Chapter 28: The Heroine’s Halo

Upon hearing those words, Xia Lin and the others immediately looked a bit evasive, exchanging glances before lowering their heads and falling silent, unlike their earlier passionate arguments.

However, Xia Zhian suddenly clasped his hands together and said solemnly, “The Grand Tutor no longer concerns himself with court matters. I believe it would be better for the prince to take charge of certain issues.”

After he spoke, Xia Lin and the others looked at this younger brother in shock, thinking he must have lost his mind. How could he be so bold? Did he not realize the implications of his words?

Xia Tong held her head, following Xifeng outside while glancing back every few steps. Logically, the Xiahou family should align with the Grand Tutor, but her father’s remarks were clearly leaning toward the villain. It was evident that her uncles did not share this view. To put it bluntly, they wanted to benefit from the villain while maintaining a semblance of distance, as if they could have it both ways. How could such a situation exist in reality?

However, it was clear that the villain did not care about a small family like the Xiahou family. Her father’s outward stance indicated that he did not wish to be associated with them. If disagreements arose in the future, a division within the family would become inevitable.

“This is Yuling ointment, Princess. Rest assured, it won’t leave a scar,” Xifeng said, handing the medicine to Qing’er in the corridor before preparing to return to the main hall.

Suddenly, Xia Tong seemed to think of something. She looked around and softly called out, “Wait a moment.”

Xifeng paused, turning back with a hint of confusion on his face. “Is there anything else, Princess?”

Xia Tong glanced at Qing’er, who immediately stepped back a few paces to keep watch from a distance.

Adjusting her cloak, Xia Tong looked Xifeng up and down before finally speaking. “If… I wanted to create a travel permit out of thin air, would that be very difficult?”

After all, she owed a favor to the heroine and she should try to repay it.

Upon hearing this, Xifeng’s eyes widened slightly as he fixed his gaze on the princess, frowning. “Why do you ask this, Your Highness?”

Could it be that she still wants to escape? Does this princess really think she can escape from his master’s clutches?

“Don’t misunderstand. I just want to buy a maid, but she doesn’t have a travel permit, which might complicate the paperwork. That’s why I wanted to ask you. If it’s too troublesome, then I won’t pursue it,” Xia Tong said, feigning calmness.

After finishing his words, Xifeng paused for a moment, his cold expression showing no signs of emotion. “This matter is certainly not difficult, it’s just a matter of a single sentence. If the princess needs it, I will deliver it to you next time.”

Xia Tong had thought this matter was unlikely, but upon hearing his words, her eyebrows perked up. The more she looked at Xifeng, the more she liked him. What a good man he was. He was even willing to listen to her, a princess in name only. Such a young man with noble character was really rare.

Feeling a bit uneasy under his gaze, Xifeng didn’t dare to linger. After bowing, he prepared to take his leave but turned to Xia Tong with a peculiar expression. “Additionally, I advise the princess to be cautious. Some matters should not be touched upon repeatedly. Please think carefully.”

With that, he left, leaving Xia Tong to dismissively pout. However, she felt quite happy as she walked back with Qing’er, fully aware of his warning. How dare she run away again? She would never dare to touch such suicidal behavior even if she was beaten to death.

After applying medicine in her mother’s room and briefly discussing the division of the family, Xia Tong returned to the main hall, where it seemed the others had already finished their conversation and had no plans to stay for a meal.

As they were escorted to the gate, Xia Lin and the others were still calling out to bid farewell to the Regent. Xia Tong didn’t have time to speak with her father and could only board the carriage.

However, as the carriage gradually moved away, those at the gate glared angrily at Xia Zhian and immediately questioned him, “Fourth brother, have you lost your mind? Are you planning to sacrifice the entire Xiahou family?”

With that, Xia Lin angrily flicked his sleeves and left, while Xia Min looked at his younger brother with a serious expression, shaking his head in disapproval. “Even if the Fourth Young Lady marries the regent, you don’t have to risk the entire Xiahou family. If the Grand Tutor finds out, how can our Xiahou family gain a foothold in the aristocratic family in the future?”

