Chapter 103 Now, on what basis do you say you're withdrawing...?
“Cheng Ning”.
Cui Yao could vaguely feel herself speaking, but her lips trembled and the sound she made was inaudible even to herself.
Ji Chengning stood against the light, the cold moonlight making his charming and amorous peach blossom eyes appear icy and frozen.
They couldn't make a sound, nor dared to.
He held his breath desperately, fearing that General Ji might suddenly come to his senses and realize his presence.
He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.
pain.
A metallic taste of blood welled up in my throat, but strangely, it didn't belong to any of the dead people in the room.
It's like swallowing a red-hot blade whole.
Ji Chengnin is looking at him.
He used to love Ji Chengning so much that his heart and eyes were completely filled with him, but now, he felt a sense of fear and a desire to escape.
"Your Highness." A faint sound escaped from his dry, pale lips.
"General!" Li Bi shouted from outside, "We've captured one alive!"
Ji Chengnin's chest heaved violently, as if he could no longer stand the foul air in the room. He abruptly turned his head and shouted, "Interrogate him! Don't kill him before he confesses. I want to see who dares to lay a hand on this general!"
The voice was chillingly cold, like a demon who had just emerged from purgatory.
Li Bi had never seen Ji Chengnin so angry before, and was startled. "Yes!"
Ji Chengnin stood at the door.
The head at his feet stared at him with its eyes wide open, still holding the fear of death in its bloodshot gaze.
fortunately.
For a fleeting moment, all of Ji Chengning's thoughts vanished, leaving only the feeling of relief.
But immediately, this clarity vanished like dew on a lotus leaf.
Cui Yao stared intently at Ji Chengnin, her face deathly pale.
The paler his face became, the more vivid the blood droplets on half of his face appeared, splattering and exploding on his otherwise exquisitely beautiful face, creating an extremely bizarre and gruesome effect, as if these filth had absorbed his flesh and blood to grow flowers.
He was still looking at Ji Chengning.
While the young general's thunderous rage was indeed chilling, Ji Chengnin's expression quickly returned to calm.
Cui Yao's breathing became increasingly rapid.
But there was no sound.
All that could be seen was his chest heaving violently.
"Someone, clean up these body parts," Ji Chengnin said in a voice devoid of any emotion.
The young general had the most affectionate eyes in the world, but only now did Cui Yao realize that Ji Chengning could look at people with such coldness, so cold that it made him feel like his liver and gallbladder were about to break and his whole body was trembling.
He stepped forward.
Deep down, he seemed to realize that Ji Chengnin would not give him another chance.
This only increased my anxiety.
As if drowning in a deep, futile attempt to explain, forcing back a trembling voice, "Your Highness, I am absolutely not..."
“Absolutely not what? Absolutely not intentionally hiding it from me?” Ji Chengnin suddenly interrupted, but his voice remained calm. “I know you have your reasons for concealing your identity. You must have something very important to do.” He stared at Cui Yao, but the young master Cui, who had just killed three people without even breaking a sweat, now seemed unsteady on his feet. He paused. “Is your name really Cui Yao?”
Is your real name Zhong Mei?
I asked and pleaded with you until you finally told me your name. Is it real, or just something you made up to tease me on a whim?
Whether it was the unspoken understanding and mutual appreciation during the day, or the unspeakable and ambiguous entanglements at night, despite seemingly spending so much time together, he didn't even know Cui Yao's real name.
Suddenly, a tremendous absurdity surged into his heart, making his heart, which he thought had become numb, tremble.
He looked at Cui Yao.
He looked into the other person's eyes.
Those clear, translucent eyes were trembling violently.
It seemed that Cui Yao was truly at a loss for words.
Their eyes met, and Cui Yao saw herself in Ji Chengning's eyes as well; his face was reflected in the dark, distorted eyes.
No, it's not distortion.
His face was as pale as a demon, his expression was almost ferocious with confusion, his hair was disheveled, and he was covered in blood. That was exactly what he looked like at that moment!
"You used the pseudonym Cui Yao because you had your reasons. I don't care what those reasons were, and they are none of my business."
In fact, someone had reported to him when he was in the capital that Cui Yao often went missing, but he thought at the time that his cousin had lost her father and mother and was supporting such a large business on her own. Everyone has their own unspeakable stories and unavoidable hardships, so why should he ask and only add to Cui Yao's troubles?
He spoke calmly, almost as if he were being very understanding.
Irrelevant?
Cui Yao suddenly looked up, her gaze fixed on Ji Chengnin's face.
His eyes were shockingly red.
How could his affairs be unrelated to the Crown Prince?
This shouldn't be the case.
It shouldn't be like this. It's all those assassins' fault. If the young master hadn't stumbled upon this scene, he and the young master could still enjoy tea during the day and be intimate at night. It's all their fault! Cui Yao's breathing became more and more rapid, and even his cheeks flushed. It's all those assassins' fault for letting them die so easily. He was truly unwilling to accept it. They deserved to be torn to pieces! Tortured to pieces!
