Chapter 37 (Second Installment)

Chapter 37 (Second Installment)

◎Don't touch her, hand her over to me.◎

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback.

Luo Wanqing seemed startled by his words, shivering slightly as she clung tightly to Zhang Yiran's clothing.

Zhang Yiran sensed her distress and promptly reassured her in a gentle voice, "Miss, don't be afraid. His Highness is scolding the villains."

Only then did Li Guiyu fully comprehend the situation.

The person before him bore an uncanny resemblance to Luo Wanqing, but upon closer inspection, there were subtle differences. Luo Wanqing had almond-shaped eyes, exuding grace and poise befitting a young lady of noble birth. In contrast, the woman before him had narrower eyes that carried a hint of frost when cast down, giving off a cold and aloof demeanor. Moreover, her timid and fearful expression, along with her hunched posture, suggested a humble background.

Nonetheless, this face was too similar to Luo Wanqing's, and seeing her cower beside Zhang Yiran, Li Guiyu couldn't help but feel a surge of uncontrollable anger.

Zhang Bo, standing nearby, also froze at the sight of Luo Wanqing's face. He knew Li Guiyu's temper all too well and promptly turned back, warning Li Guiyu, "Your Highness, something seems amiss."

Li Guiyu remained silent. He brushed aside Zhang Bo, who was attempting to block his way, and descended from the carriage. Scanning the crowd, whose attention he had captured, he approached Luo Wanqing.

As he drew near, Luo Wanqing involuntarily retreated towards Zhang Yiran.

Li Guiyu paused in his movement.

He lifted his gaze, fixing a cold stare on Luo Wanqing.

Startled, Luo Wanqing looked up at Zhang Yiran, her voice trembling as she sought help: "Your Excellency..."

"Don't be afraid," Zhang Yiran sensed Li Guiyu's unusual demeanor. The woman before him seemed to regard him as her only source of comfort, which made him feel somewhat awkward. However, considering that she had just been kidnapped and rescued by him, it was natural for her to cling to him for safety. He reassured her softly, "This is Prince Third. He's a good man, he won't harm you."

Speaking thus, Zhang Yiran lifted his head to address the crowd sternly, "Don't you all hurry to leave? Must you wait to be bound and presented to the authorities before realizing the gravity of the situation?"

Silence ensued as both parties locked eyes. Zhang Yiran tensed up, gripping Luo Wanqing's arm tightly, shielding her fiercely.

The kidnappers, knives in hand, lifted their heads to fix their gaze on Li Guiyu.

Understanding that they were awaiting his cue, Li Guiyu shifted his eyes from Luo Wanqing, pointing at the elderly lady standing on the carriage. He spoke gently, "I have no intention of causing trouble. These two are my guests; you should return home."

Upon hearing this, the old woman understood Li Guiyu's intention. She glanced resentfully at the corpse on the ground, gritted her teeth, and bowed respectfully. "We didn't realize it was Your Highness's carriage. We disturbed you, but this old servant will take our leave immediately. We hope Your Highness will pardon us for the sake of that person."

"I won't hold it against you if that person doesn't."

Li Guiyu maintained a calm expression. "No need to see me off."

Hearing this, the old woman hastily called her people and turned to leave.

Luo Wanqing quickly interjected, "There's still someone in the carriage."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yiran immediately bellowed, "Leave the carriage behind!"

The old woman turned back, glaring fiercely at Zhang Yiran before casting a glance at Li Guiyu. She gritted her teeth, ordered her people to leave the carriage, and then turned to depart.

Once the carriage had been sent away, Zhang Yiran heaved a sigh of relief. He swiftly turned to Luo Wanqing, examining her from head to toe. "Miss, are you alright?"

Luo Wanqing nodded, appearing deeply shaken. In a hoarse voice, she said, "Thank you, young master, for saving my life. I can never repay such a great debt. This little girl..."

