“Run!” Xiao Muchen, sensing the worsening situation, clenched his jaw and pulled Mingxi along as they fled down the street.
The entire thoroughfare, decked out for the Qixi Festival, was lined with stalls. When the fire broke out, the crowds scattered like headless flies, creating chaos.
Amid the spreading flames, cries for help rang out incessantly.
Mingxi glanced at Xiao Muchen and asked, “When will the authorities arrive?”
Without the threat of assassins, they might have stopped to help with the fire. But these attackers were clearly after Xiao Muchen, leaving them no choice but to keep moving.
“They should be here soon,” Xiao Muchen replied, though the trace of uncertainty in his voice didn’t escape Mingxi’s notice.
Her heart sank. If this was indeed a targeted attack, the enemy had likely already tampered with the local authorities, delaying their response.
A thought struck her, and she abruptly stopped. Turning to Xiao Muchen, she said, “Let’s head to Longhu.”
Xiao Muchen froze for a moment before nodding in realization. “Let’s go.”
If the assassins were after them, leaving the area would ensure the safety of the townsfolk.
This time, Mingxi was the one dragging Xiao Muchen along, sprinting toward Longhu just a street away. Their path was unmasked, and it wasn’t long before the black-clad pursuers caught sight of them and gave chase.
Duan Mingxi turned abruptly and delivered a fierce kick to one of the attackers, sending him flying. Her expression remained calm but carried a sharp intensity.
Xiao Muchen, meanwhile, kicked a discarded sword into his hand, then hurled it with precision. The blade pierced another attacker, pinning them against a wall.
Blood spattered across the ground. Duan Mingxi only hesitated for a moment, her grip on her blade tightening as blood dripped from its edge. Her gaze locked onto the dozen or so black-clad figures closing in.
Xiao Muchen stepped slightly ahead of her, shielding her with his body. “You go first.”
“Is Wangye looking down on me?” Duan Mingxi chuckled lightly. “Though we haven’t wed yet, we are betrothed. Fairness dictates that if I abandon you, I wouldn’t survive either.”
Xiao Muchen: …
“Attack!” The enemy, briefly intimidated by their ferocity, quickly snapped back to action, swarming them.
Weaponless after throwing his sword, Xiao Muchen continued to protect Mingxi. Her gaze swept across his face before she let go of his hand, stepping off the wall to leap into the fray like the wind.
Her blade descended in a deadly arc, clashing with the opponent’s weapon in a burst of sparks. Unable to land the first strike, Mingxi twisted midair, feinting a kick that forced another opponent back.
As their resolve faltered for just a moment, Mingxi surged forward. Her blade flashed, and one enemy fell, clutching a wounded arm. With a swift kick, she sent their dropped weapon toward Xiao Muchen.
Catching the weapon, Xiao Muchen charged forward to fight alongside Mingxi.
The narrow alley became their battlefield, their coordination growing more seamless with each strike. Blood splattered their clothing, and lifeless bodies littered the ground behind them.
When Qi He and the others finally caught up, they found their Wangye driving his sword into an enemy’s chest. Meanwhile, Miss Duan slammed another opponent into the wall with a kick, her blade cutting through their throat in one fluid motion.
The silence that followed was suffocating. Miao Sheng’s legs gave way, and he nearly collapsed in fear.
It had been a long time since he had seen the Wangye exude such bloodlust.
“Wangye!” Qi He broke the tension.
Xiao Muchen glanced at him. “What’s the situation outside?”
“The authorities have just arrived, and the black-clad attackers are scattering. We’ve captured a few alive and are secretly escorting them away,” Qi He reported quietly.
Taking out a handkerchief, Xiao Muchen reached for Mingxi’s hand. One by one, he meticulously wiped her fingers clean.
Mingxi’s fingers twitched, attempting to withdraw, but he held on tightly.
It was strange.
With Qi He and Miao Sheng watching, she didn’t want to embarrass Xiao Muchen and allowed him to continue.
“Interrogate them immediately, and make sure none of them die.”
“Yes, Wangye.” Qi He bowed his head in acknowledgment.
Finished, Xiao Muchen turned to Mingxi. “A shame I can’t take you boating tonight.”
Duan Mingxi smirked. She had suggested going to Longhu to flee, not for a boat ride, but she chose not to argue.
“Miao Sheng, escort her to change and then take her home.”
“Alright.” Duan Mingxi knew that he had many pressing matters to handle; after tonight’s events, the court would undoubtedly erupt into chaos tomorrow.
Miao Sheng quickly ran over, eager to serve, and said with utmost deference, “Miss Duan, please follow me.”
Duan Mingxi took a step forward but was halted as someone grabbed her wrist. She turned back in confusion, meeting Xiao Muchen’s gaze. What was that supposed to mean?
Faced with Mingxi’s clear yet puzzled eyes, Xiao Muchen’s chest was filled with unspoken words. After a brief pause, he smiled softly and said, “Once I’ve settled everything, I’ll come to see you.”
Duan Mingxi, unfazed, nodded slightly. With all the commotion tonight, the entire capital was bound to be turned upside down. He would hardly have the time. Still, since he had made the effort to say something courteous, she reciprocated with a polite acknowledgment.
Without any hesitation, she turned to follow Miao Sheng.
Qi He lowered his head, not daring to even glance at his Wangye, barely holding his breath as if trying to vanish.
Why did it seem like the young lady wasn’t too invested? Yet, if you claimed she didn’t care, the way she protected the Wangye earlier wasn’t fake. But if she did care, why did she leave so quickly?
As soon as Duan Mingxi left, Xiao Muchen’s expression turned icy again, and he strode off.
Qi He immediately followed, speaking as he walked. “News just came in. There were five or six fires tonight. Word is, the Crown Prince and Jin Wang were drinking together when they too encountered a fire.”
Hearing this, Xiao Muchen let out a scoff, quickening his pace. “How convenient.”
Qi He’s face turned serious. “Wangye, it seems the enemy came prepared.”
“If that’s the case, then let’s stir this muddy water even more.” Xiao Muchen thought of the moment Duan Mingxi was in danger earlier, and a flash of killing intent flickered in his eyes.
It wasn’t just her. If not for her quick reflexes, he might have been injured as well.
“Wangye, what do you mean?” Qi He was stunned, almost unable to believe his ears. His Wangye was always cautious and composed, never acting recklessly. Was this an act of fury for a woman?
Xiao Muchen shot Qi He a look, and Qi He shuddered. “Understood.”
Wangye was planning to drag the Crown Prince and Jin Wang into the fray—whether they were guilty or not, the suspicion would stick.
And besides, those two weren’t innocent either.
Once Chen Xiao arrived with reinforcements to ensure the Wangye’s safety, Qi He quietly slipped away to handle the task.
Meanwhile, Mingxi had just arrived at the Marquis residence. Before she could even step down from the carriage, someone stopped her.
It was Chen Fu, the head steward of Consort Shu’s household. He bowed deeply to Duan Mingxi. “This servant greets the young lady.”
Duan Mingxi frowned. How had Consort Shu received news so quickly?
A bad feeling crept over her.
