A little further but still close to Prince Xiao Ce's courtyard, a serene and pristine spring glimmered, its waters reflecting the clear sky. Small birds flitted about, filling the air with their joyful chirping. Surrounding the spring was a natural forest on the east side of his courtyard, while to the south lay lush gardens and vineyards, where the Liang crown prince cultivated his own green tea leaves, grapevines, persimmon trees, and plum trees.
Xiao Ce stood by the spring, gripping the publication of Yuwen Yue's official obituary tightly in his hands. His fingers twitched, crumpling the paper as frustration and sorrow washed over him.
Xiao Ce found himself in an unfamiliar state, one that compelled him to seek solitude and reflect on his thoughts.
The Liang prince had become so preoccupied with the broader picture that he had overlooked the details that truly mattered. His absence was seen busy looking at the forests and not the trees. His absence during the icy lake tragedy stemmed from his obsession with Chu Qiao's past. As he reflected, he felt the burden of his choices and their consequences.
Xiao Ce is a ruler who wears a mask, never revealing his true self. While he may seem easy to read from the outside, he is like a book filled with secrets, making him difficult to understand on the inside. Like his father, he examines both sides of any issue and prefers to remain in the background rather than take center stage. However, when he does step into the spotlight, he aims to steal the show and ensure it's always for good publicity.
Xiao Ce believes that by showing his face to the people, he brings them happiness and beauty, adhering to the saying, "The first impression lasts."
Initially, he agreed to serve as a messenger to Wei, focusing on King Tang's political affairs. His presence was required to entertain the Great Summer Dynasty Emperor and engage with his two princes, Yuan Che and Yuan Song.
Additionally, this visit provided Wei with the opportunity to find a suitable match for the ever-single playboy prince. The Great Summer Emperor favored a union between Xiao Ce and his beloved Princess Chun'er, as their fathers shared a strong political alliance, despite occasionally clashing. Ultimately, they still valued their friendship.
His last visit was a few years ago when he was still a young boy. Now, fully grown and more mature in handling government affairs, Xiao Ce felt compelled to accept the call. Although he hated traveling, he knew he needed to see things for himself, and for him, this felt like a form of suicide. Many parties were vying for the crown on his head, and if he wasn't careful, a single state visit could cost him his life.
However, the dull background of his state visit to Wei changed dramatically when he met Chu Qiao.
To protect himself during the journey, Xiao Ce reinvented his appearance. He made sure to travel in an opulent royal palanquin, surrounded by a parade of Liang's finest maidservants. Chu Qiao, who had heard about the Liang Prince's playful nature, found that experiencing it firsthand was quite different from what she'd been told.
And the story is told, its playtime for the foxy Prince and lunchtime for the Tiger general Chu Qiao. So how funny their scenes were is a lot of crying memories for the Liang Prince. The Liang Prince was struck on Chu Qiao the first time he met her. And ever since then, he never gave any chance for himself to become laid back on her and drive her crazy.
Every day, the Liang prince and Chu Qiao engaged in their playful antics, never missing a chance to wake each other up with playful banter. In his flowery robes and charming smile, Xiao Ce irritated her with his public displays of affection, though she couldn't help but find it amusing.
Despite her hopes that he would give up his playboy ways, Xiao Ce only intensified his efforts, bringing her gigantic flowers and donning eye-catching outfits each day during his stay at the Wei Palace. He affectionately nicknamed her "Qiao Qiao," a term of endearment that he claimed as his sole right to use.
During his visit, Xiao Ce realized that Chu Qiao, despite her humble beginnings as a maidservant in the Yuwen household and her later role as Yan Xun's maid, had now become an archer coach for the Wei state. He specifically requested her to be his lady bodyguard for the State visit, knowing it wouldn't be easy to transfer her since both her previous and current masters held significant power.
Nevertheless, the charming prince made his short stay meaningful, always keeping his objectives in mind. Yet, the captivating presence of this wildflower from Wei often distracted him, making him question his playboy ways and consider the possibility of loyalty.
During his state visit to Wei, Xiao Ce encountered his half-sister, Princess Xiao Yu. Both were potential competitors for their father's throne, with Xiao Yu serving as the leader of Liang's elite spies, using her royal powers and expertise in martial arts known as Sky Shadow Sleeves.
