Chapter 103

Yan Yiming had once considered that if she left without making any arrangements, she would inevitably be seen as a traitor in the eyes of Chancellor Jian and others. As for the hidden guards who were aware of her actions, Yan Yiming had previously instructed them that if anything ever happened to her, they must protect Jian Yuyan's safety.
Although Yan Yiming's intention was solely to ensure Jian Yuyan's safety, these words carried a different meaning in the ears of the hidden guards.
The princess had entrusted them to Lord Jian, which showed just how much weight he held in her heart.
Given the hidden guards' line of thinking, if she were to leave, Jian Yuyan would inevitably learn some details from them.
Yan Yiming pondered for less than a few minutes before easily making a decision.
Having the Prince of Jiangxia or Chancellor Jian regard him as a traitor would better clear Jian Yuyan of suspicion, beneficial and harmless to her. Even if Jian Yuyan truly guessed something, given Jiang Yi’s level of intelligence, it would take at least a piece or two of evidence and several months for him to deduce her identity. By the time Jian Yuyan confirmed it, she would have long since left this place.
The opportunity would have already passed.
So the most urgent matter now was to protect the crown prince and escort him to a safe place.
The city gates had long been closed, but Yan Yiming held the governor’s token. The guards at the gate recognized her status. Though puzzled as to why Princess Ming was taking a handsome young man out of the city in the middle of the night, they didn’t dare question her and promptly opened the gates.
As the gates swung open, the two swiftly fled. Before the gates could even close again, a troop of cavalry rapidly approached.
Furious at the sight of the still-open gates, they nearly beheaded the gatekeepers in their rage. Cursing loudly, they spurred their horses and chased out of the city. There was only one main road outside the city, and if they hurried, they might catch up before the fugitives could leave it.
The horses Yan Yiming had prepared in advance were excellent steeds. Though Nan Gongxuan had been raised in luxury, he didn’t complain once during the desperate escape, even though Yan Yiming had noticed him subtly shifting his legs several times.
Princess Ming was a crucial figure, and Nan Gongxuan’s escape had deprived their pursuers of a significant advantage. The pursuers sent after them were less like soldiers and more like elite assassins. Little A nervously urged Yan Yiming to go faster and faster.
“Ahhh, they’re less than two kilometers away!!!”
If she were alone, she could easily shake off the pursuers. But even if Nan Gongxuan exerted all his strength, he couldn’t match the speed she had once achieved riding a thousand li overnight on the grasslands.
As the pursuers drew nearer, Yan Yiming glanced at the dense thickets on either side of the road. Resolutely, she pulled Nan Gongxuan off the horse, signaling him to stay quiet while she listened to Little A’s countdown.
When the pursuers were less than a kilometer away, Yan Yiming cracked her whip against the horse’s hindquarters. The startled horse bolted forward along the main road, while she dragged Nan Gongxuan deep into the thickets.
In less than a minute, the deafening sound of hoofbeats arrived as expected. The black-clad pursuers moved like phantoms in the night, the cold gleam of their blades at their waists sending chills down the spine.
The two held their breath until the last pursuer vanished from sight. Only then did Yan Yiming let out a sigh of relief. Not daring to linger, she motioned for Nan Gongxuan to follow her as they quickly made their way through the low, withered grass and shrubs, heading deeper into the woods.
The horses would eventually tire and stop, and by then, the pursuers would surely realize they had been tricked and turn back.
Yan Yiming had previously tested Wei Xiongjie and confirmed that Suzhou and Hangzhou were not under the Prince of Jiangxia’s control. However, with the Prince of Jiangxia now marching north, the southern regions remained highly unsafe. Logically, bypassing the city walls and heading north would be safer, and they might even encounter rescue troops along the way.
Yan Yiming understood this, and Jian Xiang and Wei Xiongjie certainly wouldn't be ignorant of it either. After the pursuers turned back and reported to Jian Xiang and the others, the most likely direction they would head was still north.
After careful consideration, Yan Yiming decided to continue south, putting as much distance as possible between them and Changzhou City. The area was mountainous with complex terrain, and by hiding out until the most critical period had passed before heading north, the two of them would be safer.
