Chapter 251: The Beauty Scheme
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After the New Year, although it was the beginning of spring, the snow did not stop, and the courtyard was covered with a layer of white frost after a night of snow.
When He Yan woke up, Xiao Jue was already gone.
It was strange because she wasn’t originally a lazy person. When she stayed at the Great Pass Inn in Liangzhou, surrounded by a room full of men, she was the only one who woke up before dawn. However, whether Xiao Jue’s bed was unusually soft and warm, or because she slept soundly at night, she tended to wake up later in the morning. Or perhaps it was because Xiao Jue woke up exceptionally early. In any case, whenever she woke up, there was no one beside her.
He Yan rubbed her eyes, sat up, and got out of bed after lifting the quilt. After a simple wash, she draped on her outer garment, opened the door, and as soon as she did, she saw a cold light.
Xiao Jue was practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard.
This man also understood the principle that one’s skills would dull if not practiced for three days. Even though he was no longer in Liangzhou Garrison, he had not neglected his daily training. He Yan leaned against a pillar and watched him, taking the opportunity to observe how Xiao Jue’s swordsmanship had improved over the years.
It was cold in the morning, but Xiao Jue only wore a frost-colored plain robe. When he wore dark-colored clothes, he appeared cold and reserved; when he wore light-colored clothes, he looked particularly bright and elegant, reminiscent of the beautiful youth who always ranked first in the Xianchang Academy back then.
The courtyard of the Xiao residence was extremely large. Except for the pomegranate tree outside Xiao Jue’s study window, there were no plants. The spacious ground was suitable for sword practice. With a sweep of his sword, the accumulated snow in the courtyard was scattered by the sword energy, and Drinking Autumn Sword’s body sparkled, making him look like a figure in a painting, stunning and charming.
He Yan watched, and her hands itched. She took three steps back into the house, grabbed the Qing Lang sword hanging on the wall.
Since Qing Lang was brought back from He Rufei’s hands, she had wiped it many times, but she had never used it once. There hadn’t been any occasion for it. After all, Shuojing was not like the battlefield, and one couldn’t just draw swords and duel at any time. But today was a good opportunity. Since Xiao Jue was practicing swordsmanship anyway, why not see if after all this time, the gap between the top and bottom of Xianchang Academy was still as insurmountable as before?
He Yan took off her cloak, took Qing Lang with her, chuckled lightly, and walked out. Xiao Jue had his back turned to her, and she swiftly drew her sword and stabbed towards his back, calling out, “Xiao Jue, let me test your sword skills!”
The young man suddenly turned around, and with a crisp sound, he met He Yan’s Qing Lang Sword with Drinking Autumn Sword in his hand. In the next moment, the two of them stepped back.
Xiao Jue looked at her, raising an eyebrow slightly. “A sword match?”
“Dare you not?” He Yan lightly stepped forward, laughing and wielding her sword towards him.
“I’ll accompany you.” His voice also carried a hint of warmth, sounding particularly pleasant on this snowy morning.
Qingmei, holding a broom, came out just in time and saw the two of them practicing swords in the courtyard. For a while, she was stunned. Although she knew He Yan was powerful, she had only heard about it from others and had not seen it with her own eyes. Now, seeing He Yan’s smooth sword moves, she was both amazed and nervous, muttering, “Young Master, please be merciful. Our Young Madam is delicate and weak…”
Fei Nu happened to walk in from outside, heard the words, and couldn’t help but glance at He Yan. He Yan happened to turn her head, avoiding Xiao Jue’s Drinking Autumn Sword, and kicked the trunk of the pomegranate tree in the courtyard with one foot. She then used the force to flip back. Although the kick seemed casual, it caused the entire trunk to tremble slightly, and snow fell to the ground.
He retracted his gaze, really unable to see where the phrase “delicate and weak” came from.
He Yan turned to look at Xiao Jue.
A sword match with Xiao Jue, it was a very enjoyable thing.
This man’s swordsmanship was already excellent back then, and now, after many years, it became even more exquisite. There was a faint resemblance between his swordsmanship and He Yan’s own, as her initial sword techniques were guided by Xiao Jue. Even now, there were still remnants of the original shadow. However, the clumsy fool who always got hit on the head by the scabbard in the moonlit bamboo forest had transformed into a skilled swordsman, agile and lively. In the exchange of moves between the two, it was difficult to determine a winner for a while.
“Guard Fei Nu,” Qingmei couldn’t understand and asked the person next to her, “Did the Young Master really go easy on the Young Madam?”
