He Brought An Enemy To The Banquet To Flaunt Their Love, So I Calmly Canceled The Wedding...

My betrothed had returned victorious from the battlefield, and standing by his side was a female general who had braved life and death with him on the distant frontiers. At the celebratory banquet, she kept intercepting every cup of wine meant for him. The general once sustained severe injuries while saving me. He truly cannot drink, she said. His Majesty raised an eyebrow as he looked at the two of them. Injured where? If it damaged his vitality, I'm afraid my imperial cousin can no longer marry you. Just then, the dance performance came to an end. As the music stopped, the grand hall fell into sudden, pin-drop silence. I, along with all the civil and military officials, watched the pair with great interest. The man was Lu Shiyan, my betrothed. He had just returned triumphantly from the border, and today's banquet was held in his honor. His glory was unmatched. The woman beside him was named Lin Yao. Lu Shiyan had introduced her as his left-wing deputy general, a remarkable woman he had encountered at the border. Their recent victory owed much to her familiarity with the terrain. During one ambush when their entire army nearly perished, Lin Yao realized there was a waterway leading to safety behind them. She led the troops in a successful retreat, but she herself was nearly killed in the process. It was Lu Shiyan who had risked his life to save her, only to end up gravely wounded himself. The two of them truly shared a bond forged in life and death. I could see it clearly. Their connection ran deep. Lu Shiyan's expression darkened in an instant. Lin Yao bit her lip and hurriedly explained on his behalf, No, the general's injury is not to his vitality. Lu Shiyan frowned. Ah Yao say no more. He raised his wine cup respectfully. Your majesty, your subject would not dare. I didn't see any place where he didn't dare. All I heard was that overly intimate, Ah Yao, that grated on my ears. I clicked my tongue inwardly. This man is tainted now. I don't want him anymore. My eyes met his majesty's, and he immediately understood my meaning. However, since today was Lu Shiyan's celebratory banquet, it wasn't appropriate to humiliate him too severely. This matter could have been glossed over. But after Lu Shiyan rebuked her, Lin Yao's eyes reddened deliberately. Her voice trembled slightly. Ah Yao only wanted to explain for the general. It was Ah Yao's mistake. But the general truly cannot drink. The military doctor repeatedly emphasized it. By the end, her voice carried a choked sob. His majesty, who had been holding up his wine cup on the dragon throne, set it down with a slightly forceful motion, causing some wine to spill. Lu Shiyan's eyes grew even more panicked. Ah Yao, at once. Only then did Lin Yao snap out of it. She hurriedly knelt and kowtowed. Your majesty, spare my life. This humble general was wrong. I shot my imperial brother a glance. He looked somewhat helpless, clearly wanting to discipline this. Green tea. Deputy general himself. It was my turn to step in. Since you've admitted your fault, do you know where you went wrong? I asked. Lin Yao looked at me in confusion, opening her mouth but unable to utter a word. Look at that. She didn't even know what she had done wrong. The atmosphere grew even more tense. Lin Yao remained kneeling motionless. Since his majesty hadn't permitted her to rise, she didn't dare move an inch. Lu Shiyan couldn't stand watching any longer. Princess, please don't make things difficult for Ah Yao. She is from the border and doesn't understand the palace etiquette. His majesty's voice grew heavy with anger. She doesn't understand. But you do, don't you? Only then did Lu Shiyan come back to his senses. My imperial brother was still sitting right there. He was the emperor. And Lu Shiyan had dared to talk back to me. Your, your majesty, your subject misspoke. He stammered. His majesty remained stone-faced and offered no reply. The grand hall was terrifyingly silent, broken only by the soft dripping of the water cloth. Beads of sweat formed on Lu Shiyan's temples. Seeing that his majesty remained silent for a long time, Lu Shiyan shakily rose from his seat and knelt beside Lin Yao. Only then did his majesty appear satisfied. Princess, continue, he said. I had no choice but to step forward in front of the pair. With two kneeling and one standing, I looked down at them from above and felt nothing but misfortune. You have two crimes, I said slowly, raising one finger. First, at the banquet, you repeatedly blocked wine for the general, one cup after another. That was far too ostentatious, overshadowing your superior. I slowly raised a second finger. Second, before his majesty even asked you a question, you spoke out of turn. This is a breach of etiquette in the