The Little Princess's Secret Guard - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: To Kill

But this time, no one handed her an embroidered handkerchief or said to her, “Princess, stop crying.”

The rules of the Shadow Guard Corps were extremely strict, and the punishments were severe. From the first time he met the Princess, Lin Xiao had already broken the rules of the corps.

Without the Master’s explicit summons, and unless the Master’s life is in imminent danger, a Shadow Guard must never easily reveal themselves—this was an iron rule of the Shadow Guard Corps.

However, before leaving, An Ying had told him that this mission was mainly about care, coupled with his temperament being somewhat more independent than other Shadow Guards, which led him to repeatedly reveal himself and take so many self-directed actions.

But since the Princess had made her own decision, he no longer needed to harbor his own thoughts; he only needed to obey orders.

Therefore, from that day on, if Shen Panyan did not summon Lin Xiao, he would no longer show himself proactively.

Shen Panyan was sad, but she didn’t know what to do.

She summoned Lin Xiao out and tried to explain to him, but Lin Xiao merely stood silently in place, his attitude respectful yet distant.

Shen Panyan immediately noticed his distance, and the words she wanted to say instantly lodged in her throat.

Lin Xiao would not criticize the Princess, nor would he question her decisions; he would only remain silent.

He clearly wasn’t like this just two days ago.

Shen Panyan felt bitter in her heart but didn’t know how to resolve the situation. She could only bite her lip, staring at him blankly. Lin Xiao frowned slightly and bowed.

“If Your Highness has no further commands, this subordinate will withdraw.”

Did Lin Xiao start disliking her now too?

Shen Panyan suppressed the sadness and bitterness in her heart and nodded.

“Alright.”

After the outburst that day, Qiushuang’s attitude was finally no longer as reckless as before. She became much more respectful and a little more diligent in her work.

When she saw that the guard was no longer appearing every day as before, Qiushuang felt a sense of joy but also sneered at him inwardly.

He’s just a newly arrived guard. How could he possibly compare to me in the Princess’s heart?

She had been by the Princess’s side since she was ten. Even if she hadn’t earned merit, she had put in hard work. How could a mere guard compete with her?

Qiushuang hadn’t forgotten that Lin Xiao had repeatedly threatened and suppressed her, even coming close to killing her. Therefore, whenever she saw him afterward, she always tried to sneer at him.

Lin Xiao was never one to be a pushover. He only remained silent towards the Princess.

If others offended him, he would usually kill them without a word. However, because this person was the Princess’s maid, he restrained himself slightly, responding with cold sarcasm, and then bowing out.

Lin Xiao disdained such arguments.

Seeing his behavior, Qiushuang initially wanted to say a few more bad words about him into Shen Panyan’s ear, but Shen Panyan completely refused to listen and immediately waved her out.

Some things, once experienced, are easier the second time around.

Qiushuang remembered the last incident and dared not truly anger her, so she obediently shut her mouth and left.

Shen Panyan sat alone in the room, staring blankly at herself in the bronze mirror.

It had been snowing heavily for several days, and the snow piled thicker and thicker. The silver charcoal in Shen Panyan’s room had long been replaced with black charcoal, filling the entire room with smoke. The smoke was thick and suffocating, stinging her nose.

“Cough, cough…”

Shen Panyan couldn’t tolerate the smoke. She coughed repeatedly, stood up, and opened the window, letting the cold wind blow straight into the room.

The sudden gust of cold wind scraped across her face, carrying an icy chill that made her shiver.

Suddenly, the smoke in the room lessened. It was no longer so dense that it made her want to cry.

Shen Panyan turned around but saw nothing.

She walked toward the charcoal brazier and found that the previously piled-up black charcoal had been evenly spread out. A small amount of smoke curled upwards, hovered in the room, and then slowly dispersed, a world of difference from the suffocating smoke before.

Someone who could be so silent and also care about her… A hint of pleasant surprise flashed in Shen Panyan’s eyes.

It’s Lin Xiao!

So, he didn’t dislike her after all?

Shen Panyan clenched her fingers, her chest filled with immense joy.

She wanted to summon Lin Xiao out, but fearing his annoyance, she kept her joy to herself.

When the mood improved, the body recovered faster.

Imperial Physician Lin finally relented and allowed Shen Panyan to go out for a walk. The relentless heavy snow finally showed signs of stopping.

Someone rode a horse and secretly arrived at the Imperial Retreat.

“The Empress commands you to hurry. Don’t wait any longer!”

A hoarse voice spoke, looking at Qiushuang with displeasure.

“If you can’t even handle this small matter, you will remain a slave and servant by this weak Princess’s side for the rest of your life!”

Qiushuang had already planned her escape, so she was absolutely unwilling. She immediately knelt in panic. “Auntie, don’t be angry. I truly don’t know why, but His Majesty suddenly sent a black-clad guard to protect the Princess. He watches too closely, so this servant hasn’t found an opportunity…”

The visitor didn’t want to hear her excuses. “He’s just a mere guard. Find a way to send him away.”

