Chapter 156: You Excel in Words, I Excel in Blades

Chapter 156: You Excel in Words, I Excel in Blades

The situation escalated when the fugitive label was mentioned. Beitang Miao's protective stance over the person behind him grew more resolute, and his aura turned stern.

"Your Highness?" he asked softly, turning his head.

Chang Nian nodded slightly, gasping for breath as she whispered, "They have the numbers. We shouldn't provoke them now. Buy time and call for reinforcements."

Beitang Miao's eyes gleamed with delight, but they were still in danger. He couldn't indulge in small talk and instead faced Lin Mao, saying firmly, "This is an old acquaintance of mine, not a fugitive. Commander, you must have mistaken your target."

Lin Mao replied, "I've been chasing her all the way here; there can't be any mistake. She's the concubine of a Duke who fled the mansion. It's only right to apprehend her."

Chang Nian was dressed in women's attire, so it wouldn't be appropriate to reveal her identity as the Seventh Prince in public. But if she didn't clarify, how could they prevent a conflict while retaining the person?

Just as Beitang Miao was in a dilemma, Mu Shufang stepped forward, her dress billowing, exuding an imposing presence.

"When did the Duke's Mansion start engaging in kidnapping civilians?" she scoffed. "This young lady is clearly a sister from the Beitang Mansion. I've met her before. How can you insist she's the Duke's concubine? If she were truly taken as one, wouldn't the Beitang Mansion know about it?"

Lin Mao was taken aback, then frowned. "Miss Mu, don't utter nonsense."

"You say I'm speaking nonsense? Fine, let's ask this lady!" Mu Shufang's voice rang clear and loud. "Madam, are you the concubine of the Duke of State?"

Chang Nian secretly chuckled and shook her head innocently. "I am not."

"Did you hear that?" Mu Shufang continued. "Either you have apprehended the wrong person, or the Duke is willing to sacrifice his reputation to forcefully abduct women from the Bei Tang family. If it's the former, you can just leave, and we'll pretend nothing happened. But if it's the latter..."

Mu Shufang gave Lin Mao a forced smile. "The Bei Tang family might be forced to send soldiers to the Duke's residence."

When it came to taking action, one needed a legitimate reason. If they provided that reason themselves, then enduring some hardship today would be worth it.

Lin Mao's expression was grim. He knew that the Seventh Prince couldn't be allowed to escape, but with Mu Shufang speaking up like this and the Duke not present, he didn't know whether to advance or retreat.

"Sigh, it seems our Duke has been living in seclusion lately, not even bothering to care that the Crown Prince is about to lay siege. Despite countless entreaties from the court, he refuses to come defend the city," Mu Shufang said with a regretful shake of her head. Then she smiled again. "Well then, Commander Lin, why not give us a way out? Let's cause a commotion right here at the Beitang Mansion's gate. Once the Duke owes someone a favor, he'll have no choice but to come out of retirement."

"After the matter is resolved, this palace will bring a generous gift as thanks, Commander Lin."

Her words were delivered with conviction, fueling Lin Mao's suspicions even more. After much thought, he realized he lacked the wits to handle the situation and decided to send someone back to ask the Duke for guidance.

However, Beitang Miao wasn't about to give him that much time. An hour later, the Patrol Unit arrived with their troops, a sea of soldiers whose spears pointed skyward like hedgehog quills, an intimidating sight.

For several incense sticks' worth of time, the two parties stood in tense confrontation. Lin Mao's expression turned ashen, his eyes darted, and he waved his hand forward.

Seeing the situation take a dangerous turn, Mu Shufang immediately turned around and pulled both Chang Nian and Beitang Miao back towards their residence.

Beitang Miao gave a faint smile, pushing Chang Nian into her arms. "You excel in words, while I specialize in blades."

Mu Shufang was taken aback but quickly steadied Chang Nian. She watched as Beitang Miao drew his sword, standing protectively in front of them. His silhouette was outlined by the warm glow of the setting sun, a sight that was both comforting and stirring.

