Chapter 344 (1/2)

Chapter 344: Servants

The first young mistress dragged the third young mistress back and slapped her across the face. “What have you done?!”

“She… she provoked me first. I didn't mean to do it. I…”

“Enough.” The first young mistress shot her sister a glare and ordered the servants and guards to look for Jun Huang. The mistress noticed the commotion and got off the coach to ask what had happened. When she heard that Jun Huang had been pushed off the cliff by the third young mistress, she fainted and collapsed.

Jun Huang knew she'd be safe, but she couldn't help the fear running down her spine. Images flashed through her mind. There was something familiar about the feeling of falling. When she tried to focus on the flas.h.i.+ng images, though, she couldn't.

She squeezed her eyes shut and couldn't help struggling a little, her throat too tight to make a sound. Free-falling wasn't something one got used to. Before she could think herself into panicking, a pair of strong arms caught her. She opened her eyes when her feet touched the ground.

The man who had caught her wasn't Nan Xun, but his most trusted shadowguard. She had seen the man a few times before. He calmly let go of her. Jun Huang finally relaxed somewhat.

She'd come up with the plan with Nan Xun. After scouting out the area, they realized that there was a hidden cave opening into the cliff. They had the shadowguard wait there to catch Jun Huang when she fell.

It was a terrifying thing to do when she thought about it, but at the time, they didn't hesitate. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. If they missed it, there was no telling when she would be able to escape. Therefore, Jun Huang had insisted on following through despite Nan Xun's reluctance. It was a good thing that the shadowguard was as good as his job as he had always been. She safely reached the cave.

The shadowguard tied one end of the rope to Jun Huang's waist and the other end to a stone pillar. “Hold onto the vine, please. I'll lower you down. The prince is waiting for you at the bottom of the mountain. We have to get out of here before those from the Grand Chancellor manor come searching for you.”

Jun Huang took a deep breath and nodded. With the shadowguard's help, she held onto the vines covering the cliff.

The shadowguard carefully lowered her down. The rope tightened uncomfortably around her waist. She gritted her teeth and braced for the pain, holding onto the vines, her face covered in sweat. Her fingers had been dyed green by crushed vegetation, but that was the last of her concerns.

Soon she reached the bottom of the valley and saw Nan Xun. He wrapped his arms around her and gingerly lowered her to the ground. He sent a signal flare at the shadowguard. As Jun Huang untied the rope around her waist, she looked up and saw the shadowguard quickly scaling down the cliff.

She pursed her lips without a word. Nan Xun gave her and the shadowguard a glance. They made their way out of the valley and found the coach they had arranged for. Nan Xun helped Jun Huang in. Soon, they were on their way to Northern Qi.

“What about Jun Hao and Yin Yun?” Jun Huang asked once they settled down.

“We don't know what's waiting for us in Northern Qi,” said Nan Xun. “It's better to leave them here. Don't worry. I've taken care of everything. Jun Hao and Yin Yun would be staying in a safe place. Once we're done, we'll seek them out.”

Jun Huang sighed in relief. She had been tense the whole day. Now that she could relax, she started to feel tired. She soon fell asleep with her head resting on Nan Xun's shoulder.

Nan Xun caressed her fair face. His heart ached a little, but the sense of relief and satisfaction overpowered it. He and Jun Huang were going back home.

It didn't take long before they reached Northern Qi. Nan Xun had to report back to Qi Yun. Given Jun Huang's condition, he opted to take Jun Huang back to his manor first before leaving for the palace.

Jun Huang had been asleep for a long time. When she woke up, there was no one around. She rubbed at her forehead and blinked the haziness out of her eyes. This place seemed familiar to her. It must have been Nan Xun's manor.

She took an instant liking to the place. Once she got changed, she walked out of the room. The way the backyard was arranged surprised her. It fit her taste perfectly. She wasn't sure if Nan Xun had somehow figured out her preferences, or if the old Jun Huang had decorated the place herself.

She wandered around, taking in the view. The once familiar scenery felt more like a strange, half-forgotten dream. Every little thing caught her eyes. She soon reached the back garden. Before she entered, she heard someone talking.

“Did you see the woman the prince brought in?” asked a young maid who was obviously new to the job.

The other maid scoffed. “How can I not? I saw her face as well. Tsk, truth be told, she looks like a twin to Gentleman Feng. I wonder if the prince truly likes the woman, or if she's a subst.i.tute for the gentleman.”

“How can you say that?” asked the younger maid.

The older maid snorted derisively. “You haven't seen how graceful and handsome Gentleman Feng is and how well the prince treats him. Haven't you heard the rumors?”