Chapter 56: Playing Rogue

The sharp, cold wind rustled the trees, and the doors and windows creaked ominously. The dark sky looked as though it could rain at any moment, creating a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.

When Xia Tong woke up, her eyelids felt incredibly heavy. It seemed as if she was burdened by a thousand pounds. Every part of her body ached. Yet, the warmth of the bed made it hard for her to leave.

However, the large hand resting on her waist reminded her of what had happened. Peeking through a narrow opening in the covers, she was startled to meet a pair of deep, unreadable eyes.

“After reading so many lewd books, it seems you only know how to talk a good game,” came a low, magnetic voice beside her ear. Xia Tong’s face flushed with embarrassment and anger as she buried her head deeper into the bedding. “You’re no better yourself, Your Highness.”

So rude! He said he wouldn’t move, but he forgot everything in the blink of an eye. It turned out that a man’s words in bed could never be trusted.

He pulled her back into his embrace, tugging at the blanket covering her head. With a serious expression, he leaned closer to her ear and spoke in a husky tone, “Then how about I spar with you again?”

The hand on her waist began to wander restlessly. Xia Tong surrendered, panic rising as she weakly pushed against him. “I… I… surrender!”

This should be Gu Qin’s room. Her clothes were still on, presumably put there by him. However, Xia Tong had no memory of that because she had passed out. She had underestimated both her own stamina and his strength.

With a low chuckle, the man buried his face in the red marks on her neck and inhaled deeply, looking satisfied. “You’re so spineless.”

“You’re the one who lacks integrity,” Xia Tong shot back, her eyes wide with accusation.

Her sparkling eyes seemed to entice him, and Gu Qin’s gaze darkened as he fixedly stared at her. If he didn’t care about her condition, he wouldn’t let her appear so spirited now. This woman had the audacity to turn the tables on him.

Noticing the shift in his demeanor, Xia Tong quickly lost her bravado. Blushing, she hurriedly changed the subject. “Yesterday…last night I seemed to hear Xifeng say that the emperor was critically ill, why…why haven’t you entered the palace to check on him yet?”

Looking at the little loach, the man did not do anything to her. He just pretended to get out of bed and said calmly, “It’s not too late to go now.”

After speaking, he glanced back at her and added, “From now on, you will live here.”

Although Xia Tong had no idea what time it was, it was certainly late. For such a major event to occur, this man was still sleeping. She was certain that if he were the emperor, he would be an absolute tyrant.

“You’re clearly just infatuated with my beauty, don’t make excuses. Besides, I don’t want to live here! It was the prince who personally had me move out before. If I move back, wouldn’t it seem like you are not trustworthy?”

Xia Tong rolled her eyes, glancing at the man’s well-defined physique. She hadn’t seen much yesterday because it was dark, but this man had quite a nice body—if only he weren’t so rough, she thought.

As he dressed, he looked down at her from his height and said coolly, “When did I ever say that? Who heard me?”

Xia Tong: “…”

She frowned, and as she turned, she couldn’t help but gasp in pain, clutching her waist. Her delicate face was filled with displeasure. “How can you be so shameless? The prince even said he would throw me into a snake pit! Xifeng knows all about this.”

Raising an eyebrow, Gu Qin adjusted his sleeves and cast her a sidelong glance. “I have never said this before. I will let Xifeng testify later.”

With wide eyes, Xia Tong stared at the shameless man, who was unlike anyone she had ever met. Didn’t he fear divine retribution?

“If you don’t want to move, then there’s no need to slander me,” he said with a serious expression, as if he were the one being wronged.

Moments later, a maid came in with washing supplies, too timid to look around and quickly exited. Meanwhile, Xia Tong was left there, seething with anger.

“This king is going to enter the palace, so don’t wander around.” he instructed before elegantly leaving the room, leaving Xia Tong fuming alone. It seemed that no man was worth trusting.

