Xiao Yuheng actually made a sheath for the Triangular Blade overnight, and still claims he doesn’t want to keep it for himself?!
Shen Yue was so angry her teeth itched, glaring at him fiercely. The next moment, the prince’s gaze swept over her before quickly looking away.
“Understood?”
Changfeng’s concluding words were louder, startling her. She immediately joined in the loud response: “Understood!”
“Hmm, very good.”
At that moment, Xiao Yuheng also arrived before the team. Everyone saluted upon seeing him: “Your Highness!”
Xiao Yuheng nodded slightly, then said: “This noon, I am attending a banquet. Since this is the Second Bureau Chief’s first day in office, he shall accompany me.”
Upon hearing this, the various bureau chiefs showed puzzled expressions, especially Zhao Si, whose face darkened almost to the bottom of a pot.
As everyone knew, the Shadow Guard Bureau always took turns on duty. Yesterday was the Third Division’s turn, so today the Fourth Division should naturally accompany the prince.
But since the prince had spoken, no one could say anything more. They all accepted the order and left.
“Shen Er, you stay.”
Hearing this, Shen Yue’s mouth twitched. She turned and clasped her fists: “Your Highness.”
“Hmm, just now it seemed you gave me a dirty look.” Xiao Yuheng spoke calmly, his eyes revealing no emotion.
“Ah! How could that be?”
Shen Yue forced an awkward smile, “I merely noticed an additional dagger at Your Highness’s waist and took a couple more glances.”
She smiled brightly, her peach blossom eyes slightly curved, appearing rather feminine. Xiao Yuheng couldn’t help but frown at the sight.
“Is that so?”
He untied the Triangular Blade from his waist, not concealing his fondness for it in the slightest.
“This is a new treasure I acquired yesterday, called Xueyin Ci (Blood Drinker). What does Shen Er think of it?”
Shen Yue: …
Damn it, you’ve even named it now?
She curved her lips into a smile uglier than crying: “It’s quite good, though I feel this Xueyin Ci doesn’t quite match such a fine sheath.”
“Audacious!” Changfeng shouted from the side. “How dare you casually belittle His Highness’s treasure?”
Great, so this master and servant have the nerve to justify stealing others’ belongings?
She wouldn’t say anything more, was that acceptable?
Shen Yue’s cheeks flushed red with anger, yet she didn’t dare to outburst, could only hold it in silently. Xiao Yuheng watched this and inexplicably felt rather pleased.
“Eh~ Changfeng, don’t frighten Shen Er. He probably said that because he thinks my Xueyin Ci resembles his Triangular Blade. It’s fine. Once he returns what belongs to me, I will certainly return the Triangular Blade to him.”
While ostensibly speaking to Changfeng, he was actually subtly reminding Shen Yue about the Peach Blossom Cake matter. How could she not understand?
Hah~ ptui!
Never seen such a stingy man, and he calls himself a prince!
Changfeng naturally understood his master’s implication. He lowered his head and responded “Yes,” then stepped aside.
Shen Yue secretly gritted her teeth, clasped her fists and said: “Your Highness, if there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave to prepare the arrangements.”
“Hmm.”
The man gave a light hum in response.
After Shen Yue had gone some distance, Changfeng stepped forward and said:
“Your Highness, Shen Yue has only been in the prince’s residence for three months and was already promoted to bureau chief. Today you specifically appointed him to accompany you. The other divisions might become discontent.”
Xiao Yuheng glanced at him and began walking back, “That seems to be the captain of guards’ concern, not mine.”
“…Yes. What I meant to say is, Your Highness must not place too much trust in this person.”
“Do I need you to tell me that?”
Xiao Yuheng paused, “When you go out today, assign two people specifically to keep an eye on him. Remember to maintain distance—his hearing is likely no less sharp than yours.”
“Understood.”
As the oriole’s song shifted melodies, layered flower shadows danced in the spring light.
This third month of spring was when Sifang City appeared most beautiful.
Peach blossoms smiled in the breeze along every street and alley, while willow tendrils gently caressed the shores of Bishui Hu. Two gleaming black Qianli Liangju pulled an ornate carriage slowly down Chang’an Jie, with several figures concealed in the shadows along the street, closely following the procession.
To avoid drawing attention, shadow guards accompanying the prince during daylight hours wore civilian attire. Scouts were needed ahead, guards required at the rear, and at least twenty personnel had to remain hidden on both flanks for protection.
Having undertaken several missions with the Second Division over the past three months, Shen Yue had grown quite adept at arranging such details.
Now she moved swiftly across rooftop ridges, alternating between running and light leaps while keeping a firm watch on the carriage’s direction.
When they reached a bustling market district, a dozen gaudily dressed young women suddenly surged forth like swarming butterflies, completely blocking the road.
Changfeng frowned and quickly tightened the reins.
“Who dares obstruct Prince Cheng’s carriage?”
Shen Yue chuckled from her rooftop perch. Who else? Your Highness’s adoring fans, of course!
With his noble bearing and gracious treatment of commoners, Xiao Yuheng had transformed Sifang City into a well-ordered domain within just five years of assuming control. The local maidens became utterly captivated whenever they saw him.
Shen Yue had grown quite accustomed to such scenes.
Changfeng, by contrast, always reacted as if encountering this situation for the first time—amusing indeed.
As the carriage halted, the young women stood on tiptoe, craning their necks to peer through the carriage curtain gaps, their faces periodically flushing with shy delight.
“Your Highness! I’ve written you a letter—please do accept it!”
“Your Highness! I embroidered this sachet over three days and nights—do you like it?”
“What a shabby sachet! His Highness would prefer my handkerchief!”
“Hey, stop pushing me…”
The maidens jostled and shoved until complete disorder erupted.
Seeing the carriage immobilized, Shen Yue simply settled on the roof ridge, pulling out sunflower seeds to snack on while enjoying the spectacle.
“Director, what are you watching?” Zhang Dayong flew up to the rooftop and joined her.
Shen Yue smiled. “These young ladies. What are they thinking? The prince is of imperial lineage—he could never marry a common-born girl.”
“You don’t understand,” Zhang Dayong said as he settled beside her, deftly scooping a handful of seeds from her grasp.
“The prince is handsome, kind-hearted, and generous to his subordinates. Even being his concubine would bring endless luxury. If I were a woman, I’d fight for the chance too.”
“Generous? Are you certain?”
Shen Yue seriously wondered whether Zhang Dayong’s prince was the same as hers. “Generous” absolutely didn’t describe Xiao Yuheng—she’d sooner believe him to be a penny-pincher.
Trained not to use force in such situations, the two could only remain on the rooftop, watching helplessly as the carriage remained surrounded.
Left with no alternative, Xiao Yuheng extended his jade-like hand and drew aside the carriage curtain.
Immediately, the girls’ infatuated screams erupted:
“Aaaaah! So handsome, Your Highness!”