The young master asks, what does the woman look like? How old is she?”
The girl scrutinized Chu Qiao for a moment, then pouted. “She’s passable. Sixteen or seventeen. Not much prettier than me, and nowhere near as beautiful as Sister Fu, Sister E, or Sister Qing.”
A burst of laughter erupted from inside the carriage. The same voice chuckled and said, “The young master says that if even you, Lü’er, speak of her like that, she must be a rare beauty. Let the men go, but the woman stays. The young master wishes to question her.”
The girl snorted indignantly and addressed Chu Qiao’s group, “Did you hear what Sister Fu said? The men can leave. The woman stays.”
The group was momentarily stunned, and the four guards grew furious. Their attire clearly marked them as people of importance—whoever these women were, they shouldn’t dare act so boldly.
Chu Qiao, however, grew cautious. Daxia had many powerful families, most of whom behaved outrageously—extravagant and unrestrained, with young masters and mistresses running wild. She didn’t know which influential household these people belonged to, but it was best to avoid offending them.
Before anyone could respond, the girl grew impatient and snapped, “Are you deaf? How stupid!” She then pulled out two gold ingots and tossed them arrogantly to the ground. “I see no jade plaque on your belt, so you’re not from a noble clan. For a common-born woman, this price is more than fair. Now hurry up and leave.”
One of the young soldiers flared up, shouting angrily, “Where did you little brats come from? How dare you—”
Before he could finish, a whip cracked through the air. The young maid, though small, was surprisingly skilled. The soldier, caught off guard in his rage, was struck squarely across the face, leaving a bloody gash. The tip of the whip lashed his eye, and it was unclear how severe the injury was. The soldier tumbled from his horse, clutching his eye and screaming in agony."Hmph! You reckless cur!" The little maid snorted coldly and lashed out with her whip again. Seeing her so unreasonable, Chu Qiao unconsciously grew genuinely angry. Urging her horse forward, she deftly seized the whip's tip and with a subtle application of force, snatched it away.
"Do not push people too far."
The woman's voice was icy as she stared coldly at the little maid, her words frigid.
"Ah!" Another guard suddenly cried out. Chu Qiao looked down and saw that the soldier who had been whipped had blood all over his hand—it was flowing from his eye. Clearly, that eye was beyond saving.
"Hmph!" The little maid named Lü'er showed no fear, snorting disdainfully. "What's the big deal? He's just a lowly commoner. At most, I'll compensate you... Ah!"
Before she could finish, a whip shadow suddenly lashed out, striking her fair, smooth cheek with even greater force than before. Blood immediately streamed down her face. The girl screamed, clutching her cheek, and glared furiously.
"What's the big deal? You're just a heartless beast. I'll blind one of your eyes for fun, and at most, I'll compensate you with silver."
Chu Qiao mimicked her earlier tone, speaking coldly, and raised the whip to strike again.
The girl was tough, not uttering a sound, but gritting her teeth as she glared at Chu Qiao, her eyes filled with venomous hatred. She snarled, "You wretched girl, I won't let you off!"
"Who asked you to let me off?" Chu Qiao narrowed her eyes slightly and retorted, "Weren't you just saying you wanted to buy me? Let's see if you have what it takes."
With that, she swiftly threw a flying dagger, which shot forward like lightning and embedded itself deeply into the rump of one of the carriage horses. The startled horse reared up and bolted away, neighing wildly.
"Help him onto a horse, let's go!"
Chu Qiao snorted coldly, speaking sternly to her subordinates. She spurred her horse forward first, and the four behind immediately followed.
Just moments earlier, she had sensed they weren't alone. Amid the snow-covered dense forests on both sides, there were numerous cautious footsteps. She instantly knew something was wrong. This seemingly vulnerable carriage actually had nearly a hundred skilled guards nearby. If a conflict erupted, they stood no chance of gaining the upper hand. The only option was to feign ignorance and strike when least expected.
Sure enough, within moments, the thunderous sound of hoofbeats erupted behind them. Chu Qiao whipped her horse and urged sharply, "Hurry!"
