Chapter 08: Going to Death

I remain silent

Helan Zhen stepped forward and gently caressed my face with the hand that had just injured Xiao Ye

He looked at me coldly and called out to the door, "Someone, drag this wretched maid away."

Suddenly, I find it absurd and laughable; in the past eighteen years, with golden halls and jade steeds, and a splendid life, I have actually desired nothing, and there is nothing I wish to cling to.

I broke free from his embrace, yet I did not scold him; I simply looked at him quietly

As night fell, I lay down fully clothed, while Xiao Ye stood at the door with a knife in hand

He sneered, "The Turkic prince has been childless for many years, and only now does he remember the son left behind in Helan from that one night of passion!"

The burly man with a twisted beard dragged me back while smiling ingratiatingly.

I gazed at the solitary and graceful profile of Helan Zhen, feeling a twinge of pain in my heart that I could not bear.

Is this the splendid youth that I take pride in

In a moment of bewilderment, I nearly exclaimed in surprise

The man in gray laughed heartily, and before leaving, he bent down to take another look at me, his expression one of covetousness. "What a pretty face, but unfortunately, she is a madwoman... Brother, keep a close eye on things; it looks like a deal will be finalized in the next couple of days. Don't let the silver slip away!"

"It was my negligence that allowed her to take the opportunity to set the house on fire and escape amidst the chaos." Xiao Ye bit her lip and shrank back slightly

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he shouted loudly: "Whose little whore has escaped? Whoever I catch will be mine!"

He glanced at Xiaoye and said, "A moment of negligence almost ruined my great undertaking"

Helan Zhen seems to be recounting a distant tale, narrating it gently, with a hint of a smile at the corners of her lips

At noon, the carriage gradually moved slowly, outside there were voices of people and the neighing of horses, faintly suggesting a lively atmosphere

A figure emerged from the corner, and suddenly the surroundings darkened as a robust silhouette enveloped me in shadow

In the blink of an eye, I was thrown towards that bearded man.

Xiao Ye shuddered and lowered her head, trembling as she said, "This servant is bold, and earnestly requests the young master to prioritize the great cause of revenge and not to be distracted by the allure of women"

I was taken aback, staring wide-eyed in disbelief

The Helan King arranged for her to marry the most noble warrior of the entire clan. On the day of her wedding, a Turkic prince, captivated by her beauty, publicly seized her during the ceremony. The Helan King, fearing to offend the Turks, did not dare to anger the prince, and her parents and brothers could only watch helplessly as she was humiliated. She was merely a timid woman, lacking the courage to resist. After being defiled by the Turkic prince, she gave birth to a pair of twins.

After passing through several thresholds, turning left and right, I finally came to a stop

The faint moonlight behind him cast a glow on his snow-white attire, making him appear even more desolate

And I have become a pawn in his quest for revenge

Blood trickled from the corner of Xiaoye's lips, her face pale as paper, trembling and unable to speak

In the Helan Kingdom, there once lived a beautiful and noble princess, so noble that even a mere glance at her felt like an act of desecration

I have nowhere to retreat, I opened my mouth, but could not make a sound

Before his words had finished, he stepped into the room and suddenly flipped his hand, sending Xiao Ye flying out.

As I gazed outside, the night was deepening, and thick fog enveloped the surroundings. There was no room left for hesitation. I gritted my teeth and rushed out the door.

Helan Zhen still held her head up, as if she had turned to stone.

A sudden tightening in my heart, as if thrown to the clouds, only to plunge into the depths.

Has he ever cared for my safety?

In that fleeting glance, I seemed to catch sight of the distant barracks

Suddenly, the scene brightened, and at the open door stood Helan Zhen with his hands behind his back

Stop! I shouted

Helan Zhen was silent, the moonlight shining on his face, pale enough to be frightening

"Look at me!" He gripped my chin tightly, gazing at me intently, "Awu, Awu... do you also despise me?"

