The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 216

“Mother, Are They Arguing?”

The moment those seven or eight masked intruders landed, they swept their gaze across the surroundings and kicked the doors open, bursting directly inside.

Qu Sheng had once been a Grand General. Tales of her slaughtering countless foes on the battlefield had long since spread throughout the Quzhao Dynasty. She would inevitably awaken at the slightest rustle of grass in the wind. Yet these intruders were no ordinary thieves; their skills were on par with those of an imperial guard commander.

            

The masked intruders entered the pitch-black room. Before their eyes could adjust to the darkness, a slender sword pierced straight through one of their chests.

Hearing the commotion, one of them hastily took out a fire striker¹, attempting to light a candle on the stand. But the very moment a flame sparked, a gust of wind swept from a palm strike and instantly snuffed it out.

Qu Sheng drew her sword and swung it with a powerful flick, driving the blade straight into the man’s throat. By the time the others caught a fleeting glimpse of her figure, she had already shifted her body with blinding speed to pull the sword free.

            

Immediately after, she kicked the fallen fire striker away, plunging the room back into darkness.

The remaining masked men all spun toward Qu Sheng’s position, reacting swiftly as they raised their sabers and slashed forward. Yet the gloom of the chamber did nothing to hinder her vision.

Qu Sheng dodged their strikes with ease and ran toward the inner chamber. Having quickly adapted to the dim light, the intruders gave chase.

            

But just as the leader pushed open the door, a red-tasseled spear thrust straight out, shattering the wooden lattice of the doorframe.

Blood dripped from the red tassel of the spearhead, leaving the men outside utterly stunned. Xiao Bingying jerked her spear back, and the leader’s corpse slumped against the broken door panel, crashing to the floor along with the shattered wood.

With one hand gripping the shaft and the other supporting the length of her spear, Xiao Bingying stared at the masked intruders ahead, her gaze icy and brimming with murderous intent.

            

The masked intruders stared at Xiao Bingying, sizing her up for a split second before their eyes darted past her to look at Qu Sheng behind her.

Qu Sheng stared back at them, a cold smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “Keep them alive.”

Hearing this, the men outside prepared to charge in, only to freeze in shock as a sudden wave of guards swarmed the room.

            

They were now surrounded, not just inside the room but outside as well. The guards who had been lured away by their tactics to lure the tiger from the mountain² had all returned.

Xiao Bingying stood her spear upright beside her, sweeping a cold gaze over the cornered intruders. “You’ve no escape,” she called out. “Her Majesty has decreed that anyone willing to atone for their crimes through service shall be spared from death!”

As Xiao Bingying’s voice fell, the masked intruders exchanged glances, but none of them spoke up or chose to surrender.

            

Though they were surrounded, how could they know if there was a way out without fighting to the death first?

In the blink of an eye, one of the masked men kicked off the ground and leapt into the air, stepping on the shoulders of his companions as he lunged to slash at Qu Sheng behind Xiao Bingying. But before he could land, Xiao Bingying swung her long spear and knocked him down.

The airborne man was thrown backward by the impact and immediately hacked to death by the surrounding guards.

            

Chaos erupted in the room once more. As the sounds of splintering tables, chairs, stands, and shattering porcelain rang out, Xiao Bingying swung her spear and joined the fray.

Fifteen minutes later, the candles in the room were lit, and Qu Sheng led Lin Xizhao out of the chamber.

Cheng Xi entered from outside, carrying a blood-stained sword. She exchanged a glance with Xiao Bingying before turning her gaze to Qu Sheng. “The ones outside have all been cleared out.”

            

Qu Sheng nodded, her gaze drifting down to the two bound, surviving masked men on the floor.

As the prisoners were dragged away, Qu Sheng turned to Lin Xizhao and said in a gentle voice, “Wife, would you like to come with me?”

Lin Xizhao gave a soft nod, and Qu Sheng led her to the secret chamber of Cheng Xi’s Princess’s Estate.

            

An interrogation held little meaning for Qu Sheng. She already knew who had sent them, just as she knew their goal was the military tally in her possession.

The very tally that commanded the Quzhao Dynasty’s army of a million.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng did not stay long in the secret chamber. When they entered, neither had expected to extract any information. However, keeping these men alive was a warning signal to their master.

            

Early the next morning.

By the time Qu Zhimu and Zhao Jiayu woke, the sun was already high in the sky, its bright rays making the mother and daughter squint. Guards had also been stationed outside Zhao Jiayu’s room the previous night, but despite the loud din of the fighting, neither she nor Qu Zhimu had noticed a thing.

