Female Disguised as a Man: A Warring States Hostage Slave Cannot Escape Chapter 24

When Weiyang summoned her, Zhao Shu’s back stiffened, yet she also felt as though she had grasped at the faintest thread of hope. Perhaps because the unease in her heart had become unbearable, she brought the rabbit with her into the princess’s tent.

All along the way she was watched as though she were a prisoner, with no chance to send word to anyone. Still, she could not help thinking that carrying such a conspicuous rabbit might attract attention. Deep in her heart lingered a hope she refused to acknowledge.

May Cheng Wu receive the news in time… and report it to him.

But even if he did… on what grounds could she possibly ask him to rescue Qi Ying?

When she finally met Princess Weiyang, Ying Huan, she found the princess in remarkably good spirits. Outside the tent, attendants dragged along a long line of freshly killed game. Two wooden cages even held six or seven full-grown ferrets, more than enough pelts to make a single fur robe.

The young princess had not even changed out of her riding attire. The moment she saw the enormous gray rabbit in Zhao Shu’s arms, she burst into bright, tinkling laughter.

After laughing her fill, she removed the leather guard from her forearm and said bluntly, “Well? I recommended that little maid from your tent to Father. Once she rises to wealth and glory, she’ll surely remember to give Young Master Zhao a helping hand as well.”

The girl herself was pretty and charming, but the arrogance hidden behind her smile was deeply unpleasant. Zhao Shu had never imagined that simply because Weiyang had taken a slight interest in her, she would quietly orchestrate something so vicious behind the scenes.

She neither spoke nor sat down. Nor did she accept the tea the princess personally offered her. Instead, she merely looked at Ying Huan with troubled eyes.

Her heart weighed heavily. She absolutely could not allow Yingying to come to harm.

Apparently reading her thoughts, Ying Huan set the teacup back onto the table, her tone becoming sharp. “She’s nothing more than an illegitimate servant girl, and a cripple from birth, at that. Being chosen for Changming Palace is the greatest blessing she could ever hope for.”

Now certain that the princess’s actions stemmed from jealousy, Zhao Shu lowered her gaze and stepped forward, speaking sincerely in a softened voice. “Your Highness has misunderstood. Qi Ying is not my servant. She is the daughter of my wet nurse. She was born after a difficult labor, and for all these years we have been as close as brother and sister.”

Ying Huan gave a smug snort. “I already had someone examine her body. Father only accepts virgins. Had she not been pure, she’d already be on her way to the Yellow Springs.”

Qi Ying was, of course, untouched. But that very fact only made Ying Huan hate her all the more. Though still young herself, Ying Huan already understood the difference, in a man’s eyes, between a mere plaything for the bed and someone truly treasured in his heart. Brother and sister? A lowborn servant girl born under ill fortune, what right did she have to be cherished and protected by the Crown Prince of an entire kingdom for over ten years?

Such treatment was reserved only for daughters of feudal lords who had been betrothed from an early age. Their marriages were delayed only because they were considered too young; sharing a bed too soon and becoming pregnant might endanger their lives.

She had even heard that royal princesses of the Zhou royal house were forbidden to bear children before reaching the age of twenty.

These thoughts remained unspoken. She would never say them aloud. Otherwise, it would make it seem as though she, a princess of Qin, ranked beneath some nameless servant girl with no place in any family genealogy.

In truth, her father had already married off several of her younger sisters. Just last year, one of them had bled to death giving birth at only thirteen years of age.

Thinking again of the only daughter born to that Hu concubine, Ying Huan’s expression darkened for a rare moment, leaving her even more convinced that Qi Ying deserved whatever fate awaited her.

The moment Zhao Shu heard that Qi Ying had been forcibly examined, her fingers clenched so tightly that her knuckles whitened. She scarcely dared imagine what Qi Ying had already suffered after entering Changming Palace. For all these years, Yingying had lived beside her in Handan, enjoying a life even freer and more privileged than that of many princesses. She had only just turned fourteen. Numerous noble youths and talented young gentlemen had sought her hand, only to be turned away by the Crown Prince’s residence.

The mere thought that she might now be held and toyed with by an old man in his fifties made Zhao Shu’s heart tremble as though it were being fried in boiling oil.

“Your Highness is magnanimous,” she forced herself to say humbly, deliberately keeping her voice gentle. “This girl was originally promised to General Lian. Lian Yu now serves under Yothe Imperial Grandson… I wonder… is there still any room to undo this?”

She isn’t panicking at all?

Ying Huan glanced at the rabbit, which was busily grinding its teeth, and her delicate brows furrowed thoughtfully. Suddenly she pouted and smiled before instructing the maid beside her.