Xiao Ce suspected that Xiao Yu had ulterior motives and warned his maidservants that he should teach her a lesson. While she appeared charming on the outside, she harbored dangerous ambitions, aiming to influence their father to favor her blood brother for the throne, potentially dethroning or even killing Xiao Ce.
Despite his royal title, Xiao Ce found himself isolated, surrounded by people whose loyalties were questionable. Growing up in a life of privilege, he realized that the beauty of his surroundings was accompanied by hidden dangers.
In her quest for power, Princess Xiao Yu sent an anonymous letter to Yan Xun, attempting to expand her influence. Although this seemed like a tempting offer, Zhong Yu warned Yan Xun that it could be a trap. Nonetheless, Yan Xun decided to meet with Xiao Yu, and they struck a deal: she would assist him in escaping Changan, and in return, he would help her assassinate Crown Prince Xiao Ce.
The vibrant Liang Prince, Xiao Ce, was known for his strong advocacy of pro-life principles and his opposition to the cruelty that characterized certain cultural practices in Wei, such as the hunting of maids. As he and Chu Qiao rode through the City of Chang'an, he expressed his disgust at the inhumane treatment of the maids, firmly stating that he was against such practices.
Their outing took a dangerous turn when they were ambushed by a group of assassins sent by Xiao Yu. Chu Qiao instinctively sprang into action, determined to protect the prince, but they quickly found themselves outnumbered as more assassins closed in on them.
Meanwhile, Yan Xun received word from a servant about Chu Qiao's outing with the prince and immediately set off on horseback to rescue them. He recognized that if Xiao Ce were to die, it would create chaos in Chang'an, providing an excellent opportunity for their escape plan. A twisted thought crossed his mind that perhaps Chu Qiao would be the one to kill the crown prince, believing, "The heavens are helping me."
As the danger escalated, Xiao Ce and Chu Qiao dove into a nearby lake, swimming to evade their pursuers. However, exhaustion took its toll on Chu Qiao, and she fainted. Xiao Ce managed to get her to dry ground and, ever the gentleman, removed his royal robe and draped it over her unconscious form. He whispered, "If I die, it would have been good for you," acknowledging the peril they were in.
Desperate to signal for help, he activated a flare mechanism, hoping to alert his spy network. However, as he looked around, he realized that no one was coming to their aid.
The Liang Prince, Xiao Ce, anxiously waited for Chu Qiao to wake up after their harrowing escape. Meanwhile, Yuwen Yue took on the role of ground commander, mobilizing his guards to search for Yan Xun, who had gone missing from his courtyard.
When Chu Qiao finally opened her eyes, she found Xiao Ce's concerned gaze upon her. Shifting back into his playboy persona, he jokingly outlined the potential consequences of his death in Chang'an. He pointed out that if war broke out between Wei and Liang, the chaos would provide Yan Xun the perfect cover for his escape, allowing him to slip away unnoticed.
But Xiao Ce's test of Chu Qiao took an unexpected turn. Instead of ending his life, she had saved him, injuring herself in the process. In a playful exchange, he quipped about her need to quiet him down, and she playfully ordered him to shut his mouth.
As they pressed on, Chu Qiao, despite her wounds, took charge, instructing Xiao Ce to eliminate any remaining threats. When he feigned ignorance about how to draw his sword, she swiftly brandished a star dart, effectively dispatching the assassin.
Realizing the gravity of Chu Qiao's injuries, she asked Xiao Ce to find antiseptic herbs to treat herself. Afterward, he reluctantly bid her farewell, intending to mislead the assassins in the forest. Demonstrating selflessness, Xiao Ce sacrificed himself to draw the assassins away from her, leaving her with a lethal weapon gifted by his father.
This weapon had the ability to release a hundred needles in a 180-degree arc, a last resort for her survival. With a fierce determination, Chu Qiao activated the weapon, killing many of the approaching assassins.
Eventually, Yuwen Yue discovered Chu Qiao, barely clinging to life. He rushed to her side and handed her a pouch of water, but she refused it. Unfazed, Yuwen Yue lifted her into his arms and declared, "You will owe me a lot, and you can never repay."