imperial hall. Since you hold a military position, you are his majesty's subject. If you err, you must be punished according to the rules. Lin Yao's face instantly turned deathly pale. Her lips trembled, but she couldn't speak. His majesty gave a soft acknowledgement. In that case, how does my sister think this deputy general should be punished? Lu Shiyan lifted his head to look at me and pleaded in a low voice. Princess Zhao Rong. I Yao was at fault, but she rendered great meritorious service in this battle. She is well-loved by the soldiers. If she is punished, it might affect morale. I bent down and whispered right next to his ear. What did you say? Speak louder. Neither his majesty nor I could hear clearly. His expression turned extremely ugly, as if he had suffered a great humiliation. Seeing this, Lin Yao suddenly stopped crying. She pressed both hands against the floor. The princess wishes to punish me, yet the general takes the blame. General, say no more. His majesty slammed his hand down hard on the dragon desk. It is not the princess who will punish you. It is I, Lu Shiyan. Your deputy general has repeatedly caused disruptions today. Was this on your orders? Lu Shiyan startled, his face changing drastically. The earlier arrogance he had shown me completely vanished. The tall man in his armor began trembling like a leaf. The clattering of his armor plates, making the officials burst into soft laughter. After all, he is still my fiancée. The engagement hasn't been dissolved yet. I should at least try to salvage some face for him. Your majesty, General Lu is absolutely loyal and would never harbor such intentions. Lu Shiyan nodded vigorously beside me like a pecking chicken. It was all Deputy General Lin acting on her own. It has nothing to do with the general. Correct. I looked at him. He frowned at me, his eyes full of resentment. What kind of person is this? I'm clearly speaking up for him, yet he's unhappy. He gritted his teeth and spat out a single word in agreement. Lin Yao prostrated herself fully. Her head pressed against the back of her hands. She tilted her neck to look at him, her gaze filled with grievance. Lu Shiyan lowered his head, avoiding her eyes. I laughed coldly. In that case, the deputy general shall receive 20 strokes of the cane. Consider it a light punishment as a warning. Upon hearing 20, Lin Yao suddenly raised her head and stared at me in disbelief. In the military, only those who committed serious offenses received 20 strokes. The princess. She didn't dare continue speaking because his majesty let out another soft snort. I leisurely added. It will be the palace cane, which is much lighter than the military one. Even palace maids can endure it when they err. The deputy general has fought on the distant battlefields and possesses a strong, sturdy body. She should be able to handle it as well. Before they could open their mouths, his majesty nodded. Do as the princess says. Take her away, tears filled Lin Yao's eyes. She glared at me with deep hatred as the imperial guards flanked her on both sides and escorted her out. Seeing that Lu Shiyan didn't dare utter another word, she reluctantly followed them out of the grand hall. Lu Shiyan turned his head to watch her figure being dragged away, his face full of anxiety. I said indifferently. Close the hall doors. Do not disturb his majesty and the general. The banquet shall continue. With that, I returned to my seat. His majesty waved his hand lightly. Very well. General Lu, you may rise. Today is your celebratory banquet. How can you remain kneeling forever? Lu Shiyan accepted the order, dusted off his clothes and sat back down. The banquet resumed. Another dancer came forward as if nothing had happened. I was seated not far from Lu Shiyan. The lively music covered his deliberately lowered voice. Chao Rong. You went too far today. Using your status as princess to bully others has left me very disappointed. I nearly choked on a mouthful of wine. His brain really isn't very sharp. I smiled faintly. In that case you should marry Ah Yao instead. Lu Shiyan froze. How could that be possible? She is my deputy general. I only see her as a younger sister. After speaking his gaze toward me shifted slightly. A moment later, he let out a self-mocking laugh. No wonder you were acting so unreasonably today. So it's jealousy. Chao Rong you. I couldn't listen to this anymore. It was truly nauseating. Just then, another dance ended. I raised my voice clearly. General Lu. You still haven't answered his majesty's question from earlier. He looked bewildered. Which question? I stared straight at him. Swear exactly were you injured. Was your vitality damaged or not? Lu Shiyan's face went from red to white. He suddenly stood up abruptly, his armor clanging loudly. Of course not. His expression was full of shame. Your