“So it’s that Commandant Lian? Jiaoyue, go inform him at once. Tell him to enter Changming Palace immediately to claim her. If he leaves now, he might still make it in time.”

The maid called Jiaoyue had an elegant bearing, though her appearance was marred by a large brown burn scar, about the size of a fist, covering one side of her forehead. Upon receiving the order, Jiaoyue immediately bowed respectfully without asking a single question before departing to carry it out.

After Jiaoyue left, Princess Weiyang’s youthful, girlish demeanor came fully to the fore. Deliberately pretending to adore rabbits, she took the wild rabbit from Zhao Shu’s arms, changed the subject with a smile, and warmly invited her to stay for lunch.

No matter how innocent Zhao Shu was, she could not possibly believe the princess’s words. She could only continue to exchange polite evasions while her thoughts wandered elsewhere. Seeing that it was still early before noon, she desperately searched for a foolproof way to resolve the situation.

She forced herself to eat two bowls of soup and side dishes, each bite tasting like wax. It was only when she saw the princess begin feeding minced meat to the rabbit that she finally could not restrain herself. She stepped forward and snatched the rabbit away. “Its claws are quite sharp. Your Highness should be careful not to get scratched.”

“So you aren’t mute after all.” Tilting her head, the princess smiled brilliantly, though her eyes were filled with icy malice. “If I wish to feed it something, then it ought to accept it with gratitude.”

Ying Huan had never lacked for anything she wanted. Lately her mother had been selecting a husband for her, and after seeing the scheming calculations of so many noble sons, she found that although the youth before her had not yet fully matured, his nature remained as pure and untainted as an udumbara blossom blooming upon a snowy mountain. In these chaotic times, for Zhao Wang to have raised his only son into someone like this was truly rare.

A pity that she could never marry him.

While Princess Weiyang was secretly sighing in regret, Jiaoyue suddenly hurried back into the tent in great haste. Bowing with clasped hands, she anxiously reported, “Madam’s leg ailment has flared up again. She collapsed shortly after returning to the palace and can no longer move.”

“How could that be? Wasn’t it only soreness that had already improved after months of treatment? Have you summoned the court physicians? Why are you stammering? There’s no need to avoid speaking in front of the hostage prince. If you have something to say, then say it.”

Fearing punishment because of the urgency of the matter, Jiaoyue immediately fell to her knees. “It… it was the Lord who pushed her. The physician on duty has already examined her. He said… this time she may never stand again. We wanted to request permission to seek physicians from outside the palace, but His Majesty became enraged and entered Zhongnan Palace. At the moment… no one can issue an official order permitting it.”

Princess Weiyang immediately kicked her. Though her strength as a young woman was limited, the blow still sent Jiaoyue sprawling onto the ground.

“Have you lost your wits? If Father has gone to Zhongnan Palace, couldn’t you report it to Grandfather? Or to my elder brother? He commands the crossbow camp, doesn’t he also possess a travel pass for the royal roads?”

Jiaoyue kowtowed repeatedly. Her delicate, pale face was almost instantly smeared with dirt and blood, the grime blending into the large burn scar on her forehead. Despite her humble appearance, her voice remained steady. “Your Highness, His Majesty has been receiving foreign envoys at Yongqing Palace these past two days. No one dares disturb him with palace affairs. As for the Imperial Grandson… this servant already sent someone to inform him. About an hour ago, he led a detachment out from the crossbow camp. By now… they have likely already left Xianyang.”

Even Ying Huan, who usually had a solution for everything, was left dumbfounded. She normally paid little attention to such affairs. She only knew that beautiful women in her father’s palace came and went like flowing water, while her own mother, who possessed lands along the Qin-Chu frontier, remained untouchable.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that, through such a series of unfortunate coincidences, her mother’s sudden illness would leave them unable even to issue an announcement requesting outside physicians.

To make matters worse, this came just as her marriage was being arranged.

In an instant, the young princess completely lost her composure. All her usual pride and confidence crumbled away, and beads of sweat began forming on her brow.

“Your Highness, please don’t worry. Perhaps the Imperial Grandson will return shortly. Or this servant could first go to Young Master Mi Rong’s residence…”

The moment she heard Mi Rong’s name, Ying Huan instinctively shook her head and cut the suggestion off. While she was still flustered and anxious, Zhao Shu suddenly spoke.

“I… actually spent much of my time in the royal infirmary while I was in Zhao Palace. I’ve seen many difficult and unusual illnesses.” At first Zhao Shu spoke softly and hesitantly, but then she frowned and steeled herself. “Perhaps Your Highness could allow me to examine Madam at Changming Palace.”