Suddenly, Yuwen Yue scooped up Chu Qiao and ran, carrying her to a safe spot where she could watch him take on the assassins. While she rested under the shelter of a tree, a masked man in black suddenly snatched her away. They rode off quickly on his horse, and as always, the Prince of Yanbei—Yan Xun—came to her rescue. Yuwen Yue noticed the masked man but let it go, knowing it was Yan Xun.
Continuing deeper into the steppes, Yuwen Yue eventually found the Liang Prince, Xiao Ce, sitting in the forest, looking dirty and ugly. Breaking the silence, Xiao Ce attempted to save face by handing Yuwen Yue an address and a map. Yuwen Yue, cold as ice, took the address and studied the map, apologizing for arriving late. However, Xiao Ce didn't seem interested in complaining.
The map was designed to divert Yuwen Yue and his guards to a location where they could uncover the significance of the address. It soon became clear to Yuwen Yue that Xiao Ce was trying to use them to catch the enemies who had already escaped.
Yuwen Yue replied, "We already know who they are and their whereabouts." He explained that they had captured Tao Ye, one of Princess Xiao Yu's top spies, and were in the process of cleaning up the intelligence network. He ordered Yue Qi to conduct an exorcism, leading to the recovery of names and locations of Xiao Yu's secret agents operating in Chang'an.
As a result, Yuwen Yue raided the hideouts of these spies, prompting Xiao Yu to advise all her agents to flee Chang'an.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ce sought out Yan Xun to offer his assistance. He explained that once Yan Xun escaped from Chang'an, he would have the outside forces needed to ensure his safe return to Yanbei.
"I am in control now," Xiao Ce declared, "after all of their secret repositories were raided by Yuwen Yue when Tao Ye was caught."
Yan Xun realized that Xiao Yu's plans were blown up. Xiao Ce revealed that he knows their plot to assassinate him on the day he was with Chu Qiao who was severely wounded.
Yan Xun shot him an icy glare, warning, "If you let this happen again, I will make you pay for it."
Xiao Ce merely smirked, maintaining his cold and cunning demeanor as he left. Yet, beneath that façade, he felt empty, as if he had just confided in a ghost, revealing that he had manipulated everyone around him for his own safety. His frame-up plan to have Xiao Yu target Chu Qiao was supposed to divert Yan Xun's wrath onto Xiao Yu instead of himself. But now, with Yuwen Yue's arrival, everything had unraveled.
Yuwen Yue declared, "He wants to use me, but I will teach him a lesson." Xiao Ce understood that Yan Xun would go to great lengths to save Chu Qiao, realizing that his earlier displays were merely acts—a mask to achieve his goals during his time in Chang'an. He sighed, "I pity Qiao Qiao," a sad expression crossing his face.
At that moment, Xiao Ce grasped a crucial lesson: in his attempts to manipulate events using minimal resources, he had inadvertently exposed more of Liang's vulnerabilities than he could afford to recover. He learned not to play with fire, especially not with Chu Qiao.
With this newfound understanding, a change began to stir within the Liang Prince's heart. As he prepared to depart, he turned to Chu Qiao and said, "Remember to see me when I leave." She nodded, a pleasant smile gracing her lips.
Later, as Chu Qiao watched him mount his fancy white horse, Mermaid, accompanied by Liang palace guards on the road back to Jian Kang, she noticed a different side of the Prince. He seemed a little gloomy, hinting at the complexity of emotions swirling within him.
When Xiao Ce saw Chu Qiao, he transformed his sad expression into one of curiosity. "Qiao Qiao, why don't you come with me? Let's get to know each other along the way."
Chu Qiao smiled slyly. "Although I can't read you, I know you're not as bad as you appear to be."
The Liang Prince inhaled deeply, smiling as he replied, "I am a nobleman, well-educated. How can I be read so easily? I'm losing face here."
With a teasing glint in her eye, Chu Qiao shot back, "The Wei Emperor wants to make peace through marriage. Did he agree to let you go?"