With Little A monitoring the surroundings, Yan Yiming could keep track of the situation within dozens of miles. Confirming that it was safe and no pursuers had arrived, she finally relaxed and spoke, glancing down at Nan Gongxuan's leg with a teasing tone, “Does your leg hurt?”
“What do you mean hurt…“ Nan Gongxuan instinctively started to reply but cut himself off halfway, feeling annoyed. He immediately retorted, “It doesn't hurt!”
How could this woman be so direct? Riding for too long had indeed left the inside of his thighs unbearably sore, but was that a question a woman should ask?
And if even he couldn't bear it, why did she seem completely unaffected?
Nan Gongxuan glanced sideways at Yan Yiming. Under the moonlight filtering through the forest shadows, her beautiful face was not entirely clear, but he could see her strikingly bright eyes.
Those eyes were beautiful and clear, yet he couldn't understand them.
At first, she had compared herself to the Crown Princess, humiliating herself and earning his disdain. Later, he heard she had taken a liking to Jian Yuyan, and Nan Gongxuan thought this woman was fickle and promiscuous, falling for anyone she saw.
It was only after learning about the secret dealings between Jian Xiang and the Prince of Jiangxia that Nan Gongxuan realized their apparent flirtation might have been a cover for their true, hidden agenda.
Unfortunately, before he could uncover what that secret was, he had already fallen into Jian Xiang's hands.
That night, he had loathed Jian Xiang, loathed her, and even more so, he despised Jian Yuyan, whom he had treated with genuine sincerity for years.
That night, the woman had held a cold blade to his neck, and the scene of her killing someone with a single stroke was still vivid in his mind. For a moment, Nan Gongxuan was shocked, but then he was knocked unconscious and woke up a prisoner.
These past twenty-some days had been the darkest period of Nan Gongxuan's life. Betrayed by his own father, deceived by his friend, and humiliated by this utterly detestable woman. The world was on the brink of chaos, the people would suffer, and he had become one of the pawns in their rebellion. Nan Gongxuan didn't believe his cold, distant father would make any compromises for him.
In just over twenty days, Nan Gongxuan had seen and understood many things.
At the brink of despair, he discovered a glimmer of hope for rebirth, Jian Yuyan.
Jian Yuyan would visit him from time to time. After several tests, Nan Gongxuan sensed that Jian Yuyan seemed to have other intentions, and he faintly detected that Jian Yuyan might be inclined to help him.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this a lifeline in desperate times.
Nan Gongxuan had envisioned cooperating with Jian Yuyan, but he never expected that this woman, whom he had refused to think about from start to finish, would save his life on such a night.
Having lost all her status, she now stood opposed to her own family, risking danger all for the sake of saving his life.
Nan Gongxuan suddenly couldn't understand it.
Why?
He thought this, and so he asked it aloud.
“Because you cannot die,” he began with the very question she least wanted to answer. “You are truly direct and adorable,” Yan Yiming rolled her eyes helplessly and said, “You are, after all, the Crown Prince of Great Xia.”
“Great Xia has more than just me as a prince, and more than one legitimate son,” Nan Gongxuan, though somewhat disheveled, had now calmed down and continued, “If I die, there is still my younger brother. If my father dislikes both of us, there are other princes. The Great Xia dynasty will not lose anything just because it lacks one crown prince.”
It was rare for Nan Gongxuan to show such self-awareness, but at this moment, Yan Yiming wished he wouldn't be so sharp.
Seeing that she didn't answer, Nan Gongxuan went on, “You are the daughter of the Prince of Jiangxia. Rescuing me and helping me escape is a betrayal of your father. If you are caught, you could even face the danger of losing your life.”
Nan Gongxuan turned to look at her, his gaze fixed intently. “So, why did you save me?”
Yan Yiming was stunned. Could it be that Nan Gongxuan had finally sharpened up, ready to redeem his past disgrace, guess the truth, and prove that he truly deserved to be ranked among the Four Great Male Leads?
Yan Yiming coughed lightly. “There's no particular reason. I saved you because I wanted to...”
