Seducing the Heart - Chapter 26

It had been over three months since Yun Jin and Qin Zhanluo were wed. According to the established marriage customs of the Northern Chu imperial family, the time for the return visit to her home province had arrived as scheduled. This journey to Northern Chu covered a distance of a thousand miles and would require a stay of at least one full month.

Xie Lianjing naturally considered every detail in advance, bringing enough medicine to prepare for any eventuality. Nangong Ning, acting on Yun Jin’s orders, remained behind to oversee the various affairs of the Prince’s manor. Should any unexpected changes occur, she was to dispatch a messenger immediately.

The carriage stopped and started along the road. No matter how superb the driver’s skills were, some jolting was inevitable. According to the etiquette of the return visit, Yun Jin and Qin Zhanluo had to remain in the same carriage. Given the limited space, the atmosphere between the two was unavoidably subtle.

On the small table sat soft, sweet flower cakes. Yun Jin originally intended to reach out for one but inadvertently touched Qin Zhanluo’s fingers as she reached out at the same time. Maintaining her composure, Yun Jin was the first to withdraw her hand.

Qin Zhanluo took a flower cake, bit into it gently, and cast a sidelong glance at Yun Jin.

“Zhanluo noticed the Prince seemed to want to taste this flower cake just now. Why did you suddenly stop?”

“Has the Princess Consort not already tasted it for me?” Yun Jin’s eyes held a trace of a smile as she considerately poured a cup of green plum tea. “Come, drink some tea to cut the sweetness.”

Qin Zhanluo accepted the tea from her and gave a silent, inward laugh. This person was hypocritical. Just now, Yun Jin clearly found even the brushing of their fingers unnatural. Qin Zhanluo had always known that her A-Jin was a master of evasion. Ever since that kiss she had left while feigning drunkenness, the other party chose to act as if it had never happened, even if she felt confused.

However, at the very least, those absurd ideas of trying to matchmake her with Su Peiwen had vanished after that incident. Qin Zhanluo lowered her eyes slightly and did not intentionally expose the warmth and gentleness the other party habitually projected. She knew the journey was long and was in no hurry to rush things.

When it came time to sleep at night, it expectedly became a major dilemma for Yun Jin. She no longer had any excuse to leave the carriage and lie down elsewhere. Yun Jin looked at Qin Zhanluo, who had already calmly reclined, and began to hesitate.

“Does the Prince intend to endure the many nights of this journey in such a fashion?” Qin Zhanluo lay sideways on a soft pillow, her long black hair scattered to one side, looking at Yun Jin with a teasing expression.

Helpless, Yun Jin had no choice but to cautiously lie down beside Qin Zhanluo, though she did not dare to fall straight asleep. The Princess Consort occasionally brought her unexpected “surprises,” and she had to keep a bit of her mind alert for them. It was only when she heard the other’s breathing gradually turn light and shallow that she breathed a silent sigh of relief.

The night grew deep. Perhaps because she had heard the sound of hoofbeats too many times in the carriage during the day, Yun Jin had the illusion that the rhythmic “clatter-clatter” was still echoing in her ears. After her thoughts wandered aimlessly for a while, she finally drifted into a hazy sleep.

It was a night without dreams.

“Your Highness, it is time to rise.” A clear, cold female voice woke Yun Jin from her state of semi-consciousness.

Yun Jin tidied her clothes alone inside the carriage, feeling slightly surprised. She was usually a light sleeper, yet last night, even without lighting any calming incense, she had slept quite peacefully. The unknown cold fragrance on the Princess Consort seemed to drift around her nose, providing an inexplicable sense of security.

After sleeping in a carriage all night, one inevitably felt uncomfortable upon waking, with a body that was sore and fatigued. Thus, Yun Jin ordered everyone to stop and take a short rest. She surveyed the surrounding environment and found it to be a place of green hills and clear waters, possessing excellent scenery. She wondered if there might be a waterfall nearby.

With a stir of interest, Yun Jin turned and looked at the person behind her, saying warmly, “It is difficult to stretch properly in the carriage. Why don’t I accompany the Princess Consort for a walk around the area?”

Qin Zhanluo raised an eyebrow slightly, which served as her consent.

The terrain here was particularly unique. After passing through a lush forest to reach the other side, there were piles of scattered boulders.