"Miss," Li Guiyu interrupted her as he listened, causing both Luo Wanqing and Zhang Yiran to lift their heads. They saw Li Guiyu standing aside with a gentle smile. "Are you well?"

Upon hearing Li Guiyu's voice, Zhang Yiran was reminded and promptly corrected Luo Wanqing, saying, "My lady, you have thanked the wrong person. It was not I who saved you tonight. Had it been just me, I fear we both might have met our end here." As he spoke, Zhang Yiran turned to look at Li Guiyu and proceeded to introduce him, "You should be thanking His Highness instead."

Luo Wanqing turned her gaze, her eyes brimming with tears, shimmering with a bloody glow. The slightly uplifted corners of her eyes inadvertently exuded a subtle allure. She appraised Li Guiyu for a moment before gently lowering her head and saying respectfully, "Thank you, Your Highness."

"You can't repay him for his gratitude," Li Guiyu said with a hint of jest, his voice cool. "And thanking me is that simple?"

Luo Wanqing froze, and Zhang Yiran, not paying much attention to the others, said only to her, "Are there any more people? I'll go check."

"And there's more." Luo Wanqing seemed hesitant to meet Li Guiyu's gaze, so she quickly averted her eyes and hurriedly addressed Zhang Yiran, "Please, Your Excellency, this way."

Speaking, Luo Wanqing tugged on Zhang Yiran's sleeve, leading him towards the carriage. Li Guiyu observed them coolly, following closely behind.

Zhang Yiran opened the carriage door and, upon seeing the unconscious passengers inside, he frowned in disapproval. "How could you do such a thing? Miss," he turned to Luo Wanqing, "would you accompany me to report this to the authorities?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing revealed a hesitant expression. "Your Excellency, my mother is ill, and I was on my way to the Eastern Capital to fetch medicine for her. I'm deeply concerned about her well-being and can't afford to wait any longer."

The mention of his mother stirred memories of his own in Zhang Yiran. He quickly responded, "Then you should return home first. But it's the middle of the night..."

"Perhaps we could do this," Luo Wanqing looked at Zhang Yiran with anticipation, suggesting promptly, "Your Highness could go report to the authorities while you escort me back home, sir?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was taken aback. Zhang Yiran lifted his gaze to look at Li Guiyu, who was standing beside him. Seeing Zhang Yiran's eyes on him, Li Guiyu smiled warmly, "Lord Zhang, that's as far as my authority extends."

Zhang Yiran understood Li Guiyu's implication. There must be someone backing these human traffickers. Li Guiyu had already done them a great favor by saving them. As a newly returned prince, it was natural for him not to want to offend others.

"Well then..."

Zhang Yiran glanced at Luo Wanqing beside him and, after some thought, hesitantly asked, "Your Highness, could you perhaps send someone to escort this young lady home? She has a seriously ill mother at home, and we can't afford any delay. I wouldn't feel at ease leaving her alone in the middle of the night."

"Your Highness," Zhang Bo, who was standing nearby, hurriedly stepped forward, attempting to remind him, "Your Highness, you're still in a hurry to return to the palace."

Li Guiyu remained silent, silently observing Luo Wanqing.

He knew that at this hour of the night, the appearance of a woman so strikingly similar to her was likely part of a scheme.

Yet, for some reason, he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from her face or the hand she was holding onto the corner of Zhang Yiran's robe. His heart was filled with restless anxiety, wishing he could cut off that hand.

How dare she?

How dare she use that face to touch another man?

Li Guiyu restrained his gaze from Luo Wanqing and turned to Zhang Yiran with a gentle smile. "It's just a small matter. Go report it to the authorities. I'll personally see this young lady home."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised.

She hadn't expected Li Guiyu to agree so easily. It was clear that this was a trap, yet Li Guiyu had fallen for it?

Zhang Bo beside them also sensed something amiss and quickly interjected, "Your Highness..."

"Escort Lord Zhang back with your men."