subject was injured in the back. The princess may summon the imperial physician to examine the wound. I looked toward his majesty with a questioning gaze. Shall we examine it? His majesty shook his head slightly. That makes sense. He is a general commanding so many troops and has just returned victorious with high prestige. Today is his celebratory feast. There's no need to make things too ugly. And Eunuch hurriedly ran in and reported. Your majesty. After receiving the 20 palace strokes, Deputy General Lin has fainted. Lu Shiyan immediately tensed up. The anxiety on his face was genuine. How is she? Quickly summon the imperial physician. After speaking, he cautiously glanced at his majesty. His majesty gave a soft acknowledgement, granting implicit permission. Lu Shiyan breathed a sigh of relief. For the rest of the banquet, he remained restless and distracted. When the banquet finally ended, his majesty kept me behind to talk. Lu Shiyan hastily took his leave, practically fleeing the Grand Hall. Only my imperial brother and I remained. Now I could finally drop my composed facade. I grabbed a roasted chicken drumstick from the table, sat down grumpily on the edge of the dragon desk, and declared. Imperial brother. I absolutely will not marry him. My father and his majesty's father were brothers born of the same mother. I had grown up in the palace by our imperial grandmother's side since childhood. Though I was only a commandery princess, I enjoyed the treatment of a full princess. Calling me the pearl of the palace would not be an exaggeration. His majesty leaned back on the dragon throne, exhausted from dealing with the officials all day. Gus, what kind of person you think Lin Yao is? I asked while chewing. A frail woman encountered at the border who somehow keeps achieving miraculous feats one after another. How could there be such coincidences in this world? Could she be an enemy spy? His majesty pondered deeply. You've already guessed it as well. Lu Shiyan had fought for many years. How could he not see this as a honey trap? Yet he went along with it willingly. Why didn't he report it to me? Did he plan to handle it himself, and then present the results? His majesty's fingers tapped lightly on the table, and my heart beat in sync with the rhythm. If this made his majesty suspicious, Lu Shiyan would be finished. After all, adultery and colluding with the enemy were two completely different matters. Worlds apart. Zhao Rong. His majesty looked at me. Go and test him one more time. The night was dark and the wind strong. The palace gate guard reported. Lu Shiyan has not yet left the palace. Deputy General Lin has just received the palace cane, and it is inconvenient for her to move, so she has been arranged to remain in the palace to recuperate. Her residence is not far from yours, so I deliberately passed by. Soft, delicate moans came from the room, so tender they were almost piercing. It hurts, General. It really hurts. Sure enough, Lu Shiyan was there. I gestured for the palace servants to stop and entered the slightly ajar door alone. Inside the room, Lu Shiyan was applying medicine to Lin Yao's back. She had exposed half of her back, covered in overlapping whip marks. It was clear the person carrying out the punishment had shown no mercy. I covered my mouth and chuckled softly. It must have been Imperial Brother's instructions. Lu Shiyan turned his head warily. Lin Yao quickly pulled her clothes back on. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, laughing coldly. It's the middle of the night. General Lu, what are you still doing in the palace? A man and a woman alone together, with diseviled clothing. What exactly are you doing? Lin Yao lowered her head, her cheeks flushing red. The general is only helping me apply medicine. Princess, please don't make it sound so unpleasant. Men and women are different, after all. What propriety is this? Are there no palace maids in the palace? I shouted loudly. Both of them froze. Lu Shiyan lost his patience. Princess Zhao Rong, don't push your luck. Lin Yao retreated slightly, her eyes innocent. But in the army, we all do this. Helping each other apply medicine. My movements halted. I looked at the two of them with disbelief, feeling as if I had just heard something utterly revolting. Ai Yao, listen to my explanation. Lu Shiyan pushed Lin Yao away. I took several steps back, then turned to leave. Zhao Rong. He called after me. I hadn't gone far before he'd up to me outside my residence. I stopped and stared straight at him. Explain then. Explain properly. Maybe you can still save your life. Faced with my sudden calm, Lu Shiyan faltered, unsure how to begin. In the army, conditions are harsh. We all apply medicine for each other like this. Moreover, we went through life and death together on the battlefield. In my