Once he left, the covers gradually cooled down, and Xia Tong didn’t want to sleep anymore. She struggled to sit up.

When she returned to her courtyard, Fang Yu and Qing’er greeted her with cheerful smiles, clearly relieved. They knew that the prince liked their master.

While having breakfast, Xia Tong suddenly asked, “I heard that the emperor is seriously ill. Is there any news outside?”

At this, Fang Yu shook her head, looking puzzled. “Why do you say that, my lady? I haven’t heard anything like that, but I did notice that there are many more guards on the streets today. I’m not sure what’s happening.”

Upon hearing this, Xia Tong paused, realizing that news about the emperor’s illness wouldn’t be spread carelessly. If it were, it could cause panic and instability among the people.

“Never mind. Just keep an eye on any developments outside,” she said as she continued to eat.

Today, the renowned doctor that Gu Qin had invited finally arrived. However, after just two or three sentences, he declared that her body was too cold and recommended various tonics. Xia Tong felt overwhelmed and didn’t want to take any more medicine.

But the doctor warned her that if she didn’t take care of her health, it could affect her future fertility. Fang Yu echoed this sentiment, and feeling pressured, Xia Tong had no choice but to grit her teeth and ask for the medicine, thinking that life was truly difficult.

However, Gu Qin didn’t return from the palace that day. If it weren’t for the fact that she knew the villain was ruthless, she would have suspected that something had happened to him. Yet he continued to be absent for the next few days, and the atmosphere in the capital grew increasingly tense. Even the common folk sensed something was off.

Xifeng returned with news, saying that there were many affairs in the palace lately, and his master couldn’t spare the time, advising her to follow the doctor’s advice and take care of herself.

No one knew how much longer the old emperor could hold on. In the book, the old emperor died in the summer, not in the winter. However, the plot had already diverged so much that Xia Tong had no idea how things would unfold. If the old emperor really couldn’t last, there would surely be a spectacle to watch. The third prince would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to compete for the throne, knowing that once the crown prince ascended, he wouldn’t spare him.

Then there was the fifth prince, who was deeply cunning and skilled in patience. With the heroine by his side, it was uncertain who would ultimately claim the throne. Moreover, this villain didn’t seem easy to deal with. If the crown prince became emperor, he would surely diminish Gu Qin’s power, and given the villain’s personality, he wouldn’t sit idly by. And then there was the Grand Tutor’s family—it was bound to turn into a chaotic battlefield.

However, Xia Tong didn’t share the heroine’s ambition. She didn’t want to get involved in these matters. With Gu Qin absent for several days, she felt bored and decided to take a walk outside.

Unlike the pleasant climate in Suzhou, winter in the capital was particularly harsh. On this day, it even began to snow lightly. Coupled with the strange atmosphere in the capital these past few days, with more guards on duty, the streets were less crowded. Only a few vendors continued to set up stalls to make a living, undeterred by the weather.

The business at Jinyue Teahouse was also quieter than usual. When Xia Tong arrived, the shopkeeper hurried over to greet her, but Xia Tong didn’t give him a friendly look. After all, he had previously fanned the flames by saying that she was having an affair with the young heir of the duke family, which was pure slander.

“Is there anything the princess would like to eat?” the shopkeeper asked, bowing politely.

Xia Tong lazily leaned back, watching the storyteller below. “Just something casual will do. By the way, what story is he telling?”

At this point, the shopkeeper suddenly smiled and said, “Princess, that person is talking about a story from the Classic of Mountains and Seas.”

Xia Tong said nothing more, and the shopkeeper also retreated. The sound of storytelling filled the entire teahouse, bringing a lively atmosphere to the deserted teahouse.

The snacks were served very quickly. Xia Tong drank the Tianshan Snow Branch tea grown by Gu Qin himself. She had visited the tea garden and found that it was usually taken care of by the servants. He only visited occasionally. She thought to herself, what kind of villain has the leisure to grow tea himself?

