Chapter 027

Chapter 27

In Yu Xi's memory, Song Mingxuan was still a twelve-year-old boy, gentle and courteous, bowing respectfully to her with a calm expression and addressing her as Imperial Sister. Back then, she didn't feel much towards him, neither warmly nor coldly.

Back then, she was young and indifferent to the throne and the position of crown prince. No one had discussed it with her, so she always thought that whoever sat on the dragon throne wouldn't affect her. Now, she realized that wasn't the case.

Siblings turning against each other was all too common in the royal family.

Looking at this unfamiliar person before her, Yu Xi felt a deep sense of melancholy, almost pity. But that pity vanished instantly when she met his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Song Mingxuan wanted her dead, and his face showed no sign of leniency. If not for Fu Anyian, she would likely be lying on the ground now, a victim of his blade.

Swallowing hard, Yu Xi's sweaty palms felt sticky and uncomfortable. Soon, she regained her composure and looked at Song Mingxuan with a composed expression.

"Imperial Brother, what is the meaning of this? It has been a long time since we last saw each other. Shouldn't we catch up properly?"

She remained standing behind Fu Anyian, feeling safer with him in front. With a bright gaze sweeping around, she concealed her thoughts, "Perhaps we should change our location."

Yu Xi intended to find an opportunity to escape by changing locations.

Yet, Song Mingxuan saw through her thoughts with a single glance. A chill ran through his gaze as he chuckled, "I've heard that the Princess Royal has lost her memory. It seems it's true."

Song Mingxuan approached them step by step. Fu Anyian stood firm like a mountain, while she retreated slightly.

Yuxi cursed him inwardly. Wasn't her amnesia his doing? Now, he acted as if he knew nothing – truly cunning.

"Lord Fu is indeed loyal to my Imperial Sister, always defending her," Song Mingxuan said with a mocking tone. "You're even willing to risk your life for her."

Upon hearing this, Yuxi lifted her head to glance at Fu Anyian. Her bright eyes held a hint of delight due to Song Mingxuan's words. This meant Fu Anyian would never betray her.

Yuxi composed herself and touched the back of her head. "I did forget something." Lowering her hand, she could almost feel the piercing pain from the back of her head spreading to her chest, causing her to gasp for air.

Forcing a smile, Yuxi poked Fu Anyian's back. "How has my Imperial Brother been lately? It's been a while since we last met, and I've missed you greatly."

At this, Song Mingxuan scoffed mockingly. His sarcastic laughter echoed in the wind, grating on the ears.

"My Imperial Sister truly forgot, huh? That's great. Didn't you say you wanted to reminisce about old times? Well, come then. Let's go over there and have a good catch-up session."

His voice dragged out, the last sentence carrying an underlying meaning.

Yu Xi shuddered, a chill running down her spine. She grabbed the back of Fu Anyian's robe and took two steps forward.

Fu Anyian turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as a hint of calculation flashed across them. He remained still, watching her approach. He shifted his toes subtly, a movement barely noticeable to the others across from them.

Yu Xi indeed walked towards Song Mingxuan, her pace slow and hesitant, each step feeling like it was on the edge of a blade. She didn't want to set foot forward, but with Song Mingxuan's gaze fixed on her, she couldn't escape.

After a few steps, Song Mingxuan's eyes widened in surprise to see her actually daring to come closer. His hand hanging by his side relaxed slightly, and he turned his body slightly, signaling the black-clad men with a glance. They understood, moving aside to clear a path for her.

Yu Xi watched his every move without blinking. Seeing him shift his body, she let her guard down. In that instant, she spun around and dashed in the opposite direction.

Fu Anyian narrowed his eyes, reacting swiftly. He seized her hand and ran swiftly. Despite being accustomed to a life of luxury and her feet usually aching after walking for long, when it came to a matter of life and death, Yu Xi ran with great speed.

She held up her skirt with one hand and gripped his tightly with the other, panting heavily but not daring to pause. Her lips parted, her cheeks slightly flushed, as the trees rushed past her. She could hear Song Mingxuan's pursuit closing in.

Fu Anyian, unfazed, ran effortlessly, not showing any sign of fatigue. He was more concerned about whether she could keep up.

"Don't look back," he whispered. Suddenly, an arrow pierced through his arm, tearing his clothing and grazing his wound, instantly making the injured limb bleed more profusely, deepening the cut.

Yu Xi's eyes widened in concern as she gazed at his hand. However, Fu Anniang seemed unfazed and tightened his grip on her hand. "Don't worry about it. Let's go."

Behind them, Song Mingxuan chuckled. "Empress Elder Sister is indeed as cunning as ever."

The black-clad men relentlessly pursued them, determined not to give up until they captured them.

At first, Yu Xi ran swiftly and vigorously. However, the pursuers were too close, and soon, she began to tire, gradually slowing down her pace.

"Sir... Fu, I... can't run anymore."

She panted heavily, struggling to form coherent words.

Fu Anniang glanced at her. Just as they paused, their adversaries caught up, surrounding them, leaving no chance of escape.

Bent over, gasping for air, Yu Xi cautiously withdrew her hand. Scanning her surroundings, she spotted the approaching Song Mingxuan, who wore a sinister grin, his gaze even more malevolent than before.

"Empress Elder Sister, why have you stopped running? Oh, I see, you've grown weary," he taunted, reveling in his triumph.

Yu Xi frowned, glaring at him. She wondered how they had ended up in this dire situation.