“No need to go easy.” Fei Nu was slightly surprised, “The Young Madam’s swordsmanship is very good.”
He Yan’s swordsmanship was exquisite, with mysterious angles and ever-changing moves. When she first met Xiao Jue, her swordsmanship had many “variations” due to not being confined to forms. The movements were diverse, and with the Qing Lang Sword in hand, it resembled a blue cloud, dazzling the eyes. Xiao Jue’s sword techniques were more “stable,” with a powerful sword energy. Meeting strength with strength, even when He Yan circled around, each move could still be broken. Drinking Autumn Sword emitted a cold light, reflecting the snow on the ground like a mirror of ice.
After exchanging dozens of moves, He Yan suddenly stepped back, holding her chest and exclaiming softly.
Seeing this, Xiao Jue paused, immediately sheathing his long sword, and stepped forward to support her, asking, “What’s wrong?”
With him half embracing her, He Yan suddenly raised her head, giving a sly smile. Xiao Jue was momentarily stunned, and the next moment, she struck with a palm. Xiao Jue reached out to block, but she still pushed him back a few steps.
“The wise use wisdom to defeat their emotions. Present them with a beauty, indulge their desires, weaken their bodies, then you can turn defeat into victory.”
The girl, holding a long sword, was complacent. “Commander Xiao isn’t doing well; he can’t even see through a beauty scheme.”
“A beauty scheme?” he asked slowly, then laughed lightly after a moment and attacked back with his sword.
He Yan raised her sword to block.
The two of them continued to exchange moves.
Xiao Jue restrained He Yan’s arm with one hand. He Yan’s hand was held from behind by him. Unexpectedly, he found time to taunt her ear, “Self-proclaimed beauty? You are quite confident.”
“A scholar may be killed, but not insulted.” He Yan suddenly turned around, pulled her hand out, and pressed her sword forward. Then, she reversed and thrust her sword.
The young man’s eyes flickered slightly, and suddenly he withdrew his sword behind him, directly facing the opponent’s sword tip. His abrupt sword withdrawal caught her off guard. He Yan’s sword was coming fiercely, and she could see the sword tip about to pierce his chest. In panic, He Yan forcefully retracted Qing Lang in her hand. However, as the sword momentum continued forward, she was also pushed forward by it, with no way to avoid it. She ended up falling into Xiao Jue’s arms like this.
Xiao Jue was forced to hold her in his arms.
“What are you doing?” He Yan exclaimed angrily.
Xiao Jue replied nonchalantly, “People don’t harm themselves; true harm comes from others.” He looked down at He Yan, his lips slightly curved. “General He is not doing well, unable to see through even a feigned injury tactic.”
“A feigned injury tactic?” He Yan retorted, “As a commander of the Right Army, do you think it’s appropriate to use such tactics?”
“All is fair in war,” he said calmly.
He Yan sighed, “That’s too despicable.”
The man in front of her looked down at her from top to bottom, his black eyes hiding a trace of a smile. He Yan was momentarily stunned. Seeing him slowly leaning over, she immediately closed her eyes nervously.
The next moment, a slight vibration came from the chest being held. When she opened her eyes, Xiao Jue, suppressing a smile, was staring at her. He stopped just an inch away from her, raising an eyebrow. “A beauty scheme?”
He Yan suddenly felt a shameful sensation, as if she had been called out for letting her emotions cloud her judgment. She didn’t say a word, turned around, and walked away.
Xiao Jue pulled her back, gently kissed her forehead, and said, “General He is formidable; I admit defeat.”
Qingmei: “…”
She suddenly turned her head, covered her eyes with her hands, and whispered, “…Why did it suddenly…”
Chiwu at some point came over, and it was unclear how long he had been watching. He frowned and said, “This is not a sword fight; it’s obviously flirting. Young Master…. how can you treat Drinking Autumn like this?”
Qingmei, upon hearing this, seemed to have just noticed Chiwu. Remembering what He Yan had said to her during New Year’s Eve at the He residence, she remained silent, holding the broom, and left without looking at Chiwu.
Chiwu felt it inexplicable, and he asked Fei Nu, “Did I provoke her? What’s wrong with her?”
Fei Nu: “…”
He patted Chiwu on the shoulder, didn’t say anything, and followed, leaving.
…
On this particular morning, a guest arrived at the Crown Prince’s residence.
When Chu Zhao was welcomed into the hall, Ying Xiang was kneeling on the ground, preparing tea for Guangyan. Upon seeing Chu Zhao, Guangyan only glanced at him and asked, “Why are you here?”
