Without Wang Yi needing to remind her, Gu Jiu rolled twice and hid behind a rock.
Whoosh!
Another arrow sliced through the air, exploding past her ears.
Wang Yi waved her rolling pin to deflect the attack.
“Guniang, stay hidden! I’ll go find that person.”
“Wang Yi, don’t run off!” Qing Mei shouted.
Gu Jiu grabbed Qing Mei and rolled twice on the ground, moving to another hiding spot.
“Don’t shout, you’ll give away our position.”
Gu Jiu lowered her voice, warning Qing Mei.
Qing Mei was worried, anxious. She too lowered her voice. “Wang Yi is too reckless. If something happens, will she have time to save us?”
Gu Jiu remained silent, turning her head to look at the arrow lodged in the ground.
She didn’t know much about the standard weapons of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but she recognized that an arrow made of refined steel could only come from the Imperial Armory.
In other words, only someone with official backing could obtain a refined steel arrow.
Gu Jiu cautiously peeked out, watching the surroundings.
She said to Qing Mei, “Did you see that arrow? We have to get it.”
She needed to see the arrowhead with her own eyes to confirm it was made of refined steel.
Qing Mei, nervous and uneasy, said, “I’ll get it.”
“No, I’ll do it.”
“No! Guniang, you are delicate. I’ve been working outdoors for years, I’m more agile than you.”
Without waiting for permission, Qing Mei crawled forward.
Gu Jiu was so nervous her palms were sweaty, and her back was drenched with sweat.
She strained her ears, listening intently, afraid another arrow might appear out of nowhere.
After great effort, Qing Mei finally pulled the arrow out from the ground.
Whoosh!
Another piercing sound sliced through the air.
“Qing Mei, hurry!”
Qing Mei had heard it too and was terrified.
Gu Jiu didn’t hesitate. She jumped out, grabbed Qing Mei, and rolled down the slope.
They kept rolling until they reached the bottom of the hill.
“Are you hurt?” Gu Jiu asked anxiously.
Qing Mei shook her head repeatedly. Both were a mess, covered in dirt and sweat.
She grinned. “Nubi fulfilled my duty, I got it!”
Qing Mei held up the arrow for Gu Jiu to see.
The arrowhead glinted in the sunlight. Refined steel, high-quality, with the craftsman’s encoded name from the Imperial Armory.
Gu Jiu smiled coldly and frowned.
She was just a young lady in a household, yet someone with official backing had gone through all this trouble to kill her.
Was it because of Gu daren? Or Liu Zhao?
Gu daren was in the bureaucracy and would naturally offend people, but civil officials typically used political means, not underhanded assassination.
Only someone unscrupulous like Xie Mao would resort to such vile methods. But Xie Mao was dead, so it wasn’t him.
Liu Zhao, as the crown prince, certainly provoked many people’s envy.
It wasn’t surprising someone wanted to kill Liu Zhao.
But why target her too?
She was just Liu Zhao’s fiancée, what purpose would killing her serve? Was it a warning to someone else? Was she the “chicken” in this metaphor?
Gu Jiu cursed silently in her mind.
Indeed, it was an undeserved calamity. She just hoped it wasn’t Liu Zhao who caused this trouble.
If Liu Zhao was responsible, he wouldn’t escape unscathed today.
If she survived, she would tear him apart, leaving him without a shred of humanity.
Gu Jiu carefully observed her surroundings while secretly cursing Liu Zhao.
She and Qing Mei were now in a dry ditch, at the base of a small hill in the plum grove.
To return to Xiangguo Temple, they would have to climb the hill.
“Guniang, what should we do?” Qing Mei’s teeth chattered, her voice trembling. Her blue dress was caked with half-dried mud, her hair full of grass and dirt.
Gu Jiu was no better, both were equally miserable.
Grabbing Qing Mei’s hand, Gu Jiu said, “Don’t be afraid. Nothing will happen to us.”
She decided to move forward along the dry streambed. Going back could wait, the priority was putting as much distance as possible between them and the killer.
