Taming Tyrants III

Arc 7: Royal Deceit (210)

Different numbers of arrows rushed to their direction. With so many, they can't focus where it originated and has to defend themselves from Gu Zixing too. Though they are experts, they were unprepared for Hong Cha's tactic. Among the arrows released from the bow was an arrow from the crossbow which is three times more fatal. She successfully hit two of them but none fell. Hong Cha loaded the crossbow and prepared another strike. However, she noticed Gu Zixing's complexion becoming pale. She felt a presence behind her. Hong Cha turned back to see another person in black, lashing the sword to her.

"Miss Hong!" Gu Zixing was alarmed. He dropped all means to fight his opponents and hurried to her. Thankfully, Hong Cha avoided it. She grabbed the arrows and crossbow, hurriedly running to his side.

Gu Zixing made up his mind to escape. He carried Hong Cha and raced straight south. The enemies still went after them. Gu Zixing knew the terrain around this place. This is his advantage as he escaped their radar. Hong Cha looked up to him and noticed his expression was grim. She didn't do anything wrong, did she?

He brought her to an abandoned village. The place already had trees and grasses, most houses were destroyed and hidden. Gu Zixing chose the tallest building and made sure it won't cause any accident. He placed Hong Cha down before snatching the bow from her.

"Stay here." He also took the arrows and his commanding voice made her unhappy. Why is he angry in a sudden?

"Sir Gu-"

"Who told you to help? I only said you must hide and keep yourself safe!" Gu Zixing lost his calmness. His words caused her to stay silent but Hong Cha's eyes watered, her lips quivered too.

"W-was it bad if I were to help? I don't want you to die!" Hong Cha cried out. She wiped her tears and continued to shock him, "I told you, hadn't I? I have no family left. My eldest brother sacrificed himself just for me. But look what I have become without him. That time, I did nothing than hide and let him die for my sake. I can't take it if it happens again! I can't, can't lose you too..."

Gu Zixing felt a knot in his heart. He heaved a sigh and embraced her. "Don't cry, I'm sorry. I was just worried and if I return without you, Auntie Empress will be depressed. She's your last family."

Hong Cha didn't say another word and relished the comfort he brought. Amidst this dangerous and cold night, his safe embrace contented her. What she said were true. She will bear more heartache if she lost him. She had experienced that loss before, and she can't take it if Gu Zixing is no longer around.

He didn't know how long they stood and held each other. Gu Zixing just noticed her arms sliding down. He raised her face and saw her asleep. She trusts him this much?

Gu Zixing can't help but smile helplessly. If he wasn't a good guy, he would have taken advantage of her considering how vulnerable and lovely she is. However, doesn't this only prove that she felt safe and sees him as someone she can depend on?

Early birds chirped from the tree branches. The tepid sunlight brimmed into the house through it's holes and broken windows. Slight warmth hailed over Hong Cha. Her lashes fanned as she opened her eyes. Hong Cha saw that she is alone in the desolate room.

Where could have Gu Zixing went?

She stood up and pushed the broken window. She immediately found him arriving with fruits in tow. Hong Cha turned to the stairs but it's all wrecked. She waited for Gu Zixing to come by the windowsill.

"Had a good sleep?" He asked first. Hong Cha nodded when she recalled what crimes she did last night. It caused her face to redden.

"Are we safe?" She scrutinized in order to hide her embarrassment.

"Not sure. Those men last night are not normal soldiers. They want us both dead." Gu Zixing have an idea who sent those. It must be the warlord. Though the warlord is old, he is witty. He must have regarded Gu Zixing a traitor. "Eat. I will go back to retrieve the horses. We are near to our first destination."

"Where?" Hong Cha had already started. He doesn't need to proclaim she have to eat.

"Can I borrow a shoe?"

Hong Cha paused. She looked at him in a ridiculous way. It's impossible he wants to wear a woman's shoe, with how small it was. Furthermore, only married couples or female relatives can take off a girl's shoe. With how strict the society they are in, this can only be resolved through her, taking the initiative to take it off.

"I'm eating. Sir Gu can remove it." Hong Cha raised her lips to a mischievous smile. She sat down on the windowsill and raised her skirt a bit, showing her feminine shoes and soft white socks covering her knees to her feet.

"Miss Hong, I can't..." Gu Zixing declined with a powerless look. If he does that, he takes responsibility.

"Stop being a monk, there is only the two of us here. No one will know~." She ambiguously said and winked. Gu Zixing felt like a girl had just agreed to something inappropriate, or was it him being perverted this early?

Gu Zixing shook off the thoughts in his head. He knelt down and hesitantly touched her leg. He gently eased the knot and took her shoe. Hong Cha stopped eating and focused on him, her thoughts hidden by her lowered eyelashes.

"Sir Gu, if one day, you marry your first wife, I will blackmail you so I will be your concubine." Her words astounded him. Hong Cha laughed to see his guilty and worried face. "I was just joking. You should have seen your expression!"

"Miss Hong, you troubled me." Gu Zixing said in a helpless tone. He thought she tricked him.

Gu Zixing have no idea she was serious. This is equal to undressing her that is why he must take responsibility if this matter spreads. Judging from his honest personality, he will have no choice but to agree if it were to occur.