A Stolen Romance - Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Mutual Protection

“Yes!”

Shi Yuning replied without a moment’s hesitation, so quickly it was as if she was afraid Xie Zhaoran would regret it the next second.

Her quick response surprised them both.

Shi Yuning gave Xie Zhaoran an embarrassed smile, thinking, I can’t be blamed for this! This is a secret! It sounds even more juicy than regular gossip. How could she possibly resist such a temptation?

Xie Zhaoran chuckled softly. She had been taken aback, initially thinking Shi Yuning’s reaction was because she cared about her. But seeing Shi Yuning’s embarrassed expression, she realized her mistake. If it were anyone else saying they had a secret to share, the girl would probably react the same way. She was like a little donkey seeing a crisp radish: ears perked up, eyes wide and bright.

It was so cute…

Xie Zhaoran looked away uncomfortably. She was about to invite Shi Yuning to sit on a nearby chair when she heard a knock on the door. She composed her expression and called for the person to enter.

Qiang Di entered with a grave expression. She bowed and reported, “My lady, a messenger from the Princess came. There seems to be some trouble by the lake, and she requests your presence.”

Qiang Di didn’t know the specifics. The Grand Princess’s messenger hadn’t said much, only that Xie Zhaoran should hurry over, which was why she had to intrude.

Xie Zhaoran nodded. “I understand. You may go.”

After Qiang Di left, Xie Zhaoran looked at the eagerly waiting Shi Yuning with an apologetic expression. Before she could speak, Shi Yuning blurted out, “How about you just make it a long story short?”

Shi Yuning felt that having a story cut off halfway was like having delicious food brought to your mouth and then being prevented from eating it. Who could stand that? What was that if not torture?

Xie Zhaoran was surprised, then broke into a radiant smile. She had truly never met such an interesting and vibrant girl.

Unfortunately, she had to disappoint her. If the princess sent a messenger, it must mean she had run into trouble. “Later, after I’ve handled the situation over there.” For the first time, Xie Zhaoran used a gentle, coaxing tone to reason with someone.

“Can’t you just make it a long story short? Can’t it be said in one sentence?” Shi Yuning asked hopefully. If it could be said in one sentence, it wouldn’t take up much of Xie Zhaoran’s time.

“No, it can’t,” Xie Zhaoran replied seriously.

Although Shi Yuning was disappointed, she knew it wasn’t Xie Zhaoran’s fault that the story was cut short. It was the sudden turn of events that was to blame.

She followed Xie Zhaoran. They hurried to the garden and saw a large crowd gathered by the lake, making a noisy commotion, as if there was an argument. As they got closer, they heard a familiar, arrogant male voice.

“Are you so determined to make things difficult for your little brother, Imperial Sister?”

Prince Yu’s face was dark. His eyes, filled with menace, stared coldly at Xiao Liju, who was blocking his way. His gaze was as sharp as a knife, as if he wanted to stab several holes in her body and cut her throat.

Having fought her way through a rain of swords and spears in the army, Xiao Liju was not intimidated by such a look. Her expression was unwavering. She didn’t take a single step back and firmly blocked Prince Yu’s path.

Just ahead was the raised platform built specifically for hosting the dragon boat race. The Dragon Boat Festival was traditionally hosted by the Emperor and Empress. This year, because of the Emperor’s illness, the Crown Prince was to take his place. Now, with the Crown Prince also unable to hold on, Prince Yu had suddenly appeared, likely having heard the news and rushing over to take his place.

Prince Yu indeed had this intention. He waved his hand, and the guards behind him all drew their swords and surrounded Xiao Liju, waiting for his order to move in and take her down.

“Do you dare?!” Xiao Liju’s expression remained calm. She looked down at Prince Yu, who was sitting on a palanquin.

Prince Yu curled his lips in a sneer. “What is there for me not to dare? This prince is acting within his rights. It is you, Imperial Sister, who have blocked my way and delayed the race. What crime should you be charged with?!”

Xiao Liju refused to yield. “The Dragon Boat Festival is to be hosted by the Crown Prince. Since he is unwell, the Crown Princess is to take his place. Where does your claim of acting within your rights come from? It sounds like a delusion!”

