Chapter 57: Threat

Just as Xia Tong was about to explain something, she suddenly felt something unfamiliar in her dress. In an instant, her face turned red, and she hurriedly pushed the man away, exclaiming, “You… you are shameless!”

This was definitely not the villain she knew!

Her little strength was easily disregarded. Gu Qin narrowed his eyes, a dark expression on his face. “You dare to insult me?”

Startled by his cold gaze, Xia Tong instinctively shrank back, forgetting to resist.

Successfully loosening the complicated belt, the man leaned down and whispered in her ear, his voice low, “If you don’t behave, I’ll throw you into a snake pit.”

His hot hand grew increasingly restless, making Xia Tong tense up. Hearing his words sparked a surge of resentment within her. Just a few days ago, he had promised to give her his life, and now he was threatening her?!

“Then just throw me into the snake pit, Your Highness! I’d rather be bitten to death by snakes than be with you,” she said defiantly, turning her head away and remaining indifferent to his actions.

Gu Qin furrowed his brow, seemingly surprised that this woman had become so bold, unafraid even of the snake pit.

His expression changed, and suddenly, a hint of softness appeared on his stern features. He wrapped his arms around her waist, his gaze burning as it met hers. In a deep voice, he said, “I was just joking, how could I be serious?”

Xia Tong: “…”

Oh, man!

Turning her head, she still had a cold face and didn’t want to look at him again, her resentment almost bursting through the roof.

The fragrance struck his nerves. The man lowered his eyes, and suddenly buried his eyes in the white and slender neck, and gave her hot kisses densely. His big hands took the opportunity to untie her outer robe and wandered freely.

“You… let go of me…” Xia Tong’s face flushed as she struggled, realizing that he was getting aroused again.

Her squirming only heightened his diminishing self-control. With impatience, his large hand tore at the intricate layers of her dress, revealing a section of her creamy shoulder that glimmered in the candlelight.

“I… I came to find you… to ask about the Emperor…”

Xia Tong’s heart raced, and she dared not move, clearly feeling what was pressing against her thigh.

“What do you want to ask?” he replied in a husky voice.

In the dim candlelight, the large study was filled with an ambiguous atmosphere. A tall man sat at the desk while a petite, slender woman was enveloped in his embrace, her clothes disheveled, and her delicate hands stiffly hovering in midair.

“Do you really… want to rebel?” Xia Tong paused, summoning her courage to ask.

However, it seemed he hadn’t heard her, as he continued his actions. Soft kisses trailed along her white collarbone, leaving a series of red marks. His voice was hoarse to the extreme. “What do you think?”

Hmm, this woman seemed to have matured a bit.

Xia Tong felt completely stiff. Indeed, the villain’s every move was too conspicuous. The book mentioned he had been planning for years, but just a while ago, he was so aloof that he wouldn’t even touch her. How could he be so quickly overcome by desire now?!

“Master, urgent news from the border!”

Suddenly, a sharp voice called from outside, and Xia Tong felt like she had found a lifeline, instantly relieved. However, the man on top of her had a dark expression, his entire demeanor radiating a fierce aura.

“Get lost!”

Xifeng outside took a few steps back and looked at the closed door hesitantly, but he didn’t dare to say anything. His expression was still extremely solemn.

Meanwhile, Xia Tong seized the opportunity to push the man away, blinking her big, innocent eyes. “There must be urgent business for Xifeng. Why rush? Don’t let it interfere with important matters.”

Xia Tong was now very worried about whether the villain could successfully rebel. Seeing his anxious demeanor made her feel anxious for Xifeng as well.

The man frowned, his face gloomy, but he still pulled her clothes up, as if he was afraid that someone outside would rush in at any time. However, Xifeng, who was so tactless, was becoming more and more outrageous.

Once they sorted out their clothing, Xia Tong noticed the displeasure on the man’s face. Without thinking, she leaned over and kissed the corner of his lips, then blushed and quickly ran away, leaving behind a pair of heated eyes that watched her intently.