Li Guiyu raised his hand, silencing Zhang Bo. Under the older man's astonished gaze, he calmly instructed, "Wait for me at the East Palace gate."

Zhang Bo was taken aback but then seemed to understand something. He respectfully acknowledged, "Yes, Your Highness."

After attending to everything, Li Guiyu turned to a servant and requested a lantern. He looked at Luo Wanqing and asked, "Miss, where is your home? I'll escort you there."

Luo Wanqing hesitantly glanced at Zhang Yiran. Li Guiyu, unable to tolerate her gaze, chuckled and said, "Miss, it's me who's seeing you home, so perhaps you shouldn't be looking at Lord Zhang anymore?"

"Your Highness speaks the truth," Zhang Yiran concurred, promptly reassuring Luo Wanqing. "Miss, it'll be fine if you accompany His Highness."

Despite not fully understanding Li Guiyu's intentions during their journey, it was clear to Zhang Yiran that he was a man with aspirations for the court. Such an ambitious person would not risk sullying his reputation with a woman.

Zhang Yiran glanced at Li Guiyu discreetly before continuing, "Where do you reside, Miss? I'll visit you again tomorrow."

His promise to return would serve as a safeguard for Luo Wanqing's safety.

Should anything happen to Luo Wanqing due to Li Guiyu's actions, Zhang Yiran would not hesitate to seek justice.

This unspoken warning was not lost on Luo Wanqing, who couldn't help but express her gratitude in her eyes. She replied warmly, "I live at the foot of Liujiacun Mountain, where only my family remains."

"Very well, I'll come by tomorrow."

Zhang Yiran agreed.

Li Guiyu chuckled softly and reassured, "Lord Zhang, rest assured, I will ensure Miss's safe delivery."

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran felt somewhat relieved and respectfully responded, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your understanding."

With that, Zhang Yiran bid farewell to the two and led his entourage as they mounted the carriage, ready to depart.

Li Guiyu took a lantern from a guard's hand and turned to Luo Wanqing with a gentle expression. "Miss, shall we go?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing bowed slightly to Li Guiyu before guiding him on their path.

Li Guiyu stepped forward with the lantern, leading her into the woods. Luo Wanqing followed closely behind, walking alongside him.

The forest was overgrown with weeds. Li Guiyu broke off a branch and walked ahead, clearing the way for Luo Wanqing. As he walked, he asked, "What is your name, Miss?"

"Qing Qing."

Luo Wanqing gazed at his back and, involuntarily, she caressed the Thousand Mechanisms in her hand.

She knew she couldn't kill him.

Since arriving in the Eastern Capital and studying under the Inspectorate, she had deliberately learned more about him.

Li Guiyu had been a prodigious swordsman since childhood, inheriting the mantle of the Sword Sage. Before his diplomatic mission to the Northern Rong, he was already a renowned master in the martial world.

Back then, confined in her boudoir, she was unaware of his depth. But now, having taken up martial arts, she understood that merely surviving under Li Guiyu's hands would be a remarkable feat, let alone attempting a direct ambush – she had no chance of victory.

Moreover, as an imperial prince, should she kill him, her own life would surely be forfeit.

Her family was still in the clutches of Xiangsi, so she couldn't afford to act recklessly.

Yet, gazing at his departing figure, memories flooded her mind, gnawing at her, igniting her blood with a fierce desire. She yearned to rush forward, plunging the dagger he'd given her into his flesh, making him beg, forcing an apology from him, compelling him to kneel before her father's grave, seeking forgiveness.

Her killing intent was barely contained. She dared not look any longer, instead focusing on the ground beneath her feet.

Fortunately, Li Guiyu was facing away, seemingly oblivious. He spoke warmly, "Qing Qing? It's a lovely name, reminiscent of an old acquaintance."

"An old acquaintance?"

Luo Wanqing lowered her gaze, modulating her tone to sound like an ordinary peasant girl, curiosity lacing her words, "Do I share a name with someone from His Highness's past?"