Even though the regent was powerful now, all the families were united as one. If they betrayed the Grand Tutor, what good would come of it in the future?

Facing the criticism from several people, Xia Zhian showed no displeasure on his face. He simply accompanied Madam Liy back to their room, where Madam Liu seemed hesitant to speak.

“The aristocratic families are already thorns in the emperor’s eyes. Even if they’re not removed now, they will be when the crown prince ascends the throne. The reason the emperor ignores the regent’s actions is that everything the prince does is what the emperor wants to do. If this continues, the Xiahou family will only fall into decline like the other aristocratic families. It would be better to choose a more long-term path early on.”

The long corridor was empty as Xia Zhian stood with his hands behind his back, looking serious and contemplative. Madam Liu, with her brows tightly furrowed, asked, “But the prince’s actions are too ostentatious. How do you know the emperor won’t eventually turn against him?”

Upon hearing this, Xia Zhian shifted his gaze, suddenly chuckling lightly, and walked ahead with a calm voice. “Then you need to understand who the real donkey is.”

*

In the carriage, Xia Tong had thought they would return home, but unexpectedly, they stopped at the entrance of the Jinyue Teahouse.

Upon learning that this was the villain’s business, she suddenly felt that her previous visits here were reckless actions that could not be undone. After she came to her senses and turned back, she was actually considered a nominal boss lady.

The teahouse was as lively as ever, with a young girl performing risky acrobatics day after day, while the storyteller’s tales were never the same, with applause rising and falling throughout.

Arriving at the notoriously unavoidable Room One, the shopkeeper personally served her hot tea with great respect. Xia Tong, feeling rather complicated, ordered many snacks since they were all from her own family and free of charge.

Reclining in the large wooden chair, she sipped refreshing Tianshan Snow Branch tea while listening to the bustling sounds from below. Xia Tong slowly closed her eyes, leisurely enjoying the moment. No wonder the villain liked coming here, it truly was a delightful place for relaxation.

Looking at the leisurely woman, Gu Qin slowly raised his hand and pressed it on her wound. Xia Tong opened her eyes instantly due to the pain and her whole body jumped up.

Their eyes met, and the man’s eyebrows twitched slightly. “People like you, who don’t know how to be cautious, die in my hands every year.”

Xia Tong: “…”

The sharp pain at her forehead shot through her nerves, leaving her angry but speechless. However, with no choice under his roof, she had to bow her head and flatter him, pouring him a cup of hot tea with a sweet smile. “I know you are a magnanimous person. How could you care about a little girl like me?”

After saying that, she lowered her head to cool the tea, and handed it over carefully, like a lackey, “I will always remember your noble character and will never forget it for the rest of my life.”

Her eyes sparkled with a bright smile, and though Gu Qin had seen plenty of flattery, he had never encountered such blatant admiration before.

When the shopkeeper entered, he was greeted by the extremely “harmonious” scene of the princess actually peeling an orange for the prince, who surprisingly accepted it!

When the pastries arrived, Xia Tong set down the orange and placed a piece in Gu Qin’s bowl while taking one for herself, mumbling, “It’s a bit sweet. It would be better if the taste was lighter.”

“Princess, you are right. I will ask the kitchen to make more improvements next time.” The shopkeeper said hurriedly.

While reading the book, Xia Tong had always thought the villain’s subordinates were all wicked, especially Xifeng, who killed without bloodshed. Yet in reality, she found that not to be the case. If there were a yearly award for the most enthusiastic young man, she would definitely nominate Xifeng, such a warm-hearted young man was hard to come by.

Seeing her enjoying the food, Gu Qin suddenly remembered it was already noon and casually glanced at her, saying, “Return to the residence.”

Upon hearing this, Xia Tong immediately looked up, her delicate face showing hesitation as she tentatively asked, “Can we stay a little longer?”