Prince Yu squeezed his slightly aching right leg, his face contorted in a ferocious expression. “Since the Crown Prince is unwell, his younger brother, this prince, should take his place. It is not a matter for the Crown Princess!”

“A mere woman, overstepping her bounds. It is a kindness that this prince hasn’t told her to get lost yet!”

“And you, Imperial Sister, a woman, showing your face in public and mingling with those coarse, rude men in the army. You have brought shame upon the royal family. Tsk tsk, even the Emperor doesn’t want to see you now. How can you still have the face to act like a princess here—”

“Shut up!”

Prince Yu’s words were cut off by a clear, female voice.

Shi Yuning pushed her way through the guards, out of breath. She pointed at Prince Yu and said with indignation, “The Princess’s deeds are known to the world! She once personally led three thousand soldiers deep into the Northern Barbarian’s territory—” She took a deep breath and finished her sentence in one go: “The Princess became famous in that one battle, reclaiming lost border lands and making the Northern Barbarians never dare to invade again!”

“She is a hero of our time, the guardian of our Great Yan!”

After speaking, Shi Yuning let out a heavy breath. Xie Zhaoran had been walking quickly, and she had to jog to keep up, so her breathing was already unsteady. Then, hearing Prince Yu insult the princess like that, she nearly choked on her anger.

Blinded by fury, she quickly moved past Xie Zhaoran and stood in front of Prince Yu, defending Xiao Liju!

Shi Yuning looked back at Xiao Liju. Her expression was solemn, and Shi Yuning couldn’t tell if she was hurt by his words, but she still said loudly and with great emphasis, “Princess, you are the pride of our Great Yan!”

Each word was resounding, making everyone around them pause. The expressions of amusement were replaced by various looks of shame.

Tu Chunhua, of course, knew that what Prince Yu was saying was wrong. Even in the countryside, they had heard how the princess had fought for the Great Yan, risking her life to reclaim lost territories. But Prince Yu was still a prince. And with the Crown Prince unwell, Prince Yu was the only suitable candidate for the throne. Who would dare to provoke him? Back when Prince Yu had taken an interest in Shi Yuning, Old Marquis Shi had warned them to avoid him, not to offend him.

Tu Chunhua saw her daughter confronting Prince Yu so recklessly. In a panic, she tried to push her way through the crowd, afraid that Prince Yu would take his anger out on Shi Yuning. She had to protect her daughter.

Before she could squeeze into the circle of guards, she saw a tall figure, like a lush, towering pine tree, standing firmly in front of her daughter.

Xie Zhaoran gave Qiang Di a look, and Qiang Di immediately understood. She pulled Shi Yuning from behind Xie Zhaoran. “Miss Shi, please step back.” If her master couldn’t help but make a move, she wanted to avoid accidentally injuring Miss Shi.

Prince Yu’s words had been interrupted by Shi Yuning, and he was already angry. Shi Yuning’s words, which contradicted him, only made him more furious. He was about to order his men to seize Shi Yuning when he saw Xie Zhaoran, the person he hated the most, blocking her.

Good! Prince Yu angrily squeezed his injured right leg, ignoring the pain. His eyes, as he looked at Xie Zhaoran, seemed to be spitting fire. He had thought about his injury and concluded that the Crown Prince was the only one who could be behind it. Since Xie Zhaoran handled everything for the Crown Prince, she must be involved.

New grudges mixed with old hatred. Prince Yu immediately ordered his guards to take down Xie Zhaoran!

Xie Zhaoran was prepared. She had already mobilized the Imperial Guards on the way here. With a single command, they took down all of Prince Yu’s guards. The garden was crowded. If a fight broke out, regardless of the reason, it would still be a crime of harming a royal family member in front of the Emperor. Xie Zhaoran had to be careful.

Seeing that all of Prince Yu’s guards had been subdued, Xie Zhaoran gave a faint smile and, strolling casually, walked up to Prince Yu, who was sitting on his palanquin. As if making small talk, she said with concern, “Prince Yu, why are you out and about in the garden when you’re injured? Has your leg stopped hurting?”

Every word struck a nerve with Prince Yu. He looked down at his right leg, which was tightly bound and unable to move. A bloody taste suddenly filled his mouth. He knew this was the Crown Prince’s doing, and Xie Zhaoran’s sarcastic look showed she was also in on it.

