Drunk on Madness - Chapter 52

“Who’s there?”

Su Mo’s face flushed red as he shielded Li Xiang in his arms.

Gu Ci, seeing them frozen in place and assuming the matter was resolved, stepped out from behind the stone wall. “It’s me.”

He moved forward but was abruptly stopped by Su Mo. “Turn around first.” Gu Ci obediently turned his back.

Listening to the footsteps behind him, Gu Ci spoke, “The Crown Prince has arrived, he’s at the cave where you’ve been staying.”

At the mention of Zhou Mingxuan’s arrival, Li Xiang’s body stiffened violently.

Su Mo, who had just picked her up, suppressed his own emotions as he waited for her to calm down. Unable to wait any longer, Gu Ci asked, “Are you two done yet?” He turned around just in time to see the two separating.

…

After a quick glance, Gu Ci dutifully turned away again.

Fortunately, Su Mo paid him no mind, focusing instead on cleaning Li Xiang and helping her dress. Once he had dressed himself, he pulled Gu Ci from the stone wall and walked out with him.

Su Mo asked, “When did you get here?”

Gu Ci glanced around at the scenery before answering, “When you two were on the shore.” Su Mo responded by punching him in the chest. “Didn’t you think to give us some privacy?”

Gu Ci punched him back. “What does it matter now? The Crown Prince is practically breathing down our necks.”

“What do you plan to do now?”

In truth, Gu Ci knew that no matter what happened, Zhou Mingxuan wouldn’t kill Su Mo.

Su Mo suddenly said, “Xiangxiang and I have decided not to return to the capital.”

Gu Ci considered this and realized it was a good idea. If they left before Zhou Mingxuan found Li Xiang, he would eventually give up.

Gu Ci pulled out all the silver notes he had on him and handed them to Su Mo. “You can’t go back to the cave. Take her and leave now. Use this money for now, write to me when it runs out, or come find me in the capital for more.”

Su Mo didn’t hesitate, accepting the notes before adding, “Please take my mother into your care for a while. I’ll come for her soon.”

Gu Ci nodded quickly. “No problem.”

Su Mo continued, “And Li Xiang’s two children, please look after them as well. She says she’ll come for them in a few years.”

Gu Ci frowned in disbelief. “Are you insane? I get why you’d take Li Xiang, but those two are the Crown Prince’s heirs. They might even inherit the throne one day.”

Su Mo’s brow furrowed. “That’s not certain. Do you think the future Crown Princess would tolerate them?” Gu Ci fell silent, immediately understanding his meaning.

“Fine,” Gu Ci relented. “As long as you’ve thought it through. Hurry and go, I’m afraid the Crown Prince will track you down soon.”

Su Mo patted his shoulder before turning to find Li Xiang. Within moments, the two had vanished from sight.

“What are you looking at?” Zhou Mingxuan’s voice came from behind, startling Gu Ci. The panic on his face did not escape Zhou Mingxuan’s notice, and in an instant, he seemed to understand. He immediately pointed in the direction Gu Ci had been staring and shouted, “After them!”

Hundreds of soldiers behind him sprang into action, leaving only Uncle Li at his side. Zhou Mingxuan had no time to dwell on Gu Ci’s betrayal, his only thought was to catch up to them.

Gu Ci watched as the soldiers gave chase, a sinking feeling in his chest. It seemed today would not end peacefully.

After racing through the forest for miles, Zhou Mingxuan finally heard the sounds of a struggle. His breath hitched, and he quickened his pace.

Li Xiang’s hands were pinned behind her back, while Su Mo was still engaged in combat amidst the crowd.

The soldiers didn’t recognize Li Xiang, but they knew Su Mo. None dared to strike a fatal blow, merely restraining him to prevent his escape.

As Li Xiang watched the crowd grow thicker, she realized there was no chance of leaving today. Her gaze fell on Su Mo, still fighting, and a single tear rolled down her cheek.

Zhou Mingxuan approached from behind, and the crowd gradually quieted. He walked up to Li Xiang and ordered the soldier restraining her, “Let her go.”

The soldier hastily released her, and Zhou Mingxuan pulled Li Xiang into his arms. She glanced at him in panic before turning back toward Su Mo in the distance.

In an instant, Zhou Mingxuan forced her to face him again. Using his sleeve, he wiped the tear from her face. Li Xiang could see the fury in his eyes, his gentle motions carried an undeniable, oppressive force.

Once he finished, he turned to Su Mo and said coldly, “Take him away.” Then, lifting Li Xiang into his arms, he strode back the way they came.

Li Xiang didn’t dare speak, nor did she know what to say. When they returned to the cave, Zhou Mingxuan threw her onto the wooden bed.

Only the two of them remained in the room. His gaze was icy, and Li Xiang couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes.

Zhou Mingxuan tugged at her clothes. “Take them off.”

Li Xiang didn’t fully understand, but he continued, “Let me help you.” Ignoring her struggles, he pinned down her flailing arms.

Soon, scraps of fabric littered the floor. Zhou Mingxuan’s lips pressed into a thin line as he took in the bruises and red marks covering her body, his eyes gradually darkening with rage.

A sharp snap cut through the air.

“Disgusting,” he muttered in a low, almost sickly voice.

Suddenly, he gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Haven’t I treated you well? Why would you do this with him? Do you have no shame?” His refined features twisted with accusation.

Li Xiang’s swollen cheek burned crimson. Swallowing the metallic taste in her mouth, she whispered faintly, “I’m sorry.”

Zhou Mingxuan saw no remorse in her. The cold smirk on his lips vanished as he abruptly seized her throat, slamming her against the wall. His frigid eyes bore into her.

“What good is your apology? Tell me, what should I do now? Kill you? Or kill Su Mo?”

Li Xiang’s face turned red from his grip. Instinct drove her to claw at Zhou Mingxuan, but he remained unmoved. Desperate, she kicked and thrashed, only for him to easily subdue her moments later.

His cold stare brimmed with disdain.

As Li Xiang’s breathing grew faint, Zhou Mingxuan suddenly released her. She gasped greedily for air.

Then, without warning, his hand.

Li Xiang screamed in pain.

Zhou Mingxuan’s heart felt like it had been pierced by an icy wind. He wanted her to hurt, to suffer, to make her feel the torment raging inside him.