Chapter 44 His headache flared up again, and he needed her to come and take care of him.

Xie Guidu had never seen such a ruthless and resolute expression on Dou Wenyi's face. At this moment, he was more flustered than ever before. How dare she?

How innocent is Mingyan?

How dare she threaten him!

They even dared to harm Mingyan. Who gave them the audacity?

Mingyan is just one step away from becoming the Crown Princess, and he will never allow anyone to ruin her marriage.

Silence reigned all around. The lights inside the room had long been off. Xie Guidu closed his eyes in despair and stood by the wall for an unknown amount of time before dragging his heavy steps to knock on a door.

Seeing his dazed and dejected state, Dou Mingxiu couldn't help but sigh, "What's wrong with you?"

A hint of pain flashed in Xie Guidu's deep eyes. "You're right. I should break off the engagement. I shouldn't have married someone as wicked as her."

What a joke! Does he really think he can't live without her?

After the engagement was broken off, he could still marry various noble ladies, while she could only marry a good-for-nothing playboy like Zhang Chengxian!

Dou Mingxiu handed him a cup of tea. "What stupid thing did she do this time to upset you?"

Xie Guidu succinctly recounted the argument between the two, saying, "My only concern now is that she will ruin Mingyan's reputation, and I'm afraid the Crown Prince will believe her rumors and affect this marriage."

"She dares!" Dou Mingxiu said angrily, "I think she's too wild and lacks discipline."

"Indeed, her personality has changed drastically!" He almost didn't recognize her anymore.

Dou Mingxiu hardened his heart and said, "Why don't you move the wedding date forward? I'll take care of everything else."

"What do you want to do?" Xie Guidu suddenly realized that something was wrong.

A dark glint flashed in Dou Mingxiu's eyes. "Don't worry about it. I'm doing this for her own good. Once she suffers a bit and learns a lesson, she'll naturally face reality and obediently marry you. Otherwise, this troublemaker will drag the Dou family down with her sooner or later!"

Dou Wenyi had already hurt him and Shuang'er; he hadn't settled the score with her yet, and he would never allow her to hurt Dou Mingyan again.

As dawn broke, the air was filled with the fragrance of earth and grass.

In the water clock at the corner of the palace, the monotonous sound of water droplets hitting the golden cup was heard, while the palace servants and guards stood in orderly fashion under the lush green trees.

Dou Mingyan sat upright in front of the dressing table. The bronze mirror reflected the dark circles under her eyes. Her originally delicate face looked tired and lacked her usual radiance.

"Miss, it's time to put on your makeup. I'll apply a thicker layer of powder later; it will definitely cover the bruises. We're going hunting later, so please don't be late," came the voice of the maid, Amber, from beside her ear.

Last night, Pei Siyan sent someone to bring her to his bedchamber. She was filled with the secret joy of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but she waited in vain all night and never saw him.

Dou Mingyan stared blankly, her eyes blurry with tears. "Has he already noticed something?"

She was really panicking. Ever since Xie Guidu rescued her from the water, Pei Siyan's aloofness had become very obvious.

"Young lady, you mustn't be foolish. His Highness the Crown Prince values ​​you. He's young and impetuous, and he must have wanted to be intimate with you last night. Otherwise, why would he have brought you here in the middle of the night? But a woman's reputation is of utmost importance, and you two are not yet married! He did it for your sake..."

I'm running out of words to describe amber.

Upon hearing her words, Dou Mingyan's wavering ambitions returned.

"Really?"

Pei Siyan's affection for her seemed to have diminished. In the past, he would give her all sorts of expensive gifts and considerately take her preferences into account.

She understood that it all stemmed from the 'life-saving grace,' including the position of Crown Princess.

But now...

Pei Siyan is aloof by nature, indifferent to women, with an extraordinary bearing and noble status. The only person by his side is her. This favor and honor alone would make many noble ladies envious.

She absolutely couldn't let Pei Siyan notice Dou Wenyi. Fortunately, he was not interested in women and was busy with government affairs, treating all women equally, so Dou Wenyi had no chance to get close to him.

Remembering Dou Mingxiu's plan, Amber said gloatingly, "Miss, the eldest young master has made all the arrangements. He will stand up for you, so you can rest assured."

A ruthless glint flashed in Dou Mingyan's eyes. This time, she was reaping the benefits without lifting a finger, and finally, there was going to be a good show to watch.