"Not just the name," Li Guiyu chuckled softly, his voice deliberate, "Your appearance, your voice, your posture – all of them bear an uncanny resemblance. How much effort must have been invested to groom someone like you?"

These words sent a chill down Luo Wanqing's spine, suggesting that Li Guiyu might have recognized her true identity.

No wonder, given Li Guiyu's suspicious nature. The sudden appearance of a woman so similar to Luo Wanqing would spark doubt in anyone.

Unperturbed, she feigned confusion, asking, "Your Highness, what are you talking about?"

"But you're still not her," Li Guiyu continued, walking along the path Luo Wanqing had indicated, seemingly lost in thought. "She was very obedient. She wouldn't speak to other men like this or tug on their sleeves."

Upon hearing "tug on sleeves," Luo Wanqing's heart skipped a beat.

Suddenly, she understood what Li Guiyu was alluding to.

This was several years back, when she had just come of age, and Li Guiyu wasn't yet the enigma he later became.

Back then, an old childhood friend had visited her. He mentioned how she used to hold onto his sleeve when they were young and asked her to do it again as a joke. She playfully tugged, and Jiang Shaoyan, who followed behind, saw it but didn't comment. The next day, he no longer wore wide-sleeved clothes and didn't initiate conversation with her.

At first, she didn't notice anything unusual. But when she did, she asked him, bewildered, why he was ignoring her. With a cold expression, he replied, "I am Miss's guard. I follow Miss's orders and carry out tasks. There is no such thing as paying attention or not."

As he turned to leave, Luo Wanqing panicked and reached out to grab him. Her hand landed on his, and Jiang Shaoyan looked up in surprise. Luo Wanqing, having caught hold of him, blushed and didn't let go.

Jiang Shaoyan's face flushed at her touch. Wanting to pull his hand away but wary of hurting her, he gritted his teeth, his face still red, and said, "Let go!"

"Not letting go." Luo Wanqing, noticing they were alone, pressed her lips together and said, "I'll only let go when you're no longer angry."

With Luo Wanqing holding onto him, Jiang Shaoyan found himself stuck between anger and calmness. After much struggle, he finally managed to mutter, "Then you can only hold onto my sleeve."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback by his words but soon understood the reason behind them.

A hint of joy welled up in her heart, but she didn't want to show it, so she softly replied, "Alright."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shaoyan's expression softened. He watched as the girl lifted her head, looking at him with a blend of tenderness and bashfulness. He smiled and said, "In the future, I'll be the only one you hold onto."

That was Jiang Shaoyan.

Young Jiang Shaoyan seemed like an entirely different person from Li Guiyu.

Recalling those past memories, Luo Wanqing found it somewhat ironic. She pretended not to know anything, lowering her gaze to conceal her cold expression, and asked, "This old friend must have had deep feelings for Your Highness, right?"

Li Guiyu's tone softened as he softly answered, "Mm-hmm."

"Then where is this young lady now?" Luo Wanqing pressed on with her questioning, causing Li Guiyu to pause in his steps.

The two stood at the edge of the dense forest, not far from the cabin where Xie Heng had prepared his ambush. Luo Wanqing stepped forward and stood side by side with Li Guiyu. She turned her head, her expression gentle yet haunting, as if she were a malevolent spirit risen from the depths of hell, asking, "Such a wonderful person, His Highness will surely cherish her, won't you?"

Li Guiyu was speechless. He held the lantern, staring at the woman before him in bewilderment.

She looked too much like her.

His breathing quickened.

The woman before him had shed her earlier timid demeanor. With her bright eyes lifted to meet his, she asked softly, "Why isn't His Highness saying anything?"

Li Guiyu dared not speak. It felt like he was dreaming, and he feared that his voice would shatter the illusion if he opened his mouth.

How could she be here?

How could she still be smiling and talking to him like this?

She was dead; her memorial tablet still resided in his mansion. If she were alive and had returned, how could she possibly stand before him so gently, smiling and conversing with him?