Nan Gongxuan suddenly chuckled softly. Yan Yiming turned her face to meet a pair of gentle eyes that shocked her, and then she heard him say,
“Today, I will forever remember the life-saving grace you have shown me, County Princess. If we can safely return to Jinling, I will certainly repay your kindness. However, no matter what, my heart belongs only to the Crown Princess. So, I still cannot agree to marry you as my principal consort...”
Yan Yiming was dumbfounded.
Yan Yiming suddenly felt like slapping herself.
What illusion had led her to believe that Nan Gongxuan had suddenly been possessed by Jiang Yi or Shao Jingyu?
This man was not self-aware at all; rather, he had an inflated sense of self-importance that knew no bounds.
Yan Yiming raised a hand in refusal, “Wait!”
She cut off Nan Gongxuan's words.
“Your Highness,” Yan Yiming spoke sincerely, “I saved you only because I do not agree with my father's plans and did not want you to become a sacrificial pawn.”
Nan Gongxuan still wore an expression that said, “You don't need to explain; I already know everything.”
Yan Yiming, on the verge of collapse, earnestly assured him, “I have never once thought of replacing your Crown Princess, and certainly never considered becoming your secondary consort. I have no romantic feelings for you whatsoever. I saved you... actually, because someone asked me to.”
Nan Gongxuan raised an eyebrow. “Someone asked you to? Who?”
Who had such great influence?
“Jiang Yi, Lord Jiang,” Yan Yiming pondered for half a second before deciding to shift the blame to Jiang Yi. In principle, Jiang Yi probably wouldn't mind taking the fall.
“Jiang Yi?” Nan Gongxuan was surprised. After a moment of thought, he laughed. “If you're going to make an excuse, at least pick someone more believable.”
Jiang Yi had never mentioned any connection with the County Princess Ming to him, and the two had no private dealings. Moreover, like him, Jiang Yi's heart belonged only to his deceased wife. How could he possibly be entangled with Princess Ming?
Seeing that she was unwilling to speak, Nan Gongxuan, in a surprisingly good mood, decided not to press further.
Though her actions were rather fierce, she still retained some of a woman's shyness. Since that was the case, why should he push her too hard?
After resting enough, the two continued their journey. Setting aside the previous topic, Yan Yiming could tell Nan Gongxuan everything else.
Nan Gongxuan asked her whether Suzhou and Hangzhou were also under the control of the Prince of Jiangxia, whether the Prince of Jiangxia had already raised troops and marched north, and finally, why Chancellor Jian, already second only to the emperor, remained unsatisfied.
Yan Yiming, scouting the path ahead, turned and asked him, “Your Highness, do you know Jian Yuyan’s true identity?”
“Zi’an?”
Nan Gongxuan was astonished.
Because he knew Jian Yuyan had not truly betrayed the state, Nan Gongxuan had assumed he rebelled only under pressure from Chancellor Jian. But now it seemed that wasn’t the case?
“Jian Yuyan doesn’t actually bear the surname Jian, his surname is Yu,” Yan Yiming said. “Does Your Highness understand now?”
Nan Gongxuan froze in place.
The surname Yu was exceedingly rare. Over the years, he had only known of one family with that surname, the imperial clan of the previous dynasty, which had been wiped out.
“Back then, Emperor Taizu slaughtered the entire Yu clan but missed a pregnant imperial consort. The ancestors of the Jian family hid her in the Jian residence. After she gave birth to a prince, they sent her away and had her executed on the spot, then cremated, leaving only the infant in swaddling clothes. That child grew up alongside Chancellor Jian, who publicly claimed he was an adopted son of the Jian family. When the adopted son grew up, he fell in love with the Jian family’s daughter. After they married, the child they had was Jian Yuyan.”
Yan Yiming recounted this secret history in such a casual tone, yet it couldn’t diminish the shock surging in Nan Gongxuan’s heart.
No wonder Chancellor Jian had rebelled.
So the companion he grew up with had such an astonishing background.
But if that was the case, why had Jian Yuyan revealed to him that he had no intention of rebellion and even intended to save him?
Confusion? Or deception once again?
Nan Gongxuan’s handsome face gradually turned cold.
Without turning her head, Yan Yiming asked him, “Now that you know Jian Yuyan’s identity, if you could return to Jinling and capture him alive, how would you deal with him?”
