Chapter Two: The Prey’s Fate (Part Three)

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III. Seeking Refuge in Moon Pavilion

“I’ve eaten it.” Shi Lian reached into his robe and pulled out a pill, stuffing it into Xiang Bao’s mouth.

Xiang Bao frowned slightly; the pill reeked of blood, likely soaked through by the wounds on his body. Before she could catch her breath, he forced her to swallow it.

“Hey—” As soon as Xiang Bao opened her mouth, the pain in her shoulder made her grimace, “Why were you in Zheng Dan’s bedchamber?”

Shi Lian didn’t even grunt, ignoring her completely.

“How’s your wound?” Xiang Bao couldn’t help but ask, seeing blood still pouring from his injury.

“Mind your own business.” His voice remained cold and indifferent.

“Hmph, I’m afraid you’ll bleed to death.” Xiang Bao snorted and reached out to pull off the black cloth masking his face.

He was startled, quickly turning his head. The sudden movement must have tugged at his wound, and he couldn’t suppress a muffled groan.

“Stop pretending to be mysterious. No matter how you disguise yourself, I’d recognize you even if you turned to ashes, Shi Lian!” Xiang Bao said with mischievous satisfaction.

Finally, she vented her anger.

Shi Lian paused, slightly stunned. She… recognized him from the beginning? So… that’s why she saved him?

When he didn’t react, Xiang Bao pressed the cloth against his bleeding wound.

“Ah!” He gasped, turning to glare at Xiang Bao, “Are you trying to kill me?”

“Yes, yes, I am!” Xiang Bao nodded boldly, pressing his wound deliberately hard. At last, the calm, dead-fish expression on his face twisted in pain.

His face contorted…

Xiang Bao enjoyed his discomfort. Shi Lian, furious, tried to push her away.

“Hey! I’m your savior!” Seeing him about to lash out, Xiang Bao glared, invoking her status as his rescuer.

The veins on Shi Lian’s forehead throbbed faintly, but he eventually lowered his hand. Seeing him so humbled, Xiang Bao’s mood brightened, and she embraced him.

“What… what are you doing?” Shi Lian was shocked.

Xiang Bao rolled her eyes at him, looping the cloth behind his back and tying it tightly to stop the bleeding.

“Does it hurt?” Seeing his face pale, Xiang Bao grinned and feigned concern.

Shi Lian ignored her.

“So much sweat.” She lifted her sleeve and pretended to wipe his forehead, smiling.

Shi Lian shook his head and pulled Xiang Bao back into the palace. The most dangerous place was the safest; right now, Fu Chai surely believed he had fled, with nets cast everywhere outside, making the palace safer.

Unfortunately… he was lost.

“Lost?” Xiang Bao leaned close, delighting in his misfortune.

Shi Lian’s brow twitched, deciding to ignore her.

Xiang Bao laughed inwardly. But the palace was searching for assassins everywhere—if they ran into anyone, they’d be delivering themselves. Her Drunken Moon Pavilion was out of the question, and Zi Ruo belonged to Yun Ji. If there was any place left, it would be Hua Mei or Zheng Dan’s bedchamber.

But… why was Shi Lian in Zheng Dan’s chamber? Did he know Fu Chai would be there, intending to assassinate him? That made no sense—if Fu Chai died now, it would do Yue no good.

“How about going to Zheng Dan’s?” Xiang Bao suggested tentatively.

“To Hua Mei.” Shi Lian frowned.

Xiang Bao glanced at his wound and said no more, looking around before half-supporting him toward Moon Pavilion in the Western Palace.

She hid Shi Lian nearby, then knocked softly on the door. Soon after, a maid opened it and, seeing Xiang Bao covered in blood, screamed in terror. Xiang Bao hurriedly covered her mouth.

Shi Lian stepped forward and knocked her out with a swift blow. Peace at last…

“You!” Xiang Bao released her grip, watching the maid collapse, speechless.

“She just fainted.” Shi Lian said calmly.

Xiang Bao relaxed.

“Xi Shi!” Hearing the maid’s scream, Hua Mei came out in her robes. Seeing Xi Shi drenched in blood, she was startled, “What happened?”

“Shi Lian’s wounded—we need to use your place.” Xiang Bao pointed to Shi Lian behind her.

Hua Mei nodded gravely, “Follow me, quickly. They’re searching outside.”

“Search the palace again!” As Xiang Bao supported Shi Lian inside, a commotion erupted outside, followed by the sound of marching feet. Soldiers? That man… surely had mobilized the army!

“What about the maid?” Xiang Bao worried about the unconscious girl. If someone found her, they’d be in trouble.

“I’ll handle it.” Hua Mei nodded, then frowned, “But General Shi’s wound—won’t they follow the blood trail here?”

“Don’t worry, I hid the blood along the way, and it’s dark now—they won’t notice. But come morning, it’ll be hard to hide.” Xiang Bao hesitated.

