Chapter 234: Empty (1/2)

Nan Xun believed that he'd be able to melt the ice encasing Jun Huang's heart as time went by. As long as he continued to care for her and protect her, she'd one day stop denying her own feelings.

”Last night...” she muttered hesitantly. Her expression remained calm, but she could feel her heart in her throat.

Nan Xun thought back to what happened last night. He'd sung a nursery rhyme for her. Once she fell asleep, he intended to leave the room. She, however, caught his wrist to stop him from leaving. Their conversation about her past had led to a nightmare. He could see tears streaming down her face.

He didn't intend to bring it up. He didn't want her to remember the pain she'd been through in her sleep. ”I fell asleep last night due to exhaustion… If I've made you uncomfortable, let me know...”

She shook her head. Images from the nightmare were still fresh in her mind. She hadn't forgotten about her moment of weakness. She just wondered why she'd grown so dependent on Nan Xun. Perhaps it was always difficult to know yourself.

”It's fine,” she said with a sigh and sat up. ”I've had a good night sleep. I'd like to continue work on what I've left unfinished yesterday.”

She did sleep pretty well. He knew she couldn't rest easy until she took care of her business herself. Even if he stopped her, she'd be thinking about work. There was nothing he could do to stop her mind from focusing on work if she didn't want to.

He nodded and gave up on arguing with her. ”Do as you must, but you have to take care of yourself. Don't stay up working. Otherwise I'll force you to rest like I did yesterday.”

She knew he had her best interest in mind, and was merely trying to take care of her. She chuckled in response.

They had breakfast together. Nan Xun was worried that she'd forgo a meal due to her busy schedule, so he stayed with her until she finished eating. Afterwards, he went to the training ground to train his soldiers.

Jun Huang had a discussion with the man Qi Chen a.s.signed her. She had ordered him to tail the third prince and watch his every move. The third prince had been cautious these days. The man didn't have anything to report until today. He realized that the third prince had gone to the same location alone several times.

The man hurriedly came to Jun Huang and briefed her. She contemplated the information with a pensive expression. Her instinct told her to remain vigilant. ”Go back to following him and don't let him spot you. I'll talk to the prince immediately.”

”That's what I think as well,” said the man. ”Since the gentleman agrees, we'll split up. I'm going to keep watch on the location with a few men, and the gentleman should take the prince to meet us. We'll catch the third prince off guard.”

Jun Huang appreciated the man for his competence, but alas, he was Qi Chen's man. She wanted to make Qi Chen's people hers, but she wasn't sure if these men were dependable, and if they would be loyal to her.

Once the man left, she got to her feet and fixed her sleeves before making her way to the crown prince's manor.

Qi Chen was delighted that Jun Huang and the men he a.s.signed her had found the third prince's secret base. He shot up from the chair and patted her on the shoulder. ”With Brother Feng's help, there's nothing we cannot solve. I've heard about the third prince's change in behavior. Brother Feng is indeed my best helper to be able to find his secret despite his caution.”

Jun Huang didn't say anything. It wasn't the first time Qi Chen complimented her. He was used to her lack of reaction.

”I'll give him what he deserves,” Qi Chen said through gritted teeth. ”He's set me up and taken out many of my supporters. What a despicable man he is!”

Jun Huang was silent for a brief moment. ”What does Your Highness plan to do?”

Qi Chen had made up his mind. He scoffed and said, ”We won't let him slip this time. No matter what arrangements he's made, we mustn't give him a chance to react. I'll recruit the help of a troop and raid the location immediately.”

Jun Huang frowned but didn't say anything. It was good that Qi Chen had lost his calm completely. She wanted him to make mistakes. Besides, he'd made up his mind. It'd be bad to waste time arguing with him. She might as well let him be.

Qi Chen noticed her thoughtful look. ”Is there something wrong, Brother Feng?”

Jun Huang remained calm and expressionless. ”Nothing. I just want to ask if Your Highness is going to report to the emperor first.”

Qi Chen shook his head. ”There's no need. I don't want the information to be leaked. I'm going to the training ground now. Are you coming with me?”