Chapter 31 "Your Highness's intention is to..."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu slowly turned his gaze to Yu Yao, "Oh? Yu Yao is kind-hearted."

"These servants nearly injured Yuhe, a crime they cannot forgive. If we let them off lightly simply because they are 'strange,' where will the imperial authority be? In the future, won't everyone be able to use the excuse of 'accident' to actually frighten the emperor?"

Yu Yao pursed her lips tightly and said after a long while, "Yes... Your Majesty is right to reprimand me. It was my oversight."

Just as the situation was beginning to calm down, a boy's voice broke in:

"The Imperial Aunt is fair and just, and her integrity is admirable."

"However, the guard's skills just now truly opened my eyes. His reaction was swift, and his sword aura was chilling... He is indeed a good servant."

"Bian Chen, the commander of our palace's personal guards, is skilled in the Wind-Breaking Saber Technique and has a small reputation in the martial arts world. Why don't you come down and have a match, so that all of you clan members can see just how capable Sister Yuhe's bodyguard really is?"

The speaker was Yu Yao's younger brother, the Third Prince Jiang Jinyu, who was fifteen years old. Jiang Fushi had not had much contact with him, but she knew that he was quite arrogant and spoiled. Looking at him, the Third Prince's brows were full of arrogance and provocation.

She had heard a little about Bian Chen, the commander of the personal guards he mentioned. She heard that once when the Third Prince was on an inspection tour, he encountered bandits, and that man was able to protect the Third Prince with just a sword in the chaos, killing countless people.

Thinking of this, a sense of unease rose in her heart, and she looked at the man standing coldly to the side.

Although Zhan Xiao's martial arts skills seem extraordinary, Bian Chen's are genuine battlefield exploits, and his reputation precedes him. Judging from the Third Prince's posture, he is clearly deliberately making things difficult; once they engage, Bian Chen will surely strike with deadly force.

"What do you think of Yuhe?" the Third Prince asked again.

Jiang Fushi rose and bowed, politely declining: "Your Highness, it is the duty of guards to protect their masters, and Zhan Xiao's actions were also within his responsibilities. To treat them like actors in a theatrical troupe, engaging in a contest for amusement, is not in the proper manner of the royal family. I urge you, Your Highness, to rescind your order."

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince scoffed and said sarcastically, "Sister, are you being so hesitant because you're afraid? Or is it that your guard is just a pretty face with no substance, and that what happened just now was merely a coincidence?"

Jiang Fushi frowned, about to speak again to negotiate, but the man behind her had already taken a step forward, half a body ahead of her, and clasped his hands in a fist salute towards the Third Prince, his voice calm and unwavering:

"Zhanxiao, please give me your guidance."

Jiang Fushi turned her head in astonishment, but the Third Prince on the other side had already clapped his hands and laughed impatiently: "Good! You have guts!"

Bian Chen could no longer contain himself. With a leap, he landed steadily in the open space, his whole body exuding a chilling aura.

This sudden competition caused everyone present to hold their breath and focus their attention on the arena, instantly creating a tense atmosphere.

Jiang Fushi picked up the cup in front of her, took a sip, and the clear tea reflected the worry in her eyes. She couldn't help but nervously clench her skirt.

Off the field, Bian Chen roared and his figure was like a tiger released from its cage. His long sword, accompanied by the whistling wind, slashed straight at Zhan Xiao's face. His moves were wide and powerful, full of the ruthlessness of military combat, making the guests in the room hold their breath.

Zhan Xiao, however, stood as straight as a pine tree and a rock, facing the surging blade head-on. Before the blade's light enveloped him, he gracefully retreated, his black robes fluttering, his posture composed.

The two exchanged blows, with Bian Chen's attacks being fierce, yet he could never touch even a hem of Zhan Xiao's clothes. Alternatively, Zhan Xiao would use his strength to deflect most of the force, and even casually tap Bian Chen's blade with his other hand. This seemingly casual gesture caused Bian Chen's hand to go numb, and his sword strikes faltered slightly.

Bian Chen, unable to break through after a long attack, became impatient and his sword strikes grew increasingly fierce. Just as he charged forward again, Zhan Xiao's eyes sharpened, and his hand, which had been resting on the hilt of his sword, moved!

