A murderous wind swept through the dense forest, like the low panting of a beast. Before dawn, rain began to fall—torrential downpours splattered mud everywhere. Chu Qiao half-knelt on the grass, her gaze as alert as a wolf’s, piercing sharply through the thick woods ahead.
A group of over a hundred men cautiously approached, all clad in black and masked, their long blades drawn. With each step, they warily scanned their surroundings. Four massive hounds led the way, guiding the group slowly toward the place where the girl was hiding.
At this point, there was no time to ponder why her careful efforts had still exposed her whereabouts. She suppressed all thoughts, quietly lying in wait, ready for the moment of crisis to arrive.
The hounds suddenly erupted into furious barks. The men halted instantly, then charged in unison toward Chu Qiao’s position.
With a sharp swish, the girl drew her longsword. Moon Breaker’s cold gleam flashed under the sky, illuminating her pale yet resolute face.
"Attack!" A short, low command rang out. The black-clad men surged forward as one, their chilling blades slicing through the heavy darkness, casting a grim and desolate atmosphere all around.
Swish! Amid the clear glint of the sword, two heads flew into the air simultaneously. The girl moved with agile precision, swift as a sharp eagle in a lightning storm, showing no sign of her severe injuries. Under the stunned gazes of the crowd, Chu Qiao slowly sheathed her blade. Meanwhile, the two headless corpses continued their charge for two more steps, brushed past her, and collapsed into the muddy water with a thud. Blood splattered, staining the girl’s long boots crimson.
Step, draw, slash, retract—no empty shouts, no superfluous flourishes. Clean, decisive, and lethal in a single move!
A thunderous roar echoed as lightning momentarily illuminated the girl’s pale but unyielding face, causing everyone to hesitate. These assassins, who had traveled hundreds of miles for a kill-or-be-killed mission with their lives on the line, had never known fear. Yet now, faced with the girl’s cold, determined eyes and her swift, ruthless techniques, they were afraid.
Their hesitation lasted only a moment. The next instant, the leader barked an order and led the hundred-strong force of assassins charging forward, their eyes steely.
Rolling thunder boomed loudly as the downpour intensified. Treading through blood and mud, over a hundred assassins brandishing their blades swarmed in, encircling the slender girl. No shouts, no battle cries—everything was drowned out by the thunder and rain. Yet in the icy downpour, chaotic figures darted and clashed like lightning. Blood sprayed, and shattered limbs and gore clung to the tree trunks. Years of training and experience allowed the besieged girl to move like a fleeting dragon—though the situation was overwhelmingly against her, she showed not a hint of weakness.
The assassins’ hearts pounded wildly, their blood boiling silently. Blades fully drawn, they shifted their steps cautiously. After the recent round of slaughter, they were deeply shaken. Forming a circle, they slowly retreated, their hawk-like eyes fixed on the girl standing poised to strike in their midst. At their leader’s signal, they all reached behind their backs.
There, gleaming silver, was a row of half-meter-long javelins.
"Kill!" the leader suddenly commanded, hurling a javelin straight at Chu Qiao.In an instant, hundreds of people struck simultaneously. Countless short spears shot toward Chu Qiao from all directions, leaving trails of silvery light in the air!
The cold wind howled, and rain poured down in torrents. Even if this woman truly had three heads and six arms, she could never escape alive from such a lethal assault!
But just then, a sharp whoosh cut through the air. A silver-white arrow shot forth abruptly, followed by a black long rope descending from above. Like a nimble serpent, it instantly wrapped around the girl’s slender waist. A tremendous force transmitted through it, and in the split second before the myriad spear shadows could strike, the girl was lifted straight up into the air!
The black-clad assassins were startled. Reacting swiftly, they raised their heads and fired arrows. High above, a figure streaked across like a meteor, his long sword scattering a radiant glow that deflected the dense, locust-like rain of arrows. The grappling hook in his hand seemed to have eyes—he tossed it repeatedly, using it to swing rapidly through the forest!
Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. As the assassins looked up, countless grappling hooks swept across the sky, and another group of black-clad, masked figures descended from above.
"Master, go first!"
The lead black-clad man decapitated an opponent with a single slash, shouting fiercely. Several black-clad figures rushed forward to shield Chu Qiao and the man who had just landed. Blades flew like snowflakes, dozens of hooves churning up mud and splattering filth everywhere.
"Go!" The man’s voice was low, its tone unreadable. He wrapped an arm around the girl’s waist, leaped onto a warhorse, and galloped away.
"Stop them!"
