Chapter 332: Chapter 332: Dugu Chen Returns (3)
Dugu Chen’s lips curved into a smile, a devilish gleam in his eyes as he spoke with a hint of fascination, "Are you surprised to see me?"
The Hidden Guard and the men in black all dropped their weapons, taking out flint stones from their bosoms and lightly striking them against the Fire Starter. As they threw it towards the yard outside, the Hidden Guard knew that Prince Mei would not let him go, and if he failed, the Emperor would not spare him either. It was better to die together than suffer that fate. Smiling at Dugu Chen, he said, "I didn’t expect you to be so lucky, but it’s a pity, you will eventually disappear into this night." His smile widened as he spoke.
"Is that so? Unfortunately, you must be disappointed," he replied with a faint smile, raising an eyebrow and looking down on him disdainfully.
The face of the Hidden Guard, previously smiling, turned to one of shock as he watched Yue Xingyun holding the ignited Fire Starter he had entered the courtyard with. Glancing at the calm and unaltered walls outside, not a spark to be seen, the Hidden Guard quickly realized his predicament and closed his eyes, unable to imagine the consequences of falling into the hands of Prince Mei.
The guards of Prince Mei Residence, upon seeing their master return unharmed, were overcome with excitement. They quickly drew their swords and dealt with the remaining assailants, leaving only the Hidden Guard to be escorted to the secret dungeon in the forbidden grounds.
In the room, Feng Xuxu was startled by the sound of clashing swords. Even though she had been prepared for it, her heart still skipped a beat.
"Princess, the Prince has returned. He’s in the front courtyard." Before she saw the person, the voice reached her. As soon as the words fell, someone came around the screen and entered.
The initial shock had just subsided when she heard this joyous news. It was a night filled with both surprise and delight, destined to be sleepless.
"Really, are you sure?" She sprang to her feet, flinging off the covers and stood up, ready to head outside.
"Princess, you mustn’t. The assassins in the front courtyard haven’t been dealt with yet. It’s too dangerous for you to go now," Lenglei said, regaining his composure and quickly stepping in front of the princess, extending his arm to stop her.
Feng Xuxu’s eyes involuntarily looked outside, her heart growing anxious as the person she longed for was right there in the courtyard, wishing she could grow wings and fly to him.
"Don’t worry, I know my limits." Pushing aside Lenglei’s arm, she took a step forward, ready to walk past him.
Seeing the princess so determined, Lenglei knelt down before her in an instant, his eyes filled with concern as he looked up at her, "Princess, please reconsider, for the sake of the future child, wait here peacefully."
Seeing the tears in Lenglei’s eyes, Feng Xuxu’s boiling emotions gradually calmed down. She bent down to help him up, smiling as she wiped the tears from his face, "I won’t go. I’ll wait here quietly."
Lenglei, breaking into a smile through his tears, helped the princess sit on the soft couch in the bedroom. He then poured her a cup of plain hot water.
"Go to the small kitchen and prepare a few buckets of hot water for the Prince. Make some late-night snacks as well, and deliver some to each of the returning guards." He was supposed to be back in half a month, but it took him just eight days, which meant he must have been hurrying back without rest.
"As you wish, Princess." Lenglei went out again, his demeanor no longer that of tears and sniffles.
As time ticked by second by second, Feng Xuxu was tormented by the wait. Finally, she heard the door of the great hall being pushed open, and a familiar figure appeared in the bedroom.
She stared unblinkingly at the newcomer, slowly standing up. Her eyes quickly blurred with tears as she saw the figure before her, his face covered in stubble, his body thin, and his originally moonlight-white robe now darkened.
"My wife... I have returned." He called softly to the person he yearned for day and night, his voice choked as he spoke, the two facing each other.
Tears slid down instantly as she threw herself into his arms, her pent-up fear and sorrow from the past two months pouring out uncontrollably.
