Following Chu Qingge's words, Xiao Man finally knew that while she was unconscious, Xiao Luo had flown into a rage and led his troops to capture Pingxi City, using the excuse that Yun Qi's spies had assassinated Deputy General Zhao, causing him to be severely injured, so Xiao Luo took the city.
"Murong Shengrui will definitely spit blood when he finds out," Xiao Man said with a helpless smile. Her brother was too protective.
But she liked it.
Chu Qingge, while cracking melon seeds, said, "Whether Murong Shengrui spits blood or not, I don't know, but Deputy General Zhao of Yangguan did spit blood. I heard he was bedridden for half a month before he could get out of bed."
Xiao Man was also helpless. Who told Deputy General Zhao to be the excuse for the attack?
Deputy General Zhao was sitting in his room, and the trouble fell from the sky. It was no wonder he spat blood.
"Sister Chu, why aren't you looking for my brother? Aren't you here to train under my brother? If you don't look for him, how can you train under him? And how can you stay in Yunzhong City?" Xiao Man asked doubtfully. Why had Chu Qingge forgotten the main purpose?
"Don't even mention it. I said I wanted to join the army, and your brother immediately wrote to my father. If it weren't for your injuries not being healed yet, he would have tied me up and taken me back to the imperial capital," Chu Qingge said, feeling a bit of a headache. She had come to Yunzhong City for Xiao Luo. Now, before she could even get her hands dirty, she was being driven away. Wasn't this a trap?
"My injuries will be almost healed in a few more days. By then, my brother will definitely send someone to escort us back to the imperial capital. If you still haven't come up with a plan, then you'll have to return to the imperial capital with me," Xiao Man said, looking at Chu Qingge with pity. It was truly tragic that after only a few days, she had to travel back with her in such a disheveled state.
"What is that look in your eyes? I will absolutely not go back. If I have to go back, you go alone." Chu Qingge was determined. Whether it was by pestering or endless harassment, she would not go back to get married. If she were to marry, she would only marry Xiao Luo.
"My brother is stubborn. If you can't convince him, how can you stay?" Xiao Man's gaze fell on the young servant sweeping the yard, and she asked slowly.
Chu Qingge followed Xiao Man's gaze and only saw the servant's back. "If he doesn't let me stay, do I have no other options? It's just that you'll have to help me then."
"Then what should I tell your father?"
"What is there to tell? I ran away on my own. What does it have to do with you? If you don't help me, I'll tell my father that you kidnapped me. You decide," Chu Qingge threatened.
"Alright, since you've said so, it wouldn't be right if I didn't help you. However, you'll be staying in Yunzhong City alone then. Be careful with everything."
"Don't worry, isn't your brother still here?"
Chu Qingge actually had a plan. Her frequent disappearances these past few days were not for fun. After talking with Xiao Man for a while, she left again.
Xiao Man recuperated in the mansion for two days and was finally able to get out of bed and walk. She eagerly went out and had someone set up a chessboard in the pavilion, preparing tea and pastries, and started playing chess by herself.
At this moment, the steward of the mansion walked in quickly. "Eldest Miss."
"What is it?"
"His Highness Prince Qin has arrived."
Xiao Man almost slid off her stool. Why would Prince Qin be here?
Could he be here to arrest her? What should she do? Should she hide?
"Where is my brother?"
"The General has gone to the army and is not in the mansion."
"Go and entertain His Highness Prince Qin. Don't say I..."
"What, you're afraid to even see me?" Prince Qin, Nangong Yu, had changed out of his white robe and was now wearing a light purple long gown. He looked more worldly than usual, his expression calm and indifferent, as he slowly approached. His peerless face showed no hint of emotion.
"This commoner greets Your Highness Prince Qin." Xiao Man quickly got up and bowed. What a twist of fate, how could Prince Qin have come to Yunzhong City?
"Rise." Nangong Yu sat down in the pavilion, his gaze falling on the uneasy Xiao Man standing beside him. "You have quite the guts to leave the capital without permission."
Xiao Man's heart sank. Was Prince Qin here to demand an explanation?
"Sit down."
Xiao Man hesitated, then sat down opposite Prince Qin and took the initiative to pour tea for him.
"Why has Your Highness come to Yunzhong City?"
"Xiao Luo rashly attacked Yun Qi and captured Pingxi City. This matter concerns the diplomatic relations between the two countries, so I have come to investigate," Nangong Yu said slowly. "I didn't expect you to be here as well. What, have you completely disregarded my words?"
"This commoner would not dare."
Nangong Yu picked up a pastry and his gaze fell on Xiao Man, who was lowering her head. Her graceful head and beautiful eyes were captivating. It was the person in front of him who stirred his heart, making him fall in love before he even realized it.
"Your complexion isn't good. Are you ill?" Nangong Yu's voice was exceptionally gentle, a far cry from the aloof Prince Qin who looked down on all beings.
"It's just a minor ailment. I'll be fine in a few days. Thank you for your concern, Your Highness." Xiao Man couldn't figure out what this formidable figure meant, so she could only be cautious, hoping that His Highness Prince Qin wouldn't trouble her.
"The thief who stole my military orders has been caught."
"Caught!" Xiao Man's face lit up with joy, and then she thought, if Yu Qianmo fell into Nangong Yu's hands, would he rather die than live? When she saw Yu Qianmo again, would he have his tongue cut out, his hands broken, and then be pitifully left on the street to beg for survival?
Thinking of this, Xiao Man shivered violently. "Then how did Your Highness deal with the thief who stole the military orders?"
"Killed."
Xiao Man's hairs stood on end. Killed!
Yu Qianmo's identity was not simple. You just killed him like that? Aren't you afraid the martial arts alliance will try to kill you with all their might?
Oh, right, Xiao Man almost forgot. The outside world didn't know that Yu Qianmo was the precious son of the leader of the martial arts alliance.
"So your suspicion has been cleared," Nangong Yu said, seeing Xiao Man's expression change repeatedly. He couldn't guess Xiao Man's thoughts. He knew that Xiao Man had gone to find Dugu Mingyu, partly because of him.
If he hadn't threatened her, she wouldn't have rashly gone to rescue someone and been injured by Qiu Ziqiu, almost losing her life.
Xiao Man had always been steady. If Prince Qin didn't speak, she could entertain herself for an entire afternoon.
"Play a game of chess with me," Nangong Yu said, knowing that if he didn't find something to do, Xiao Man would definitely treat herself as a wooden person and sit there all afternoon.
"Yes." Xiao Man picked up the chess pieces from the board and, with Prince Qin, black and white, they engaged in a fierce battle on the board. Although the weather was getting hot, fortunately, a cool breeze occasionally blew, bringing an inexplicable sense of peace to one's heart, and only the sound of chess pieces falling on the board could be heard.
Xiao Luo received news that Prince Qin had arrived and hurried back to the mansion, only to see Xiao Man and Prince Qin sitting opposite each other in the pavilion, playing chess, a scene of idyllic peace.