The enemies cried out sharply, and the assassins immediately moved to intercept. The man snorted coldly, his sword piercing one assassin’s throat. Blood sprayed instantly, hitting another assassin in the eyes. Momentarily disoriented, the second assassin had no time to react before a sharp arrow tore through his chest.
With a loud thud, the man abruptly reined in his horse. The steed reared up, its powerful hooves striking two assassins squarely in the chest. In that instant, their breastbones shattered, blood gushing forth as they were sent flying over three meters away, crashing heavily into four other assassins.
Seeing that they were outmatched, the assassin leader drew a cylindrical object from his waist and fired it into the sky. A pale blue firework shot upward, illuminating the surroundings.
"Hold on tight!" the man said gravely, flicking the reins as they charged forward.
The sound of countless pursuing hoofbeats echoed behind them. Chu Qiao was held tightly in the man’s embrace. The biting wind whipped past on both sides, and the storm raged, yet little of it struck her. Torches lit up across the wooded slopes, but it was impossible to tell how many enemies surrounded them or to distinguish between the imperial troops and the black-clad assassins.
"It’s the Young Master!"
A brief cry came from ahead. Black-clad, masked men rushed past them, exchanging respectful nods in fleeting eye contact before drawing their weapons. Daggers gleamed coldly, long swords shimmered like rainbows—they unhesitatingly charged toward the bloodthirsty wolves hot on their heels.
"Young Master, straight ahead!"
"Young Master, enemies eighty paces to the west!"
"Young Master, reinforcements to the south!"
"Young Master, reinforcements to the northwest!"
"Young Master, reinforcements due east!"
They fought their way through, wave after wave of covering forces bravely arriving. The man’s expression remained unchanged as he guided the horse with one hand and held the girl close with the other, gradually leaving the chaotic sounds behind.The dense forest suddenly vanished, revealing a sea-like swaying grassland. Chu Qiao felt a sudden lightness in her chest, her palms dripping with blood. She raised her head and said gravely, "Your arm is injured."
The man remained masked, clad in black martial attire and riding a dark steed. He lowered his head, his eyes narrowing to slits as he asked, "Where is Li Ce?"
Chu Qiao answered honestly, "He escaped."
"You go first," the man immediately dismounted and said to the guards beside him, "Escort the young lady back to the city."
"Yan Xun!"
Chu Qiao hurriedly dismounted, her legs giving way and nearly causing her to fall. The man swiftly turned and caught her, his voice low as he asked, "What are you doing?"
"I should be asking you that," Chu Qiao frowned deeply. "What are you planning?"
Yan Xun's brow furrowed, his voice cold as he said, "I'm going to kill him."
"Are you insane? The Green Camp Army and the Elite Cavalry Camp are both inside. It's too late now; the opportunity has passed."
Yan Xun shook his head coldly. "Don't worry, I have my own way. You go back to the city with them first."
"No!" Chu Qiao tightly gripped Yan Xun's arm, her voice resolute. "Although Li Ce's death would bring great benefits, it would also bring endless trouble. Since I'm involved in this matter, you would be the first suspect, especially since you left the city so openly. If things go wrong, Emperor Xia might use you as a scapegoat and send you back to Biantang to be executed. Eliminating Li Ce now won't help the overall situation. There's no reason for you to do this. I can't let you take this risk!"
"He nearly killed you. That is reason enough."
Yan Xun's gaze was firm, his voice low. He reached out and tightly embraced Chu Qiao's shoulders before letting go, saying gravely, "He is too dangerous. I cannot convince myself to let him remain in this world, especially so close to you, not even for a day. A Chu, go back and wait for me."
Chu Qiao stood still, watching Yan Xun's figure swiftly disappear into the thick darkness atop his galloping steed. She felt her heart boiling like hot water, heavy with guilt and self-reproach crawling like ants through her chest.
She had never made such a mistake before. She had the chance to prevent all of this from happening, and even after it occurred, she should have had the opportunity to turn things around, to steer events in a favorable direction. But she had done nothing, and in the critical moment, she had dragged Yan Xun into the mess. She had made a grave mistake and was filled with regret.
"Young lady!"
The guard was startled to see Chu Qiao swiftly climb onto her horse and gallop off in the direction Yan Xun had vanished. The guard hurriedly followed, shouting, "What are you doing, young lady? The young master ordered me to take you back to the city."
"Going back to take the Crown Prince of Bian Tang's head," the woman said coldly, then spurred her horse forward. "Hyah!"