“A remnant of the previous dynasty should naturally be executed.”
“How cold-blooded,” Yan Yiming mocked without restraint.
Nan Gongxuan was baffled by her words. “Remnants of the previous dynasty should not be spared. Jian Yuyan has been lurking for years and has brought me to this state. Should I really let him go?”
You ended up in this situation because you were too foolish to guard against your own father, Yan Yiming thought to herself, too lazy to argue further with Nan Gongxuan. In the end, she only said calmly, “Nothing is as simple as it appears to Your Highness. You will understand in time.”
Nan Gongxuan watched her retreating figure, and an unwelcome irritation suddenly surged in his heart, though he couldn’t pinpoint why.
As for the future, he would wait and see what tricks she could still pull.
The pursuers tasked with capturing the two finally caught up with the horses half an hour later. Staring at the empty saddles, the group realized they had been fooled and were furious.
By the time they considered turning back to chase, they had no idea which direction to take and could only return to report their failure.
Chancellor Jian furiously berated everyone. Wei Xiongjie sat to the side with a complicated expression, unable to discern whether he truly wanted to find her or not.
After his outburst, Chancellor Jian calmed down. “The north is closer to Jinling, and with Xia troops approaching, if they plan to flee, they will head north. Pursue them along the northern route.”
Wei Xiongjie snapped out of his thoughts and called out to the men about to leave. “The princess is exceptionally clever, she might do the opposite. We must also send people south. Since they’ve lost their mounts, they might be hiding in the hard-to-traverse mountain forests. Dispatch small teams to thoroughly search the surrounding woods.”
Chancellor Jian nodded in agreement. The men withdrew, and the conversation shifted to recent developments.
Jian Yuyan sat quietly sipping tea nearby. At the mention of “princess,” his hand paused briefly, but he quickly regained his composure.
News arrived that Shao Jingyu had returned to the capital. The emperor had ordered Shao Jingyu to lead troops to press toward Changzhou, and they would arrive in a few days.
Since Princess Ming had already rescued the Crown Prince, it was now his turn.
Yan Yiming and Nan Gongxuan wandered through the mountains for two days. Yan Yiming could secretly snack on treats from Little A, but she couldn’t share them with Nan Gongxuan. Thus, Nan Gongxuan had to make do with sour wild fruits and the occasional rabbit, treated to all-natural roasted rabbit meat.
Even though Yan Yiming was skilled in battle and evasion, she was terrible at roasting rabbits. After a few days, she looked at Nan Gongxuan and felt his face had taken on a greenish hue.
Nan Gongxuan wanted to venture out to find food himself, but Yan Yiming repeatedly stopped him.
If she went out and encountered pursuers, she could survive. If Nan Gongxuan went, he’d be beyond help, with no one to answer his cries.
Nan Gongxuan felt belittled again, but he wasn’t as angry as before. Even while eating the terribly roasted rabbit, his expression remained mild as he said, “This humble one doesn’t need…”
Yan Yiming was about to tease him with a smile when her expression suddenly changed. She stamped out the fire on the ground, grabbed Nan Gongxuan, and pulled him deeper into the dense forest.
Nan Gongxuan’s face turned stern as he asked in a low voice, “Pursuers?”
“Not sure,” Yan Yiming replied, shoving him further into the thick undergrowth. “Probably.”
With that, she gripped her long blade and turned to leave. Nan Gongxuan was startled and quickly grabbed her arm. “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to lure them away,” Yan Yiming said.
Nan Gongxuan’s handsome face darkened. “I forbid it.”
Yan Yiming almost laughed. “Your forbidding won’t save us. If I lead them away, at least you can survive...”
“I don’t need a woman risking her life for me like this,” Nan Gongxuan took a deep breath. “I accept life or death as it comes. What kind of man hides behind a woman to cling to survival...”
Yan Yiming closed her eyes. Though his words sounded rather noble,
“Your Highness,” Yan Yiming addressed Nan Gongxuan with gravity, “If I were to face the pursuers alone, I am confident I could escape unscathed. But if I have to bring you along, both of us will die here. Do you understand what I'm saying?”
