How Can I Yield to the Traitor! - Chapter 5

Xie Gebai’s intense staring made Qi Zhan’s skin crawl. He thought his disguise had been compromised, but it turned out the man had made such a grand entrance just to put on a show of dominance.

Xie Gebai, noting that this woman hadn’t given him any hints of affection or attempted to charm him, assumed she was still pining for her “dead husband.” He decided he had to put an end to those thoughts.

Xie Gebai snorted. “The King of Qi is dead. The Qi Kingdom is no more. You don’t need to wait for him.”

After dropping that nonsensical line, he simply walked away. Qi Zhan was left completely bewildered. Who died? I’m alive and well! Clearly, the man had returned empty-handed and was simply making things up to save face.

Fu’an didn’t quite understand it either. Though the enemy general seemed a bit “off” in the head, it was their luck they had survived another day. Living right under the enemy’s nose was a constant peril.

However, as the saying goes, “Whatever you fear most will come to pass.” At dusk, one of Xie Gebai’s personal guards arrived, speaking in a stiff voice: “Lady, the General invites you to dine with him.”

Qi Zhan cursed a thousand times in his heart, but he could only have Fu’an quickly touch up his powder. Once he ensured his makeup was flawless, he maintained his dignified “princess” posture and followed the guard.

In the dining hall, Xie Gebai sat alone at a table with simple wine and food. Compared to the former King of Qi’s luxury, it was practically Spartan. He had changed out of his armor into a dark, deep-sleeved robe, which made his tall stature and imposing aura even more pronounced.

Years of life as a fugitive and soldier had hardened the once bright-eyed youth. Hearing footsteps, he looked up, his sharp eyes pinning Qi Zhan like a hawk’s.

Qi Zhan’s scalp tingled under the gaze. He struggled to remain calm and performed a Chu-style curtsy: “General.”

“Sit.” Xie Gebai’s voice was emotionless.

Qi Zhan sat down cautiously opposite him, keeping his eyes lowered to appear as non-threatening as possible.

“What have you been doing in the palace these past few days?”

Qi Zhan’s mind raced. Knowing that Luo Shu likely hadn’t hidden anything, he answered truthfully: “My heart was full of fear, so I walked around to clear my mind. I also went riding once to ease my boredom.”

“Oh?” Xie Gebai showed a hint of interest. This was a topic they had in common; he also loved riding and archery. “You grew up in the deep palace, yet you know how to ride?”

Qi Zhan replied according to the script he’d prepared: “Among the noblewomen of the Qi court, there are many who are skilled in riding and archery. I learned back then just to participate in the festivities.”

He timely allowed a perfect mix of humiliation and sorrow to show on his face.

“You are a person of Chu,” Xie Gebai said, then paused. Never mind, she was only two when the country fell. What could she possibly understand?

But Xie Gebai was socially inept. Having never been in a relationship, he didn’t know how to transition the conversation. He stared at Qi Zhan for a moment and sneered: “You are at least stronger than the Queen of Qi, who did nothing but cry before throwing herself down a well.”

Qi Zhan: “…”

Uh, thanks for the compliment? So, the man had chased after his father, failed to catch him, and instead caused the Queen to commit suicide. Unable to complete his mission and now stuck with the reputation of a man who wouldn’t even let a woman go no wonder he came back acting like a lunatic.

Xie Gebai didn’t press further on that subject; it seemed to be a casual mention. He poured a cup of wine, his gaze becoming deep and unfathomable. “The old King of Qi escaped.”

Qi Zhan feigned surprise but remained silent.

“I am disappointed,” Xie Gebai’s voice grew cold. “He claimed the King of Qi died at my hands and fled to the State of Wei to beg for survival. He shamelessly offered the Qi lands to Wei, claiming he only wants to avenge his son.”

What does your disappointment have to do with me? The air in the hall felt frozen. Cold sweat pooled on Qi Zhan’s back; he felt like Xie Gebai might draw his sword at any moment to hack something apart just to vent.

