Chapter 262: A Feint to Misdirect

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Chapter 262: A Feint

The carriage sped along the rugged dirt road on the outskirts, finally stopping in a secluded woodland clearing.

The hawker lifted the lid of the wooden crate and said in a low, urgent voice: "Miss Jiang, we're here! Get off and turn right—the dock is not far. There will be an old man selling cheap jade; he's the one to pick you up. He will take you aboard a southbound ship. Prince Ning has been waiting for you there for some time!"

Jiang Shuning climbed out of the cramped wooden crate. Her coarse cloth men's clothing was soaked through with sweat, and stray strands of hair clung to her forehead, making her cold, clear eyes appear even more resolute.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the unease churning within her, and whispered seriously: "Thank you, brother! Please be careful—whatever you do, don't let Prince Jing's men find you!"

Her voice was soft but carried undeniable seriousness, and her gaze held a hint of wariness.

The hawker was taken aback for a moment, as if sensing something, then quickly nodded: "Miss Jiang, don't worry—I understand!"

Without another word, Jiang Shuning gave him a meaningful look, then turned and disappeared into the shadows of the woods.

She arrived near the dock, where the cries of vendors mingled with the sound of waves lapping against the shore. The dock was bustling—porters and vendors shouting, people coming and going. She lowered her head, pulled her collar tighter, and swept her gaze quickly over the crowd. Sure enough, she spotted an old man wearing a tattered hat and selling jade.

The old man was calling out his goods while glancing around anxiously, his eyes betraying an obvious urgency—clearly looking for his contact.

Jiang Shuning's heart tightened, but a flash of determination crossed her face. Instead of approaching the old man, she quietly turned and walked swiftly along a small path leading west, away from the dock.

Her figure soon disappeared into the crowd.

Meanwhile, Xiao Lingchuan had already galloped to the outskirts. His black cloak flapped loudly in the wind, like a lone eagle in the night.

His informant had been waiting nearby. Upon seeing him, the man immediately reported: "Your Highness, we've found the person sent by Xiao Huaijin to pick her up—the old jade seller at the dock! Prince Ning is currently on a southbound ship at the dock!"

Hearing this, Xiao Lingchuan's lips curled into a cold smile, but a dark fire burned in his eyes: "Let's go take a look."

He spurred his horse, and Ling Feng followed close behind as they charged toward the dock like an arrow.

The old jade seller spotted Xiao Lingchuan's imposing figure from afar. His eyes widened sharply, and he instinctively tried to retreat into the crowd, but Xiao Lingchuan's horse blocked his way, forcing him to stop.

The old man forced a tight smile, raising a string of cheap jade beads in his trembling hand: "Young master, would you like to take a look at my jade? Top-quality goods, very cheap!"

Xiao Lingchuan reined in his horse, his gaze cutting like a blade across the jade in the old man's hand, and a sardonic smile appeared on his lips: "It's rare to see someone selling jade at a dock full of food and drink vendors. Could this be... a disguise?"

The old man's heart skipped a beat, and he tried to brush it off with a laugh: "Young master jokes! I'm just a wandering peddler. There are too many food stalls here—I can't compete, so I have to sell jade to make a living!"

"Let's hope so." Xiao Lingchuan gave a cold snort, but his gaze had already shifted to the river not far away.

A southbound merchant ship was moored at the dock. On the bow stood a handsome man in brocade robes—Xiao Huaijin. He was anxiously scanning the shore, his brows furrowed, clearly waiting for someone.

Xiao Lingchuan narrowed his eyes, one eyebrow slightly raised, doubt flickering in his mind—had Jiang Shuning not boarded the ship yet?

Just then, a man on horseback galloped up, panicked, and whispered a few words in Ling Feng's ear.

Ling Feng's expression changed dramatically. He quickly moved closer to Xiao Lingchuan and said in a low voice: "Your Highness, the princess did not go to the dock! She went west and boarded another carriage heading west. Our men are in hot pursuit!"

At this, a cold light flashed in Xiao Lingchuan's eyes, and a sinister smile curled at the corners of his mouth, like a hunter spotting his prey's trail: "What a fine feint!"

He murmured, his tone icy, "Lead the way. I will personally bring her back!"

Inside the carriage, Jiang Shuning peered through the gap in the curtain, warily scanning the surroundings. She had already braced for the worst.

Suddenly, rapid hoofbeats thundered from behind, kicking up dust clouds like a storm.

The driver was terrified by the menacing group. He abruptly pulled the reins, his voice trembling as he pleaded: "Please, my lords, have mercy! I'm just a poor driver, with an elderly mother and young children at home relying on me for food. I beg you, let me go!"

Jiang Shuning's heart tightened. Through the curtain, she saw a squad of black-clad riders closing in like a dark cloud, with Xiao Lingchuan at their head.

He sat tall on his horse, his black cloak flapping in the wind, his handsome face cold as frost. His gaze pierced the carriage like a blade, carrying an oppressive, undeniable force.

Her heart sank. She knew she couldn't escape today.

She took a deep breath and lifted the curtain and stepped out.

Xiao Lingchuan's eyes lingered on her, his sharp gaze sweeping across her coarse men's clothing and deliberately smudged face.

She didn't look like a woman eloping at all—more like a desperate refugee fleeing for her life.

Jiang Shuning met his gaze, forcing herself to appear calm:

"Your Highness, I will return with you. This has nothing to do with the driver—he's just a hired driver. Please do not make things difficult for him!"

Xiao Lingchuan remained silent. His deep eyes scanned her face for a moment, as if dissecting every trace of emotion.

Then, without warning, he reached out his long arm, grabbed her roughly by the waist, and set her roughly in front of him on his horse.

His grip was so strong that it hurt her waist, but she gritted her teeth and suppressed any cry of pain.

Xiao Lingchuan turned his horse around and galloped back toward the capital.

The thunderous hoofbeats were followed closely by his retinue, kicking up a trail of dust.

The driver let out a relieved look, a relieved look crossing his face.

On horseback, the suburban scenery blurred past, and the fierce wind stung their cheeks with biting cold.

Xiao Lingchuan's low voice came from behind her, sending a chill down her spine: "When we get back to the mansion, you will explain to me properly what game you were playing today!"

Jiang Shuning kept her eyes lowered and remained silent, hearing only the wind and hooves intertwining.

She had long anticipated that Xiao Lingchuan would find her—with his cunning mind, how could he not keep a close watch on Cui Zhilan?

He must have known about her plan with Cui Zhilan from the very beginning.

He had let her leave the mansion so easily simply because he enjoyed this game of pursuit, relished cornering her and capturing her himself.

And she, too, had used this desperate escape to show him one thing—that she was no pawn to be manipulated at his whim.

By the time they returned to the Jing Manor, the sky had completely darkened. Night blanketed the estate in ink, and the candlelight in the bedchamber flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls, adding an eerie atmosphere.

Xiao Lingchuan strode into the bedchamber, his face ashen. He flung Jiang Shuning onto the bed with force.

Startled by the sudden commotion, Xiao Bai shot out from her sleeve and lunged at him, baring its sharp fangs.

Xiao Lingchuan moved swiftly, grabbing the snake by its neck, twisting it into a knot, and tossing it casually to the floor.

The next moment, he leaned in, trapping Jiang Shuning between himself and the bed. His tall frame pressed down on her like a mountain, and his shadow completely enveloped her.

His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, glinting with malice. His voice was low and icy: "Speak! Who helped you escape the mansion, and who were you planning to leave with?"

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