Chapter 5, Long-cherished Wish

Is it intentionally so mysterious

Suddenly, the masked man flipped the hilt of the sword and swiftly thrust it towards Zhao Xian, the blade sharp and unavoidably lethal

In this vast world, Zhao Xian was actually able to find my secluded location, which indicates that those men in black are indeed his subordinates. He also personally admitted that after I returned to Qin with the Qin army, he sent someone to follow me. However, unexpectedly, he lost track of me that night in the mountains and fields, and it took him many days to discover my whereabouts

"He will not harm your child, you cannot stay here any longer!" The masked man gripped my hand again, his strength immense, causing me to gasp in pain

Recollecting the past? There is no "past" between you and me worth reminiscing. The various events of those years were merely a matter of mutual exploitation

This residence, though not as resplendent as the Zhao King's palace, is still magnificent and grand. While it may not match the imposing and solemn grandeur of the Zhao Cheng Marquis's estate, it possesses a robust, ancient charm and an elegant dignity. As I walked along the path just now, under the night lights, the towering trees, exquisite pavilions, and spacious courtyards created a sparse yet profound impression.

I wanted to shake off his hand, but I couldn't. I angrily said, "I don't need your help; I don't even know you."

Suddenly, my hand was grasped by Zhao Xian, his face beaming with a bright smile. "Mei Xi, I never expected that after twelve years, you still shine brilliantly." His fingers caressed my cheek, "This face is as smooth as jade, these hands are as fair as fat, and these eyes are captivating. Mei Xi, why do you not show any signs of aging?"

Zhao Xian directly lifted his robe and sat down, smiling as he poured wine, "A beautiful time and scenery, drinking and admiring the moon with a beautiful person, is one of life's greatest pleasures"

Fury etched on his face, he said fiercely: "If it were not for your somewhat decent appearance, I would not even spare you a glance. To have you is a tremendous honor for you, do not be ungrateful."

The masked person mentioned by the young lady is unknown to me. They respectfully withdrew.

I suppressed the disgust in my heart and urged him to drink again, "Why are you not drinking quickly, my lord?"

Oh? Zhao Mu? Mei Xi has never heard of this person, he is...

Hao'er was taken away by a servant, and he led me to the room, the very one I had stayed in before. The furnishings remained unchanged, the bronze dressing mirror was still there, as if I had never left. I had merely slept for a night, and upon waking, I was still in the tender age of fifteen.

However, under the eaves, I can only feign compliance and obediently sit down to accompany him in drinking.

The guards increased in number, and the swordsmen in the residence also rushed to intercept the assassin. The masked figure's techniques changed abruptly, becoming both fierce and swift, striking with precision.

I poured the wine and handed it to him, "Lord, with your literary and martial prowess, how can such a young lad compare to your dominance and strategy?"

"My lord, is there anyone in this world who does not grow old?" I smiled lightly, withdrew my hand, and said, "I am already a mother, no longer comparable to those graceful young ladies."

The masked man drew a sword from his waist, the sharp screech piercing the eardrums.

I was taken aback and immediately adjusted my disheveled clothing, "You are..."

Could it be that this man in black knocked Zhao Xian unconscious? Why did he do this? Who is he?

The guards at the marquis's residence were vigilant, and soon they discovered our whereabouts, surging towards us like a tide to intercept us

I hurriedly called out to them, "May I ask who the owner of this residence is?"

His gaze fell upon me, and his beautiful black eyes moved slightly

This masked person is truly inexplicable

I am not angry either, gazing calmly, yet my heart feels nauseous. "How could you not know, my lord, that a thousand cups cannot intoxicate you! It is merely a reunion after a long separation; my lord should drink a few more cups.

This person's swordsmanship is vastly different from that of Ruthless; it lacks the strength and dominance of Ruthless's sword energy, yet their skills are not weak. I had just thought that Ruthless had arrived at the Marquis's residence to rescue me, but now I understand that the masked person is not Ruthless

"Step back, step back!" Zhao Xian commanded tremulously, as if he had no other choice

The smell of alcohol sprayed across my face, and I recoiled in disgust. Zhao Xianwei squinted his eyes and leaned in, attempting to kiss my lips. I once again subtly turned my head away, my hands and feet growing colder, and the hatred in my heart intensifying.