He arrived late, a full day late... Inside Helan City, corpses piled up like mountains, and blood flowed like rivers. More than three hundred members of the royal family were all executed, with not a single woman or infant spared. Originally, he still held a glimmer of hope, expecting that his mother, having been expelled from the royal family, would not be among those executed. However, when he reached the village where his mother lived, the entire village had already turned into a sea of flames. After the fire, he found two charred corpses among the ruins of his home, his mother tightly holding his sister, both having met a tragic end.

I have not forgotten, nor do I dare to forget he said淡淡开口

He released his hand and gazed at me gently

As soon as dawn broke, the horsemen set out immediately, heading straight for Ning Shuo

I leaned forward, listening intently through the tightly drawn curtains of the car, taking a deep breath, hoping to catch even a hint of a familiar scent in this dry, cold air

His gaze was as cold as ice, staring at me for a moment, then suddenly a fleeting smile appeared, like a spring breeze sweeping over the emerald waves of a pond, "Alright, I will personally keep watch over you"

His gaze seems to possess a strange power that captivates me

He said, it seems that a deal can be made in the next couple of days—this statement carries significant meaning

I lay on his shoulder, unable to move, my heart trembling violently, as countless thoughts swirled within me, in a state of utter confusion

He Lan Zhen approached with his hands behind his back, not looking at me, his gaze merely brushed past her lightly, "Xiao Ye, how did she escape"

The fire has been extinguished, leaving the corridor in a state of chaos, charred and smoky.

She and her two children were regarded as a great disgrace by the royal family. From that point on, King Helan refused to acknowledge her identity and expelled her and her children from the palace. Only her loyal chief guard remained by her side, helping her raise her two children and teaching her son to read and practice martial arts

If he is truly someone sent by Xiao Qi, then Xiao Qi must already be aware of He Lan Zhen's plan. They will take action in three days, and Xiao Qi's people have already quietly infiltrated, ready to assist at any moment. Within two days, they will surely take the initiative.

Xiao Ye knelt on the ground, her face disheveled, still bearing traces of smoke and fire

I hugged my knees and shook my head, offering a faint bitter smile

It is him, I have seen this person!

"Killing is actually very simple." He looked at me, smiled, and brushed aside a strand of my messy hair, "I don't care how many people I kill, but the thought of having to kill you... makes me very unhappy."

He knows that I am in a perilous situation, living in constant fear day and night

Even when trapped in a pack of wolves, one can still see the faint glow of fire in the distance

The burly man with a twisted beard darkened his expression as he stepped forward, his right hand spread wide like an eagle's claw, the joints protruding, producing a terrifying cracking sound.

I hurriedly sat up, pulling the bedding in front of me for cover

Thinking of Xiao Qi brings him close by, and even though I do not know what exactly he is planning, I cannot help but feel a heart full of joy

He Lan Zhen! I was filled with both shock and anger, unable to believe that this person, clad in pure white and untouched by any filth, could so casually disregard the lives of others.

Only the man in the gray coat and boots chuckled coldly, "It's all well and good, but such a living person cannot be returned to you for free"

Before I could recover from my shock, this man had already lifted me up by the waist and was striding back.

He tilted his head back, finally unable to stop the tears from falling.

Having long known that I was abandoned and pushed into a desperate situation, I no longer hoped for others... Yet, in the depths of despair, I suddenly saw a ray of the brightest light, dispelling the darkness before me. The person I least expected appeared at the most critical moment

When they went to great lengths to infiltrate the private prostitution ring run by traffickers, Xiao Qi had already made arrangements quietly, just waiting for them to fall into the trap

If we were to meet here, how would he be, and how would I be

I was momentarily stunned, wanting to laugh but unable to do so, and for a moment, I couldn't think of any wishes.

