Chapter 847: A hostage is not a prisoner (2/2)
“Mistress, the duty of a shadow guard is to be utterly obedient. His Highness’s heart has you, so our responsibility is naturally to protect you.” After a long moment of silence, Xu Donglin added, “Mistress, I really hope the hatred between East and West Qin was only a misunderstanding. Then you and His Highness wouldn’t be so tired and we subordinates can relax, too.” He and the rest had heard their two masters argue with Ning Cheng and remembered it in their hearts.
Han Yunxi patted his shoulder without a word, but she was inwardly praying. After asking after a few more military affairs, she returned to her tent. There was nothing there to help her pass the time while her questions still lacked answers, so she could only cross her legs and sit on the tatami to cultivate the third level of the poison storage space. Before this, she couldn’t calm down no matter what. But now she stilled quickly despite the pile of things still being delayed.
Who else but him could calm her chaotic heart?
However, her peace didn’t last long. Soon enough, Xu Donglin’s voice sounded from outside. “West Qin princess, His Highness has come to visit.”
West Qin princess?
The name puzzled Han Yunxi, but she’d hardly left the inner chambers when Long Feiye entered. He was dressed in purple robes with a regal air, noble and domineering as his cold face resembled a denizen from the skies. Han Yunxi liked his violet robe, but she didn’t have time to enjoy it before Baili Yuanlong quickly followed inside. Behind him were Deputy General Xie, Wang, and Zhao, his main trio of command. Long Feiye behaved as usual, his face frosty. The other four men were both cold and hostile. Han Yunxi finally understood why Xu Donglin had called her “West Qin princess.”
Naturally, Long Feiye hadn’t bought Baili Yuanlong and his men with him, so the quartet must have wanted to see her themselves after she woke up. She collected her feelings and put on the air of a royal princess as she went to sit on one side, her face icy. Since Long Feiye hadn’t spoken, she could keep her cool, too.
Baili Yuanlong brought over his three deputy generals, so he must have a motive in mind. In truth, the man was filled with complex feelings towards Han Yunxi. He had been thoroughly convinced by her abilities multiple times and even rejoiced that His Highness had such a good wife before her identity was exposed. But now, everything had changed. Although His Highness hadn’t answered his questions, he still suspected that Han Yunxi had long been aware of he identity and His Highness’s, and was simply lying low by his master’s side.
Aside from these doubts, there was only hate! The Bai Clan had sacrificed so many mermaid soldiers to save the people from disaster, yet the West Qin imperial clan, who had power on their side, not only ignored the damage, but seized the chance to declare war on them. That was absolutely unforgiveable!
The enmity of clan, country, and people made Baili Yuanlong unable to stop loathing Han Yunxi despite his admiration of the woman. She was the sole survivor of the West Qin Dynasty, which meant she needed to bear the full weight of the punishment they deserved!
Baili Yuanlong walked to the tea table and pulled aside a chair. “Your Highness, please.”
After Long Feiye sat down, Baili Yuanlong spoke first. “West Qin princess, please understand one thing. My East Qin will never cooperate in any way with your West Qin. The ceasefire this time came from mutual consent. But once the Wind Clan’s destroyed, this old man won’t show you any courtesy!”
Han Yunxi looked at Long Feiye, who was simply expressionless. She then asked coldly, “So then, General Baili believes that it’s already very courteous to keep this princess imprisoned here?”
“My army has its share of jail cells. If the West Qin princess is interested, this old man can bring you over there right now,” Baili Yuanlong said icily.
Han Yunxi simply stood up. “Fine, let’s go!”
At her words, Long Feiye narrowed his eyes at her. It happened so quickly that no one else but Han Yunxi saw it clearly. Seeing him unhappy, she almost wanted to gloat over his misfortune. She simply pretended not to notice.
“Your Highness, you saw it with your own eyes. She brought it on herself! A hostage should be like a hostage!” Baili Yuanlong immediately issued orders. “Someone come, take Han Yunxi to the prison cells, immediately!”
The soldiers had already rushed in, which made it impossible for Long Feiye to sit still. He was about to speak when Han Yunxi beat him to it. Of course she wouldn’t cause him trouble in front of Baili Yuanlong. “Long Feiye,” she said icily, “Since when has this princess turned into a prisoner? East Qin stopped the fighting to deal with the Wind Clan. This princess is here as an expression of good faith, not to be captive. Please make things clear!”
“Women are indeed naive!” Baili Yuanlong laughed loudly.
Han Yunxi hated chauvinistic males who mocked women the most. She said disdainfully, “General Baili, why are women naive? Don’t forget how much trouble this princess saved you at the south central region’s commander-in-chief’s estate. Your daughter was saved by this princess too!”
“So what?” Baili Yuanlong was both angry and embarrassed. “Han Yunxi, stop wasting words. This old man will ask you a few questions, so you better tell the truth. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being merciless!”
As expected, he had motives. Han Yunxi laughed coldly. “If General Baili wants to get intelligence from this princess’s lips, then please go back. I won’t send you off!”
“Han Yunxi, don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! Take a close look, these are the East Qin barracks!” Baili Yuanlong snapped.