Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Killed
This time, however, no one offered her an embroidered handkerchief and said, "Princess, don't cry."
The Dark Guard Camp has many rules and the punishments are extremely severe. From the first time Lin Xiao met the princess, he had already broken the rules of the Dark Guard Camp.
Unless summoned by their master and their master's life is in danger, the secret guards must never reveal themselves easily; this is an ironclad rule of the secret guard camp.
Before leaving, Shadow told him that this mission was mostly about taking care of others, and that since he was more easygoing than the other guards, he had repeatedly shown up and done so many things on his own.
However, since the princess has her own ideas, he doesn't need to have his own thoughts anymore; he just needs to follow orders.
Therefore, from this day forward, Shen Panyan stopped calling Lin Xiao and he stopped showing himself.
Shen Panyan was heartbroken, but she didn't know what to do.
She called Lin Xiao out and tried to explain to him, but Lin Xiao just stood there silently, his attitude respectful yet distant.
Shen Panyan could easily see his aloofness, and the words she wanted to say instantly stuck in her throat.
Lin Xiao would not criticize the princess, nor would he question her decision; he would simply remain silent.
He wasn't like this just two days ago.
Shen Panyan felt a pang of sadness, but she didn't know how to deal with it. She could only bite her lip and stare blankly at him. Lin Xiao frowned and bowed.
"If Your Highness has no other business, I shall take my leave."
Now, has Lin Xiao also started to hate himself?
Suppressing the sadness and bitterness in her heart, Shen Panyan nodded.
"good."
After that outburst, Qiu Shuang's attitude was no longer as unrestrained as before; she became much more respectful and took her work more seriously.
Seeing that the guard no longer appeared every day as before, Qiu Shuang felt a sense of joy, but also looked down on him.
However, in the princess's mind, how could a new guard possibly compare to her?
She had stayed by the princess's side since the princess was ten years old. Even if she hadn't done anything particularly meritorious, she had certainly put in a lot of hard work. How could a mere guard compare to her?
Qiu Shuang hadn't forgotten that Lin Xiao had repeatedly threatened and suppressed her, and even almost killed her. So, whenever she saw him again, she would always make sarcastic remarks.
Lin Xiao was never one to back down; he simply remained silent in the face of the princess's attitude.
If anyone insulted him, he would kill them without hesitation. However, since this person was a maidservant of the princess, he restrained himself somewhat, responded with cold words of mockery, and bowed to take his leave.
Lin Xiao disdained such arguments.
Seeing him like this, Qiu Shuang wanted to say a few more words to Shen Panyan, but Shen Panyan didn't want to listen at all and directly told her to leave.
Some things, once you've experienced them once, aren't so difficult to do a second time.
Remembering what happened last time, Qiu Shuang didn't dare to really anger her, so she obediently shut her mouth, turned around and left.
Shen Panyan sat alone in the room, staring blankly at her reflection in the bronze mirror.
Several heavy snowfalls have occurred in recent days, and the snow has piled up thicker and thicker. The silver charcoal in the smokehouse has long been replaced with black charcoal, filling the entire house with thick, dense smoke that presses down and goes straight into the nose.
"Cough cough..."
Unable to bear the smoke, Shen Panyan coughed repeatedly, got up and opened the window, letting the cold wind blow straight in.
A sudden gust of cold wind swept across her face, its biting chill making her shiver involuntarily.
Suddenly, the smoke in the room lessened, and it was no longer as pungent as before, making people's eyes water.
Shen Panyan turned around, but saw nothing.
She walked toward the charcoal brazier and found that the black charcoal that had been piled up had been spread out evenly, with a small amount of smoke rising and swirling in the room before slowly dissipating, a stark contrast to the previous smoky atmosphere that filled the entire room.
To be able to do this so quietly and to care about her... A hint of surprise flashed in Shen Panyan's eyes.
It's Lin Xiao!
Did he not hate himself before?
Shen Panyan clenched her knuckles, her chest filled with immense joy.
She wanted to call Lin Xiao out, but she was afraid of offending him, so she kept her joy to herself.
When you're in a good mood, your body recovers faster.
Physician Lin finally relented and allowed Shen Panyan to go out for a walk. The continuous heavy snow finally showed signs of stopping.
Someone rode a horse and quietly arrived at the royal villa.
"Her Majesty is telling you to hurry up, don't wait any longer!"
A hoarse voice rang out, and the gaze directed at Qiu Shuang was full of displeasure.
"If you can't even handle such a small matter, you can stay by this cowardly princess's side as a slave for the rest of your life!"
Qiu Shuang had already planned her own way out, and was unwilling to comply. She immediately knelt down in fear, "Aunt, please don't be angry. I really don't know why His Majesty suddenly sent a black-clad guard to watch over the princess. He's watching her too closely, which is why I haven't been able to find an opportunity..."
The visitor didn't want to hear her explanation at all. "He's just a guard. We can find a way to get him away."
