Killer Queen + 18

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Xiao Li was skilled, no doubt about that—but facing four elite guards at once was still a serious threat, and she didn't dare take them lightly.

What she didn't expect was that just as she was giving it her all against the four of them, an arrow suddenly tore through the air like a shooting star, aiming straight for her forehead.

In that split second, panic set in. Her footwork faltered, and she lost her rhythm. The shimmering arrowhead was right in front of her eyes—she had no choice but to tightly shut them.

"Clang—"A gust of cold wind brushed her cheek. Xiao Li's eyes flew open—and when she looked, her heart almost stopped from the close call!

Right beside her, two long arrows—one in front of the other—were falling fast to the ground.

But then confusion filled her mind. Just now, she had clearly seen the arrow come so close she couldn't dodge it, no matter how agile she was. And yet… it hadn't hit her. Somehow, another arrow had struck it midair, knocking it off course.

What the hell just happened?

Did these people not really want to kill her? Or… was someone trying to protect her?

"Ah Li, instead of staying safely in the city watching performances and enjoying the lanterns, why'd you follow the princes out of the city?"A soft male voice floated out from the shadow of a carriage in the moonlight.

It was none other than Huangfu Haotian.

"Fourth Prince!"The four mounted guards had already surrounded Xiao Li on the ground."You know this woman?"

Huangfu Haotian waved his hand. The guards immediately pulled back with their horses, returning to the area around the carriage.

He strode quickly toward Xiao Li."You've been tailing me all the way here. What's your reason?"

"Huangfu Haotian?" Xiao Li squinted at him under the moonlight, carefully sizing him up."So, you really are the emperor's fourth son?"

Haotian raised an eyebrow and smirked."Does it matter whether I am or not? Didn't you already know? Or do you just not believe who I am?"

"Pfft—"Xiao Li really wanted to curse him out, but now didn't seem like the right time.

From the carriage came a sharp, fitful cough."Cough cough cough... Haotian, whatever it is, invite the young lady up to talk. We still have to hurry and find Doctor Mo."

Xiao Li froze. She could tell—the Crown Prince in the carriage sounded extremely weak.

"Come on," said Haotian, reaching out to grab her.

But she smacked his hand away."I'll be honest—I came here to settle a score with you. But seeing how bad the Crown Prince looks right now, I'll let you off. For now."

"Oh?"Haotian looked genuinely surprised, his fox-like eyes narrowing."You came to settle a score with me?"

Xiao Li didn't want to keep arguing."Since the Crown Prince isn't well, you'd better focus on getting him to Doctor Mo. As for our unfinished business? We'll deal with it later."She cupped her fist and gave him a mock salute."Till next time. I'll be heading back now."

She turned and moved to mount her horse.

"Stop right there!"She hadn't even gotten on yet when Haotian's commanding voice came from behind."Since you've followed me all the way here, you might as well come along! It's the middle of the night—how can I let a woman travel alone?"

Xiao Li didn't look back."My business is my own. I don't need your concern, Fourth Prince."She leapt toward the saddle—but just as she did, she felt a numb jolt at her waist, and before she knew it, she was falling into someone's arms.

She looked up—right into Haotian's gleaming eyes under the moonlight."I said I wouldn't let you go back alone. Be good and behave."

"You—!"Xiao Li was fuming, but she found she couldn't move at all.

Haotian looked completely unfazed by her glare."No use struggling. I hit your pressure point. If you really want to go back by yourself, you'll have to wait until it wears off."

Xiao Li's feet left the ground as Haotian lifted her in his arms."You may be the mighty Miss Xiao, but you're still my woman. And that means you do what I say."

"You shameless bastard!"Xiao Li was furious—but at this point, the only thing she could move was her mouth.

Haotian ignored her ranting and carried her straight toward the carriage.

When they reached it, he finally gave orders to one of the guards."You—take my token and head to the General's Estate. Tell them Miss Xiao is with the Crown Prince and me, handling some business outside the city. Tell the General not to worry."

"Yes, Your Highness!"The guard rode off.