eyes, she is no different from the other soldiers. They are all brothers, in arms. I shook my head. Just now at banquet you called her your younger sister, and now she's become a brother, in arms. So, have your other brothers in arms also applied medicine to her like this? Lu Shiyan immediately grew agitated and growled. Don't speak nonsense and damage Ai Yao's reputation. Seeing his reaction, my heart tightened slightly. Lu Shiyan. Don't tell me you've fallen for her. Absolutely not. He jumped as if his tail had been stepped on and immediately denied it. I have a betrothal with you. I am the future prince consort of great Yu. How could I do such a thing? Zhao Rong. In my heart there is only you. Clearly guilty, his words became jumble. Seeing that I didn't respond, he grew even more flustered and continued defending himself. Zhao Rong. We've known each other since childhood. How could you not trust me? I just saw that Ai Yao was alone and suffering with no one to rely on, so I took extra care of her. I continued probing. Alone and suffering with no one to rely on. Isn't she a remarkable woman from the border? Or does she have some other hidden identity? No. He answered decisively. I just felt that joining the army all by herself wasn't easy for her. Besides, all the soldiers in the army are under my command. As their general, it is only right that I look after them. His defense sounded extremely forced. Suddenly, a palace maid came running over in a hurry. Princess. General. It's bad. Deputy General Lin suddenly developed a high fever that won't go down. She's delirious and talking nonsense. Lu Xian's pupils contracted. He immediately wanted to run off. I grabbed his sleeve. There are imperial physicians in the palace. You haven't finished explaining to me yet. Zhao Rong. Stop being unreasonable. He shouted. The anxiety on his face could not be concealed. He frowned at me. Everything Ai Yao suffered today was because of you. I am her fiancée. I should be the one taking care of her in her place. I pointed at myself. Because of me. If it weren't for your jealousy and deliberate targeting of Ai Yao, would she have breached etiquette in the hall? Princess. If you know what's good for you, stop here. She has military merits. She's not like those sheltered young ladies such as yourself. With that, he hurriedly left my residence. I stood there stunned for a moment with my mouth open. Then beckoned to a young eunuch. The palace gates are already locked. How is there still an outsider man wandering around inside? Summon the imperial forest guards. Throw him out for me. The night was cold. I stood at a distance. From here I could only vaguely see the movements, but the voices carried clearly. Shen Du, the commander of the imperial forest guards, kicked the door with a loud bang. General Lu. Remaining in the palace in the middle of the night violates the palace rules. Please leave the palace immediately. Lu Xian had been wiping down the feverish Lin Yao. Startled by the noise, he quickly shielded her behind him. Commander Shen, what is the meaning of this? Deputy General Lin is injured. His majesty permitted her to stay in the palace to recuperate. Shen Du waved his hand. Two guards stepped forward. The atmosphere instantly became taut as a drawn bow. He permitted her, but not you. The palace rules are strict. General Lu, please don't make things difficult for me. Please leave quickly. Shen Du's voice was icy cold, showing not the slightest concession. The imperial forest guards behind him advanced a step, hands already on their sword hilts. Lu Xian's face turned pale. Suppressing his anger, he said. I am the fiancée of Princess Zhao Rong. Staying in the palace for one night is not excessive. Call the princess here. I want to speak with her. Shen Du, who usually disliked wasting words, raised an eyebrow upon hearing my name. This is the princess's wish. Lin Yao, burning with fever, leaned weakly against Lu Xian. General, why does the princess always make things difficult for me? Lu Xian glanced at her and gritted his teeth. Call me by my name. Zhao Rong, Deputy General Lin has a high fever. If something happens to her after being forced out now, can you bear the responsibility? She can stay in the palace with palace maids to attend to her. The general need not worry. Shen Du's face remained expressionless as he made a gesture inviting him to leave. Lu Xian's expression changed drastically. No, she cannot stay in the palace alone. Ah Yao must come with me. He gave her a sharp tug. As soon as her feet touched the ground, Lin Yao fainted. The palace servants rushed to support her. Shen Du finally lost his patience. General Lu stopped causing trouble without reason. His subordinates stepped forward. One seized each of Lu Xian's shoulders, shoving and dragging him as they forced the man