Chapter 151 -
The sun was going down, turning the sky orange and purple over the cold army camp. The wind blew chilly against the thick tents, and you could hear the distant footsteps of guards walking around.
Inside her tent, Yueqing sat on the edge of her soft bed, staring blankly at the floor.
For the past few hours, her mind was full of chaotic thoughts. Her original plan was simple: make Wenzhe hate her, push him to his limits, and let him end her life so she could finish her mission. But as time went on, Wenzhe had started looking at her with a quiet, warm affection. She had almost accepted the idea of staying in this world as his wife for a long time.
Now, every memory of his rare smiles made her sick to her stomach.
He smiled at me, Yueqing thought, her hands squeezing her dress into tight fists. The same man who smiled at my twelve-year-old boy, called him a brother, and then killed his guards just to become more powerful.
A cold shiver ran down her back. The warmth she had seen in Wenzhe’s eyes was fake—it was the face of a monster who knew how to act human.
[System 009: Host... Xiao Chen’s carriage is here. It is waiting by the back supply wagons.]
Nine’s quiet voice broke her thoughts. The blue-green light hovered near her shoulder, glowing softly.
Yueqing took a deep breath and stood up. All the sadness left her face, replaced by a cold, sharp focus.
"Lu Yue," Yueqing called out smoothly.
The tent flap opened, and Lu Yue stepped inside, looking pale and scared. She held two small bags tightly against her chest. "M-Madam... the carriage is here. The driver is wearing black robes. Madam, please, it is not too late to stop. If the General’s men find out—"
"They won’t," Yueqing interrupted calmly, fixing her heavy fur cloak. "Most guards are away while Wenzhe leads the main army. No one is watching the back gates."
She walked past Lu Yue with steady steps.
They walked quietly behind the tents into the dark shadows until they reached the edge of the camp.
Standing in the tall grass was a large, dark wooden carriage. It had no signs or flags on it, but the two black horses in front looked strong and expensive.
Standing by the carriage door was a tall man wrapped in a heavy cloak.
As Yueqing came closer, the man pulled down his hood.
The fading sunlight caught his long, golden-brown hair, pinned up at the top with a dark jade clasp. He wore a deep red robe under his dark cloak, looking completely relaxed right at the edge of his enemy’s camp. His dark black eyes turned toward her, sharp and cool.
Xiao Chen rested his hand lazily on his sword, a small smirk on his lips.
"You actually came, Lady Sue," Xiao Chen said softly in the quiet evening. "I thought you would get scared and stay in your cold tent."
Yueqing stopped a few steps away. Looking at him now, knowing all the pain, loneliness, and betrayal behind those dark eyes—her heart hurt deeply.
She forced a small, calm smile.
"I always keep my promises, Your Highness," Yueqing said softly.
Xiao Chen stepped forward and opened the carriage door for her himself. He held out his hand to help her up.
Yueqing placed her small hand in his. His hand was warm, with rough marks from holding a sword for years on the cold border.
My boy, she thought, her chest aching as she stepped inside the warm, fancy carriage. I am going to ruin everyone who hurt you.
Xiao Chen got in after her, sitting down on the soft leather seat across from her with lazy grace. He looked out the small window as the driver started the horses, and the carriage rolled smoothly away from the dark camp.
He turned his black eyes back to Yueqing, resting his chin on his hand.
Yueqing leaned back against the thick fur cushions of the carriage, taking in the soft, cozy warmth. Beside her, Lu Yue sat stiff as a wooden board, her hands clutching her satchel like a lifeline, her eyes wide with absolute terror as she stared down at the floorboards.
Xiao Chen glanced at the terrified guard, a quiet, amused smirk touching his lips before his sharp black eyes shifted back to Yueqing.
"Your personal guard looks as though she expects my driver to turn around and execute you both in the woods," Xiao Chen murmured, his voice lazy and smooth over the quiet rumble of the carriage wheels.
"Lu Yue is just overly cautious, Your Highness," Yueqing replied calmly, reaching over to pat Lu Yue’s cold, trembling hand. "She may carry a sword to protect me, but she isn’t used to such grand hospitality."
Lu Yue swallowed hard, offering a tiny, shaking nod without daring to make eye contact with the Third Prince. Her hand rested nervously near the hilt of the blade tucked under her traveling cloak, her knuckles white with fear.
As the carriage rolled further away from the cold military camp and deeper into the quiet countryside, Xiao Chen shifted his posture, resting his elbow on the window sill. His long, golden-brown hair caught the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains, a few loose strands framing his handsome, sharp face.
"It will take us about an hour to reach the estate," Xiao Chen said, his pitch-black eyes fixed on Yueqing with quiet curiosity. "You left Wenzhe’s camp without leaving a single letter or message behind, Lady Sue. Aren’t you afraid of what he will do when he returns from the front lines and finds his wife gone?"
