Chapter 218 Clear
The suppressed rage in Prince Yi's mansion did not reach the ears of others.
To the outside world, Xiao Minglan is still the wise king who assists the prince and cares about the victims.
He was decisive and took care of everything himself, and soon he had all the affairs under his control.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingyan was also a little skeptical at first, but after a few days, Xiao Minglan did everything seriously and honestly, so the crown prince was happy to have some free time, thinking that he was really trying to share his worries.
Within a few days, the memorials sent to the capital were full of the name of Prince Yi Xiao Minglan, and the achievements of the crown prince were rendered insignificant.
That day, Xiao Minglan found Xiao Jingyan.
"Your Highness, the downstream river has burst its banks, and this is the worst affected area by the flood. You and I should personally inspect it to reassure the people."
Xiao Jingyan naturally agreed.
Before leaving, Xiao Minglan stopped the guards sent by the prince.
"Your Highness, we are here to comfort the victims, not to show off our might."
He said sincerely, "Bringing too many people will only make the people feel that the court doesn't trust them, and will alienate us."
Upon hearing this, the prince agreed deeply with it.
"Prince Yi is absolutely right."
In the end, the two of them went to the riverbank with only a few personal guards.
This conversation happened to be overheard by Shen He who came to deliver the documents.
Her heart sank suddenly.
His move is definitely not as simple as appeasing the people!
Chen He retreated calmly, turned around, found a fast horse, and followed them quietly.
***
The river section where the dike broke was filled with turbulent waves.
The river water was muddy, carrying mud, sand and broken wood, and making a deafening roar.
Xiao Minglan led the prince to the edge of a collapsed dam.
There is a raging wave under your feet.
He pointed to the other side where the waves were surging.
"Your Highness, please look! The village over there has been practically razed to the ground. The disaster is more severe than we imagined. We must go and see it for ourselves."
The prince was worried and leaned forward to get a better look.
Now is the time!
A murderous look flashed in Xiao Minglan's eyes, and he quietly approached him from behind, with one hand raised up with strength!
"Your Highness, be careful!"
A clear female voice exploded like thunder!
Xiao Minglan's movements suddenly froze, and he turned around to see Chen He galloping towards him on horseback.
The truth is revealed!
A hint of cruelty flashed in his eyes, and he made up his mind to go all out!
The prince felt the strong wind behind him and turned around in surprise.
However, Xiao Minglan had already used all his strength and suddenly pushed his palm towards his back!
In a flash, a figure swooped over!
Chen He arrived in time and pulled the prince away fiercely!
However, due to the huge inertia, she couldn't stop and fell into the turbulent river with a scream!
“Plop!”
The icy river water swallowed her in an instant, and the biting cold penetrated every limb of her body.
"Chen He!"
"Ah He!"
The prince was still in shock and screamed loudly.
Xiao Minglan was also terrified!
"Hurry! Save them!"
The guards were in a panic and wanted to go into the water, but the current was as fast as a beast and anyone who went in would be swept away in an instant.
Chen He struggled desperately in the water, but was blown further away by a wave.
She was about to be sucked into a huge whirlpool!
At this moment, a black shadow, like an arrow, jumped into the raging river without any hesitation!
It’s Ah Sheng!
He broke through the waves and swam towards Chen He at an incredible speed.
In the rapids, he finally grabbed her cold hand, held her tightly in his arms, and swam to the shore with all his might.
In the chaos, Shen He almost exhausted all his strength.
She choked on water and her consciousness became blurred, but with the last bit of clarity she had, she stared at the silver mask in front of her.
She stretched out her hand and, using all her remaining strength, tore off the mask!
The mask fell and was swept away by the muddy current.
A face so familiar that it made her heart tremble suddenly appeared before her.
Sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips that looked pale from being soaked in water...
It’s Xiao Jingchi!
Their eyes met, and the panic in his eyes flashed for only a moment, then turned into bottomless calmness and determination.
Since you have seen through it.
Then I won’t pretend.
He no longer distracted himself with pretending, but only focused on holding her and fighting against the violent waves.
After an unknown amount of time, the two were finally washed onto a shallow beach.
Xiao Jingchi dragged her ashore. Both of them were soaked and looked miserable.
He didn't care about himself and just hugged her tightly, as if he wanted to embed her into his bones and blood.
"You almost died."
His voice was extremely hoarse, filled with uncontrollable fear and anger.
At this moment, he was no longer the naive and foolish prince, nor was he the cold and indifferent silver-faced Ah Sheng.
He is just Xiao Jingchi.
Xiao Jingchi, a man who almost lost his beloved.
"Chen He!"
The prince hurried over with his men.
Xiao Jingchi's eyes flashed, and he quickly took out a spare mask from his arms and put it on. He looked at Chen He deeply, then pointed his toes and disappeared into the dense forest behind him like a ghost.
"Chen He, are you okay?" The prince hurried forward and helped her up.
He looked at the disappearing figure, wondering, "Who was that hero just now..."
Chen He's gaze was still on the direction where he disappeared, where the leaves were still swaying slightly.
She looked away, her voice soft.
"It's an old friend."
Xiao Minglan also rushed over, with just the right amount of anxiety and concern on his face.
"Miss Shen, I'm glad you're okay. I was really scared to death just now!"
But as soon as he met Shen He's eyes, his heart trembled.
There was no gratitude in those eyes, only biting coldness and all-knowing ridicule.
She knew.
She knows everything.
After this incident, the prince looked at Xiao Minglan with scrutiny and vigilance.
The little bit of affection that was left between the brothers was completely destroyed by that fatal push just now.
***
After returning to the temporary residence, Shen He changed his wet clothes and just sat down when the door was pushed open.
Xiao Jingchi ran in with a bowl of ginger soup in his hand.
"He He, drink ginger soup to drive away the cold!"
He had a silly smile on his face and his eyes were pure and innocent, as if he knew nothing.
But this time, Chen He's gaze fell on the wet ends of his hair that were still covered with moisture.
There is clarity in my heart.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