outside. The group passed right by me. Lu Xian struggled wildly and shouted, Zhao Rong, you can't leave Ah Yao alone in the palace. I gave no reply. Zhao Rong, I gave no reply. The commotion at Heavenly Pavilion had grown too loud. When my imperial brother sent someone to ask what was happening, I simply answered that the fish had already taken the bait. I heard that Lu Xian had been dragged straight out of the palace. By now it was already the third watch of the night. Yet he still lingered in front of the palace gates, pacing anxiously back and forth, repeatedly ordering the guards to carry messages to me. He wanted to see me one last time. Look at this man, summoning a woman for a secret midnight rendezvous without sparing a single thought for my reputation. I said furiously, right now I'm with Shen Du. We're lying in ambush outside my imperial brother's sleeping quarters. Shen Du instinctively retreated two steps at the words. I leaned in close again and whispered, Do you want to be my husband? Cuff. He hurriedly covered his mouth, the tips of his ears flushing bright red. I sighed inwardly. How utterly boring. My imperial brother had told me that once I dissolved the engagement with Lu Xian, I could choose my own husband. Yet no matter how I turned it over, it would still end up being the sons of the great aristocratic clans. How dreadfully dull. I was only joking. Don't take it to heart. Sheh. One of Shen Du's fingers pressed lightly against my lips. Someone was coming. I gripped his sleeve tightly, not even daring to breathe too loudly. In the shadows beneath the palace wall, a figure crept stealthily toward the emperor's sleeping quarters. His movements were skilled, his king gong exceptionally light. Under cover of darkness the silhouette leaped upward, landing on the roof where it curled into a tight ball, moving as silently as a stray cat within the palace grounds. Unfortunately for the intruder, the roof had already been packed with hidden men. We had laid a vast net here, simply waiting for her to walk straight into the trap. After a brief, fierce clash, four or five figures dropped from the roof carrying a large sack. They gave Shen Du and me a slight nod. Shen Du lowered his voice. Princess, your foresight is truly divine. I released his sleeve and straightened my clothes. It isn't my foresight. It's my imperial brother's flawless preparations. Let's go. I want to see exactly what this remarkable woman who has Lu Xian so utterly bewitched intends to do. Torches blazed all around. Lin Yao had been trussed up tight as a drum and thrown to the ground. A rag was stuffed in her mouth, allowing only muffled whimpers to escape. Princess, this is what we found on her person. I glanced at the object in the imperial guard's hand and frowned slightly. What is it? Reporting to the princess, the imperial physician has just examined it. It is a knockout drug. While at His Majesty's sleeping quarters, she had been preparing to pry loose roof tiles and blow the drug down inside. I drew out a long, oh, making it seem as though everyone inside the emperor's chambers had fallen unconscious. Then she would drop down to assassinate my imperial brother. Lin Yao thrashed like a fish stranded on dry land, struggling with everything she had. I waved a hand, signaling everyone to withdraw. Go report to His Majesty and have the three divisions begin interrogation at once. I still have a few private questions for her. Shen Du frowned. No. What if this traitor tries to harm the princess? I lightly touched his chest with a fingertip. Then you stay behind and protect me. Under the lamplight, Shen Du's face flushed a deeper shade. He tightened his grip on his sword hilt and answered in a low voice. Understood. He took up position at my side, eyes sharp as drawn blades as he stared fixedly at Lin Yao. The palace servants filed out one by one. Now only the three of us remained. I walked up to Lin Yao, crouched down, and looked straight into her eyes, brimming with hatred. I reached out and pulled a plain wooden hairpin from her bun. A lone woman who had grown up in the harsh borderlands, intimately familiar with the terrain, who had led troops through hidden waterways to safety, skilled in martial arts, and who had somehow made even an arrogant man like Liu Xian shelter her at every turn. Such standard training. I lightly dragged the hairpin across her cheek. A red line appeared, and in the blink of an eye half her face swelled grotesquely. Poison. I finished speaking and flung the hairpin away as though it burned my fingers. This is your real weapon. One strike to take a life. If the mission failed, you could still use it to commit suicide. A pity the imperial forest guards were fast enough. Her face was already corroding, black blood seeping out. The sight was utterly revolting. She rolled