Xiao Ce laughed lightly. "He wants me gone as soon as possible. When I told him, he practically rushed me out the door, as if I'd bring bad luck with me. Besides, I don't fancy any of his daughters; they're all ugly. The only one who caught my eye in Chang'an was you, but you chose the wrong person. You'd rather risk your life for Yan Xun than enjoy wealth and happiness with me. You broke my heart."
Chu Qiao's cheeks flushed, but she met his gaze with stern eyes. "If Wei goes to war with Yanbei, will you help the Wei state?"
Xiao Ce responded firmly, "No," to Chu Qiao's question, even when she turned it around. He wouldn't help either state, and he said it with confidence. Chu Qiao smiled and suggested that they could be friends going forward.
"Come visit me in Liang if you feel cold in Yanbei," he invited playfully. Chu Qiao shot back, "And you should come to Yan if you're bored in Jian Kang. Experience the grassland and seek out the beauties of Yan."
Xiao Ce flashed a flirty smile. "You know me well. Occasionally, we are both puppets of destiny; sometimes we can see the beginning, but never the end."
His expression turned somber as he added, "Qiao Qiao, I hope you can successfully escape. We'll meet again if fate allows."
With that, Xiao Ce led his horse away. Chu Qiao watched him until he disappeared into the distance, a mix of emotions swirling within her.
Just when it seemed that was the end of their story, the Liang Prince didn't stop seeking information about Chu Qiao's whereabouts. Although he wore a façade of goodbye, his heart remained invested. Xiao Ce had been open with Qiao Qiao about his feelings, but unfortunately, she did not reciprocate in the same way.
During this time, he met Zhan Ziyu, a wealthy businessman and boat owner known for taking private jobs from the nobles. Zhan Ziyu sipped from his cup and coldly regarded Xiao Ce, saying, "Your Highness, you asked me to come see you just to drink or talk about women?"
Xiao Ce turned his back to Zhan Ziyu, smirking as he said, "You're a boring man; I wouldn't seek you out if I really wanted to drink." He took a seat, pulled out some paper drawings from his sleeves, and showed them to Zhan Ziyu.
"Chu Qiao works for Yan Xun and has become quite popular lately. The Wei Emperor has put a bounty of 100 taels of gold on her head. You know her, right?"
Xiao Ce raised his hand as if conducting a symphony and said, "She's a beautiful woman whom I met in Chang'an," his flirty smile and sweet eyes betraying his interest.
Zhan Ziyu smiled slightly and remarked, "Your Highness is quite the romantic. She must have offended you in some way if you're considering her demise."
Xiao Ce maintained his cool demeanor, replying, "No." He looked directly into Zhan Ziyu's eyes and continued, "On the contrary, I want you to save her."
Curiosity flickered across Zhan Ziyu's face as he asked, "I, Zhan Ziyu, only kill people. I've never been involved in saving anyone."
Sensing the rejection, Xiao Ce smirked. "I won't mistreat you," he paused, then added, "but I have a message, and this is important for you."
Zhan Ziyu listened intently.
"You've been looking for someone named Xia Chong."
Zhan Ziyu's interest piqued. "Your Highness knows where she is?"
"In the secret prison of the Liang State," Xiao Ce replied.
Zhan Ziyu's expression shifted, now clearly intrigued, as if he realized that a deal was forming between them.
After some time, the Liang Prince learned that Zhan Ziyu was taking care of Chu Qiao, prompting him to plan his next moves. Determined to protect her, Xiao Ce turned into a spy himself, keeping a close watch on Chu Qiao.
When Chu Qiao fell from a cliff while being chased by Wei Shu Ye, Xiao Ce didn't hesitate. He revealed himself from his black palanquin, which had no horseman in front, and opened fire from the window. The roof of the palanquin swung open, and a man in a black spy mask was ready to catch Chu Qiao's falling body. He swiftly moved, running with her.
Suddenly, Xiao Ce removed his mask, revealing his face as he caught sight of his beloved Qiao Qiao, who was unconscious and seemingly dying. The Liang Prince, now unmasked, embraced her, his heart aching with worry as tears threatened to spill.