She wondered how Wang Yi was faring. Could she take down the assassin?
It was the first time Gu Jiu had seen Wang Yi so eager for battle. When Wang Yi charged with her rolling pin, excitement shone in her eyes, the thrill of a true duel.
Gu Jiu wasn’t sure how skilled Wang Yi was, but she must have been a formidable opponent.
A shadow fell from above, the killer had pursued them.
“Guniang, watch out!”
“Don’t stop, keep running.”
The black-clad assassin raised his sword, aiming to kill Gu Jiu.
She ran desperately, her heart ice-cold.
Had Wang Yi lost?
Clang!
The sound of metal striking metal came from behind.
Gu Jiu looked back, Zhao San?
It was Zhao San, Liu Zhao’s bodyguard.
Not just Zhao San, sounds of fighting came from the hillside as well.
The killer wasn’t working alone.
Gu Jiu chuckled coldly, she hadn’t expected someone to value her so much that they would send multiple assassins after her.
“Guniang, are you okay?”
Wang Yi returned unharmed. She jumped down into the dry ditch and carried Gu Jiu. “Guniang, nubi will take you up.”
Gu Jiu didn’t resist. She lay on Wang Yi’s back and asked, “What happened?”
Wang Yi explained, “Nubi found the archer and knocked him out, but more black-clad men appeared suddenly. Then both sides started fighting.”
Gu Jiu gritted her teeth, it was exactly as she suspected. Today’s unexpected disaster was Liu Zhao’s doing.
The battle went on, but Zhao San’s side gradually gained the upper hand.
The black-clad assassins exchanged glances and decisively retreated.
“Don’t pursue them.”
Zhao San called his subordinates. “Gongzi’s safety comes first.”
Then Zhao San caught up with Gu Jiu. “Gu guniang, this place is dangerous. Please come with me.”
Gu Jiu looked at Zhao San expressionlessly. “Is Liu Zhao nearby?”
Zhao San hesitated, surprised she had guessed correctly.
He nodded. “Yes. Gongzi is nearby.”
Gu Jiu said sternly, “Take me to see him.”
“Right this way, Gu guniang.”
Zhao San led Gu Jiu toward the cliff behind the back mountain.
Gu Jiu remained suspicious, her guard up.
At the edge of the cliff, Zhao San said, “Gongzi is in the villa below.”
Gu Jiu remained silent, waiting for Zhao San to reveal the secret.
Zhao San walked toward the dense part of the forest, surprisingly steady, without falling off the cliff.
Gu Jiu was astonished.
Zhao San looked back at her. “A master has set up a formation here. All the other sides are real cliffs; this side only looks like a cliff but is actually a gentle slope.”
So that’s how it was.
Gu Jiu, accompanied by Wang Yi and Qing Mei, followed Zhao San through the forest, heading downward.
After some time, the path opened up, revealing a villa ahead.
“To build a villa here, whose idea was this?”
Zhao San smiled. “Naturally, it was gongzi’s idea.”
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow. “So this is Liu Zhao’s private villa?”
“Exactly! Gu guniang, you are the first person invited here.”
Gu Jiu snorted, feeling no honor at all, instead, her chest burned with anger.
They entered the villa.
The villa was small, only two courtyards, but arranged with exquisite detail, clearly thoughtfully designed.
Liu Zhao was sitting in the rear garden, sipping tea.
On the ground, there were still a few pools of blood.
Zhao San’s expression changed at the sight of the blood, his anxiety obvious. “Gongzi, did someone break in?”
Liu Zhao’s face was calm. “The intruders had masters who disrupted the formation. A few petty thieves came, but they’ve been dealt with.”
Zhao San asked, concerned, “Gongzi, is it still safe to stay here?”
Liu Zhao shook his head. “No. Go down and prepare, we’ll leave shortly.”
“Shuxia obeys.”
Zhao San stepped back.
Qing Mei and Wang Yi hesitated, then followed him out.
Inside the villa, only Gu Jiu and Liu Zhao remained.
Liu Zhao poured tea and gestured invitingly. “Come, sit.”