Life was truly hard. He finally understood why someone as powerful and handsome as Xie Gebai had no romantic interest who would be foolish enough to fall for someone so socially stunted? His moods shifted like the wind; did he think his face alone could buy him a pass?

Xie Gebai felt wronged. Kill the King of Qi? He hadn’t seen a shadow of either the old man or the young one.

Qi Zhan thought the “Old Dog” was truly shameless. How could he claim his son was dead without an autopsy? To kneel to Wei just to survive pah! Totally shameless.

However, if Qi Zhan’s true identity were ever discovered, it would be even more embarrassing. The same went for Xie Gebai; his enemy was literally skipping around under his nose, yet he couldn’t see it and was searching everywhere. If word got out, he’d be the laughingstock of the world.

But what was wrong with the man now? Why was he radiating cold air when Qi Zhan didn’t respond? Suddenly, Qi Zhan had an epiphany: Is this guy waiting for me to comfort him?

Seriously? You’re a grown man, can’t you regulate your own emotions? Still, when one is under another’s roof, one must bow.

Alarm bells rang in Qi Zhan’s head, but he didn’t let it show. He lowered his long eyelashes, casting a small shadow that made him look weak and helpless. He chose his words carefully, his voice light and soft with a subtle tremor, as if intimidated by the General’s cold rage:

“General, your divine might is such that cowards would naturally flee at the mere scent of your arrival. That old King is simply at his wits’ end, resorting to such filthy tricks to prolong his gasping life. The people of the world will judge his actions for what they are; who would believe his one-sided lies?”

He stole a glance at Xie Gebai. The man was still expressionless, but the oppressive coldness surrounding him seemed to thaw slightly. Qi Zhan settled his heart and continued, his tone carrying a clearly directed disdain:

“As for offering his land for help and treating a thief as a father, it is truly contemptible. The Qi Kingdom stood for generations, only to be ruined by such an incompetent and shameless person. It is truly tragic.”

Old Dog, you’re meant to be scolded!

These words seemed to be about the old King, but every sentence was actually stroking Xie Gebai’s ego. It confirmed Xie Gebai’s military intimidation (despite not catching anyone) and denounced the old King’s character.

Xie Gebai’s fingers moved slightly on his wine cup. The previous violence in his aura retracted. He downed his wine, his voice still unreadable:

“You certainly see things clearly.”

Qi Zhan breathed a sigh of relief. This guy is so hard to please. But now was not the time for stubbornness; being a “confidante” was better than being a “corpse.” He had to find a way to escape without raising suspicion. “As a person of a fallen nation, being able to save my life is already a stroke of luck. How could I dare not be sensible? But hearing of this… I also feel a chill in my heart.”

“A chill?” Xie Gebai repeated.

“Yes,” Qi Zhan pushed through, immersing himself in the role. “Recalling my own fallen country from my youth, it was much the same. The nobles either fled or surrendered; no one thought of the state or the people. Now that the land has fallen again, it is hard not to feel a sense of desolation.”

This was half-truth, half-lie. The truth was that he genuinely despised the old King and the fleeing nobles. The lie was that he had absolutely no feelings for his “home country” of Chu.

After all, he was the King of Qi.

Xie Gebai fell silent for a moment, looking at the dishes just served. “Let’s eat.”

Qi Zhan felt as if he had been granted a reprieve. he picked up his chopsticks and ate in small bites. The food tasted like wax; he only hoped this “Grand Feast at Hongmen” would end quickly.

For a while, the only sound was the clinking of utensils. Occasionally, Xie Gebai would look up at Qi Zhan, a gaze that made him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles.

Unlike the conspiracy theories in Qi Zhan’s head, Xie Gebai was purely thinking about how to strike up a conversation. Why must I be the one to start? Why won’t this woman come and seduce me!

Xie “Wishful Thinking” Gebai.

