Chapter 22: Caught while running away

The butler glanced at her but maintained a smile, nodding in agreement without saying much. Now that his task was done, he didn’t linger and hurried back to report.

As soon as he left, the old lady held her hand and smiled, saying, “Things have come to this point, and I know you’ve been wronged. But the Regent treats you quite well. This marriage might actually be a good match.”

Looking at the old lady’s fake, wrinkled face, Xia Tong felt an overwhelming urge to slap her. Just the other day, the old woman had scowled and refused to speak to her, but now that she saw an advantage, she couldn’t wait to sell her off. Wasn’t the Xiahou family’s reputation supposed to be protected? Why didn’t that matter anymore?

“Perhaps Grandmother is right, but I cannot tarnish the reputation of the Xiahou family. So, I think we should still let Father decide about dividing the family,” she said, lowering her head slightly, her tone calm.

The moment she finished speaking, the old lady’s expression shifted, her old eyes gleaming as she stared intently at her granddaughter.

On the other side, Madam Wang couldn’t help but speak up, “What nonsense are you talking about, girl? What dividing the family? You’re part of the Xiahou family. If the family were truly divided, wouldn’t that make us a laughingstock?”

Seeing the room filled with treasures, Madam Wang’s eyes nearly popped out. If that wretched girl really left, wouldn’t all these valuables be wasted?

Hearing this, Xia Tong let out a soft chuckle, her gaze sharp as she looked at Madam Wang. “Isn’t this what you wanted, Aunt? Who was it that said me staying would only bring shame to the Xiahou family? Isn’t this exactly what you had hoped for?”

“You—” Madam Wang choked on her words, glaring at Xia Tong, momentarily lost for an explanation.

The other servants lowered their heads, pretending not to see anything, thinking to themselves how lucky the Fourth Young Lady was. Though the Regent had a terrible reputation, his authority in court was unmatched, even the Crown Prince wouldn’t dare cross him. Now that he was so interested in the Fourth Young Lady, if she married him, her future would undoubtedly be filled with wealth and honor.

The old lady had always known her granddaughter had her own ideas, and now it was clear she harbored some resentment toward the family. But with the Regent’s current power in court, and his apparent interest in Xia Tong, if he just eased his grip a little for the Xiahou family, her sons’ promotions would be smooth sailing.

Thinking of this, the old lady sighed and gave Xia Tong a reproachful look. “You stubborn girl! Your aunt may have a sharp tongue, but she has a soft heart. She’s only worried about you. Marriage is no small matter. If you’re no longer in the Xiahou family, how can I comb your hair and send you off? Could you really bear to leave your grandmother?”

Xia Tong had never encountered someone so shameless before. She had finally seen it all. But at this point, she had bigger concerns—she was planning to run away. If the old lady died in the future, she certainly wouldn’t come back for the funeral.

“Aunt’s intentions are beyond me, but I just don’t want to drag down the family’s reputation. This is something my father should decide.” After saying this, Xia Tong turned to Qing’er, instructing, “Go find someone to move all these things to my courtyard. Don’t leave anything behind.”

After giving the order, she walked away without another word. The old lady’s face darkened as she sat there in silence, but Madam Wang quickly stepped forward, eager to speak.

Waving her hand to stop her, the old lady thought to herself, She’s just a young girl. As long as the valuables remain in the Xiahou family, they won’t end up in someone else’s hands!

Back in her room, the servants looked at Xia Tong strangely. Unlike yesterday when they had all pitied her, as if she were falling into the tiger’s den, today they were filled with curiosity.

Even if she were walking into the tiger’s den, Xia Tong wasn’t ready to give up without a fight. A salted fish that doesn’t try to flip over is not a good salted fish.

Her father was still in court and hadn’t returned home. Xia Tong didn’t want any tearful farewells—she needed to escape immediately. If she disappeared, the villain wouldn’t come looking for her, just a minor character. Her parents might be heartbroken, but it was better than dying.

“Miss… what are you doing?”

Seeing Xia Tong hastily packing her things, Fang Yu couldn’t help but ask, confused.

Xia Tong had decided not to take Qing’er with her but instead chose to bring Fang Yu along. Without hiding anything, she turned and seriously asked, “Do you think I’ll survive if I marry the Regent?”

Their eyes met, and Fang Yu was stunned for a moment. While others might have been blinded by the lavish dowry, she could tell that the Regent wasn’t someone concerned with love and affection. There had to be another reason for him marrying her master.

Smart people didn’t need many words. Fang Yu went to the door, checked outside, and then returned, speaking in a low voice, “But what about Master and Madam?”

“I’ve already made plans. Right now, our top priority is to leave quickly.”

Xia Tong picked out an outfit and some silver, tying up a small bundle. She didn’t want to take too much and attract attention. She had enough money. She could buy more things later.

Leaving the residence went smoothly. The streets outside were bustling with people. Xia Tong, wearing a veil, kept her head low, worried that someone might recognize her. She didn’t need to imagine—she knew she was the current topic of gossip. Those vying to be Crown Princess were probably laughing their heads off. But she didn’t care. Who wanted to be a pawn in a political marriage? She had enough money to live comfortably for the rest of her life.