Gu Jiu silently approached and picked up a cup, but didn’t drink.
She glared at Liu Zhao, her expression hostile.
Liu Zhao raised an eyebrow. “Want to say something?”
Gu Jiu said nothing, instead splashing the tea toward Liu Zhao’s face.
Having nearly lost her life to a deadly arrow, feeling isolated and helpless with Qing Mei, Gu Jiu had truly thought about killing Liu Zhao to end everything. Marriage? She didn’t care.
At this moment, throwing tea was a polite measure.
Then a miracle happened.
The tea froze midair, suspended as if held by an invisible force.
In a fraction of a second, perhaps only a tenth, the tea reversed, falling back into the cup.
Shocked, Gu Jiu threw the cup away.
Liu Zhao caught it. “Careful, or you’ll cut yourself.”
Gu Jiu took a deep breath. “All this anger… wasted.”
Liu Zhao smiled faintly. “Sit, and let’s talk. I’ve caused you trouble this time.”
Gu Jiu sat on the stone bench. “So you admit it, you know you’ve caused me trouble.”
“Sorry!” Liu Zhao apologized solemnly, pouring another cup of tea and placing it before her. “Drink this, calm yourself.”
Gu Jiu picked up the cup but didn’t drink.
Liu Zhao asked calmly, “You meant to splash me?”
Gu Jiu replied frankly, “I wanted to kill you.”
Liu Zhao was startled, then laughed. “And how would you kill me?”
Gu Jiu ignored the question. “If you die, I won’t have to endure all this suffering.”
Liu Zhao’s voice grew cold. “If I die, you’ll suffer even more. You’ll never marry, you’ll remain a widow your whole life.”
Gu Jiu rolled her eyes discreetly.
He continued, “I thought you were ready to marry me already.”
Gu Jiu said, “Who can claim they’re ready to marry anyone before the wedding day?”
Liu Zhao nodded. “You’re right. I don’t understand women. But you’re different, you’re meant to marry me, so you should prepare early to become an imperial grandson’s wife.”
“Meaning I’ll face dangers like today again?”
Liu Zhao remained calm. “I’ll try to ensure your safety, but I can’t guarantee such incidents won’t happen again.”
Gu Jiu responded, “After all, the royal family is either mad or perverse.”
“What do you mean by perverse?” Liu Zhao asked, genuinely curious.
Gu Jiu said coldly, “Abnormal people.”
Liu Zhao nodded repeatedly. “You’re right. No one in the royal family is normal, everyone is twisted. So better get used to it.”
Gu Jiu narrowed her eyes, studying him. “Why are you here? Didn’t your leg get injured?”
Liu Zhao smiled, a rare sight. “You noticed?”
Gu Jiu was puzzled. “Rumors say you fought the eldest imperial grandson in the barracks, both injured.”
Liu Zhao downplayed it. “The eldest imperial grandson really was injured. As for me, I needed an excuse to leave the barracks. An injury is a perfect excuse.”
Gu Jiu fell silent.
Liu Zhao also remained quiet.
The air between them was tense, mostly because Gu Jiu was tense.
She sipped her tea, her mind racing.
Finally, Liu Zhao broke the silence. “You really wanted to kill me?”
Gu Jiu nodded. “For a moment, I truly wanted to end you.”
Liu Zhao laughed, seemingly pleased to hear Gu Jiu say that.
Gu Jiu rolled her eyes at him. Crazy! He’s happy to hear someone wants to kill him. Truly a royal, mad and perverse.
Liu Zhao spoke calmly, “You’re the first person to openly admit to wanting to kill me in front of me. I feel honored.”
Gu Jiu set down her teacup, giving him a strange look.
Liu Zhao toyed with his cup, thought for a moment, and said, “I believe many people want to kill me, but I can never hear the truth from any of them. You are so honest with me, and that makes me happy. I think the first principle in a marriage should be honesty.”
Gu Jiu suddenly made a gesture inviting him, “Then please show your honesty.”
Liu Zhao’s expression stiffened slightly as he spoke seriously, “I want to marry you. That’s the truth.”