Hua Mei nodded. Suddenly, the door opened, startling all three. Once they saw who it was, Hua Mei sighed in relief, “Linglong, you scared me.”

Linglong smiled, “I heard something happened in the palace, so I came to see.”

Xiang Bao looked at Linglong, slightly dazed.

“Ugly, huh?” Linglong smiled and pointed to the scabbed wound running from the corner of her left eye down her nose, marring her once delicate face.

“This isn’t the time for that,” Hua Mei turned to Linglong, “You’re just in time. I’ll take them to the inner room; help clean up the blood. If anyone searches, say I’m resting after a fright.”

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Linglong nodded. Hua Mei hurriedly pulled Xiang Bao and Shi Lian into the inner room. Supporting Shi Lian, Xiang Bao couldn’t help but glance back at Linglong.

Hua Mei helped Shi Lian sit, then looked at Xiang Bao, “Xi Shi, you’ve regained your memory?”

“Huh?”

“Idiot.” Shi Lian snorted.

Xiang Bao glared at Shi Lian, checking the black cloth tied around him—it was soaked but, thankfully, no blood seeped through.

“You two sit here, I’ll find clean clothes for you.” Hua Mei turned to fetch garments.

Xiang Bao stood, stopping Hua Mei, “Go watch Linglong in the outer room. I… don’t trust her.”

“What are you saying?” Hua Mei was surprised, “Linglong would never—”

“Just humor me, go check.” Xiang Bao insisted, shaking her head. She couldn’t explain it, but Linglong’s gaze unsettled her.

Hua Mei frowned, giving Xiang Bao a strange look, but left.

When she turned back, Shi Lian was slumped on the wooden couch, watching Xiang Bao.

“You’re getting smarter.” He turned away, speaking coolly.

Xiang Bao raised her eyebrows, “Yes, for your sake, I have to be.” She struggled to lift Shi Lian’s arm onto her shoulder.

“What are you doing?” Shi Lian was startled, awkward.

His movement made Xiang Bao’s left shoulder throb with pain; she stifled a groan, and Shi Lian, noticing, didn’t dare move again.

“I don’t want to see you hacked to death.” Xiang Bao glanced around, spotting a large wooden bath behind a curtain.

With difficulty, she helped Shi Lian to the tub and sat him inside, then climbed in herself.

The tub was large, but still cramped for two.

“Why were you attacking in Zheng Dan’s bedchamber?” Xiang Bao asked quietly.

Shi Lian was silent.

“How many entered?”

“Twenty.” He suddenly replied when Xiang Bao thought he wouldn’t.

Twenty, and only he survived?

“Why did you save me?” Shi Lian asked.

Xiang Bao was taken aback, looking at him. Their faces were inches apart. He turned away, uncomfortable, “Forget it if you don’t want to answer.”

Why, indeed? At first she thought he was Wei Qin. But after learning he was Shi Lian… why did she still help him?

“Because that day, at the bottom of the cliff, you brought me out of the abyss.”

Shi Lian stayed silent.

“It was so cold, so dark—my life hung by a thread on that nearly broken branch…” Xiang Bao pressed her lips together, “That terrifying feeling… even now, I shudder remembering.”

Shi Lian gazed at Xiang Bao, almost reaching out to comfort her.

“How dare you behave so rudely!” Hua Mei’s voice echoed.

Footsteps approached, growing louder. Xiang Bao quickly fell silent, not noticing Shi Lian’s hand slowly retract, curling into a fist. They had come, after all.

Linglong—her suspicion had been correct. How she wished it were only paranoia.

“The king commands that not a single corner of the palace be missed. Forgive us, Madam.” The tone was harsh.

Footsteps came closer and closer; Xiang Bao grew nervous, unconsciously clutching Shi Lian’s sleeve. Shi Lian lowered his eyes to her delicate hand, feeling its warmth.

Perhaps… this was the closest he’d ever been to her.

“Assassins!” A shriek sounded outside.

“Hurry, outside!”

After chaos, the footsteps finally faded. Xiang Bao exhaled, releasing Shi Lian’s sleeve. He stared at it, feeling strangely empty.

The window shifted, a cool breeze sweeping in.

“You can come out now; it’s safe.”

Xiang Bao looked up—it was the Yue woman. That cry of “assassin!” must have been hers; was she Gou Jian’s agent?

“Smack!” A loud slap rang out.

Linglong slowly raised her head, looking at Hua Mei in disbelief, “You hit me?”

“Shut up! After all my trust in you!” Hua Mei’s face was furious, “You betrayed me—have you forgotten who you are?”

“Identity?” Linglong sneered, “Haven’t I sacrificed enough?”

“Sacrifice? When you went to Earth City, you should have known you’d face all this. At least you’re still alive—what about all the sisters who died? If your actions ruin everything, how will you face them in the afterlife?”

“Look at me—not human, not ghost! I wish I were dead!” Linglong screamed.

Hua Mei clamped her mouth, “Do you want to draw Wu soldiers here again?”

