In the bathing chamber, a glass screen stood before the door, and beside it, sheer curtains were drawn. Past the screen, a large bathing tub was filled with steamy water, emanating a faint, delicate fragrance, for flower petals had been added.
Mochou attended to her mistress’s bath first, waiting by the side.
After traveling for more than ten days, the hot water now opened every pore, bringing immense comfort, a drowsy sensation. Qingyao closed her eyes, resting her hands on the edge of the tub. Her fair skin was translucent, dotted with water droplets, making her exceptionally alluring.
The room was very quiet, but outside, it was not. The hushed voices of two young maids could be faintly heard. Though soft, Mochou and Qingyao heard them clearly.
“Do you know? I heard the capital is not peaceful. There’s a white-haired flower thief who appears and disappears without a trace. The officials are searching everywhere, so we should be cautious.”
Another voice exclaimed in surprise, speaking anxiously, “Is that flower thief that powerful?”
“Naturally. They say he’s dressed in white, with white hair, and no one has ever seen his true face. He breaks into women’s rooms in the dead of night, terrifying many young ladies from reputable families.”
“Ah, that’s truly wicked of him. Those women’s purity is ruined; how will they ever marry?”
“He didn’t ruin their purity. I heard he just breaks in to look, then leaves. It’s just that several of the startled women were so frightened they lost their wits. That’s why the officials ordered a thorough investigation.”
“It’s best to be careful from now on.”
In the steamy bathing chamber, beads of sweat trickled down Qingyao’s cheeks. She suddenly opened her eyes, her pupils a deep black, sharp and indomitable like a blade’s edge, glinting coldly. She spoke softly.
“It seems Qingluo is doomed. One crisis after another. What do you think that white-haired flower thief is trying to achieve? Breaking into women’s rooms in the middle of the night, terrifying them half to death, yet not ruining their purity. That’s the most unbelievable part. What does he want?”
Qingyao’s face was full of contemplation, her body feeling soft and weak. She raised her head and slowly spoke, “I’m getting out. Where are my clothes?”
Mochou immediately called out, “Xiao Qiao, where is the bath robe?”
Xiao Qiao, quick-witted, responded from outside, “Here!” She then led Xiao Feng into the room and respectfully presented a white bath robe, head bowed. Mochou helped Qingyao out, wiping away the water droplets. She then asked Xiao Qiao and Xiao Feng, who stood nearby.
“I heard there’s a flower thief in the capital. Is it true?”
Xiao Qiao was taken aback. She hadn’t expected their hushed words to be heard, realizing they were dealing with someone formidable. She dared not conceal anything and slowly nodded.
“What they say is quite frightening. They say the flower thief is a demon, with white hair and red eyes, very ghastly. Many women have been scared senseless, so the officials are taking this case very seriously, dispatching many men to search. Once, they almost caught him, but that flower thief’s martial arts are incredibly powerful. It’s said he killed many of the officials before escaping.”
After Xiao Qiao finished speaking, Qingyao’s eyes flickered. A sense of unease settled in her heart. Why did she feel such a suffocating premonition? What was happening?
Even after entering the room, she still felt a lingering disquiet. Mochou noticed her troubled expression and asked with concern, “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know why, but after hearing Xiao Qiao, I felt uneasy, as if something were about to happen.”
Mochou drew her over. They changed into the silk robes brought by the maids. The fabric was soft and smooth, of the finest quality, with a simple, elegant style and design. Once worn, Qingyao was immediately enhanced, making her appear radiant, like a delicate flower.
Xiao Qiao and Xiao Feng walked in, their eyes widening in astonishment. Previously, seeing them dressed as men, they appeared ordinary. They had not expected their true appearance to be so ethereally stunning.
Qingyao waved her hand, signaling Mochou to go and wash up as well. Mochou withdrew, and Xiao Qiao, being quick-witted, brought over a cup of tea.
Qingyao casually chatted with the two young maids.
“I heard Prince Yin was injured. Has he recovered?”
Though these two maids found Qingyao beautiful, they had never seen her portrait and thus did not realize the woman before them was the assassin the officials were seeking. They answered without reservation.
“Reporting to miss, Prince Yin was almost dead. But fortunately, he was blessed. It’s said that Crown Prince Shangguan of Wanhe Kingdom found a renowned physician from who-knows-where and healed him. Otherwise, he would certainly have died.”
As Xiao Qiao finished speaking, Qingyao’s hand, holding the teacup, tightened involuntarily. A chilling coldness filled her eyes. She hadn’t expected that man to truly survive.
Shangguan Hao, you detestable wretch, you always stand against me. I will not let you off. Wait, I will settle all accounts with you, old and new, someday.
Qingyao took a sip of tea and continued to ask, “Is Crown Prince Shangguan still in the capital?”
This time, she was determined to include Shangguan Hao in her reckoning. This man was far more formidable than Changsun Yin, for he had studied under Elder Chixia of Tianshan. Elder Chixia was not renowned in vain, so he must possess true skill, otherwise, he would not have understood the mysteries of the Huangwei Qin that day.
“We servants do not know. However, we heard that Crown Prince Shangguan and Prince Yin are particularly close. He probably hasn’t left yet.”
A smile curled Qingyao’s lips. How could two scoundrels not be close? If Shangguan Hao truly helped Changsun Yin, then Changsun Zhu might not be his match. If Changsun Yin alone could not defeat Changsun Zhu, then Qingluo would be in turmoil. But she would never allow Changsun Yin to succeed. Furthermore, if he truly ascended to the throne as emperor, he would undoubtedly join forces with Wanhe Kingdom to attack Xian Yue.
Although she would not return to Xian Yue, she absolutely would not allow anyone to bully it. Because the Mu family resided in Xian Yue, Changsun Yin must die. As long as he was dead, Shangguan Hao would be helpless.
“Alright, you may go. I wish to lie down for a while.”
After so many days of continuous travel, she was indeed tired. Qingyao waved her hand, signaling the two young maids to leave. The room quieted down, and she went to the couch to lie down and rest.
Dim yellow light filtered through the gauze curtains. On the couch lay a beauty as exquisite as jade. Her cloud-like dark hair was spread across the embroidered pillowcase, framing a delicate and beautiful face.
Bathed in the twilight glow, she appeared dewy and translucent. Her long eyelashes were like small Qingluo fans, concealing eyes that gleamed with dazzling brilliance. Her lips, a soft rosy hue, could stir the heart and make one restless.
By the bed stood a tall figure, his eyes deep and inscrutable.
His gaze was fixed on the woman on the couch, his heart giving a slight tug. Yao’er, I will be leaving soon. Since you like him, I will hand you over to him with my own hands.
Though this was painful, having witnessed your brush with death, I suddenly grew afraid. I would rather you live well.