Inside the carriage, Haotian kept Xiao Li in his arms. She glanced at the Crown Prince, whose pale, sickly face flickered in the candlelight. For once, she felt awkward about arguing with Haotian.

Still, she couldn't help but feel extremely uncomfortable being cradled like this."Fourth Prince, aren't your arms getting tired holding me like this?"

Haotian lowered his head and gave her a lazy smile."What, you have a better idea?"

Xiao Li gritted her teeth."Can't you just put me down? Let me sit next to you or something?"

Haotian glanced at the Crown Prince, then at the cramped space beside him, and just shook his head with a smile."Nope."

"Why not?"Xiao Li glared at him, baffled.

Haotian's smile was gentle."No reason. It's just that this carriage is too small. Since my royal brother's taking up enough space for two, you'll have to squeeze in with me."

Xiao Li turned to look. Sure enough, the Crown Prince was lying half-sprawled on the cushioned bench. Haotian was only occupying a small corner, with her on his lap.

She was speechless.

The Crown Prince slowly opened his weak eyes, quietly stared at her for a moment, then suddenly spoke."You must be General Xiao's daughter—Xiao Li?"

Xiao Li didn't want to answer, but... this was the Crown Prince. And seeing how frail he looked, she couldn't bring herself to brush him off."That's right. I'm Xiao Li."

His gaze lingered on her for a second, then shifted to Haotian.He suddenly smiled."Good taste, little brother. You and Miss Xiao really are a perfect match."

After catching his breath for a moment, he added,"Just make sure you don't hesitate. If you miss your chance, you might regret it later."

Xiao Li burst out laughing."Your Highness, you're mistaken. There's nothing going on between the Fourth Prince and me."

But before she could finish, Haotian cut in with a smile:"Don't worry about me, brother. After all those years under your guidance, I know exactly how to treat my woman."

"Fourth Prince!"Xiao Li nearly exploded."Would you please watch your words? I want no part in any of this nonsense between us!"

Haotian's eyes narrowed again.

He hadn't expected this woman to chase him all the way out here just to test his patience again and again.

Clearly, he'd misjudged her the first two times.

Back then, he'd mistaken the noble daughter of the mighty General Xiao for a cheap maid in the Liufang Pavilion. Sure, he had spoiled her—but with her proud and headstrong personality, she'd probably seen it all as humiliation.

But so what?

What's done is done. Might as well keep going.Besides, now that she's his woman, that fact isn't going to change.

The Crown Prince wasn't doing well, so the conversation eventually died down. The roads were quiet, and the carriage made good time. In just over half an hour, they arrived at a small village at the foot of Phoenix Mountain.

When they got there, Haotian figured Xiao Li wouldn't act out in front of others again, so he released the pressure point. Then he asked her to stay in the carriage to watch over the Crown Prince while he personally went to knock on Doctor Mo's door.

A moment later, the door opened.

Doctor Mo paused when he saw who it was, clearly surprised."What brings Your Highness here at this hour?"

Haotian looked a bit awkward."I came this late because it's urgent. Doctor Mo, please—look over there. Do you recognize the person in that carriage?"

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Even before he could take a step, coughing from the carriage reached their ears.

Doctor Mo's face instantly darkened. He froze in place.

His gaze locked onto Haotian's sharp eyes."You… actually brought him here?"

Xiao Li was just about to lift the curtain to look when the Crown Prince suddenly opened his eyes.

"Miss Xiao… have we arrived?"His voice was still weak, but Xiao Li noticed something else in it—a faint tremble she didn't understand.

She didn't know the reason, but it was clear: they'd arrived at Doctor Mo's house.

She opened her mouth to respond—but before she could, the Crown Prince suddenly sat up and tried to get out of the carriage.

Startled, Xiao Li rushed to help him."Your Highness, careful!"

As she supported him, she suddenly felt a heavy push from his arm that made her stumble back two steps.

Only then did she realize—he'd shoved her aside on purpose.

Before she could react, the Crown Prince was already walking straight toward Doctor Mo."Teacher… do you really hate seeing me that much?"

"....."