Upon hearing this, Qi fell silent, seemingly lost in thought...
"You didn't understand the situation and rashly attempted the assassination. If I helped you, we would both fall into his trap, and he could easily capture us all. In desperation, I had no choice but to take the risk and shield him from your knife. This would not only thwart his plan but also allow you to escape in time. He would also be surprised by my actions and unsure whether I am friend or foe. While he hesitates, he certainly won't do anything to me for saving his life. In this way... we can both save our lives. It was the only perfect solution I could think of under those circumstances!"
If everything she said is true, and Huo Jingsha really wasn't drugged, and it was all a scheme he set up to wait for her to fall into his trap, then You Shuyao's actions were indeed the best solution at the time. Given the circumstances, she really didn't have the opportunity to explain everything to him, so she had no choice but to take this risk.
Clearly, he was swayed, and the scales of his heart had quietly tipped in her favor. After a moment of contemplation, Qi asked again, as if to confirm, "Is everything you're saying true?"
Shu Yao didn't answer but instead asked a question. "Do you think I would have any reason to lie? Before we arrived at the inn, it was just the two of us sitting alone in the carriage. I know better than anyone whether he was under the influence of aphrodisiacs. Besides, how could a dignified Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard only take four people with him when he goes out to investigate a case? It's obvious that he's trying to make you think you have an opportunity. Furthermore, if I really surrendered to him, wouldn't it be better to stay by his side and enjoy wealth and luxury? Why bother trying so hard to escape, only to end up being brought here by you?"
Qi relaxed slightly. Although his gaze remained sharp, You Shuyao knew that he was no longer staring at her with the same wary eyes as before, and even began to doubt whether she was a traitor.
Excellent! Shu Yao admired herself for persuading him so easily.
Her words were flawless, because it was a fact that Huo Jingsha hadn't been drugged, and it was also a fact that she had set up an ambush. If Qi still had any doubts, he could simply investigate and everything would become clear. Moreover, how could Qi not know that the Embroidered Uniform Guard was searching for her everywhere, causing martial law to be in effect throughout the city, chaos, and widespread fear among the people?
As expected, Qi stared at her for a moment before giving orders to the others. "Take her to her room and make sure she's treated properly, then put some medicine on her wounds."
You Shuyao lowered her eyes, hiding her secret joy, and breathed a sigh of relief.
Whether it's true or false, as long as she can stay alive, that's all that matters. As long as Qi believes her, she still has a chance to escape. Thinking of this, hope rose again. It's been a nerve-wracking journey. She's finally come this far, and she absolutely cannot give up now. Neither Huo Jingsha nor Qi can decide her life or death anymore.
*** ***
In the days that followed, You Shuyao was kept under house arrest by Qi. But perhaps her words had an effect. Although Qi kept her locked in a room, he did not mistreat her. He even sent a female subordinate to change her dressings every day and put her three meals on the table on time.
She had been hiding for eight days, barely getting a good night's sleep or a proper meal. Her wound had reopened and worsened, so when she relaxed, she developed a high fever. This made her forget about the troubles of being under house arrest and instead feel fortunate to have a chance to catch her breath.
She took her medicine and lay in bed, feeling drowsy. Anyway, someone brought her food and poured her tea when she was thirsty, so it was quite comfortable.
About three days later, one night, she was sleeping soundly when she was suddenly woken up. Without a word, she was made to get dressed and hurriedly boarded a carriage.
“What happened?” she asked.
The woman who had been sent by Qi to take care of her was the one who escorted her into the carriage. She didn't answer her question, and after helping her into the carriage, she left. Just as she was about to go out and ask what was going on, Qi got into the carriage.
With his long legs and tall stature, the carriage, which was originally quite spacious, instantly became crowded as soon as he entered.
"Let's go." He called out, his tone somewhat similar to Huo Jingsha's, both cold and seemingly devoid of emotion.
You Shuyao was already used to these ascetic men, and only glanced at him indifferently.
Qi sat opposite her with his eyes closed, not sparing her a single glance since he came in. But she did not let her guard down, knowing that even with his eyes closed, her every move was under his control.
You Shuyao pondered deeply. The fact that they had to leave in the middle of the night meant that their hiding place was likely at risk of being exposed, so they had no choice but to evacuate immediately.
She could ask his men directly, but not him directly where they were going. Since his men hadn't given a clear answer, he was even less likely to say. Although her explanation temporarily eased Qi's suspicions, they were still in a testing phase. Suspicious assassins like them could never completely trust anyone.
The swaying of the carriage had a very hypnotic effect. You Shuyao was woken up in the middle of the night and was already very sleepy, so she simply closed her eyes, turned her body to one side, and casually leaned her back against the soft pillow behind her, resting her head on the side of the carriage wall, intending to take a nap. But Qi spoke coldly at this moment.
Why did you risk your life to save me?
You Shuyao opened her eyes and found him staring at her intently. His dark eyes were deep and unfathomable, but in the dark carriage, they shone even brighter and more imposingly, just like every time they had looked at each other at night before.
You Shuyao was very familiar with that look. After staring at him for a while, she lowered her eyes.
“Because…” Her voice was tired, but softer than usual. “Actually, there’s no specific reason. I just wanted to save you, so I did. I didn’t want you to lose your life for nothing.”
She said it on purpose, hoping to evoke his compassion. She needed to seize any opportunity to dispel his idea of bringing her back to the organization. Judging from his current "amiable" attitude towards her… he probably hadn't yet reported her rescue of Huo Jingsha to the leader; he was still investigating her. She had to grasp every chance to appease this man.
"And what about you? If I kill you with one sword, wouldn't you be just throwing your life away for nothing?" he asked again.
She glared at him irritably and retorted rudely, "Hmph! If I had known it would be a thankless task and I would be suspected by you now, I really wouldn't have saved you." Her tone was a little aggrieved and resentful.
She turned her face away angrily, with an expression that said, "You ungrateful bastard, I can't be bothered with you," and closed her eyes again, not intending to say another word to him.
Qi's gaze remained fixed on her face before he looked away, lifting the curtain to gaze out the carriage window. Apart from the rumble of the carriage wheels and the clatter of horses' hooves, the surroundings were dark and quiet.
After a while, his gaze involuntarily shifted back to her tired and pale face. She lacked the murderous aura and coldness that an assassin should have, and instead possessed a woman's fragility. Even while sleeping, she still had her brows furrowed, as if she was not sleeping soundly, which made her look very pitiful.
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