Fuzhu's Ballad

27

CHAPTER 27 Epiphany

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Lan Dan was relieved to see him unharmed. It seemed that Shentu Rui had come to Tongye early, not to hurt Fifth Brother out of spite.

Sun Shi Xiang, who was usually arrogant, humbly opened the prison door and whispered, “Talk when we get out.”

Xiao Bing Wen’s face twisted in an expression of desperation to escape. When Sun Shi Xiang opened the prison door just wide enough for one person to pass through, Xiao Bing Wen burst out. Though it was only a few steps away, he appeared exhausted and pale with bloodless face, his eyes bright with excitement.

Lan Dan had been watching him, and the expression on his face at that moment frightened her. It wasn’t until Sun Shi Xiang reminded her that she remembered to hand the package in her hand to Fifth Brother.

Xiao Bing Wen hastily draped the cloak from the package over his body and pulled the hood over his head to conceal his face in the shadow of its fold. As he walked out of the prison, Lan Dan was surprised to see that Fifth Brother’s back was once again straight, and he had regained some of his royal demeanor that had been absent just moments before. While his drastic change in attitude lacked resilience and the fortitude of a great leader, it was clear that he could be easily swayed by the possibility of success. Without the kind of tenacity and mentality that a person who achieves great things should have, he appeared like a stray dog at death’s door, but as soon as there was a glimmer of hope, he would puff up his chest with arrogance.

She smiled wryly to herself, realizing that she was not a great figure either. Where did this sudden insight come from?

In fact, she had a vague feeling of this kind before, when she sensed that Fifth Brother had thoughts of rebellion. At that time, she even praised herself for being observant and astute. But after experiencing so many hardships, she realized that Fifth Brother was just too transparent with his thoughts, and anyone could see through them.

After getting into the carriage, Lan Dan felt that Fifth Brother must be more relaxed now. He sat up straight and even smiled at her.

“Have you met me before, Miss?” he inquired, speaking in a tone that was familiar to her.

“…yes,” Lan Dan stammered, avoiding his gaze. “I have met you before.”

Xiao Bing Wen made a knowing expression. “From your accent, are you also from the capital, Miss?”

Lan Dan suddenly remembered the silver coins she had prepared, quickly took them out from her pocket and handed them to Fifth Brother, apologetically saying, “It’s not much, but it’s what I could gather in a hurry. It should be enough for emergencies.”

Xiao Bing Wen took the money, showing a surprised expression, and stared at Lan Dan for a while. “Miss, you speak so well. Have you met this Prince before? Could it be that you are also from the old Min clan?”

It was a strange question. Lan Dan couldn’t help but take a closer look at him. Since Shentu Cheng usurped the throne less than a year ago, almost everyone could be considered part of the ‘old Min clan’.

“Since that’s the case… with such a beautiful appearance, how could this Prince not remember you?” Xiao Bing Wen frowned, his gaze deep and unclear, with an indescribable meaning when he looked at her.

Lan Dan felt annoyed. She had seen this expression on Fifth Brother’s face many times, when he lied to Yuan Yuan or other girls. Even if he didn’t know her true identity, why did he have to be like this even at this moment? He really had some nerve!