Under the pitch-black sky, a warhorse stood on the plank road. The man on its back was dressed in black, his hair as dark as ink, his face masked in the popular style of the night. Behind him were countless black-clad swordsmen.
The crisp sound of hoofbeats mixed with the noisy rain echoed from afar. A scout leaped down with a splash, kneeling in the mud and water, and reported gravely, "Fourth Young Master, we followed the trail but found no trace of the target. Instead, we encountered the woman by his side and suffered heavy casualties."The man's sword-like brows instantly shot up, his expression cold and stern as he said in a low voice, "Where is the woman?"
The scout below immediately grew tense, stammering, "We were just about to succeed, but suddenly a group of black-clad figures appeared out of nowhere. They were incredibly skilled and rescued the woman."
"Black-clad figures?"
"Yes, they weren't from the Elite Cavalry Camp or the Green Camp Army, nor were they city defense troops or Biantang's forces."
The man furrowed his brow and remained silent for a long time before finally saying in a deep voice, "Was the woman injured?"
The soldier hesitated, cautiously replying, "I'm not entirely sure, but she single-handedly killed over ten of our men, and more than a dozen others were wounded. She probably didn't fare much better herself—even if we hadn't intervened, she might not have survived."
The man fell silent for a moment, then suddenly cracked his whip against his horse's flank, urging it forward into a gallop.
A short time later.
Thunder rumbled, rain poured, and across the desolate plains, iron cavalry surged like a vast sea, their blades and swords towering like mountains—a magnificent and imposing sight.
All the soldiers were cloaked in black garments. The two forces faced each other, with no insignia on their attire, no banners of family armies, and neither side intending to step forward and introduce themselves.
The sudden encounter on this narrow path left both sides momentarily stunned. Their clothing and cold, imposing demeanor were nearly identical, yet the way they arrayed themselves and their silent expressions made it clear that the opposing force was hostile—enemies, not allies.
A cold wind slowly swept between them. Time seemed to stretch infinitely slow yet rush with blinding speed. In the Netherworld-like tension, no one dared to draw their blade first or utter a word. They stood in silent confrontation, separated by less than a hundred paces, as the torrential rain poured down between them.
Suddenly, a sharp "crack" rang out—someone's weapon had made a sound. As if contagious, in the blink of an eye, countless blades were drawn in unison. Cold arrows were instantly aimed at the opposing force. Horses whinnied softly, and murmurs arose. After a brief moment of chaos, tensions escalated, and a fierce battle seemed imminent!
"Whoa!"
A horse's whinny suddenly cut through the air. A young woman rode up on horseback, startled by the coldly arrayed forces on both sides, then swiftly headed toward one side.
"Who are they?" Chu Qiao asked as she reached Yan Xun's side, her voice low.
Yan Xun frowned. "Your actions today have been far below your usual standards, and now you've already forgotten everything I just said?"
"Only I can find him," Chu Qiao said firmly. "If you want to eliminate him, you shouldn't drive me away."
The man narrowed his eyes slightly, tilting his head. "If anything happens to you, what use is killing him?"
Chu Qiao's heart ached. She tugged at Yan Xun's sleeve and whispered, "Yan Xun..."
"A Chu, I'm in a terrible mood right now. Don't speak to me—I don't want to take my anger out on you."
Chu Qiao froze, watching as Yan Xun urged his horse forward. His back was straight, yet it carried an indescribable desolation. Across the darkness, a sizable force lay hidden, like bats in the night, blocking their path on this stormy evening.The man leading the opposing team naturally noticed Chu Qiao rejoining her group. His brow furrowed as he stared intently into the pitch-black darkness ahead. Suddenly, a fierce wind swept through, slanting the rain and casting an icy chill. The man’s frown deepened, and he raised a hand, gesturing sharply.
Immediately, all blades were sheathed and bows lowered. Sensing the shift in intent, Yan Xun’s men also set aside their weapons.
The two groups, which had nearly clashed moments before, now restrained their hostility. Without a word, they cautiously urged their horses forward. When no objection came from the other side, they swiftly rode off in their respective directions.
As they passed each other, the two parties exchanged glances, but all they could see were sharp, watchful eyes beneath dark cloth masks.
“Young Master,” a guard stepped forward and reported gravely, “that woman just now was the one who had been accompanying the target.”
“Hmm.”
The guard hesitated, a trace of urgency in his expression. “She was the one who took down more than a dozen of our men.”
“Since when do assassins fear death?” The man’s gaze was icy as he glanced sideways. “If you can’t even identify the target clearly and end up fighting the wrong person, it’s a wonder you’ve survived this long.”
