Shang Changge walked very fast, and Xiao Ji caught up even faster, like a stubborn leech that he couldn't shake off.

Under the moonlight, in the cold wind

Shang Changge stopped under a rooftop, stepped back, and created some distance between herself and Xiao Ji. Before the man approached, she parted her red lips and said:

"Someone come here."

In the pitch-black night, dozens of tall, imposing figures instantly appeared around Shang Changge.

Xiao Ji stopped and looked at Shang Changge.

When Shang Changge looked back, her pair of long, beautiful phoenix eyes were cold, devoid of any emotion, and even exuded a chill.

He ordered, "Stop him."

The leader of the shadowy figures spoke in a long, respectful voice in the night.

Shang Changge stood with her hands behind her back, her tall and graceful figure firmly planted on the roof tiles. She glanced indifferently at Xiao Ji, drawing a clear line between them:

"From now on, the Princess's residence will not welcome the General except for official business. Also, you dare to touch my people and see what happens."

He turned around and said coldly, "Let's go."

Dozens of dark figures escorted Shang Changge away. Everyone moved very quickly and disappeared into the night in an instant.

Xiao Ji stood there alone for a long time. After a long time, he caught up with him. His cold and handsome face, hidden in the darkness, made it impossible to see his expression.

Only her tightly pressed lips revealed her most genuine and turbulent emotions.

The sun is high in the sky at the Princess's residence.

When the master gets up at night to bathe, all the lanterns in the sleeping quarters, the bathhouse, and even the connecting corridors are lit.

Rows of bright lanterns, one after another, luxurious and exquisite palace lanterns swayed gently in the wind, creating a beautiful scene in the dark night.

Shang Changge was taking a bath, enjoying a massage attentively attended to by a dozen maids.

Midway through, Qingyao came in from outside and took over the work from one of the maids, slowly drying Shang Changge's hair, then hesitated to speak.

Shang Changge noticed, but ignored it.

Half an hour later, Shang Changge, feeling refreshed and comfortable from head to toe, stepped out of the bathhouse surrounded by her maids.

The bathhouse was brightly lit inside and out, as if it were daytime. Shang Changge was also a very perceptive person.

Out of the corner of his eye, he easily caught sight of Xiao Ji's figure, which was hidden not far away, but he quickly looked away and pretended not to have seen him.

"Qingyao and Zhuque, bring another soft couch to my bedchamber. I've been having nightmares lately. If you two keep watch tonight, I can sleep more soundly."

Qingyao/Zhuque: "Yes."

Zhuque is one of the hundred elites, and also one of the most talented and extraordinary individuals. He has high martial prowess and excellent hearing.

Most importantly, they are very obedient.

He never says one thing when told to say another, never goes west when told to go east, and never chases a chicken when told to chase a dog. He also speaks very little, like a robot.

She was a girl Shang Changge really liked, and also Shang Changge's best candidate to replace Qingyao if necessary.

No heart? Yes.

She's just that kind of heartless woman, always has been.

After taking a shower, Shang Changge slept very well that night, without any dreams, until dawn.

The next day was a fine day with the sun rising in the east, but the morning dew was heavy and the air outside was still a bit chilly.

After washing and grooming, Shang Changge's face, with its strikingly beautiful features and meticulously applied makeup, was adorned with a magnificent and dignified crimson dress.

Stepping out of the palace gates, I took a deep breath to enjoy the fresh morning air and stretched to relax my body and mind.

Where is Qingyao?

Today, it wasn't Qingyao who served Shang Changge while he washed up; it was Zhuque.

Zhuque nodded respectfully: "Miss Qingyao is serving you food in the dining hall."

He answered every question directly, without uttering a single unnecessary word.

Shang Changge gave a casual "hmm" and glanced in the direction where she last saw Xiao Ji last night.

Zhuque understood immediately and stepped forward to report in a low voice: "The General stood behind the artificial hill all night and left just two hours ago."