Chapter 51: Traitor

“So, you’re saying this is all my fault?” The man’s eyebrow arched slightly.

Xia Tong quickly shook her head, her big watery eyes blinking as she responded, “It’s my fault for being thoughtless and not recognizing good intentions. I brought this upon myself and can’t blame anyone else.”

Seeing her pale face from the cold, Gu Qin’s lips pressed into a thin line. No one could match this little loach in adapting to the situation.

Before long, someone brought over steaming hot ginger tea. After warming herself, Xia Tong pulled a redwood stool to sit beside him. As she ground ink for him, her eyes occasionally flicked toward the document in his hand, her glances subtle yet frequent.

She was, in fact, curious why the villain trusted her so much. No matter the issue, he never seemed to hide anything from her. Yet, she constantly doubted his intentions.

But when she caught sight of the word “poppy^[1]In ancient China, poppies were used for medicine and cooking, but their narcotic opium led to addiction and conflicts during the Opium Wars.” on the document, she couldn’t help but take a closer look…

“Is it that interesting?”

The document was suddenly shut as the man’s gaze fixed intently on her. Xia Tong awkwardly turned her head away and continued grinding ink, pretending nothing happened. “This ink seems different from before. It doesn’t smell as good, and the texture isn’t as smooth as it used to be.”

She rambled on, trying to explain herself. Gu Qin glanced at her deeply and spoke in a low voice, “This was my father’s favorite when he was alive.”

Her little hands paused. She silently glanced at the inkstone filled with ink, her expression becoming complicated. She had only made a passing remark, but remembering the heroine’s words, it seemed the death of the villain’s father was indeed connected to her Xiahou family.

Moreover, during that time, her family even worsened the situation by breaking off the engagement. If the villain wanted to take revenge on the Xiahou family, it would be completely justified. She had no right to be angry with him.

“I thought of it, so I brought it out,” Gu Qin’s expression was unreadable as he gazed at the blank rice paper in front of him, his lips tightening slightly. “Father always said that every civil official must take responsibility for every word they write. In the end, he lived up to that.”

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy. This was the first time they had discussed the past. But the world was cruel—honest men didn’t always meet a good end. The villain’s father had been too principled and ended up threatening the interests of the noble families, which led to his downfall. As the story described, much of Gu Qin’s transformation into who he was now stemmed from his father’s influence. Since being a righteous and selfless official meant nothing, he chose instead to become a villain that everyone despised.

Even though he was a feared villain, in his heart, his father’s death was probably the most difficult hurdle for him to overcome. He was only ten years old when the Gu family was ransacked.

“I’m sorry.” Xia Tong lowered her head, a trace of guilt on her face.

The man glanced at the woman beside him, then simply raised his hand and placed it on her head, his gaze deep and unreadable. “Everyone has to pay the price for their actions. The Xiahou family is no exception.”

Xia Tong suddenly looked up, a bit anxious. “But my father…”

“I’m talking about the Xiahou family.”

His expression remained unchanged as he turned back to his documents, resuming his strict review. Xia Tong was momentarily stunned, but then a flicker of joy crossed her mind. Was he implying that as long as her parents separated from the Xiahou family, they wouldn’t be implicated?

“But my mother is already in poor health. The prison is no place for her. What if something happens to her?” she looked at him pitifully.

He didn’t even spare her a glance, only parting his lips slightly. “What do you want?”

Xia Tong’s eyebrows arched as she leaned closer and whispered, “Can you let my mother out first?”

“You’re pushing your luck.” The man said in a low voice.

Pouting, Xia Tong suddenly clung tightly to his arm, her face showing a hint of pleading. “Then…then…can you give mother some good food?”

The prison only served spoiled food. If this continued, it would be disastrous for her mother’s health.

Hearing her words, the man remained unmoved, continuing to flip through his documents. His cold, sharp profile showed no hint of emotion. “Before you ask me to do something in the future, remember to show your sincerity first.”

Xia Tong: “…”

Gazing at his flawless, chiseled side profile, Xia Tong frowned, at a loss for words. Wasn’t this bullying? She had nothing of value to offer.

For a while, the only sound in the room was the rustling of paper as the wind outside rattled the window panes, adding to the gloom. Xia Tong stared at the man for a long time, but he remained focused on his work, ignoring her completely.

Suddenly, an idea seemed to strike her. Blushing, Xia Tong bit her lip and slowly leaned in. Before she could second-guess herself, she quickly kissed him on the cheek. In the next moment, she shot up, keeping her head down as she rushed out of the study.

A faint warmth still lingered on his face. Glancing at the door that had been firmly shut, Gu Qin’s lips curled slightly as he returned to his documents.

*

Back in her room, Xia Tong still felt her cheeks getting hot, but she could only continue to comfort herself. The villain was rich, powerful, and handsome. Although he had a bad temper and often threatened to kill her, he had never actually harmed her. So, being his princess might not be such a bad thing after all.

“Master, what did the prince say?” Fang Yu asked, noticing her evasive expression when she returned.