Everyone only saw a blur before their eyes, and a cold light suddenly flashed. They couldn't see how the sword was drawn, but they heard a clear "clang". Zhan Xiao blocked with his sword, and then flew without wind, suddenly leaping above Bian Chen's head. His long sword fell like a meteor and thrust straight down!

Bian Chen hurriedly raised his long sword to block the attack, barely managing to deflect it. However, he was forced to retreat repeatedly by the immense force. Zhan Xiao, holding his long sword, deflected his attack. Then, with a flick of his wrist, the sword light changed direction, and along with the sword's momentum came snowflakes that suddenly began to fall from the sky.

The glistening snowflakes, facing the chilling sword energy, were like countless tiny ice blades, relentlessly attacking Bian Chen's face.

Just as Bian Chen was momentarily blinded by the icy sword energy and his movements faltered, Zhan Xiao's sword tip pierced through his blade and precisely pressed against his Adam's apple.

The chilling sword energy filled the sky, making the hairs on Bian Chen's neck stand on end, and he dared not move an inch.

"Wow!"

"This, this..."

"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"

Such astonishing swordsmanship and its result caused an uproar among the audience, with everyone marveling at it.

Only the Third Prince's face was ashen, all traces of his previous arrogance vanished, and his five fingers gripped the edge of the table tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

Jiang Fushi was so shocked and excited that she involuntarily stood up, her bright eyes wide open.

Zhan Xiao's performance completely exceeded her expectations.

Just think about it, who is Bian Chen? To be able to serve as the commander of the personal guards by the Third Prince, he must be a one-in-a-million, battle-hardened general. Yet, he was subdued by Zhan Xiao with a single, effortless sword strike!

Although I had investigated his background and only knew him as a skilled bodyguard, seeing his abilities today still filled me with great doubt.

Could an ordinary bodyguard really possess such high martial arts skills?

Amidst gasps and silence, Zhan Xiao calmly sheathed his sword, clasped his hands in a fist salute to the ashen-faced Bian Chen, and said in a flat voice, "Thank you for your concession."

His tone was neither sad nor happy, as if the earth-shattering sword strike just now was merely a casual brushing away of dust from his shoulder.

Bian Chen stood frozen in place, his pupils trembling slightly, his lips moving a few times, but he couldn't utter a single word.

His proud swordsmanship and illustrious military achievements were utterly crushed at this moment. The unfathomable strength of his opponent left him with no room for resentment, only shock and bewilderment.

Zhan Xiao said no more and turned to walk back behind Jiang Fushi. His tall figure cast a long shadow in the sunlight, which perfectly enveloped Jiang Fushi.

The storm has finally come to an end.

Everyone was secretly alarmed. Princess Yuhe, who was always quiet during the winter hunt in previous years, had such an unfathomable guard by her side this year. Judging from this, she was sure to make a great contribution in the upcoming hunt.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Jiang Fushi finally couldn't contain her curiosity and turned to ask, "Where did you learn your martial arts...?"

"Wandering the world, I occasionally encounter opportunities and have become self-taught," Zhan Xiao replied.

Self-taught? Jiang Fushi thought to herself, if such amazing swordsmanship could be learned by oneself, wouldn't all the martial arts masters in the world become a joke?

However, at this moment she had no interest in delving into the origins of Zhan Xiao's martial arts; all she wanted to do was find Lou Bingling as soon as possible and get some answers.

Her distraught appearance was unusual; could she really be ill, or had she suffered some great injustice?

Lou Bingling's accommodation was arranged in Tingxue Pavilion, which is not far from Lanyue Pavilion.

When Jiang Fushi arrived, it was already late afternoon, the time for dinner. But as soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw Lou Bingling's personal maid, Bihe, standing guard outside the house with a worried expression.

"Your Highness..." Bihe hurriedly stepped forward to greet her upon seeing her, her face still bearing traces of tears.

"What's wrong with your young lady today? It's already this late, why are you all still standing here instead of preparing the meal?"

Upon hearing this, Bihe's tears fell again, and she choked out, "Your Highness, this servant dares not lie to you... Miss has been acting strangely ever since she returned from the warm room today. She won't let anyone into the room and has been silently weeping inside. She hasn't eaten or drunk anything for dinner..."

"How could this be?" Jiang Fushi thought for a moment and asked, "Did she encounter anyone or hear any gossip while she was in the greenhouse today?"

Bihe shook her head, saying that she had not seen it with her own eyes.