Nan Gongxuan's grip on Yan Yiming's arm stiffened. She continued to shatter his confidence, “So, Your Highness, the best way you can help me is to hide quietly and not be discovered.”
With that, she shook off his hand and, with agile steps, vanished from his sight in a few swift movements.
Nan Gongxuan stood frozen, staring at the spot where Yan Yiming had disappeared. Only after a long while did his face slowly flush red, and he silently fumed in frustration,
“Utterly arrogant!”
Though he couldn't refute her, he still felt somewhat aggrieved.
Yan Yiming was surprised that pursuers had tracked them here. For the past few days, it had been safe, and she was certain they were heading north to search for them. But today, someone had found this place.
Carefully concealing herself in the shadows, Yan Yiming tightened her grip on the sharp blade in her hand, ignoring Little A's warning as it turned into the sound of approaching footsteps.
Half an hour later, the black-clad figures finally appeared before her. Yan Yiming waited silently for all of them to arrive, counting their numbers.
Sixteen.
Not too many, but not too few either.
She overheard them saying they had discovered the remains of a campfire, so they must be nearby. However, judging by their relaxed tones, they clearly did not take a woman and an unarmed crown prince seriously.
Good, Yan Yiming curled a faint smile at the corner of her lips.
As the men drew closer, a sudden flash of cold light cut through the air. Before anyone could react, a scream echoed as one of them fell dead instantly. The others turned in horror to face a woman of stunning beauty, her face etched with murderous intent. After a moment of exchanging glances, one of them hesitantly spoke, “Princess, please come back with us.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then I'm afraid we'll have to resort to force...”
But before he could finish his sentence, the sharp blade was already closing in. Startled, the man dodged hastily, but not before his arm was slashed.
Shocked and enraged, the others roared and charged at her all at once.
It had been a long time since her last battle, but compared to facing thousands of troops back then, this felt much easier.
The men had underestimated her from the start, and with orders not to harm Princess Ming, they held back. Yan Yiming seized the initiative.
Only then did they realize that if they didn't go all out, they might die here. They unleashed their deadliest moves. Outnumbered and without the advantage of being on horseback as before, Yan Yiming soon suffered a leg injury in the ensuing exchanges.
Seeing this, the others quickly attacked again, but to their horror, they discovered that despite being injured, she remained completely unaffected. Even after sustaining more wounds, it was the same.
After a few rounds back and forth, Yan Yiming only grew more ferocious in battle, while they suffered casualties, some dead, others wounded. Exchanging glances, the remaining few hastily retreated. Unable to catch up, Yan Yiming could only hurry back to find Nan Gongxuan.
Since they had escaped, their location was now exposed, and it was certain that more pursuers would soon arrive.
Not daring to delay any longer, Yan Yiming rushed back to find Nan Gongxuan.
Hearing footsteps, Nan Gongxuan immediately grew alert. Only when he saw it was Yan Yiming did he relax, but the sight of the bloodstains on her clothes startled him. He hurried out, exclaiming in shock, “You're injured?”
“Ah,” Yan Yiming replied, “Just a minor wound. Let's go quickly, the pursuers might be here any moment.”
Nan Gongxuan stared at her without speaking. Yan Yiming tugged at him but failed to move him, so she looked up and met his gaze. “Let's go.”
Yan Yiming was wearing dark red clothing, but even so, the damp, blood-soaked patches were visible. Nan Gongxuan felt a sudden ache in his chest. He was so angry he didn't know what to say. She always claimed she was acting on someone's behalf, which was why she saved him.
But was it necessary to go this far?
He was furious, yet he couldn't vent his anger at her, because she had been injured to this extent for his sake.
Yan Yiming paused for a moment, then understood why Nan Gongxuan was upset. She glanced at him and sighed helplessly. “It really is just a minor wound. Let's go quickly. Staying alive is more important than anything.”
With that, she turned and strode off on her own.
Nan Gongxuan silently watched her retreating figure, his fists clenched tightly.
Why did such a woman exist in this world? One who buried all her pain and suffering deep inside. Didn't she feel any pain? Didn't she feel any grievance?
But Yan Yiming would not answer him.