Ying Huan rolled her eyes dramatically. “The hostage prince is certainly devoted. Just because you’ve wandered around the infirmary, you think you can march into Changming Palace to treat my mother? My mother’s temper is nothing like mine. She’s suffered from this tormenting illness for years. If she’s displeased, someone as frail as you might lose your life.”

“No, no, that’s not it! I wasn’t merely playing around in the infirmary!” Realizing she had been misunderstood, Zhao Shu nearly blurted out that she did not fear death. But her eyes caught the blood and grime covering Jiaoyue’s forehead, and she quickly changed her words. “Since childhood, I’ve studied under a renowned physician. I truly love medicine. Even the physicians in Handan’s royal court may not have seen as many cases as I have. Your Highness surely knows my life has not been easy in the Imperial Grandson’s residence. I have no idea how many more years I may remain here as a hostage. If I could earn Duchess Yong’s favor, it would naturally be a blessing.”

Not once during her speech did she mention Qi Ying again.

Ying Huan looked her up and down in surprise. Remembering what had happened at the horse grounds that day, she remained silent for only a moment before deciding they might as well treat a dead horse as though it were still alive and try anyway. They could always decide what to do after reaching her mother’s chambers.

Turning sharply toward Jiaoyue, she snapped, “Have you gone deaf? Since the hostage prince says he knows medicine, then hurry and prepare the horses! We’re returning to the palace immediately!”

***

The principal residence of Changming Palace was ablaze with brilliant lantern light.

Zhao Shu withdrew the final silver acupuncture needle from the woman’s lower back before carefully drawing the embroidered gauze curtains around the couch. Bowing respectfully, she said in a gentle voice, “Madam, please try sitting up now.”

When the woman inside the bed curtains slowly sat upright and let out a pleased sigh of approval, the tension that had gripped Zhao Shu’s heart finally melted away.

Princess Weiyang had watched the entire treatment from the side. Seeing her mother’s illness ease so quickly, she smiled brightly and hurried forward to cling to her affectionately.

Duchess Yong, Mi Yan, however, lifted the bed curtain with one hand, brushed aside her daughter’s embrace, and accepted the support of her maid as she walked out.

The woman appeared to be in her forties. Her beauty and mature charm far surpassed her daughter’s. Her eyes, in particular, were striking, radiant and commanding at once. When they swept over Zhao Shu, she even felt that the woman’s imposing presence was scarcely inferior to that of Qin Wang himself.

“I’ve suffered from this aching leg condition since I was young. I’ve taken countless prescriptions, yet none ever cured it. Never would I have imagined that someone as young as you would possess such remarkable skill.” Mi Yan slowly walked a few steps, the expression on her face gentler than usual. “If any medicine is still required, simply tell the physicians outside. Do not concern yourself with how rare or valuable the ingredients may be.”

After putting away her silver needles, Zhao Shu answered seriously, “Madam’s condition requires no medicine. You should avoid sitting for long periods or allowing your legs to become chilled. Whenever it flares up, acupuncture and therapeutic massage will relieve it immediately.”

This astonished even the trusted attendants standing nearby. Princess Weiyang hugged the rabbit and bounded over to Zhao Shu. “You can’t have misdiagnosed her, can you? How could such an illness require no medicine at all?”

Taking the rabbit back from her arms, Zhao Shu showed little interest in explaining herself to the princess. Instead, she looked earnestly at the still-walking Duchess Yong. “I am not exaggerating my abilities. Medicine truly offers little benefit for this condition. When I was in Nanyue, I once accompanied a traveling physician who treated this very same illness.”

In truth, Duchess Yong’s illness was not a disease of the legs at all, the root of the problem lay in her lower back. Strangely, however, the affected area itself caused almost no discomfort, while her legs grew numb, sore, and even left her limping. Zhao Shu had encountered such a condition only once before during her years in Nanyue. It was exceedingly rare. No wonder the palace physicians had failed to diagnose it correctly, instead treating it as a leg ailment and prescribing warming, highly restorative medicines. That she had not been harmed by years of taking those prescriptions was nothing short of good fortune.

Zhao Shu briefly explained all of this to the woman, emphasizing that unless one had personally encountered such a case before, it was indeed extremely difficult to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

“My good child, come a little closer. Tell me what reward you desire, and I shall grant it today.”

Now free from the torment of her illness, Mi Yan had recognized Zhao Shu as the young attendant who had served wine at the banquet in the Imperial Grandson’s residence that night. As she spoke, she leisurely walked over to Zhao Shu, reached out to stroke the rabbit’s ears, and regarded her with nothing but warmth in her eyes.