Yueqing’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a cool, distant look that made her dark eyes turn utterly cold.
"Let him return," Yueqing said softly, her voice carrying a quiet, dangerous chill that made even Xiao Chen tilt his head in surprise. "Wenzhe can search the entire world if he wishes. It changes nothing."
Xiao Chen looked at her for a long moment, assessing the sudden, fierce hatred hidden beneath her calm tone. He didn’t know why she seemed to harbor such deep disdain for her own husband, but he found himself immensely enjoying it.
He let out a low, satisfied laugh, leaning back into his seat with effortless grace.
"I see," Xiao Chen murmured, his black eyes glinting with dark entertainment. "Then let us make sure your stay at my manor is as comfortable as possible, Lady Sue. I wouldn’t want you missing your husband’s drafty camp for even a second."
The carriage came to a gentle stop after driving through a thick, quiet forest.
Deep inside the woods, the Third Prince’s mansion looked breathtaking. Warm amber lanterns glowed from every window, lighting up the fresh white snow on the roofs and garden paths. Smoke curled up from the chimneys, showing that warm fires were burning inside.
Even though it looked cozy, the estate was heavily guarded. Dozens of strong guards in red armor stood at every gate and corner, watching everything closely. As the carriage stopped, a line of polite maids holding lanterns bowed their heads near the front doors.
Xiao Chen stepped out first, his long golden-brown hair catching the lantern light. He turned around and reached his hand out to help Yueqing down from the carriage.
Before he could touch her, Lu Yue quickly moved in front of him.
"I will help my Madam, Your Highness," Lu Yue stammered nervously, her face pale. She placed herself right between them, taking Yueqing’s hand firmly and helping her step down onto the stone path, making sure the Third Prince didn’t get the chance.
Xiao Chen paused, looking at the overly protective guard. He let out a soft, amused laugh and pulled his hand back, resting it lazily on his sword instead.
"Welcome to my home, Lady Sue," Xiao Chen said smoothly, leading the way toward the grand wooden doors.
As the doors opened, warm air and the sweet smell of fresh food rushed out, instantly chasing away the freezing cold.
Yueqing looked at the warm, glowing house, feeling a quiet ache in her heart.
He built a safe, warm place far away from the palace that hurt him, she thought, looking at her son.
"It is very beautiful," Yueqing said softly with a genuine smile. "Much better than a cold tent."
Xiao Chen gave a small smirk, his black eyes shining with quiet pride as he led them inside. "I am glad you like it. Let us get out of the cold."
Xiao Chen stepped inside first, leading them into the grand entrance hall.
A head maid immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply with her hands folded.
"Your Highness," the head maid said respectfully. "Everything is prepared."
"Take Lady Sue to the grand guest room on the left upstairs," Xiao Chen instructed smoothly, his voice echoing lightly off the high ceilings. "Ensure the fire is roaring and fresh tea is served immediately."
Lu Yue stepped up close beside Yueqing, her hand instinctively touching the sword at her waist as she prepared to speak up.
"I will stay in the same room with my Madam—" Lu Yue started firmly.
Xiao Chen paused, turning his head slowly to glance down at the protective guard. His pitch-black eyes narrowed just a fraction.
He hadn’t forgotten how she had boldly blocked his hand at the carriage door.
Deciding to give the little guard a gentle lesson on who ruled this house, Xiao Chen gave a slow, lazy smirk.
"No," Xiao Chen cut her off, his smooth voice dropping into a firm, commanding tone. "Lady Sue is a honored guest in my manor, not a soldier in a battlefield tent. She does not need a guard standing over her bed."
He looked directly at the head maid.
"Take the guard downstairs," Xiao Chen ordered coldly, a subtle spark of dark amusement dancing in his eyes as he watched Lu Yue’s face go pale. "Give her a servant’s room near the lower guard post. She can rest there."
Lu Yue’s eyes widened in panic. "Your Highness! I am responsible for Madam Yueqing’s safety! I cannot—"
"Lu Yue," Yueqing called out gently, holding up a small hand to calm her panicked guard.
Yueqing glanced at Xiao Chen, seeing the petty, playful mischief hidden behind his serious, intimidating expression. He was clearly just teasing the poor girl for being so protective earlier.
"It is alright, Lu Yue," Yueqing said with a reassuring smile. "We are safe here. Go rest downstairs and get a warm meal. I will call for you in the morning."
Lu Yue swallowed hard, looking back and forth between her calm mistress and the towering, dangerous Third Prince. Realizing she had no choice, she bowed her head reluctantly.
"Yes, Madam," Lu Yue muttered, her voice small.
Satisfied with his little victory, Xiao Chen let out a soft laugh, resting his chin in his hand as he watched the head maid lead Lu Yue away toward the lower quarters. He then turned his dark, amused eyes back to Yueqing.
"Now then, Lady Sue," Xiao Chen murmured softly. "Let me show you to your room."