across the ground in agony. Horse groans tearing from her throat. Ah, I forgot there's still a rag stuffed in her mouth. I looked down, voice indifferent. I'll only ask you one thing. Do you think Liu Xian's feelings toward you were him playing along with your honey trap, or did he truly fall for the act? The rag was yanked from Lin Yao's mouth. She immediately tried to bite her tongue. Shen Du moved like lightning, clamping her jaw shut. Be honest. Don't even think about dying. I rolled up my sleeves and delivered two resounding slaps to the uninjured side of her face. You should know the Three Divisions have hundreds of torture methods. More than enough to make you beg for death. Tell the truth now, and I can still grant you a quick, painless end. Lin Yao's mouth fell open, her chest heaving violently. I leaned down until my lips were beside her ear. Weren't you sent to seduce your master for glory? You were using a honey trap on him anyway. I simply want to hear the results. Tell me, how far have the two of you gone? With that, I sat down on a chair and looked down at her with an expectant expression, as if listening to a storyteller at the market square. Lin Yao stared at me fixedly. She drew a deep breath, and after a long moment she finally spoke. I played your betrothed like a dog on a leash. Everything that needed to be done has been done. He said he would take me home and take responsibility for me. I crossed my legs, even more intrigued. But he is my future husband with limitless prospects. When you seduced him, did he refuse you even once? Lin Yao laughed coldly, her eyes filled with pity as she looked at me. No. The moment he met me, he took the bait. I muttered. Why? Your looks aren't exactly enough to topple kingdoms and cities. Looking at her face swollen like a pig's head, I truly couldn't understand. Playing along with his plan, using soft words to bind him tightly. I mused. Guess whether he knows you're a spy for the northern enemy. Lin Yao froze, mouth hanging open, unsure how to answer. I continued. He grew up studying military strategy since childhood. Could he really not see through such a simple scheme? Ignoring how her face gradually twisted, I pressed on. Guoshuai, at today's banquet, Lu Xian could have easily left you behind, but deliberately brought you into the palace. One victory and one northern enemy spy. More than enough to present as a grand gift to my imperial brother. I smiled. Look at you. After letting him sleep with you for nothing all this time, you suffered humiliation in the hall today, and now you can't even keep your life. Tell me, which organization of the northern enemy do you belong to? How could you trust a man so deeply? Lin Yao let out a shrill scream. Her one open eye glared at me with pure hatred, unable to utter another word. She had completely collapsed. The men from the three divisions hurried inside. I glanced toward the door and said slowly, I've finished questioning General Lu's matter. I will personally report to His Majesty. You gentlemen have worked hard. As soon as they left, I replaced my expression with a cold mask. Even if it's only a verbal victory, I must win it completely against those two. I was determined to make them die, without ever understanding why. Shen Du followed silently behind me. Dawn had begun to break. Morning court would soon begin. After rolling about all night, I went to report to His Majesty. I heard that Lu Xian had stood waiting outside the palace gates the entire night. My imperial brother snorted coldly. General Lu has just returned from campaign and must be exhausted. Let him return to his residence to rest. There's no need for him to attend morning court. His voice was icy. He looked at me deeply. Zhao Rong, go visit his residence today. I understood at once. My imperial brother wanted Lu Xian to disappear. On the way back to my quarters, I was utterly drained, my steps unsteady. Shen Du stepped forward to support me. In the end, he couldn't hold back and asked, Princess, why did you previously help General Lu escape punishment and even credit him with the achievement? It's obvious he had no intention of reporting the spy matter. I leaned on his arm as I walked slowly. His Majesty understands everything in his heart. Those words were for outsiders to hear. I sighed softly. After all, Lu Xian was engaged to me. If word got out that he lost his mind over a woman and even brought an enemy spy into the palace, wouldn't I become the laughingstock of the world? This engagement was arranged by our imperial grandfather while he was still alive. The royal family's dignity must be preserved. We need both appearances and substance. You wouldn't understand this as a block of wood, but I have plenty free time and can teach you slowly. You go rest first. In the afternoon, accompany me to the