“This commoner would not dare ask for anything,” Zhao Shu replied. Glancing at the delighted Ying Huan beside her, she continued, “I merely accompanied the princess here after hearing of Madam’s urgent illness. If Madam would grant me half a room in the palace so that I may remain nearby to attend to your treatments and rest there, that would be more than enough.”

Mi Yan suddenly laughed aloud. Removing her hand from the rabbit’s ears, she unexpectedly reached out and gently patted Zhao Shu on the head. “You truly are an interesting child. Still, I dare not keep you here forever. Go on now, think carefully about a proper reward.”

Her meaning was clear enough: she was willing to let Zhao Shu remain temporarily within Changming Palace.

Watching the senior Momo Xin You, Mi Yan’s most trusted attendant, personally come to lead her away, Zhao Shu lowered her head and withdrew with the rabbit in her arms. Just before reaching the palace doors, however, she could not help stopping and turning back.

Both mother and daughter looked toward her. The smile faded from Mi Yan’s face as she silently waited for the hostage prince to make some unreasonable request.

Instead, the youth holding the rabbit spoke softly. “Actually… ferret fur is far too warm. With Madam’s condition… you should exercise more often. Horseback riding and archery would be much better.”

Her apricot eyes were filled with compassion and quiet resolve. She was earnest, straightforward, and fearless in her honesty. Mi Yan paused in surprise before suddenly looking away with an amused smile and simply nodding her agreement.

No sooner had Zhao Shu departed than Mi Yan’s expression turned icy. She raised her hand and slapped Jiaoyue hard across the face, furious beyond measure. “What kind of daughter finds concubines and beauties for her own mother to compete with? The princess may be ignorant, but are you dead?”

Jiaoyue offered not a single word of defense. She simply prostrated herself on the floor.

After several moments of heavy silence, Mi Yan rubbed her brow. Finally, she beckoned her startled daughter into her embrace, sighed deeply, and said, “My child has good taste. But the hostage prince’s position is simply too delicate. There are already rumors of internal turmoil in Handan. Before the Zhou envoys arrive, Huan’er, you mustn’t do anything foolish.”

Princess Weiyang pouted as she nestled against her mother’s chest. Though a hundred objections flashed through her mind, all she said aloud was sweetly, “Mother, don’t worry. Just leave everything to me.”

***

Changming Palace had originally been the Eastern Palace of Qin Wang. It was not located within Xianyang itself, but instead occupied a strategic position northeast of the capital, built tier upon tier along the mountainside. It was more than twice the size of the Imperial Grandson’s residence.

Originally constructed as a military fortress, its arrow towers and battlements proclaimed the determination of the royal family to defend the realm.

After Lord Hengyuan took possession of it, however, he extensively renovated the gardens and artificial mountains while transforming many of the halls and pavilions into places devoted entirely to pleasure and luxury. The result resembled nothing less than a heavenly palace brought down to the mortal world.

Led by the senior Momo Xin You to a side chamber near the principal courtyard, Zhao Shu was astonished by the lavish furnishings within.

As the elderly Momo lit a revolving bronze lantern, Zhao Shu was just considering how to inquire about Qi Ying’s whereabouts when the woman coughed. Afterward, the old Momo looked at her with cloudy yellowed eyes and smiled.

“That round-faced little girl with hair as glossy as satin, I was ordered to bathe her this morning. She’s staying in the eastern side hall. His Lord likely won’t return for another four or five days, so Young Master may act as you wish.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Shu nearly burst into tears and laughter at the same time. As she turned around, she almost knocked over the revolving lantern. Quickly composing herself, she raised her clasped hands respectfully above her forehead. “Then, once you return, please convey my deepest gratitude to Madam for her generosity.”

Xin You hurriedly waved her off. “Young Master Zhao, please don’t do this. This old servant is nothing more than a lowly menial. I ask only that your healer’s compassion continue. Madam has suffered from this illness for many years. I shall have to trouble you to continue caring for her.”

Naturally, Zhao Shu readily agreed. Now that she knew where Qi Ying was, she had no desire to rest. Xin You, seeing no need for secrecy, had servants finish arranging her room before personally leading Zhao Shu by a circuitous path to the outer wall of the eastern side hall.

Before they parted, Zhao Shu hesitated briefly before saying to the old matron, “Momo, your liver yang is overly excessive. If you truly cannot give up drinking, then limit yourself to once every three days. No more than that.”

Xin You froze for a moment before giving an embarrassed laugh. “Young Master is quite right. This old servant will remember.”

