“Master Xie, please let go. If you don’t release me, don’t blame me for being impolite,” Wanqing thought to herself, seeing that the man remained unyielding despite her warning. Though she recalled her grandfather and uncle’s instructions, his rudeness had thoroughly enraged her.
Though her body followed his pull as she stood, she halted her steps and glared at him coldly.
“What’s the matter? Do you intend to resort to force against me? Girl, you should know the Xie family’s principles—once a woman is betrothed to her husband, she must obey him in all matters. Yet you—”
Xie Shaojun had initially dismissed her as merely a hot-tempered girl. Seeing her defiance, he smirked, utterly unfazed, as if it were only natural that Wanqing belonged to the Xie family. Since they were engaged, he believed she had to comply with his demands. He tightened his grip.
But before he could finish, Wanqing swiftly struck with a silver needle.
“You—you dare use a needle on me? You—”
A sharp pain shot through his wrist. Xie Shaojun stared in disbelief at the long needle embedded in his flesh. Though the needle hadn’t pierced deeply, the audacity of her action stunned him.
Seizing the opportunity, she shook off his hand and sat back down, her expression darkening. His fists clenched in fury as he glared at her.
“Indeed, I used a needle on you. So what? Let me remind you—though we may be betrothed, this arrangement stems from my mother’s past grievances with your family. It has nothing to do with me. Moreover, I am not only the beloved granddaughter of the King of Daqi but also the cherished daughter of the neighboring emperor. While the Xie family’s ties to royalty may concern me, you have no right to command me. If there is to be a marriage, my grandfather and grandmother will decide the date. Only after I enter your household will you have any authority over me. Until then, you hold no such privilege. Honglian, escort our guest out.”
Wanqing met Xie Shaojun’s shocked gaze with icy composure, clearly stating her status before coldly dismissing him and instructing Honglian.
“Master Xie, please leave.”
Honglian had long been displeased with Xie Shaojun’s arrogance and disrespect toward her mistress. Now, upon hearing Wanqing’s order, she stepped forward and extended a hand, her tone firm.
“You—even if you are the princess of Daqi, you are still the woman promised to me by the King of Daqi and the Emperor. No matter how proud and aloof you are, you are merely a woman. I refuse to believe I can’t take you with me today. Seize these two maids—you’re coming with me.”
Though stunned by Wanqing’s defiance and her other identities, Xie Shaojun’s fury only grew. How dare this woman, bound to him by betrothal, act so insolently? His face darkened as he barked orders to his servants to restrain Honglian while he lunged for Wanqing’s wrist.
“Release her! How dare you lay hands on our princess! Master Xie, were it not for your ties to the Feng family, I would have already severed one of your limbs for your disrespect!”
Honglian couldn’t believe Xie Shaojun remained so obstinate despite Wanqing’s warnings. As he spoke, two men dressed similarly stepped forward to seize her and Wanchun. Unfazed, she scoffed and with a flick of her arm, sent one stumbling backward. Wanchun did the same, swiftly positioning herself between Xie Shaojun and Wanqing, her gaze icy.
“Oh? Quite skilled, no wonder you’re so bold. In that case, I’d like to test your abilities myself. Step aside—I’ll show them the true discipline of the Xie family!”
Xie Shaojun sneered at the maids’ defiance, noticing how Wanqing remained seated, sipping tea as if entirely unbothered. Her indifference only fueled his rage. He ordered his hesitant men to stand back and lunged at Honglian and Wanchun.
The ensuing fight revealed that Honglian and Wanchun, despite being among the finest fighters in Daqi, could only match Xie Shaojun blow for blow.
“Enough, Master Xie. For someone who prides himself as the future of the renowned Xie family, struggling against two ordinary maids is hardly impressive. If you wish to avoid humiliation, I suggest you retreat now. At least that way, you can save face for yourself and your family. If they defeat you, the Xie name will be the one tarnished.”
Though the skirmish had lasted mere moments, dozens of exchanges had already taken place. Honglian and Wanchun fought with all their might, yet gained no advantage. Their expressions grew tense, while Xie Shaojun remained arrogantly dismissive.
Wanqing realized his skill surpassed her maids’. If this continued, they would only suffer. Having grown close to them, she saw them not just as attendants but as sisters. The thought of them getting hurt pained her.
To distract Xie Shaojun, she feigned indifference, taunting him despite her concern.
“Oh? If skill alone won’t suffice, how about poison?”
Xie Shaojun, trained in martial arts since childhood and nearly equal in status to Feng Moli, prided himself as the second-best fighter in Daqi. Yet, after dozens of exchanges, he still hadn’t subdued the two maids. Wanqing’s mockery infuriated him.
With a cold laugh, he disengaged and retreated, flicking his wrist as Honglian and Wanchun advanced.
“Both of you, stand down! Master Xie, your poison may be impressive, but it pales in comparison to mine. Let me make this clear—if you wish to be my man, mere skill isn’t enough. You must prove your sincerity and the Xie family’s worth. Otherwise, let’s see how your insignificant Xie family fares against the combined might of Daqi and Celestial Ascendancy. Escort him out.”
As Xie Shaojun attempted to use poison, Wanqing swiftly intervened, countering with her own powder. The clash forced him back several steps, clutching his chest. He hastily swallowed an antidote, his face regaining color after a moment.
Wanqing watched him coldly before turning to her maids.
“Master Xie, please leave.”
Honglian and the others, satisfied with their mistress’s handling of the situation, promptly stepped forward to usher him out.
(Note: “Daqi” and “Celestial Ascendancy” are retained as per the provided context for the kingdoms’ names.)
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