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墨書 Inktalez
Before Shu Zhao Han's plan of killing two birds with one stone could come to fruition, Ling Xiaoxiao vanished like a gust of wind, disappearing without a trace right under his nose.
Having been successfully rescued by the experts from the imperial palace, Ling Xiaoxiao did not return to Yan kingdom, nor did she flee to some distant place to enjoy a leisurely life. Instead, she tightly clutched the banknotes given to her by the the Yan Emperor —enough to last a lifetime—and resolutely chose to stay in the capital of Shu Kingdom.
Firstly, the most dangerous places often provide the greatest safety; and secondly, she herself was unsure of her feelings, always sensing an inexplicable discomfort that made her reluctant to leave.
Of course, in order to prevent war between the two nations, Yan kingdom could only publicly declare that Ling Xiaoxiao had escaped from prison and returned on her own. The the Yan Emperor would accuse her of stealing Shu Kingdom's National Treasure and of undermining diplomatic relations between the two countries, sentencing her to death by a thousand cuts.
Subsequently, they would send back a disfigured "head" along with several boxes of gold, silver, and jewels to Shu Kingdom.
Ling Xiaoxiao wandered leisurely in the capital of Shu Kingdom, living quite comfortably. However, during certain quiet moments, she would involuntarily reminisce about some shared experiences with Shu Zhao Han in the prison.
On sleepless nights, she would even throw on a robe and howl towards the palace like a wolf.
Deep down, she understood that this was a kind of affliction—likely a case of self-torturing lovesickness—but she firmly believed in her invincible ability to heal.
On this particular day, she meticulously dressed as a scholar and, as usual, sat leisurely in a teahouse listening to stories.
At first, as she listened to the storyteller passionately recounting Shu Zhao Han's heroic deeds, Ling Xiaoxiao merely considered it entertainment—a way to pass the time.
But little did she know, as he spoke, he suddenly shifted the topic to her.
The degree to which he distorted the facts was simply outrageous, making her so furious that she wanted to rush over, grab him, and shout, "Which of your eyes saw me undressing and fleeing after a failed seduction?"
However, she had good self-restraint and did not act impulsively. Instead, she angrily chewed on the peanuts in her hand as if trying to crush them to vent her frustration.
After finishing that segment, the storyteller continued with more gossip: "Do you know why the Emperor sent an envoy to Yan kingdom? To propose marriage! Do you know who the bride-to-be is? It's Grandmaster Ling! The Emperor actually wants to marry a dead person—shocking, isn't it?! Terrifying, right?! If you count the days, the envoy should return tomorrow. They say they will first place the spirit tablet outside the City God Temple and burn paper offerings for three days and nights before the Emperor personally brings it back to the palace!"
Ling Xiaoxiao was biting into a piece of roasted chicken when she heard this. She suddenly forgot to chew, choking and turning bright red. She slammed the table and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Waiter! Water... water!"
Curiosity really should be avoided.
Three days later, Ling Xiaoxiao inexplicably found herself at the City God Temple, wanting to catch a glimpse of the returning envoy. Unfortunately, tragedy struck.
The area around the City God Temple was like an impregnable fortress, surrounded by layers of guards arranged in perfect formation as if specially prepared for someone. The moment Ling Xiaoxiao stepped into this invisible trap, she was forcefully thrown into a luxurious carriage.
Inside lay Shu Zhao Han, reclining leisurely while playing with a jade ring. Without lifting his head, he said casually, "Xiaoxiao, long time no see."
Ling Xiaoxiao was instantly dumbfounded; it dawned on her that everything was part of his scheme.
But for now, she had to keep up the act: "Who are you? You must have mistaken me for someone else!"
Shu Zhao Han half rose, extending his hand to gently lift her chin. Suddenly, he struck, tearing the beard from her face.
Ling Xiaoxiao was so taken aback that tears streamed down her cheeks as she covered her face and attempted to flee.
However, just as one leg stretched out of the carriage, she rolled her eyes back and elegantly fainted.
Shu Zhao Han retracted his hand, which had knocked her unconscious, glaring at her face with a look that suggested she owed him a debt that could never be repaid. "I knew someone as cunning as you wouldn't die so easily."
After a moment, he seemed to resign himself to the situation, gently picking up her hand and holding it in his palm. He whispered softly, "Are you sure you came to steal the National Treasure and not my heart?"
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