The guard fell silent, stunned. Just then, a silver signal flare lit up over the dense forest. The leader frowned and immediately headed toward the woods.
Yan Xun did not return to the forest by the original route but instead made for a side gate of Zhenhuang. Chu Qiao, following behind, asked in confusion, “Aren’t we going anymore?”
Yan Xun’s expression was grim as he replied, “Didn’t you see that group just now? If even they couldn’t succeed, our chances are slim.”
“Yan Xun?”
“Enough. We’ll talk back at the estate.”
The group arrived at the western side of Zhenhuang, where a plain blue carriage awaited. Yan Xun and Chu Qiao, accompanied by a few trusted guards, quickly dismounted and entered the carriage, which then set off slowly toward the city gate.
They were met by covert contacts along the way, slipping unnoticed through the western gate into the city. The carriage made a brief detour past Zhenhuang City’s largest inn and brothel before heading toward the inner city.
By the time they returned to the estate, dawn was breaking, the sky tinged with the pale light of morning. The night’s heavy rain had finally ceased. Due to the Crown Prince of Bian Tang’s abduction, the imperial palace was shrouded in an eerie silence—though how many within its walls could truly rest easy remained uncertain.
Entering the estate quietly through the West Garden, the carriage came to a halt. Without so much as a glance at the woman behind him, Yan Xun stepped out first, his face dark with anger. As he walked, he tore open his rain-soaked collar and irritably pushed away the hot towel offered by a maid.
The servants stood frozen in fear, every detail signaling their master’s fury. They knelt on the ground, not daring to make a sound.
Yan Xun had every reason to be angry. He was furious that Chu Qiao, usually so cautious and reliable, had followed that unpredictable fox Li Ce out of the city. He was angry that she had made such a decision without even sending word to him. And he was even angrier that, despite her skills and experience in forest combat, she had been cornered and injured. He couldn’t bear to think what might have happened if he had arrived a moment later—how could she have escaped that dense array of spears?Many words were stuck in his heart, and Yan Xun was extremely angry. He sat in the main hall, his face ashen and lips tightly pressed, waiting for the one who had made a grave mistake to walk in and explain everything from last night while facing the wrath she deserved.
This anger had been brewing in him for a long time—it absolutely could not be left unresolved.
Yan Xun muttered to himself inwardly, almost reciting the lines he would say later. But after waiting for a long time, he still did not see the one who had erred take the initiative to come in.
What had happened?
Yan Xun’s brows furrowed tighter and tighter. Could it be that she hadn’t even planned to explain herself to him and had simply returned to her room alone?
After waiting for what felt like two cups of tea, Yan Xun could no longer sit still. He abruptly stood up and strode out of the hall. All the servants were still kneeling on the ground, not one daring to lift their heads or speak. He quickly walked to Chu Qiao’s room, pushed the door open, and the prepared momentum burst out: "Come out here!"
There was no response. Yan Xun frowned and looked inside—the room was empty.
He cautiously walked to the bathing room and gently knocked on the door, but there was still no answer.
The Heir of Yanbei was truly growing angry. After so much had happened, she hadn’t even taken the initiative to explain herself to him. Did she not know how frantic with worry he had been when he learned she was caught in an assassination attempt? Did she not realize that her actions had seriously affected the bigger picture? Did she not feel that she and the Crown Prince of Biantang had grown too close?
The corridor, the study, the flower hall, the warm pavilion, the courtyard…
He searched everywhere but still found no trace of her. Yan Xun’s expression grew increasingly grim. Could it be that she had returned to Shangyi Ward without even saying a word to him?
"You… Your Highness…" A small voice suddenly sounded beside him. Yan Xun turned and saw Chu Qiao’s personal maid, Lü Liu, standing timidly before him. She cautiously asked, "Are you… are you looking for Miss Chu?"
Yan Xun raised an eyebrow. "Where is she?"
Lü Liu raised a finger and pointed gently toward the carriage parked in the courtyard.
Yan Xun was taken aback. Frowning, he walked to the carriage, pulled the curtain aside with a swish, and froze on the spot.
His expression gradually softened from anger, seeming both amused and helpless, with a touch of heartache. Finally, he sighed, and all his grievances and fury vanished in an instant.
Over the past day and night, Chu Qiao had truly exhausted herself. The life-and-death struggles had drained her completely. Severely injured and having lost too much blood, she had barely managed to hold on before. But after seeing him, her spirit relaxed, and she had fallen into a deep sleep even before the carriage entered the city. At that moment, dressed in the stolen black outfit, the young woman looked even paler, her shoulder stained with blood, her body drenched, and her beautiful hair disheveled and scattered over her shoulders—a truly pitiful sight. Yet her brows were relaxed, as if she had finally returned home, no longer fearing the storms outside.