“Master, doesn’t that look like Miss Shen?” Fang Yu suddenly pointed at a bright red figure downstairs.

Xia Tong turned to look and saw a woman in a cherry-red cloak, seated alone in a corner on the first floor, sipping tea. However, there were two cups on the table across from her, suggesting she was waiting for someone.

Not knowing whom the woman was expecting, Xia Tong instructed Fang Yu to bring her up.

Once Fang Yu went downstairs, the woman looked up and glanced in Xia Tong’s direction before slowly following.

“How dare you travel alone at a time like this?”

As soon as Shen Xin entered, she frowned at Xia Tong and took a seat across from her. Her complexion was rosy, indicating that her injuries had healed well.

Xia Tong looked at her curiously. “Sister Shen, what do you mean by that?”

With the old emperor gravely ill, even if several princes were vying for power, it wouldn’t concern someone as inconspicuous as her, would it?

The fragrant tea was unique. Noticing Xia Tong’s reaction, Shen Xin glanced at Fang Yu, who immediately bowed and exited the room. Once they were alone, Shen Xin leaned in with a serious expression. “This matter has already been kept under wraps in the palace, but that traitor must know. He hasn’t told you?”

As of now, Xia Tong hadn’t seen Gu Qin, let alone learned any inside information.

“The emperor is gravely ill and likely won’t last much longer. The imperial physician said he has at most half a month to live. Just imagine the current state of affairs in the court—there’s constant movement among the princes. During such chaotic times, the regent is bound to be a target. You should be staying inside your residence and not going out,” Shen Xin warned.

There was something she hadn’t said. No one knew what would happen next. The regent held the military power of the Shenji Camp outside the city. If anyone wanted to make a move, they would likely target Xia Tong.

“Half a month?” Xia Tong was taken aback, not realizing the old emperor’s condition was so dire. A chaotic struggle was inevitable, and she recalled that in the original story, the villain supported a teenage prince to the throne, but still clung to power, ultimately leading to disaster at the hands of the hero and heroine.

It seemed she needed to ask the villain about his plans. After all, they were in the same boat now, and she couldn’t keep in the dark.

“Before, that traitor seemed to spare your Xiahou family, indicating he is not completely insincere towards you. You must think ahead for yourself. That traitor is ambitious, how could he settle for being subordinate to others?” Shen Xin said, frowning.

Upon hearing this, Xia Tong took a sip of her tea, her gaze flickering before she smiled lightly. “It is said that a woman should obey her husband after marriage. At least in my eyes, the prince is better than most hypocrites. No matter what happens, I will stand with him.”

No matter what decision the villain made, she would support him, and she believed her father would do the same.

The woman before her had an ethereal beauty, every smile and frown was captivating. Unlike her usual ambiguous demeanor, Shen Xin now sensed a shift in Xia Tong’s attitude toward the traitor.

With a slight frown, she said softly, “I still stand by my word. No matter what happens, you are my friend, Shen Xin.”

Their eyes met, and Xia Tong felt warmth in her heart. Her efforts to save Shen Xin hadn’t been in vain. However, if Shen Xin ever intended to harm Gu Qin, she would naturally intervene, hoping Shen Xin could soon let go of her prejudice against the villain.

Xia Tong chuckled softly, pouring a cup of tea for Shen Xin. “This is the Tianshan snow branch tea cultivated by the prince—a new variety specially nurtured.”

The delicate fragrance of tea wafted through the room. Shen Xin took a sip and found it refreshing and aromatic. Even she, who wasn’t fond of tea, thought it excellent.

“Sister Shen, were you waiting for someone just now?” Xia Tong suddenly asked.

At this, Shen Xin lightly replied with a soft “Mm,” but didn’t elaborate.

Xia Tong also noticed a distinguished-looking man downstairs. They both remained silent, and eventually, Shen Xin left. Xia Tong gazed quietly at Xiao Ming below, who seemed to notice her stare and looked up.