Regarding Chu Zhao, Guangyan didn’t dislike him, but he didn’t like him either. It was tolerable when Xu Jingfu was around, but after Xu Jingfu’s death, Guangyan couldn’t help but feel a surge of displeasure towards Chu Zhao. It wasn’t that Chu Zhao had offended him in any way; Guangyan just didn’t like his humble and lowly background and his excessively handsome appearance.
“To share worries with His Highness.”
Guangyan sneered, “Share worries?” He slowly sat up, looking at Chu Zhao, “If you go and kill that idiot Guangshuo now, that would be truly sharing my worries.”
Guangshuo had stayed in the palace recently, and his guards never left his side. What Guangyan said was just out of frustration.
“Is His Highness in a hurry?” Chu Zhao, not annoyed, asked in a gentle tone.
“Chu Zilan!” The Crown Prince waved his sleeves impatiently, “Xu Jingfu is dead. Now, it’s his student who has come to teach me how to do things?”
Chu Zhao replied, “I only wish for His Highness’s well-being.”
“Then spare me your words!” The Crown Prince seemed to have anticipated what he was about to say, his gaze heavy as he stared at him. “Don’t forget your own identity, Chu Zilan. If anything happens to this prince, you won’t be able to escape. Don’t even think about walking away unscathed. What you need to do now is assist me properly and not drag me down from behind. As for your sermons, keep them to yourself. Otherwise, what happened to Xu Jingfu today will be your tomorrow!”
Ying Xiang stood quietly on the side, bowing meekly, her fingertips slightly pale if one looked closely.
“You may leave now,” Guangyan impatiently stood up. “Stop hovering around me, it’s irritating!”
After a moment of silence, Chu Zhao remained composed, smiling as he stood up and bowed. “Then, I’ll take my leave.”
“Wait.” Guangyan suddenly halted, glanced at Ying Xiang, and spoke with profound meaning. “Ying Xiang, accompany Fourth Young Master Chu.”
Ying Xiang stiffened momentarily but gently acquiesced, “Yes.”
She walked up to Chu Zhao and whispered softly, “Let’s go, Fourth Young Master.”
The two of them exited the hall together.
Although the sun was out today, it was still chilly. Their footsteps left behind faint imprints on the ground.
“These days, have there been any more visits from Manninbu’s people?” Chu Zhao spoke softly.
“Yes,” Ying Xiang replied. “Last night, after the Crown Prince returned from the palace, they came again.”
The two of them walked one in front of the other, with just the right distance between them. From the side, it seemed like they maintained a polite distance, not appearing too familiar.
“It seems the Crown Prince has made up his mind,” Chu Zhao sighed.
Ying Xiang looked ahead. “What does Fourth Young Master plan to do?”
“Make the best of it,” Chu Zhao said.
“This servant heard that Fourth Young Master met Miss He once at night before,” Ying Xiang suddenly changed the subject. “You know, Miss He is now the sweetheart of Commander Xiao. If Fourth Young Master uses Miss He as bait, at least it can solve the urgent matter at hand and provide leverage for negotiations with Commander Xiao. Why would Fourth Young Master give up on that?”
“There’s no need.”
Ying Xiang stopped in her tracks.
Chu Zhao turned to look at her, seeing her like this.
“Fourth Young Master once told this servant that Miss He would become Commander Xiao’s weakness.” The woman in front of him had a stunning appearance, but her eyes were icy, both fragile and cold. Her voice remained soft, but her words were as sharp as a sword. “But now, Fourth Young Master was wrong. She is not Commander Xiao’s weakness; she is Fourth Young Master’s weakness.”
Chu Zhao quietly watched her. After a while, he looked ahead and spoke warmly, “Ying Xiang, how have you been at the Crown Prince’s residence?”
Ying Xiang was momentarily stunned, and the coldness in her eyes disappeared instantly, replaced by a somewhat confused expression. After a while, she lowered her head and said, “This servant has been well.”
Chu Zhao smiled, “As long as you are doing well.”
He continued to walk forward, and Ying Xiang paused before following him.
The carriage was parked at the gate of the Crown Prince’s residence. Chu Zhao turned to look at her, “Go back. If you stay out too long, the Prince may become unhappy.”
Ying Xiang raised the corners of her mouth, smiled at him, but there was a hint of sadness in her smile.
Chu Zhao boarded the carriage, which gradually carried him away. Ying Xiang didn’t immediately return, she just stood at the doorway, watching the direction in which the carriage gradually disappeared, until nothing could be seen. Only then did she slowly turn around and step by step walk back inside.