She had finally gotten out, why return so early?

Gu Qin said nothing, just stared at her intently. Suddenly, he raised his hand, startling Xia Tong so much that she shivered all over.

He paused for a moment, gently pressing his finger against her wound, his eyes darkening. “I’m not that free.”

His movements were light and warm, the touch of his fingers brought a comfortable sensation, infused with the faint scent of ink from his body. Xia Tong was momentarily stunned as she looked at the cold-faced man across from her, blinking in silence.

“Master, the Fifth…”

The abrupt footsteps of Xifeng halted suddenly, and he quickly turned away, an expression of embarrassment and uncertainty on his face, realizing he might have come at an awkward time.

Xia Tong coughed lightly, pretending to be indifferent as she nibbled on a pastry, her ears faintly flushed.

Pulling back his hand, Gu Qin lowered his gaze and took a measured sip of tea, his lips slightly parting. “Speak.”

Gathering his thoughts, Xifeng turned back around, bowing his head respectfully as he replied, “The Fifth Prince and Shen Xin are in Room 3. Recently, it seems they have been seeing each other quite often.”

Xia Tong, busy peeling an orange, froze at the words, wondering if she had misheard. Had the story taken such a strange turn?

If Gu Qin was the open villain, then the Fifth Prince was the behind-the-scenes villain, constantly plotting and scheming. He had survived while Gu Qin faced death, being the second male lead in the story. This character was quite twisted and obsessed, always competing with the hero for the throne and vying for the heroine’s affection. In the end, he died trying to save her, asking if he could have another chance in the next life, but he didn’t finish his sentence before he perished. The heroineunderstood his feelings and softly replied with a “yes.”

This was a perk for fans of the second male lead. Many readers had argued about whether the heroine ever liked him. Now, it seemed that rather than ending up with the hero, she had grown closer to the second male lead. Was this plot leading to a scenario where the second male lead replaced the hero as the protagonist?

However, Gu Qin had a deep-seated grudge against that second male lead. Years ago, the Fifth Prince’s maternal family had tried to expose Gu Qin’s various wrongdoings but ended up being completely annihilated by the old emperor. One could only imagine how much hatred the Fifth Prince harbored against Gu Qin. Throughout the story, he was constantly at odds with him. It seemed that no villain ever had friends, just a long list of enemies. One had to wonder if he slept soundly at night.

“That evil creature is quite patient.” Gu Qin gently stroked the jade ring, his expression gradually becoming gloomy.

Xia Tong felt a chill run down her spine, desperately continuing to peel the orange to blend into the background. Clearly, Gu Qin despised the Fifth Prince, but what was their history? There had been so many people who had tried to impeach Gu Qin, why did he focus solely on this Fifth Prince?

“The Fifth Prince has been acting mysteriously lately. I’m not sure if he’s really gotten his hands on that item,” Xifeng said seriously, showing no concern that Xia Tong was present.

Gu Qin remained silent, merely casting a cold glare at Xifeng. “You still say you are not a waste, but you can’t even be killed by a woman.”

Xifeng lowered his head, too afraid to respond. He didn’t dare mention that the groups he had sent had all returned empty-handed. Each time, someone had come to rescue that woman, leaving him powerless.

Xia Tong: “…”

Does the villain want to kill the heroine?

At this point, Xia Tong felt that she should say a few words for Xifeng, so she immediately handed over a slice of orange and whispered, “Well… Shen Xin is always cunning, Xifeng must have tried his best.”

That’s the heroine. Who in the world can kill her? She has the aura of a heroine, and she thinks this heroine is pretty good. Why do all the villains always want to kill the protagonist?

After she finished speaking, the room suddenly became quiet and the atmosphere suddenly became weird, which made Xia Tong feel a little uneasy.

Gently stroking the jade ring, Gu Qin glanced at Xifeng with an ambiguous expression, then fixed his gaze on the woman in question, and said in a slightly cold voice, “You seem to be quite protective of him.”