Meanwhile, Yuwen Yue was frantic, searching for Chu Qiao after she had run away from him. He confronted Wei Shu Ye, his anger palpable as he interrogated him about Chu Qiao's whereabouts. Wei Shu Ye coldly claimed that she was dead. Back at Yuwen Yue's camp, while discussing strategies with Yue Qi, an arrow bearing a letter struck the post. Yuwen Yue snatched it up, his heart racing.
Xiao Ce knew he needed external help and thought of Yuwen Yue as the only person who could assist him. While waiting for Yuwen Yue to arrive, he tended to Chu Qiao in his palace. Slowly, she began to awaken, her eyes fluttering open just enough to recognize him.
The Crown Prince, having worried all day, broke into a smile. "Qiao Qiao, you're awake! I told you I'd be the one to save you from that cliff, especially in emergencies."
He flashed her a warm smile before teasing her, "So, how do you feel now? Ready to marry me yet?" But as she coughed a bit, concern washed over Xiao Ce's face, and he ordered his servant to bring her water.
"What happened? Where am I?" Chu Qiao managed to ask, confusion etching her features.
Xiao Ce, instead of answering, focused on her well-being. "What do you want to eat? You look so pale and need some nutrition," he said, gently laying her back down when she tried to sit up. "Don't worry, you're safe now. Hard times are always followed by good luck. You have me by your side."
Just then, a servant entered, informing the Prince, "Prince, Yuwen Yue is here."
Xiao Ce politely said to Chu Qiao: "I'll be back soon" and Xiao Ce gave her a debonaire smile.
Xiao Ce said staring blankly: "So fast" and he walked onto his courts to meet Yuwen Yue.
Xiao Ce said: "My letter has just been sent, you actually came in just a short while."
Yuwen Yue went straight to the point and said, "where is Xinger?"
Xiao Ce did not respond to Yuwen Yue, but he gave a bored, cold look and asked, "Xinger?"
Yuwen Yue without blinking said, "Qiao Qiao."
And Xiao Ce quickly closed his eyes and opened them then said, "that sounds better."
Yuwen Yue said, "Thanking you for helping her"
Xiao Ce said with some emphasis on his voice: "Why thank me for her name? Who are you? His old master or the general of Wei?"
Then both of their eyes became serious as Yuwen Yue did not bother to answer the Liang Prince's question.
After a long awkward pause and Xiao Ce said, "follow me," and his face became serious, they walked towards the Villa of Chu Qiao.
Chu Qiao spoke when she saw Yuwen Yue and asked: "How did you find me?"
Yuwen Yue said: "Isn't that hard to find you?"
And Xiao Ce gave a face gesture, and Yuwen Yue went beside Xinger's bed and poked her shoulders, and the two gave eye to eye. Yuwen Yue and Xiao Ce went outside, and the two talked to each other.
Xiao Ce asked: "Did you know if she is poisoned?"
Yuwen Yue replied and said of course he knows.
Xiao Ce said, "it is not the first time."
Yuwen Yue told a story of their encounter with the killers, and Xiao Ce said, "were there three of them?"
Yuwen Yue replied: "yes."
Xiaosaid: "that would fit."
Yuwen Yue asked again: "Do you know who they are?"
Xiao Ce asked him: "Have you heard of the afterlife camp?"
Yuwen Yue replied: "I have met them once or twice."
Xiao Ce said: "It's a mysterious assassins guild, I have heard that only three people can pass the Nirvana Kill one time and becomes an afterlife camper. They are incredibly skilled at poison, hard to find a cure. A few years ago, one of our ministers in the government was poisoned, and he has the same symptoms as Qiao Qiao.
After the virulence ends, the patient will experience severe stomachache and even fall into a coma. Eventually, die in pain. Judging from her condition now, I am afraid she won't have much time left.
Yuwen Yue went into deep thinking and asked: Where is the Afterlife camp?
Xiao Ce replied: I don't know.
Who is their leader?
Xiao Ce: I don't know either
Then what do you know?
Xiao Ce exhaled and looked at Yuwen Yue: "I suspect that there is one leader that might have contact with the camp. He is the biggest boss controlling the water transport in Xiangyang, Zhan Ziyu. Everything you asked him to do can be achieved."
Yuwen Yue in the tone of warning the prince and said: "Okay, you can keep X'inger for now. After everything is done, I'll come to pick up her. Remember, behave. Do not do anything that makes yourself ugly."