Jiang Fushi knew she wouldn't get any more information, so she pushed open the door and went inside. The first thing she saw was Lou Bingling sitting alone by the window, her shoulders trembling slightly, silently wiping away the tears that kept rolling down her face with a handkerchief.

"Ice Crystal?" She hurried forward.

Hearing the noise and seeing her come in, Lou Bingling hurriedly turned her back and quickly wiped her cheek with her sleeve.

"Your Highness, what brings you here..."

Jiang Fushi stared at her: "What happened? Why are you crying? Were you bullied? Tell me."

"No." Lou Bingling turned her head away, her voice thick with a nasal tone: "Your Highness, please don't ask anymore."

Jiang Fushi knew that without some extreme measures, she would never speak up, so she deliberately put on a stern face: "If you don't give me a reason today, then I will assume that the maids in your courtyard have not served you well, which is why you have suffered this injustice for no reason. None of them will escape; they will all be severely punished with thirty strokes of the cane and sold out of the palace!"

Upon hearing this, Lou Bingling became anxious and quickly grabbed her sleeve: "Your Highness, you mustn't! This has nothing to do with them!"

Jiang Fushi gently supported her slender shoulder and softened her tone: "Then tell me, what is the reason?"

Lou Bingling cried even harder, choking out, "Your Highness, does the Princess want you and Young Master Xie to...be engaged?"

Jiang Fushi was stunned, and instantly understood everything.

"I did meet with Young Master Xie, but it wasn't voluntary. The Princess deceived me and Young Master Xie. We only exchanged less than three words after meeting before making excuses to leave." She held Lou Bingling's hand tightly. "Besides, I knew all along that you and Young Master Xie were in love, so how could I have done something like stealing someone else's love?"

Lou Bingling looked up at her with tearful eyes, incredulous: "...Really?"

"Don't cry." Jiang Fushi took out her silk handkerchief and gently wiped away her tears. "Have dinner first, and I'll tell you everything in detail." She beckoned for dinner to be prepared.

While eating, Jiang Fushi recounted to Lou Bingling the entire story of how the Princess had plotted against her and how she had refused. After listening, Lou Bingling's emotions gradually calmed down.

Only then did she press further: "Now you can tell me, where exactly did you hear about this?"

Lou Bingling recalled for a moment and then recounted in detail how she had encountered two daughters of officials outside the greenhouse and overheard their conversation.

"How could it be such a coincidence?" Jiang Fushi frowned.

She remembered that there were only the three of them present at the time.

Could it be that someone overheard this and deliberately exaggerated the scene before telling Lou Bingling, intending to sow discord?

"Do you still remember the appearance and clothing features of those two daughters of officials?"

"Remember."

Jiang Fushi listened carefully, wrote down Lou Bingling's words, and then said, "I will go and talk to the Princess later to make things clear. There is absolutely no possibility between me and Xie Zhiyao."

Then, she waved away the palace servants standing on either side and lowered her voice.

“Bingling, I know you consider me a confidante, so I will speak frankly with you today. To me, these palace walls are nothing more than a golden cage. My wish in this life is not to marry into a high-ranking family, but to one day be able to live freely and according to my own will. Given the opportunity, I will definitely leave here and will never confine my life to this place.”

After a moment of surprise, Lou Bingling asked softly, "Your Highness... do you still want to leave?"

Jiang Fushi answered her with a resolute tone: "Yes."

"I would rather give up the dignity of a princess than abandon my will to be free. If I cannot be free, what joy is there in life?"

...

When they arrived at Qingyang Garden, where the eldest princess was staying, she was leaning against a soft couch, and a handsome man was kneeling beside her, gently massaging her legs.

Jiang Yu was somewhat surprised to see her, then smiled knowingly and said, "What, you've missed the Imperial Aunt already after only half a day?"

"Your Majesty." Jiang Fushi stood in the hall and bowed to her.

Why aren't you coming over?

Jiang Fushi took a deep breath and looked at Jiang Yu with clear and firm eyes: "Yuhe has come here with a request. I implore Your Highness not to try to set me up with Young Master Xie again in the future."

Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow, gestured for the man to step back, and asked, "Why? Is it because that Xie family brat doesn't meet your standards?"