"The young lady will know soon, I take my leave now," a maid replied

"Do not pursue any further." Zhao Xian, despite his reluctance, had no choice but to compromise

His brows are adorned with a smile, a kind of impatient and lascivious grin, "How can those common and superficial beauties compare to the enchanting allure of Mei Xi?"

His lips fell on my neck, eagerly wandering around, warm breath spreading. I remained motionless, allowing his anxiety to take over. He sensed my resistance and suddenly grasped my chin, his eyes, filled with desire, instantly sharpened with a piercing light, "What? Unwilling?"

With my gaze fixed, masked figure, I await the moment you reveal yourself

I stood by silently, cold and unresponsive

Zhao Xian naturally agreed and instructed the servants to attend to my bathing and changing of clothes

Zhao Xian waved his hand, and the smile on his face diminished, "This marquis does not dare to take credit; the true hero of this joint effort to eliminate the Kingdom of Wu is Zhao Mu."

"If I find someone catching up, the lord will meet a gruesome end," the masked man threatened

The courtesan in the eyes of the world, enduring humiliation and bearing the burden in Wu, subjected to the ravages and torment of the brothers of the King of Wu, her fame spread far and wide, yet I remain indifferent, completely unconcerned, and do not feel the need to explain—there is simply no need for an explanation, for no one would believe it.

He glanced at me, noticing my coldness and resistance, yet he did not seem to care much, and with an unchanging smile, he said: "Mei Xi, accompany me for a few drinks, let us reminisce about the past."

Rushing to a secluded corner, the masked man struck fiercely at Zhao Xian's nape. Zhao Xian closed his eyes and collapsed to the ground. In the next moment, the masked man grabbed my wrist and sprinted through the night-shrouded city of Handan

Indeed, my lord, if Mei Xi and Hao Er return to the marquis's residence and the King of Qin finds out, what shall we do

Bronze handle, inlaid with gold, a piece of warm jade embedded in the handle, the jade radiates a flowing light

He laughed uncontrollably, his smile lewd and depraved

Zhao Xian arrived here, his face filled with anger, and he shouted in a deep voice: "Capture them for me!"

Who exactly saved me? Why did they save me

Zhao Xian, twelve years ago, I voluntarily came to the Hou residence to get close to you with ulterior motives; later, I chose to become the woman of King Qin also because of the responsibilities and missions I bore. Twelve years later, do you still think you can control me as you please? I will no longer allow myself to be bullied, especially not by you

The guards and swordsmen, upon seeing Zhao Xian captured by the assassin, wished to step forward to rescue him, yet were concerned that it might endanger his life, leaving them momentarily at a loss as to what to do

Zhao Xian felt the chilling murderous intent behind him, and was greatly alarmed. He staggered to evade, but was soon caught by the masked man, who placed a sword against his neck

Zhao Xian touched my hand, caressing it wantonly, "It doesn't matter if you drink a few more cups, as long as you serve me well tonight."

I held the bronze cup and said softly: "My lord, I raise a cup in honor of you."

I was slightly taken aback and innocently said: "How could I dare! It has been twelve years since we last met, at this moment, how could the Lord not drink a few more cups?"

While bathing and pondering strategies, I secretly vowed never to let him touch me

"Everyone step back!" The masked man shouted, exuding an indescribable aura of authority. His sword blade approached Zhao Xian's neck, coldly stating, "If you want to die, let them come forward to kill you."

He patted my hand to comfort me, saying, "I know you do not wish to return to Qin, but you are already the Mei Ji of the King of Qin. This fact cannot be changed. Ying Hao is a prince of Qin, and we cannot allow him to be left out in the cold, can we?"

I coldly blinked, "Since Mei Xi is merely a worn-out shoe in the eyes of the world, why should the lord care so much? It would be better for the lord to avoid touching this filthy body of Mei Xi."

His judgment seems quite fair, but it is also evident that he harbors disdain and contempt towards his nephew

I responded with a sorrowful smile, "What the lord has said, I understand clearly."