Lu residence. Shen Du nodded and withdrew. The morning light shone down, golden and brilliant. I stood in the secret chamber, my fingertips brushing over the various instruments, daggers, white silk, poison. I thought for a moment and took them all. Strangle him with the white silk, pour the poison down his throat, and finally stab him a few times. Even that might not be enough to vent my anger. In the afternoon, Shen Du and I arrived at the Lu residence. The imperial forest guards had already secured every entrance and exit. Lu Xian clearly hadn't slept all night. Dark circles ringed his eyes, and his clothes still carried the chill of the night. Seeing me, a flash of joy crossed his face before it was quickly overshadowed by anxiety. Zhao Rong, what happened in the palace? How is Ash Yao? Why did His Majesty send me back to my residence and station so many imperial forest guards to watch it? General Lu. I raised a hand to cut him off, my voice calm. Lin Yao has been imprisoned in the heavenly prison for attempting to assassinate His Majesty. His expression changed drastically. He staggered back a step. How could she attempt to assassinate His Majesty? She's still ill. She couldn't possibly. She couldn't. I pulled out a chair and sat down. Shen Du stood beside me, his hand never leaving his sword hilt. Do you know who she is? Faced with my questioning, Lu Xian tried to appear composed. She's just a lone woman I met at the border. Who else could she be? Familiar with the northern enemy's troop deployments and waterways. Saving you from desperate situations multiple times. The wooden hairpin she wore in her hair. Do you know about it? It contains deadly poison. It was originally meant to kill you, but she realized seducing you with her beauty was enough. Hearing my words, his lips turned deathly pale and his eyes darted away. Impossible. It can't be. Ah, it can't be that she's a spy. Looking at his clumsy attempt at acting, I burst out laughing. We've known each other since childhood. I watched you grow up studying military strategy. How can you start pretending at this point? Pretending about what? His desperate denial was truly ridiculous. I shook my head as if in regret. Last night when she was captured, Lin Yao tried her hardest to clear your name. She said everything was planned by her alone and that you knew nothing. Hoping it wouldn't implicate you. He had still been holding on, but at these words he went limp. His lips fumbled, his eyes filled with disbelief. What did you say? Ah, yeah, she. Looking at his demeanor, and he still dared to claim he had never developed real feelings. How disgusting. Liu Shiyin gripped the edge of the table tightly, his whole body shaking. I am absolutely loyal to his majesty. Zhao Rong, I truly didn't know. I just felt she was different. He practically ground out each word through gritted teeth, looking in great pain. Tsk, how difficult for him. Different. So you love her, right? I finished the conclusion for him, my voice cold as ice. Even knowing she was suspicious, you still held onto a sliver of hope. Thinking you could control her or were moved by what you called deep affection. Liu Shiyin wanted to explain further, but my words had struck his sore spot. For a moment, he was speechless. This man is unbelievably stupid. Blinded by lust, harboring risky thoughts, placing personal feelings above the safety of the nation. He might even enjoy the thrill of the danger. I turned to look out the window and signaled for the men to bring in the poison and white silk. Seeing the items in the imperial forest guard's hands, Liu Shiyin's pupils contracted. He dropped to his knees before me with a thud. Zhao Rong, I know I was wrong. Please beg his majesty to spare me. I truly know I was wrong. He grabbed the hem of my skirt, only to be shoved away by Shen Du. We've had an engagement since childhood. You can't just watch me die. My eyes had already gone blank. I couldn't be bothered to say another word to him. You brought this on yourself. What can I do? Everyone inside and outside has clearly heard you admit to loving an enemy spy. Liu Shiyin panicked and kowtowed repeatedly. Zhao Rong, listen to me. It was only a momentary lapse. I never thought of betraying great Yu, much less betraying you. He crawled forward on his knees, trying to grab my skirt again, but Shen Du blocked him with the scabbard of his sword. Insolence. Shen Du's voice was cold as steel. A momentary lapse. I chuckled softly. If she had succeeded last night, the northern enemy's cavalry would probably be trampling our borders right now. Your actions are no different from colluding with the enemy and betraying the country. I stood up and turned my back. Knowing full well that Lin Yao's identity was suspicious, you still got involved. General Liu. Do you know that all those