Assured of their safety, Chang Nian's legs gave way, and she knelt on the ground.

"Your Highness?" Mu Shufang was startled, quickly bending down to check on her.

"I'm fine," Chang Nian panted softly, smiling. "I played my part too well today; I'm genuinely exhausted."

As Mu Shufang kept an eye on the outside, she asked, "How did you escape on your own? General Beitang is currently exerting himself to devise a rescue plan for you."

"I lied," Chang Nian whispered, her eyes rolling mischievously, a mix of seeking praise and still recovering from the scare. "Ye Jiangbai thought I was having a miscarriage."

Mu Shufang stared at her with wide eyes.

Chang Nian chuckled softly, holding her hand with fingers that were icy cold. "Brave, aren't you? If anyone can deceive Ye Jiangbai, I'd be the first in the Great Zhou. You didn't see it, but he really was fooled by me; he didn't even notice that the blood I shed was unusual. While he went to prepare medicine, I climbed out the window and went to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, asking my brother to cover for me."

Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, trembling as she added in a low voice, "He's foolish. Even if we've shared a bed, after each encounter, I always take contraceptive potions. How could I possibly be pregnant? Such a clever person, yet he can be so dense sometimes."

Her words came faster and faster, as though she couldn't stop herself from speaking. Mu Shufang frowned and gazed at her for a moment before reaching out to embrace her.

The chattering Chang Nian suddenly fell silent.

"Good that you're back. There's no need to be afraid anymore," Mu Shufang said gently, patting her back. "You don't have to be scared anymore."

Her vision blurred, and Chang Nian bit her lip before returning the hug.

"I thought I was really going to die in the Duke of Guo's residence," she whispered. "But I didn't. Since I'm alive, I can't just stand by and watch him and the Crown Prince topple the kingdom."

The commotion outside didn't last long. When Beitang Miao returned with his sword, the sky was still bright. He glanced at the two kneeling on the ground, handed the weapon to a servant, then strode over and helped Chang Nian up.

"Change your clothes and have dinner."

Mu Shufang got up too, tugging at his other sleeve reproachfully and whispering, "Your Highness is still trembling in fear. Not only did you not comfort her, but you're also being so stern. At least show some empathy; women are most vulnerable and susceptible to softening their hearts at times like these."

Beitang Miao shot her a glance but remained silent.

Mu Shufang was frustrated by his stubbornness. "I'm trying to help you, yet you won't listen!"

The wooden-headed fool still ignored her until they stood outside the room, waiting for Chang Nian to be handed over to Aunt Zheng. Then, he finally spoke in a low voice.

"I can't comfort you."

"What?" Mu Shufang raised an eyebrow.

Beitang Miao tilted his head slightly, revealing a hint of stubble on his jaw. The sharpness he displayed during their confrontation had faded, replaced by a vulnerability. He looked at her earnestly and said, "I'm also afraid afterwards."

He was even more terrified than she was, so he couldn't possibly console her.

Mu Shufang paused and lifted her gaze to meet his. A mix of indescribable emotions welled up inside her.

Beitang Miao truly cared for Prince Seventh. Despite being such a resolute individual, when it came to someone else, he was cautious and fraught with anxiety.

It was somewhat endearing, yet also tugged at one's heartstrings.

Lowering her gaze, Mu Shufang said, "It's good that she's back. I'll go check on the evening meal."

Beitang Miao nodded, his gaze lingering on the tightly closed door behind him, shimmering with intensity.

Feeling as if she had survived a calamity, Chang Nian remained in the bathtub until her skin wrinkled before finally rising. She changed into the male attire that Aunt Zheng had prepared for her.

She felt more secure in this outfit.

After tightening her chest binder and arranging her hair into a masculine bun, Chang Nian looked up again. The person reflected in the mirror now had a resolute and sharp gaze.