The hall was now empty, and the attending maidservant said to her, “Miss Ying Xiang, His Highness asked you to go to the sleeping hall.”
Her body trembled slightly, lips turning pale. After a moment’s pause, she gathered her skirts and walked towards the sleeping hall.
Upon entering the sleeping hall, she saw Crown Prince Guangyan reclining on a soft couch. Seeing Ying Xiang come in, Guangyan playfully remarked, “Why did it take you so long?”
Ying Xiang calmly walked over, smiling, “Long? It’s just half a stick of incense; Your Highness shouldn’t be so picky about it.”
She knelt half down in front of Guangyan, leaning against his knee. Guangyan used to love her pitiable and adorable appearance when she nestled against his knees. However, today, as his hand ran through Ying Xiang’s hair, his tone became ominously soft, like the calm before a storm, “In the time of half an incense, you managed to do some things? Like reporting all the affairs of this prince’s mansion to Chu Zilan?”
“Your Highness?” Ying Xiang widened her eyes in astonishment. “What does this mean?”
The hand that had gently touched her hair suddenly tightened, grasping her throat. Ying Xiang’s neck was slender and white, looking fragile and pure. Now, in this hand, it seemed as though it would shatter any moment, appearing powerless yet poignant.
“What was the purpose of Chu Zilan’s visit today? He isn’t this prince’s confidant; does he know everything about this prince’s thoughts? Ying Xiang, oh Ying Xiang,” Guangyan stared at her, his voice filled with a wicked tone, “this prince underestimated you!”
Chu Zhao’s timing was too coincidental. Of course, perhaps it was because he was too anxious to stop himself, it ended up exposing him. Guangyan was always a suspicious person. The reason he hadn’t doubted Ying Xiang before was because her appearance was very deceptive. She seemed no different from any other woman in the mansion who tried desperately to please him for favor. And because it was Chu Zhao who sent her, with no one else to rely on, she served him exceptionally diligently.
Objectively, Guangyan’s favor for Ying Xiang wasn’t entirely baseless. In terms of appearance, there were very few who could match her, even in the palace. However, now that he discovered she was secretly passing messages to Chu Zhao, this favor turned into anger and humiliation, a betrayal!
“Wretch!” He suddenly released his grip, and a slap struck her face, causing her to fall to the ground and stay down for a while.
“I told you, with your beauty, this prince could have asked for you from Chu Zhao, and he would have willingly given you up. After all these years, he hasn’t touched you.” Guangyan’s face bore a lewd smile. “This Chu Zhao has insidious intentions. Keeping you like this, isn’t he just nurturing a tool? When the time comes, he will sell you as a favor. But Ying Xiang, oh Ying Xiang,” he squatted down in front of her, pulling her hair to force her to look at him, “Does this prince not treat you well? Since you have entered this prince’s residence, why do you still think about doing things for him? Have you forgotten that your current master is this prince, not Chu Zilan?”
Ying Xiang looked up at him. Her face bore a deep red imprint from Guangyan’s slap, and a trace of blood flowed from the corner of her mouth. There was even a bruise on her neck. Despite this, there was no hint of anger or fear in her gaze. She continued to gaze at Guangyan with the same gentle and affectionate look, whispering, “I am His Highness’s person.”
It’s hard to imagine that a woman with such a stunning appearance, a woman who looked like a helpless white rabbit, always charming and delicate, could possess a personality that was neither arrogant nor bold, but appeared vulnerable.
Guangyan released his grip, and she fell down again, kicked in the chest.
“At this point, you’re still putting on an act in front of this prince. You seem to be loyal and devoted to Chu Zilan, deeply attached to him. However, it appears that he doesn’t reciprocate your feelings as much as you do.” Guangyan stood up, his voice sinister. “You say, if this palace were to kill you, would he avenge you?”
“This maid….. am His Highness’s person. My life belongs to His Highness, and I have no connection with Fourth Young Master.” Ying Xiang replied softly.
“Well said.” The Crown Prince clapped his hands in delight. “With such eloquence, it’s no wonder this prince has favored you for so long.”
“However, wretch, you should know,” a trace of malice flashed in his eyes, “the thing this prince hates the most in this life is disloyalty. If you want to be a pair of adulterers with Chu Zilan, this prince won’t stop you. But remember, every action has its consequences.”
He turned to look at Ying Xiang.
Ying Xiang lifted her head, meeting his malevolent gaze, unable to help but shiver.
“This prince won’t kill you, but neither will this prince let you off easily,” he declared.
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Justic for Ying Xiang 😭☹️
Thanks for the chapter