“Miss, where are we going now?” Fang Yu, looking around nervously, seemed surprised that her mistress had actually dared to run away. This was nothing like the noble ladies she was used to.

The street was crowded, and Xia Tong clutched her bundle tightly. “We’ll find a small village to hide in for now.”

With money, you can go anywhere. She wasn’t worried. Once the heroine dealt with the villain, she could sneak back to see her parents.

After walking for a long time, she finally reached the city gate. Normally, the guards would respectfully let her through upon seeing her identification plaque, but today they delayed for quite a while.

People came and went at the gate, and one woman in a green dress caught everyone’s attention. They wondered if she had committed some crime. Was she a rebel?

After a long while, just when Xia Tong felt something was wrong, a commander of the city guards suddenly ran down from the tower in a hurry. When he approached, he bowed respectfully and asked with a flattering face, “Where are you going, Miss Xia?”

Xia Tong took back her identification plaque, but before she could speak, Fang Yu, annoyed, said, “Our master is going to Guanglu Temple outside the city to pray. If we’re delayed, can you bear the responsibility?”

“I wouldn’t dare! But… you must come with me,” the captain said politely, and the soldiers behind him quickly surrounded them.

Xia Tong took a step back, realizing this was no joke. But she hadn’t even started her escape yet—was she already being hunted?

Fang Yu, sensing something was wrong, subtly shook her head at her mistress. They would have to assess the situation first.

With no other choice, Xia Tong followed the soldiers, feeling like a prisoner. Luckily, she still had her veil on, or she would have lost all her dignity.

But to her surprise, the soldiers didn’t take her to a government office. Instead, they led her to the Jinyue Tea House. A bad feeling crept over Xia Tong as she looked around, wondering if it was still possible to make a run for it.

“Sister Tong?”

At this time, several beautiful figures suddenly came down from the teahouse, led by Lin Qin, who looked surprised. Even though Xia Tong was wearing a veil, she still recognized her at a glance, and her face was full of surprise.

“So it’s the fourth young lady of the Xiahou family. How does she even have the nerve to go out in public?”

“Didn’t you see she’s wearing a veil? Probably because she feels too ashamed to show her face!”

The young noblewomen behind Lin Qin muttered quietly, no longer fawning over Xia Tong like they used to.

Xia Tong sighed internally—seems even wearing a veil couldn’t prevent her from being recognized. TV shows definitely make everything seem way too easy! Since she was now nothing more than a fish on the chopping block, Xia Tong couldn’t be bothered with pleasantries. She coldly glared at them and snapped, “If you’re brave enough to talk, then speak up! Don’t whisper like market gossip. Whether I have the face to meet people or not is my business. Say another word, and I’ll make sure you really won’t be able to show your faces!”

Xia Tong had always been gentle and kind, so the cold and sharp woman in front of them shocked Lin Qin and the others. They were momentarily at a loss for words.

“I know exactly who pushed me that day.” Xia Tong shot a cold glance at Lin Qin before striding upstairs. The guards who had followed her were also taken aback, clearly surprised by this different side of the fourth young lady.

Once she was out of sight, the noblewomen finally gathered together, spitting in disdain.

“She really thinks she’s going to be the Crown Princess! She’s just damaged goods. The Regent is only toying with her—who knows how he’ll discard her later.”

Unaware of the recent dowry news, they poured all their venom on Xia Tong. Lin Qin, however, remained silent, thoughtfully watching the soldiers trailing behind Xia Tong. Judging by their uniforms, they were city guards. But why were they here?

“Ah—!”

Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the entire teahouse, making everyone jump. A woman near the entrance collapsed to the ground, clutching her throat. Her eyes were wide open in terror, and blood gushed from a large hole in her neck. The incident had come without warning, and panic instantly erupted.

“Sister Liu!”

Lin Qin crouched down in horror, watching as blood poured from the wound, soaking everything. She was so frightened that she fell backward onto the floor.

The other women turned pale, screaming in terror. One of them even fainted, leaving no one understanding what had just happened.

The teahouse was in chaos, but moments later, the shopkeeper appeared from upstairs, calming the crowd with a few reassuring words. “There’s no need to panic. Recently, rebels have been spotted in the city. The traitor has just been captured by the city guards. Everyone, please remain calm.”

At the mention of the city guards, the people began to relax slightly. It made sense—the soldiers had indeed arrived earlier to apprehend the rebels.

“Sister Liu…” Lin Qin sat on the floor, trembling uncontrollably.

The shopkeeper glanced at the noblewomen, then nervously peered upstairs, cold sweat covering his back. It seemed that the master was genuinely interested in this Xia Tong.

Meanwhile, upstairs in one of the private rooms, everything was still. The air was filled with the scent of tea, and a man reclined leisurely on a wooden chair, his expression cold and detached as he watched the performance below.

Xia Tong stood by a pillar, her hands twisted together, her once fair face now drenched in sweat. Her eyes were filled with terror, and cold sweat trickled down her back. She could feel the presence of death looming over her.