“Princess Mingyue always listens to you. Just talk to her a bit more, and you can send that guard away, can’t you?”

“You can’t even handle this small thing! Useless!!”

At the sharp scolding, Qiushuang trembled and kowtowed repeatedly. “This servant knows her mistake! This servant knows her mistake! Auntie, don’t be angry. This servant will find a way to send that guard away and complete the Empress’s instructions.”

Seeing her reaction, the visitor’s expression softened slightly. “The Empress is tired of waiting. You must complete the task the Empress assigned you within a month.”

With that, she turned to leave. Qiushuang was hesitant, feeling like she was being grilled on a hot plate.

Lin Xiao had formidable martial arts skills. The Princess was now willing to endure her own suffering to stand up for him. It was truly a tricky matter to send him away.

Unless he is forced to leave…

“That guard has extremely high martial arts skills. If this servant wants to send him away, I fear… I fear I might have to target the Princess, Auntie…” Qiushuang stammered out the words she had been suppressing.

If something happened to the Princess, none of the attending servants would escape blame. This was why she was ultimately hesitant.

The visitor could clearly see her fear of death and sneered. “What are you afraid of? With the Empress backing you, you will surely be safe. As long as Princess Mingyue doesn’t die, you can do whatever you want to torment her.”

Having received the promise, the heavy stone weighing on Qiushuang’s heart finally dropped. “This servant will complete the Empress’s task as soon as possible.”

The period of snow melting is the coldest. Shen Panyan wrapped herself tightly in her fox fur, hugging her hand-warmer, with only her delicate face exposed.

Although she was allowed to go out, it was best to stay indoors in this weather.

Qiushuang walked in, carrying a few dry, shriveled pastries.

“Your Highness, this servant just heard Xiaoyu say that the red plum blossoms in the East Courtyard are in bloom and look exceptionally beautiful right now. Would Your Highness like to go for a walk in the East Courtyard?”

Shen Panyan looked at the dry pastries Qiushuang brought, having no appetite for them. She nodded.

Since Little Jinzi was injured, the person responsible for purchasing was gone, and the quality of the food in the West Courtyard had naturally plummeted.

Shen Panyan stepped out of the room and immediately saw Lin Xiao standing not far away.

“Lin Xiao!” Surprise flashed in Shen Panyan’s eyes, and she quickly walked toward him.

She hadn’t seen him in quite a few days.

“Your Highness,” Lin Xiao bowed, his attitude respectful and distant.

Shen Panyan’s steps faltered, and the surprise in her eyes gradually disappeared. She bit her lip, looking up at him cautiously.

Lin Xiao was very tall. Standing in front of him, she only reached his shoulder, so she always had to tilt her head up to look at him.

“Lin Xiao, are you still angry?”

“Your Highness is too kind. Lin Xiao would not dare.”

But his attitude was clearly very cold.

Shen Panyan’s fingers twisted her handkerchief, and grievance surfaced in her eyes. “But, but you weren’t like this before…”

The first day she saw him, he had handed her a handkerchief to wipe her tears…

“Protecting the Princess is the mission His Majesty assigned to this subordinate.”

Lin Xiao’s answer was evasive, but Shen Panyan understood what he meant.

Was he only kind to her because it was a mission?

Shen Panyan’s eyes instantly reddened. Her eyelashes trembled, and tears rolled down.

She knew Lin Xiao protected her because of the mission given by her Imperial Father, but hearing him say it so bluntly truly hurt her deeply.

Did he really dislike her that much?

“Then, are you appearing now also because of the mission?”

“Yes.”

Lin Xiao’s gaze fell upon Qiushuang. His distrust was quite obvious.

Qiushuang felt annoyed but dared not directly refute him. She took out an embroidered handkerchief and gently wiped away Shen Panyan’s tears, comforting her softly. “Your Highness, let’s hurry. If we delay any longer, we might not be able to enjoy the red plum blossoms today.”

After this encounter, Shen Panyan actually no longer felt like viewing the plums, but since she had already agreed, it was difficult to go back on her word. She walked silently toward the East Courtyard.

Lin Xiao followed behind her, neither too close nor too far.

Qiushuang was somewhat surprised to see this.

Did the Princess and Lin Xiao have a conflict?

Qiushuang’s thoughts immediately became active. She quickened her pace and stepped forward to support Shen Panyan’s arm.

“Your Highness, watch your step!”

Seeing her action, Lin Xiao let out a cold snort, his hidden face filled with sarcasm.

Qiushuang was ashamed and angry but could do nothing about him. She involuntarily tightened her grip on Shen Panyan’s arm. “Your Highness, let’s hurry!”

Shen Panyan bit her lip, enduring the pain, and quietly agreed, “Mm.”

Lin Xiao saw this and frowned slightly. He wanted to say something but remembered the previous incident and immediately closed his mouth.

The East Courtyard was large, but there were not many red plum trees—only two planted near the pavilion. They bloomed proudly beneath the snow, looking solitary and delicate.