Prince Yu gnashed his teeth in hatred. The force was so great that a bloody taste filled his mouth. “This prince has a lead on the assassins. I have already gone into the palace today to tell the Emperor, and soon, I will capture those audacious ruffians!”

Prince Yu’s gaze was fixed on Xie Zhaoran. He spoke each word through gritted teeth, and the spittle from his mouth seemed to be on fire.

Xie Zhaoran didn’t mind. “In that case, before you catch the person who injured you, Prince Yu, you should not be wandering around so much, lest you meet with another misfortune.” She then smiled faintly. “Prince Yu, could you please move aside and not delay the race?”

Prince Yu sneered. “Since the Crown Prince is unwell today, this event should be hosted by this prince.”

Xie Zhaoran said, “I wouldn’t dare trouble you. The Crown Prince has entrusted this matter to me.”

“That was only because I wasn’t here. Now that I am, this matter is no longer for a mere woman like you to handle!”

Neither of them would back down. With the time for the race drawing near, a delay would be an ill omen. Xiao Liju was getting impatient with the bickering. She was about to step forward and physically move Prince Yu when she felt her hand gently being held by someone beside her.

Xiao Liju looked down and saw a withered, skeletal hand. Following the gaunt hand, she saw the person smiling at her gently.

“Crown Prince…”

At her call, everyone looked at the newcomer. They saw the Crown Prince, dressed in his festival robes, being supported by a young eunuch. Though he looked sickly, his spirit seemed well.

He smiled gently and looked around at everyone. “I apologize for being late. Why is everyone gathered here? The race is about to start.”

At his words, everyone snapped out of their daze and scattered. But even as they left, their scrutinizing eyes kept looking back at the Crown Prince. It was a well-known rumor in the capital that the Crown Prince wouldn’t live past twenty, and he only had a year left. Seeing him today, he was indeed gaunt and thin. The custom-made robes seemed to be held up by a few sticks. The clothes hung loosely on him, and the sleeves looked like empty sacks.

The Crown Prince felt everyone’s scrutinizing gazes but let them look. He then looked at Prince Yu with a gentle expression. “It is very thoughtful of you, my brother, to come and attend the festival despite your injury. Come with me to watch.”

Then he said to Xie Zhaoran, “I will have to trouble the Crown Princess today.”

With the Crown Prince personally asking the Crown Princess to host and him present, no one dared to object. Prince Yu was annoyed, but he had no reason to argue. He refused the Crown Prince’s invitation, standing his ground.

The Crown Prince didn’t push it and led everyone to the lakeside.

As Shi Yuning followed them past Prince Yu, he called out to her. “Miss Shi, I have something to say to you.”

Shi Yuning was annoyed. Prince Yu was surely going to scold her for her earlier offense. She didn’t want to stay, but she had no reason to leave. She stopped, feeling frustrated. Just as she was about to speak, she felt a warmth at her waist. A hand rested on her lower back, guiding her to keep walking.

Shi Yuning looked up. Xie Zhaoran’s face was stern, and her graceful jawline was sharper than usual. Shi Yuning was speechless for a moment and simply continued walking with Xie Zhaoran.

The eunuch serving Prince Yu lowered his head and asked nervously, “Your Highness… should this servant stop Miss Shi?”

Prince Yu’s gaze was fixed. He watched as Xie Zhaoran, completely ignoring him, took the person he wanted away. He laughed in anger. “No need.”

Just let Xie Zhaoran be proud for a little while longer, Prince Yu thought. After the evening banquet, when Shi Yuning becomes my woman, I’ll see what position Xie Zhaoran has to fight with me for her!

The scorching sun hung high in the sky. The humid heat was steaming upwards, and even by the lake, there was not a single breeze. A suffocating and irritating atmosphere hung in the air.

Xiao Liju glanced at Prince Yu, who looked sinister in the sunlight. She leaned in and whispered to Xie Zhaoran, “Be careful. Prince Yu is too quiet; something’s not right. He might have another trick up his sleeve.”

Amidst the drumbeats, Xie Zhaoran straightened her sleeves and her posture. She looked straight ahead, her eyes firm and her attitude solemn. As the crowd cheered, she walked to the front of the high platform and said in a low voice, “Then I’ll be waiting.”

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