The soldier bowed in acknowledgement and reached out to drag Yu Xiao away. However, due to Pei Qianhao’s earlier kick, Yu Xiao’s legs were trembling as he stood up, and had to be supported by the soldier.
Su Xi-er glanced at Pei Qianhao, wondering how much strength he had used to kick Yu Xiao to cause the latter to almost collapse upon standing up.
When there was no one else left in the tent, Pei Qianhao walked up to Su Xi-er to caress her head. “You’re naughty. Why are you here at the army barracks instead of resting at home?”
“My legs belong to me, not to you. I can go wherever I want.” Su Xi-er answered playfully before she turned serious. “Something is fishy about that man in black. Who is he? Why did he specifically target Yu Xiao? He’s targeted me in the past as well, and he always appears at critical junctures.”
Pei Qianhao stopped stroking her hair as his gaze turned deep. “This Prince is also trying to figure that out. I remember seeing a half-faced man who was a little older than me when I was younger, before my parents passed away.
“He knows you, but he seems to be targeting the people around you instead of going for you directly.” Su Xi-er thought about what Yu Xiao had told them, and realised that the accomplice of the man in black may very well be the Third Imperial Prince.
She then asked, “Is the Third Imperial Prince back in the capital?”
Pei Qianhao nodded. “He entered secretly, and we don’t know where he is now.”
“A-Jing, we both know that’s because you didn’t bother to look into it. Are you waiting for Situ Li to show himself?”
“Exactly. I expect that he will look for Tan Ge.”
Su Xi-er’s gaze turned cold at the mention of Tan Ge. Refusing to heed my words and return to the Western Region and insisting on staying here to complicate matters… working with Situ Li will be setting off on the path of no return. I didn’t stop her from taking revenge on Xie Yun, but now she’s going too far.
“Xi-er, there are some who don’t cherish the chances bestowed upon them, and instead only become greedier. Are you still not going to take back what belongs to you?” Pei Qianhao raised his brows as he asked. The hidden meaning in his words was clear, that there were individuals who didn’t deserve any mercy.
“If she doesn’t cherish the path I’ve left for her, then I’ll just have to reclaim my identity.” Su Xi-er laughed. “It’s not bad being an imperial princess either.”
“You’re the real imperial princess. Tan Ge can never compare to you, even when she uses ‘this Princess’ to address herself in that haughty manner of hers.” My Xi-er naturally emanates a classy royal aura that is without conceit.
Su Xi-er answered proudly. “Well, of course.”
“Xi-er, I’m staying in the barracks for a few days to take care of some matters. It’s more comfortable in the residence, so you can’t stay here with me. Make sure you take care of yourself, okay?” Pei Qianhao embraced her as he spoke.
Su Xi-er rested her head on his chest and listened to his steady heartbeat. “I can’t get a good night’s sleep without you around though.”
Though Pei Qianhao could not bear to leave her, he still said, “Xi-er, I won’t have time to take care of you with how much work I have to get done. I’ll try to return to the residence every morning so that we can have breakfast together though. Besides, Zhen Yu can keep you company.”
“Sounds like you’re going to be really busy.” Su Xi-er looked up and smiled at him. “How long will you be staying here?”
“Three to five days.”
