Chapter 279: Warning Sign (1/2)

The shadow guard listened to Prince Duan's explanation and concluded that the prince was right. “Your Highness is wise. However, this subordinate doesn't think it'll be a good idea to keep the prince hidden away. It's better to find a way to earn the emperor's forgiveness. Even if the prince can't be restored to his original status, it'll be good enough for him to be pardoned for his crime.”

Prince Duan considered that for a moment before making a dismissive gesture. “It's easier said than done. Staging a coup is a great offense. He was jailed even though the emperor has been merciful as his father. Qi Chen's been doing nothing but wasting his life these days. The failure has struck a strong blow on his ego. He can't face the music, which is his biggest failure. Even a strong man can only succeed by overcoming setbacks and challenges.”

The shadow guard fell silent. Prince Duan's words were blunt, but true. The key was Qi Chen. He had to pick himself up before their plan could proceed.

“Alright, I've checked the letter. It contains nothing but sappy confessions. Take this and send it again. Remember not to let anyone notice anything wrong.”

Prince Duan changed the subject. There was no use criticizing Qi Chen behind his back. He just had troubles reconciling with his change.

Only after the guard left with the letter did Qi Chen walk out from the shadow, staring at the guard with a dark expression. He then turned to the door leading to the study without a word.

He knew Prince Duan was disappointed in him. He heard everything the imperial prince had said, which made his resentment grow fonder.

He both hated Jun Huang for destroying his life and missed her for the the a.s.sistance and kindness she'd given him. She often appeared in his dreams with a faint smile on her face.

Sometimes he wanted nothing but to kill Jun Huang with his own hands, but at the same time he had a feeling he'd regret it. He thought back to when he had her as his captive. He'd been blinded by hatred and almost strangled her. It wouldn't end well if Nan Xun hadn't arrived in time.

When he was alone, he often thought about what'd happen. His entire body would tremble, including his fingers. That was why he drowned himself in alcohol every day, hoping to make himself forget about the conundrums of the mortal world.

But he shouldn't forget.

He could've given up on everything and just left, but he was unwilling to do so due to the desire for revenge. In the end, it became an obsession he couldn't let go of.

He huffed out a silent laugh. His eyes stung. The corner of his eye was damp when he touched it. He took a deep breath and wiped away his tears, pretending that nothing had happened as he wobbled away.

Rou'er frowned when Qi Chen returned smelling like alcohol, but she quickly masked her emotions. She ordered a servant to prepare some sobering tea and went up to support Qi Chen's weight.

He narrowed his eyes at her with a hiccup before grabbing her wrist, scoffing. “They all left. Why are you still here?”

Rou'er blinked at him. She didn't expect the question, and she didn't have an answer. She didn't stay because she wanted to, but because someone had to keep an eye on him.

A teenaged boy from the House of Heavenly Fiends delivered the letter to Jun Huang. His enthusiastic nature made Jun Huang take an instant liking to the boy, seeing her brother in him.

“Why was it delivered so quickly?” Jun Huang glanced at the letter but didn't read it.

The boy thought for a moment. “I hear that Prince Nan wanted the letter to be delivered sooner, so he had it sent through a pigeon instead of a messenger. The pigeon must have felt his yearning as well. It made the delivery even though it was hurt.”

He grinned. Jun Huang jerked up to look at him and confirmed that the pigeon really had been hurt. She didn't think it was a trivial matter. She put away the letter and had the boy take her to their operation base.

She met up with the head of the base, who took her to the pigeon house in the backyard upon hearing her suspicion. He then had their bird keeper grab the pigeon that just arrived from Northern Qi.

Jun Huang extended a hand. The pigeon crooked and jumped onto her arm. It didn't seem to have been swapped.

Seeing Jun Huang's worry, the older man said, “Don't worry. We're hidden away and only our pigeons can find their way to us. They can't be swapped.”