***

With Duchess Yong’s permission, entering the heavily guarded eastern side hall proved surprisingly easy.

The moment Zhao Shu saw Qi Ying safe and unharmed, the enormous weight crushing her heart finally lifted. Her throat tightened so much that she could scarcely speak.

“I-I’m fine… Don’t cry… Sister.” Qi Ying wore elaborate palace robes embroidered with lotus blossoms and cranes. Since night had not yet fully fallen, she still wore the brilliant cosmetics applied earlier that day. Though they had only been apart for a single day and night, Zhao Shu could not shake the feeling that something about the girl had changed. Yet she could not put her finger on exactly what it was. Seeing Qi Ying smile only made Zhao Shu want to cry even more.

Fortunately, Duchess Yong had been willing to extend a helping hand.

Never before had Zhao Shu been as grateful as she was today that she happened to know how to treat lower back ailments.

Then, as she thought of the person she had once traveled through Nanyue with all those years ago, her eyes gradually filled with distant numbness.

Tonight was already the twenty-fourth day of the second lunar month. In less than six days, it would be the third month.

Yet that person still had not sent anyone to deliver her medicine.

The two sisters talked for a while longer before one of the palace Momos responsible for instruction came to hurry them along. After a moment’s thought, Zhao Shu entrusted the rabbit to Qi Ying. Leaning close to whisper in her ear, she hurriedly said, “In another couple of days, I’ll definitely take you away from here. Lord Hengyuan won’t be returning for the time being, so don’t worry. Just wait for me.”

…

Thus ten days passed.

Every day Zhao Shu waited for her own illness to strike without warning while also going daily to the principal courtyard to perform acupuncture for Duchess Yong.

Every other day, the senior Momo Xin You would secretly bring her to visit Qi Ying. The guest residence provided the finest bedding, clothing, and meals, yet the uneasiness in Zhao Shu’s heart only continued to grow.

On the morning of the third day of the third lunar month, she rose early. Outside, the dawn was dim, and heavy storm clouds weighed darkly upon the sky. On her way to the principal courtyard, she heard that Lord Hengyuan had returned to the city together with Imperial Grandson Ji.

As usual, after administering Duchess Yong’s acupuncture treatment and watching the maid massage her lower back, Zhao Shu finally voiced her request to send Qi Ying out of Changming Palace.

The noblewoman turned and reclined against a bolster, leisurely tracing her brows while holding a palm-sized bronze mirror engraved with a taowu motif. Hearing the request, she cast a cool sideways glance at the elderly nurse Xin You. After the old woman gave a slight nod, Mi Yan tilted her head and smiled. “My husband and Ah Sheng won’t be back until nightfall, so you needn’t be afraid. You’ve worked so hard these past few days, child. Today I’ve had Aunt Xin prepare a modest feast. You and Miss Qi should have dinner together before you leave.”

The moment Zhao Shu heard those words, she instinctively sensed that something was wrong. Now that permission had been granted, all she wanted was to take Qi Ying and leave immediately. Yet Mi Yan’s smile was warm, and Xin You, the old Momo who had been taking such good care of the two of them, showed nothing unusual. Zhao Shu could not very well refuse so bluntly, so she reluctantly agreed.

…

Sure enough, shortly after noon that day, Lord Hengyuan’s personal attendant returned with a message, reporting that his master intended to spend the night with the beautiful but supposedly simple-minded woman known for her fierce temperament.

When Mi Yan received the news, she was taking a walk through the courtyard while leaning on Xin You for support. She could no longer feel the slightest pain in her legs, and her mood was unusually cheerful.

Dark clouds covered the sky. As Mi Yan removed the flower hairpin from her coiffure, Xin You could not help saying, “The court physicians have already memorized the entire acupuncture method. Still, Your Ladyship’s health is too important. It would be better to be even more cautious.”

Mi Yan turned around with a satisfied yet sinister smile and snorted. “Nurse, are you suggesting that I should let that little maid go? The western territories of Chu are already in turmoil. Why would I provoke that butcher Hengyuan at a time like this? She’s nothing more than a lowly servant. Young Master Zhao still has the heart of a child. Later, we can simply find him a couple of beauties to make up for the loss.”

Xin You sighed softly. She wanted to say that some things could never truly be “made up for.” Hesitation flashed across her aged face, but in the end, she said nothing more.

***

That night, spring thunder suddenly crashed across the sky. As soon as the dinner in the eastern side hall had cooled enough to eat, Zhao Shu eagerly picked up the rabbit, grabbed Qi Ying, who was carrying a bundle, and hurried toward the palace doors. Just then, the weight in her hand suddenly sank. She turned around to see Qi Ying’s legs give way as she collapsed onto the ground.