"Princess Mingyue always listens to you. If you just say a few more words in her ear, you can get rid of that guard, right?"
"Can't even handle this simple matter, you're useless!!"
With a stern shout, Qiu Shuang trembled and kowtowed repeatedly, "This servant knows her mistake! This servant knows her mistake! Aunt, please don't be angry, this servant will find a way to get that guard away and complete Your Highness's instructions."
Seeing her like this, the visitor's expression softened a bit. "Her Majesty doesn't want to wait any longer. You must complete the task she assigned you within a month."
After saying that, she turned to leave. Qiu Shuang hesitated, feeling as if she were being tormented on a hot plate.
Lin Xiao is extremely skilled in martial arts, and the princess is now willing to suffer injustice herself in order to side with him. Trying to get rid of him is a really tricky matter.
Unless, he has no choice but to leave...
“That guard is extremely skilled in martial arts. If I want to get rid of him, I’m afraid I’ll have to do something to the princess, Aunt…” Qiu Shuang hesitated, finally uttering the words that had been weighing on her mind.
If something were to happen to the princess, none of them, the servants, would escape unscathed. This was the reason for her ultimate hesitation.
The newcomer could easily see through her cowardice and gave a mocking smile, "What are you afraid of? With Her Majesty here, she will surely keep you safe. As long as Princess Mingyue doesn't die, you can do whatever you want with her."
Having received the promise, Qiu Shuang finally felt relieved. "This servant will definitely complete Your Highness's task as soon as possible."
...
The coldest time was when the snow was melting. Shen Panyan wrapped her fox fur tightly around herself and held the hot water bottle, leaving only her tender little face exposed.
Although we can go out now, it's best to stay indoors in this weather.
Qiu Shuang came in carrying a few shriveled pieces of pastry.
"Princess, I just heard Xiaoyu say that the red plum blossoms in the East Garden are in bloom and are especially beautiful now. Would you like to take a stroll in the East Garden?"
Shen Panyan looked at the few shriveled pastries that Qiushuang had brought over, but she had no appetite at all, so she nodded.
With Xiao Jinzi injured and no one to buy supplies, the food prices at Xiyuan naturally kept dropping.
As Shen Panyan stepped out of the room, she immediately saw Lin Xiao standing not far away.
"Lin Xiao!" A hint of surprise flashed in Shen Panyan's eyes as she quickly walked towards him.
She hadn't seen him for quite some time.
"Princess." Lin Xiao bowed, his attitude respectful yet distant.
Shen Panyan paused, the surprise in her eyes gradually fading. She bit her lip, raised her head, and looked at him cautiously.
Lin Xiao was very tall. When she stood in front of him, she only reached his shoulder, so she had to look up every time she looked at him.
"Lin Xiao, are you still angry?"
"Your Highness is too kind. I dare not accept such an offer."
But his attitude was clearly very cold.
Shen Panyan twisted her handkerchief between her knuckles, a look of grievance appearing in her eyes, "But, but you weren't like this before..."
On the first day she met him, he even handed her a handkerchief to wipe her tears...
"Protecting the princess is a task His Majesty has assigned to his subordinates."
Lin Xiao's answer was irrelevant, but Shen Panyan already understood his meaning.
Was it because of the mission that he treated her that way?
Shen Panyan's eyes suddenly reddened, her eyelashes trembled, and tears rolled down her cheeks.
She knew that Lin Xiao was protecting her because of a mission given to her by her father, but his bluntness in saying it made her very sad.
Does he really hate her that much?
"So, you're showing up now because of a mission?"
"yes."
Lin Xiao's gaze fell on Qiu Shuang, his distrust quite obvious.
Qiu Shuang felt annoyed, but dared not contradict him directly. She took out her embroidered handkerchief and gently wiped away Chen Panyan's tears, comforting her softly, "Princess, let's go quickly. If we delay any longer, we may not be able to appreciate the red plum blossoms today."
After this ordeal, Shen Panyan had lost all interest in appreciating the plum blossoms, but since she had already agreed, she couldn't go back on her word. She walked silently toward the East Garden.
Lin Xiao followed behind her, neither too close nor too far.
Qiu Shuang was somewhat surprised to see this.
Did the princess have a conflict with Lin Xiao?
Qiu Shuang's mind immediately became active, and she quickened her pace to support Shen Panyan's arm.
"Princess, watch your step!"
Seeing her like this, Lin Xiao scoffed coldly, his unseen face full of mockery.
Qiu Shuang was embarrassed and annoyed, but she couldn't do anything about it. She couldn't help but tighten her grip on Shen Panyan's hand. "Princess, let's go quickly!"
Shen Panyan bit her lip, enduring the pain, and whispered, "Mmm."
Upon seeing this, Lin Xiao frowned slightly, wanting to say something, but then remembered what had happened before and immediately shut his mouth.
The East Garden is very large, but there are not many red plum trees. Only two trees are planted near the pavilion, blooming proudly under the heavy snow, lonely and serene.
