Queen O's Timid Fugitive A - Chapter 7

7

The heavy rain last night washed away the stifling summer heat that had lingered over the capital for half a month. The wilted leaves in the forest, once drooping lifelessly, were now revitalized by the rain, even sprouting fresh green buds.

By the time the morning dew had dried on the tender leaves, the Third Princess had already sent an invitation to Jiang Ciqing, citing the previous dance banquet as a pretext to invite her for an outing in the suburbs as an apology.

The reason was justified, and Jiang Ciqing had no grounds to refuse, so she could only agree.

Now, stepping onto the lawn of what was ostensibly the suburbs but was actually the imperial family’s private garden, Jiang Ciqing strolled leisurely along the clear stream, the emerald willow branches swaying in the breeze. Birds chirped, insects hummed, and the temperature was pleasant. Dressed in a white robe embroidered with bamboo patterns, Jiang Ciqing walked unhurriedly forward.

The Third Princess, Liang Anchen, busy as she was with rallying court officials, had not invited Jiang Ciqing alone. Four or five older Alphas surrounded her, chatting and laughing along the way.

Everyone knew of Jiang Ciqing’s reserved and taciturn nature, so no one pestered her with endless chatter. They merely included her in the conversation skillfully from time to time, ensuring she wasn’t left out or neglected.

Jiang Ciqing was more than happy to enjoy the peace, leisurely admiring the scenery as she walked.

Until someone suddenly asked, “Ciqing, what do you think?”

The topic abruptly shifted, and the focus of the crowd turned to her. Jiang Ciqing snapped back to attention, her expression blank with confusion.

A quick-witted person nearby immediately added, “Her Highness was just discussing the recent incident where Dongxia sent troops to harass our borders.”

Jiang Ciqing blinked, her expression instantly turning serious. “Dongxia sent troops?”

The matter of Nanliang preparing to dispatch troops in response had not yet been finalized, and the news was confined to a select few. Others only knew that the enemy nation was acting restless, unaware that troops were already stationed outside the border city, ready to launch an attack at any moment.

This was a matter of great importance, and Jiang Ciqing dared not speak carelessly. After a moment of contemplation, she said, “I’ve been recuperating at home these past few days and wasn’t aware of Dongxia’s provocation. However, if the enemy dares to challenge us like this and His Majesty has need, the Jiang family will naturally answer the call.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the officials around her nodded in approval, as if this was the expected response.

A satisfied smile appeared on Third Princess Liang Anchen’s face.

After the Jiang family followed the deposed emperor of the previous dynasty in submitting to Nanliang, they were granted the title of Prince of Huai’an by Emperor Liang Wu. However, successive heads of the Jiang family had used their devotion to forging blades as an excuse to avoid entering court service. By Jiang Ciqing’s generation, they had even refused a title on the grounds that she was not yet twenty.

This attitude pleased both the emperor and the princes who saw themselves as future heirs, putting them at ease.

“Ciqing, your health is weak. You must take good care of yourself. I have some excellent tonics in my residence—I’ll have someone send them to you later,” Liang Anchen said warmly, her expression genuinely concerned.

Jiang Ciqing declined a few times before finally expressing her gratitude and accepting.

Just as she thought the matter was settled and the outing would pass without incident, laughter suddenly rang out ahead.

Liang Anchen’s smile vanished instantly, and the others in the group also lost their earlier ease.

Jiang Ciqing frowned slightly, recognizing a particularly familiar voice among the laughter.

Looking up, she saw a group of similar size approaching. At its center was a tall, burly man with golden hair and blue eyes, roughly thirty years old. His features bore a fifty percent resemblance to Liang Anchen’s but were more defined and refined. Though dressed casually and simply, his noble bearing was unmistakable.

The people surrounding him were also influential figures, each exuding the authority of long-held power—some even more intimidating than those around the Third Princess. Their occasional sharp glances suggested military backgrounds.

Yet Jiang Ciqing’s gaze fell on the only female Omega in the group.

Her silver hair was pinned up, revealing a slender, pale neck. Her peach-blossom eyes shimmered with emotion, and a faint smile played on her lips. Despite being surrounded by high-ranking Alphas, she held her own, even slightly overshadowing them.

“Xu Fusheng,” the Third Princess muttered through gritted teeth, as if recalling some unpleasant history.

It was unclear what had transpired, but Xu Fusheng, who had previously attended the Third Princess’s dance banquet, now appeared in the Crown Prince’s outing party.

The two groups met on the narrow path, and their respective entourages instinctively stepped forward, bowing and cupping their fists in greeting. “Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Jiang Ciqing followed suit. She had not yet inherited her family’s title and was technically a commoner. Once she did, she would rank alongside princes and chancellors, exempt from bowing to anyone but the emperor.

“Your Highness, the Third Princess,” the other side echoed in unison.

Though the two factions had already chosen sides, the political landscape was ever-shifting. No one knew what the future held—today’s allegiances might not last. These seasoned foxes showed no hostility, instead greeting each other as warmly as long-lost friends.