“You really enjoy visiting Guanglu Temple?” The man didn’t even turn to look at her, his fingers slowly rubbing the jade ring on his thumb.

Xia Tong swallowed hard, desperately trying to come up with an excuse. “Because… because my grandmother hasn’t been well lately, so… I wanted to pray for her health.”

The man lifted a banknote worth twenty thousand taels from the table and spoke in a flat tone, “Incense money?”

Xia Tong nearly burst into tears. That was all her savings—her lifeline!

“Because… sincerity brings divine blessings,” she stammered, her voice trembling, unsure of what she was saying anymore.

The man said nothing, tossing the banknote to the side where Xifeng, his subordinate, stood. “Send it to Guanglu Temple.”

Xifeng accepted the banknote, casting a strange look at the now pale-faced Xia Tong before quickly leaving the room.

Watching her precious savings drift further away, Xia Tong’s heart bled. She could live without her life, but not without her money!

From the corner of her eye, she saw the man sitting there, unmoved. His cold, indifferent face sent shivers down her spine. Every fiber of her being screamed danger.

“I asked someone to run a trip for you, and you still have an objection?” Gu Qin stared at her steadily, with coldness in his eyes.

Their eyes met, and Xia Tong didn’t dare say another word. She swallowed her anger, forcing a smile as she bowed. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your generosity.”

The room instantly filled with an oppressive silence, thick enough to suffocate.

The man slowly stood and walked over to her, looming over her like a predator. His cold voice was full of threat, “If there’s a next time, I’ll have your skin turned into a lantern.”

Her legs gave out, and Xia Tong collapsed to the floor, cold sweat dripping down her chin. She couldn’t even make a sound, knowing that he wasn’t joking.

Seeing her trembling uncontrollably, the man’s eyes darkened. He turned back and sat down, picking up a cup of tea. His voice was low and commanding, “Come here.”

Xia Tong was so frightened that she trembled all over. How could she dare to be negligent? She immediately walked over tremblingly. She did not dare to sit down. She lowered her head and waited for the other party’s decision.

Glancing at the jade bracelet on her wrist, the man’s eyes flashed and he said in a low voice, “Watch the show.”

If the boss asked her to watch a show, she had to do it. Xia Tong immediately sat aside, watching the acrobatics below with a straight face, but her mind was a mess.

“How is it?”

“Looks great,” Xia Tong quickly responded.

The man frowned, “Lies.”

Seeing that she was thoroughly terrified, Gu Qin, following the idea of giving a sweet after the slap, calmly said, “If you behave yourself, I’ll let you keep your life.”

Xia Tong hurriedly nodded, her face pale, remaining silent.

After spending the entire afternoon watching street performances with the intimidating man, Xia Tong couldn’t even remember how she got back home. All she knew was that she was a helpless salted fish, unable to turn her fate around.

Back at the Xiahou family estate, Xia Tong couldn’t hear anything Qing’er was saying. She just lay motionless on the soft couch, staring at the ceiling with a face full of despair.

“What’s wrong with the mistress?” Qing’er didn’t dare approach, so she whispered the question to Fang Yu.

Fang Yu quickly pulled her outside and cleared her throat. She whispered, “It’s nothing. Her coin purse got stolen by a petty thief, and she’s just upset.”

Hearing this, Qing’er believed it without doubt. After all, the mistress was never one to be extravagant, so it made sense she was distressed. But Qing’er seemed to be holding back something as she hesitantly added, “But with so many valuables in the storeroom, it’s only a matter of time before they’re taken. The First Madam has already come by several times, and the master is still with the Old Madam.”

Fang Yu understood her concerns, but she knew that what was troubling their mistress most wasn’t just this, or else she wouldn’t be in such a dejected state now.

“Fang Yu, come in.”

Hearing a voice from inside the room, Fang Yu glanced at Qing’er and quickly stepped in. The mistress was now sitting up, but her expression was unusually serious.

After Fang Yu closed the door, Xia Tong beckoned her closer. Once she was near, Xia Tong quietly asked, “Do you know if there’s any medicine that can make a man… lose his ability in that area?”

Their eyes met, and Fang Yu’s mouth dropped open in shock, wondering if she had misheard.

But Xia Tong wasn’t joking. At this point, she had no choice but to forge ahead. Even if she had to marry, so what? As long as she could render the villain incapable, no man would dare show his face to her if he felt that way about himself!

He wanted to make a human-skin lantern out of her? Fine, if he liked scaring her so much, she’d make sure to take revenge. Even if she couldn’t turn her life around, she wouldn’t go down without a fight. Worst case, they’d go down together!

After a long pause, Fang Yu finally recovered, realizing what her mistress was implying. She couldn’t help but think her mistress had lost her mind. That man was the Regent, after all. He had already shown his anger today. If this happened again, it could mean the downfall of the entire Xiahou family.

“Yes, there is, but you have to think it over carefully. This matter is not a joke.” Fang Yu lowered her voice, her face solemn.

With only the two of them in the room, Xia Tong leaned back on the soft couch, her pale face creased with an unprecedented seriousness. “I’ve thought it through,” she said firmly.