âI have nothing to do in the capital other than waiting for the result. I might as well go to Nanjiang and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the wayâŠâ Murong Xue chuckled.
âGood idea!â Ouyang Shaochen nodded before asking her expressionlessly, âWhen do you plan to set off?â
âIn a few days,â Murong Xue said softly. In the scorching summer, there was no need to bring so much luggage except for some money and clothes to change.
Ouyang Shaochen nodded. âThere is an emergency I need to attend toâŠâ
âTake your time. You donât need to see me off if you are busyâŠâ As considerate as she was, Murong Xue said with a smile.
âHave I mentioned that before?â Ouyang Shaochen suddenly raised his tone in fury and looked up at her with his sparkling eyes. Shuddering in surprise, Murong Xue shot a piercing stare at him. âI have go back and pack up. Hope youâll enjoy the tea, Your Highness!â
Murong Xue rose to her feet before leaving the tea house in big strides angrily without looking back. Walking on the street, she dwelt upon the scene in the tea house furiously. âNobody forced him to see me off! Why on earth did he lose his temper like that!
Turning around at the street corner, Murong Xue suddenly sensed an intense smell of smoke as a streak of red light skimmed before her eyes. With everything fading into darkness all of a sudden, she was greatly stricken by dizziness before slumping on the groundâŠ
A man in black turned up from nowhere, seized Murong Xue by her arm, and threw her inside the carriage. Upon finishing the task, the man drove the wagon away at once, leaving a wake of dust in the airâŠ
Ouyang Shaochen threw a silver ingot on the desk before stepping out of the tea house in big strides. He headed towards the same direction as Murong Xue, his handsome face ghastly sullen.
What he intended to say was that he would accompany her to Nanjiang after settling the affairs at the Lord Freedomâs Mansion! Why didnât she let him finish his sentence? What a silly girl!
He shouldnât have entertained the hope that this stupid girl could read his mindâŠ
Suddenly, Ouyang Shaochen caught sight of a glittering pearl at the corner of the street.
He halted and picked the pearl up with his brows knitted. At the sight of the Chinese character âXueâ carved upon the surface, Ouyang Shaochen squinted his eyes as something suddenly crossed his mind. It was Murong Xueâs earring, which was given by him as a present! Something must have happened to Xueâer!
âXun Feng, Wu Hen, block the city gate at once and search for Xueâer. Make sure no stone will be left unturned! If someone dares to resist, slay them right away!â
âYes, sir!â Following his order, Xun Feng and Wu Hen left swiftly.
Ouyang Shaochen clutched the pearl earring, his face ghastly darkening. How bold they were to kidnap Xueâer!
Murong Xue could feel the slight jolting of her seat, but her eyelid was too heavy to lift. She was undoubtedly in a fast-moving wagon, whose curtains at both sides were fluttering in the howling wind.
Murong Xue squinted. Although she had figured that there must have been something wrong with the fleeting red light, Murong Xue still breathed some poisonous smoke in before holding her breath. Despite the fact that she had already regained consciousness, she was still feeble all over. How powerful the smoke was!
Who on earth had kidnapped her? What was their intention?
With a violent jolt of the wagon, the reckless sound of one of the kidnappers rang outside the carriage.
âThe invisible guards of Lord Freedomâs Mansion are powerful, for they not only figured out our whereabouts, but also nearly caught up with us just then. Fortunately, they were distracted by An Liu and An QiâŠâ
âIs it something to be proud of? Havenât you noticed no one has returned until now? It is highly possible that they have been murdered by those Invisible GuardsâŠâ
After a period of silence, someone let out a sigh, âNever underestimate Lord Freedomâs Heir, Ouyang ShaochenâŠâ
âIndeed. How could the eminent prince Ouyang be an incapable nobody? Our master sent thirty Invisible Guards here several days ago, and weâre the only survivors. If another Invisible Guard appears, one of us must go and distract him.â
âJust for the girl in the wagon? Ouyang Shaochen hunted us down just for her? Is she really that attractive?â The man said in a low-pitched voice filled with curiosity.
âWhat do you mean?â The other man asked coldly.
âArenât you interested in her?â The first man snickered, and his laughter made Murong Xue physically sick.
âI would rather keep myself alive than fulfilling my personal desire. Itâs our master who wants her. You might as well behave yourself!â The second man warned his partner.
His partner turned his back on him. âWhat are you afraid of? Our master only wants Murong Xue alive. As long as we keep her safe, our job will be done. As for other things, our master wonât care at all.â
His partner snorted. âThe Invisible Guards of the Lord Freedomâs Mansion might show up at any time. How come you are still in the mood for your selfish desire? You might as well think about how to escape from them and take Murong Xue to our master.â
His partner argued, âThere is no need to worry. Our reinforcement will come soonâŠWe have always been running like stray dogs in fear of being caught by the Invisible Guards. It is time for our counterattackâŠâ
His partner sneered. âDonât boast before our reinforcement arrives.â
âIâm not boasting, just telling the truth!â He patted his partnerâs shoulder and murmured smilingly. âIn view of the rugged roads, it will take a long time for them to catch up with us. Drive the wagon first. I will get inside and have some fun. Youâll be the next!â
As soon as he finished speaking, the man leaped into the carriage before his partner could even react.
âYou cannot make a crab walk straight,â his partner scolded and urged, âHurry up!â
âAlright!â His partner responded casually and approached Murong Xue. She was fast asleep in the carriage, her long eyelashes like butterflyâs wings, casting two deep shadows on her eyelids, her rosy lips puckered. It would be so cruel to unhallow that serene sleeping beauty.
The lilac dress had been tailored to the size of her body, accentuating her slim figure. The man stared at Murong Xue with his eyes wide open. No wonder Ouyang Shaochen was enchanted by her. Needless to say, he would be greatly honored for the intimacy with her. Ha-ha-haâŠ\n