As soon as she stepped out of the study, a cold wind greeted her. She saw Xifeng pacing back and forth, clearly agitated. Xia Tong donned her fox-fur hat and took the lantern from Qing’er’s hands, softly asking, “What’s the urgent matter?”

It must be something significant for Xifeng to be so anxious.

Seeing her come out, Xifeng sighed in relief, glancing around before approaching her to speak in a low voice. “The Rongdi people are launching a large-scale attack on the border towns, and they have already captured Nanguan City.”

After saying this, he immediately pushed the door back into the room, seemingly eager to report further.

Hearing this, Xia Tong continued walking forward on the shallow snow, her mind beginning to ponder. The Rongdi people were known for their brutality and lived in resource-scarce territories, often raiding the border’s food supplies, especially during winter. Until now, their attacks had only been minor skirmishes. However, a large-scale assault was indeed a serious matter.

Given the current urgent situation in the capital, if troops were dispatched for support, it would lead to uncontrollable chaos in the capital.

The military power of the Shenji Camp rested with Gu Qin. If he called for reinforcements, he would lose control of the situation in the capital and would be at a disadvantage. It was no wonder Xifeng was so anxious. Everyone in the court knew the villain was plotting a rebellion, and any prince who ascended the throne would eliminate him immediately. Therefore, it was absolutely essential that no troops be dispatched.

However, if reinforcements were not sent, the border would surely fall. Xia Tong believed that although the villain was ruthless and cruel, he had never harmed the common people. He certainly wouldn’t stand by and watch as the border residents fell into a desperate situation.

Upon returning to her room, she sat by the window, admiring the snowy scenery for a while. She felt increasingly sentimental, realizing that it would be better for her to quietly live as a rice worm, avoiding involvement in court matters.

However, the next day, the villain went to the palace early again. Xia Tong wanted to sleep a bit longer, but Qing’er insisted that her father urgently needed to see her.

The message came from the butler of the Xia family, who mentioned it was inconvenient to talk in the residence, so he wanted her to meet at a teahouse in the city. She couldn’t help but wonder what it was all about.

“Are you sure it was a message from my father?”

Xia Tong asked as she sat in the swaying carriage, looking outside at the vast white snow. The small vendors continued to stand at their stalls, shouting energetically despite the weather.

“It was Butler Zhou who personally delivered the message. He’s someone that Master trusts, so there shouldn’t be any mistakes.” Qing’er replied seriously.

Xia Tong fell silent. When they arrived at Ziyi Teahouse, the main hall was nearly empty, making it feel particularly desolate. It was clear that in this weather, few were willing to venture outside.

As soon as Xia Tong arrived, the shopkeeper warmly greeted her, saying, “The master is upstairs, the princess may follow me.”

Xia Tong was not alone. She had brought two guards from her residence, as caution was essential. When they reached a room on the second floor, she instructed the guards to wait outside while she pushed the door open and entered.

The room was filled with a faint aroma of tea, and the floor heater made it especially warm. The furnishings were elegantly arranged, and standing by the window was a familiar figure. Hearing the door open, the middle-aged man turned and smiled gently at her.

“Uncle?” Xia Tong furrowed her brow, looking around in confusion. “What are you doing here? Where’s my father?”

The middle-aged man wore a peculiar smile. Without explaining, he stepped closer. “You don’t need to worry. I just want you to meet someone.”

As he spoke, Xia Lin suddenly drew back a pearl curtain in the room. Behind it sat an elderly figure, frail and aged but somewhat familiar. The old man was leisurely preparing tea, his movements graceful and fluid.

Xia Tong pursed her lips, slowly removing her fox-fur hat as she walked inside. When she saw the old man’s face, surprise flashed in her eyes. “Grand Tutor?”

Despite the elderly man’s aged appearance, his bright, piercing eyes were very much alive, commanding respect. Indeed, as a powerful minister in two dynasties, who would dare to underestimate him?