It had to be an illusion.

A liar.

Rationality urged him to restrain his emotions, forcing him to swallow the words "Miss" that were on the tip of his tongue.

He fixated on Luo Wanqing and croaked, "She's gone."

"Gone?" Regret flickered in Luo Wanqing's eyes. "What a pity that such a devoted maiden to His Highness has passed away. But Your Highness, don't worry. Even though this maiden is gone, there are still many others around you who care."

No, there weren't.

Li Guiyu was utterly alone.

"They will be just like this Miss, caring for and loving His Highness," she continued.

Li Guiyu's breaths grew rapid.

Her words seemed to taunt and curse him.

No one else would ever treat Li Guiyu the way she did.

His mother despised him, his father, with many sons, paid him no heed, and his siblings treated him as an adversary. Everyone around him had their own agendas.

There would never be another person who would love him wholeheartedly without questioning his background or origins.

"Luo Wanqing smiled, her sincere eyes filled with anticipation, as if her words were both a blessing and a curse, "Your Highness will surely not end up hating fruitlessly, longing in vain, isolated, or living a life of agony."

These words struck him deeply, causing his pupils to constrict. In a fit of rage, he lunged at her, reaching for her throat!

Perceiving Li Guiyu's attack, Luo Wanqing's expression turned grim. She raised her hand to block his move, simultaneously pulling back the Thousand Mechanism Beaded Curtain, from which hundreds of pear blossom needles flew out swiftly!

Li Guiyu's long sword flashed like a shadow, swiftly entwining in the air and aiming straight for Luo Wanqing's face.

Luo Wanqing used her Thousand Machine Bead Chain to ensnare the tip of the sword and retreated with speed. Her long hair danced in the wind, revealing her cold and resolute countenance.

Under the moonlight, that woman as beautiful as glass glowed with an icy demeanor, like a sword freshly unsheathed, illuminating the surroundings with a radiant glow.

Li Guiyu's sword energy reverberated powerfully. Luo Wanqing discarded the beads, drawing out her waist chain from her hip. With a burst of inner strength, the chain transformed into a flexible sword, coiling around Li Guiyu's weapon like a nimble serpent, then striking back, counterattacking instead of defending.

After only a brief exchange of moves, Luo Wanqing felt the strain. Just as she was about to grit her teeth and launch a fierce attack, a gentle call echoed nearby, "Xiniang."

In the meantime, a pebble shot straight towards Li Guiyu!

The pebble struck Li Guiyu's face almost simultaneously with the sound of its flight. He retreated a yard and deftly caught the stone. Luo Wanqing, at the same time, tapped her toe and retreated to where the sound originated.

As Li Guiyu evaded the pebble and the chess match ended, he noticed for the first time a young man standing beneath a tree not far away.

He wore a white robe adorned with black cranes and a half-fastened jade hairpin. His slender, fair wrists bore a string of beads identical to those Luo Wanqing had just worn, and his expression was aloof.

People emerged from the surroundings. Luo Wanqing knelt on one knee and respectfully called out, "Milord, the person has arrived."

With that said, Luo Wanqing rose and stepped back behind Xie Heng.

Xie Heng's gaze followed her, landing on the wound inflicted by Li Guiyu's sword aura on her neck.

The wound was on her neck, and crimson blood trickled down her porcelain-white, jade-like throat. Xie Heng's eyes darkened slightly. After a moment of hesitation, he eventually placed his hand on his sleeve, raising it as if to touch her injury. In that instant, Li Guiyu suddenly raised his voice, "Don't you want Bai Li?"

Everyone paused, and Xie Heng turned his gaze to see Li Guiyu looking at Luo Wanqing and saying coldly, "Don't touch her. Hand her over to me."

Then, Li Guiyu looked at Xie Heng seriously and said, "I'll return Bai Li to you."

Author's Note:

"Dramatic Sketch"

Xie Heng: "Phoenix, I don't like the way he speaks. Slap his mouth."