After getting up this morning, they headed straight to Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng’s room.

            

The servants were still cleaning the room. Seeing that almost all the furnishings had been replaced, Zhao Jiayu blinked and asked, “Are you two alright? Did something happen last night?”

Lin Xizhao smiled as she held Qu Zhimu, playing with her. “We’re sitting right here in one piece. What could’ve happened?”

Zhao Jiayu glanced back again, pointing at the porcelain ornaments. “Then why did all of these have to be replaced?”

            

Qu Sheng followed Zhao Jiayu’s gaze, noting that her sister-in-law was not as careless as before. She offered an explanation: “A band of masked intruders came last night. They’ve been dealt with.”

Zhao Jiayu nodded, though her heart skipped a beat in surprise. “Do you know who sent them?” she asked hurriedly.

“Ge Chuan,” Qu Sheng replied without reservation.

            

To mobilize such high-caliber martial artists so quickly, the culprit had to be someone from Haichao. And in this kingdom, only the Ge family possessed such capability.

Qu Sheng had been here for quite some time now. She had already prompted Cheng Feng to gather officials in the royal court, subtly hinting at an intention to strip the Ge family of their power. Meanwhile, on the Quzhao side, clues had already been detected when she deliberately rode out of the city at night.

Now that two of them were captured, Qu Sheng had already instructed Cheng Xi to spread the word that the prisoners would be transferred to the royal palace dungeon after their interrogation.

            

What Qu Sheng wanted to do now was to force Ge Chuan into open rebellion, and this was merely her first step.

Zhao Jiayu blinked again. “So the person who was stalking us yesterday was his?”

“No, they were from our own Quzhao,” Lin Xizhao answered when Qu Sheng remained quiet for a moment.

            

Zhao Jiayu froze, unable to connect the dots for a long while. Was there some connection between the two?

As Lin Xizhao fed Qu Zhimu some tea, she added, “In a few days, Cheng Feng will invite you and Mu’er to a summer resort. Make sure you agree.”

Zhao Jiayu blinked. “What summer resort?”

            

Lin Xizhao smiled warmly. “For the Haichao royal court, the summer resort is naturally by the sea. Just agree to it for now. Sheng’er will keep us safe.”

Zhao Jiayu nodded in understanding, then asked, “Do I still need to go and provoke Ge Chuan?”

“Yes,” Qu Sheng said firmly. “Tonight, I’ll have Cheng Feng host a banquet for the civil and military officials. My wife and I won’t be attending. How you play your part is up to you.”

            

Hearing this, Zhao Jiayu patted her chest confidently. “Leave it to me!”

Lin Xizhao shook her head with an amused sigh at Zhao Jiayu’s confident display. She was not worried about Zhao Jiayu being in any danger; Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi would protect her.

In the evening, Cheng Xi and Xiao Bingying brought over the medicine. Watching Qu Sheng drink it down, Lin Xizhao recalled how she could not stop shivering in her sleep and asked Cheng Xi, “How much longer does she have to take this medicine?”

            

Cheng Xi pondered for a moment before replying, “Probably another two months. Her constitution is excellent, so there’s no need to worry too much.”

Lin Xizhao pursed her lips slightly. Looking at Qu Sheng’s face, which was noticeably paler than before, her heart still ached for her.

Thirty minutes later, Qu Zhimu was dressed in the formal palace attire sent from the royal court. Led by Cheng Xi, the mother and daughter made their way into the palace. However, as they reached the gates, the guards stationed there blocked their path.

            

Before Cheng Xi could lose her temper, a eunuch who had been waiting inside the palace gates sharply rebuked the guards. “Insolent fools! These are the honored guests invited by the King. Who are you to block them?”

The guards exchanged glances but did not budge. Behind Cheng Xi and her group, the masked intruder captured the previous night was also being carried along.

“Are you trying to rebel?! Men, drag these two down and give them a hundred lashes!” The eunuch’s harsh, sharp tone left the surrounding guards completely stunned.

            

Cheng Xi and the others had not expected the eunuch to act so decisively. She watched quietly as two men beside the eunuch stepped forward, one of them saying, “Move along, you two. Come receive your punishment.”

One guard sneered, “We guard the palace gates on the orders of the Supreme General. This is our duty. Who dares touch us?”