Xia Tong didn’t particularly like this person. Pulling the curtain to block his view, she returned to nibbling on her snacks.

After a while, she decided to return to her residence. The first snowfall had intensified, making walking difficult, and the cold wind stung her face.

After dinner, Fang Yu informed her that Gu Qin had returned. Perhaps it was the odd nature of people, she had been disdainful of him when he was around, but now that he was gone, she felt strange, even though she had never won an argument with him.

The sky darkened quickly, and the wind and snow continued to howl outside. Xia Tong wrapped herself in a fox fur cloak, carrying a lantern as she stepped through the thin layer of snow toward the study. The light inside was still shining, and Xifeng stood outside, vigilant and alert to any movement nearby.

Upon seeing her approach, he hesitated and said, “Master… is in a meeting with several officials.”

Although he knew that once the princess entered, the prince would certainly attend to her first, the current situation was so critical that they couldn’t afford to waste any time.

Snow had piled high on her fur hat. After a moment’s pause, Xia Tong replied calmly, “Then I’ll head back.”

Forget it, as a supportive wife, how could she take up someone else’s working time?

Seeing this, Xifeng’s expression changed. He had assumed the princess only played clever tricks and often angered the prince, but he didn’t expect her to have such understanding.

Just as she turned to leave, a deep voice suddenly called from inside, “Come in.”

Xia Tong paused and looked blankly at the candlelit study behind her, then looked at Xifeng. Then she handed the lantern to Qing’er, lifted her skirt and pushed the door open and walked in.

At this time, the study had become completely quiet. Several middle-aged men in casual clothes were vaguely glancing at the people who came in. The woman was petite, with a large fox fur hat covering half of her face. But even so, her elegant and refined appearance was still unforgettable. Everyone had heard that the prince was quite fond of his new princess, and thought it was just a rumor, but they didn’t expect it to be true.

Seeing that there were indeed several officials in the study, all of whom appeared to be military officers, Xia Tong was surprised that Gu Qin had allowed her to enter. Didn’t he worry about her interrupting their discussion?

“Step back. Just do as I say. If there’s an unexpected situation, just react accordingly,” the man at the desk said calmly.

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged men quickly bowed and paid their respects, casting another glance at Xia Tong before they began to exit the study one by one.

Once the room was left with just the two of them, Xia Tong removed her snow-covered fox fur coat and walked over, curiously asking, “How is the emperor?”

After a few days apart, Gu Qin pulled her into his embrace and buried his face in her neck, taking a deep breath. He looked weary, with a hint of fatigue in his brow. “You don’t ask how I am, but inquire about another man?”

Xia Tong: “…”

Has this man gone mad? Was he really getting jealous over an old man who was on the brink of death?

“I see you’re doing well. With so many beautiful palace maids in the palace, you must be having a great time,” she replied, turning her head and sitting in his lap, doodling with a wolf hair brush on a piece of rice paper.

Embracing her soft body, Gu Qin’s gaze darkened, his stern features revealing a trace of something different. “Are you jealous?”

Though he appeared somewhat tired after days apart, his poker face showed no signs of a smile, as if someone owed him money. Xia Tong ignored him and continued to draw an ugly little turtle on the rice paper.

“I’m not jealous at all! If you find ten or eight more beauties, I’d welcome them with open arms,” she declared.

Noticing her pale little face, Gu Qin furrowed his brows slightly. He raised his hand and playfully slapped her soft rear, his tone turning slightly cold. “Then why did you come find me, you little spy?”

“You… you’re the spy!”

Xia Tong’s face flushed red, and she pretended to want to get out of his embrace, but her waist was tightly held, making it impossible to escape.

The man’s brows slightly twitched as he lowered his head, locking onto her clear, watery eyes. His large hand slowly reached into the layers of her complex dress, his expression serious. “Knowing that I’m discussing matters with others, you come here at this time and still say you’re not a spy?”