Qiushuang had already instructed a young maid to prepare hot tea. Shen Panyan sat in the pavilion, where steam curled upward.

She had no mind for the scenery, her gaze often falling on Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao was puzzled. When his questioning gaze looked her way, Shen Panyan would sharply turn her head away, refusing to look at him.

The plum blossoms defied the snow, a beautiful sight, yet everyone present was preoccupied with their own thoughts, unable to appreciate the view.

The atmosphere stagnated. Shen Panyan held the teacup until the tea was completely cold without taking a sip.

Qiushuang wanted to talk to her, but Shen Panyan didn’t want to speak, remaining silent with her head bowed. Left with no choice, Qiushuang also kept quiet.

After an unknown period, a small maid rushed over.

“Greetings to Your Highness!” She bowed first, then looked at Qiushuang, her eyes full of panic. “Sister Qiushuang, this is bad! The Retreat’s stewards were bitten by a snake while sweeping snow.”

“The snake bit them and escaped. Now we don’t know where it’s hiding, Sister Qiushuang…”

“Where would a snake come from in the middle of winter?” Qiushuang scolded. “Don’t talk nonsense and frighten the Princess.”

Shen Panyan gripped her teacup tightly, her face turning pale.

She was most afraid of snakes!

Shen Panyan put down the teacup, nervously looking around, unknowingly wringing her handkerchief. She felt utterly uncomfortable sitting in the pavilion, as if at any moment, a snake might suddenly dart out and bite her.

“Qiushuang…” She looked at her with tearful eyes.

Qiushuang quickly reassured her. “Your Highness, don’t listen to this little maid’s nonsense. How could there be a snake in the middle of winter?”

The little maid, seeing Qiushuang didn’t believe her, immediately became frantic. “Sister Qiushuang, it’s true! The stewards are still lying there now!”

“Imperial Physician Lin said it was even a poisonous snake.”

With that, the little maid glanced at Lin Xiao, bowed to Shen Panyan, and added, “Your Highness, no one in the Retreat knows how to catch snakes now. This servant is worried that if the snake runs loose and enters the West Courtyard…”

Hearing this, Shen Panyan’s face completely drained of color.

Qiushuang, seeing the severity of the little maid’s words, immediately realized she might not be lying. She quickly helped persuade the Princess. “Your Highness, it’s better to be safe than sorry. How about you ask Guard Lin Xiao to take a look?”

Shen Panyan was also hesitant. Her gaze fell on Lin Xiao, her voice uncertain, her eyes pleading. “Lin Xiao…”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Lin Xiao bowed to her, then turned and looked at the little maid. “Lead the way.”

The little maid’s face brightened, and she quickly led Lin Xiao away.

Now, only Shen Panyan and Qiushuang remained in the pavilion.

Thinking of the snake the little maid had just mentioned, Shen Panyan became increasingly restless.

“Qiushuang, let’s go back!”

In her childhood, she had been tricked by the Fourth Prince. He somehow acquired a non-venomous snake and suddenly threw it at her feet as she passed by.

A soft, long black snake suddenly appeared at her feet, crawling up her skirt, and hissing softly at her.

Shen Panyan’s soul was terrified out of her body, and she fainted immediately.

She was naturally afraid of snakes, and after that incident, she was terrified whenever she heard of one.

Qiushuang, however, advised, “Your Highness, there are snakes in the Retreat now. What if we encounter one on the way back? Why don’t we wait for Guard Lin Xiao to catch the snake before we return?”

“Alright,” Shen Panyan was too frightened, so she immediately nodded.

Qiushuang led her all the way out of the Imperial Retreat. Looking at the vast whiteness before her, with only sparse green emerging from the silver snow, Shen Panyan involuntarily pulled her fox fur tighter.

The hand-warmer she held was now cool, and her lips were pale from the wind.

Time slowly passed…

Having been outside for so long, and with Lin Xiao not yet returning, Shen Panyan felt a bit tired. She turned her head to Qiushuang, biting her lip. “Qiushuang, why don’t we go back now?”

Qiushuang was internally stamping her feet in anxiety.

Didn’t they agree that the person would come at this time? Why hasn’t the person appeared yet?

“Your Highness, just wait a little longer. If the snake is caught, surely…”

Before she could finish, Lin Xiao’s figure emerged from the woods. His gaze directed at Qiushuang was full of killing intent. The curved saber in his hand was dripping bl00d, staining the snow on the ground with every step, a sight chilling to the bone.

Shen Panyan’s face turned pale. She couldn’t help but take two steps back, trembling. “Lin… Lin Xiao… what is this…”

Lin Xiao didn’t look at her, his eyes fixed directly on Qiushuang. In just a few steps, he was standing in front of her, the long saber thrusting straight toward Qiushuang!

Shen Panyan was horrified. “Lin Xiao, what are you doing!!”

“Stop it!!”

Without thinking, Shen Panyan shielded Qiushuang with her body.