Xiao Ce smirked at Yuwen Yue, unfazed by his cold demeanor. "What do you think I am?" he asked, feigning nonchalance.
Yuwen Yue's reply was sharp and unyielding. "I say that because I know what kind of person you are. You've put in all this effort to save Xinger and find me out. You want me to shake up the Afterlife camp for you. No matter what your intentions are, I'll handle all of this. You should just mind your own business."
Xiao Ce lowered his eyes, biting back the pain in Yuwen Yue's words for the sake of Chu Qiao. It was evident that Yuwen Yue didn't believe that his actions were motivated solely by a desire to protect her. Instead, he seemed to think that the Liang Prince was using Xinger to manipulate him into taking action, but Xiao Ce's heart was not entirely aligned with that interpretation.
The master of masks, Xiao Ce chose to let Yuwen Yue maintain this perception rather than unveil his true self. He understood that revealing his genuine intentions would only invite scrutiny. However, Chu Qiao saw through his façade, understanding the depths of his struggles and the layers of his true feelings. She recognized the complexities of his character, even as he played the role of the charming, carefree prince.
As Yuwen Yue prepared to leave, the tension hung heavily in the air. Xiao Ce knew he had to tread carefully, balancing his protective instincts for Chu Qiao while navigating the delicate dynamics of power and trust among those in their circle. The game of masks was one he was willing to play, but he hoped that one day, he would be able to show his true self to Chu Qiao without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
"I'll keep an eye on Xinger and the situation," Yuwen Yue said, cutting through the silence. "But don't think for a second that I'll allow you to use me to further your own agenda. I'm not that easily manipulated."
Yuwen Yue bowed his head slightly to the Liang Prince, leaving Xiao Ce with an impression that resonated deeply within him. "What a good scene," he mused internally. He recognized that Yuwen Yue's intentions toward his Qiao Qiao were genuine and unwavering, something that set him apart and placed him in a league that Xiao Ce could only envy.
The crown prince felt a pang of realization wash over him. He had stepped down from his throne, striving to be a savior for Chu Qiao, but the heavy crown on his head reminded him of the limitations his royal status imposed. He couldn't act with the same freedom that Yuwen Yue exhibited in his devotion to Xinger.
From that moment, Xiao Ce began to see Yuwen Yue in a different light. The master of the "eyes of God" held a power in the Wei state that was formidable, one that even the cunning Liang Princess Xiao Yu and the ambitious Yan Xun had yet to break. The admiration began to blossom within him, even as his own desire for Chu Qiao grew stronger.
Now that Chu Qiao was staying in his courtyard, Xiao Ce couldn't bear the thought of anyone, especially not Yuwen Yue, taking her away. But when the antidote to the Dengxian Pill was retrieved by Yuwen Yue from the perilous depths of the Afterlife camp at Kong Sang Mountain, he understood that it was time to let her go. It felt like another broken heart for him, as he wished nothing more than for Chu Qiao to feel safe within the walls of his palace.
In a sudden turn of events, Yuwen Yue stormed into the Liang Prince's inner courtyard. Xiao Ce rushed after him, concerned about the impending confrontation, leading them both to Qiao Qiao's bedroom.
"Where is she?" Yuwen Yue demanded, his voice a mixture of urgency and frustration.
Xiao Ce attempted to dissuade him, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone. "I told you, she's gone."
"Gone? Where could she go? Where else could she go?" Yuwen Yue replied, scanning every corner of the room, his worry palpable.
Xiao Ce watched him with a mix of admiration and dread. He knew that Yuwen Yue cared deeply for Xinger, and that devotion drove him to act with such fierce determination. It made Xiao Ce painfully aware of his own insecurities and the risks he faced in trying to keep Chu Qiao close.
"Yuwen Yue, you need to understand…" Xiao Ce began, but his voice trailed off, knowing that any defense he made would be seen as an attempt to manipulate the situation.
Yuwen Yue continued to search, growing more frantic with each passing moment. "She wouldn't just leave. Not without a reason."