That night, Nan Gongxuan saw her quietly sit up and roll up her pant leg. Dried blood had glued the fabric to her skin, yet she peeled it off expressionlessly, revealing a bloody wound once more.
Unable to bear it any longer, Nan Gongxuan sat up abruptly. Yan Yiming was startled. “You're awake?”
Without a word, Nan Gongxuan took hold of her leg. The sight of the gruesome wound pained his eyes. A small stream flowed gently nearby. Before Yan Yiming could react, he scooped her up, carried her to the stream, and carefully washed away the blood from her wound with clear water.
Yan Yiming was astonished. The crown prince, who had always been arrogant and aloof, had actually lowered his head one day.
Rare. Truly rare.
After the wound was cleaned, Yan Yiming stopped Nan Gongxuan's movements. She took out a small bottle from her waist, sprinkled medicine on the injury, then pulled Nan Gongxuan closer and deftly tore a strip from the hem of his robe. Watching his slightly twitching lips, she chuckled for a long moment before bandaging the wound.
“Thanks,” Yan Yiming smiled and stood up. “Let's rest. We still have to play hide-and-seek tomorrow.”
In truth, it didn't hurt at all, after all, Little A had shut off her sensory perception. But to avoid arousing Nan Gongxuan's suspicion, Yan Yiming still pretended to limp.
Nan Gongxuan pressed his lips together, watching as she leaned against a tree and closed her eyes. A long time later, he lifted his gaze to the moon in the sky, not knowing when he finally fell asleep.
In the following days, just as Yan Yiming had anticipated, the number of pursuers in the area suddenly increased. Not daring to confront them head-on, Yan Yiming could only rely on Little A's radar function to play a game of hide-and-seek. Occasionally, when she couldn't avoid them, she would fight if she could, and flee if she couldn't.
Nan Gongxuan grew increasingly silent. It was unclear how much time had passed until one day, earth-shaking battle cries erupted from the direction of Changzhou. The roar of cannons seemed to make even the mountains tremble, and Yan Yiming's eyes finally lit up.
The life of fleeing was finally coming to an end, the Xia army had arrived.
After that, the pursuers never appeared again. Yan Yiming and Nan Gongxuan began to slowly make their way out of the deep mountains. Suddenly, Yan Yiming heard Little A's reminder and turned to Nan Gongxuan, saying, “I'll go scout ahead. Wait for me here.”
With that, she slipped away before Nan Gongxuan could react. Nan Gongxuan gritted his teeth and let out a long, deep sigh.
A long time later, birds suddenly scattered in alarm. Startled, Nan Gongxuan sensed danger and immediately hid behind a cluster of trees.
After what felt like an eternity, Yan Yiming still hadn't returned, but the sound of footsteps grew closer and closer. Nan Gongxuan held his breath. A long time later, the group arrived, and he heard a rather familiar voice. They said, “I heard His Highness is nearby...”
Nan Gongxuan glanced sideways and saw that it was none other than the Northern Gate Commandant, Tang Qi!
Changzhou had been breached. The reinforcements had finally arrived. Nan Gongxuan let out a sudden sigh of relief and stepped out from behind the trees.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Yan Yiming had just received a reminder from Little A that the reinforcements had arrived.
Since the reinforcements were here, Nan Gongxuan's safety was assured, and her mission was completely accomplished. So, Yan Yiming chose to leave immediately to avoid further complications.
She briskly made her way through the forest, heading toward the main road, chatting cheerfully with Little A. Suddenly, the previously lively Little A went silent as if it had crashed.
“Little A?” Yan Yiming called out to Little A.
Little A let out a weak groan and said, “Host, good luck...”
After that, it completely vanished.
“Good luck, my foot,” Yan Yiming muttered. What was this sudden crash all about? She called out to it several more times but received no response. She had no choice but to ignore it for now and continue on her way.
Just as she was about to reach her destination, Yan Yiming heard the clip-clop of horse hooves and an inexplicably familiar, suffocating aura of killing intent. She abruptly looked up and saw a man on horseback in the distance, gazing down at her from above.
His bold and handsome features twisted into a cold smile as a familiar voice slowly spoke, “Princess Ming?”
“What a coincidence.”