“Lately, there haven’t been any passing merchant caravans to rob in this area.” A fierce-looking brute spat on the ground and hoisted a blade over his shoulder with little effort. “It’s been a long time since I’ve smelled blood.”

The men gathered here were mountain bandits and outlaws, desperate and wicked individuals. They occupied this area year-round, killing and robbing, with the lives of many innocent travelers on their hands. Among them was a scarred brute who possessed some skill and a relatively sharp mind; he was their recognized leader.

“Chief, look! There are people over there!” The second-in-command was sharp-eyed and was the first to spot the two people strolling through the woods.

“Oho, the brothers are in luck today. Just by looking at that pair, you can tell they are wealthy and noble.”

“Chief, look at the beauty beside that pretty boy. We are in for a treat today. Should I go and snatch her for you first?”

“Forget it, Third Brother. You never know where to suck up properly! You know our Chief isn’t into that sort of thing.”

Hearing them tease him, the scarred brute shouted, “You little brats, making fun of your grandfather? But honestly, I really am not interested in whether that beauty is pretty or not.”

Third Brother toyed with his gleaming greatsword and remembered that the Chief was more likely to be interested in the “pretty boy” the brothers kept talking about.

“Halt! I opened this mountain, and I planted these trees! If you want to pass through here…”

Yun Jin took a small step forward to stand in front of Qin Zhanluo, looking at the leader with composure. “Is it required to leave behind road money?”

The scarred leader waved a large hand. “Wrong. The person must stay.”

“But if the person stays, how can we speak of passing through?” Yun Jin shook her head helplessly, discreetly estimating the number of bandits. There were about seventeen or eighteen; she was unsure of their martial arts level. Facing them together with Qin Zhanluo might be somewhat taxing.

“Fine, kid, you’ve got a sharp tongue.”

“I am in a good mood after seeing a beauty today. Don’t worry, I know how to treat people well. I will certainly make you feel happy.”

Yun Jin originally thought the man was interested in Qin Zhanluo behind her, so she instinctively reached out an arm to shield her. She had not expected the man to be coming for her.

Yun Jin reacted swiftly, kicking the man in the abdomen, and then instinctively covered her neck, which had nearly been touched. She disliked being touched by outsiders, and although he hadn’t actually made contact, she felt a wave of discomfort in her heart.

“Aya? Chief, this won’t do! You failed to flirt with the ‘beauty’ and got kicked instead.” Seeing their leader embarrassed, the bandits laughed unceremoniously.

The scarred leader did not immediately retaliate. He simply stood up while clutching his abdomen. Yun Jin’s kick was not light; he grimaced from the pain, yet his eyes were unexpectedly full of interest. “Tsk, that actually hurt. Quite fierce, I like it.”

This bandit leader likely had a preference for men. Qin Zhanluo and Yun Jin realized this almost simultaneously.

Qin Zhanluo’s eyes darkened, and her tone became cold. “Did that man just touch the Prince?”

“No.” Yun Jin frowned slightly. That kick just now could be considered a probe. Now she could basically confirm these were ordinary people with average internal energy. As long as she and Qin Zhanluo found a way to buy time until the guards caught up, they could escape.

“What is so good about that wife of yours? Kid, if you follow me obediently, I will ensure you live a life of luxury, better than a living immortal!” The scarred leader tapped the dagger at his waist, thinking of how to kidnap the person pleasantly without causing injury. He had never seen such an exquisite beauty, but if he took the person by force too easily, he feared the other would hold a grudge in the future.

“How about this? I saw that you should have some martial skills. Fight me. If you win, I will let you both go.” The leader narrowed his eyes, giving a warning first. “But if you lose… that lovely lady beside you and you yourself will both be at our disposal. How about it?”

Yun Jin thought for a moment and felt that winning should not be a problem. She just loathed the man’s gaze and feared that he would likely use the fight as a chance to take liberties with her.

“My husband is of weak constitution. How about I fight you instead?”

“Oh? This lovely lady also knows martial arts? Fighting you… that would be even better.” Toward women, regardless of beauty, he never showed any tender pity.

“Zhanluo…”

Qin Zhanluo gave Yun Jin a deep look. “This is the first time the Prince has called me Zhanluo.”

“Rest assured, Your Highness. There is an eighty or ninety percent chance that almost every part of this man’s body can be broken.”

“…” Yun Jin’s throat bobbed instinctively as she took two steps back to avoid interfering with the other’s performance. How had she forgotten? This person’s martial arts were clearly superior to her own.