“What does the Supreme General amount to?! We’re here on the King’s orders to escort these two esteemed guests to the banquet. You blind fools dare to block them? How many heads do you have to lose?!” The eunuch’s attitude was entirely different from when Zhao Jiayu and her party had entered the palace last time.

            

Zhao Jiayu stood to the side, enjoying the show. Her daughter clutched her clothes, peering over as she whispered, “Mother, are they arguing?”

Zhao Jiayu looked down at Qu Zhimu in her arms. “No, sweetheart. Your Uncle Feng is just having someone train some dogs.”

At Zhao Jiayu’s words, both Cheng Xi and Xiao Bingying looked over, and even the eunuch let out a chuckle. “The Princess Consort Long is absolutely correct,” he said. “This humble servant is precisely training these dogs for the King—dogs who seem to have forgotten whose name they actually bear!” He glared pointedly at the two guards as he spat out the word ‘dogs.’

            

The guards felt their pride stung by these words; having always enjoyed a respected status, they simmered with silent fury but could find no way to argue.

“We’re only acting for the safety of the palace. We ask that the Princess allow us to inspect them before entering,” the guard said, his tone no longer as cold as before. He cupped his hands and bowed to Cheng Xi.

Cheng Xi spared him a brief glance. Without a word, she stepped to the side.

            

The guard bowed his head again and led his men forward to inspect the masked man Cheng Xi’s group had captured last night.

The man was being carried in a sack. Seeing Xiao Bingying nod, the two guards carrying him lowered the sack to the ground.

The gate guard opened it. When he saw the bloody face of the unconscious man inside, he froze for a moment before quickly straightening up. “Please enter, Princess, esteemed guests.”

            

Cheng Xi did not even look at him as she turned and walked into the palace. The attendants behind her did not bother tying the sack shut; they simply lifted it and followed in her footsteps.

Xiao Bingying brought up the rear. Seeing that Zhao Jiayu was still standing there, eager to watch the drama unfold, she gave her a quiet nudge.

“Jiayu.”

            

At Xiao Bingying’s call, Zhao Jiayu reluctantly caught up. But after taking only a few steps forward, she heard the two remaining eunuchs behind her speak. “Gentlemen, the King has decreed that anyone who insults our distinguished guests shall receive a hundred lashes. Let’s go receive your punishment now.”

Clutching Qu Zhimu, Zhao Jiayu looked back just in time to see the two eunuchs make their move against the guards. Their motions were smooth and practiced, revealing formidable martial arts skills as they slammed both guards face-first onto the ground.

Walking behind Zhao Jiayu, Xiao Bingying noticed her constant backward glances and looked back herself, catching sight of the two eunuchs twisting the guards’ arms behind their backs and marching them down another path.

            

At that moment, Xiao Bingying knew that Cheng Feng was absolutely determined to eradicate the Ge family.

A short while into the banquet, Xiao Bingying noticed someone enter the hall and whisper into Ge Chuan’s ear. Immediately after, Ge Chuan turned his gaze toward Zhao Jiayu.

Zhao Jiayu had been keeping an eye on him as well. Feeling his gaze, she rolled her eyes at him and turned away. Upon receiving Zhao Jiayu’s glare, Ge Chuan shifted his stare to Cheng Xi.

            

Cheng Xi sat with Qu Zhimu in her lap, carefully picking out delicacies for her, paying him no mind whatsoever. After staring at her for a moment, Ge Chuan rose from his seat and walked toward his father’s table in front of him.

As the Head of the Inner Cabinet, Ge Taigui held immense power. No matter of state, large or small, could be executed within the Haichao Kingdom without his consent—even Cheng Feng, the King, could do little to sway him.

The music and dances continued in the banquet hall. Seated upon his royal throne, Cheng Feng drank with his ministers while keeping a close eye on the father and son from the corner of his eye.

            

He had already been informed of the incident at the palace gates. Those two guards had been beaten half to death and sent back.

Ge Chuan had barely spoken a few words before Ge Taigui raised a hand, signaling him to stop.

Ge Chuan fell silent, his brow furrowing as he watched his father rise to his feet. Wearing a warm, placating smile, Ge Taigui addressed Cheng Feng: “Your Majesty, I’ve just heard from Chuan’er that his poor discipline has disturbed our honored guests. This subject begs to apologize on his behalf.” Turning to Zhao Jiayu, he continued, “And I offer my deepest apologies to our esteemed guests, the Princess Consort Long and the little Commandery Princess, as well as the Princess.”