The tension in the air was thick, a palpable reminder of the stakes at hand. Xiao Ce had to make a choice: would he reveal the truth about Chu Qiao's condition and the potential dangers awaiting her, or would he let Yuwen Yue's fears dictate their next moves?
As he stood there, torn between loyalty and desire, the crown prince realized that the game they were all playing was far more intricate than he had anticipated, with every decision holding the power to shift the balance between friendship and rivalry.
"Of course, she could go to Yanbei, or should she just head to Chang'an and have her head cut off?" Xiao Ce continued to press, hoping to convince Yuwen Yue that it was better for Chu Qiao to stay with him. But Yuwen Yue remained unmoved, his anxious energy only intensifying.
"Who told her to leave?" Yuwen Yue demanded, his voice edged with concern and frustration.
"She can leave whenever she wishes. Who can stop her?" Xiao Ce replied, trying to project confidence. "She's taken the pill you sent; she's healthy and lively now. There's no reason for her to stay here, of course."
Yuwen Yue's shoulders sagged, and he lowered his gaze to the floor, the weight of the situation evident on his face.
"Okay, don't be so sad," Xiao Ce attempted, his tone softening. "You two are not blessed to be together. Forcing yourselves will not bring a happy ending. I know you're a nice person. How about this: I can try to introduce you to several girls? You can—"
Xiao Ce's attempt to sway Yuwen Yue fell flat, and the coldness in Yuwen Yue's demeanor was a clear indication that he was not buying it. With a slight bow, Yuwen Yue turned to leave, still showing respect for the prince despite the tensions. He understood that Xiao Ce had feelings for Xinger, but that didn't diminish his own determination.
"Hey! I'm not finished yet! Where are you going?" Xiao Ce called out, running after him with a child-like tone that only hinted at his desperation. "Listen to me…"
But just then, a soft voice broke through the tension. "Yuwen Yue."
Yuwen Yue froze, lifting his head to see Xinger standing before him, as if she had emerged from a dream after a decade apart. Time itself seemed to pause, the air thick with anticipation as everyone around them held their breath.
Xinger's smile was radiant as she took a step closer, and Yuwen Yue, unable to contain his emotions, stepped forward to embrace her. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, as if afraid to let her go again, oblivious to the onlookers around them.
Xiao Ce felt his heart skip a beat, a mix of happiness and heartbreak flooding through him. He had wanted to keep Chu Qiao safe, but seeing the profound connection between Yuwen Yue and Xinger stirred a complicated swirl of emotions within him. Everything was still new and overwhelming for him, as he watched the moment unfold, feeling the bittersweet ache of unreciprocated affection while also recognizing the beauty of their reunion.
Yuwen Yue's cold facade melted away in the warmth of Xinger's presence, and for the first time, he allowed himself to feel vulnerable, free from the weight of expectations. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in a moment that felt timeless, filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.
As Xiao Ce stood off to the side, he grappled with the realization that sometimes, despite one's best efforts, fate had a way of bringing people together in ways he could never control.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the window, Chu Qiao and Yuwen Yue found themselves alone in her room. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken emotions, and the air crackled with tension as they exchanged glances that spoke volumes.
"Yuwen Yue," Chu Qiao began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I thought I had lost you."
Yuwen Yue stepped closer, his expression softening as he took in her features. "You should never have doubted that I would find you," he replied, his voice steady and reassuring. "You mean everything to me."
Their hearts raced as they stood face to face, the distance between them shrinking with each passing moment. Chu Qiao felt a rush of warmth as Yuwen Yue reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I need you too," he said, his voice low and earnest. "Can you feel it?"
Chu Qiao nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. The connection between them felt electric, the weight of their shared experiences and emotions pressing in around them. It was a moment they had both longed for, a culmination of everything they had endured.
Yuwen Yue leaned in, his breath mingling with hers, and in that instant, all the pain and uncertainty melted away. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened with urgency and passion. It was a kiss that spoke of longing, of promises unspoken, and of a future they both desired.
As they pulled away, their foreheads resting against each other, Yuwen Yue's eyes searched Chu Qiao's for assurance. "I won't let anything come between us again," he vowed, his voice filled with determination.