Yan Xun’s pent-up anger dissipated, leaving no outlet for release. His heart aching, he frowned and carefully reached out to lift the young woman. Her body was as light as a kitten’s, all her sharp claws retracted, lying quietly and obediently in his arms. There was no trace left of the fierce woman who could strike down lives with a single blow.Feeling the warmth on her body and breathing in the familiar scent that brought her peace of mind, Chu Qiao fell into an even deeper sleep, stubbornly refusing to wake up. She shifted slightly, startling Yan Xun, but seeing that she hadn't awakened and was merely adjusting to a more comfortable position in his embrace before continuing to sleep, he relaxed.
The man looked somewhat frustrated and muttered, "After causing such a big stir, do you think you can just muddle through like this?"
The woman in his arms remained motionless, automatically filtering out all the unfavorable words directed at her. Yan Xun held her for a long while before letting out a helpless sigh and carrying her toward her room.
After instructing the maids to prepare hot water for her bath and summoning a physician, the bustling activity still failed to rouse the slumbering figure. Yan Xun stood by the bedside, gazing at the shocking wound on her shoulder, his brows furrowed in distress. His thumb gently traced her cheek as he sighed helplessly, "We'll settle the score when you wake up—if I can still be angry by then."
With that, he tenderly pulled the blanket over her, smoothed the bangs on her forehead, and turned to leave the room.
The moment the room fell silent, the sleeping woman abruptly opened her eyes, cautiously scanning her surroundings before letting out a long sigh of relief.
No one could possibly remain asleep while being stripped and tossed into a bathtub. She had woken up the moment he carried her down from the carriage but had been feigning sleep all along.
Although her shoulder wound had been treated, it still throbbed with a dull ache. Slowly sitting up, her stomach growled with hunger. She climbed out of bed and walked to the table, scanning the area but finding no pastries in sight. Chu Qiao frowned, picked up the teapot, and took a sip directly from the spout without using a cup.
The tea was cold and bitter, clearly left over from days ago.
Just then, footsteps suddenly approached. Startled, Chu Qiao hurriedly scrambled back into bed, closed her eyes, and resumed her pretense of sleep.
The door opened, and the aroma of food wafted in. Yan Xun entered carrying a tray laden with steaming stir-fried dishes and a bowl of rice with thick soup. His eyes held a trace of sudden understanding as he glanced at the slightly disheveled blanket covering Chu Qiao. Without a word, he set the tray on the table and walked out.
"Come find me in the study whenever you're ready to wake up."
His voice drifted in slowly. Chu Qiao opened her eyes in frustration and sighed helplessly.
What is destined cannot be avoided. Resigned, she got up, ate her fill, and then collapsed back into bed.
Explanations? They could wait.
Right now, all she wanted was to sleep deeply.
Even the longest dreams must end. When a day passed, then a night, and the sun rose again, she knew she could no longer evade the inevitable.
With a creak, the study door was slowly pushed open a crack. Just as Chu Qiao was about to peek inside, Lü Liu suddenly called out loudly from behind, "Miss, are you looking for the Crown Prince? He's inside!"
Dark clouds loomed overhead, and her mission had gotten off to a bad start. Resigned, Chu Qiao pushed the door open.
The study was empty, and the inner room was equally silent. Frowning, Chu Qiao glanced around and spotted a pair of white cloth indoor slippers visible beneath the gap in the screen. She knew Yan Xun was behind it.
"Ahem," she deliberately cleared her throat, but the person inside showed no reaction, not uttering a single word. Chu Qiao's expression darkened. It seemed Yan Xun was truly angry this time. She had acted independently against his wishes a few times before, but his anger had always subsided after she avoided him for a while. This time, however, the problem seemed more serious. Gently biting her lip, she said softly, "Yan Xun, I know I made a mistake this time. I apologize."Yan Xun remained silent. Chu Qiao had no choice but to continue, "I shouldn't have followed Li Ce out of the city. I knew he might cause trouble, yet I overlooked the potential dangers and failed to assess the situation clearly. I only wanted to get close to him to understand Biantang's internal affairs and gauge the imperial family's stance on slavery. Datong has long wanted to establish a branch in the Biantang capital, and I wanted to explore its feasibility. Additionally, I wanted to learn about Biantang's attitude toward Yanbei. If we eventually break away from Daxia, having Biantang's tacit support in the background—just as they once supported Yunlou City's autonomy—would be of great assistance to us."