The five of them raced ahead swiftly.
Just then, a whistling volley of arrows rained down, targeting the horses instead of the riders. The four guards were thrown from their mounts.
"Won't you stop now?"
A bewitching voice suddenly sounded by her ear. A pure white steed galloped alongside, its red-clad rider with flowing black hair and eyes as captivating as a woman's. His features were enchantingly handsome, one hand holding the reins, the other gripping a sword, as he rode abreast with Chu Qiao, laughing brightly.
With a "thud," Chu Qiao instantly kicked out hard at the man's horse's belly. The white horse whinnied in pain but did not retreat. The man was taken aback, then laughed. "What a fierce woman. Very well, since you dislike it, let's not allow it to disturb the two of us."With that, the man suddenly leaped from his saddle, landing steadily behind Chu Qiao on her horse. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his warm breath whispering against the back of her ear as he murmured in a suggestive tone, "Your fragrance is like orchids, your skin like pristine snow. I never knew such beauties existed in Hongchuan—I must have been living in ignorance."
Chu Qiao snorted coldly and drove her elbow backward into him. The man laughed heartily, pulling her tightly against his chest. He flicked his tongue lightly against the nape of her neck and chuckled, "Smooth as polished jade, fragrant as a snow lotus—truly a beauty from the snowy plains."
A chill ran down Chu Qiao's spine, goosebumps erupting across her skin as she nearly retched in disgust. Fury surged within her. Noticing shadowy figures closing in around them, her rage boiled over. She struck with a fist, followed by an elbow strike and a palm thrust, landing a blow on the man's shoulder. Then, with a swift side kick, a whip-like arm movement, and a downward press, she drove her elbow hard into his abdomen. In one fluid motion, she slid down the horse's side, gripping its belly with her legs while yanking the man's leg and pulling with all her strength.
Caught completely off guard by her astonishing agility, the man tumbled headfirst into the snow with a loud thud, landing in an utterly undignified heap. Any trace of grace or composure was gone in an instant.
The woman leaped down after him, driving her knee hard into his back with enough force to make stars burst before his eyes. Then, with a sharp crack, she delivered a stinging slap across his face.
Seizing the advantage, Chu Qiao pressed on relentlessly. Like a fierce tiger, she pinned the man's head down and unleashed a rapid-fire series of Wing Chun techniques she had long kept hidden—Beauty Pushes the Boat, Bridge-Smashing Hands, Tiger Tail Palm, and Hooking Dew Hands—all raining down in a furious flurry upon the man's head and face.
Gasps of shock echoed around them. The girl's fists moved with the speed of lightning, striking like a torrential downpour, so fast it was dizzying to watch. The onlookers stood frozen, staring in stunned silence as the girl straddled the man, her punches ruthless and her movements nimble, too shocked to react.
"Ah! You fools, save the Crown Prince!" a woman's shrill voice cried out.
Chu Qiao's heart sank: Crown Prince?
The thunder of hooves followed, churning up the snow as warhorses charged forth. The dark mass of the Elite Cavalry Camp, led by Zhao Che, swept in like a storm. Yet, at the sight before them, every face turned ashen with horror.
Zhao Che, his brows dark as ink, sat tall on his horse and barked sharply, "Chu Qiao, what are you doing?"
Chu Qiao immediately stilled her hands. The man beneath her, dazed and disoriented, lifted his head to gaze blankly at the crowd, his face bruised and swollen beyond recognition. His eyes were blackened and puffy, leaving it uncertain whether he could even see clearly.
Zhao Che dismounted with a metallic clang and strode forward, bowing to the man on the ground. "Your Highness, Crown Prince, I apologize for failing to control my subordinate."
With that, he grabbed Chu Qiao's arm, pulling her off the Tang Crown Prince and dragging her behind him.
The girl stood dumbfounded, watching as the Biantang envoys rushed over, weeping and wailing. She felt her head spin with overwhelm.
So this... this was Li Ce, the sole heir of the Biantang royal family? The one who got whatever he wanted, the unreasonable, lecherous Crown Prince?
She must have truly lost her mind.
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