She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

The night was as dark as ink, with dim lights along the streets of Qingshui County. Occasionally, the sound of the night drum echoed in the distance, breaking the silence of the night.

Zhao Zun leaned slantwise on the chair, his face stern, and his eyes revealed a sense of determination and resolve. After drinking the sobering tea sent by Zitan, his slight intoxication had mostly dissipated.

”Girl, I will soon hear news about you,” Zhao Zun muttered to himself, his fingers gripping the teacup so tightly they turned pale.

The appearance of Princess Changle in Qingshui County was too coincidental. He already had a plan in mind, deciding to remain calm and first probe the intentions of Princess Changle.

At this moment, as the night deepened, the interior of an inn in Qingshui County was silent, with only a few lanterns swaying in the wind, emitting faint light.

Princess Changle was sitting in her guest room, holding a poetry collection in her hands, yet she was not in the mood to read.

Her heart was filled with longing for Zhao Zun. From the moment she saw him as a child, she deeply fell in love with this handsome and domineering Prince.

In the morning, Zhao Zun’s attitude towards her was indifferent, and he even drew his sword against her, making her think Zhao Zun disliked her.

Unexpectedly, during the evening meal, that guard with the surname Xiao by Zhao Zun’s side came to the inn, stating that Zhao Zun would invite her to a banquet the next day.

Oh my! Only heaven knows how happy she was upon hearing this news.

Dong! Dong! Dong!

The knocking suddenly interrupted Princess Changle’s thoughts. She put down the poetry collection, got up, and walked to the door, softly asking, ”Who is it?”

”Replying to the Commandery Princess, it’s Mr. Xiao, a guard from King of Cangzhou’s side,” came the voice of the maid outside the door.

Princess Changle opened the door, and indeed saw the guard surnamed Xiao standing behind the maid.

”Commander Xiao, coming so late, is there a matter?”

Princess Changle was a bit surprised that this guard had left not half an hour before and now returned. But since Xiao Zhengfei was the closest guard to Zhao Zun, her attitude was exceptionally good.

”Replying to the Commandery Princess, I came by the Prince’s order to invite the Commandery Princess to a banquet,” Xiao Zhengfei said with his fists cupped in salute.

”Now?”

Princess Changle was full of shock, she turned her head to look outside the window, where it was already pitch-black.

Xiao Zhengfei nodded slightly, respectfully saying, ”Yes, Commandery Princess, the Prince said he couldn’t wait until tomorrow and wants to invite you now.”

Can’t wait until tomorrow?

Upon hearing this, Princess Changle felt a wave of excitement, thinking that Zhao Zun had finally noticed her and was eager to see her.

”Mr. Xiao, does the Prince really want to see me now?” The joy radiated from Princess Changle’s eyes instantly.

Xiao Zhengfei nodded affirmatively, ”Yes, the Prince is waiting for the Commandery Princess inside his room.”

”Alright! Then... then you wait a moment.” Seeing this, Princess Changle couldn’t contain her joy.

Without thinking otherwise, she hurried back to her room to dress up attentively. She put on her favorite magnificent attire, adorned herself with the most precious jewelry, then checked herself carefully in the mirror, ensuring she was radiant, before contently bringing her maids and guards aboard the carriage, following Xiao Zhengfei towards the County Magistrate’s mansion.

All the way, Princess Changle was in an exceedingly joyful mood, fantasizing about the beautiful scene of drinking wine and appreciating the moonlight with Zhao Zun.

Soon, Princess Changle arrived at the County Magistrate’s mansion. At this time, Luo Hai and his family were already at rest.

Princess Changle was led by Xiao Zhengfei into Zhao Zun’s room, and there she saw the man she had long been enamored with, lounging lazily on a chair, dressed in brocade robes and wearing a jade crown, exuding an aura both lazy and elegant.

Princess Changle felt a flutter in her heart, and she gracefully stepped forward, performing a bow with utmost elegance, ”Changle greets the Prince.”

Zhao Zun slightly lifted his hand, indicating her to dispense with the formalities, ”Commandery Princess, please sit.”

Princess Changle complied and sat down, her gaze never leaving Zhao Zun. Zhao Zun, on the other hand, watched her with a calm demeanor, trying to glean some clues from her expression.

”Does the Commandery Princess know why I am eager to invite you at this time?” Zhao Zun spoke slowly, his voice deep and magnetic.

Princess Changle’s face blushed slightly, she coquettishly said, ”Nonsense, how would I know?”

This coquettish tone made Zhao Zun’s hair stand on end.

How odd!

The same tone, the same expression, such coquettishness coming from Han Lei’s mouth he would find very enticing, but from Princess Changle’s mouth, it only gave him chills.

Zhao Zun shivered, his eyes showing some sharpness, ”Does the Commandery Princess still remember Han Lei?”

Hearing this, Princess Changle was suddenly shocked, a flash of panic crossed her eyes when she looked at Zhao Zun.

She thought she had done everything flawlessly, not expecting Zhao Zun to catch on so quickly.

Princess Changle forced composure, trying to make her voice sound calm, ”Of course Changle remembers Miss Han, she... she is the Prince’s beloved. Why does the Prince suddenly ask about Miss Han?”

The fleeting panic in Princess Changle’s eyes did not escape Zhao Zun’s notice. He lazily nodded, his gaze like a flame.

”Indeed, Han Lei is my beloved. However, she is missing now. I have sent people to search everywhere, but there is no trace of her.”

So much for it being that Zhao Zun couldn’t wait until tomorrow—he couldn’t wait to inquire about that vile woman’s whereabouts. She thought it was because she mattered to Zhao Zun, leading her to a false joyous moment.

Listening to this, Princess Changle felt not only panic but also anger, yet she still tried her best to hide it. She feigned surprise and said, ”Miss Han is missing? When did this happen?”

”When did this happen, does the Commandery Princess not know?” Zhao Zun’s tone was nonchalant, but to Princess Changle, it was like thunderclap in her ears.

Her face could no longer conceal panic.

”How... how would I know?”

Zhao Zun sat up straight, looking at her coldly, his tone carrying a hint of threat, ”The Commandery Princess best think clearly before answering. I do not wish to hear any lies.”

Princess Changle was intimidated by Zhao Zun’s sudden change in demeanor, involuntarily lowering her head, planning secretly on how to respond.

Just then, Zhao Zun suddenly changed his tone, ”However, I believe the Commandery Princess is a smart person and should know how to act in a way most advantageous to herself.”

Most advantageous to herself?

What did that mean?

Princess Changle felt very conflicted, biting her lip, wanting to shift the topic towards herself.

She lifted her head, her eyes carrying a hint of plea, ”Prince, Changle genuinely does not know Miss Han’s whereabouts. However, Changle is willing to do her utmost to help the Prince in finding Miss Han. Changle has come today, solely hoping... the Prince can spare Changle a glance.”

Princess Changle wanted Zhao Zun to pay more attention to her, yet Zhao Zun simply lowered his eyes, looking at the teacup in his hands. He certainly could tell how Princess Changle felt about him, but besides Han Lei, he had no interest in looking at another woman. He even felt a strong distaste towards Princess Changle’s approach of using any means for affection.

”The Commandery Princess’s kindness, I accept,” Zhao Zun said indifferently, ”However, regarding finding Han Lei, I have my arrangements. The Commandery Princess should only remember not to do anything you’ll regret.”