Yan Xun still said nothing. Chu Qiao frowned slightly, pursed her lips, and went on, "I know I shouldn't have saved him after the ambush. I should have taken the opportunity to kill him. I had several chances but failed to act, wasting a golden opportunity for Yanbei's revival. I even dragged you into risking a rescue outside the city, mobilizing Datong and Yanbei's assassin network. I know I've caused a major disaster this time."
Yan Xun remained silent. Chu Qiao felt somewhat displeased. She frowned and said, "Yan Xun, I've already apologized. Are you still unwilling to forgive me?"
"Young Lady!"
The maid Lü Liu suddenly pushed the door open and called from the doorway, "The Crown Prince asks you to join him for a meal."
"Ah?" Chu Qiao was taken aback, her expression puzzled. "Him? In the dining hall?"
"Yes," the maid replied timidly. "The Crown Prince just left. I didn't notice."
Chu Qiao's face instantly darkened. She strode behind the screen and found only a pair of boots there. The young woman picked up the boots from the floor, angrily threw them down, and scolded the maid, "How can you leave things lying around? What use are you?"
With that, she turned and stormed out of the study.
The maid, feeling wronged, picked up the boots and muttered with a pout, "They've always been kept here."
In the dining hall, Yan Xun was seated at the table eating. When he saw Chu Qiao enter in a huff, he slowly looked up, raised an eyebrow slightly, and said calmly, "Awake?"
Chu Qiao glanced at him but said nothing. She walked to the table and began eating, clattering her bowl and chopsticks noisily.
Yan Xun frowned slightly: She made a mistake, yet she dares to act so defiantly?
Just then, A Jing happened to enter the dining hall. He gave Chu Qiao a strange look, then leaned close to Yan Xun and whispered a few words. Yan Xun's expression turned somewhat odd upon hearing this, but he said nothing and continued eating.
After the meal, the dishes were cleared, and fresh flower tea was served. The servants withdrew. Yan Xun took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Crown Prince Li is fine. He was found by the Elite Cavalry Camp and returned to the palace even before we did."
Chu Qiao remained silent, lowering her head to focus on her tea.
"He reported your brave rescue to the emperor. The Tang Emperor was greatly pleased and sent many rewards. He also instructed you to continue recuperating and not return to your duties at Shangyi Ward for now."
"The assassins haven't been found yet. Zhenhuang City is in chaos, with everyone on edge. Even Princess Huai Song's carriage has been delayed from entering the city."At this point, Yan Xun slowly took a sip of tea, then suddenly smiled and said gently, "A Jing mentioned that the servants saw you muttering to yourself in my study for quite some time. What were you saying?"
"I'll say whatever I want. Why should I tell you?"
Yan Xun was taken aback—this was the first time he had heard Chu Qiao speak in such a tone. He chuckled softly and said, "A Chu, why are you acting like a child? This isn't like you."
"Then what should I be like?" Chu Qiao abruptly stood up, her tone icy as she retorted, "Always cautious and calculating at every step? Everyone makes mistakes, and I'm human too, Yan Xun. I've already apologized to you."
Yan Xun found himself both amused and exasperated. "A Chu, I didn't say anything about you, and besides, you haven't apologized to me."
Chu Qiao, feeling stifled and unreasonable, snapped, "Then I'll say it now, alright? Young Master Yan, I admit my mistake. I've troubled you. Now I'm going to dust myself off and leave. Let's part ways for good."
"Stop!" Yan Xun suddenly shouted coldly, stepping forward to block her path. His expression was stern as he said, "What exactly are you throwing a tantrum about, A Chu? You've never been like this, and you shouldn't be like this!"
Chu Qiao's heart ached, and the emotions she had suppressed all day surged to the surface. Her eyes reddened, but she stubbornly lifted her chin. "Just because I've never made a mistake, because I've never held you back—only this once, can't you forgive me?"
Yan Xun was momentarily stunned. Chu Qiao tilted her head up, her small face flushed, eyes red.
"For a whole day and night, I didn't know how to face you. I've been blaming myself too—why was I so careless? Why was I so soft-hearted and hesitant? I nearly ruined everything, nearly got you killed. I missed a golden opportunity and made a terrible mistake. Yan Xun, I know I was wrong. I should be helping you, but instead, I'm only causing trouble. Whenever I think about it, I feel so regretful I could bang my head against the wall. I don't know how to face you or how to face A Jing and the others. How could I make such a mistake?"