Xiao Ye's face suddenly turned ashen, her eyes widened in shock, staring at him vacantly, her body tensed and rigid

Is this Ning Shuo? The Ning Shuo where people are... A thought suddenly arose, and I became aware of my own impropriety, my cheeks slightly flushed

The man in gray took the silver, spat on the ground, and scoffed, "You little wench are quite a looker, surely you can fetch a good price."

"Damn it, this little wretch doesn't know what's good for her!" The voice of the burly man with a twisted beard rang out, "Thank you, brother, for helping to capture her; otherwise, the shiny silver would have been lost!"

Even if one day I disappear from this world, my parents, my brother, and my son... They will certainly feel sorrow, but after temporarily forgetting their grief, they will continue to live on, peacefully growing old after a life of glory, and nothing will be different

He ultimately came to save me

"How could it be you?" He approached me, getting closer and closer.

I was taken aback and looked up, only to have my mouth covered by that person, who then dragged me into a secluded spot under the eaves

Helan Zhen glanced at me, not in anger but with a smile, saying, "What a fiery woman, very good, excellent indeed"

Upon entering the territory of Ning Shuo, He Lan Zhen became increasingly cautious and careful, indicating his profound apprehension towards Xiao Qi

What does Xiao Qi want to do

Helan Zhen looked down at her and asked, "What did you say?"

Aren't you tired? I am tossing and turning, unable to sleep, so I might as well sit up. How about we sit down and have a chat?

Occasionally, when my gaze meets Xiaoye's, it remains cold and distant, yet the previous hostility has faded away

A group of people stood there, each with their hands hanging down, standing in silence without a sound

His gaze lingered intently on my face

Xiao Ye collided directly with the corner of the wall, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood, and collapsed to the ground

Such a person, burdened with pain, desperately seeks a glimmer of warmth but finds none; filled with hatred, yet utterly alone and helpless

His complexion was pale, his eyes were bloodshot, and his face was filled with a fierce expression

I was bound with my hands behind my back, the pain penetrating to my bones. Reflecting on the words of that burly man before he left, my heart was stirred with extraordinary emotions

If heaven would allow me to obtain a beautiful thing, it would surely be destroyed before my eyes. The more I cherish it, the less I can have it. They are not wrong; I was born under an ill omen, a cursed person, for everything I love will be destroyed before me

He Lan Zhen sat upright on the chair, dressed in white, with a desolate demeanor and an expressionless face

The wheels roll on, drawing ever closer to Ning Shuo, and I find myself harboring a glimmer of anticipation

The guard outside immediately dragged Xiao Ye out. Just before leaving, she slightly opened her eyes and unexpectedly gave me a sorrowful smile

What kind of person is my husband

I will tell you a story. He raised his face, a faint smile on his lips, and without further ado, pulled me to sit by the bed.

He Lan Zhen turned away, no longer casting a glance at her, and coldly stated, "Without imposing severe penalties, there can be no deterrent effect. Seize her, and sever her right hand."

"He Lan Zhen." I looked deep into his eyes and softly called his name for the first time, "Why must there be killing? Why must there be revenge?"

At that time, the malicious mockery, the capricious humiliation, the torment forcibly imposed on me, do I detest it?

This is Xiao Qi, this is the husband I have married

"Do you not have any wishes?" Xiao Ye turned around in surprise and glared at me

Helan Zhen remains with me in the car, all the while simply closing her eyes in concentration, occasionally feigning sleep, and at times appearing to be deep in thought

He reached out and twisted my arm, causing a sudden, excruciating pain in my shoulder, yet my heart was filled with a mix of sorrow and joy

Throughout the entire day, Xiao Ye remained by my side without leaving for a moment, while outside the door, guards stood watch, and He Lan Zhen seemed to have vanished completely

She suddenly looked up, staring at me, her eyes seeming as if they were about to bleed.

"Step back." His face was shrouded in deep darkness, like a shadowy specter, indistinguishable.

In the midst of danger, my mind is filled with chaotic thoughts

Everything is as calm as still water, yet beneath the surface, unseen currents are surging and churning.