            

Cheng Feng chuckled and dismissed it with a wave of his hand. “Ah, they were merely two insolent fools who don’t know their place. This sovereign has already had them dealt with. Minister Ge need not weigh his mind down with such matters.”

Upon hearing Cheng Feng’s words, the phrase ‘insolent fools’ caused Ge Taigui’s expression to stiffen for a fraction of a second. But he quickly recovered his smile. “Your Majesty is the king of our Haichao. We’re all your subjects. When the ruler commands, none of us dare disobey. How could there be any talk of weighing our minds?”

Cheng Feng smiled, raising his cup to drain his wine before casting a glance toward Zhao Jiayu.

            

Ge Taigui turned his gaze to her as well, raising his cup in apology. Zhao Jiayu lifted her own cup, looking as though she cared little for the incident, and smiled. “This palace notes that you, Lord Ge, are of an advanced age. How is it that we’ve never heard any news of your esteemed son’s marriage?”

Hearing Zhao Jiayu intentionally bring this up before the entire court, Ge Taigui maintained his composure and smiled. “My wife is currently searching for a suitable match for him. When the day comes, we hope the Princess Consort Long will do us the honor of attending and enjoying a cup of wedding wine.”

Zhao Jiayu gave a superficial smile. “Very well. I’ll definitely be there.”

            

Ge Taigui slightly raised his cup, drinking with Zhao Jiayu from across the hall before turning to offer a toast of apology to Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi returned the gesture. As she drank, she caught sight of Ge Chuan staring at her out of the corner of her eye, his face clouded with anger.

The banquet went on, the music and dancing bringing joy to all. An hour later, Cheng Xi, feeling slightly tipsy, rose from her seat and slipped out of the banquet hall through the rear exit.

Not long after, Xiao Bingying also stepped outside.

            

Cheng Xi stood at the corner of the palace corridor, letting the gentle breeze cool her face. Hearing footsteps, she turned her head. Xiao Bingying approached with a light cloak in her hands and draped it gently over her shoulders.

“Are you tired?” Xiao Bingying stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Cheng Xi from behind.

Cheng Xi smiled as she looked at her, shaking her head. “I’m alright.”

            

Cheng Xi turned around to face Xiao Bingying. She tilted her chin up slightly, her gaze tracing the contours of Xiao Bingying’s face. From the very first moment she had met her and seen that dazed, starstruck look in her eyes, Cheng Xi had known that Xiao Bingying loved her.

Had she not been reduced to a palace dancer back then, she likely would never have paid any attention to Xiao Bingying. Though her features were handsome and clean-cut, Cheng Xi had not been attracted to women at the time.

But fate worked in mysterious ways. What had started as mere manipulation had ended with her losing her own heart. “I’m sorry for making you wait so long.”

            

Xiao Bingying shook her head gently. “You’ve nothing to apologize for. Everything I did, I did willingly.”

Hearing those words, the corners of Cheng Xi’s lips curled upward. She pressed her fingertips to Xiao Bingying’s lips. They were warm and soft; ever since their first kiss, she had been captivated by the feeling.

After tracing her lips for a moment, Cheng Xi let her slender fingers slide up to caress Xiao Bingying’s cheek. In a cool, slightly tipsy voice, she murmured, “Once Her Majesty returns, she’ll issue an imperial decree. You’ll be able to marry me openly and honorably.”

            

Xiao Bingying nodded, a tender smile warming her face. “Before long, you’ll be my lawful wife, wed to me as Zhao Bingying.”

A soft smile touched Cheng Xi’s lips. Her warm, tender gaze swept over Xiao Bingying’s face before finally settling on her lips.

Cheng Xi tilted her chin slightly and pressed her lips to the corner of Xiao Bingying’s mouth. Slowly, tentatively, she shifted her lips until they met Xiao Bingying’s lips in a deep, lingering embrace, their breaths intertwining.

            

Xiao Bingying wrapped her arms around Cheng Xi’s slender waist, her fingers gently caressing her back as their kiss grew increasingly passionate.

The two kissed in the palace corridor as if there were no one else in the world. It was a wild, reckless display. Yet, as passionate as it was, this daring act was entirely intentional—staged for the benefit of the man watching them from a short distance away, his face twisted with venomous hatred.

Of course, the kiss was also born of genuine desire, and they surrendered themselves fully to its pleasure.

            

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Just another day of shivering.”

Lin Xizhao: “Speak properly.”

            

Qu Sheng: “Today, I want to be ‘stir-fried’ by my wife all day.”

Lin Xizhao: “…”

Red packets will continue to be sent out!

            

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