"A Chu, stop talking!"
"Many people died, and someone must suspect you. You've hidden so well all these years, yet I nearly ruined it all in an instant. I..."
"A Chu!" Yan Xun suddenly pulled her into an embrace, his expression grave, brows furrowed. Resting his chin on her head, he said in a low voice, "It's my fault. I should have come to see you sooner and not let you torment yourself with these thoughts."
Chu Qiao leaned into Yan Xun's embrace, feeling the warmth radiating from his shoulders. Her eyes were swollen, and she felt on the verge of tears.
"A Chu, I'm not blaming you. I'm not afraid of danger or suspicion—none of what you mentioned frightens me. I am angry, but only because you let yourself get hurt, because you put yourself in such a difficult situation, because you ventured into danger alone without discussing it with me first. A Chu, we've faced life and death together for years—how could I hold any resentment toward you? I'm only angry at my own inadequacy, my inability to protect you, to shield you from harm, and not being there for you when you needed me most.""I wasn't trying to tease you, nor was I angry with you. I couldn't sleep well all day—I was just feeling terrified afterward, thinking about what might have happened if I had arrived a moment later. What if those people had really killed you? What would I have done then? But I couldn't come up with an answer. I know that if something like that had really happened, I wouldn't have been able to control my emotions, and I can't imagine what I might have done in that situation. A Chu, you really scared me. When I saw those guns pointed at you, I truly wanted to kill someone."
Chu Qiao pressed her lips together, reached out, and wrapped her arms around the man's waist, her voice somewhat muffled. "I'm sorry for taking my anger out on you."
Yan Xun sighed. "I understand completely. You were just feeling guilty. It's my fault for not telling you sooner—no one was killed last night, only a few people were slightly injured. We retreated in time, and no one knew I had left the city. You don't need to worry."
Chu Qiao pulled away from Yan Xun's embrace, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed. It had been many years since she had acted like this, and her momentary loss of control just now had been rather inexplicable. Yan Xun was right—ever since the ambush, she had been filled with regret and guilt. She was afraid of dragging Yan Xun into this, afraid that he would leave the city to find her, afraid that the Great Alliance Society would be exposed. And yet, one by one, the very things she feared had come to pass. Her loss of control might simply have been because she couldn't face her own failure. In an environment like this, failure was equivalent to suicide. She could accept dying herself, but she couldn't bear to drag others down with her.
"Yan Xun, I'll be more careful from now on."
Yan Xun gave a helpless smile and wrapped his arm around her shoulder again. "Don't go anywhere. Just stay by my side, and wait for me to take you away from here."
Chu Qiao looked up into Yan Xun's eyes, momentarily dazed. The previous night's fierce battle had left her utterly exhausted. Now that she had set her worries aside, a heavy weariness washed over her. But no matter how tired she was, she couldn't rest—they still hadn't left this place. This heavily guarded imperial city was filled with hidden arrows and bombs, any of which could pierce through a person's heart at any moment. She could never allow herself to make such a foolish mistake again.
"Alright, let's make peace. Can we have a proper meal now?"
Chu Qiao was taken aback. "Didn't we just finish eating?"
"I finished eating, but you barely touched your food."
The wounds on Chu Qiao's body still ached, and she had little appetite. Shaking her head, she said, "I can't eat anymore. I'm done."
"Even if you can't eat, you must." Yan Xun ordered the servants to bring another table of dishes and sat beside her, watching her eat.
Chu Qiao felt uncomfortable under his gaze and frowned. "Don't you have anything else to do?"
Yan Xun smiled. "Everyone in the city is busy today, but I'm the only one with nothing to do. This morning, the Princess of Huai Song entered the city, and all the civil and military officials went to welcome her."
"The Princess of Huai Song, Nalan Hongye?" Chu Qiao murmured. "Have you met her?"
Yan Xun nodded. "Many years ago, I met her once."
"I've heard she's very formidable," Chu Qiao remarked softly, then fell silent.
Yan Xun picked up a piece of diced meat and placed it in her bowl. "Eat more. You're too thin."
The woman smiled slightly, her mood lifting, and she ate a few more bites.Just after finishing the meal, a sudden commotion arose outside. Chu Qiao frowned slightly as A Jing hurried in and reported, "Young Master, His Majesty has issued an edict summoning you to the front hall for a banquet."
Yan Xun raised an eyebrow: "The welcoming banquet?"
A Jing nodded: "Yes."
Yan Xun stood up and said, "A Chu, rest well. I'll return later."
"But no, His Majesty specifically requested the young lady to attend as well."
