Queen O's Timid Fugitive A - Chapter 1
1
In the dimming twilight as the sun set behind the western hills, the opulent Prince’s Mansion remained as bright as day. Even the electric lights, which wealthy families hesitated to use excessively, were placed every few meters here as if they were ordinary objects.
Outside the gates, a steady stream of cars flowed—vintage gasoline-powered “boat-shaped” vehicles, the latest trend of the time. Without needing guidance from the mansion’s servants, the invited guests effortlessly strode along the red carpet toward the entrance, chatting and laughing with acquaintances they encountered along the way, creating a lively and bustling scene.
Until the incongruous sound of horse hooves broke the clamor, plunging the lively atmosphere into momentary silence. Some even disregarded etiquette to sneak a glance at the outdated horse-drawn carriage lagging behind the times.
It was the carriage of the Jiang family, renowned as the foremost in blade forging. Across the three nations of Nanliang and the barbarian lands, there was no one who did not desire a longsword forged by the Jiang family. Some even exaggerated that owning a Jiang blade was akin to having an extra life on the battlefield or securing additional military merits.
Such was the esteem in which Jiang blades were held.
And now, the sole heir of the Jiang family—Jiang Ciqing—naturally became the coveted prize in everyone’s eyes. The alpha gentlemen who had just been meticulously observing etiquette now turned on their heels like sharks drawn to bl00d, eager to approach her.
“Huh?” An exclamation of surprise came from the crowd.
From the elegant bamboo carriage, a hand with distinct knuckles emerged, casually lifting the curtain. Then, a refined-looking alpha stepped out. Her hair barely reached her shoulders, her jawline sharp, and her facial features somewhat angular. Fortunately, her clear, obsidian-like eyes softened her expression, and the youthful air between her brows was unmistakable.
A white shirt with a black bowtie, suspender trousers accentuating her straight legs, and minimal accessories—only a sapphire pinky ring on her left hand and a claw-shaped silver armband encircling her forearm. She looked clean and fresh, almost like a young alpha from some noble family, tagging along with her elders to join the fun.
Those unaware of her identity exchanged glances, seeing undisguised astonishment in each other’s eyes.
After all, the Jiang family was notorious for its stubborn adherence to old traditions. The previous two heads of the family had publicly opposed Nanliang’s industrial development. Among the top aristocratic families in the country, only the Jiang family still clung to the old ways—traveling by horse-drawn carriage, dressing according to ancient customs, and forging blades by hand.
Jiang Ciqing had always followed these traditions, so why today…
Was the younger generation more accepting of new trends than their elders?
Or was this an attempt to curry favor with the Third Princess, who had organized this ball?
Had the Jiang family, which had long remained neutral, finally chosen a side?
The old foxes’ minds raced with speculation, missing their chance to make an impression on Jiang Ciqing as she was ushered inside by a servant.
The servant who came to greet Jiang Ciqing was one of the Third Princess’s most trusted aides. Not only did she show no curiosity, but she also refrained from speaking much during the long walk, knowing Jiang Ciqing disliked unnecessary chatter.
Only when they reached the study door did the servant bow slightly, knock, and announce respectfully, “Your Highness, Master Jiang has arrived.”
A delighted response came from inside, followed by hurried footsteps.
—Creak!
The gilded wooden door was pushed open forcefully, revealing a woman in loose casual wear and plush slippers. She appeared to be around twenty-five, with shoulder-length golden hair curled inward at the ends, sharp and delicate features, and an eager smile in her eyes. She had personally come to open the door.
Her narrow eyes swept over Jiang Ciqing’s attire, and her smile deepened. She immediately waved off Jiang Ciqing’s formal bow, dismissed the servants inside and outside the room with a flick of her hand, and pulled Jiang Ciqing inside.
“Why the change of clothes today, Ciqing?” she asked as they walked, her steps light on the plush fur carpet.
Clearly, she also interpreted Jiang Ciqing’s actions as a signal of allegiance.
Though the Jiang family now consisted solely of Jiang Ciqing, seemingly alone in the world, in reality, all the blade forgers across Nanliang’s three nations stood behind her. Any renowned master smith today had received direct or indirect guidance from the Jiang family, and ordinary blacksmiths revered the Jiangs as gods of the forge…
Not to mention those who wielded Jiang blades in the barbarian lands, fighting for military merits—they all remembered the Jiang family’s kindness.
In short, if she could secure Jiang Ciqing’s support, half the throne would already be hers.
With this thought, her smile widened. The political situation in Nanliang was tense—the emperor was aging, yet the crown prince had yet to be named. Though she coveted the throne, her status as a female alpha put her at a slight disadvantage.
After all, Nanliang’s rulers had always been male alphas. Her maternal family held little influence, and reaching this point on her own had been arduous.
Jiang Ciqing’s sudden allegiance was like a gust of wind, lifting her skyward.
—Screech!
Born into royalty, where every need was attended to by servants, the Third Princess even personally pulled out the chair at the desk for her future advisor.
Jiang Ciqing didn’t step forward immediately, choosing first to answer the question: “Aunt Sun made me wear this.”
The blunt, almost petulant reply instantly cooled half the princess’s enthusiasm, her fingers tightening on the dark chairback.
Jiang Ciqing wore the guileless expression of a naive, socially inept alpha, helplessly explaining, “I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately. She’s been worried I won’t find a suitable partner, saying omegas these days prefer this style. She insisted I dress like this for the ball.”
“R-Really…”
Half-moon indentations appeared on the wooden chair.
Jiang Ciqing sighed. “With the Jiang family down to just me, Aunt Sun, who raised me, is my only family left. How could I not listen to her?”