She is Pei Siyan's Crown Princess, his only legal wife, and will become the Empress of the Great Zhou Dynasty in the future.

Even if he has concubines or mistresses in the future, so what? No matter what, they can never surpass her, his legal wife.

She was unwilling to accept this; she still wanted Pei Siyan to fall for her.

At this moment, Pei Siyan was not busy with government affairs like an ox or a horse, but was calmly drinking tea.

"...Commander Han has been dismissed and investigated overnight for his insubordination and disrespect for the imperial family, and for his incompetence. The commander of the Imperial Guards has been replaced by one of our own. Consort Tan is to blame this time; they have lost both their wife and their army. In addition, the spies around Consort Shu have been eliminated."

As if remembering something, Chi Yan added, "Your Highness, if it weren't for Miss Dou's reckless intrusion, things might not have progressed so smoothly, and the rift in the harem would have been much harder to clear up. She really is a fool who has good fortune..."

Pei Siyan's face darkened, and Chi Yan suddenly realized he had said the wrong thing and shut up in frustration.

Last night's events were eventually suppressed. Consort Tan used the pretext of capturing the assassin to try and smear the Crown Prince. Little did she expect that Pei Siyan would turn the tables and detain Consort Jiang, even using her as a secret agent to impersonate the 'assassin' and presenting her to the Emperor in a grand manner.

The assassin's hometown was the same as the head of Consort Tan's palace, and their relationship was intricate. This time, she probably wouldn't be able to defend herself.

"Does Your Highness wish to participate in today's hunt?"

Pei Siyan expressionlessly took down the bow and arrow hanging on the wall. Without saying a word, with a "whoosh," the arrowhead hit the bullseye.

Compete in archery and horsemanship with a bunch of spoiled rich kids and a group of delicate noble ladies?

Is it an insult to him, or an insult to horsemanship and archery?

"My headache is acting up again. Go and call someone to give me acupuncture!" Pei Siyan scoffed impatiently.

Crimson Flame's pupils dilated in shock, and she could barely speak, "But... Fourth Miss Dou went to the hunting grounds."

Pei Siyan touched the web of his hand, where there used to be a faint teeth mark, but it had long since disappeared without a trace. "Who is in charge of the hunt today? Go to the hunting grounds and take a look."

War drums beat, horns sounded, and arrowheads reflected the morning light. The vast hunting party, divided into different teams, surged into the hunting grounds like a tide and soon disappeared into the mountains and fields.

Dou Wenyi had no interest in hunting and leisurely followed behind the group.

Dou Mingyan, who had been leading the way, turned around and casually fiddled with her riding whip. "Fourth sister, why aren't you following? Are you waiting for someone?"

She looked up and examined Dou Wenyi. Today, Dou Wenyi was wearing a light, narrow-sleeved riding outfit with a cinched waist. Her waist was slender, and even though she only had a simple ponytail with no embellishments, she still had a dashing charm. She exuded elegance and grace.

She really is a femme fatale.

A barely perceptible hint of jealousy flashed in Dou Mingyan's eyes. What does it matter if she's beautiful?

She is the woman of destiny, she has seized the initiative, and Dou Wenyi is destined to become a loser, abandoned by the merciless fate.

Dou Wenyi's voice was clear and crisp, her attitude distant and polite, "Thank you for your concern, sister, but I won't go and join in the fun."

Dou Mingyan glanced at her horse, gave a meaningful smile, and urged the horse to leave.

Even if she doesn't come, as long as she stays in this hunting ground, she'll still be unlucky!

The horse's hooves clattered softly on the dry branches. As they approached the crossroads, Dou Wenyi hesitated, unsure which direction to take.

The sun was high in the sky, and many thoughts raced through her mind. After the excitement and danger of last night, she needed to be careful in everything she did.

Suddenly, a mournful cry of an eagle rang out in the sky—a fierce gyrfalcon was swooping down on her!

The falcon's talons, sharp as hooks, ripped fiercely at the horse's head. The horse's eyes were scratched, and the excessive fright and stimulation caused it to rear up, emitting a series of panicked neighs.

Immediately, the horse galloped wildly as if it had gone mad. Dou Wenyi squeezed the horse's belly with both legs and tried hard to control it by pulling the reins tightly, but the beast was almost insane and could not be controlled at all.

The falcon circled in the sky, then suddenly swooped down and attacked her again.

In a flash, a figure in black robes rode up on horseback, shouting, "Dows!"