"Me?" Chu Qiao was startled, never expecting the emperor would personally summon her. One must understand how strict the hierarchy was in Daxia. Last time, if not for Li Ce's unreasonable pestering, she would never have had the chance to set foot in the front hall in her entire life.
"It must be because you saved the Crown Prince of Biantang. A Chu, are your injuries alright?"
Chu Qiao stood up and nodded: "No matter what, I must go. Let me return to change clothes first."
One incense stick's time later, Chu Qiao and Yan Xun boarded the carriage and slowly headed toward the front hall.
The heavy rain from two days ago had refreshed the Holy Gold Palace, with new willow buds sprouting tender green leaves. Chu Qiao wore palace attire—moon-white base with light blue crescent patterns—neither extravagant nor shabby, perfectly matching her status as a female official.
Yan Xun sat beside her and, noticing her slight unease, smiled softly and took her hand, saying gently, "I'm here with you, don't be afraid."
Chu Qiao smiled and was about to speak when the carriage suddenly jolted, causing her to fall into Yan Xun's arms.
Startled, Yan Xun quickly helped her up and asked anxiously, "Did it hurt your wounds?"
Chu Qiao shook her head. Yan Xun looked up and asked sternly, "What happened?"
A Jing's voice came from outside the carriage: "Young Master, it's the carriage of the Princess of Huai Song."
Yan Xun paused: "A Jing, make way."
The sound of hoofbeats gradually approached. Though Huai Song was not a powerful nation, it was prosperous and had always been an ally Daxia sought to win over. Its relationship with Daxia was even closer than that with Biantang, as evident from the size of the Princess of Huai Song's entourage.
Soon, the carriage caught up. Yan Xun's carriage pulled to the side of the road to give way. Unexpectedly, the Princess of Huai Song's carriage suddenly stopped, and an envoy stepped forward to say, "Our princess inquires if the carriage opposite belongs to the Heir of Yanbei?"
Just as A Jing was about to reply, Yan Xun lifted the curtain and addressed the envoy: "It is indeed I. I apologize for not coming to greet Her Highness the Princess."
"Young Master Yan need not stand on ceremony," a gentle voice slowly spoke. The curtain of the opposite carriage was lifted, revealing a woman with a veil covering her face beneath her crown, making her features indistinct. Her voice was as soft as water, quite different from the decisive and formidable reputation of the elder princess.
"Ten years have passed since we last met. I am deeply comforted to see you remain as graceful as ever, Young Master."
"After ten years apart, Your Highness still remembers me. I am truly flattered."
Nalan Hongye smiled faintly and said, "Anyone who has seen your noble face would find it hard to forget you, Young Master. Why be so modest?"
Yan Xun bowed respectfully: "Your Highness flatters me."
Nalan Hongye nodded and lowered the carriage curtain. An attendant stepped forward and said, "Our princess invites Young Master Yan's carriage to proceed first."
Yan Xun shook his head: "Guests from afar should be honored. How could I, Yan Xun, dare to go first when Her Highness the Princess holds such a dignified status?"After a while, the attendant came forward again and said, "Our princess expresses her gratitude to Young Master Yan and hopes to thank you in person when the opportunity arises."
With that, it took quite some time before the carriage slowly departed.
Chu Qiao remarked, "That Princess of Huai Song certainly knows how to be ceremonious."
Yan Xun shook his head. "The various schools of thought all originated from the land of Song. Huai Song has always been a state of propriety and rites, placing great emphasis on etiquette."
Chu Qiao disagreed. "I think she just regards you with special favor."
Yan Xun smiled without replying, merely instructing the carriage to continue forward while maintaining a certain distance from the one ahead.
Just then, sudden shouts erupted from behind. Both Chu Qiao and Yan Xun frowned simultaneously as sharp, hoarse cries pierced the air from behind: "Wait, carriage ahead!"
A Jing leaned in, his expression grim, and said slowly, "Your Highness, Miss, the Crown Prince is behind us."
Chu Qiao's brow furrowed tightly, and Yan Xun's face also darkened. Just as Chu Qiao was about to speak, Yan Xun pressed her shoulder firmly and said in a low voice, "Wait here for me. I'll go down and meet him."
I'm sorry for not updating for so long. I've been ill and was hospitalized a few days ago. Before that, I was constantly vomiting, and now my eyes are having problems too. Currently, I can't access the internet, so these updates are written on paper and then typed up by someone else. Actually, I finished writing a long time ago, but I just couldn't find anyone to type it for me. My apologies to everyone.
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