Meeting her probing gaze, Jiang Fushi spoke in a low but clear voice: "Young Master Xie is certainly a good man. However, Yuhe is unwilling to let a marriage cause a rift between her and her best friend. Her friend Bingling has long been in love with him. A gentleman does not take what belongs to another, let alone a sister or close friend."

Jiang Yu stared at her for a moment, then suddenly chuckled: "I paved the way for you, and you're talking to me about sisterly affection and gentlemanly conduct? Yuhe, do you know that in this deep palace, a soft heart is the greatest weakness?"

Jiang Fushi did not back down, but bowed deeply: "I am grateful for the Empress's protection. But I also want to make a choice based on my own heart, and I am willing to bear the consequences, no matter what they may be."

Jiang Yu remained silent for a moment, then finally waved her hand: "Fine. Since you insist on this, I will no longer interfere. I only hope that you will not regret your choice today in the future."

Jiang Fushi breathed a sigh of relief and was about to take her leave when the princess's languid voice rang out again:

"Wait a minute."

"Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?"

Jiang Yu did not answer directly. She stood up gracefully and walked down the steps with ease, but her gaze fell on Zhan Xiao with great interest.

"Now that you've finished speaking, let's talk about the person next to you." She said as she slowly approached, her eyes filled with pure admiration and curiosity. "His swordplay today was truly amazing."

Before she finished speaking, her well-maintained hand naturally rose, as if to brush away non-existent dust from Zhan Xiao's shoulder, the gesture intimate to the point of being almost frivolous.

However, just before her fingertips were about to touch him, Zhan Xiao did not move, but took a half step back imperceptibly, his tone completely calm: "This humble subordinate dares not defile Your Highness's jade hands."

Jiang Yu's hand froze in mid-air. She was taken aback at first, but instead of getting angry, she seemed to have discovered something very interesting and chuckled softly.

“Good, very good.” She withdrew her hand, her tone playful. “Such skill, such temperament… Yuhe, where did you find such a wonderful person? In my opinion, she is many times more interesting than those male concubines who only know how to flatter.”

Jiang Fushi was stunned.

She knew her aunt was unruly, but she hadn't expected her to go so directly to Zhan Xiao, nor had she anticipated Zhan Xiao's refusal would be so decisive and merciless. She quickly bowed deeply and continued, "Aunt, Yuhe has something she wishes to ask for your help with?"

"Oh? What is it?"

Jiang Fushi briefly explained the whole story of how Lou Bingling heard the rumors and how the two almost had a falling out.

“My aunt has a keen eye and extensive network of connections in the palace. She will surely be able to find out who was secretly eavesdropping and spreading rumors. This person is malicious and intends to sow discord. If left unchecked, it may cause even greater trouble in the future. I cannot tolerate it.”

"Hmm..." Jiang Yu nodded, a hint of understanding and appreciation flashing in his eyes: "You are quite perceptive, and you even know to come to me. Very well, I will send someone to investigate this matter. Just wait for news."

Jiang Fushi felt relieved and bowed again solemnly: "Thank you, Your Highness, for making the decision for Yuhe."

Leaving Qingyang Garden, Jiang Fushi was so exhausted she barely wanted to speak. Today, she had experienced danger during her performance, resolved a misunderstanding with her best friend, and dealt with the Princess. She was truly mentally and physically exhausted.

As she rode in the sedan chair, she inadvertently lifted the curtain and peeked out. She saw Zhan Xiao silently accompanying her, his figure as upright as a pine tree, blending into the deepening night.

Anyone with eyes could see that the eldest princess had feelings for him. Compared to him, the eldest princess was extremely powerful, and if he could follow her, his future would be much better than if he followed a weak and powerless princess.

She couldn't help but ask softly, "Why...why did you refuse the Princess just now?"

Zhan Xiao looked ahead and said in a low voice, "I have said that I am only loyal to Your Highness."

“But…” Jiang Fushi gripped the sedan window with both hands, sticking out half her head: “The Princess is very powerful and can offer you opportunities far beyond what my cold palace can provide. If you want to pursue a proper future, I… will not stop you.”

After saying this, Jiang Fushi's throat tightened, and she stared at him with her bright eyes without blinking.

Zhan Xiao stopped in his tracks, his gaze calm: "Does Your Highness mean to send me to the Princess as a gigolo to please her and provide her with amusement?"

“That’s not what I meant at all!” Jiang Fushi blurted out.