Helan Zhen turned back and glared at me coldly

Xiao Qi, Xiao Qi, this name lingers in my heart at all times

At that time, the sorrowful gaze, the anger when mentioning relatives, and even the warmth of the coat in the car, do I detest them?

I escaped without involving anyone else. Even if you personally keep watch, I will still escape. I raised my eyebrows at him and said, "Helan Zhen, do you only know how to vent your anger on the innocent and bully the weak?"

I proudly met his gaze, my heart calm and markedly different from before, increasingly fearless

Through the car curtain, nothing is visible, and the sounds are noisy and indistinguishable

The man forcefully grabbed her hair, twisted her right arm behind her back, and was about to break it painfully.

He said this as he reached out to pinch my chin

"Apart from Lao Tian, you are the only one who has seen me in the throes of my illness... Am I not very useless?" He lowered his gaze and smiled bitterly, "For many years, no one has treated me like that... After my mother passed away, no one has fed me medicine like that again"

I blurted out, "Why didn't he admit to this child before?"

On the day of departure, a burly man whipped the woman who was crying and pleading. In retrospect, it was indeed this person!

Xiao Ye's body trembled slightly, and she bowed her head deeply, "This servant knows her crime and awaits the young master's punishment"

His expression turned cold, "What use is punishing a useless person like you?"

"I owe you a favor; if you have any last wishes before you die, you may tell me." She spoke coldly, yet did not turn her head.

I was pushed out of the car by him, and I only had time for a hurried glance before being covered with a hood, plunging once again into darkness

Do I detest him?

The hood was pulled off, revealing a clean and bright room before me, with a small courtyard of blue tiles and white walls outside the door

My heart tightened, as if I could clearly see that horrifying scene, witnessing the desperate and frenzied youth emitting a heart-wrenching cry amidst the ruins

Young master! Little Ye knelt and saluted, yet stood in front of the door, refusing to move aside.

The cheeks, which had just flushed with excitement and joy, gradually grew cold, along with the rest of the body beginning to feel chilly

In a state of shock, I jumped out of bed, disregarding the fact that I was only in my undergarments, and hurriedly helped Xiao Ye up

At this moment, he resembled a lonely and helpless child, completely devoid of his usual ruthlessness

The burly man with a thick beard accompanied his laughter, took out a piece of broken silver from his sleeve, and said, "Just a small token, to buy my brother a pot of wine. This is my first time out in business, and I hope you will look after me on the road ahead"

Her children gradually grew up, and the three of them relied on each other for survival, living a difficult life in humiliation. At this time, however, the Turkic prince sent someone to seek them out and forcibly took her son away

I silently clenched my fist, my palms drenched in sweat, my heart stirred with excitement, unable to distinguish whether it was relief, sorrow, or longing

A heart that has been suspended for a long time seems to have returned to its cavity.

He gripped my hand tightly, his fingers cold, devoid of any warmth

Someone knocked twice on the car door through the curtain, and He Lan Zhen nodded, tapping the car wall in response to indicate that everything was safe and sound

However, his hatred, his enmity, is directed towards my husband

In the darkness, the person's face could not be discerned, but the voice, thick with an accent from beyond the pass, felt strangely familiar

The moonlight from the frontier shines through the window, casting a cold, frost-like glow on the ground

The gate of the post station is just ahead, yet at this moment, the crowd is mixed, making it difficult to distinguish between friend and foe, and I do not dare to call for help recklessly

I bit my lip, yet I couldn't help but smile

This time I was finally bound hand and foot, with a cloth strip stuffed in my mouth

He mentioned what, King of Yuzhang, he mentioned the King of Yuzhang

The bearded man pushed me into the Helan Zhen room

She ignores me

Not long after the child was taken to Turkic territory, war broke out between the Central Plains and the Turks. Helan, caught between the two nations, suffered greatly from the ravages of war, and the people had long been unable to sustain their lives. The child, being in Turkic territory, was fully aware that their family was enduring immense suffering, yet felt powerless to help.

