Chapter 13: Rou Lan

He hadn’t used any real strength.

Since these two details aligned, Xuan Rui temporarily set aside his suspicions and moved his large hand away from the back of her neck.

Seizing the opportunity, Li Youqing added, “Being able to assist the General earlier was truly an honor for this humble girl.”

Pretending not to have noticed his killing intent, she took the chance to claim credit and remind him that he ought to thank her.

“This General saving your life is nothing remarkable,” he pressed his temple and pushed her away from his person.

Li Youqing’s emotions hadn’t yet been fully concealed when they met his sharp gaze, making her feel as if all her petty schemes had been seen through.

“Your Rou Lan language is quite good,” Xuan Rui remarked indifferently before closing his eyes to rest.

Noting his cold, stern features, Li Youqing thought to herself how fortunate it was that the masked officer lacked discernment—had he judged by appearance alone, he would never have let him go.

“This humble girl does have some talent for languages, though the General’s Rou Lan isn’t bad either,” Li Youqing said, her gaze inadvertently drifting to his chest. In her panic earlier, when she had leaned against him, it had felt like an impenetrable fortress.

Was this man’s body forged from Mystic Iron?

Ignoring the sarcasm in her words, Xuan Rui didn’t even open his eyes as he coolly retorted, “The Thirteenth Young Lady is quite accomplished. When the men I sent to the capital return with their investigation, there might be even more surprises.”

Hearing that he had dispatched people to investigate in the capital, Li Youqing’s heart tightened, though she maintained an innocent expression. “This humble girl’s chance to return home rests entirely in General Xuan’s hands.”

Seeing the man’s impassive face, she continued, “I wonder if the General has ever been to the capital? If the opportunity arises in the future, this humble girl could show you around.”

Xuan Rui opened his eyes to look at her. The young girl was smiling faintly at him, appearing obedient and unaware of the world’s complexities.

How could he forget that night when she had accused him of making advances and threatened never to let him off? She had resembled nothing so much as a little wildcat baring its claws.

According to reports from his men sent to Lu Ming Mountain, the Prime Minister’s servants had conducted only a cursory search at the mountain’s base for less than half a day before declaring her dead.

The negligence of subordinates often reflected the intentions of their superiors.

This young lady’s status in her family was truly concerning—

“Unnecessary,” he said, leaning back against the carriage wall. As he relaxed, his lean frame stretched out, his powerful legs making the spacious interior suddenly feel cramped.

Knowing he disliked noise, Li Youqing didn’t dare speak further. She grabbed a nearby blanket, covered herself, and also leaned against the carriage wall to doze.

But her mind refused to settle. She recalled his mention of having sent people to investigate in the capital—

If they truly went to the Prime Minister’s residence, a simple portrait would be enough to easily end her life.

Fortunately, the journey from here to the capital was long, requiring about twenty days for a round trip. She still had time…

Calculating the timing, news of the Third Princess’s “suicide” should arrive in a few days.

As Xuan Rui was the adopted son of Zhenbei Wang, he was likely aware of the deal between Zhenbei Wang and the Crown Prince.

If she revealed her true identity to him, she might be handed over to Zhenbei Wang. Yet if she continued to conceal it, once the scouts brought back Yang Zhi’s portrait, she would still face certain death.

With her eyes closed, she pondered secretly. Her only chance lay in this journey to Rou Lan.

Earlier she had blurted out that her maternal lineage was the Bai clan of the He tribe, only because she had once learned dancing from a Rou Lan woman named Bai Yao’er. On one occasion, Bai Yao’er inadvertently offended The Eldest Princess and nearly got sent to the Department of Justice, but it was Li Youqing who intervened to save her.

Though Bai Yao’er was aloof by nature, she always regarded Li Youqing as her benefactor. When leaving the capital, she even promised that if Li Youqing ever needed her help, she would spare no effort.

If they could find her now, perhaps they could devise some plan.

After dozing off in the carriage, she woke to find the sky already bright.

The space beside her was empty. Li Youqing lifted the carriage curtain and saw Xuan Rui riding alongside on horseback. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable sense of relief.

Looking ahead, a city stood towering in the distance—it was Wu City, the capital of Rou Lan.

But as they drew closer, a horrifying scene became increasingly clear—

Three corpses hung from the city walls, already rotting under the scorching daytime heat, attracting vultures and eagles pecking at the decaying flesh. Even the eye sockets had been hollowed out.

Shocked, Li Youqing quickly turned to look at Xuan Rui. His gaze was fixed unwaveringly on the three bodies on the wall, his face as dark and deep as a well.

Lowering the curtain, she guessed that those three individuals might be the purpose of his journey here.

Suddenly realizing something, Li Youqing leaned out again, searching for the flags atop the city walls.

Sure enough, the phoenix flag symbolizing Daliang was gone, replaced by a white banner bearing a skull emblem.

Rou Lan had become King Bai’s territory.

Given this, the three corpses hanging on the city walls were likely the stationed commanders of the Zhenbei Army.

The scene was utterly shocking. Li Youqing could almost feel the overwhelming grief and rage.