Almost at the same moment, Zhao Shu herself felt all the strength drain from her body. She swayed but barely managed to stay upright before suddenly remembering the plum blossom pastry the two of them had shared earlier.

Lord Hengyuan favored women with slender waists. Since Qi Ying had been deliberately starved for several days, she had not touched the lavish meal set before her, but hunger had driven her to eat more than half of the pastry. Zhao Shu, on the other hand, had only taken a small bite from the piece in Qi Ying’s hand.

“Run!” Zhao Shu shouted, pricking the young girl with an acupuncture needle to rouse her senses. She pulled out a small packet of homemade sleeping powder she had secretly prepared over the past several days. Carrying the rabbit in one arm while supporting Qi Ying with the other, she struggled toward the exit.

After knocking out several guards on duty, Zhao Shu, her heart pounding with fear, led Qi Ying at a hurried jog. Following the route she had secretly scouted two days earlier, they reached the section of palace wall with the heaviest security just as raindrops the size of beans came crashing down from the sky.

She heard the clatter of armor from two approaching patrols. In the distance, more than twenty guards marched in three orderly columns carrying storm lanterns, passing by the side gate used for bringing in vegetables and supplies.

Even such an inconspicuous service gate was rarely left without patrols.

As Zhao Shu pulled Qi Ying into a narrow alley to hide, she accidentally tripped. Her left knee slammed hard against the muddy stone steps, and half her sleeve and cheek were soaked with filthy rainwater. She barely managed to shield the rabbit in her arms from the fall.

Her grip tightened. Clenching her teeth against the pain, she silently scrambled to her feet as quickly as possible, signaling Qi Ying not to make a sound.

The clinking of armor drew nearer. Holding her breath, Zhao Shu gripped Qi Ying’s hand with all her strength.

Inwardly, she prayed over and over to every god and spirit she could think of, begging them not to let the soldiers discover the two of them hiding in the rain.

The sound of marching armor gradually faded into the distance. Just as she was about to breathe a sigh of relief, she turned around and found a figure dressed in black standing silently at the mouth of the alley.

“It’s me,” the newcomer said in a low, slightly rough voice.

Before Zhao Shu could react in alarm, the grip in her hand loosened as Qi Ying weakly staggered toward the man. It was only when Qi Ying reached him that Zhao Shu finally relaxed the taut string of tension inside her, for the man standing before her was none other than Lian Yu, whom she had not seen for many days.

She had heard that although he now held only the rank of Commandant, he had won Lord Hengyuan’s considerable favor and accompanied him wherever he went.

“The side gate for the vegetable deliveries is guarded by only four men at night. Stay here with Yingying…”

Zhao Shu walked past him and was about to step out of the alley when the side of her neck suddenly went numb. Instantly, no sound would come from her throat. Before she could even process what had happened, Lian Yu unhesitatingly shoved Qi Ying out of the alley.

“Who’s there?!” Lantern light immediately swept toward them. Zhao Shu had been pinned into a narrow recess in the wall, unable to move.

By the time the guards dragged Qi Ying away, Lian Yu had forced Zhao Shu into a waiting carriage. Her mind was filled only with the image of the little girl’s hopeless, lifeless eyes as she was taken away.

Qi Ying merely had difficulty speaking clearly; she was not simple-minded. On the contrary, she had always understood everything. As a little girl, she had watched helplessly as her royal father slaughtered the princess’s estate, failed to save the nurse who had raised her, and witnessed her own mother being strangled to death. In truth, she had always been more sensitive and mature than Zhao Shu.

Not even during the journey to Qin after their kingdom fell had the girl ever worn such an expression.

At that moment, Zhao Shu was almost haunted by Lian Yu’s actions. Her shock at what he had done even overshadowed her fear for Qi Ying’s fate that night.

The two of them had grown up together as childhood sweethearts. Zhao Shu knew better than anyone how deeply, how irrevocably, that girl loved the young general of the Lian family.

Perhaps even Qi Ying’s decision to come to Qin had not truly been for Zhao Shu’s sake.

The carriage shifted as Lian Yu climbed inside, drenched from the rain. He tossed the rabbit into the carriage, then sat beside Zhao Shu in silence and casually released the pressure point that had stolen her voice.

“Tell me, Older Brother Yunhu… tell me you have a safer way to get Yingying out.”

Yunhu was Lian Yu’s childhood courtesy name. Hearing the intimate nickname that Zhao Shu had only ever called him by when they were young, the cold, expressionless man involuntarily trembled with the little finger of his right hand. Yet all he said in an icy voice were two words. “I don’t.”