This is a unique secret technique taught by the master

I was not mistaken; he still wants me to return to the Qin state to act as his spy, gathering intelligence on the Qin state's political and military defenses to contribute to his grand ambitions. Before sending me back to the Qin state, he can finally fulfill his long-held desire—the woman he could not touch twelve years ago; tonight, he can have his wish fulfilled

The crowd was astonished, and the guards rushed to rescue the people. A swordsman from the residence arrived, deflected the masked man's sword, and engaged him in combat.

Then, he pressed me down onto the couch, tightly gripping my hands, his wicked lips ravaging my lips, neck, and shoulders, before swiftly sliding down... My fingers clutched a silver needle as fine as a cow's hair, waiting for the moment when his grip loosened slightly, so that I could accurately pierce a vital point on his head, after which he would fall into a deep sleep, indulging in a fragrant and splendid dream, awakening only after an hour.

I smiled faintly and said, "I am deeply honored by your lordship's kindness, and I am truly unworthy. I humbly request your lordship to show mercy."

To capture the thief, first capture the leader

The coldness in Zhao Xian's eyes suddenly intensified, "Show some mercy? This lord has waited for twelve years, and tonight I shall finally have a taste of my long-held wish. Do you think it is possible for this lord to let you go?"

The sound of metal clashing resonated in my ears, the sword energy surged, and the sharpness intensified. I was tightly held by the masked man, weaving through the long halberds and sharp swords, dodging left and right in accordance with his movements. At times he would release me, at times he would push me to the right, at times he would pull me to the left, and at times he would shield me with his arm across his chest, leaving me dizzy, breathless, and gasping for air

Having reached a point of no return, I can only leave first and make further plans later

I know that he will definitely not let me go, given his reputation for being fond of beauty, how could he possibly miss such a good opportunity

Zhao Mu holds military power, while no matter how great Zhao Xian's authority is, it is still beyond his capability. With the power slipping away, he is naturally very unwilling to accept it. This time he has summoned me back, surely with some ulterior motive in mind

He spoke with a hint of meaning: "This lord is known for being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk; do you think I am unaware of your intentions? Tonight, you cannot escape."

He laughed indulgently, his laughter growing increasingly arrogant

I scoffed coldly in my heart, "With so many beauties in the marquis's residence, how could the marquis possibly remember Mei Xi?"

Twelve years later, I did not expect to return to the Zhao Chenghou Mansion.

This person seems to be extremely familiar with Handan City, weaving left and right, turning around in circles. Before long, we rushed into a side door of a courtyard. Although I was surprised, I did not ask any questions. The masked man asked me to rest for a moment in a side room, saying he would be back shortly.

I will not leave. I shook off his hand, saying, "My child is still in the Marquis's residence, I cannot abandon him"

"My lord, have another drink." I deliberately spoke in a soft voice, my smile charming.

I raised my sleeve to cover my face, poured the wine on the ground, and then said: "In this campaign to eliminate Wu, the Marquis is the great contributor, I toast to you once again."

Just as I was about to rest, a knock sounded at the door in the quiet night. As expected, it was Zhao Xian. Following him were two servants. The dishes and fine wine were served on the table, and the servants exited the room, closing the door behind them

I no longer wish to engage with him, feigning fatigue, "My lord, the journey has been bumpy, and I am a bit tired. May I rest for a while?"

The sword strikes through the vast sky, swish swish swish, the sword techniques are graceful, with strength weighing a thousand pounds, even when fighting with one hand, it is more than sufficient.

In the midst of contemplation, two maids entered, arranged the drinks and pastries, and then withdrew.

If I am not mistaken, Zhao Xian regards Zhao Mu as a thorn in his side and a splinter in his flesh

In the next moment, he grasped my waist, forcing me to leave with him. I struggled to pry his hand away, but I could not break free.

Well said! Zhao Xian raised his head and drank the wine in his cup, exuding a spirit of grandeur.

