Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 104

On the Lecture Platform of Xuannü Mountain, the sunlight was just right, offering a clear view of the surroundings.

Not far away, thick smoke rose, and someone shouted, “Protect His Majesty!” The Emperor’s carriage hastily retreated, and the once-orderly Black Armor Guards and Imperial Guards were thrown into chaos. Those who were quick fled for their lives, while the slower ones collapsed, bleeding from all seven orifices.

From a distance, the crowd looked like ants, life and death decided in an instant.

The Lecture Platform was high up, some distance from the center of the smoke. The wind carried the smoke downward, and though it hadn’t reached the platform yet, a pungent smell was already in the air.

At this moment, only Yan Qinglan and Jiangxiao were on the Lecture Platform.

Jiangxiao covered her nose and mouth, coughing lightly as she looked down. She turned to Yan Qinglan, who had a scarf covering half her face.

“Do you see? Since childhood, you’ve always protected him. Look at him now—fleeing in terror, not even leaving anyone behind to save you.” Jiangxiao said, her voice tinged with emotion, searching Yan Qinglan’s face for any sign of reaction.

“…Was stalling for time just to wait for the Northern Qiang to release this poison smoke? Once the smoke spreads, the people in Tianxuan Palace will also be affected.” Yan Qinglan replied, her gaze cold as she observed the scene below.

Jiangxiao’s earlier conditions were, of course, unacceptable to Yan Qinglan.

By continuing to besiege Jiangxiao and pretending to consider her terms, both Jiangxiao and Yan Qinglan were waiting—Jiangxiao for her moment to strike, and Yan Qinglan for the chaos to act.

If Jiangxiao wouldn’t reveal where the silver was hidden, Yan Qinglan planned to capture her and interrogate her slowly.

But Yan Qinglan hadn’t expected Jiangxiao to collaborate with the Northern Qiang and use such a potent poison smoke.

This poison smoke was extremely difficult to produce, and once released, its range was hard to control. Even the Northern Qiang rarely used it in battles against the Northern armies.

The main target of the poison smoke was the Black Armor Guards and Imperial Guards surrounding Tianxuan Palace. As it spread toward Tianxuan Palace, those in its path would face almost certain death.

Jiangxiao’s eyes widened slightly as she studied Yan Qinglan’s expression.

Her face was cold, as if detached from worldly affairs, but her eyes held a trace of pity for those below—and more disdain for Jiangxiao.

“Your Highness, after all you’ve been through, why do you still pity these people? Do you think they’re innocent? They’re like ants—if they’re caught in the crossfire, so be it.” Jiangxiao said, her tone indifferent, as if discussing something trivial, though her emotions churned beneath the surface.

Jiangxiao hadn’t seen Yan Qinglan in several months.

Betrayed, imprisoned, humiliated—her pride shattered and trampled. Now, facing abandonment by her own brother and falling into Jiangxiao’s hands, Yan Qinglan showed no bitterness, no anger. Instead, she spoke like this?

Jiangxiao had expected Yan Qinglan to change drastically during her disappearance, to become more extreme, more ruthless.

In reality, Yan Qinglan’s ruthlessness seemed directed solely at her.

“Whether you’re pretending or sincere, it doesn’t matter anymore. Yan Qi has fled, and you have no choice now. When the others arrive, we’ll leave. Prepare yourself. We can spend some time together again, just like we did more than half a year ago.” Jiangxiao said, her tone tinged with excitement.

Below the Lecture Platform, the clash of swords echoed.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards left below were fighting Jiangxiao’s men.

Most of the Embroidered Uniform Guards had been stationed on the outskirts, away from Yan Qi’s Black Armor Guards to avoid detection.

Now, they were fortunate to avoid the poison smoke, with only a few guards remaining below to protect Yan Qinglan.

Though the smoke below was thinner, prolonged exposure would likely lead to poisoning.

As Jiangxiao was about to speak again, she saw Yan Qinglan approaching her. At some point, Yan Qinglan had drawn a dagger and now pressed it against Jiangxiao’s neck.