And Yuwen Yue waited for an answer, Chu Qiao did not respond. Yuwen Yue on his cold heart realized there's a colder heart in front of him, so he stepped out and left Chu Qiao.
Yuwen Yue back to his tent camp, drinking liquor to at least forget the moment earlier and Chu Qiao is left lonely and sad in her room she did not bother to get out after her meeting with Yuwen Yue.
The Liang Prince back to his childish attitude he went to deliver Qiao Qiao's dinner but seems Chu Qiao was just staring at the wall and does not want to talk or Xiao Ce to see her private moments. Xiao Ce came in, insisted, and said, "have some food my dear General, about to set foot on a long journey, you can't set off in hunger."
Chu Qiao does not want to show his face and surrender to the sweet plea of the Liang Prince saying, "I don't feel like eating"
The Prince on sitting on his knees, and the food tray was on his lap feeling the rejection on air, he blinked his eyes but still looked at Chu Qiao.
Xiao Ce inhaled deeply and put away the tray of food on the table and like a man begging for her girl to look at him and talk to him, Xiao Ce started to talk to her: "I wanted to cheat, for him to leave, so you won't feel bad if you hadn't met him. Qiao Qiao, there are so many roads in your life, If you choose one of them you must give up the rest. You are a silly girl, you choose a rough and challenging one while the other one is safe, warm, and straight, so when you are standing at a crossroads, I am not surprised that you feel sad. You can't do anything with it. Do you believe in yourself?"
Chu Qiao replied: "Of course I did."
Xiao Ce asked again: "Do you believe in Yan Xun?"
Chu Qiao replied with a simple: "Yes."
Xiao Ce replied: "Then make your rough road warm and shining, By then you will find everything you pay is worthy."
Chu Qiao suddenly felt a lift of her feelings.
Xiao Ce sat beside her and said, "As for Yuwen Yue, just give him time to work things out. Time heals all wounds. If a wound doesn't kill you, it will eventually heal. Everyone can learn to live with or without others. He's smart; he'll figure it out."
Chu Qiao met his gaze, and Xiao Ce reassured her, "Don't worry."
In response, she gave him a sweet smile.
Xiao Ce added, "On the other hand, Yuwen Yue has been too restricted by his family and hasn't known many girls." This made Chu Qiao's face brighten, chasing away her gloom. "Look at you; you're extremely thin, but your cheeks are well-developed," he joked, pointing at her cheeks.
Chu Qiao laughed and replied, "What are you saying? Am I that bad?" She playfully pushed his fingers away.
"I'm not joking," Xiao Ce said with a playful smile. Then, with a more serious tone, he said, "Okay, finish your noodles and get some rest." He continued, "I noticed some men from Yan Xun watching outside the palace. You should leave with them tomorrow."
Chu Qiao nodded, but Xiao Ce didn't want her to see the sadness in his eyes. He stood up and said coldly, "By the way, no need to say goodbye this time. I want a full night's sleep."
Xiao Ce smirked at Chu Qiao, and she smirked back.
As he walked away, mending his heavy heart, Chu Qiao quietly said, "Xiao Ce, thank you."
Xiao Ce had never been one to freely share wisdom, especially when his heart felt so tangled. He realized that being nice to Yuwen Yue for Chu Qiao's sake was a new experience for him. Until now, he had never seen himself in this light.
He felt like a tool, but it was the only way he could express his love for Qiao Qiao, and giving her back to Yan Xun was like a dagger to his heart.
Now, the Prince faced sleepless nights. His words may have been calm, but inside, he felt a raging fire he could no longer hide. He knew that Chu Qiao couldn't reciprocate his feelings.
Xiao Ce wanted to keep her, nourish her, and provide her with everything good in life, but she seemed uninterested. What could he offer to make her stay?
Even though Chu Qiao had left his palace, Xiao Ce couldn't easily give up on her. During his restless nights, he still thought of her and searched for ways to win her back. His wishful thinking led him to consider his competitors, all equally powerful and clever. He told himself he must do good.
Xiao Ce believed that this was the only way to surpass Yuwen Yue, Yan Xun, and Yuan Song. Now that Yuwen Yue was presumed dead, he couldn't accept it; denial washed over him. He felt it was time to take action.