I bit my lip in silence, and Zhao Xian let out a cold snort, "You have served the King of Wu for twelve years, is that not enough? I am willing to take you, this worn-out shoe, yet you still resist me? Mei Xi, this is your honor"

The侯府 has not changed much, nor has Zhao Xian. He remains ambitious and full of aspirations, though there are now some fine lines at the corners of his eyes and on his forehead. Time flies like a shuttle, and who can escape the erosion of time

The masked person who just brought me here, is he the master of your household

He furrowed his brows, his handsome eyes exuding a chilling aura, "Unaware of what is good for you!"

Zhao Xian noticed that I was alone and quickly walked over. The masked man became alert to his movements, turned the blade of his sword, and stabbed one person to death. He then hurried over, with the sword's tip aimed directly at Zhao Xian's back

The masked person gestured to me, and I retreated towards the back door, rushing out of the侯府.

Stepping into the array of swords and halberds, one truly encounters life-threatening dangers

Zhao Xian consecutively drank three cups, squinting at me with a gaze that seemed intoxicated, "Do you want to get me drunk?"

In the eyes of this lord, Mei Xi's beauty is unparalleled in the world Zhao Xian flattered, with a charming smile

They have never obtained me

In his dreams, he would experience an intense and splendid romance, and upon waking, the memories would be vivid, as if he had truly shared a passionate encounter with me. He would never suspect that he had been schemed against, nor would he realize that the beautiful dream he believed in was merely a fleeting illusion.

Zhao Xian was tearing at my clothes, and I quietly raised my hand. Just at that critical moment, the person pressing down on me suddenly buried his head on me, motionless, as if dead. I immediately pushed him away, and after propping myself up, I saw a tall figure in black standing beside the couch, his face covered with a black cloth

Upon hearing this, the masked man dared not linger in battle, releasing me. The long sword danced gracefully, a streak of sharp light cutting through the night sky, slaying three men. Immediately afterward, he soared into the air, flying gracefully, with sword radiance shooting in all directions, a chilling aura of killing intent spreading, intimidating the entire scene

He drank heartily, showing no signs of intoxication. Could it be that he truly is immune to drunkenness, no matter how many cups he consumes?

Rest assured, the King of Qin will not know. However, I will send someone to inform the King of Qin and then escort you back to Qin

Zhao Xian believed that I was deeply trapped in the cage of the Wu Kingdom, completely unaware of the world situation, and explained: "Zhao Mu is the eldest son of the king's brother. Unlike his father, he resembles his grandfather, being well-versed in military strategy and excelling in tactics. He holds great prestige in the army and is highly valued by the king's brother. Unfortunately, he is still young and impetuous, arrogant and overbearing, with little regard for others."

Zhao Xian looked at me, his expression devoid of drunkenness, yet enveloped in a heavy aura of alcohol. His gaze gradually became dazed, fixating on my face, burning into me. ... His desires surged, and he slowly rose, embracing me as we walked towards the bed.

I cannot help but speculate about the identity of the masked individual; this residence is certainly not something an ordinary person could possess. If he is the master of this residence, then he is no ordinary person; if he is acting on someone else's orders, then the one who saves me must be the master of this residence

I pretend to be unaware, yet in truth, I am fully aware. Young Master Zhao Mu is well-known among the world; he is intelligent, handsome, and at the age of thirty, he remains unmarried without concubines. He joined the army at fifteen, achieved merit at twenty, and for the past ten years, he has been stationed at the northern border defending against the Xiongnu, repelling their invasions more than twenty times, demonstrating both literary and martial prowess. Three years ago, he held the command of four hundred thousand troops in the Zhao state, wielding power that overshadowed the court, to the extent that even the former powerful Zhao uncle Zhao Xian had to regard him with caution. Now, in the hearts of the Zhao people, Young Master Zhao Mu has long since replaced Zhao Chenghou Xian, and the people say that the Zhao King intends to establish Zhao Mu as the crown prince.

"Come with me!" His voice was deep as he pulled my hand and walked towards the door

During the twelve years in the State of Wu, whenever King Wu and Duke Wen of Wu summoned me to serve them, I dealt with them in this manner. They all believed that Mei Ji could not resist their favor, thinking that Mei Ji received their arrogant affection under their patronage, yet they never considered that the twelve years of favor was merely a dream.

Good sword