His gaze was fierce, forcing me to have nowhere to escape

I was greatly astonished, turned my head to look around, but did not see He Lan Zhen's figure, only Xiao Ye standing coldly in front of me

The figures of my brother, parents, and Zidan flashed before my eyes ... If I were to truly die here, at least they would grieve for me.

I am no longer all alone

"I am but a lowly servant, my death is of no consequence. I implore you, young master, to allow me to finish this sentence in light of my past service to you!" Xiao Ye stubbornly raised her head, tears welling in her eyes, and said, "We have waited so many days for revenge, and so many lives have been lost. Success or failure hinges on tomorrow's action! Young master, have you forgotten the deep-seated enmity of the Helan clan?"

Could it be that, from the moment I was kidnapped to the grassland, Xiao Qi already knew their whereabouts

I am at a loss for words, yet tears gradually well up in my eyes

He lowered his gaze at me and said, "You resemble her very much"

Xiao Ye choked with tears, yet stubbornly bit her lip, refusing to cry out loud

"Do not ruin me! I still want to serve the young master, do not ruin me—" Xiao Ye, as if waking abruptly from a nightmare, lunged forward and grasped the hem of He Lan Zhen's robe, touching her forehead to the ground, each knock resonating with a heart-wrenching intensity

Before the fall of Helan City, the Turks were already overwhelmed and in disarray, suffering a rout over a thousand miles. The child pleaded desperately, and only then did the Turkic king agree to let him take a guard back to Helan to rescue his mother. His voice suddenly became hoarse, and his pupils constricted deeply

Helan Zhen had a pair of dark black pupils, shimmering with an enchanting light in the moonlight, and I unexpectedly saw profound sorrow in the depths of his eyes

The face and voice of the man in gray kept flashing back in my mind, and as I pondered deeply, a sudden spark of inspiration struck me!

See the young master! Suddenly, a noise was heard outside the door

Your hand is very warm ... just a little warm, suddenly I am reluctant to let you go, I was reluctant that day, and I am still reluctant now. He held my shoulder, slowly, slowly, pulling me into his embrace

Everything I loved turned to ashes on that day. From then on, there was no nation, no clan, no home. I became a wandering soul, unable to return anywhere. Suotu, the captain of my mother's guards, found me, bringing with him a group of palace servants who had narrowly escaped. They proclaimed me as the young master, vowing to die for the revenge of the Helan clan. His eyes sparkled with a strange madness, 'How ridiculous, why should I seek revenge for the Helan clan, a Turkic wildling abandoned by my own kin? What kind of young master am I? Suotu, the captain of my mother's guards, found me, bringing with him a group of palace servants who had narrowly escaped. They proclaimed me as the young master, vowing to die for the revenge of the Helan clan.' His eyes sparkled with a strange madness, 'How ridiculous, why should I seek revenge for the Helan clan, a Turkic wildling abandoned by my own kin? What kind of young master am I? But it does not matter, none of this matters! Whether wildling or young master, as long as I can take revenge for my mother and sister, I am willing to do anything! Those who caused their deaths will pay a price a hundred times more severe!'

The burly man tightened his grip and discreetly shielded me behind him, chuckling, "To be honest, brother, this woman is a madwoman. It's already good enough if we can get rid of her; I don't expect to make much money. Once my brothers finalize the deal, I will treat you to a good meal!"

I sighed, feeling an inexplicable sense of suffocation in my heart

After the carriage briefly stopped upon entering the city, it sped through once again, only gradually slowing down after a considerable time had passed

I feigned desperate struggle, taking the opportunity to observe the man who had captured me.

I turned my face away, filled with reluctance, yet I still heard the scene I least wanted to hear

The princess must not act rashly; I have come to escort you on the orders of Prince Yuzhang, and it is imperative to ensure the princess's safety.

A faint mist of water began to swirl in his pitch-black eyes