QT: Against My Will (Volume 2)

4.13 - Headache - Dangerous Angels

Bing Shi called for a staff member to clean up the mess, using the opportunity to offer a symbolic perspective, "Your Highness, did you know that accidentally breaking a dish symbolizes a new beginning?"

She picked up a small triangular shard from the broken bowl, explaining its significance, "These shards signify that after an unfortunate incident, good luck follows. People often consider shards useless and discard them, but perhaps they have hidden value? As for myself, I'll keep one as a lucky charm."

Bing Shi wrapped the shard in a cloth and placed it in the inner pocket of her cloak, mentioning its potential as a weapon, "In case of emergency, I can use it for self-defense."

Her message was clear: don't rush to judgment without careful consideration. The initial appearance might deceive many. As she discreetly played with the strength pill hidden under her tongue, Bing Shi returned to the sofa, "What is your Highness' opinion on this matter?"

Observing Zhao Rong as he sat down behind a desk, she watched him gather papers and a glass-nibbed brush to jot down a war strategy.

He responded, "I couldn't agree more. Lack of information can lead to a trap."

Despite Zhao Rong's physical victory, Bing Shi had managed to shift the power dynamics through their verbal exchange, demonstrating her strategic prowess three times in a row.

[Host, what if he gets more interested in you? You might fail one of your missions.]

["If his interest would mean more opportunities in the future, I won't say no. Kuro, we have to look at the bigger picture."]

Having a prince as a regular might open the door for her little Tian Shies sooner than planned.

[Are you going to take revenge for what he did to you?]

["Petty revenge is not for me. About the things he did to me... If an opportunity comes, I'll make him regret his actions."]

Bing Shi rubbed her temples, the static noise from the shattered bowl still lingering in her ears, bringing back some bad memories.

'Xuan Mu, my head hurts...'

'I had to go on all fours and beg for mercy. I allowed someone to beat me. I didn't fight back when someone pulled at my hair. So tell me, why do I still feel no hatred and anger?'

'Somewhat, I'm scaring myself with my thoughts.'

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Dropping down from a thick willow tree branch, Ru Quan, donning a black uniform, crouched down in front of Fei Lan, urgency in his eyes, "Get on. Quickly, before the patrol appears."

Fei Lan, dressed in commoner attire, hesitantly climbed onto his strong shoulders.

As the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, Ru Quan vanished from the spot with Fei Lan in tow. Up on the tree, he could feel her warm breath brushing against his ear.

With a firm grip on him to prevent herself from falling, Fei Lan held on tightly, her hand around his neck sending a delicate fragrance that reached his senses.

Ignoring the distracting effects she had on him, Ru Quan placed a hand on a ledge, propelled himself over the wall, and landed gracefully on the other side. He then rushed toward a cart positioned behind a horse, instructing Fei Lan to conceal herself within it. Taking the horse's reins, they sped away into the depths of the night.

"I'm taking you to a safe location where you can stay for the time being," Ru Quan's gaze was fixed on the road ahead. The option of inns was out of the question. "I'll need to return and resume my duties as a guard to avoid arousing suspicion."