Zhan Xiao gave her a deep look, then continued walking, leaving only a low voice drifting into the sedan chair:

"Since that is not your intention, Your Highness, please do not speak of this further."

...

late at night.

The Miao opera troupe members, who had been flogged, were driven out of the palace and staggered along the long street, supporting each other. Just when they were in unbearable pain and despair, a delicate sedan chair quietly stopped at the end of the street.

Several attendants quickly stepped forward and stopped them without saying a word.

Yu Yao looked down at their disheveled appearance, a smile curving her lips: "I've heard... that your Miao tribe is most skilled in making and using Gu poison, is that true?"

The opera troupe members immediately bowed to Yu Yao despite their pain, and Wu Yin nodded firmly: "Your Highness, we Miao people have been accompanied by Gu worms since childhood, and we have some knowledge of all kinds of Gu poisons. I wonder what kind of Gu Your Highness wishes to request?"

In the vast, dark night, Yu Yao's eyes were filled with jealousy and hatred.

"I want a kind of poison that can be added to food and clothing without being detected, and after being poisoned, the person will be bedridden and gradually weaken and die."

Wu Yin's body trembled, and he said timidly, "Such a treacherous thing may harm the harmony of heaven and earth, and it is extremely easy for it to backfire on oneself..."

Yu Yao sneered and interrupted him: "If things go well, I will reward you with a thousand gold pieces and find you a stable place to make a living in the capital, so that you will be spared the suffering of wandering."

A fierce struggle flashed across Wu Yin's face, but in the end, the desire to survive overcame his fear, and he gritted his teeth and agreed: "...There is indeed a kind of 'Silk Vine Gu' that meets Your Highness's requirements. However, we are currently seriously injured and are afraid that we will not be able to refine it in the short term. Therefore, the Gu needs to be fed with our own blood essence before it can be refined and used as medicine."

"How long will it take? Give me a definite answer."

"At the fastest... it will take a full seven days."

Yu Yao pondered for a moment, then casually tossed a jade tablet engraved with the palace seal in front of Wu Yin: "Seven days from now, use this to find my people at Xihua Gate. If you dare to delay or leak the news... you know the consequences."

...

The third day of the Winter Ceremony.

Polo is a men's sport, so Jiang Fushi did not go to watch the game. Instead, she changed into a smart riding and archery outfit and went straight to the archery range.

Archery is one of the six arts of a gentleman, and as a princess, she naturally learned it, but she had always kept it hidden and never shown off her skills.

She arrived early and met up with Lou Bingling on the sidelines.

When I saw her today, she looked relaxed and her complexion was much better.

"Don't worry, I spoke with the Princess yesterday and made it clear that there is absolutely no possibility between me and Young Master Xie, and the Princess will not try to match us up again."

Tears of gratitude welled up in Lou Bingling's eyes, and she bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness."

As the two were talking, a nanny dressed in palace attire with a calm expression found Jiang Fushi, bowed, and invited her aside to speak in a low voice.

Knowing that it was someone from the Princess, Jiang Fushi listened intently, and the other person brought her definite news:

“Your Highness, the person who eavesdropped and spread rumors outside Linshui Pavilion yesterday has been identified. I questioned all the palace servants who were on duty nearby that day, and one of the cleaning maids identified that she saw Li Wanru, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Yongjia, standing behind the rockery outside the pavilion for a long time. The time and place match.”

Upon hearing the name "Li Wanru," Jiang Fushi felt a surge of anger.

Last time, when they met by chance at Ci'an Temple, Li Wanru deliberately sprinkled red safflower powder on the incense and candles in an attempt to burn her. This time, she is doing the same thing again behind her back, sowing discord. She is truly a persistent ghost, and her heart is despicable!

Lou Bingling instantly understood everything, her fingertips trembling with anger: "It was her! I have no grudge against her, why would she try to drive a wedge between me and His Highness?"

"She's nothing but a twisted person who can't stand seeing others get close." Jiang Fushi's eyes suddenly turned cold, and she had already made up her mind.

As they were talking, the person in question walked in from outside the arena, also dressed in riding and archery attire.

Whether it was out of guilt or not, Jiang Fushi clearly sensed Li Wanru's gaze falling on her.

So she simply pulled Lou Bingling along and went to greet her. In full view of everyone, she affectionately took her friend's arm and gave Li Wanru a bright yet meaningful smile.