She closed her eyes, but the tragic state of the three soldiers remained vivid in her mind.

They had died for Daliang. As a member of the royal family, she felt a duty to ensure their remains were properly laid to rest.

Entering Wu City, the view shifted from desert sands to a bustling marketplace.

The character “Wu” in the Rou Lan language meant “oasis,” and as the name suggested, this was the most prosperous land in Rou Lan.

With increasing trade exchanges between Daliang and Rou Lan, cultural integration had grown closer. Central Plains merchants were a common sight on the streets.

For small northwestern states, changing rulers was commonplace. As long as it didn’t interfere with their business, the common people cared little about who was in power.

But for Daliang, Rou Lan’s territory was a crucial strategic hub that must be contested.

The carriage stopped in front of an inn. Li Youqing got out and saw Xuan Rui already heading inside, so she hurried to catch up.

The innkeeper, a foreigner, noticed their distinguished appearance and warmly greeted them, “Are you two here for lodging or a meal?”

Li Youqing was hoping he would book two rooms when suddenly her waist tightened. Biting her lip, she looked down at the man’s large hand that had abruptly settled there, her heart racing.

Whether it was his strong grip or the signet ring on his finger digging into her, her waist felt extremely uncomfortable.

The man declared matter-of-factly, “One suite, please.”

Li Youqing widened her eyes in silent protest.

Xuan Rui chuckled, his hand pressing against her waist to urge her forward, his tone intimate: “Darling, why aren’t you moving?”

Darling?

Only then did Li Youqing recall that earlier on the road, to avoid arousing suspicion from the Rou Lan soldiers during inspections, she had proactively referred to him as her husband.

He had taken advantage of the situation to tease her!

Xuan Rui swept a glance around, mentally counting how many spies were nearby while wrapping an arm around the person and striding upstairs.

The moment the chamber door closed, Li Youqing felt the weight on her waist vanish.

Frowning, she leaned against the bedpost and gently rubbed the spot where the archer’s ring had dug into her.

Xuan Rui had intended to leave for the outer room after setting things down, but paused at the sight of her massaging her waist.

That earlier embrace hadn’t been forceful at all.

Noticing his gaze, Li Youqing took a deep breath, not daring to appear overly delicate, and quietly went to unpack alone.

This man was built like a bear and handled things roughly—she’d need to be more careful around him in the future.

Preoccupied with rescue plans, Xuan Rui had no energy to spare for her and withdrew to the outer room.

According to their strategy, he and Xiao Ziqi had split forces: the latter’s group posed as merchants to gather intelligence in the city, while he would rendezvous with Zhenbei Army spies embedded in Wu City.

But those damned bastards dared to touch Zhenbei Army men… leaving their corpses exposed on the battlements for vultures to feast upon.

Xuan Rui’s resolve solidified—these scum would pay in blood.

As noon approached, a waiter brought lunch.

Li Youqing waited at the table briefly. Seeing Xuan Rui showed no intention of eating, she approached and persuaded, “Even if you’re planning a rescue, General, you must eat your fill first.”

Long-suppressed emotions seemed to ignite at her words. Xuan Rui fixed his piercing gaze on her innocent face, eyes flashing with ferocity.

“What did you say?” The man advanced with a darkened expression, gripping her arm as he demanded coldly.

Her identity wasn’t even confirmed, yet she dared speak so recklessly.

Unfazed, Li Youqing solemnly declared, “Those were our Daliang soldiers who were disgraced. Shouldn’t they be rescued?”

“Rescue? What’s that to you?” Xuan Rui loomed over her, crimson-eyed like a man-eating beast.

She might fear a man with ill intentions toward her, but she’d never fear any fierce general loyal to Daliang.

Having mustered the courage to speak her mind, she was certain he wouldn’t vent his anger on her.

“General, I too am a citizen of Daliang. I grew up hearing tales of heroes—” She rose slightly on her toes, trying to meet his gaze as she stubbornly insisted, “If there’s any way I can help, I wish to contribute my humble efforts.”

They said she was born during a northwestern victory, when Father Emperor had carried her onto the city walls to celebrate with the people.

But now, in the public eye, she was merely the pitiful princess who jumped to her death.

The fate Li Jing arranged for her was utterly shameful and meaningless.

She refused to accept it—

The girl’s clear, sweet voice flowed like spring water, soothing his temper. Xuan Rui’s icy expression softened slightly.

It seemed she hadn’t only deduced the identities of the three corpses but also guessed his current thoughts.

Yet sometimes, being too clever wasn’t a blessing.

“I’ll return late tonight.” His heartbeat suddenly felt constricted, and he averted his eyes.

“I won’t wander off,” Li Youqing nodded emphatically.

“Your Gu poison isn’t cleared yet—don’t sleep before I return.” He worried the toxin might control her if she fell asleep.

“I’ll wait for you, General!” Li Youqing pledged earnestly, then pointed toward the dining table. “Shall we eat now?”

Being ordered around for the first time felt somewhat unsettling, but Xuan Rui composed himself and sat down as instructed.

Watching him eat in silence, Li Youqing suddenly thought that he seemed quite approachable when he wasn’t angry.