Finally, the meal ended. Just as Qi Zhan was about to excuse himself, Xie Gebai spoke again:

“Since you can ride, accompany me to the West Garden Stables tomorrow.”

Qi Zhan’s heart thumped, but he didn’t dare refuse. He could only force himself to respond: “Yes, General.”

Xie Gebai waved a hand, signaling that he could leave. Qi Zhan practically fled the dining hall. Back in his quarters, his back was once again covered in cold sweat.

Fu’an hurried over in worry: “Sovereign, are you alright?”

Qi Zhan waved him off and slumped onto his mat, feeling mentally exhausted. Xie Gebai was too deep and unpredictable. One moment he was murderous, the next he just wanted someone to eat with, and then he randomly scheduled a riding date… what did he want?

Had he really started brainwashing himself and developed feelings for a ‘Fallen Princess’?

Qi Zhan shuddered. Unlikely. Who treats someone they like with that kind of attitude? Help!

Besides, Xie Gebai didn’t seem like the type to be blinded by beauty. It was more likely he still had suspicions and was using this to test Qi Zhan further.

Qi Zhan felt that tomorrow’s trip to the stables would be another life-or-death trial. Why is this man so suspicious! If he has this much paranoia, why not use it on Lu Xun instead of me?

“Fu’an,” Qi Zhan ordered weakly. “Wake me early tomorrow. The makeup must be exquisite, tie my hair tight, and find me some practical, sleek clothing.”

He had to be fully prepared; at least his appearance couldn’t have any flaws. As for riding, he could only hope for a miracle—that the original owner’s muscle memory would pull through at the critical moment. Or, that Xie Gebai wouldn’t ask him to perform any high-difficulty stunts.

Alas, the life of a prisoner is truly a series of heart-stopping moments. For the hundredth time, Qi Zhan cursed: The Old Dog has ruined me!

The next morning, Fu’an woke Qi Zhan early. He let the servant carefully paint his face and style his hair into a sleek but feminine bun. He changed into a lake-blue “Hu” style outfit suitable for riding and archery.

Looking at himself in the mirror—exquisite features, a waist made to look even more slender by the belt—he truly looked like a noble lady who enjoyed the hunt. He took a deep breath, trying to suppress his anxiety. Whether it was a blessing or a curse, he couldn’t hide from it forever.

At the West Garden Stables, Xie Gebai was already waiting. He wasn’t wearing armor today, just a black martial outfit that emphasized his broad shoulders and long legs. He was absentmindedly stroking an all-black horse with four white hooves a magnificent creature that snorted with spirit.

Hearing footsteps, he turned around.

When his gaze fell on Qi Zhan, he paused for a split second before returning to his usual “cool guy” persona. He said simply: “You’re here.”

“General,” Qi Zhan curtsied.

“Pick a horse,” Xie Gebai signaled toward the stalls.

There were over a dozen fine horses, each sleek and well-fed. Qi Zhan felt hollow inside—how was he supposed to pick a horse? The memories were there, but he couldn’t access them on demand. He could only pretend to look carefully while his gaze darted around, hoping to fake it.

Xie Gebai didn’t rush him. He stood a short distance away, watching Qi Zhan with calm eyes that felt like they could see right through his skin to the panic underneath.

Under immense pressure, Qi Zhan finally pointed to a relatively docile-looking white mare. “That one… I suppose.”

A guard led the horse out and saddled it. Qi Zhan recalled the mounting procedure one more time. Luckily, the basic muscle memory was there; his movements were a bit stiff but technically correct as he flipped into the saddle.

Xie Gebai also mounted his horse, which pawed the ground restlessly. He rode up beside Qi Zhan, their horses side-by-side.

“Let’s go. We’ll ride a couple of laps together.” Xie Gebai’s voice was unreadable.

Qi Zhan cried inwardly. He nudged the horse’s flanks, sending it into a trot. Xie Gebai followed at a leisurely pace, his gaze following like a shadow.