Jing Rong’s expression turned grim. He elevated his voice in reprimand. “General Ji Huan, what is the meaning of this? Are you suspecting this Prince for harboring a bandit?”
“This general has no such meaning. I just want to investigate that person’s identity in your stead.” As soon as he was done speaking, he unsheathed his Xuan Chi sword and ferociously thrust his sword towards the occupants inside, through the curtains.
Despite being inside the carriage, Ji Yunshu could clearly feel the murderous intent emitting thickly from the Xuan Chi sword as it closed in, thrusting through the curtains and directly homing towards her heart. Her hands only had enough time to grip her skirt. She could only hold her breath while her black pupils dilated at the sight of death!
“Shu’er…” In an instant, Wei Yi threw himself on Ji Yunshu and tightly hugged her slender waist as his head leaned on her neck.
Ji Yunshu watched the silhouette outside approaching. Only the curtain of the carriage separated them. At this instant, only one thought occupied her mind – she was screwed.
Suddenly, the wind blew, causing the curtain to unveil! She saw Ji Huan, sword in hand. Their eyes met! Ji Huan saw a young woman in the carriage with a veil covering her face, dressed in silk clothes with a skirt that was fluttering with the wind. Her long black hair draped her shoulders and only a simple hairpin held her hair in place.
In her arms, a man was hugging her! With only her eyes revealed, he couldn’t clearly identify her. Besides, this kind of woman could never be his third sister that made him want to cut her into mincemeat.
The wind died, and the curtain fell down. Ji Huan’s sword was suddenly deflected, and before he could react, there was a blade resting on his neck. ‘Whose speed could be this terrifying?’
“Presumptuous!” Jing Rong spat out. They had incurred his wrath. The sword in his hand made a slit on Ji Huan’s neck, opening a bloody wound. If he was to apply a bit more force, even his strong, thick neck would not be able to withstand the cut.
“What great courage you have that you dare to point your sword at my honorable guest?! Do you even put this Prince in your eyes?!”
Ji Huan’s expression remained steady. Many years of military campaign had forged his character into one unfazed and indomitable in the face of danger. Therefore, he replied in a calm tone, “This general thought a bandit had hidden inside the carriage, thus I decided to draw my sword preemptively. I have investigated clearly. I apologize for my impulsive act. I hope your Highness will forgive me.”
“Forgive you?” The sword in Jing Rong’s hand changed its angle slightly, pricking the lower jaw of Ji Huan. Then, Jing Rong sneered. “You should know that I, this Prince, can have executed you here and now.”
Hearing the words, Ji Li, who was a few meters away, kneeled down immediately. He beseeched Jing Rong, “Your Highness, please be lenient. Ji Huan had offended you, but he did so in order to assure your safety. I beseech your Highness’ magnanimity. Please be lenient.”
“You, Ji people, are quite talented when it comes to crowding people with numbers. Each and every time… It has truly widened my horizons!” He squinted his long eyes and spoke in a furious tone. He used his sword to prop up Ji Huan’s chin and continued, “In all of the Great Lin, there has never been any vassal who would dare to draw a sword in front of this Prince. Ji Huan, I know you don’t fear death, but don’t forget: A monarch is a monarch, and a vassal should act like one.”
It was a strong warning! Despite being a martial man, Ji Huan still understood the meaning encompassing the concept of a monarch and his vassals. Therefore, he was forced to compromise, “Yes, your Highness. This general understands.”
After a moment, Jing Rong retracted his sword and threw it at Lang Po. Then, he swept a glance at the kneeling Ji Li and coldly stated, “Get up! Regardless, you are still the Left Secretary and Changlin General of this empire. This Prince cannot possibly claim your life. As for what had just occurred, let bygones be bygones. But I hope this is the last time. If it happens again, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
“Many thanks, your Highness!”
Jing Rong mounted back his horse. Without throwing another glance at the brothers, he lightly urged his horse forward. “Let’s go!”
Ji Li and Ji Huan retreated to the sides to allow Jing Rong to pass. The carriage moved forward while Ji Yunshu forced herself to maintain her calm despite the panic from earlier still lingering, not fading completely. Meanwhile, Wei Yi continued to hug her without letting go. He was probably scared to his wits’ end. She had no other choice but to pat his back and whisper comforting words.
However, just as their carriage passed by Ji Li and Ji Huan, fortunately or not, the curtain was once again blown up by the wind, and so did her veil…