In the next instant, Zhao Shu exploded with rage. She raised her hand and struck him across the face with a loud smack. Although the drugged pastry she had eaten earlier had left her weak and drained, the slap still landed hard enough that the clear imprint of her fingers quickly appeared on the man’s cheek.

“Step aside! I’m going to the main courtyard to see Duchess Yong.”

Lian Yu seemed not to hear her at all. He merely looked up and said, “Her Ladyship will not see you.”

Once the guards outside had finished inspecting the travel token and the carriage was about to leave the palace, he called someone in before Zhao Shu could struggle again. As he stepped out with his sword in hand, he left behind one final remark in a muffled voice. “Weapons forged in secret were discovered in the Grand State Preceptor’s residence by Queen Zhao. Half a month ago, the State Preceptor fled to Yan. Your sworn elder brother has also been implicated and has disappeared.”

No one knew that Zhao Shu had once served as Zhao Wang’s living test subject for medicines. Lian Yu had only stumbled upon hints of it while investigating the Grand State Preceptor’s residence. He vaguely knew that every few months she had to take an antidote.

After all, they had known each other since childhood. By telling her this, Lian Yu was both warning and reminding her: she herself might not have much longer to live, so she should stop risking her life trying to save others.

…

Pinned inside the carriage by two burly, overbearing soldiers, Zhao Shu knew escape was hopeless. Her heart rose and fell with dread. One moment her mind was filled with Qi Ying’s puppet-like, vacant expression; the next, she worried about the whereabouts of her sworn elder brother, Ruhui.

Only the Grand State Preceptor could refine the medicine that suppressed the cold poison in her body. Such a catastrophe had erupted in Handan that she finally understood her predicament was no longer simply whether she could return to Luoyi.

As the carriage entered Xianyang through the eastern gate, a gust of wind and rain blew open the thin curtain. Looking up numbly, she saw towering, icy battlements covered with arrow slits, the imposing barbican of this unfamiliar royal city.

She had reached a dead end. There was nowhere left to seek help.

Back when she had enjoyed unrivaled favor in Handan, possessing a status shared by no one else in the kingdoms of Zhou and Zhao, she could never have imagined that after humbling herself and exhausting every effort to heal the ailments of nobles, she would ultimately be unable to obtain what she had once regarded as the smallest, most insignificant favor.

The three-month deadline had already passed. Even if the Imperial Grandson’s residence happened to possess medicine capable of delaying the effects of her illness, it likely could not change the fate awaiting her.

And before she died, she would be forced to watch helplessly as Yingying was humiliated.

From the eastern gate to the Imperial Grandson’s residence took less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea. Yet during that brief journey, clarity gradually returned to Zhao Shu’s eyes.

The carriage stopped once more before the deserted waterside pavilion where she had first arrived, still locked and empty. Before anyone could escort her, she heard the driver call for the horses to halt. She immediately lifted the curtain herself and jumped down.

“Oh dear, Your Grace has just returned from Changming Palace. How did you get yourself covered in mud like this?”

This time, Steward Li had been waiting for her early.

“Has… has the Imperial Grandson returned?” Without slowing her pace, she thrust the rabbit into his arms and suddenly asked the question.

“Our lord returned around noon. He’s been reading bamboo slips all afternoon and is now in Lantai…” The elderly steward stared blankly at the enormous wild rabbit that had been shoved into his hands, then watched in astonishment as Zhao Shu staggered away. Never before had he seen the hostage prince ignore people so completely.

***

Never before had Zhao Shu hated the vastness of palace halls and towering buildings. She cut across the Imperial Grandson’s residence by the shortest route she knew. By the time she reached Lantai, she had lost one shoe. Her body had reached its limit, and she had almost forgotten that she had eaten that bite of pastry laced with muscle-relaxing powder. When she finally stopped to gasp for breath, she was soaked from head to toe, while a cold, clammy sweat seeped silently down her back.

Just as she stepped into the outer courtyard, Cai Pi happened to be collecting rainwater for brewing wine. Seeing Zhao Shu rushing in from outside in such a disheveled state, he almost thought he had seen a ghost. Forgetting all about the two small wine jars he had just sterilized and was preparing to seal, he hurried inside to announce her arrival.

Cai Pi ran quickly, crossing the four courtyards in moments. Just as he reached the floating bridge, he collided with someone. Recognizing the man, he hastily bowed. “Lord Shaofu…”

Before he could finish, Cheng Wu smiled and finished the sentence for him. “The hostage prince has come?” Then his face immediately turned serious. “Does the Imperial Grandson see just anyone who wishes to? Tell him to wait outside the pavilion. Do not presume to make decisions on your own.”