Her eyelashes fluttered, and her gaze shifted, landing on Fu Anyian. "Sir Fu, we can't escape."

"Frightened?"

Fu Anyian was smiling, no different from his usual self, appearing relaxed. In contrast, Yu Xi was nervous and fearful.

"I'm not," she insisted, though her heart was pounding wildly.

Fu Anyian didn't expose her lie. Raising his head, his expression changed abruptly, his gaze sharp and piercing as he drew his sword.

He pulled her back behind him, the cold glint of the blade flashing before her eyes. Yu Xi focused intently, instinctively stepping back.

Hiding behind a tree, she watched the entangled figures with great concern. Two of them could handle it, but now with five assailants, she wondered about Song Mingxuan's martial arts skills, as he had yet to join the fight.

As this thought crossed her mind, Yu Xi glanced over and saw Song Mingxuan drawing his bow, aiming at Fu Anyian.

She was aghast and quickly stepped out from behind the tree, yelling to Fu Anyian, "Fu Anyian, watch your back!"

The clashing of swords echoed loudly. The battling men momentarily froze, casting sidelong glances at Song Mingxuan. To their surprise, he had aimed his arrow at them. Just as they were about to dodge, they noticed the enigmatic smile on Song Mingxuan's face.

In a swift turn, he didn't aim at himself but her instead.

Yu Xi was taken aback by Song Mingxuan's deliberate action. Her mind went blank as she stood frozen, at a loss for what to do. She watched the arrow head straight for her, too terrified to react.

She gasped, her pupils dilating. Just as the arrow was about to pierce her by a foot, Fu Anyian dashed over and intercepted it with his outstretched hand.

It was the same injured arm, now wounded even more severely.

"Lord Fu," she called out anxiously, her heart aching.

Fu Anyian lowered his gaze to look at it. His brows furrowed slightly as he felt the pain, gritting his teeth to endure it. The glare he cast at Song Mingxuan grew more intense.

"Why bother, Lord Fu?" Song Mingxuan jeered.

Fu Anyian pressed his lips together, his jaw tense as he teetered on the edge of fury. He tightened his grip on his sword, preparing to strike, when sounds of movement nearby caught his attention. It seemed someone was approaching.

Friend or foe? He couldn't tell at the moment.

Two of the five black-clad men were down, leaving the remaining three who promptly approached Song Mingxuan and whispered, "Master, they don't seem to be on our side."

If they weren't on her side, then they were here to rescue the princess.

Song Mingxuan gritted his teeth in hatred and once again drew his bow, only to be stopped by someone at his side. "Your Highness, one must preserve their life to seek revenge another day. If you're captured today, how will you avenge your mother?"

Upon reflection, he realized that his captor would surely kill him if caught. But if he let her go...

After weighing the pros and cons, Song Mingxuan reluctantly decided to retreat. "Let's go."

This grudge would be settled another day.

Yu Xi and Fu Anyian exchanged glances, puzzled as to why their attackers had suddenly left. It all became clear when the guards searching for them rushed over.

They had fled the scene sensing danger.

Relieved, Yu Xi also realized another matter: if she let him go now, he would become a major threat in the future. She needed to deal with him sooner rather than later.

"The Princess Royal, Lord Fu, this subordinate is late. Please forgive me." The leader of the imperial guards had arrived.

Yu Xi turned to look at him, her voice stern. "Capture them, and there will be great rewards."

The commander of the imperial guards took a glance and responded, "Pursue them."

Fu Anyian remained silent, his gaze dark as he looked at her. Just now, for a fleeting moment, he seemed to have seen the old Yu Xi, fierce and resolute. The man lowered his head, covering his wound, still silent.

Yu Xi's smile was faint as she asked the commander, "Do you know who just ran away?"

The commander glanced at Fu Anyian with a complicated expression, then shook his head. "They were assassins. Please rest assured, Princess, I will surely bring them to justice."

He looked at Yu Xi again and said tentatively: "If the thief resists tenaciously, my subordinates will have no choice but to... kill him."

"This person has attempted to assassinate me multiple times. There can be no mercy. You did right."

Upon finishing, Yu Xi's smile froze. She had never imagined that she would have such a ruthless moment. Just now, after speaking, she was momentarily dazed, unable to believe she could say such words. But then, she realized it was only natural.

Since Song Mingxuan was "dead," he should not appear before others. If the court officials found out...

Yes, no one could know that he was still alive.

With her sleeves clasped in hand, her eyelashes fluttered, and a myriad of emotions swirled within her, unsure of what to say.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Fu Anyian gasped and chuckled, "Your Highness the Princess, considering my injuries, shouldn't you be sending me a few bottles of premium medicine?"

Yu Xi regained her composure, smiling as she usually did, carefree and indifferent. But Fu Anyian noticed that something had changed.

"That's only natural. Lord Fu is valiant, unparalleled by others. I'll reward you handsomely when we return."

What kind of reward could she possibly offer? Fu Anyian was not lacking in gold, silver, or jewels. So, what did he lack?

She needed to give it some serious thought.

But before that, she had to go back and seek clarification from Song Mingyin about Song Mingxuan.

"Your Highness, why are you standing there? Are you reluctant to leave?"

Having survived the peril, Fu Anyian found the humor to jest. Alas, his mood was a stark contrast to hers.

"Of course, I'm going back. It's disgustingly dirty here."

Fu Anyian chuckled softly, casually brushing over her body. "You're not much cleaner yourself."

"You're no better either."