After a long discussion and argument, Han Ming finally compromised. However, both he and Xie Xinglin preferred to take a detour on their way back. Han Ming wanted to avoid the pursuit of the officials and unnecessary trouble, while Xie Xinglin had her own reasons – she simply wanted to spend more time with the little princess.
When they used to work together, Han Ming was accustomed to Xie Xinglin’s ruthless nature. She didn’t hesitate to kill, with no remorse or hesitation. Every time she completed an assignment, her red clothes would be stained with blood. He never expected someone like her to develop feelings. However, this time it was a mistake. After all, their identities were an obstacle that made being together as difficult as reaching the heavens.
During this period, Su Qiuge remained fully awake. She had also tried to fall asleep, with a strong intuition that once she fell asleep, she would leave this place. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t fall asleep. She lay in bed with her eyes closed, unable to find sleep.
Her appearance was noticed by those around her, who assumed she was worried about returning home, causing her to toss and turn. As a result, Xie Xinglin grew even quieter, silently hastening their journey. That night, they planned to stay at an inn near the palace. Along the way, Xie Xinglin bought her various trinkets, such as hairpins, silk flowers, and sachets, presumably to help ease her worries and boredom.
Before long, they arrived at the outskirts of the capital city. That day, a wealthy family’s daughter was holding a martial arts contest to choose a spouse. Su Qiuge found it interesting and decided to stop nearby to watch. Although it was called a martial arts contest, it wasn’t as exaggerated as one might think. It simply involved setting up a platform, and the winner would receive a beautifully crafted wedding gown as a reward.
Su Qiuge speculated that the host of this event didn’t want to make it too obvious, but their true intention was for the winner to offer the wedding gown to their daughter. Intrigued by the process, she stopped near the inn to see who would ultimately be the victor.
At that moment, a fierce-looking knife-wielder stood on the stage, appearing very intimidating. He had been guarding the platform for quite some time, and all those who attempted to challenge him were swiftly defeated.
People nearby whispered to each other, “I recognize this knife-wielder. He was from the previous escort agency, I think his surname is Lin.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that he’s extremely skilled. Some say he’s one of the best in the escort agency.”
“It seems that this Lin has had feelings for Boss Wan’s daughter for a long time. I don’t think anyone will compete with him this time.”
“Not to mention if someone does compete, they won’t stand a chance against him.”
“Boss Wan is truly generous. I heard that wedding gown was left behind by a famous embroiderer from the previous dynasty. He’s just giving it away like this, without fearing that someone might take it and leave.”
“You’re foolish. Boss Wan’s daughter is so beautiful. Who would be so foolish as to risk their life for a wedding gown? Besides, once they enter Boss Wan’s family, there will be plenty of money.”
Upon hearing their discussion, Su Qiuge shifted her attention to the wedding gown. Its style was depicted on the posted notice. Su Qiuge took a glance and couldn’t help but turn to Xie Xinglin and say, “This dress is really beautiful.” It was even more stunning than the ones she had seen in the modern era.
Due to the pursuit caused by the posted notice, he wore the fox mask he bought that day outside, which only revealed his lips and jaw, making it impossible to discern his exact expression. She noticed that he favored plum red color. Today, he wore a plum red outfit that complemented his fair complexion. Thinking about the wedding gown she had just seen, she continued, “It matches your outfit today.”
Xie Xinglin fell silent for a moment. Then, just as Su Qiuge was about to say something else, she was astonished to see the plum red figure beside her lightly tap the ground with the tip of their foot and leap towards the platform.
Before Su Qiuge could react, she saw the person land gracefully on the platform.
Without time to express her amazement, she noticed people around her showing expressions of shock and even disdain. “Am I seeing things? This person…”
“This person actually went up on the platform. Look at their delicate physique, can they really fight against Lin, the head of the escort agency?”
“Don’t underestimate them. They might be risking their life for Miss Wan and her family’s wealth.”
“I’m worried they’ll be beaten to death by Lin, just like that.”
Although Su Qiuge was surprised by their direct action, she couldn’t bear to hear others speak of them like that. So, she turned her head and defended them, “Come on, they haven’t even made a move yet. How do you know they can’t do it?”
The person didn’t back down and argued with her, “Miss, I’m just saying, this person’s stature looks like those pampered young masters. How could they possibly compare to Lin, the head of the escort agency?”
Su Qiuge coldly snorted, “You’re judging them solely based on their appearance.”
Han Ming also saw it and casually approached Su Qiuge. He grunted, “He never used to enjoy joining these kinds of lively events.”
Su Qiuge was taken aback and stopped arguing with the passerby, turning her gaze to him.
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