victories at the border were traps set for you? With that said, it was time for him to depart. I told Shen Du, give him a quick death. No. Liu Shiyin suddenly sprang up, shoving Shen Du aside as he lunged toward me. Caught off guard, I was grabbed by the arm. Zhao Rong, if you save me this time, I swear from now on I'll be a good, loyal husband to you and to His Majesty. He spoke in a rush, his eyes desperate and pleading. Shen Du drew his sword from its scabbard, the tip pointed straight at Liu Shiyan's back. Release the princess. Unexpectedly, Liu Shiyin seemed to have gone mad. Seeing this, he suddenly wrapped his arms around my neck from behind. The situation grew taut as a drawn bowstring. I was under his control, being forced step by step out of the room. Let me go, or we'll die together. Liu Shiyan tightened his grip more and more. Very quickly, I felt I couldn't breathe. Shen Du was tense to the extreme. Veins bulged on the hand holding his sword, but he didn't dare act rashly. Liu Shiyan, you've gone insane. I managed to force out the words with difficulty. It's you who forced me into this. His eyes were bloodshot as he dragged me backward into the courtyard. I only love one person. What crime is that? The imperial forest guards surrounded us layer by layer. Their blades gleamed coldly under the sunlight, but no one dared make a move. His arm tightened further. I was nearly suffocating. Release me from the city and prepare fast horses. He roared at Shen Du, or I'll strangle her right now. Shen Du's face turned ashen, but he had no choice but to raise his hand and signal them to retreat. At that critical moment, an arrow whistled through the air, piercing precisely through the arm around my neck. He let out a miserable cry. Release her. I seized the chance to break free, staggering backward into Shen Du's arms. He caught me just in time. Shen Du shouted loudly. The imperial forest guards swarmed forward, pinning the injured Lu Xian to the ground. I still hadn't recovered. I looked up and saw archers already positioned on the walls. Even pinned to the ground, Lu Xian kept staring at me. Why won't you spare me? I straightened my clothes, walked over, and sat down in front of him. Leaning close to his ear, I whispered, I tricked you. Lin Yao said, from beginning to end, she was only using you, playing you like a dog. She and I are the same. Both of us were luring the general into the trap. Lu Xian stared at me in a daze, letting out a heart-wrenching scream. The last light in his eyes extinguished completely. I stood up and nodded slightly to Shen Du. The blade flashed, blood sprayed three feet high. The once gallant general died right there in his own residence. I tossed Lin Yao's wooden hairpin beside his corpse, then added the northern enemy token we had prepared in advance. According to my imperial brother's plan, Lu Xian had died at the hands of northern enemy assassins. Naturally, we now had the perfect excuse to demand justice for this meritorious general. As I stepped out of the Lu residence, the sunlight was a bit glaring. I raised my hand to shield my eyes. Shen Du silently moved in front to block the sun for me. Princess, please restrain your grief. I paused, then burst out laughing. What grief do I have to restrain? He lowered his head. Your subject misspoke. What is there for me to mourn? My fiancé is dead, but we've eliminated a northern enemy spy and given my imperial brother another reason to send troops. It was a win-win in every way. Only occasionally did I remember the past. The young man who once said he would become a great general to protect me. The young man who once rode horses and played with me had ultimately died in the gentle trap at the border. Shen Du, with me here, Lu Xian is dead. Great Yu lacks a general. I turned to look at him, suddenly remembering that night beneath the palace wall when I had asked if he wanted to be my husband and how his ears had flushed red. Do you want to give it a try? I raised an eyebrow. A fierce ambition blazed in Shen Du's eyes. I knew his abilities were more than enough for the role. As long as I recommended him to my imperial brother, your subject wouldn't dare. He lowered his head humbly. I teased with a smile. You have to go for it. After all, I only marry generals. Shen Du suddenly lifted his head, a flash of confusion in his eyes. I burst out laughing. My mood suddenly felt much lighter. Just teasing you. I turned and walked toward the imperial palace. The hem of my skirt swept across the green stone paving with a soft rustle. Let's go. My imperial brother is probably waiting. I only marry generals, but I never said it had to be him. Let's see how well this one recommends himself and whether he is loyal enough to me. Great Yu has plenty of fine men. If this one doesn't work, I'll simply change to another.