Chapter 1420 - 1096: Unfinished Matters

When she was taken away by the soldier, Shang Ruyi initially thought she would be placed in the same tent as Miss Lu Xiao. However, she was unexpectedly afforded a tent of her own, equipped with simple but comprehensive living necessities, a treatment that was quite unlike how a captive should be held.

She did not ask much, for when one is able to live well, who would wish to be mistreated? So, she went in and rested for a while. Shortly afterward, someone came to inform her that hot water for bathing was ready, and she followed along for a bath. Emerging clean from the tub, she discovered a set of clean clothes neatly arranged on a low stool, atop which lay a pair of earrings.

Just like in Xingluo Warehouse City before.

Shang Ruyi looked down at the earrings, which shimmered subtly even in the dim light, and furrowed her brows.

If there had been confusion, uncertainty, and suspicion before, after experiencing so much, especially the feeling of love and being loved, she could finally be certain—Xiao Yuansui had intentions toward her.

If she were to pinpoint the origin of everything, she guessed it might have been during their journey from Taiyuan to Luoyang when she encountered Xiao Yuansui halfway and gave him a packet of dry food. During their conversation, she had used the word "please", and the light in Xiao Yuansui’s eyes at that time, she still remembered some parts of it.

In fact, at that time, she had merely been instinctively courteous, and as someone from a prestigious family, being kind was nearly second nature for girls like her; they would not easily humiliate or mistreat others. But on reflection now, Xiao Yuansui at that time was like a stray dog on the run, surely experiencing much scorn and betrayal. During such times, anyone who showed him respect must have stayed in his thoughts.

Thus, he remained so courteous to her, not having harmed her at all, even in Xingluo.

Nonetheless, Shang Ruyi did not quite understand why his expression took the form of a pair of earrings.

Though these ornaments for women are closely worn, they are not intimate enough to convey true feelings.

Shang Ruyi found it hard to figure out, and was not particularly willing to dwell on it. After all, to her, Xiao Yuansui was an adversary beyond their peaceful encounter halfway; his feelings for her might protect her life and make her stay in the enemy camp somewhat easier, but ultimately they were a burden. If word got out, it could become a tool for others to slander her.

The trap involving her and Sun Xianyue had already caused her immense trouble.

With that in mind, Shang Ruyi calmly set the earrings aside, dressed herself, and walked out of the tent. Two soldiers standing outside glanced at her and immediately said, "Princess, would you like to rest? Dinner is ready for you."

Shang Ruyi nodded.

She was acutely aware that, despite Xiao Yuansui’s courtesy, her identity was merely that of a captive, leaving her no freedom. So she followed the two, but after a few steps, suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, where is Wo Xue, my maid?"

"She’s confined in the prisoner-of-war camp."

"Does she have food?"

"Rest assured, Princess, General Shi has personally instructed that a separate provision be delivered to her, so she will not be mistreated."

Shang Ruyi finally breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Where is Miss Lu Xiao then?"

The two soldiers exchanged glances and pointed to a nearby small tent: "She’s over there."

The tent wasn’t far from her own residence. Though Xiao Yuansui was unlikely to let her leave, checking on Lu Xiao later would be possible. However, freshly bathed, Shang Ruyi felt somewhat weak and preferred to eat something first. After glancing at the tent, she followed the two soldiers back to her own tent.

Upon entering, she smelled the aroma of food.

On the low table was a bowl of rice and several plates of side dishes. Though not gourmet delicacies, for someone who had been subsisting on dry biscuits and cold water during days of marching and fighting, it was indeed a rare treat. Shang Ruyi immediately sat down and ate heartily.

Unknowingly, she finished half a bowl of rice and swept up several small dishes.

After catching her breath, Shang Ruyi felt a little embarrassed; as Princess, such a large appetite would surely make people laugh and seem too coarse. But one must fill one’s belly and quench one’s thirst when in such dire situations; should she have a chance to escape but be weakened by hunger, she would be cutting off her own escape route.

Thus, she grew confident again, calling someone to clean up the dishes.

After eating, one naturally feels sleepy, and Shang Ruyi was no exception. She yawned twice and lay down on the bed, intending to take a nap.

Strangely, despite feeling drowsy, she could not sleep once she lay down; her mind was chaotic, even her heart started to race, as if something unfinished awaited her, or some hidden unease was reminding her through her heartbeat.

What’s happening...?

Shang Ruyi slowly sat up, pondering over the day’s events.

Of course, anxiety was warranted, having become a captive and a pawn in Xiao Yuansui’s strategy against Hu Lao Pass and Yu Wenye. However, she felt at peace, having done all she could at Hu Yang Valley as Princess Qin, leaving her with a clear conscience. Since she had done her part, the rest should be entrusted to Yu Wenye, whom she knew she could only rely on.

If even this could be rationalized, what then made her uneasy?

At that moment, a face full of anticipation, slowly swallowed by darkness, flashed through her mind...

Lu Xiao?

Thinking of her, Shang Ruyi’s heart skipped a beat, her whole body jolted.

How is she doing now?

Did Xiao Yuansui heed her words and show even a bit of compassion to this woman, who went through so many hardships yet remained devoted?

For reasons unknown, recalling Xiao Yuansui’s expression, which was calm yet somewhat indifferent after hearing her out, some answers seemed ready to emerge.

With these thoughts, Shang Ruyi became restless and walked around the small tent twice, feeling more stifled until she lifted the drape and stepped outside. As she exited, the two soldiers guarding her tent immediately asked, "Princess, is there anything you need?"

Shang Ruyi said, "I want to see Miss Lu Xiao."

The two soldiers’ faces bore expressions of difficulty.

Shang Ruyi immediately said, "I know you are watching me, but I won’t escape—this is your camp, where can I run to? I merely wish to see her. We came together, and we are just two women talking—it wouldn’t be an issue."

"..."

"If you are uneasy, perhaps you can accompany me."

"..."

"Please, I beg you both."