“Hey, lovely lady! Do you want to fight me bare-handed, or use some weapons?”

“No weapons needed.” Qin Zhanluo’s expression was cold, her gaze fixed on the man’s right hand. He had likely intended to use that hand to touch Yun Jin just now.

“Fine, as you wish.” The scarred leader unbuckled his dagger and tossed it by the tip to Third Brother.

“Chief, remember to stop when appropriate. Don’t injure her too much! It’s rare for the brothers to encounter such a beautiful woman…” After catching the blade, Third Brother leaned in to mutter a few words, looking at Qin Zhanluo with a trace of pity.

“Chattering away, I know! Look at you lot, losing your heads as soon as you see a woman.”

The exchange between the scarred leader and Qin Zhanluo did not last long. Qin Zhanluo’s movements were so fast that they didn’t even understand how the two were fighting before they heard a series of skin-crawling “crack, crack” sounds.

The group was stunned for a moment, looking at Qin Zhanluo as she glanced toward them; she seemed perfectly fine.

“Ch-Chief?” Third Brother was the first to react, trying to call out. Was it over? It felt as if they hadn’t even started.

“Aaaaaagh!” The scarred leader collapsed to the ground, wailing. It felt as if every bone in his body was shattered, sending a piercing pain to his heart.

“Chief!” Realizing something was wrong, the crowd rushed forward to support him, only to see him covered in cold sweat, nearly fainting from the pain. Yet he remained conscious, hanging onto that breath. The wail just now had likely used up all his remaining strength.

“This is witchcraft! Brothers, kill them both!” The second-in-command was impulsive. Seeing the leader in such a ghastly state, he raised his blade to hack at the two.

An arrow pierced his palm. The blade fell to the ground accompanied by his cry of pain. The bandits were surrounded by a group of arriving guards and were wiped out in a short moment.

“Your Highness, Princess Consort, those people have been entirely eliminated.” Liu Wu knelt on one knee. “This subordinate arrived late; I am willing to accept punishment!”

Yun Jin looked down at him and consoled him. “I do not blame you. Rise.” She and Qin Zhanluo had intentionally created some distance from the others for the sake of temporary peace.

The sky was dotted with stars, occasionally twinkling or being hidden by drifting clouds.

“Miss Xie, could I ask you for some medicine to treat bruises on the hands?” Ying Xi knocked gently on the side of the carriage where Xie Lianjing was sitting, adding, “A good quality salve will do.”

“Why? Are you injured?” The carriage curtain was quickly lifted, and Xie Lianjing handed over some topical medicine.

“No, it is Her Highness. Thank you, Miss Xie.” Ying Xi bowed slightly and turned back toward Qin Zhanluo’s carriage.

…Qin Zhanluo? What happened to her hand? Confusion flashed in Xie Lianjing’s eyes. She returned to her carriage and picked up a warm hand furnace, sighing with satisfaction. The night dew was damp and cold; she feared the cold and loved warmth, so she had specially prepared this little treasure for herself.

At the time, Yun Jin was afraid Senior Sister Xie would worry unnecessarily, so she hadn’t let the guards mention the bandit encounter to her. Otherwise, things would certainly not be this quiet.

“Mistress, the medicine is here.”

Hearing this, Yun Jin looked up from her book. “Was the Princess Consort injured back then?”

“No, just some bruising on the hands.”

Seeing the other’s calm appearance, Yun Jin took the medicine from Ying Xi. “I will apply it for you.”

Qin Zhanluo’s hands were long, pale, and smooth, making the bruises look very prominent. It was clear that while she was using internal energy, she had also used significant physical force to beat that leader. Recalling the scarred brute’s screams from earlier, Yun Jin felt an illusion of her own bones aching. Yun Jin had seen clearly: it wasn’t just that the man’s fingers—especially those on his right hand—had all been snapped; even after he collapsed, her Princess Consort had expressionlessly stepped on him.

Qin Zhanluo looked down at Yun Jin, who was meticulously applying the medicine, her expression exceptionally focused.

“There, Princess Consort. Senior Sister Xie’s medicine is much more effective than ordinary medicine. It should heal completely in a day or two.”

Yun Jin looked up and unexpectedly met a pair of smiling eyes. In them, there was nothing but deep interest.

“Your Highness, why have you stopped calling me Zhanluo?”

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