Yun Qingxue’s eyes held a faint, enigmatic smile. Sensing the moment was right, she shifted her tone and continued, “However, since the Grand State Preceptor and Prince Ning seem disinclined, I wouldn’t want to impose.”
Chen Qing and Prince Ning both exhaled in relief, thinking Yun Qingxue had relented and agreed to hasten their journey.
But before they could even begin to entertain the notion that Yun Qingxue was considerate, she added, “In that case, if the two of you have urgent matters, there’s no need to linger here on my account.”
Her words struck Chen Qing and Prince Ning like a bolt from the blue. This was no concession—it was a clear intent to part ways!
Chen Qing’s mind raced, trying to decipher Yun Qingxue’s true motives…
Yet, no matter how he twisted his thoughts, he never imagined that Yun Qingxue intended to delay him, plotting to kill him before they reached the capital.
But Chen Qing knew one thing for certain: Yun Qingxue’s actions concealed a scheme. She was deliberately stalling their progress.
Yet, even knowing this, he had no choice but to play along, biding his time to eliminate this future calamity threatening the realm. He could take the risk—but Prince Ning, with his noble status, could not.
“Heh…” Chen Qing reacted swiftly, his smile as benign as that of a harmless, kindly old neighbor. “It’s rare for the Flower Monarch to take such an interest. This old man has no pressing matters at hand. In that case… I’d be honored to accompany the Flower Monarch on a leisurely tour! I only hope you won’t find me a burden. As for our Prince Ning, the Emperor has summoned him to the capital for urgent discussions. He won’t be joining us.”
“Oh?” Yun Qingxue arched a brow at Prince Ning. He was a crucial piece in her next move. Moreover, Chen Qing’s eagerness to send Prince Ning ahead suggested the prince held significant influence among humans. How could she let him slip away?
With an equally guileless smile, Yun Qingxue said, “In that case, the human emperor must have pressing matters. As a pillar of your people, Grand State Preceptor, you shouldn’t delay your duties on my account. Both of you should return together. Let us part ways here—until we meet again!”
“Xiao Xiao, let’s step outside. The weather today is splendid.” Yun Qingxue made as if to leave with Xiao Xiao.
“Flower Monarch, our Emperor only summoned Prince Ning. This old man is free to serve as your guide…” Chen Qing quickly stepped forward to block her path.
“No need…”
Yun Qingxue declined coolly, her bright eyes distant and indifferent, like the night sky. “If the human emperor recalls Prince Ning so urgently, the matter must be grave. As a pivotal minister, Grand State Preceptor, you should return to the capital to stand ready. How could I selfishly delay your loyalty to your king?”
“In that case, please convey my regards to your emperor. I shan’t trouble the capital with my presence.”
This was unacceptable! Chen Qing’s anxiety spiked. He even resolved that if Yun Qingxue insisted on leaving, he would act decisively—no matter the cost.
If he died, so be it. He’d have the emperor bind him and deliver him to the Flower and Wood Tribe for judgment…
His life was a small price to pay for the safety of his people.
Yet, recalling how even two Violet Thunder Summoning Talismans had failed to kill the Flower Monarch before him, Chen Qing realized she wouldn’t be so easily slain.
But to let her walk away…? The prophecy gnawed at him. He couldn’t accept it!
He couldn’t kill her, nor could he let her go.
Never in his life had Chen Qing felt such a headache.
“State Preceptor.”
Just as Chen Qing was at his wits’ end, Prince Ning, who had remained silent until now, spoke.
With a gentle smile, he said, “Last night, I sent a message by carrier pigeon to the capital, informing them of the Flower Goddess’s visit. This morning, my royal brother replied that the matter had been resolved and there was no need for me to rush back.”
“He also emphasized that the Flower Goddess is an honored guest of our entire race and instructed us to ensure her hospitality.”
Chen Qing stared at Prince Ning, silently praising the prince’s quick wit. Even a fabricated lie had been seamlessly smoothed over.
But with this, Prince Ning had also trapped himself.
Meeting Chen Qing’s gaze, Prince Ning’s smile carried a hint of apology. He glanced between Chen Qing and Yun Qingxue and said, “I only just received word from my brother and hadn’t yet had the chance to mention it. My apologies!”
“If the Flower Goddess wishes to tour our lands, Prince Ning and I are duty-bound to accompany her. It would be our honor!”
Yun Qingxue smiled faintly. Having secured the company she desired and delayed Chen Qing’s return, her mood improved slightly. “In that case, I’ll trouble the two of you…”
“Not at all,” Prince Ning replied warmly. “When does the Flower Goddess wish to depart? We are at your disposal.”
Yun Qingxue chuckled. “For leisure, spontaneity is best. No need to pick a day—let’s go now.”
Prince Ning raised a brow. “Now?”
Yun Qingxue nodded. “Now. Please wait a moment while I change.”
“Take your time,” Prince Ning said.
With a serene smile, Yun Qingxue retreated to her room, closing the door behind her and leaving Prince Ning and Chen Qing outside.
“Your Highness, a word in private.”
Once Yun Qingxue was gone, Chen Qing’s kindly demeanor vanished, replaced by grim seriousness.
Prince Ning turned to him and nodded. “State Preceptor, please.”
Once she sensed the two had left, Yun Qingxue retrieved a pill from her storage ring—the antidote to the Disguise Pill Jin Lin had given her. Taking it would restore her original appearance.
Xiao Xiao, noticing the pill in Yun Qingxue’s hand, scurried over curiously. “Qingxue, why are you holding medicine? Are you sick? Do you feel unwell?”
She even reached out to feel Yun Qingxue’s forehead.
Yun Qingxue brushed her hand away calmly. “I’m not sick.”
Xiao Xiao’s adorable face scrunched in confusion. “Then why take medicine?”
Yun Qingxue glanced at the pill in her hand, about to answer, when Xiao Xiao’s eyes widened in shock. She smacked her own forehead. “You’re not planning to poison Chen Qing with that, are you?!”
“No!” －_－||
Yun Qingxue’s reply was crisp. To preempt further wild guesses, she popped the pill into her mouth.
The pill dissolved instantly, a cool sensation flowing down her throat. Warmth spread through her body.
Xiao Xiao gaped at her, dumbfounded. “Qingxue, if you’re not sick… why take medicine…?!” （⊙o⊙）？
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