“This is a rare variety that takes ten years to produce just one pound in Dongyu Country. Princess, you should try it,” the old man said kindly, pouring her a cup of tea himself.

By now, Xia Lin had withdrawn, and Xia Tong hesitated before sitting down across from him. However, she did not drink the tea; instead, she gazed deeply at him. “May I ask why the Grand Tutor wishes to see me?”

Xia Tong hadn’t expected her uncle to be entangled with the Grand Tutor’s residence again. Hadn’t he suffered enough the last time? Did these people truly think they were fools?

The old man sipped his tea, absentmindedly stroking his snow-white beard, his expression serene. “The things outside are never as good as what one has at home. They are bitter and tasteless, hard to swallow.”

“The Grand Tutor may speak candidly. I am but a foolish woman, and I fear I may not understand your intentions,” Xia Tong replied, her expression unchanged. She preferred not to beat around the bush with such a cunning old fox.

The aroma of tea filled the room, plunging it into silence. The old man’s face was lined with wrinkles, and a glimmer of intelligence flashed in his murky old eyes as he looked at the remarkable young woman across from him. Although she was indeed attractive, it seemed unlikely that such a minor character could captivate that young brat. She must possess some extraordinary qualities.

A gentle smile suddenly appeared on the old man’s face as he asked, “What do you think about the Xia family’s recent demotion?”

“I am merely a woman, and I know little about many matters. In fact, the common folk might know more than I do. The prince has never discussed court affairs with me. Whatever the Grand Tutor wishes me to do, I fear I will be powerless,” Xia Tong said, calmly brushing the bracelet on her wrist. Her pale, delicate face carried a hint of coolness, and she showed no fear of the old man’s status. She detested empty pleasantries the most.

The old man squinted his eyes, scanning the woman across from him before suddenly breaking into a smile. “You’re overthinking this. I’m not asking you to say anything; I simply want to clear up some misunderstandings. The recent demotion of the Xia family must have led you to develop quite a few misconceptions about me, hasn’t it?”

Xia Tong remained silent, her expression still very cold. She had no interest in playing games with such a cunning old fox.

“Have you considered who stands to gain from this situation, which has unfolded so smoothly? What role does the Xia family play in all of this?”

The old man’s voice seemed to possess a hypnotic quality, subtly guiding Xia Tong to speculate in different directions. However, she was not swayed by his manipulation. Instead, she smiled lightly and replied with a clear voice, “I’m just a woman from a secluded household and don’t understand these matters.”

Their eyes met, and the old man’s gaze flickered. Yet, his face still bore a calm and indifferent expression. “I mention this to inform you that your grandmothers are quite astute and have strengthened their ties with the Grand Tutor’s residence. Your mother has also been a frequent guest there. Given the heavy snowfall recently, it would be quite difficult for her to return home.”

“You!” Xia Tong’s complexion changed slightly as she fixed a penetrating gaze on the kindly old man across from her, her heart tightening involuntarily. “The Grand Tutor is a veteran of two reigns, how could he engage in such despicable acts!”

She knew that the old lady and her people had some ridiculous ideas. They had nearly caused the Xiahou family to be exiled not long ago, and now they were entangled with the Grand Tutor’s residence again. She couldn’t fathom her father’s attitude—why hadn’t he told her about this situation?!

After taking a sip of tea, the old man squinted again, leisurely rolling two jade balls in his withered hands.

“Why are you so anxious? Once the matter is settled, the Xia family will gain even more. Aligning with the Regent will only lead to the Xia family being scorned by the masses—a price no family can afford.” His voice was old and deep, yet carried an undeniable weight.

Clenching her fists, Xia Tong merely smiled coldly. “Who knows what the future holds? History is always written by the victors.”

The woman across from him was indeed stunning, but her expression carried an air of indifference toward family matters. The old man squinted further as the jade balls spun faster in his hands.

After a while, a commanding voice broke the tension in the room. “And what about your mother?”