After calming herself for a moment, Xia Tong finally felt relieved. She hadn’t sold herself out to save her mother. She had simply shared an intimate moment with her legal husband.

“I don’t know the full situation at court, and that the Third Prince has found so-called ‘evidence,’ but I trust the prince.” Xia Tong removed her cloak and poured herself a cup of hot tea.

Seeing that her master had truly let it go, Fang Yu was pleased and went to fetch her some food.

After a moment, Xia Tong suddenly walked toward the wardrobe. She thought about keeping some leverage, but since she had decided to trust Gu Qin, it was only right to follow through. If someone discovered her secrets later, it would be impossible to explain, even if she had a good reason.

Among the evidence was a map, which likely showed the place where the villain was secretly training troops. Though she didn’t know how the heroine obtained it, if it were discovered, not only would the villain’s plans be exposed, but he would also be publicly condemned.

However, when she opened the wardrobe, the secret compartment where she had hidden the evidence only contained some undergarments. The evidence had vanished.

It felt as if a string had snapped in her mind. Xia Tong frantically searched other places, but the evidence was nowhere to be found.

The only ones who knew about the secret compartment were Fang Yu and Qing’er. If Fang Yu had taken it, she could have easily claimed not to have found anything at the temple, sparing herself the trouble. And if Qing’er had taken it, she, even more than Fang Yu, wanted Xia Tong to be a true princess. Why would she take the evidence and harm her?

The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became. Xia Tong searched the room again but still couldn’t find the evidence. Why would anyone rummage through a hidden spot meant for undergarments?

If someone used the evidence maliciously, wouldn’t the villain’s plans be completely exposed?

Xia Tong’s thoughts raced, unsure of when the evidence had gone missing. Even the second male lead, a master of stealth, would have been discovered if he entered the Regent’s residence. The person who took it must be someone within the residence, someone close to her!

When Fang Yu returned, Xia Tong told her what had happened, and she looked even more shocked than she did.

“I don’t believe Qing’er would do something like this. It must have been someone else in the courtyard. But, Master, you should confess this to the prince. That way, he’ll be aware. If you wait until something happens and then explain, you may be beyond saving,” Fang Yu said gravely.

Xia Tong leaned against the soft couch, lost in thought for a long time. Though Fang Yu’s reasoning made sense, if she told him now and Gu Qin found out she had kept leverage against him, who knows how he would react? He’d surely be disappointed in her.

“I’ll think about it,” she sighed, her expression serious.

It rains when the roof leaks^[2]The saying “It rains when the roof leaks” means that problems often arise when there are underlying issues or vulnerabilities. It suggests that difficulties or negative situations occur … Continue reading, which is exactly how she feels at the moment. But who knows where the thing is hidden?

That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The next day, Xia Ning sent word, asking to meet. After all, it was for the sake of her parents, so Xia Tong decided to go and hear what she had to say.

The meeting place was Jinyue Teahouse. Though it was her own property, no one knew it was owned by the villain. Rumor had it that it belonged to the Crown Prince.

When she arrived, the shopkeeper greeted her eagerly. Xia Tong waved him off, not wanting to draw attention. If this secret hideout were discovered, it would be exposed.

The fragrance of tea filled the room as a woman, dressed in a blue embroidered gown, gracefully brewed her tea. A trace of worry clouded her brow, and when she heard approaching footsteps, she sighed softly upon seeing the visitor. “I had intended to visit the Regent’s residence, but Mother said I shouldn’t get too close to the Regent’s household, as it could tarnish the reputation of the Duke’s family.”

Xia Tong remained silent, taking a seat opposite her, removing her fox fur cloak, and turning her gaze to the performances below. At some point, the performers had changed—a frail pair of siblings, about eleven or twelve years old, were balancing on a single-legged stool, precariously carrying a stack of porcelain bowls on their heads. The crowd below applauded enthusiastically.

“The heir mentioned that during court this morning, the Third Prince not only presented evidence to frame a kitchen maid from our residence for poisoning, but also claimed that the maid acted under the orders of our uncle,” Xia Ning sighed deeply, her tone heavy. 

“Moreover, someone accused the Xiahou family of corruption and presented proof that our uncle abused his power for personal gain. The Emperor, in his fury, has ordered the Shuntian Prefecture to conduct a thorough investigation of the Xiahou family. Even if the Crown Prince remains unharmed, the foundation our family has built over hundreds of years… I fear it may not survive.”

At this point, Xia Ning couldn’t help but lower her head, sighing helplessly. Her position within the Duke’s residence was already precarious, and now it seemed even more uncertain.

Upon hearing this, Xia Tong furrowed her brows but said nothing. The fall of the Xiahou family didn’t surprise her, and she could roughly guess the villain’s intentions. After all, no noble family was truly clean, not even her own father. But she trusted that the other party wouldn’t deceive her.

“In the future, it will only be the two of us left in the family. We must rely on each other,” Xia Ning lamented, taking her hand.