As if spent, Linglong fell silent, tears streaming down her face as Hua Mei released her.

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“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” Linglong sat on the floor, lost and broken, murmuring through tears.

Xiang Bao stood aside, silent. If not for Hua Mei’s intervention and the Yue woman’s timely appearance, they would surely have been captured. So much had changed with the passage of time—like the scar on Linglong’s face, it could heal but would always leave a mark.

“I’ll help bandage your wound. The poison’s gone, but it’s best to wrap it.” Turning from the drama, the Yue woman spoke to Xiang Bao.

“See to Shi Lian first. He’s lost a lot of blood.” Xiang Bao glanced at her shoulder—the blood was bright red, nearly congealed, so it shouldn’t be serious.

“Bandage it; you know your own body.” The Yue woman frowned, “If you keep pushing yourself, next time your heart seizes, even I won’t be able to save you.” She paused and added in a low voice, “Wei Qin… asked me to watch over you.”

“I’ll do it myself—check Shi Lian.” Xiang Bao conceded.

After a moment’s hesitation, the Yue woman turned to Shi Lian.

“Bring clean cloths.” She tore open Shi Lian’s blood-soaked clothes and instructed.

Shi Lian groaned softly, saying nothing.

“Yue woman… Aren’t you curious how he was wounded?” Xiang Bao asked, taking the cloth from Hua Mei.

“Don’t you wonder why I’m here to help you?” The Yue woman took the cloth, giving Xiang Bao a look reserved for fools.

“Huh?”

“What’s my name?” she asked.

“Um, Yue woman.” Xiang Bao answered honestly, then froze, “You’re from Yue?”

“If you stay in the palace, Wu King will find you eventually.” While treating Shi Lian, the Yue woman said coolly, “Tonight, I’ll help you slip out amidst the chaos.”

“But there are so many guards outside,” Hua Mei hesitated.

“It’ll be fine.” The Yue woman finished Shi Lian’s bandaging and stood.

“Then take Shi Lian out tonight,” Xiang Bao nodded.

“What about you?” Hua Mei looked at Xiang Bao with concern.

For some reason, Xiang Bao suddenly recalled Fu Chai’s words—he’d said he’d wait only one day. If she didn’t return unharmed by sunset tomorrow, he’d turn Wu upside down to find her.

“Don’t worry about me,” Xiang Bao replied.

Shi Lian looked at her, then lowered his head, exhausted.

After a moment’s silence, the Yue woman helped Shi Lian up, “Can you walk?”

Shi Lian nodded.

“I’ll fetch some clothes; wait here.” She hurried away.

“Not leaving?” Shi Lian looked at Xiang Bao, his tone flat.

Xiang Bao nodded. Shi Lian said nothing more, suddenly drawing his sword and pointing it at Linglong. Linglong froze, collapsing, her face pale.

“What are you doing?” Hua Mei hurried to shield Linglong.

“I don’t trust this woman,” Shi Lian said coldly.

Xiang Bao gently pushed his sword aside, “You’re leaving now—she won’t trouble you.”

“I’ll keep an eye on her,” Hua Mei promised quickly.

“Besides, one more corpse is hard to explain. The weather’s getting hotter—won’t be long before bodies start to stink.” Xiang Bao thought aloud.

“You in the palace…” Shi Lian frowned.

“No need to worry, I’ll protect myself,” Xiang Bao smiled.

Shi Lian’s face was unnatural; he tossed his sword aside and snorted, “Who’d worry about you?”

With danger passed, Hua Mei hurried to help Linglong up. Soon, the Yue woman returned, carrying a set of guard’s clothes.

“Put this on and come with me.”

Dressed, Shi Lian looked back at Xiang Bao for a long time, then muttered, “Idiot.”

Xiang Bao was stunned, then furious, “Hey! I’m your savior!”

Shi Lian ignored her, turning to follow the Yue woman into the night.

Avoiding her own frightening wounds, Xiang Bao bathed and stayed the night in Moon Pavilion.

At dawn, rain began to fall, quietly at first, then heavier, sometimes accompanied by thunder.

Thunderstorms—had summer arrived already? Awakened by thunder, Xiang Bao couldn’t sleep, so she sat up, dressed, and leaned on the bamboo couch in a daze. Lightning flashed, illuminating the room, and thunder rumbled after. Once the rain passed, the heat would only intensify.

Her mind was a mess. Xiang Bao was truly afraid—Fu Chai was clever, surely he’d see she’d deliberately let the assassin escape…

He must be furious.

“You are mine—even pain cannot be your escape…” Suddenly, Fu Chai’s whisper echoed in her ear. Xiang Bao jumped, looking around in panic—but there was nothing.

She breathed out, patting her flushed cheeks, laughing at her own nerves. The memory of that drunken night’s intimacy surfaced—a mingling of pain and pleasure… Xiang Bao squeezed her palm, feeling the room grow warm.