Gu Jiu said, “I don’t want to hear it.”
Liu Zhao thought for a moment and added, “I want to move up the wedding date. That’s also the truth.”
Gu Jiu snorted, pouting arrogantly, “I oppose it.”
Liu Zhao said straightforwardly, “I want to know if you’re happy about marrying me?”
Gu Jiu froze. What kind of question is that?
“Not happy?” Liu Zhao sounded a little disappointed.
Gu Jiu shook her head, “I can’t answer that. I think our marriage doesn’t make me happier than a thousand taels of silver.”
Liu Zhao felt utterly wounded, he, an imperial grandson, was apparently less important than a thousand taels of silver.
He stared at Gu Jiu: What kind of look is that? You fancy a thousand taels of silver over a noble son of a wealthy family? Don’t you know I could give you ten thousand, a hundred thousand, even a million taels?”
Gu Jiu gave him a half-smile, half-sneer: A hundred thousand, a million? Go ahead and give it. If you can’t, your words are useless.
Liu Zhao twitched with frustration.
“You’re such a money-grubber!”
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow and smiled, “I’ve always been a money-grubber.”
Liu Zhao suddenly laughed, which made Gu Jiu uneasy.
Whenever he laughed like that, it never meant anything good.
“The wang fu has many estates, and the wang fu has lots of money. But none of that money is in my hands.”
Gu Jiu lifted her teacup, covering a faint smile at her lips. “What are you trying to say?”
Liu Zhao said solemnly, “If you want money, why not rob the wang fu?”
Cough…
Gu Jiu nearly choked.
“Wait, you want me to rob the wang fu?” she asked suspiciously.
Liu Zhao nodded. “Yes. Rob the wang fu. Instead of letting fuwang squander it, you should find a way to take all the silver.”
Gu Jiu coughed again. “You’re not joking?”
Liu Zhao nodded. “I’m serious. So, are you interested?”
Gu Jiu smiled, “Aren’t you afraid wangye will come at you with a sword and chop you down?”
Liu Zhao laughed, “With you by my side, I’m not afraid. Fuwang might strike me, but he won’t strike you.”
Gu Jiu pointed at him: Shameless! Using your wife as a human shield and still talking about honor?
Liu Zhao picked up his teacup and smiled lightly, “As a member of the imperial family, why care about face? What’s the value of face if it can’t win your smile? If it can’t, then clearly, face isn’t worth a thousand taels. Let it go.”
To justify shamelessness so convincingly, elegantly, and uniquely, truly rare.
Gu Jiu surrendered mentally, putting her hand to her forehead with a long sigh.
A demon! Who can tame this demon?
“Do you agree?” Liu Zhao asked eagerly.
Gu Jiu spat out, “We’ll talk later.”
Liu Zhao nodded. “Less than four months until the wedding. Use this time to consider my proposal. If you agree, once you enter the house, we’ll start the plan to rob the wang fu.”
Gu Jiu pressed her hand to her forehead. “You’re going to get me killed. Wangfei already dislikes me. If I go along with you, she’ll surely hate me to death.”
Liu Zhao replied, “’Going along with’ sounds crude. It should be ‘husband and wife working as one, their strength cutting through steel. United in body and soul, sharing honor and shame.’”
Gu Jiu rolled her eyes. “How much do you hate the wang fu?”
Liu Zhao’s expression was calm, “You misunderstand. Bengongzi doesn’t hate the wang fu. Bengongzi just thinks money should be used wisely, not wasted on brothels and pleasure houses.
“Imperial Grandfather is planning to straighten out the Ministry of Revenue’s arrears, delayed because of the Mei pin incident. Once the storm passes, clearing the arrears will return to his desk.
“Fuwang knowingly went into exile guarding the imperial tomb to avoid trouble. He dumped this mess on me. No matter how skilled bengongzi is, I can’t conjure up three hundred thousand taels of silver.
“After thinking it through, the only option is to rob the wang fu, making my father bleed. But since the wang fu is still run by my father and mother, I need your help.”
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