C11 Famous Rumors

Xiao Rongjuan, having been personally trained by his uncle, ensured that the Blazing Army was anything but soft. So why were they taking so long to deal with a few men in black?

Qingge's smile froze at the corners of her mouth as she silently cursed Xiao Rongjuan. Clearly, today's events were a setup between him and these men in black to prevent her from marrying into the Liang King Mansion.

"Did the Liang King send you to kill me to silence me, or just to abandon me in the wilderness?" Qingge asked, removing the heavy jade and feather crown from her head, pulling out the gold hairpins one by one. The weight had made her sway, but now, with it gone, she felt much lighter.

The men in black were surprised by Qingge's question, momentarily stunned and unsure how to respond.

"I'm a person, after all, and a princess at that. Killing me wouldn't look good, would it?" Qingge said as she finished removing her headpiece and began untying her sash.

Seeing her actions, one of the men in black quickly turned away. "What are you doing?"

"Why so tense?" Qingge tossed the sash to the ground, slipping off the oversized red robe embroidered with peonies and phoenixes. Underneath, she wore a more fitted red silk dress with intricate gold embroidery, the belt adorned with delicate chains that jingled softly with her movements.

"These things are such a hassle. If you're going to kidnap me, wouldn't it be easier to travel light?" Qingge rested her hand on the shoulder of the man in black. Suddenly, a glint of silver appeared at her fingertips, and a needle was firmly embedded in his neck.

The man in black reacted quickly, twisting Qingge's wrist, his eyes flaring with anger. "What are you doing?"

"This needle is laced with poison. If you don't take me somewhere safe, no one will be able to save you."

The skin around the needle's entry point was already turning a shade of blue-black. The man's expression shifted rapidly before he let out a cold laugh. "Is this meant for the Prince? You really are something else, Princess."

Qingge freed herself from his grip and tucked the needle back into her sleeve. "They've been fighting outside for too long. If we don't get out soon, the Prince's mighty army will become the laughingstock of the entire city."

Who would have thought that the sheltered princess would know so much about what was happening outside, even guessing the hidden motives behind today's events? The man in black's eyes darkened as he grabbed Qingge and leaped out of the carriage with her.

Before Qingge could fully grasp what was happening, the man had already whisked her several yards away. The soldiers in black armor saw them escape and gave chase, but they maintained a distance of several feet.

The figure in black moved swiftly, barely touching the rooftops of the houses below. He glanced back occasionally to check on the movements of the pursuing soldiers. Ruan Qingge, held tightly in his grip, winced in pain. She pinched his waist and protested, "Slow down, will you?"

This daring abduction was a major embarrassment for the Liang King. News of Anyang County Princess Ruan Qingge's capture spread quickly throughout the capital, eliciting a range of reactions—some were delighted, while others watched with interest. Rumors flew, soon reaching the palace.

In the palace, the Emperor sat poised on his throne, steam rising gently from a cup of tea behind a beaded curtain. A woman with delicate hands lifted the lid of the cup, releasing a fragrant aroma that filled the room. Her hair was styled elegantly, adorned with a single flower, and she wore a layered silk robe with intricate patterns. As she knelt to pour the tea, her graceful movements revealed a glimpse of her smooth, fair neck.