Seeing her cousin’s sorrowful expression, Xia Tong pulled her hand away, displeased. “Cousin, why are you speaking this way? The situation hasn’t reached its end yet, so how can you be sure it will be the worst outcome?”

Xia Ning, momentarily speechless, was about to reply when she suddenly stood up, surprised as she looked toward the door. “Why is the heir here?”

Xia Tong turned to see a man standing at the doorway, dressed in white robes, tall and elegant like a jade tree. Beside him stood a weary-looking Lin Qin, clearly distressed by the Crown Prince’s troubles, as her family’s fortune was tied to his. It was no surprise that the siblings had come here together.

“I came to visit Mother. When I heard that Sister-in-law and the princess were here for tea, I thought I’d stop by. The Crown Prince remains unconscious, yet you seem to be enjoying a rather leisurely tea session,” Lin Qin remarked, her expression dark, her brows furrowed with a touch of gloom.

Before Xia Ning could explain, Lin Yi, clearly displeased, cast a disapproving glance at his sister. “I’ve told you many times that the Crown Prince’s poisoning has nothing to do with the Xiahou family. Why are you directing your anger at others?”

It had been some time since Xia Tong last saw him. The man now exuded a more mature air. She couldn’t help but think that her cousin was quite fortunate. Even if the Xiahou family fell, it seemed the heir was still willing to defend her.

However, Xia Ning’s expression showed no joy. She stood there, head bowed, without saying a word, while Lin Qin, clearly displeased, glared at her brother. “The Crown Prince’s life hangs in the balance, and yet you speak on behalf of outsiders. Is the Duke family of no importance to you anymore?”

She then shot a sharp look at Xia Tong before turning and storming off with her entourage, her face pale with anger.

Lin Qin knew well that her brother still harbored feelings for Xia Tong, helping the Xiahou family repeatedly for her sake. She deeply regretted ever allowing them to meet. Now, she felt like she had brought misfortune upon herself.

After Lin Qin left, Xia Tong looked at Lin Yi and said, “Thank you for your trust, heir. How is the Crown Prince’s condition now?”

The young woman, dressed in a flowing pale green gown, stood gracefully, her gaze soft and clear. Though they’d only met a few times, Lin Yi found that her image had imprinted itself in his heart, lingering there.

“The Crown Prince has been poisoned with a rare venom called ‘Drunken Spring Breeze,’ from beyond the northern borders. The imperial physicians have only been able to delay the spread of the poison, and they are still working on a cure,” Lin Yi replied, his voice as gentle as jade.

Hearing this, Xia Tong suddenly recalled something from the novel—the heroine had once been poisoned with the same venom by the supporting female character, but Fang Yu had managed to save her.

In that moment, Xia Tong glanced at Fang Yu, who blinked in surprise, keeping her head lowered, though a trace of shock flickered in her eyes. Hadn’t this poison already been lost to time?

“Princess, there’s no need to worry. Lord Xia is innocent, and justice will prevail. I’m sure everything will be fine,” Lin Yi added, trying to comfort her, sensing her concern.

But Xia Ning only felt bitterness. Even now, the heir had never offered her such comfort, yet he continued to care deeply for her cousin, even after Xia Tong had married someone else.

“The heir should return to the manor soon, lest Mother worries,” Xia Ning said softly as she approached him.

Xia Tong also bowed her head slightly. “The Xiahou family will remember your kindness, heir.”

Lin Yi’s gaze lingered on her calm expression before he left, walking alongside Xia Ning.

Leaning back in her chair, Xia Tong frowned, her face filled with concern. Now, with the evidence gone, her situation was even more dire.

She suddenly looked at Fang Yu, who had remained silent all this time, and asked casually, “Have you heard of this poison?”

Fang Yu hesitated briefly before stepping forward and replying, “Of course, I’ve heard of it. But if I may, Master, it would be wise for you not to get involved in the Crown Prince’s affairs, lest you anger the prince again.”

Xia Tong didn’t respond, only sighing as she absentmindedly watched the performances below, lost in thought.

“I thought I was mistaken, but it really is you,” a familiar voice suddenly called from the doorway.

Xia Tong turned her head to see Shen Xin, smiling as she strolled over, draped in a fox fur coat. Her complexion had clearly improved, indicating that her injuries had mostly healed.

“Why are you running out all day instead of staying at home to recuperate?” Xia Tong sipped her tea, sounding as if she were scolding her.

Shen Xin smiled and poured herself a cup of hot tea, her mood seemingly lifted. “I can never sit still. But what about you? Have you finally seen that traitor for who he truly is?”

As she spoke, her expression turned serious, and she gave Xia Tong a pointed look. “If he truly cared about you, why would he remain indifferent while the Xiahou family faces such a crisis? Are you still going to remain blind to the truth?”

Some things couldn’t be explained in just a few words. The hatred between the heroine and the villain ran too deep. Both wanted to persuade the other, but neither could succeed.

After hesitating for a moment, Xia Tong finally spoke in a low voice, “Sister Shen, there’s no point in discussing this any further. To be honest with you, the evidence I had has mysteriously disappeared.”