But when Ji Chengning looked at him, the murderous intent in his eyes vanished in an instant. His eyes trembled, their light dimmed, as if a pair of beautiful glass had shattered completely in his eye sockets, leaving only a mess.
Ji Chengnin closed his eyes briefly, but immediately opened them again. He felt he spoke calmly, but his voice was rough like a knife, "I only have one question: why did you use the alias Zhong Mei to toy with me?"
“I’m not teasing the Crown Prince,” Cui Yao replied hastily.
He stepped forward uncontrollably, trying to grab Ji Chengnin's wrist.
But faced with Ji Chengnin's wary and scrutinizing gaze, he felt as if he were pinned to the spot by a blade, caught in a dilemma.
Her cold gaze was fixed on him, but what flashed before her eyes was the young marquis snuggling close to her, openly expressing his affection.
Will those things never come again?
After endless fear, a sudden surge of anger, tinged with resentment, arose.
But you were the one who did it first.
You were the one who barged into my room first, held a gun to my lips, and said those confusing and terrifying things to me. You were the one who started it all. You were the one who provoked me first. You were the one who kept saying that you liked me, that you would only ever love me, and that you would never change your mind. All of that was...!
Now, why do you think you can just walk away like that?
The person, who was usually as quiet and aloof as ice and jade, was trembling all over.
The overall situation needs Ji Chengnin, but he needs him even more. He's really lost his mind being with Ji Chengnin, actually thinking that these damn political matters are more important than him and Ji Chengnin.
More important than them being together.
Ji Chengnin gave him a deep look, and then turned away without hesitation.
His pupils suddenly contracted.
Keep him! Keep him! Keep him!
Her eyes grew increasingly bloodshot, almost bleeding. At this moment, Cui Yao's mind was blank, filled only with a crazy thought.
Keep him here.
The entire camp is currently focused on hunting down the assassin. The prince had just thrown a tantrum, and no one dared to come over. By the time they finally came to report, he had already left with the prince.
Even if, even if the prince will hate him when he wakes up, then he should hate him.
It was better than watching him leave helplessly. The young general's scarlet cloak drew a sharp arc in the air with his movements. It was better than not even being able to hold onto the hem of his coat.
Dark, delirious murmurs echoed wildly in his ears, so he suddenly turned around and, taking advantage of Ji Chengnin's unpreparedness, raised his hand to chop at the back of Ji Chengnin's neck.
Closer and closer, his hand almost hit his neck, "whoosh—"
The arrow pierced through the wind and fiercely penetrated Cui Yao's sleeve!
The arrow grazed his skin, slicing off a piece of flesh, and blood gushed out immediately.
Ji Chengnin turned around abruptly.
Cui Yao remained standing in the same spot.
Blood instantly stained his sleeves, but he seemed oblivious to the pain, still staring intently at Ji Chengnin.
There wasn't a trace of ferocity in his eyes, only helplessness and grievance.
It seemed as if they didn't know how to keep Ji Chengning.
Seeing him turn around, his dull eyes lit up instantly, "Your Highness."
His voice was so hoarse that it was unrecognizable.
Ji Chengnin paused in his steps.
For a fleeting moment, he admitted that he had truly softened.
I almost lifted Cui Yao's face and asked him with a smile what was wrong with him, just like before, and who made him suffer.
But the next moment, a warm hand touched his face.
Ji Chengnin's body jolted, and he turned his head sharply, grabbing the hand.
"Creak!"
The bones collided, producing a tooth-grinding sound.
Cui Yao's gaze suddenly turned sharp, her eyes turning cold as she looked at the newcomer.
Fortunately, he thought expressionlessly, the prince turned his head.
Otherwise, seeing his expression would definitely frighten the prince.
"So cold," the hand gently brushed across Ji Chengnin's cheek, as if caressing the Imperial Seal of the State. Zhou Yu gave Ji Chengnin a gentle smile. "Did I scare you?"
"Your Highness?" Ji Chengnin paused, still unaccustomed to his own unpleasant, hoarse voice. "Why are you here?"
"I heard the sound of someone catching an assassin, so I came out to see what was going on. I was the one who ordered the arrow to be shot. Ah, it's Lord Cui. You're covered in blood, and you looked like you were about to chop off Xiao Ning's neck. You really gave me a fright." He smiled and looked at Cui Yao.
The usually composed and unflappable Lord Cui's expression changed drastically.
Ji Chengning gave Cui Yao a deep look.
Cui Yao felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave.
Before he could even offer an explanation, Ji Chengnin had already turned around abruptly and strode out of the bedroom.
Zhou Yu smiled.
He first glanced at the blood-soaked ground, then looked at Cui Yao, who was trembling under his breath.
Aren't you good at pretending to be innocent, docile, loyal, and helpless?
Cui Yao, Lord Cui, how could you... Zhou Yu almost couldn't suppress the smile on his lips. How could you have given yourself away in front of Xiao Ning?