Crown Prince Liang Ankai took the lead, stepping forward with a deep, gentle voice. “I heard Ciqing was unwell a few days ago. Are you feeling better now? I have some mild tonics in my residence—I’ll have servants deliver them to you later.”

For some reason, everyone seemed eager to send her tonics today.

The young Alpha, who considered herself perfectly healthy, forced a smile and tried to decline.

But their enthusiasm was hard to resist. After several refusals, Jiang Ciqing reluctantly accepted with thanks.

The moment the words left her lips, a cold voice interjected, “Master Jiang doesn’t need any tonics. A few days ago, she was still forging a blade for a friend despite her ‘illness.’”

The tone was icy, the last few words deliberately emphasized, as if spat out through clenched teeth.

The lively chatter died instantly. The old foxes exchanged subtle glances, their thoughts unreadable.

Liang Ankai was the first to react, turning with a hearty laugh. “Lady Xu, you may not know this, but the young lady of the Li family has been close friends with Ciqing for many years. Their bond is deep—it’s only natural for Ciqing to gift her a blade.”

Though framed as an explanation, these words only fanned the flames.

Third Princess Liang Anchen’s eyes flickered, and she chimed in with a smile, “Ciqing has always valued loyalty. I had the fortune of examining that straight blade—light, sharp, and beautifully patterned. Truly worthy of Ciqing’s craftsmanship.”

These two siblings, usually at each other’s throats, now worked in perfect harmony, seamlessly digging a pit for Jiang Ciqing.

Back when I asked you for a blade, you said rules were rules—everyone had to offer something interesting in exchange, and there was a queue. We princes and princesses, hearing of your poor health, sent you medicine without leveraging our status. We waited patiently, yet to receive a blade from you. And now, out of loyalty, you let your friend cut in line?

A gust of wind rippled the river’s surface, sending willow leaves fluttering into the water.

Jiang Ciqing lowered her gaze slightly, showing no sign of panic. Instead, she wondered who had leaked the news.

She had known Li Zhile for years and was well aware she wasn’t the boastful type. Yet now, it seemed the entire capital knew about the blade she’d gifted Li Zhile.

But this wasn’t the time to track down the source. Raising her eyes, the young Alpha replied calmly, “Zhile has been pestering me to forge her a blade since before I even presented. I just kept putting it off…”

Here, Jiang Ciqing flashed a sheepish, almost childish smile, like a mischievous youth who’d promised a friend something but kept procrastinating. “After she led the merchant convoy and ran into bandits, she nagged me even more.”

“I found her annoying, so I whipped up a short blade and tossed it to her,” Jiang Ciqing continued, laying bare her half-hearted efforts to placate her friend. Her expression grew increasingly awkward, and she even coughed a few times.

“The blade was finished a while ago—I just kept forgetting to give it to her…”

If she kept talking, Master Jiang’s dignity would be thoroughly trampled here!

Liang Ankai quickly interjected with a teasing laugh, “Master Jiang and her friend really are close!”

Unlike before, his tone held genuine amusement.

Liang Anchen swiftly followed up, and with a few more words, the topic was smoothly diverted. The group chatted and laughed as they continued forward.

She’d been begging for a blade since before Jiang Ciqing even presented, waiting years only to be fobbed off with what was practically a dagger. With things phrased like this, pressing further would seem petty. And if they angered Master Jiang…

Not a single person here didn’t want a Jiang-family blade.

Thus, they hurriedly changed the subject.

Her mood thoroughly dampened, Jiang Ciqing no longer had the heart to enjoy the scenery. Trailing behind the noisy crowd, her dark eyes reflected a certain tall figure.

The bruises had long faded, yet her wrists and neck still tingled with phantom restraints. The torment of those nights replayed endlessly in her mind.

Jiang Ciqing pressed her lips together and quietly retreated half a step, trying to put more distance between them.

Ahead, Xu Fusheng seemed to sense it, subtly turning to glance at the solitary young Alpha before looking away.

The group ahead burst into laughter over some remark, the rival siblings putting on a convincing act of familial harmony. The old foxes, never to be outdone, matched their enthusiasm, making the whole scene appear jovial and warm.

Until—

“Ciqing,” Liang Anchen called, turning back.

“Hmm?” Jiang Ciqing responded, puzzled.

“Why are you lagging behind?” Liang Anchen stepped back to pull her into the group, then added, “The weather’s been unusually cool lately, and there’s nothing pressing in the capital. I thought I’d take the chance to relax here with His Highness and the others for a few days.”

Jiang Ciqing’s heart sank.

Then came Liang Ankai’s voice: “Ciqing should stay and join us. I’ll send someone back to fetch the tonics and a physician. You can recuperate here.”

Before Jiang Ciqing could respond, Liang Anchen summoned a servant and ordered, “Prepare fine wine and dishes. I’ll host a banquet by the river to enjoy the scenery and conversation with His Highness and the others.”

Jiang Ciqing, who hadn’t even agreed, found herself involuntarily included. Stiffly, she turned to look at Xu Fusheng, her instincts telling her this was the other’s doing.

Xu Fusheng merely smiled at her, peach-blossom eyes glimmering like the river’s rippling surface.

The young girl averted her gaze and said nothing, silently acquiescing.