All illusions shattered.
Liang Anchen stiffened, fury rising in her throat before she gritted her teeth and swallowed it, forcing her voice into a strained calm. “Have a seat, Master Jiang.”
Jiang Ciqing sat without hesitation.
Liang Anchen released the chair, her smile frozen, eyes darkening—only flickering slightly at the mention of “Aunt Sun” before she walked to the head of the desk.
By the time she sat down and looked up, her expression had returned to its usual composure. Years in the palace, battling her brothers, had honed her patience to perfection. The earlier lapse was merely the shock of plummeting from euphoria into an icy abyss.
Deliberately, she reassumed a friendly demeanor, her tone warm and teasing. “Master Jiang is indeed at the age to seek a partner.”
Jiang Ciqing waved her off dismissively, her face scrunching up in distaste. “No, no, I’ve never even thought about it.”
Her brows knitted together, her youthful appearance—already accentuated by her outfit—making her seem even more like an innocent, clueless alpha.
Liang Anchen laughed heartily, playing the role of an elder sister. “Why the shyness, Ciqing? Later at the ball, if you see an omega you like—”
She left the sentence hanging, eyebrows waggling suggestively.
“No, really, I’m not interested. I’d rather spend the time hammering in the forge.” Jiang Ciqing protested, her face flushing as if she wanted to bury it in the carpet.
Liang Anchen chuckled again, dismissing her words as mere bashfulness. After some small talk, she abruptly changed the subject, pulling an L-shaped iron object from a drawer. Clearly crafted for a specific owner, it lacked the usual roughness—golden roses adorned the handle, lending it an air of delicate extravagance.
Jiang Ciqing stiffened.
The gauze-covered lamp on the desk cast a soft glow as an unfastened book page flipped in the breeze with a rustle.
“What does Ciqing think of this?” Liang Anchen’s smile didn’t waver, as if she were genuinely sharing a novelty with a friend.
Jiang Ciqing, however, took offense. Her expression darkened, her bamboo-straight spine pressing into the chairback, her eyes flashing with disdain. “What does Your Highness mean by this?”
This object had been in development for years, met with both praise and resistance. Supporters claimed its potential was limitless; opponents called it a toy for cowards, incapable of piercing a magical beast’s hide.
The Jiang family, naturally, was among the opposition—vehemently so.
By presenting this now, Liang Anchen was slapping the Jiang family in the face.
Jiang Ciqing suppressed her anger, her dark eyes fixed on the other woman.
The atmosphere turned glacial.
Eager to win Jiang Ciqing over, Liang Anchen couldn’t possibly be unaware of this. This was a deliberate provocation, a test following their earlier exchange.
Ultimately, she was too accustomed to flattery to tolerate being toyed with. She also wanted to gauge how far Jiang Ciqing’s tolerance extended. Royalty was ruthless—they sought to win you over while remaining wary.
The Jiang family was better off clinging to its old ways.
Seeing Jiang Ciqing’s fury, Liang Anchen hurried to smooth things over, feigning panic. “Ciqing, don’t be angry. I only brought this out because I thought, since you changed your attire, you might be open to such things.”
Her expression softened into one of sisterly concern. “Though it can’t fend off magical beasts, it’s compact and perfect for self-defense.”
The tension in the room eased slightly. Jiang Ciqing stared at her for a long moment before replying stiffly, “If not for Aunt Sun’s nagging, I’d never wear these clothes…”
Then, with undisguised contempt: “I appreciate Your Highness’s kindness, but please refrain from showing me such things in the future. Steel tempered a thousand times should be forged into blades—”
She paused, then added scornfully, “Wasting it on this is a disgrace.”
Before Liang Anchen could respond, she stood abruptly. “Aunt Sun insisted I mingle at the ball. It’s getting late—I’ll take my leave first.”
“Very well—”
—Bang!
The study door closed softly behind her. In the dim lamplight, Liang Anchen’s face darkened, her fingers tightening around the ornate, dangerous object. Her blue eyes, like a frozen sea, narrowed dangerously—a provoked leopard ready to strike.
As the footsteps faded, the middle-aged servant who had escorted Jiang Ciqing in earlier entered quietly, standing respectfully before the desk.
Not just anyone could sit opposite Liang Anchen—this trusted aide knew his place. Bowing, he said, “Your Highness.”
Liang Anchen ignored him, pressing the golden petals on the handle until the metal groaned.
The aide, familiar with her temper, remained silent, head bowed, until—
Liang Anchen exhaled sharply and tossed the object aside. “I don’t want to see this again.”
Meaning: dispose of it.
An item worth a fortune in the outside world, discarded like trash.
The aide didn’t dare protest. “As you command.” he replied, then ventured, “Your Highness, Jiang Ciqing is too—”
A sharp glance cut him off. He immediately bowed deeper. “My apologies for overstepping.”
Liang Anchen’s expression eased slightly. Waving him off, she warned, “Never speak like that again.”
“Yes.”
Outside, the waning moon cast faint light over the distant mountains. The hired musicians struck up a melody, the cheerful notes drifting through the garden into the study.
Liang Anchen leaned back in her ornate chair, a mocking smile playing on her lips. “The Jiang family…”
After a moment of contemplation, she masked her emotions and stood. “It’s time to join the ball.”
The aide understood immediately. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
Liang Anchen added, “Have them prepare formal attire.”
Tonight’s banquet was no ordinary affair—it was for the queen of the barbarian lands, who had recently pledged allegiance to Nanliang. To win her over, Liang Anchen needed to put in extra effort.
“Understood. Everything is ready.”
Satisfied, Liang Anchen nodded and leaned back, saying no more.