With a flicker in her eyes, Xia Tong remained silent, staring intently at the old man, disgusted by his presence.

“The Regent has a red square seal. Within three days, I need you to bring it to me. Otherwise…”

The old man’s piercing gaze remained fixed on her, radiating an undeniable pressure. He knew that Xia Tong could freely enter and exit Gu Qin’s study, and this time, he intended for that little brat to face a severe downfall.

At his words, Xia Tong tightened her grip, her expression darkening, but she said nothing. The old man stood up, leaning on his cane as he slowly exited the room.

Soon after, Xia Lin entered, noticing her niece’s troubled expression. He could only speak gently, “Our Xia family has always been honorable. The Regent is a traitor, allying with him would only tarnish the legacy left by our ancestors. Do you understand?”

The woman seated in the chair took a deep breath, suddenly rising to look at him with mocking disdain. “Sometimes I really wonder if the people in our household are mentally unwell. Who was it that nearly caused the Xiahou family to be executed and exiled last time? And who was it that expressed gratitude to the prince? You must have all lost your minds!”

Ignoring Xia Lin’s extremely displeased expression, Xia Tong said coldly, “If you want to seek your own doom, that’s your business. I’ve already shown enough mercy to the Xia family. My father will never agree to your plans. Why was my mother captured by the Grand Tutor’s residence?!”

Xia Lin’s face shifted between shades of blue and white, as he had never been so publicly reprimanded by a junior before. Yet, realizing she still had some value, he suppressed his anger and put on a slightly kinder expression.

“There are no absolute enemies in this world, only everlasting interests. If the Grand Tutor can offer more benefits to the Xia family, why should we bear the infamy alongside the regent?” His tone was low as he continued, “Your father is unaware of this matter, he thinks your mother is merely visiting her family. But if you fail to fulfill the tasks assigned by the Grand Tutor, who knows what will happen to your mother.”

After saying this, he placed his hands behind his back and left the room at a leisurely pace.

Xia Tong closed her eyes, a thin layer of anger crossing her delicate features. She took several deep breaths before wrapping herself in a fur cloak and stepping outside. At that moment, she regretted not letting these people perish. She shouldn’t have saved them. This was a lesson that one should never show even the slightest bit of compassion.

As she exited the room, Fang Yu hurried to meet her, having likely seen the Grand Tutor leave. It was obvious that things were not so simple.

When she returned to the regent’s residence with a heavy heart, Xia Tong shared the details with Fang Yu, who appeared equally shocked, clearly not expecting such treachery from those people.

“Forgive me for speaking frankly, but it would be unwise to let the master know about this matter. It might only worry him. Moreover, if you compromise with them once, there will surely be a second and third time. You must think this through carefully,” Fang Yu advised earnestly.

Leaning back against the soft couch and rubbing her aching forehead, Xia Tong realized that she wasn’t looking for trouble, but trouble had found her. The Grand Tutor’s residence and the Third Prince were allies. Although she didn’t know what the seal was for, the fact that they wanted her to steal it under such circumstances meant it would likely harm her allies.

She would absolutely not betray her allies again. She had already done so much wrong by Gu Qin, who had never blamed her for anything. She didn’t want anything to happen to him, but she also couldn’t allow her mother to be in danger. That old fox was so cunning that he would undoubtedly use her for more nefarious deeds in the future. Thus, it was better to directly discuss the matter with Gu Qin, he would probably believe her.

Without further ado, Xia Tong immediately headed towards the study in the wind and snow to see if Gu Qin had returned.

Just as she reached the corridor of the garden, she saw the butler instructing the servants to clear the snow on the road. When he saw her coming, he bowed and saluted, “Your servant greets the princess.”

“Where is the prince?” Xia Tong asked impatiently.

After saying this, the butler was curious about the princess’s anxious look, but still bowed and replied: “Princess, the prince went to the Shenji Camp outside the city after leaving the court. Judging from the weather, he probably won’t be back today.”