Aren't you the one who loves to put on a show for him the most?
The next second, all smiles vanished. Zhou Yu, too lazy to look at the person in the center of the bloodstains, quickly caught up with Ji Chengning.
There were too many things to do tonight, so Zhou Yu accompanied Ji Chengning to the study.
Just moments before, Ji Chengning had been tense like a silver spear, but the moment he entered the room, he became listless. His sharp, assertive eyes closed wearily, as if all his strength had been drained away.
Zhou Yu was filled with affection.
And, filled with resentment and anger.
Is Cui Yao really worth making Xiao Ning so sad?
He gently wrapped his arms around Ji Chengnin's arm.
The latter did not resist.
So he raised his hand, paused at his chest, and pressed it down slightly.
Sure enough, Ji Chengning could no longer hold on and collapsed as if all his strength had given out.
Just then, she was held tightly in his arms.
Zhou Yu was speechless with emotion. He was overwhelmed with both immense sorrow and immense satisfaction, and the conflicting feelings almost tore him in two.
"What's wrong? Your eyes are wet." His fingers traced Ji Chengnin's cheek, and Ji Chengnin's trembling eyelashes unconsciously brushed against his fingertips.
This intimacy was utterly insignificant, yet it was enough to make Zhou Yu feel as if he had drunk a potent liquor that could make one forget all worries, leaving him feeling blissfully ecstatic.
Ji Chengnin remained silent.
His chest was still heaving violently.
“I’m here, Xiao Ning,” Zhou Yu said without getting annoyed. He stroked Ji Cheng Ning’s hair with his fingers, and the latter gave him no response, but he was happy to do so and felt extremely satisfied. “Don’t be afraid, I will stay with you.”
I will always be with you.
So, Xiao Ning, you must stay with me forever.
Zhou Yu thought to himself with satisfaction.
...
The mastermind behind the assassination attempt was quickly identified.
General Ji was furious, so this investigation was faster and more swift than ever before.
Ji Chengnin's reaction after receiving the result was simple: an eye for an eye—kill.
The stench of blood instantly filled both cities.
At this moment, in the Crown Prince's study.
The attendant reported all of Ji Chengnin's recent movements to Zhou Yu, and at the end, he hesitated and said, "Your Highness, won't General Ji's actions provoke dissatisfaction from the noble families in both regions?"
It's not a matter of whether they can or not, but rather that they've been dissatisfied for a long time.
“Xiao Ning was assassinated, and it’s understandable that we should be ruthless towards the main culprit,” Zhou Yu said, raising his tired eyes and speaking in a calm tone. “Moreover, the bandits deserved to die. Their attempt to assassinate Xiao Ning was not only to take his life, but also to obstruct the court’s decision.”
The attendant remained silent.
Indeed, Ji Chengning was determined to reform the administration of officials in both places, and the assassination was tantamount to handing Ji Chengning a huge handle against him.
Zhou Yu casually blew away the steam from the medicine bowl, "Xiao Ning has removed the parasites from the country; this is a great thing."
He paused, then casually asked, "By the way, has Xiao Ning been to see Officer Cui recently?"
"Your Highness, no."
"Oh." Zhou Yu tilted his head back and drank the medicine in one gulp.
Although his tone was indifferent, a layer of joy shrouded his eyes and brows, as if hearing these words made even the medicine in his mouth seem less bitter.
The attendant asked, "Does Your Highness seem quite concerned about that Lord Cui?"
His eyes, dull from long illness, suddenly looked over, and were as cold as frost.
The attendant suddenly realized he had spoken too much, his knees buckled, and he knelt down. "Your Highness, please calm your anger. It was I who spoke out of turn. Please forgive me."
"You only ask this because you care about me."
Zhou Yu put down the medicine bowl.
The jade spoon collided with the medicine bowl with a crisp click.
He smiled slightly, "What is Cui Yao anyway? Does she deserve my attention?"
From beginning to end, the only person he cared about was Ji Chengnin.
That's great that you didn't go.
Xiao Ning, he smiled and thought how wonderful it would be if Xiao Ning could see through all those tactless people surrounding her, one by one. That way, he would only have Xiao Ning, and Xiao Ning would only have him.
Just like when I was a child.
...
Almost half a month has passed since the assassination attempt.
Ji Chengning suffered from insomnia day and night.
It wasn't that I was thinking of Cui Yao, but rather those dead people.
He closed his eyes, and the human head's eyeballs stared intently at him.
He wasn't afraid of the corpse, but every time his consciousness was about to drift away, the head would suddenly change, transforming from a hideous and terrified face into a beautiful and alluring head.
She had long eyebrows, a high nose, and a pair of strikingly beautiful peach blossom eyes.
Yes, Ji Chengnin thought expressionlessly, looking at his face.
If he continues to be so stubborn, his head might just fall at Cui Yao's feet.
"Swish—"
There seemed to be some noise outside the door.
Ji Chengning sprang up instantly, gripping the blade at his side.
Yes, who?
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