With that, he opened his umbrella and headed toward another section of the estate.

…

The heavens were shrouded in darkness as rain poured down in torrents. After standing beneath the eaves for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Zhao Shu felt as though the heavy clouds pressing down upon the sky were crushing the breath from her chest. During that short wait, Cai Pi pretended to go inside three separate times to announce her arrival.

Hidden beyond a green wall, Cheng Wu silently observed through the carved lattice window of the adjoining courtyard.

At first, he inwardly scorned Cai Pi’s timid, spineless incompetence. Yet Zhao Shu herself stood beneath the eaves with a pale, exhausted face, looking as though her soul had already left her body. She was so distracted that she never even noticed Cai Pi’s obvious lies.

Earlier that evening, just after darkness had fallen, the Imperial Grandson had instructed Cheng Wu to keep watch on developments at Changming Palace. When news arrived that the mute girl still had not been able to leave, the Imperial Grandson had mocked Young Master Zhao’s uselessness, yet he had plainly ordered Cheng Wu to make an attempt to rescue her.

The reason he had called it merely “an attempt” was because Prince Yi had recently been stripped of military authority over Chen County and the royal capital. The Imperial Grandson still needed the support of the muddle-headed ruler residing in Changming Palace, maintaining the appearance of perfect filial devotion and family harmony to erase the emperor’s final lingering suspicions.

Therefore, in Cheng Wu’s view, Hostage Prince Zhao could serve as little more than an amusing plaything, perhaps even remaining at his master’s side until the day his master took a wife.

A pretty toy to warm the bed naturally deserved to be indulged now and then.

But it certainly was not worth risking plans that had been painstakingly laid over many years.

The heavy rain soon soaked the hem of Cheng Wu’s robe. Just as he was about to leave and stop watching, he saw, to his surprise, Zhao Shu stumble forward, then continue toward the open space in the middle of the floating bridge. There, she knelt straight down despite nearly collapsing.

Cheng Wu clicked his tongue and rubbed his brow in annoyance.

Lord Hengyuan had once been the Crown Prince of Qin. Was this insignificant stammering girl truly so precious to Zhao Shu that she cared for her to such an extent?

For the first time, he regretted not having arranged matters at Changming Palace sooner. Seeing Cai Pi standing there at a complete loss, he folded his paper umbrella and pointed through the lattice window. Cai Pi immediately understood, as though granted a pardon. He hurriedly pretended to enter the pavilion once more, then returned and helped the mud-soaked Zhao Shu to her feet before announcing that she was permitted to enter.

Zhao Shu hurriedly brushed him aside and made her way alone toward the pavilion in the middle of the lake. She never noticed the figure passing by her through the curtain of rain on the opposite side of the carved green wall.

Behind that wall, Cheng Wu was moving even faster than she was. Spotting Cai Song hurrying over, he lowered his voice and ordered sternly, “Bring me the finest horse immediately. I’m leaving the residence.”

Separated by nothing more than that single green wall, Zhao Shu never realized that this journey had already become entirely futile. Nor did she know that the identity she had guarded for more than ten years would, because of Cheng Wu’s deliberate “oversight,” be exposed by a twist of fate that very night before the old enemy who had once humiliated her.

Even though every servant of the Princess’s estate had been executed because of the absurd secret that the “phoenix” had in fact been a “male phoenix”, including wet nurse Qi.

She remembered clearly that it had been the seventh day of the fifth month, which also happened to be Qi Ying’s third birthday. In order to ensure that Zhao Shu could take Qi Ying onto the carriage bound for the palace, Madam Qi had refused to drink the poisoned wine prepared for her. Instead, she had been hacked to death by the assassins who caught up with her.

But tonight, even Qi Ying could no longer be protected. Only then did Zhao Shu truly awaken from the eleven-year dream of honor, privilege, and glory.

Didn’t Imperial Grandson Wuji desire her? Since every other avenue had been cut off, then she would trade this secret, and her own body, for Qi Ying’s life. And if he did not desire a woman’s body, then she would use her own life as the price instead.

She would not allow him to refuse.

Standing amid the wind and rain, blood trickled intermittently from the corner of Zhao Shu’s lips. Her expression was filled with immeasurable sorrow, yet without self-pity. Despair shone clearly in her eyes, but so did unwavering resolve.

Saving a concubine or a servant girl might not seem like a significant matter. But if the deposed Crown Prince Zhao were to die upon the couch of Qin’s prince, then no matter how powerless and insignificant she had become, the incident would still be enough to draw the attention of every kingdom beneath heaven.