Qiu Shuang had already instructed the palace maid to prepare hot tea. Shen Panyan sat in the pavilion, with wisps of steam rising vertically.
She had no interest in appreciating the scenery; her gaze remained fixed on Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao was confused. When he looked at her with a puzzled expression, Shen Panyan suddenly turned her head away and refused to look at him.
The plum blossoms braved the snow, a truly beautiful sight, but everyone present was preoccupied with their own thoughts and had no heart to appreciate it.
The atmosphere became tense. Shen Panyan held her teacup, but didn't drink a drop of tea even when it had gone completely cold.
Qiu Shuang wanted to talk to her, but Shen Panyan didn't want to talk at all and kept her head down in silence. Helpless, Qiu Shuang had no choice but to shut her mouth as well.
After some time, a young palace maid hurried over.
"Greetings, Princess!" She bowed first, then looked at Qiu Shuang with anxiety in her eyes, "Sister Qiu Shuang, something terrible has happened! The stewards of the villa were bitten by snakes while sweeping snow."
"The snake bit them and then ran away. We don't know where it's hiding now, Sister Qiushuang..."
"Where would a snake come from in the dead of winter?" Qiu Shuang scolded. "Don't talk nonsense and scare the princess."
Shen Panyan gripped the teacup tightly in her hand, her face turning pale.
She's terrified of snakes!
Shen Panyan put down her teacup, looked around aimlessly, and unconsciously twisted her handkerchief. She felt extremely uncomfortable sitting in the pavilion, as if a snake might suddenly jump out and bite her at any moment.
“Qiushuang…” she looked at her with teary eyes.
Qiu Shuang quickly advised, "Princess, don't listen to this little palace maid's nonsense. There are no snakes in the middle of winter."
When the young palace maid saw that Qiu Shuang didn't believe her, she became anxious. "Sister Qiu Shuang, it's true! The stewards are still lying there!"
"According to Physician Lin, it was a poisonous snake."
After saying this, the young palace maid glanced at Lin Xiao, then curtsied to Shen Panyan, "Princess, there's no one in the villa who knows how to catch snakes right now. I'm worried that if the snake escapes and enters the West Garden..."
Upon hearing this, Shen Panyan's face turned completely pale.
Seeing that the little palace maid was speaking so seriously, Qiu Shuang immediately realized that what she said was probably not a lie, and hurriedly tried to persuade her: "Princess, it's better to be safe than sorry. Why don't you send Guard Lin Xiao to take a look?"
Shen Panyan hesitated, her gaze falling on Lin Xiao. Her voice wavered, her eyes pleading, "Lin Xiao..."
"Yes, Princess." Lin Xiao bowed to her, then turned to the little palace maid, "Lead the way."
The young palace maid's face lit up with joy, and she quickly led Lin Xiao away.
Now, only Shen Panyan and Qiushuang remain in the pavilion.
Recalling the snake the palace maid had mentioned, Shen Panyan began to fidget with restlessness.
"Qiushuang, let's go back!"
When she was young, she was tricked by the fourth prince. He somehow got hold of a non-venomous snake and suddenly threw it at her feet as she passed by.
A soft, long black snake suddenly appeared at her feet, crawling up her skirt and hissing softly at her.
Shen Panyan was so frightened that she fainted.
She was already afraid of snakes, and after that incident, she became even more afraid of snakes.
Qiu Shuang advised, "Princess, there are snakes in the villa. What if we encounter snakes on the way back? Why don't we wait for Lin Xiao's guards to catch the snakes before we go back?"
“Okay.” Shen Panyan was also startled and immediately nodded.
Qiu Shuang led her out of the royal villa. Looking at the vast expanse of white before them, with only a few scattered green glimpses peeking through the silvery white, Shen Panyan couldn't help but pull her fox fur coat tighter around her.
The hot water bottle she was holding was getting cold, and her lips were pale from the wind.
Time slowly passed...
Having been outside for so long without Lin Xiao returning, Shen Panyan was getting tired. She turned to Qiu Shuang, bit her lip, and said, "Qiu Shuang, why don't we go back?"
Qiu Shuang was so anxious that she kept stamping her feet.
Didn't we agree that someone would arrive at this time? Why hasn't anyone come out yet?
"Princess, wait a little longer. If the snake is caught, then surely..."
Before she could finish speaking, Lin Xiao emerged from the woods, his gaze towards Qiu Shuang filled with murderous intent. Blood dripped from the curved blade in his hand, staining the snowflakes on the ground with each step, a chilling sight.
Shen Panyan's face turned pale, and she couldn't help but take two steps back, trembling, "Lin...Lin Xiao...what is this...?"
Lin Xiao didn't look at her; his gaze fell directly on Qiu Shuang. In just a few steps, he stood in front of her, his long sword thrusting straight at Qiu Shuang!
Shen Panyan was horrified. "Lin Xiao, what are you doing?!"
"stop!!"
Without a second thought, Shen Panyan stood in front of Qiu Shuang.
A note from the author:
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