Chapter 126: Besieged by the Horde

She appeared veiled in a sense of ethereal mystery.

When Yun Zui had first departed, she was clearly dressed in men’s attire. How had she returned in women’s clothing? A flicker of astonishment crossed Xiao Tianming’s eyes. Even back in the imperial palace, he had never laid eyes on a beauty as peerless as Yun Zui; he was truly struck by her radiance. A woman of such beauty was a rare treasure indeed.

"I’ve made you worry; I met with a minor mishap." Yun Zui swiftly changed the subject, asking, "What about your younger siblings?"

Xiao Tianming answered immediately, "I’ve sent them to bed."

"Good." Yun Zui nodded, then inquired, "How did the selection of the slaves go?"

At the mention of this, Xiao Tianming brightened. "Each one is cautious and discreet. I am certain that if assigned a task, they will execute it to perfection. Furthermore, they are not the type to cling to life or fear death; they would never leak a single word about their master."

Yun Zui arched a brow at this, then said, "Very well, then the management of this estate is in your hands. I have another task for you."

Upon hearing the word "task," Xiao Tianming asked eagerly, "Please, Master, give your orders."

Yun Zui replied instantly, "You have a silver tongue, and I would hate for such a talent to go to waste. Having been a beggar yourself, you know how to persuade people to lay down their lives for a cause. That is your mission."

Xiao Tianming listened intently, then nodded in immediate acceptance.

Yun Zui, looking quite satisfied, offered a final instruction: "From now on, do not call me 'Master'—call me 'Boss'!"

She disliked the rigid dynamic of master and servant; she preferred the closeness of brotherhood.

Xiao Tianming was stunned, but he quickly bowed his head in agreement. "Yes, Boss."

He thought to himself that this woman was the most extraordinary person in this ancient land. Though he was older than her, he had to address her as "Boss"... yet, he was entirely convinced.

***

Meanwhile, not far from the Imperial City, the return journey from the hunt was underway. The clatter of carriage wheels against the hardened dirt road mingled with the rhythmic sound of hoofbeats.

Each person’s mood was different, for the hunt had ended in an unexpected tragedy: Yun Zui had vanished, her fate unknown. The imperial physicians had repeatedly confirmed that the charred, carbonized corpse found earlier was not hers, but having been missing for so long, everyone suspected the worst.

The atmosphere was heavy. They were not worried for Yun Zui herself, but rather because her status as the Empress Dowager meant her mysterious disappearance during the hunt would inevitably spark endless speculation.

As the group rode in silence, the horses suddenly reared and neighed in terror, a sudden shift that caught everyone off guard.

Only one man remained composed: Prince Chi Nie, who sat atop a towering steed. Dressed in a black robe embroidered with purple clouds, he was the most striking presence, looking as bewitching and ethereal as a fallen deity. In truth, Chi Nie had heard the movement long before, which was why he remained so calm as the chaos unfolded.

The sudden turn of events left the others feeling deeply uneasy.

Abruptly, a pack of wild wolves charged from the shadows, each one fierce and savage. Baring their gleaming white fangs, they surrounded the front of the procession. It was an incredibly audacious move for wolves to openly attack such a large group—an inexplicable act, unless they were driven by desperate hunger.

"Protect the carriage! Protect the carriage!" The first to shriek were the eunuchs. Their shrill, thin voices pierced the air, and at the sound of their screaming, the wolves grew even more ferocious.